Uganda

Uganda, with an area of 236,580 square kilometers, is roughly the size of Great Britain. Located on the equator, it sits on an elevated plateau rising between the eastern and western branches of the Great Rift Valley. Most of the country is over 1,000 meters in altitude.

Uganda's beauty, wildlife diversity, and friendly people justify its reputation as "The Pearl of Africa". Its habitats are immensely varied; it's arguably one of the most biologically diverse nations on the continent, boasting primeval forest, rainforest, snow-capped mountains, savannah, crater lakes, and volcanoes.

Uganda is home to the source of the Nile and more than 1,000 species of birds. It has more primate species than anywhere else in the world. Uganda holds the greatest percentage of Mountain Gorillas (gorilla gorilla beringei) and chimpanzees, along with many other mammal species representative of East and Central Africa. A trip to Uganda offers more than an ordinary safari! As an off-the-beaten-path destination, it provides an exceptional nature experience! Gorilla and chimpanzee viewing adds a unique dimension, a lifetime experience unmatched by other East African countries! Abundant game is often found in extraordinary scenset.

Uganda's gazetted conservation areas include ten national parks (NP), several wildlife reserves (WR), and forest reserves (FR). National Parks have a higher status and conservation priority than other reserves. The southwest is undoubtedly the most interesting part of Uganda, with the largest number of National Parks (NP) and Wildlife Reserves (WR). Part of the Albertine Rift (Western Rift Valley), it's one of the most important locations in East Africa for the conservation of mammals, birds, and freshwater fish. This region, running from the northern end of Lake Albert to the southern end of Lake Tanganyika, and encompassing the land on either side of the western rift valley (Congo, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and Tanzania), is home to many species found only there.

Welcome to the picturesque town of Entebbe, nestled along the stunning shores of Lake Victoria in Uganda. This enchanting destination effortlessly blends natural beauty, rich history, and a vibrant culture to create an unforgettable travel experience. Immerse yourself in the lush botanical gardens, where exotic flora and fauna abound, or embark on a thrilling wildlife adventure at the nearby Uganda Wildlife Education Centre. As the gateway to Uganda's renowned national parks and protected areas, Entebbe is the perfect base for exploring the breathtaking wonders of the country.

The Boma Hotel is Entebbe’s scenset and most exclusive hotel, set in tropical gardens in a leafy suburb, a few minutes drive from Entebbe International Airport. Our rooms combine the modern comforts one expects today with the charm and character of the scenset 1940’s home. The Boma Hotel in Entebbe Uganda is an ideal stopover for all airline passengers, and we will arrange all your airport transfers. Our staff and management team ensure guests receive a personable service and enjoy hospitality standards which are in keeping with the tradition of this charming lakeshore town.

Depending on the time you arrive in Entebbe, there are several optional activities to do in this beautiful lakeside town.

In 1873, an individual, coming from Mwanza and Kisumu ports, described Entebbe as the prettiest and most charming town of the lake. Sprawling along the Lake Victoria shores some 35 km south of Kampala, it exudes an atmosphere of tropical languor, and particularly for those with a strong interest in natural history, and it makes for an altogether more appealing introduction to Uganda than the capital.

*Fun Fact! Both black and white rhinoceroses are actually gray. They are different not in color but in lip shape. The black rhino has a pointed upper lip, while its white relative has a squared lip. The difference in lip shape is related to the animals' diets. Black rhinos are browsers that get most of their sustenance from eating trees and bushes. They use their lips to pluck leaves and fruit from the branches. White rhinos graze on grasses, walking with their enormous heads and squared lips lowered to the ground.

After a hot lunch, you will continue your journey to the park via Masindi town.

Upon entering Murchison Falls, you will visit the top of the falls and then continue to the lodge.

Murchison Falls National Park, located in northwestern Uganda, is a true gem of Africa's wildlife and natural wonders. This expansive protected area encompasses an impressive array of landscapes, ranging from lush savannah plains to dense forests and the iconic Murchison Falls themselves. As the Nile River cascades through a narrow gorge, it creates a breathtaking spectacle that attracts visitors from around the world. Within the park's boundaries, wildlife thrives, offering incredible opportunities for game drives, boat safaris, and nature walks. Marvel at the sight of majestic elephants, graceful giraffes, stealthy lions, and a myriad of bird species, including the rare shoebill stork. For those seeking adventure, the park offers thrilling activities like chimpanzee tracking and sport fishing. Murchison Falls National Park truly embodies the wild beauty of Africa and promises an unforgettable safari experience for all who venture here.

Pakuba Safari Lodge is nestled on the Eastern Bank of the Albert Nile in Murchison Falls National Park overlooking the spectacular River Nile. Our location affords panoramic views of the mighty River Nile and sweeping vistas of the surrounding riverine forest below. Pakuba Lodge is cleverly laid out so that most rooms and sitting areas afford stunning views of the river and the park. While resting on their room verandas, guests can relax and admire unforgettable views of the Albert Nile, distant backdrops of undulating hills, and incredible sightings of wildlife that pay regular visits to the lodge.

After an early morning breakfast, set off in the early morning for a full morning of spectacular game viewing. In Murchison Falls, most of the game is found on the northern bank of the river.

After an early breakfast, you will meet your driver in the morning for a transfer to Kibale Forest National Park via Fort Portal.

Fort Portal was built between 1891 and 1893 and named after a British official who arrived in Uganda in 1892 to formalize the protectorate of Uganda. He died of malaria a few months after the fort was completed.

The enchanting tropical rainforest of Kibale is renowned for its incredible biodiversity, with over 13 primate species calling it home. The highlight of Kibale Forest is undoubtedly its thriving population of chimpanzees, offering visitors a unique opportunity to trek through the dense vegetation in search of these intelligent and charismatic creatures. The park also shelters other primates, including red colobus monkeys and L'Hoest's monkeys, as well as an astonishing variety of bird species and elusive forest elephants.

Isunga Lodge is a relaxed, owner-managed lodge in a unique scenset overlooking the green expanse of Kibale Forest in Western Uganda. With magnificent views of this beautiful rainforest, the huge peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains and onwards to Lake George and the savannahs of Queen Elizabeth – we can see 3 national parks all at once. Isunga Lodge boasts a unique position beside the rainforest and also in the midst of the crater lake area, making it the perfect base for exploration of this wonderful region. Get close to nature, enjoy the great outdoors, meet the community or just slow down and relax in this restorative location. With just eight simple, stylish cottages spread around our large grounds we offer privacy and serenity, in a natural wild garden scenset. You may feel like you are the only ones around. The owners are always on hand to help, advise on activities, travel and more, offering a friendly, personal touch and a warm welcome to guests.

After breakfast, you leave for Kibale Forest in the morning. At the visitors’ center, the rangers will brief you about your guided nature walk in the tropical forest in search of wild chimpanzees. This is one of the great moments of your safari!

After breakfast, you will drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park leaving in the morning. You will arrive in time for lunch.

Located in the western part of Uganda, this vast national park is named after Queen Elizabeth II and is known for its diverse ecosystems and remarkable wildlife. From sprawling savannah plains to dense forests, meandering rivers, and sparkling lakes, the park offers a stunning backdrop for unforgettable safari adventures. Embark on thrilling game drives, where you can encounter herds of elephants, graceful anteloopes, majestic lions, and elusive leopards. Cruise along the Kazinga Channel, where hippos, crocodiles, and a myriad of bird species thrive. For a unique experience, explore the Kyambura Gorge and track chimpanzees in their natural habitat. The park also boasts volcanic features like the dramatic explosion craters of the Katwe salt lake.

The Bush Lodge forms an excellent base for safari activities in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The lodge is built along ecological principals, the bandas designed and spaced in such a way to maximize privacy and enhance the safari aspect of the lodge. Surrounded by the National Park and bordering the Kazinga channel, the lodge has a truly unique setting. Animals literally roam in and out of the camp and sounds of hippos and hyenas complement our starlit dinners…

After the boat cruise, you may wish to return to your accommodation or your driver/guide may take you for a late afternoon game drive!

Begin today with a game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park starting in the early morning. The best time for game viewing is early in the morning! There are some chances in the morning hours to see the spotted hyena and leopard.

After this morning’s game drive, you will be transferred to the southern part of this park – Ishasha. You will have a game drive in the afternoon in search of the elusive tree-climbing lions.

Ishasha – The Southern sector, lies in the spectacular highland of Kigezi. Ishasha is famous for its treeclimbing lions. The concentration of game, with large herds of Uganda kob, topi, and buffalo, is found in the savannah highlands of Kigezi and at the Lake Edward flats. Elephants are also found, though not in large numbers. Bird watchers will appreciate the rich birdlife along the Ishasha River.

The birth of a baby elephant on the land during the construction of the lodge led to the name ‘Enjojo Lodge’, which means ‘elephant’ in the local Rukiga language. Bordering the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, we offer a relaxed and comfortable retreat on 40 hectares of land in the middle of an acacia forest, scattered grassland and lush vegetation with palmtrees.

From the grass-thatched restaurant and bar, you can enjoy our homemade food from our own organic garden while viewing the scenic beauty of a small natural lake. Big herds of elephants, buffaloes and antelopes are regular visitors to the lodge while vervet monkeys, baboons and black and white colobus have become residents. Not to forget the abundant birdlife, which makes Enjojo a dream environment for birders! The lodge is entirely solar powered and constructed with local materials to blend in with the surrounding environment. Most of the furniture and decoration have been hand-crafted by the local community.

Today, you will explore Ishasha, the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth considered by some experts as one of the most alluring game viewing areas of East Africa. It's an off-the-beaten-track destination that you will surely enjoy.

After an early breakfast, your journey today starts in the morning and continues southwest toward Kisoro, a bustling town to the south of Bwindi Forest, near the borders to Rwanda and Congo.

Enjoy the view of the volcanoes as you drive and don’t hesitate to stop and ask your guide for photo moments.

You will arrive before sunset and wind down the day with a cool or warm drink.

Bwindi has a unique rich and varied ecosystem and has lowland rainforest and afromontane forest. It's considered one of the most unique and important forests in Africa. UNESCO declared it a Natural World Heritage site for Humanity for its many values and because it is vital to the survival of many endangered species. There are about 290 mountain gorillas, living in the medium-altitude forest. Bwindi has over 320 species of trees, 350 bird species, 310 species of butterflies (84% of the country's total), and at least 120 species of mammals including 10 species of primates!

Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge is a hidden gem nestled on the shores of Lake Mulehe in southwestern Uganda. This charming lodge offers a unique and immersive experience in the heart of nature. Surrounded by lush greenery and overlooking the tranquil lake, the lodge provides a serene and picturesque setting for a relaxing getaway. The lodge features comfortable and tastefully designed accommodations, blending modern amenities with a rustic African charm. The lodge's restaurant serves delicious meals prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, providing a delightful culinary experience. Whether it's enjoying a refreshing dip in the swimming pool, embarking on guided nature walks, or simply unwinding on the private terrace, guests can immerse themselves in the natural beauty and tranquility that surrounds them. With its warm hospitality and idyllic setting, Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge is the perfect retreat for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful escape in Uganda's stunning wilderness.

Early this morning, awake to begin a gorilla trek in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest! You will set off in the early morning.

During the gorilla trek, you will be accompanied by park rangers. These are provided at the headquarters by the park management.

The lodge will provide drinking water and a packed lunch.

After breakfast, departure for Lake Mburo via Kabale is planned, with a scenic drive along the Kigezi Mountains. The drive begins in the morning. The Kigezi Mountains offer a unique scenset. A lunch stop in Kabale is scheduled before continuing to Lake Mburo via Mbarara. Arrival at Lake Mburo is expected in the afternoon, allowing for a boat excursion on the lake. Bird enthusiasts will find this a prime location to spot the African finfoot in Uganda.

Lake Mburo is part of a much larger ecosystem that includes Akagera NP (Rwanda), Tanzania’s Ibanda and Rumanyika Game Reserve, and rangeland areas north of the Katonga River (Uganda). This ecosystem is different from the Albertine Rift and explains why you will find here some animals that are not found in other parks like Impala, zebra, and African Eland.

Rwakobo Rock is a peaceful and secluded retreat where you can breathe in the essence of wild Uganda. The comfortable and spacious cottages are dotted around the hill, all very private and offering great sunset views. The main dining area overlooks an expanse of rock that adjoins the park. Set in the pristine Ankole ranchlands surrounding Lake Mburo National Park; whether you want to sit back, sip on an ice-cold drink in a hammock or head out into Lake Mburo National Park for a day of exciting exploration, there is something for everyone here.

You will return to the lodge to relax. After lunch, you have a game drive in the park.

In addition to a boat cruise on Lake Mburo, game drive, and walking safari, you can explore the expanse of the park on a horseback safari, and mountain biking safari. Lake Mburo National Park’s uniqueness allows you to enjoy wildlife viewing without missing the big Savannah game.

After breakfast, you start the drive back to Entebbe in the late morning. Stop at the Equator for photo moments and souvenir shopping.

Your driver-guide will drop you off at the airport in time for your departure.

Thank you for travelling with us. We hope you had a fantastic trip and we wish you a safe flight home!

While on the trip, you can access your support team if any need arises to make your trip as smooth as possible. We are here to support you.