Embark on an unforgettable 11-day journey through Uganda, where you'll immerse yourself in the rich dance, culture, and wildlife of this stunning country. Witness the majestic gorillas in their natural habitat and participate in traditional dance performances that showcase Uganda's diverse cultural heritage. This safari takes you through lush national parks, vibrant communities, and breathtaking landscapes, providing a unique opportunity to connect with nature and local traditions. Whether you’re exploring the wildlife or engaging with local tribes, this tour offers a holistic experience that will leave you with lasting memories.
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Transfer to Kampala & Cultural Welcome
Arrival at Entebbe International Airport. Meet your local guide, who will welcome you with a traditional Ugandan greeting.
Drive to Kampala (Approx. 1.5 hrs), Scenic drive along the shores of Lake Victoria. Check in at the hotel and have time to rest after your journey. Evening Activity (6:00 PM): Cultural Welcome Dinner & Performance at Ndere Cultural Centre. Enjoy live traditional dance and music from across Uganda’s diverse ethnic communities. Introduction to Uganda's history, languages, and tribes by a cultural host. After a long day, you will head back to the hotel for dinner, relaxation and an overnight stay. An optional night activity is to explore Kampala at night (Kampala Night Life) with a guide, of course.
Expect: A warm welcome, an overview of Ugandan culture, and engaging drumming and dance.
Accommodation: Cassia Lodge / Latitude 0 Degrees Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Kampala City Cultural Tour & Dance Workshop
Early at 8:30 AM, Breakfast at the hotel. At 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM, we will be heading out for a Traditional Dance & Drumming Workshop at Uganda National Cultural Centre. Led by professional Ugandan dancers and drummers. Learn dances from the Baganda, Banyankole, Acholi, and Basoga.
Lunch (1:00 PM): Local Ugandan cuisine at a traditional restaurant. Around 2:00 PM – 5:30 PM, we shall continue on our Kampala City Tour: Visit Kasubi Tombs (UNESCO Site & resting place of Buganda kings). Explore the Buganda Royal Palace & Idi Amin’s former torture chambers. Climb the Gaddafi Mosque minaret for panoramic city views. Stop at the Uganda Museum for ethnographic exhibits. Evening (Optional): Live Afro-jazz or reggae music performance at a local venue or a nightlife experience.
Expect: A deep dive into history, heritage sites, and hands-on cultural immersion.
Accommodation: Same as Day 1 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3: Kampala – Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Murchison Falls National Park
Already up at 6:00 AM, departure from Kampala. Around 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM: Rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. On-foot trek with a ranger to observe white rhinos in their natural habitat. Learn about rhino conservation efforts. Lunch en route (1:00 PM) at Kabalega Diner. 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM: Arrive at Murchison Falls National Park. Visit the Top of the Falls, see the Nile River thunder through a 7-meter gorge. Photo opportunities at this breathtaking site. Evening, check in and relax at your lodge near the river.
Expect: Up-close rhino encounters, Nile River views, and one of Africa’s most powerful waterfalls.
Day 4: Murchison Falls Game Drive & Nile River Boat Safari
Up early at 6:30 AM – 10:30 AM, Morning game drive in the northern sector. Look for giraffes, lions, elephants, hyenas, warthogs, buffalo, oribi, and hartebeest. Birdwatching: Abyssinian ground hornbill, secretary birds, and bee-eaters.
Breakfast & rest at the lodge. Around 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Nile River boat safari to the base of the falls. Spot hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and numerous bird species like fish eagles. Optional hike to the top of the falls for adventurers (1 hour uphill). Sunset drinks and storytelling around the lodge campfire.
Expect: Classic safari scenes, abundant wildlife, unforgettable river cruise.
Accommodation: Same as Day 3 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 5: Murchison Falls – Cultural Stopover in Kagadi – Fort Portal
We will all be awake by 7:00 AM, have breakfast and depart Murchison Falls for Fort Portal (Approx. 8 hrs). 11:30 AM, Cultural stopover in Kagadi. Visit a community drum-makers’ workshop. Participate in a dance performance by the Bunyoro community. Learn how traditional drums are made and used in royal ceremonies. Packed lunch or stopover in Kyenjojo. 5:00 PM: Arrive in Fort Portal, check into lodge. Relax with views of tea plantations and the Rwenzori foothills. Expect rural landscapes, music traditions, cultural storytelling, and authentic drumbeat rhythms.
Accommodation: Isunga Lodge / Mountains of the Moon Hotel.
Accommodation: Isunga Lodge / Mountains of the Moon Hotel Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 6: Chimpanzees & Bigodi Community Experience
Like the past days, we wake up early at have breakfast from 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest. Small group guided walk in the rainforest. Observe chimpanzees feeding, grooming, and communicating. Spot other primates: red colobus, black-and-white colobus, vervet monkeys. Lunch at Tinka’s Homestead from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM, Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary tour. Visit the community-run eco-tourism project. Experience a dance performed by the Bigodi Women’s Group. Learn about traditional medicine, weaving, and local folklore.
Expect: Forest trekking, primate encounters, vibrant female-led cultural exchange.
Accommodation: Same as Day 5 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 7: Crater Lakes – Amabere Caves – Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast at 8:00 AM, visit Amabere Ga Nyinamwiru caves. Legend-filled stalactite caves with a nearby waterfall.
Short hike to “Top of the World” viewpoint for panoramic views of the crater lakes. Lunch stop in Fort Portal. From 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park. On arrival, you choose to have an evening game drive (optional) in the Kasenyi plains. Spot elephants, buffalo, and possibly lions.
Expect: Scenic landscapes, ancient legends, crater lake photo ops, and wildlife sightings.
Day 8: Queen Elizabeth Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Cruise
As usual, wake up early at 6:30 AM – 10:30 AM, game drive in Kasenyi Sector. Excellent chance to see tree-climbing lions, leopards, and hyenas. Herds of Uganda kob, elephants, and warthogs. Lunch and relax at the lodge. Around 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Boat cruise on Kazinga Channel. Known for the highest hippo concentration in Africa. Birds: kingfishers, pelicans, cormorants, and more. Evening: Cultural visit to a local community (Basongora or Banyabindi). Enjoy a traditional dance and share stories.
Accommodation: Same as Day 7 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 9: Transfer to Bwindi via Ishasha – Batwa Cultural Evening
Up early from 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM, drive through the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Known for its famous tree-climbing lions (have your camera ready!). Lunch picnic or stop at the Savannah Lodge. From 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM - Arrive in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Evening Activity, Batwa Experience, Participate in forest dance and music with the Batwa pygmies. Learn about their former life as forest dwellers, hunter-gatherers, and their rich traditions.
Day 10: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Another blessed day in the wild. On this day, we wake up very early at 6:30 AM: Early breakfast and trek briefing at the park headquarters. From 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM, we will be in the jungle to track the mountain gorillas. Hike through the dense jungle with rangers. Spend up to 1 hour observing a gorilla family. Take photos and witness their behaviours, grooming, chest-beating, and playing. Trek duration varies based on gorilla location (2–6 hrs). Lunch (packed). Afternoon: Rest or take a walk to a local craft market or community project.
Accommodation: Same as Day 9 Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch.
Day 11: Return to Kampala or Entebbe
On your last day, wake up for breakfast at 7:00 AM, and begin the return drive (8–9 hrs). Lunch stop in Mbarara or Equator Crossing in Kayawe. Photo at the equator. Opportunity for last-minute souvenir shopping. From 5:00 – 6:00 PM: Arrive in Kampala or Entebbe. Optional overnight stay or drop-off at the airport, depending on when you take off.
Expect: Reflection time, scenic drive, closure to an unforgettable experience.
Accommodation: Optional Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Tour Includes:
4x4 Land Cruiser safari transport with professional driver-guide
All domestic flights & airport transfers
Accommodation in carefully selected lodges and resorts
