Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Budongo Forest

Upon your arrival at the airport or your hotel, our team will greet you. We’ll take you to Budongo Forest, part of the Murchison Falls National Park Conservation area. Before reaching Budongo Forest, we’ll stop at Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary to see White Rhinos. This drive takes about 4-5 hours. Once at Budongo, settle in at Budongo Eco-Lodge. You’ll get lunch and dinner.

Day 2: Budongo Chimpanzee Trekking and Top of the Falls Visit

After breakfast, go to the forest headquarters for a briefing on chimpanzee trekking. With experienced guides, go on a primate walk in Budongo Forest. You might see various primates, birds, and plants. Spend an hour observing chimpanzees. Return to the lodge for lunch and drive to Murchison Falls National Park for a game drive and visit the top of the falls. Check-in at Murchison River Lodge or Pakuba Safari Lodge for the night.

Day 3: Morning Game Drives and Nile Boat Cruise

Wake up early for a ferry to the northern banks of the River Nile, called Paraa. Enjoy a morning game drive to spot wildlife like antelopes, hippos, and more. Return for lunch and then take a boat cruise to the bottom of the Falls, spotting buffaloes, crocodiles, and hippos. Return to the lodge for the night.

Day 4: Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Delta Cruise

Start with an early breakfast and another game drive. Return for lunch and take an afternoon boat cruise to the Albert delta. Look out for elephants, buffaloes, hippos, and maybe the elusive Shoebill stork. Return to the lodge for the night.

Day 5: Cultural Walk in Hoima Town

After your breakfast, take a drive to Hoima town. It’s about a 3-hour drive from Murchison Falls National Park. You might see Lake Albert and its beautiful escarpments on the way to Hoima. When you get to Hoima, check in at your hotel. You can choose to go on a cultural walk to learn about local traditions or enjoy cultural performances at the lodge. Meals will be served at the hotel throughout the day.

Day 6: Transfer to Kibale National Park

Drive to Kibale Forest National Park via Fort Portal town. Stop in Fort Portal for lunch before heading to Rwenzori View Guest House, where you’ll stay. It’s mostly a travel day, but if time allows, you can explore Fort Portal for sightseeing. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the guest house.

Day 7: Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Wetland Walk

Start your day with breakfast before going to Kibale National Park headquarters at Kanyanchu. After a briefing, join other trekkers for a chimpanzee trek. A ranger/guide will lead you through the forest, home to various primate species. Spend an hour with a habituated chimpanzee community, take photos, and enjoy a packed lunch in the park. Afterward, go to Bigodi Village for a wetland walk, supporting the local community. Return to Chimpanzee Forest Guest House or Isunga Lodge for the night. Meals include breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner.

Day 8: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, take a 3-4 hour scenic drive from Kibale National Park to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Pass through small towns, catch glimpses of the Rwenzori Mountains, and cross the Equator at Kikorongo. Check-in at Bush Lodge, relax, and later, go on a late afternoon game drive in the Mweya area. See antelopes, buffaloes, warthogs, elephants, and if lucky, lions and leopards. Return to the lodge for an overnight stay. Meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Day 9: Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Cruise

Wake up early, have coffee, and head back to Kasenyi plains for a morning game drive. It’s the best time to spot big cats and other wildlife. After the game drive, return to the lodge for lunch or go directly to Mweya jetty for a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. The two-hour cruise offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Return to the lodge for a comfortable overnight stay. Meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Day 10: Chambura Chimp Trekking and Katwe Salt Mines

Enjoy breakfast before going to Kyambura for a chimp trek. Walk through the gorge with an experienced ranger guide, spot various flora and fauna, and spend an hour observing chimpanzees. After lunch, visit Lake Katwe salt mines to learn about the extraction process and challenges faced by the local community. Return to the lodge

Day 11: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After breakfast, take a scenic drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Enjoy the breathtaking landscapes as you journey through rolling hills with terraced gardens. Arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon. Bwindi is known for mountain gorillas and wild chimpanzees. The drive takes about 5-6 hours. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the day.

Day 12: Gorilla Tracking and Village Walk

Have breakfast before heading to the park headquarters for gorilla tracking. Receive a briefing and then be driven to the starting point. The trek duration varies, and it can be physically demanding. Spend an hour with the gorillas and receive a certificate for your contribution to gorilla conservation. In the evening, take a village walk to understand local communities. Return to the lodge for relaxation. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the day.

Day 13: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

Leave Bwindi and drive to Lake Bunyonyi. The drive takes about 3-4 hours. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the day. Spend the night at Birdnest Resort.

Day 14: Canoeing or Hiking

After breakfast, choose between a canoe ride to explore various islands, including Punishment Island, or a hike around Lake Bunyonyi. Both activities offer an enriching experience. Return to Birdnest Resort for an overnight stay. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the day.

Day 15: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park

After breakfast, head to Lake Mburo National Park. You can visit the Great Lakes Museum or Igongo Cultural Center during the journey. Enjoy a delicious lunch and embark on an evening game drive to discover the park’s wildlife. Return to Lake Mburo Safari Lodge or Rwakobo Rock for an overnight stay. Meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Day 16: Departure to Entebbe International Airport

As your 16-day safari with Iconic Africa Safaris comes to an end, your departure will depend on your flight schedule. If time permits, you can enjoy a morning walking safari or proceed directly to Entebbe International Airport. On the way, make a stop at the Equator crossing in Kayabwe for photography and a chance to stretch your legs. The drive to the airport takes approximately 5-6 hours. Breakfast and lunch will be provided on this day.