DJ BEST OF UGANDA 15 days 14 nights – Tour Code DJU01
Gifted By Nature Safari

Day 1 - Entebbe
On your arrival at Entebbe International Airport in Uganda you will be welcomed by our representative and transferred for overnight in BB to the hotel, at Cassia Lodge – Metropole Hotel (C) or Capitol Palace Hotel (E). BB
Optional: Depending on the arrival time, you could visit Ngamba Island on Lake Victoria in the afternoon to view the feeding of the chimpanzees and hear an informative talk by the sanctuary staff.

Day 2 - The Source of the Nile
After breakfast, drive eastwards to Jinja, town on the shores of Lake Victoria where you find the source of the Nile, discovered by J. Speke in 1864.
Optional recommended: For lovers of water sports and nature, do not miss the opportunity to go white water rafting along river Nile, one of the most exciting and safest in the world. You can also choose among other activities like “quad” riding, boat trips on the Nile, mountain bike cycling and horse riding. Lunch included.
Visit Bujagali Falls, the rapids on the river Nile few kilometers from the source. Dinner and overnight at The Haven (C) or Sunset Hotel (E). FB
Note: we advise to book in advance the optional activities above mentioned.

Day 3 - The Sipi Falls trekking
After an early breakfast, proceed to Mbale and Sipi. You will trek through the Sipi Falls, characterised by four spectacular falls along river Sipi, flowing down the Mount Elgon. The area is particularly panoramic with view of the Karamoja valley. Ensure you carry packed lunch with you from the hotel. The activity will take you through the daily life of a typical African village. Dinner and overnight at Lacam Lodge or similar. FB

Day 4 – Kidepo Valley National Park
After an early breakfast, the trip proceeds Northwards via Kitgum to Kidepo Valley National Park. This park is named after the river traversing this region at the border between Sudan and Kenya. This is one of the most unspoilt, pure wild places remaining in Africa. Lunch en route. Dinner and overnight at UWA bandas (E). The place is modest but comfortable, with hot water and basic modern facilities. Mostly, the touch and immersion in the nature of the park is a guarantee. FB
Note: Today transfer is very long through the dirt roads of Karamoja; it is also possible to change the accommodation to Apoka Safari Lodge with a supplement.

Day 5 – Kidepo Valley National Park
After breakfast take a photographic game drives along the trails of the national park and expect to explore the region of the river Narus valley. Kidepo contains one of the most exciting faunas of any Ugandan parks, with over 80 species of mammals several of which restricted only to Kidepo, like cheetah, striped hyena and caracal. The bird list boasts over 465 species. A part from the game drive, on request a visit to the local Karimojong homestead or “manyattas” can be organized. Full board and overnight at UWA bandas (E). FB

Day 6 – Murchison Falls National Park
After breakfast, proceed in the direction of Murchison Falls National Park, expect to arrive by afternoon. Lunch en route. Murchison Falls is the largest park in the country with a vast population of animals and beautiful landscapes of savannah and forests, as you see in the evening game drive. Dinner and overnight at Paraa Safari Lodge / Nile Safari Lodge (C) or Red Chilli Rest Camp (E). FB
Note: Today transfer is long, about 7 – 8 hours drive on dirt roads.

Day 7 – Murchison Falls National Park
After breakfast, you will embark on an early morning game drive to explore the savannah in the Northern bank of the Nile. Among other animals in the wild, you might find elephants, lions, buffalos, giraffes, waterbucks, oribis, bushbucks, spotted hyenas and leopards. Drive back to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, take another fascinating safari by boat along the magnificent river Nile to the base of the Murchison Falls. It is amazing the concentration of wildlife in the bank of the river Nile, including hippos and many crocodiles, plus a variety of birds species. The trip will end with the trekking to the “top of the falls”, where the river Nile creates a narrow canyon of thunderous water large only 7 meters and it drops for over 43 meters. Enjoy this magnificent nature and the rainbow from the water. Dinner and overnight at Paraa Safari Lodge / Nile Safari Lodge (C) or Red Chilli Rest Camp (E). FB

Day 8 – Albertine Rift Valley and Fort Portal
After breakfast you leave the National Park heading southwest along the Lake Albert and Rift Valley escarpment, with breathtaking panoramic sceneries. Pass via Hoima the capital town of Bunyoro kingdom, one of the oldest in Uganda. Stop over for a cup of coffee and lunch en route. Drive to Fort Portal the capital town of Tooro kingdom which lies on the shadow of Rwenzori Mountains, the biggest mountain range in Africa. Dinner and overnight at Nyinabulitwa Country Resort / Mountains of the Moon Hotel. FB
Note: Today transfer is about 7 / 8 hours drive, through dirt road and the conditions are variable according to the rains.  

Day 9 - Kibale National Park – Bigodi – Kasenda Crater Lakes
After breakfast, today you go for a nature walk in Kibale Forest National Park for experiencing the rain tropical forest, birding and especially as you encounter the chimpanzees in their natural environment. Other primates you might see include black and white colobus, red tailed monkey and velvet monkey. After lunch, you will visit the ecotourism project in Bigodi, a small village close to Kibale forest. The local community organizes “village walks” to see the typical homestead, to hear storytellers, the local healer and get an idea of the traditional culture of the Batoro and Bakiga. In the evening you will have chance to see view points of the Kasenda Crater Lakes or to take the short trekking to Mahoma Falls from Rusoona village, a very unusual and remote destination. In the evening you go back to the lodge for dinner and overnight at Nyinabulitwa Country Resort / Primate Lodge. FB

Day 10 – Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, the journey through Uganda proceeds to the “pearl” of the national parks, Queen Elizabeth, which lies between Lake George on the East, Lake Edward on the West and the Rwenzori Mountains on the North. Have a game drive as you go for lunch to the lodge. In the afternoon, take the most exciting safari by boat from Mweya peninsula along Kazinga channel, one of the most popular sites in Uganda for its concentration of wildlife, bird’s life and opportunities for good photographs. Moreover, you will see plenty of hippos, buffaloes and elephants while drinking from the channel. In the evening you go for another short game drive and try out your luck. Return at lush to your lodge for dinner and overnight, Mweya Safari Lodge / Jacana Safari Lodge (C) or Simba Safari Lodge (E). FB

Day 11 – Ishasha - Queen Elizabeth National Park
After a cup of coffee, go for yet another game drive experience along the tracks of the national park, in the Northern side towards Lake George and Kasenyi village. You might see lions, elephants, buffaloes, spotted hyenas, waterbucks, Ugandan kobs, perhaps the leopard though is shy and rare to be seen. Lunch. In the afternoon the exploration of the park continues in the Southern sector of Queen Elizabeth, Ishasha. Take a game drive in search for the “tree climbing lions” which are seen during the hot hours of the day, as they lie resting on top of Figs trees. See also herds of buffaloes, elephants, topi antelopes and more. Dinner and overnight at Savannah Resort – Ntungwe River Camp. FB

Day 12 – South West of Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
After breakfast, your journey heads southwards, where you find the rain tropical forests which are the natural habitat for the endangered mountain gorillas. You will reach an altitude of up to 2300 m above sea level in Bwindi. The choice of the area of the “gorilla safari” depends on the availability and allocation of the permits for this activity. Lunch. Arrive in Bwindi National Park for dinner and overnight, Bwindi Engagi Lodge – Nkuringo Safari Lodge (C) or Buhoma Community Rest Camp – Kisoro Travellers Hotel (E). FB
Note: Today transfer is variable, according to the location of the gorilla permits and road conditions. In case the tracking is planned in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park, this will be communicated in advance.

Day 13 - Mountain gorilla safari
In the morning you enter the rain tropical forest of Bwindi for the gorilla safari. The activity starts at 8am and you will follow the ranger guides in a group of maximum 8 people as you search for the habituated family of mountain gorillas, which was allocated according to the permits. Bwindi forest in Uganda has a population of about 370 gorillas, which is half the world population according to 2007 gorilla population surveys. It is not predictable the time you will spend to encounter the gorillas. You have one hour for observing the primates and their behaviors, while taking photographs. Ensure you take the packed lunch and water with you in the bag and for this you might need the support of available porters. In the evening proceed to Lake Bunyonyi, wonderful scenery, for dinner and overnight at Arcadia Cottages – Heritage Lodge (C) or Panorama Jajama Lodge (E).

Day 14 - Lake Bunyonyi – Lake Mburo National Park
After breakfast, enjoy one of the most extraordinary wildlife and birding experience by boat as you cross the Lake Bunyonyi. The forested green islands on the lake are home to different species of endemic birds which the guide will help you to spot. Lunch in Kabale in the Kigezi region, the so called “Switzerland of Africa” characterized by terraced cultivated hills. The inhabitants are the Bakiga and you can visit the local Bakiga cultural museum. In the afternoon proceed to Lake Mburo National Park, the smallest of Ugandan National Parks. As you enter, go for game drive in search for the beautiful impalas, elands, topi and many antelopes, buffaloes, zebras. Dinner and overnight at Mihingo Lodge (C) or budget accommodation in Masaka (E).FB
Note: the accommodation in Masaka is outside the park therefore it will not be possible an extra game drive in the morning.

Day 15
Reserved for departure from Entebbe International airport. BB

Possible extensions:
3 days to Ssese Island Bugala Island (Day 15 – 16 – 17 - 18)
1 day Ngamba Island and Entebbe (first or last day)
1 day Semliki National Park (after day 8 or 9)
4 to 7 days trekking in Rwenzori Mountains
1 day trekking Muhavura mountain Virunga

EXTENSION SSESE ISLANDS:

Day 15 - Ssese Islands in Lake Victoria
After breakfast, drive to Entebbe and board the ferry boat to the Ssese Islands on Lake Victoria. On arrival at Bugala Island and Lutoboka bay, the representative of the selected hotel will be there to welcome you. Late snack and dinner at Mirembe Resort Beach or similar. FB

Day 16 – Explore Ssese Islands
After breakfast and briefing from the guide, the resort will organize for you a full day trip by boat to explore other islands of the archipelago. You will stop over to see birds and forested islands. Ensure you have packed lunch with you as well as sun cream protection, hat and repellent. Return to Bugala for dinner and overnight at Mirembe Resort Beach. FB

Day 17 - On the beach at Bugala Island
This day you can relax on the sandy beach and swim on the lake. However, you can also choose among many optional activities offered by the resort, like sport fishing, cycling and nature walk to explore other areas of the islands and the rock caves. Full board at Mirembe Resort Beach. FB

Day 18 -
After breakfast you board the ferry boat back to Entebbe. Reserved to the transfer to the International Airport.
Optional: if you have still the time, drive to Kampala for visiting handicraft markets, as well as visiting the cultural sites like Kasubi royal tombs or the art galleries.

The tariff includes:
- Airport transfers
- Full board accommodation
- Ground transportation by 4x4 tourist Land Cruiser or minibus
- English speaking Driver/Guide
- Gorilla and chimpanzee permits
- Entrance fees, taxes
- Water on board

 The tariff does not include:
- Air ticket.
- Tourist insurance/ local health insurance AIG / UAP
- Entrance visas: Uganda 50 USD directly from Entebbe Int. Airport
- Eventually: Rwanda 60 USD directly at the border.
- Options: Ngamba Island 70 USD; rafting 125 USD;
- Drinks and tips.