10 DAYS OF UGANDA SAFARI

It’s day one! As soon as you touchdown at the historical Entebbe airport, a hearty greeting from your designated Churchill Safaris guide awaits you, ready to drive you away to your lodging in Kampala depending on the arrival time. Alright! Let’s dig into the scenic drive from Entebbe to Kampala which offers a glimpse into Ugandan life. As you approach Kampala, Uganda's vibrant capital, you will have a drive through the city for an afternoon tour of the Kasubi Tombs a UNESCO heritage site, the Bulange Palace where you may have a food experience if time allows, the Uganda Museum, the Bahai Temple and finally wind up your evening with cultural entertainment at the Ndere cultural centre before being driven to Onomo Hotel or similar where you will have your night’s stay before you embark on your next day’s adventure. Meal Plan: HB

It’s Adventure time! Very early in the morning after your breakfast you will check out of the bustling Kampala as you embark on a journey to the North Western region of the country. Off you hit the road again to start your ride to Entebbe airport for your flight to the marvels of Murchison Falls National Park. As you draw nearer with scenic views from above, this only sends one message and a sense of anticipation for what’s yet to come. Finally, you arrive and will be driven to the gates of Murchison where you spend most of your time while visiting the top of the falls for a deep venture into the roaring waters before setting foot into the coziness of Pakuba Safari Lodge or similar your sanctuary for the next two nights. Meal Plan: F/B

Today is not just any ordinary day, it's a day intended for bottomless adventure. At dawn you will set out for a morning game drive through Murchison's grasslands where you may be able to catch sight of lions and leopards roaming the plains, giraffes, elephants, and antelopes grazing in the savannah. Every step through the park is a possibility of a discovery or a fresh encounter with nature's wonders. In the afternoon, you will have a boat trip to the base of Murchison Falls an experience that promises encounters with crocodiles, hippos, and a stunning view of the falls grinding through the narrow gorge. Clear your lenses as you should be taking memories of this exhilarating moment. If time allows you may visit the Ker Kwonga Panyimur Museum later on. It’s been a well-deserving wilderness experience at the end of the day and a moment of reflection is all you need at Pakuba Safari Lodge or similar. Meal Plan: F/B

Very early in the morning you will head out on a drive to the oil city and while on this journey you will witness very beautiful scenic appearances along until you finally arrive at Hoima Cultural Lodge for a day full of cultural entertainment, relaxation, food and garden experience deeply rooted in the Bunyoro culture that offers insights into local culture and history. This has been the day’s pleasure and all you need is an evening to relax at the Lodge as you brace yourself for the morning. Meal Plan: F/B

After this thrilling encounter filled with culture and food, your adventure takes a turn into the wilderness of Queen Elizabeth National Park, in time for an afternoon boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, home to one of the largest concentrations of hippopotamus, as well as herds of elephants, buffalo, and other wildlife that come to drink from the river. The Kazinga also attracts a tremendous variety of bird species including the African Eagle, Open-Billed Stork, and Pied Kingfishers. It has been a long drive, you definitely deserve a break, your guide will lead you to Buffalo Safari Lodge or similar to unwind and ready yourself for the beautiful memories ahead. Meal Plan: F/B

Upon first light, after your breakfast, it is time to set off, finally you arrive at the gates of Queen Elizabeth National Park, where the welcoming embrace of the wilderness awaits. Through the pop up of your vehicle, you may be greeted by the beautiful sights and sounds of the African bush the trumpeting of elephants. With each passing moment, you're reminded of the timeless allure of the Pearl of Africa and the boundless wonders that await those who dare to explore its wild and untamed heart as you get on a thrilling game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park along with other adventure seekers. In the afternoon, you must be exhausted from the four-wheel ride around the park, your game drive will see you through the Ishasha sector where you may be able to sight some tree climbing of lions, and the haunting call of fish eagles circling overhead. After this most deserving experience, if time allows you may also have the day’s last optional visit of the Kasoga Community or the Queen’s pavilion; just 800 metres from the equator monument, and overlooking a thrilling landscape of crater lakes is the Queen´s Pavilion, a community-run internet café. This is the perfect spot to revive yourself after an early morning safari with a cup of Ugandan tea or coffee. Listen to the elephants trumpeting on the dry plains below and enjoy the savannah views. Before you make your return to Ishasha Jungle Lodge or similar. Meal Plan: FB

On this day after your early morning feast, your mind is drawn to another magnificent experience, but before that you will take on a wonderful journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park through the most diverse and captivating landscapes. As you bid farewell to the majestic savannah plains and iconic wildlife of Queen Elizabeth, you set out on a flight to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a home to the biggest population of the highland gorillas and also a sacred UNESCO heritage site. Upon landing, you will be driven towards Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge or similar where you will enjoy the pristine and gorgeous scenery of park and its surroundings. A moment of rest and imagination is all you have for the task ahead of you tomorrow. Before you call it a day you may have a guided community walk or a boat cruise along Lake Mutanda depending on the time. Meal Plan: FB

It’s the Gorilla Hour! After enjoying a quick breakfast, it's time to hit the road and continue your journey to the highlight of the trip, with renewed energy and enthusiasm. As you draw closer to the gates of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, the landscape undergoes a dramatic transformation, giving way to dense forests and rugged terrain. The air is filled with the sounds of the forest the chirping of birds, the rustling of leaves, and the distant calls of primates hidden among the trees. You start gaining a feeling that the search for these amazing creatures is edging closer than ever before. This is the greatest highlight of the safari, at this point as you step out of your vehicle, adrenaline rush kicks in, you set off to the departure point for a full briefing and to meet your gorilla trek guide and other adventure seekers. The guides will have been identifying the position of each gorilla group in their natural habitat and know which is the closest departure point to trek from. The hiking is through thick, verdant rainforest, with your guide and porter using a machete to clear a path and assist you up and down steep terrain. After what feels like eternity you finally set eyes on a gorilla family and this is the probably the best moment of your entire trip as you are about to spend time with these gentle giants in their natural habitat Quite an unforgettable experience it is!. The final trek times can vary enormously according to where the gorillas have moved to but most guests spend an hour with these amazing wild animals. If time permits, there are additional optional activities, unique to Bwindi, which you can participate in during the afternoon some of which include: Coffee tour experience:  you will be taken to a local coffee farm within the community, where you are warmly welcomed by friendly local family who are eager to share their knowledge and passion for the organic volcanic coffee. A brief introduction sets the stage for the day's activities, highlighting the importance of coffee in Ugandan culture and its role in sustaining local communities. While you spend time with small-scale farmers you are taken you through the coffee-making experience where you will learn a number of things such as nursery bed management, planting, pruning, harvesting, drying, pounding, grinding, roasting and lastly coffee tasting, giving you an authentic hands on experience. The Batwa Cultural Entertainment: As your day comes to an end you will be graced with an evening of entertainment from the Batwa community at the comfort of Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge or similar this is an opportunity to take a moment of reflection on the day’s experience and connections made during your time with the community.

Who is ready for some zebras! It must have been a wonderful venture with the gorillas in the south-western side, this morning let’s take you on a ride to the grasslands of Lake Mburo National Park. It is a very scenic drive that will lead you to one of the smallest parks in the country but with lasting adventures to seek. As you drive through the savannah plains you will approach the pristine Kigarama Wilderness Lodge or similar where you will be resting for the night. But before you get so comfortable you will be led by your guide on an anafternoon boat ride along Lake Mburo a sail that offers more than just relaxation but amazing sighting of a variety of water life and wildlife grazing along the lake shores. Clear your lenses! As you head back to the lodge you may have a chance of witnessing some wildlife grazing. The park boasts of a number of wildlife such as the African buffalo, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, leopards and a number of birds. Meal Plan: F/B

It’s the last day and you are almost done with your Ugandan adventure. Before you bid farewell, you will have an early morning game drive as you proceed towards the exit of the park. This is one of the most exciting moments of the ride through the wilderness as you may be lucky to encounter carnivores before they go into hiding. Next, embark on a captivating drive to Entebbe. En route briefly stop at the iconic Equator marker. Here, experience the thrill of standing with one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and the other in the Southern Hemisphere. If time is on your side you may also have a stop at the local Royal drum makers in Mpambire before you continue your journey. Finally, arrive at Entebbe International Airport in ample time for your flight back home. Take with you not just souvenirs, but a treasure of memories.