13 Days Uganda Cultural & Scenic Trails Safari

Upon arrival in Uganda at Entebbe International Airport, located on a peninsula that juts out into Lake Victoria, Africa’s biggest fresh water lake, you will be welcomed and greeted by your driver/guide. He will be standing at the Arrivals Hall holding a placard with your name so you cannot miss him. You will then be transferred to the hotel/ guest house you have chosen and check-in for dinner and overnight stay. Your driver/ guide will brief you about your safari at some stage (either before dinner or first thing after breakfast the next day).

For those that arrive early in the day – there are optional activities around Entebbe especially if you intend to stay active and not rest after long overseas flights. You can visit the Entebbe Botanical Gardens or opt for a sunset cruise on Africa’s largest fresh-water lake – Lake Victoria, where you can relish the views of an African sunset.

After breakfast this morning, you drive to Ewaffe Cultural Village for a culture experiential. Visitors experience the Baganda culture (the Baganda are the dominant indigenous community in Uganda) through food, farm tours, cooking courses, pottery, story-telling through the unique norms relating more to the Buganda culture as one of the most vibrant tribes of Uganda. The cultural village presents to you this unique experience in just a day’s activities an hour’s drive from Kampala. At 4.00pm, you will return and be taken to Ndere Cultural Centre where you will be entertained by the seasoned Ndere Troupe as it takes you round the Ugandan cultural lanes through dance and bits of drama accompanied with dinner (a carefully prepared Ugandan barbeque buffet) for a cultural performance and dinner. The performance blends all of Uganda’s music and dance. This show starts at 6.00pm and ends at 9.00pm. At the end, you will be taken back to your guest house in Entebbe.

After breakfast this morning, drive to Kampala. In Kampala, you will find your way to the tombs of Buganda Kings at Kasubi in Kampala – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 30-hectare site of this historical site used to be one of the palaces for the Buganda kings was built in 1882 and was converted into the royal burial ground in 1884. Four royal tombs now lie within the Muzibu Azaala Mpanga, the main building, which is circular and surmounted by a dome – an architectural marvel even today. After your visit to the royal tombs, commence your drive to Fort Portal town. Fort Portal rests in the shadow of the fabled “Mountains of the Moon” and is famous for the many tea plantations. The drive is about 6-hours and so you arrive around lunch time. After your lunch, you can visit the stalactite caves called Amabere ga Nyinamwiru, which make part of the local legend of the Banyoro people who inhabit the area. The existence of the breast-like formations in the caves can be explained scientifically, but the locals also have local ancient legend attached to them, which visitors can hear in detail. Scientifically, sedimentary limestone rocks caused the formation. If time allows, avid hikers can use this opportunity to summit one of the local hills for beautiful scenery. Later, return to the hotel you have selected in Fort Portal town.

Today after breakfast, you will be transferred to Semliki Valley National park – which is famous for the hot bubbly Sempaya hot springs. You will go on a hot springs trail to Sempaya hot springs. On the trail, look out for birds and some animals. The hot springs are very hot and you may be able to boil eggs, cook plantain and sweet potatoes from the springs which you can eat. Semuliki National Park is the only tract of true lowland tropical forest in East Africa hosting 441 recorded bird species and 53 mammals. The park sprawls across the floor of the Semliki Valley on the remote western side of Rwenzori Mountain. The park is dominated by the eastern-most extension of the Ituri Forest of the Congo basin. Carry a pair of binoculars to see the rare birds keen bird-watchers come here to see on birding safaris. From visiting the Sempaya hot springs, you will return to Fort Portal and check-in at the hotel you have selected. Dinner and overnight at your hotel.

Have a calm breakfast before heading off for an exploration of the crater lakes. Formed by ancient volcanic activity, the crater lakes of Uganda are located near Fort Portal town, and are a great hiking option. Typical hikes take you through local villages and tea plantations, to the base of several of these incredibly serene and beautiful lakes. With the Rwenzori Mountains in the background, this is by far one of Uganda’s most peaceful and extraordinary sights. Enjoy the beauty of the numerous small lakes, surrounded by gentle hills, and the stunning views. Take a hike at Lake Nkuruba to encounter different species of primates and birds, and visit the Mahoma Falls. Meet the local people as you walk through their villages, learn about the customs of the Batoro tribe and enjoy the panoramic views. After visiting the crater lakes region, transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – arriving in the late afternoon. You check-in at a lodge you have selected. At 5.00pm, head out along the crater game track to visit Katwe Crater Lake where locals have mined salt through the ages. This lake – situated just north of the impressive Mweya peninsula, is far too salty to support any wildlife. However, since the 16th Century, it has ensured the survival of the Katwe residents, who spend their days under the equatorial sun, harvesting salt from its milky waters. Enjoy the spectacular drive to Katwe as you look out for wildlife including buffaloes and elephants. Once you arrive at the salt mines, marvel at the network of paths and huts that have been built across the lake to support hundreds of workers. The salt is sold to traders from across Uganda, and as far as Congo and Rwanda. This excursion gives visitors a unique insight into the fascinating yet tough process of salt mining and meeting and interacting with the locals. During the tour of the lake you will see community members at work and you get to talk to them. Later, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Begin your day with the anticipation of thrilling wildlife encounters as you embark on a morning game drive through the picturesque landscapes of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Wake up early, enjoy your breakfast or opt to take it on the go as you venture into the Kasenyi track, renowned for its rich biodiversity. In this open savannah, keep your eyes peeled for sightings of buffaloes, majestic lions, graceful elephants, and a myriad of avian species that call this park home. Queen Elizabeth National Park stands out for its lush greenery, even during the dry season, a testament to its unique landscape shaped by ancient volcanic activity. Traverse through this remarkable terrain, marveling at the vast crater lakes, sprawling grasslands, and dense woodlands that dot the park. After the guided morning game drive, return to your lodge for a hot lunch. After, you will embark on a boat cruise along the Kazinga channel – a major highlight of the safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The channel is a natural waterway, linking lakes Edward and George. It boasts one of Africa’s highest concentrations of hippos (there are 1,500 hippos found along the channel), providing a mesmerizing spectacle of these aquatic giants. Glide along the tranquil waters, accompanied by the symphony of birdcalls and the occasional splash of a crocodile, as you soak in the serene beauty of the surroundings. On the boat cruise, hippos frolic and yawn wide, elephants and buffalo drink their fill at the channel’s banks. The boat trip is a front-row seat to nature’s spectacle. The boat cruise promises to be a highlight of your journey, offering unparalleled opportunities for wildlife viewing and birdwatching. From the boat cruise, if time allows continue on an evening game drive culminating into a return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Today after breakfast, you will be transferred to Lake Mutanda in the south-western part of Uganda, close to the borders with Rwanda and DR Congo. You cross a beautiful part of the country often referred to as ‘the Switzerland of Africa’. You will see a great country-side, bamboo forest and have great views over the Virunga Mountains. For lunch you will stop at a local restaurant on the road. The cuisine is among the best in Uganda. The lake is safe to swim as it is Bilharzia free. Journey Time: 8 hours. Overnight at Mutanda Lake Resort.

Today you will have a first-hand introduction to one of the most unique cultures in the world. Overlooking the imposing hillsides of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, with the mist swirling over the summits, this is one of the most dramatic settings for your cultural tour! Batwa Trail in Mgahinga Gorilla Park allows you to experience the ways of the ancient Batwa pygmies who once lived in these forests and now show the way of their ancient culture. This experience will give you the opportunity to learn more about their old culture while you enjoy a hike with the Batwa guides, see how they lived and hunted, hear ancient legends and learn about medicinal plants. The trail starts at the base of Mt Muhavura at 08:00am and finishes by 3-4pm. You’ll need walking shoes, hat, and raingear, a packed lunch and water. The trail runs across the lower slopes of Muhavura and Gahinga volcanos in Mgahinga Gorilla Park. You will have the chance to fire a bow and arrow, check hives for wild honey, repair a Batwa shelter, harvest medicinal plants, light a fire without matches. You will also descend into Garama Cave, a lava tube beneath Mt Gahinga. You will also see the Batwa sing and dance.

This morning, you are up early and enjoy your breakfast. Head to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park HQ. From here, you can hike either Mount Sabyinyo, Muhavura or Gahinga. However, you are here to do the Sabyinyo Gorge Walk. It is a 5-6 hour walk/hike that takes you meandering the lower slopes of Mount Sabyinyo. The gorge walk is strenuous yet enjoyable hike, which rewards travelers with spectacular views of the Virunga Volcanoes, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga National Park and wildlife within this small park. The trail is the best to spot for birds and those who make it here see bird species including the Rwenzori Turaco among others. The trail starts in the bamboo forests proceeding to the deep forest habitat for numerous birds and other wildlife. Ridges, ladders have been installed to ease the hiking experience whereas bridges help in crossing streams, making the experience easier and enjoyable. Alternatively, you may hike Mount Muhabura or ‘Muhavura’, Sabyinyo or Gahinga – the three peaks of the Virunga Mountains that can be attempted from Uganda. The other Virunga Mountains include Karisimbi and Bisoke in neighbouring Rwanda and Nyiragongo in DR Congo.

Notes: Hiking Mount Muhavura is very challenging. Even the most seasoned hikers will not find it a walkover. To succeed in reaching the summit, it is important to know your personal limits. Go according to your pace. Do not rush or use a lot of energy in the beginning. Drink plenty of water. Back to the visitor Centre, find your driver/guide to commence the transfer to Lake Bunyonyi. Dinner and overnight at the lodge you have chosen or Similar.

Bunyonyi – means the “place of little birds,” not only is it a place for birds but a restorative place, a place of solace, of rest, of quietness, of reflection and tranquility. One can say all kinds of things about Lake Bunyonyi in Uganda – how large it is, how deep it is, how it was formed, – but when you visit Lake Bunyonyi – all those things dissipate into thin air – what you see is one of the most beautiful lakes in Africa. Visitors from near and far are simply awed by its mystical, magical beauty as you see it snaking along the Ugandan landscape, dotted by 29 islands of various shapes and sizes, surrounded by a ring of terraced farms, their greenery accenting this mystical lake like a lovely frame. A canoe ride is the best way to move around Lake Bunyonyi, explore the islands that give the island its scenic look. You will go on a guided tour where one of the local guides takes you around and narrates to you the different stories and legend that surround the islands. The canoe ride takes up to 2 hours to explore the islands. You can ride anytime but the morning experience is extra special, as the mist and tranquil aura feels mystical. After lunch today, you will head to Edirisa, a local NGO that works with the community to go on the 5-hour Bushara trek that leads you to the peaks of the Kyabahinga peninsula for breath-taking views, visit a nursery, a herbalist and a craft maker. In the evening, you will go on a boat trip to catch the sunsets. On this sunset tour, you boat by some of the islands and get immersed in local legend that is associated with some of the major islands. Once the tour is over, you will return to the resort (Birdnest Resort Bunyonyi) for dinner and overnight stay.

Today after breakfast, you will be transferred to Nshenyi cultural village, a gate away into the Ankole culture. The village is nestled in the rolling hills of the Ankole Kingdom and you will enjoy your stay at the charming and spacious farm, decorated to the local customs. Find out how Matooke is prepared, visit traditional Bahima villages, make ghee, or follow the Kagera Trail to the natural boarder with Tanzania. Let the traditional dances and songs enchant you under the sky, while the campfire warms the cool evening. Nshenyi Village will be your pristine gateway into the Ankole culture.

After breakfast, you will drive to Lake Mburo National Park, a natural heaven for fauna and flora. The banks teem with animals and birds. It is famous for having large numbers of zebras. The park also has great sceneries starting from the rolling hills, the lush forests to the Savannah grasslands, and seasonal swamps to lakes. There are large numbers of hippos in the lakes. Take the trail to the top of the hills and see Lake Mburo and beyond. From this vantage point, you will have a great view of 9 of the twelve lakes surrounding Lake Mburo. In the evening you will have a boat ride along the lake where you will have a chance to see different animals.

Wake up at 6.00am and enjoy breakfast. Lake Mburo National Park is one of two game parks in Uganda where visitors are allowed to go for a bush nature walk with an experienced ranger. On a morning guided walk, you often encounter hyenas who are returning to their dens after a night of being on the prowl – at the same time you can often see hippos returning from grazing during the night and returning to the lake to keep cool during the day and protect their sensitive skin from the sun. On a nature walk you will often see Zebras, Giraffes, Eland, Topi and other antelopes, buffaloes, birds, butterflies. After your walk, return to the lodge, take a shower and check-out – ready for drive to Entebbe. At the Equator crossing, take some fun pictures and purchase crafts from your Uganda safari. Enjoy lunch at the Equator and continue to Entebbe International Airport in time for you to check-in for your onward flight home.