Day 1: Cassia Lodge, Kampala
Your guide will transfer you to your overnight stay for the start of you Uganda adventure.
Days 2 - 3: Pakuba Safari Lodge
Pakuba Safari Lodge is nestled on the Eastern Bank of the Albert Nile in Murchison Falls National Park overlooking the spectacular River Nile. The location affords panoramic views of the mighty River Nile and sweeping vistas of the surrounding riverine forest below. Enjoy a visit to a community conservation project, dawn game drives and a boat cruise on the Nile. There is also the opportunity to see Murchison Falls from the top as well as from the bottom.
Day 4: Turaco Treetops
Immerse yourself in nature on Turaco Treetops’ 5.2 hectares of rain forest, neighbouring the lush Kibale National Park, famous for its chimpanzees. At the lodge grounds many of the birds, monkeys and butterflies that inhabit the Kibale Forest can also be found, including primates like Bush Babies, Black and White Colobus monkeys and of course the Great Blue Turaco.
Visit Bigodi Women conservation group to learn about basket weaving and how the group conserves the environment through sustainable harvesting of papyrus used in making the baskets. Tracking chimpanzees in the forest is a wonderful experience. Once you find your group, you are allowed to spend an hour with them, watching as they go about their daily activities.
Days 5 - 6: Ihamba Lakeside Safari Lodge
Ihamba Lakeside Safari Lodge, situated on the shores of the beautiful Lake George in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The lodge is a perfect location for those who want to experience the tranquillity of unspoiled Africa, untouched by mass tourism. Visit to Rubona basket weavers and honey processers, game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park and enjoy a boat cruise on Kazinga Channel.
Day 7: Michael’s home
In the morning search for the famous tree-climbing lions and more sights of elephant, antelopes, and bird species. Then transfer to Rukungiri approximately 3 hours away, to immerse yourself in true African culture in a homestay. This is an excellent way to learn more about the Uganda culture and contribute to the community. Most families enjoy matooke daily, commonly served with sauces made from meat, fish, peas, chicken, and beans.
Days 8 - 9: Ride 4 A Woman
Mwebesa House is in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to most of the mountain gorilla population of Uganda. More than 300 women from 11 villages now use or work at the Ride 4 a Woman community centre, where they can learn new skills, make a living, and make it possible for their children to gain an education. Meet these women and get involved in basket weaving, sewing with traditional fabric, preparing traditional meals and traditional dancing.
A full morning awaits you to participate in gorilla tracking. Your ranger and guide will lead you through the tropical rainforest in search of your gorilla family. Enjoy their company for an hour, observing their behaviour in their natural habitat.
Later this evening, visit the wood carver to learn about wood carving. You will participate in carving a gorilla face mask or any animal of your choice that you will get to take home with you.
Day 10: Rwakobo Rock
Rwakobo is nestled on a scenic outcrop with breathtaking views. Animals such as zebra, warthog, impala, and bushbuck abound around the lodge and often congregate at the nearby water hole. It is the best place to find eland, zebra, and impala in Uganda. The lake system is alive with hippos, crocs and waterbirds including the magnificent shoebill. Enjoy game viewing on a guided cycling safari in the park, a different experience being close to wildlife and keeping fit as well!
Day 11: Nabisere Hotel
Nabisere Hotel is a beautiful family hotel located in the quiet town of Kalisizo in southwestern Uganda.
Travel to Bukomansimbi and spend time with a local community who produce bark cloth. Participate as the bark is stripped from the tree and processed and learn about its cultural and ceremonial uses.
Day 12: Nkima Forest Lodge
Nkima Forest Lodge is in its own patch of indigenous forest on Nansubuga hill overlooking the Mabamba Wetlands. The lodge has been built with minimal disturbance to the surrounding forest and the open grassland on top of the hill. The area is a birding hot spot in Uganda and the local community arrange boat trips into the swamp to view the Shoebill Stork and other birdlife from the nearby Mabamba landing site.
Meet the Mitti coffee farmers for a coffee experience. Learn how coffee is grown and locally processed. Join in pounding and roasting before enjoying a cup.
Day 13: return home
This morning, you will join your guide in a local dugout canoe in search of the elusive Shoebill. Later, return to Entebbe, visiting Bwebajja women paper craft enroute. Participate in making your own paper frame, writing set or a necklace from recycled glass. Later, transfer to the airport in time for your evening flight home.
