Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, aRays Safaris assigned English-speaking Professional Tour Driver-guide will receive and welcome you to Uganda – the Pearl of Africa. Thereafter, you will transfer to the booked accommodation. You will check in and take your rest – recovering from jet lag, adjusting to time difference. #Optional (Additional $10 per person): Just in case you reached early and interested in some activity, you may consider; excursion to the Entebbe Botanical Gardens to sight a few primates and birds or visit Mabamba wetland in search of shoebill stork. Otherwise, check in and just take your rest.

Accommodation: (Jett Villas Entebbe-Budget Level) | Meals: Dinner | Transfer Time: Approx. 20 minutes.

Have breakfast, and then drive off to Kampala (via the express). Visit Kalerwe Market, one of Kampala’s largest, bustling open-air markets, located along Gayaza Road, roughly 5km from the city center near the Northern Bypass. From Kalerwe, continue to the hotel in the City Center. After checking in, move out (on foot) to enjoy lunch in one of Kampala’s nice spots e.g. Baguma Restaurant. After lunch, visit (on foot) Craft market along Buganda Road, Nakasero Market and finally, walk back to the hotel. *Info: Any cost during the market visit is not included.

Accommodation: (Hotel Ruch Kampala-Budget Level) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (at a local spot), Dinner | Transfer Time: 1 to 2 hours depending on the day’s traffic.

If you’re looking for the ultimate adrenaline adventure, look no further than rafting on the Nile in Jinja. Our day will begin at 6:30am when we shall embark on a 2-hour’s road trip to Jinja. Once there, proceed for an unforgettable white-water rafting on the world’s longest river for a fulfilling adventure. The white-water rafting goes through some of the best grade three & five rapids with spectacular leaps and drops. Enjoy the scenery of forested islands and the roar of the rapids. Wooden canoes with locals congregate in the calm waters anxious to see the rafts in action. What better way to start your safari than to experience firsthand this most exciting, exhilarating adventure on the Nile? Get wet! Get wild! Get rafting! In fact, no experience is required to undertake this unforgettable adventure on the Nile. After all the fun, proceed to accommodation and rest.

Accommodation: (The Haven Jinja-Midrange Level) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer Time: Approx. 2-3 hours depending on the day’s traffic.

Our day will start with a relaxed breakfast at our facility situated close to Nile waters. After breakfast, we shall check out and embark on 4-hours’ drive to Kapchorwa (i.e. the Sipi Falls Area). We will arrive in time for lunch and some rest before going out for an immersive coffee experience. A coffee tour here is a must-do activity for coffee enthusiasts and those interested in learning about the process of coffee production. Sipi is renowned for its high-quality Arabica coffee, and a coffee tour provides a unique opportunity to delve into the world of coffee cultivation, processing, and brewing. You will simply trace the story of coffee from seed to that in the cup and you don’t want to miss this informative experience. Later, just relax at the accommodation with some spectacular view of Sipi right in front of you.

Accommodation: (Rafiki Lodge Sipi-Budget Level) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer Time: Approx. 4 hours.

This is one of Uganda’s off the beaten track but truly rewarding. Our day will start with a quick morning breakfast and then we shall head out to experience the Sipi falls. The experience will see us navigating through some muddy trails (i.e. during rainy season), villages and farm lands and river trails that make it easy to keep on track. It will be a 3 to 4-hours’ experience where you are truly immersed in nature and captivated by nature’s beauty. Return to the facility to clean up and take some rest – awaiting the sunset walk. Usually taking place at a plateau overlooking the Karamoja plains, this walk offers a stunning panoramic view as the sun dips below the horizon. Have your camera on hand to capture an enchantingly beautiful African sunset. We conclude the with a nice dinner before heading to bed.

Accommodation: (Rafiki Lodge Sipi-Budget Level) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer Time: N/A.

We shall enjoy breakfast and then embark on a (not so long) transfer to Moroto via Soroti. Moroto is a town situated at the foot of the massive Mt. Moroto and the surrounding savannah plains. A visit here gets you closer to one of Uganda’s most indigenous tribes – the Karamojong and the Tepeth. We hope to arrive around 12 or 1pm and after check in at the camp, there will be lunch before we can proceed to visit the Tepeth tribe. These are hunters-gatherers from origin and were the first inhabitants of Karamoja land. When the nomadic pastoral Karamojong migrated into their land, they moved into the highlands till today. This visit will surely offer us an insight into their lives.

Accommodation: (Kara-tunga Safari Camp-Budget Level) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer Time: Approx. 5 hours.

Set off early (around 6:30am) to Kidepo Valley National Park. Tucked in the pristine North-East of the country, Kidepo awaits you with some of Africa’s most captivating sceneries of unique valleys and plains, unspoiled wilderness and a plethora of wildlife that welcomes you. It is right here that you will get the true feeling of being in the true African wilderness. We will arrive in time for lunch and then, go out for game viewing in the Narus Valley. Narus is the sector of Kidepo that has savannah grasslands mixed with acacia woodland. It is also the area of the park with permanent water sources throughout the year and for that matter, most of the animals are in this part of the park. Be on the look for large herds of Buffaloes, elephants, many Zebras, antelope species and the lions, the elusive leopards. You will return to the accommodation for dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation: (Kidepo Savannah- En suite Tent -Budget Level) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer Time: Approx. 6-7 hours depending on road condition at the time of travel.

Today we will enjoy one of Uganda’s premier wildlife experiences. Our day will start with a quick breakfast or have it (breakfast) packed and head to the field, the Narus Valley. With open plains that allows for easy sighting, permanent water sources that draws large congregation of wildlife, we anticipate plenty. In this 3 to 4 hours’ experience, keep the eyes peeled for wildlife sighting opportunity. You (visitors) stand the chance to spot lions, elephants, massive buffalo herds, and the elusive leopards, among others. After a satisfying encounter, we will return to the lodge for lunch and some rest. After a good rest, move out for the Karamojong community, cultural encounter where you will spend a wonderful afternoon (evening) with the Karamojong people and have an insight on their way of life and beliefs. They are closely related to the Maasai of Kenya and share a rich, deeply communal culture centered around cattle and ancestral traditions. From this insightful experience, we will get back to the facility to freshen up, enjoy dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: (Kidepo Savannah-En suite Tent-Budget Level) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer Time: n/a

This morning we will have breakfast and then move out to explore the African savannah on foot. Accompanied by an armed ranger-guide, you will venture along dry river beds, over rocky outcrops and through bush land to track the resident wildlife. If you end up in Kidepo River Valley, a stroll on its wide bed of white sand or in the borassus palm forest which feels like an oasis in the Sahara, is a fascinating attraction. Later (afternoon session), we shall return to the Narus Valley for more African wildlife encounters. Return for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: (Kidepo Savannah-En suite Tent-Budget Level) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Set off early (about 6:30 or 7am) to Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary – a successful conservation effort that was set to save the near-extinct rhino population in Uganda. Today, visitors to Uganda have a chance to encounter rhinos thanks to this effort. Once in Zziwa, we shall check in and have some rest. At around 4pm, move out to explore the Zziwa on a guided nature walk. Walking through this Sanctuary enables one to get a glimpse of the diverse and plentiful wildlife that call this place home. Besides wildlife sighting, you simply get to breathe in the pristine fresh air and soak in wonderful scenery. Just being close to nature. Thereafter, return to the lodge for dinner.

Accommodation: (Zziwa Guesthouse-Budget level) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer Time: Approx. 7 hours.

Our day will start with breakfast until about 7:30am. From breakfast, we shall move to the Rangers’ Point where we will receive the briefing plus the ranger-guide. Then in the company of the assigned armed ranger-guide(s), we will proceed for this up-close experience with this member of the African big 5 family. Besides wildlife sighting, you simply get to breathe in the pristine fresh air and soak in wonderful scenery. Just being close to nature. After the rhino tracking, we will drive off to Masindi where you will have a lunch stop. After lunch, embark on the transfer to Murchison Falls NP. The highlights of this park include the roaring rapids of the Murchison Falls, the rolling plains of Uganda’s largest National Park where you will have the chance of viewing lions, giraffes, hartebeest, buffalos, and elephants etc. *Detour to visit the top of the falls and thereafter, we head to the facility. *Info: A shallow game drive en route the accommodation is possible.

Accommodation: (Ikorom Safari Lodge-Budget level) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer Time: Approx. 3-4 hours.

Today you will have a full packed game viewing opportunity in the park. Murchison Falls NP is a home to different wildlife species such as; Buffalos, Jackson hartebeests, elephants, Lions, Giraffes, leopards, Hyenas, among others. They are widely spread all over the Savannah grasslands, grazing or hunting for prey. These make the park’s landscape so amazing for game viewing/game driving. *To avoid the long drive back to the lodge, we can proceed to Red Chilli and enjoy hot lunch there. After the lunch, we can move back for the second leg of our game viewing. After a satisfying day’s encounter, we shall head back to the lodge to freshen up – awaiting dinner and the overnight stay. #Optional (extra cost 35$ pp): If interested, you may consider the 11am boat trip upstream towards the falls. Common sightings along the banks are: Hippos, crocodiles and a few bird species.

Accommodation: (Ikorom Safari Lodge-Budget Level) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer Time: Approx. 25-30 minutes to/from the gate

Enjoy breakfast, check out of the facility and head to explore Murchison in yet another game drive. Be on the look for Murchison’s inhabitants such as; Buffalos, Jackson hartebeests, elephants, Lions, Giraffes, leopards, Hyenas, among others. After a satisfying sighting, we shall embark on a transfer that will see us overnight at edge of Kibale Forest National Park. The drive is quite long but incredibly scenic – passing through villages, lush green countryside and hills dotted with tea plantations that characterize this part of Uganda. The beautiful scenery will amaze you all the way. Upon arrival at the accommodation, check in and just relax. #Optional: As a way of stretching legs, you may consider a stop in Hoima and possibly, get into the market to catch a glimpse of life there. You may buy some fresh fruits and enjoy along in the next leg of the journey.

Accommodation: (Chimpanzee Capital Safari Lodge-Budget Level) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer time: Approx. 7 hours.

Today is one special day that will see us get up-close with human’s closest relation with the wild. Our day will start with a quick breakfast and then we shall head the briefing. All treks start with a safety and conduct briefing at the Kanyanchu headquarters and thereafter, you will begin the walk/trek through the lush tropical rainforest guided by experienced rangers who locate the chimps by their vocalizations and nests. While looking for chimpanzees, you may also spot other primates, such as red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus, and L’Hoest’s monkeys. Once you locate the chimpanzees, you will have a full hour in their presence. From the chimps, return to the facility to gain some rest. Later (around 3 or 4pm), move out to visit the Bigodi community to experience the local lifestyle. *Expect the banana beer, coffee roasting & tasting. If interested in nature, go for the Bigodi wetland excursion. A 2-3 hours guided tour of a remarkable conservation area, situated right at edge of the well-known Kibale National Park. The walk here offers an intimate, immersive community-led experience spotting primates such as Red-tailed Monkeys, Black-and-white Colobus, along with birds like the Great-blue Turaco and Papyrus Gonolek to mention but a few. Finally, return to the facility to freshen up and rest.

Accommodation: (Chimpanzee Capital Safari Lodge-Budget Level) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer Time: n/a.

As you may have realized, every day brings us something different. Today, our next stop is the Ndali Vanilla Estate. Read (some more). While visiting a vanilla farm, you will learn how the Vanilla is taken care of, right from planting, weeding, up to how it is harvested and processed. The visit also provides a chance to meet and interact with the real native Batooro and Bakiga locals as you see them busy in the farm yard. Crown your visit by buying some on the farm products that will remind you of the great time you have had. From Ndali, transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park where we will proceed for game viewing in search of wildlife such as lions, leopards, herds of elephants, buffalos, among others.

Accommodation: (Enshama Game Lodge-Budget Level) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer Time: 2 hours.

Be up early and have your breakfast. Proceed for a morning game drive in the Kasenyi plains – a vast savannah space in the Queen Elizabeth National Park known for high wildlife densities including lions, herds of elephants, buffalos, and Uganda kobs. The area offers exceptional game drives, birding, and scenic photography, with opportunities to see leopards too. After a satisfactory sighting, return to the accommodation for some rest time and lunch. After lunch, you will go for a 2-hour boat trip on the Kazinga Channel that connects Lakes George and Edward. During the cruise, you get to enjoy an up-close view of large Hippo pods, Nile crocodiles, buffaloes, elephants, and numerous bird species, including the African Skimmer. From the boat ride, we shall return to the facility to freshen up and stay at leisure, enjoying the facility’s service.

Accommodation: (Enshama Game Lodge-Budget Level) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer Time: n/a

Enjoy breakfast and then, proceed for another morning game drive – along the Kasenyi plains. Be on the look for Cape buffalos, herds of elephants plus lions, leopards (though hard to spot) among others. From Kasenyi, continue to the Ishasha sector – famously known for its tree-climbing lion population. Rest a bit and then go for an Afternoon-to-evening game drive in search of tree-climbing lions. The chance of spotting these lions stands at about 60-70% but sometimes they are hard to spot (most especially when they are down in the grassland looking for prey). Should you get the chance to spot the lions up in the tree, the sight is picturesque and unforgettable. Beyond lions, you can easily spot large herds of elephants, buffaloes, topis, and Uganda kobs. Keep an eye out for leopards, spotted hyenas too and a number of bird species. After an extensive and satisfying excursion, we shall head back to the accommodation to freshen up.

Accommodation: (Enjojo Lodge [Safari Tent]-Budget Level) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer Time: Approx. 2-3 hours.

This day is flexible. If there was no good sighting yesterday, we can return to the field again in search of the tree-climbing lions (i.e. give it another try) before heading to Bwindi. But with a good (satisfactory) sighting, we will have breakfast, check out of the lodge and be on our way to the accommodation situated at the edge of Bwindi National Park. Once at your accommodation, we recommend staying at leisure as you save the energy, prepare the body for the long-awaited gorilla encounter tomorrow. *Optional (extra costs): But if you prefer to be active (i.e. doing something), you can consider the community visit to gain a little insight into the lifestyle of the community in this area. In case you arrived in Bwindi with ample time available, you can do a warm-up for Gorilla trek by taking on a forest walk along one of the trails.

Accommodation: (Buhoma Community Rest Camp-Budget Level) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer Time: Approx. 3 hours.

Have breakfast, pick up the lunch box and move to the rangers’ post. You will receive some briefing (from the Park Authority) on the dos and don’ts during gorilla trekking, including assigning participants to a group. The actual trek into the forest begins at 8am in the company of your ranger-guide(s) and other participants assigned. The high altitude here combined with steep, rugged (sometimes muddy) terrain makes gorilla trekking physically demanding but rewarding. One moment you’re descending, and the next, you are ascending to a higher elevation. The time taken (3-8 hours) vary with the movements of these great primates. Once you have located a gorilla group, you will be allowed an hour in their presence. The thrill of spending time observing these gentle but endangered giants is unforgettable. At the end of the trek, you will be awarded a certificate of completion that you can keep as a reminder of this lifetime experience. Return to the accommodation, and rest after a strenuous trek. #Optional (extra cost): In case you finished early and the body is willing to go out again; you can discuss with your guide and see what possibilities are there then make a choice.

Accommodation: (Buhoma Community Rest Camp-Budget level) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer Time: N/a.

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and then, set off to Lake Mburo NP. Mburo is a compact gem, located conveniently close to the highway that connects Entebbe/Kampala to the parks of western Uganda. It is the smallest of Uganda’s savannah National Parks but home to so many bird species as well as animals such as: Giraffes, Zebra, impala, eland, buffalo, and the elusive leopard among others. We shall arrive and check in for some rest before heading out to the community to gain insight into the way of life of the Bahima. You will learn about how to make the local ghee while listening to some of the women talk about their traditions and the cultures. Depending on the time of the tour you may even have the opportunity to milk some of the Ankole cows. Thereafter, we shall return to the facility for dinner and overnight

Accommodation: (Eagles’ Nest Mburo-Budget Level) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Transfer Time: Approx. 5 hrs.

As usual, we start the day with a quick breakfast and immediately, move to the Visitors’ Center where will receive the ranger-guide(s) to lead the excursion. The Walking safari in Lake Mburo National Park offers a fulfilling, intimate and immersive way to explore Uganda’s wildlife area on foot, producing moments that you seldom get while moving in a safari car. Accompanied by an armed ranger, walks often start at 7:00am, bringing you up-close to zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, and antelopes in a 2 to 3-hour unforgettable experience in the wild. This is a unique opportunity to notice smaller details often missed in a vehicle, such as bird species, butterflies, insects, and animal tracks etc. After this up-close experience, return to the accommodation for checkout and then hit the road to Entebbe airport to catch flight (1900hrs or later). Expect a stop at the Equator crossing mark (in Kayabwe) where you will have hot lunch and also (if interested) buy some souvenirs.

Accommodation: Recommended on request | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Transfer Time: Approx. 4 hours.