Uganda Safari – 23 days / 22 nights

Arrive and Transfer to the Hotel

Meet and greet at Entebbe International Airport by an Alpha Adventure Safari representative who will warmly welcome you and facilitate seamless arrival formalities. You will then be transferred to your hotel where you will be briefed about your adventure safari.

Depending on the time of arrival you are advised to have money Changed on this day and time allowing you may go for a city tour with the help of our driver/guide, visit the shopping Malls around town and craft villages to get items which you may need while in upcountry

Enjoy the Religious Trail

Visit Namirembe or Rubaga Cathedral, Namugongo Martyrs with a Mix of Buganda Culture (Lubiri Mengo Palace which envelopes Amin’s torture chamber, & Kasubi Tombs) crowning your Day at Gadhafi Mosque

Have Breakfast, Drive with your Guide to Kampala & visit the Christian worship center Cathedrals of Namirembe or Rubaga (You can visit both Depending on the Time) They stand spectacularly on a beautiful hill overlooking Kampala City. We will later take you through Bulange Mengo, Buganda’s Parliament which is dominated by a Representation of the Colonial era as well as the 50+ Clans which are represented by their Totems.

Here you will anxiously proceed through a 1 Km stretch of Milo Land that leads to the Mengo Old Lubiri Palace; where you will view over 50+ tree species each representing a Clan in Buganda. On Reaching the Palace, you will listen to the political History that led to the abandonment of the Palace by the Previous King and later visit President Amini Dadas Torture Chambers that are enveloped within the Palace Premises.

You will visit the Kasubi Tombs to close your cultural Trail – here you will come across a site local guide who will take you through the Culture of Buganda, How the Previous Kings were buried and how they treated their subjects as well as how many women each King Married and how many are said to be still alive!

Depending on the time, you may pass via the Baha’i Temple which is the biggest and the headquarters of the Bahai faith in Africa. It seats on one of the spectacular hills overlooking Kampala City with the rolling beautiful terraces envelope beautiful forests and orchards that attract so many species of birds including the spectacular Great Blue Turaco as you proceed to Namugongo for a visit to both the protestant and catholic shrine, you will meet the local guide too who will delightfully take you around and share with you the delicate past that led to the killing of the Innocent Subjects by King Mwanga who never liked Christianity to prevail.

Finally, crown your day with the Hike at Gaddaffi Mosque – The Biggest Mosque in East Africa that was donated to the Moslem community by Muamar Gaddaffi the late ex-President of Libya. The Mosque has Kampala’s Tallest Tower where one can hike and stand to view both the Villas and slums that all stand on the over 22 rolling hills that make up Kampala from the

Original Seven Hills.

Morning transfer to Jinja – visit source of the Nile gardens, Mahatma Gandhi Monument, Speke Monument, war cemetery, Owen Falls dam

Transfer to Jinja known as the adventure Capital of Uganda with a variety of different Adrenaline filled activities to choose from. On reaching Jinja, enjoy a Boat Safari to visit the source of the Nile gardens, Mahatma Ghandi Monument as well John Hanning Speke Monument where he stood to point at The point where the Nile starts to spread to Miles – You May Try out to sample some fish at your expense while at the source of the Nile as well prepare for great photo exercise as this is the best place for bird watching. Proceed to Owen Falls Dam and later to The Jinja War Cemetery.

After a Hot Lunch, Explore the Nile Valley –through the most amazing experiences you can ever have – the rafting grade 5 rapids on the Mighty white River Nile! We’ll transfer to our departure point for a briefing on white water rafting on the Nile!

After, you will tussle on serial rapids of different grades. Your Screems, anxiety, competition, Marvel – you may try diving to swim if you can swim, this will sum up a thrilling day! (Optional)

After a tense day congratulate yourself with a Glass of Wine Whisky or beer! Return to The Hotel.

Time allowing, Prepare to Cycle through Communities this is one of the ways to help you mix, learn and enjoy our Culture. You may ride along the Bujagali road where you will have an opportunity to visit Kilombero weavers at an extra fee of 30 $ per person. You may customize your itinerary with the help of the team that day and later you crown your day at the Weavers. Apart from the boat to the source of the Nile all other activities are optional.

Drive to Kumi for a guided visit to Nyero rock paintings & transfer to Sipi Falls for a Guided Sundowner hike to viewpoint with a Local Guide

Transfer to Sipi Falls for a guided sundowner hike to the view point where you are most likely to have the best views of the falls, part of the Mountain Elgon Peak and ranges, Iteso Plains and part of the Karamojong Plains plains and most romantically you will watch the sun setting as the rays disappear through the rocks, cliffs, caves and green plantations

Morning Guided Hike to the 3 fall that make up Sipi – Afternoon Relaxation or you may enjoy Optional abseiling on the cliffs with a site guide at an extra fee of $50 per person

Arise early morning and enjoy the sunrise on the plains- Have breakfast and a morning unforgettable guided hike and nature walk, we shall tackle three falls that make up Sipi. The visit to the three falls involves hiking a trail network that is characterized by a steep and slippery path, mud on rainy days, climbing ladders, and going through farms as well as checking on caves. After a Hot Lunch Relax at the Lodge or enjoy optional Abseiling at the Falls with a site guide at an extra fee of $60 per person – It is this adventurous already – this will lead you to great views of the surrounding vegetation- clad valleys, caves and Mountains with a view of the Karamojong plains, view several birds.

While in the later afternoon, you will later enjoy an afternoon guided coffee tour with a site guide where you will be taken through plantations to learn about how coffee is planted and later you will be taken where it is processed and you will be shown the process before planting to consuming it.

Drive to Moroto; guided hike to Mt Moroto to visit Tepeth tribe Communities & enjoy the scenery

Have Breakfast and Transfer to Moroto where you will have a guided hike Mount Moroto – here you will have the best view of Karamojong Plains, you will later proceed with a guided visit to the Tepeth tribe who are said to be the original settlers of the Karamoja planes. They were socially hunters and food/fruit gatherers but later, due to famine caused by decline in wildlife

Population in 1970 and early 80s as well as increase in human population, they later adapted Agro-pastoralism to boost on the way of living in their livelihoods.

Drive to Kotido to have a guided visit to the Wednesday cattle market, Nakapelimoru (the biggest Manyatta community) & Kalikruk

Have breakfast and drive to Kotido reaching by 9:00 o’clock for the Cattle Market Visit. You will mix in the drama of selling and buying and all negotiations. You will later have a community visit to the biggest Community Manayattas in Kotido where you will enjoy the Comical hair Styles and body Tattoos – The Nakapelimoru community seats on the Nakipel which is the Largest group of rural housing in East Africa. It will give you an insight of the Karamojong backward culture and their way of life and it’s a mountain hike with astonishing view on Karamoja savannah. Thereafter a village visit and contact with the people.

You may crown your day with a climb to Kalikruk rock, which is a climbing rock just outside Kotido; here you can watch the sun setting!

A guided excursion hike to Mount Morungule where you will spend time with the Ik tribe – Drive to Kidepo

Spend the Day with the Ik people in Morungule Mountain. They are the ethnic group numbering about 10,000 people living in the Morungule Mountain of northeastern Uganda near the border with Kenya.

The Ik were displaced from their land to create the Kidepo Valley National Park and consequently suffered extreme famine due to the raids they suffered from their tribe’s mates. The Ik are subsistence farmers who grind their grain and are very remote and very interesting socially, they live in small villages arranged in clusters, which comprise the total community with each village surrounded by an outer wall.

Morning guided Game drives to the Narus Valley & Kanangorok hot Springs in search of Leopard Tortoises and afternoon guided walk to Rionomde rock walk

After breakfast, carry packed lunch to have a full day wilderness survey, and take a guided game drive in the morning to the Narus Valley via the Palm tree-lined Kidepo river in search of Leopard tortoise, lions, cheetah, Zebra, Waterbuck, Jackson’s Hartebeest, Warthogs, Patas monkeys and big herds of Buffalo leading to the Kanangorok Hot springs, You will have an afternoon guided safari walk to Rionomde Rock returning late afternoon at The Lodge.

Drive to Murchison Falls

Have breakfast and another Early Morning Game drive and transfer to Murchison Falls

National park. You will stopover for lunch in a selected restaurant at your own expense reaching early afternoon for dinner at the Lodge

Ballon Safari(OPTIONAL) – guided Sundowner cruise to the falls, disembark & guided walk to the top of the falls

Arise early in the morning and proceed to the park. This early drive in the dark is a chance to see nocturnal animals that live in and around the park.

Back to the lodge for your breakfast and relax or swim in the pool

After lunch, go for a 4:00 guided sundowner 3hrs return boat cruise upstream the calm Victoria Nile to the base of the falls stopping just a few meters from the ‘Devil’s Cauldron’, Marvel at the schools of hippos, crocodiles, and over the 17km stretch you may see elephant, waterbuck, and Uganda Kob. This is also the zone of many birds, species like the goliath heron, Egyptian goose, pelican bee-eater, kingfisher, hornbill, cormorant, and the rare shoebill stork.

After taking shorts of the photogenic Murchison Falls, you will continue with a guided top of the falls where you will have an amazing view of the falls! See where the Nile -the world’s longest river explodes violently through a narrow cleft in the Rift Valley escarpment to plunge into a frothing pool 43m below. Later, return to your lodge and relax in the evening.

Early drive to Ziwa (make sure to arrive between 8h & 10h...best hours to track the white rhino) – Drive to Hoima to have a guided visit Mparo tombs & Karuzika palace

Have breakfast and drive to the Rhino Sanctuary for an opportunity to trek Rhinos. There are 15 Rhinos which were reintroduced after their extinction in the 1970s through poaching. A local ranger guide will lead you on foot to an up-close encounter with the rhinos and it may take about 1 and half hours while on the guided tracking exercise. You will immediately drive to Hoima with a stopover for lunch in a selected restaurant

Arive to Hoima for a guided visit to Mparo Tombs to have a share of Bunyoro’s Culture and History! The site located about three kilometers from Hoima town on Masindi road where Bunyoro’s great King Omukama Kabalega and his son Omukama Sir Tito Winyi are buried. The site also has graves for the Queen Mothers and other royals. The tombs sit on a six-acre piece of land enclosed in a perimeter wall, erected by the UPDF during renovation in 2008. In front of the site is a monument erected to mark the day King Kabalega met explorer Dr. Emin Pasha in September 1877. You will be met by a Local guide who will share the History and Culture of Bunyoro – All these and artifacts on Kabalega grave, make Mparo a place of cultural importance and a major tourist potential in the Country.

Early Drive to Fort Portal –Afternoon 5hours classic Crater lakes tour

Have breakfast and Transfer to the Fort Portal through verdant homesteads and tea estates, you will reach early to have an optional visit to the palace of Tooro depending on your time of arrival in the fort portal. Have early Lunch in a selected restaurant and later you will meet and greet with Noah or his team representative from Uganda crater lakes Tours. You will drive to the starting point at Kabata around Ndali Lodge which is about 25km from Fort Portal town.

Here you will start your crater exploration excursion of the beautiful Kasenda crater lakes region which covers over nine crater lakes including the dried 80-meter lava pipe, community experience, and different viewpoints where you will be able to stand and view the beautiful surrounding. You will be able to encounter caves, beautiful waterfalls, and communities.

Time allows; proceed to hike the caves along the crater valley leading to Amabeere Nga Nyina Miru – the Amabeere Ga Nyina Mwiru Caves and the three surrounding Explosion Crater Lakes make it a most interesting day adventure! Hit up the trails characterized by a slippery jungle path leading to mysterious hidden Amabeere Caves and the three surrounding crater lakes.

Amabeere Ga Nyina Mwiru means “the breasts of Nyina Mwiru – these are traditionally surrounded by different myths and folklore which has it that the caves acquired the name after King Bukuku of Toro chopped off the breasts of his daughter Nyina Mwiru and had them thrown inside these caves, following a prophecy that the daughter would one day get married and have a son, Ndahura, who would kill the king and take over his throne. According to local legend, the prophecy came true. While another myth has it that the breasts were chopped off Following her refusal to marry the suitor that was chosen for her by her parents. Get more astonishing and interesting stories while you are there.

Morning vanilla tour and early afternoon Transfer to Kalinzu forest with a stopover at the Rubona basket weaver association, Kataara Women's Poverty Alleviation Group and at the equator – crown your day with Kyambura viewpoint

After breakfast, we will visit the Vanilla Farmer with the same team. Here we will practically learn how Vanilla is grown and theoretically learn how it is processed (however, there are no Expectations to buy already made). Later transfer early transfer to Kalinzu Forest via Queen Elizabeth National Park. Kalinzu Forest in Western Uganda is one of those special places that you will always want to explore while in Queen Elizabeth Park and this was always an off the beaten tourist path for most visitors who come to Uganda – you can easily spend a full or half day in Kalinzu Forest Reserve Hiking, nature walks, birding, chimpanzee tracking and more all accessible from Queen Elizabeth National Park.

You will be able to stopover at the equator to perhaps watch the dances as well visit the Rubona Basket weaver association and the Kataara Womens Poverty alleviation group that has made the best use of the Elephant dung to make paper products, you will Crown your Day with a drive to Kyambura Gorge where you will have the best view of Queen Elizabeth National Park savannah which is a home over 95 mammal species and over 622 species of birds.

Morning guided Chimp tracking in Kalinzu forest – afternoon guided Crater drive to Lake Katwe & Katwe guided community walk

This morning, you will go for guided chimp tracking in Kalinzu Forest. Spend the Whole morning in the forest – Kalinzu Forest in Western Uganda is one of those special places that you will always want to explore while in Queen Elizabeth Park and this was always an off the beaten tourist path for most visitors who come to Uganda – you can easily spend a full or half day in Kalinzu Forest Reserve Hiking, nature walks, birding, chimpanzee tracking and more all accessible from Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Kalinzu Forest is home to over 414 species of trees, shrubs and in this forest, 379 species of birds which is an amazing treasure trove for birders. 378 Species of Birds call this their home including the Great Blue Turaco, Black and White Cascket, Cuckoos, and Sunbirds including the six species of Primates like the Blue Monkeys, Vervet Monkeys, Black and White Colobus Monkeys, and Chimpanzees. There are over 220 Chimpanzees and 70 plus of the total chimpanzees have been habituated and can be tracked here at Kalinzu Forest Reserve. That is not all, 262 Butterflies, 97 Moths, Reptiles and Flowers can all be seen here!

Don’t forget to carry your rain gear, packed lunch, plenty of water, gloves, hat, and water proof bag for protection of your camera in case of rain

Later enjoy an afternoon guided Crater drive to the Katwe salt lake via Nyamunuka and Munyanyange crater lakes which are famously known for Flamingoes that seasonally come from Nakuru and Natron purposely for breeding purposes. You will lead to Katwe salt Lake where you will see how salt is mined locally by the locals. Enjoy a guided Community walk around Katwe before heading back to the Lodge.

Game Drive – Afternoon Lion Tracking- Transfer to Bwindi

After your early morning breakfast, pack up your bags and drive through Ishasha plains for your final visit with the tree-climbing lions and other wildlife before heading out of the Queen Elizabeth National Park and on to Bwindi. The drive takes you through the Switzerland of Africa area known as the Kigezi Highlands with its terraced hillside and winding roads to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, arriving early for Lunch.

You will have an afternoon guided community walk around the Lodge which will sum up your day’s activity perfectly

Morning Guided Gorilla tracking

After an early breakfast depart to the starting point for briefing about your gorilla trekking adventure after which you will be led by experienced gorilla trackers on the slopes of the volcanoes. You will start from the site where the gorillas were encountered the day before and from here the gorilla tracking begins. Although the hike can be physically demanding, the anticipation of the exciting experience ahead is amazing, and the beauty of the gorilla forest and its inhabitants are fascinating. One of Africa’s major highlights is when you encounter these gentle apes. It is a humbling experience to stand just meters from man’s distant cousins as they eat rest, play and bond with their young ones. Follow the mountain gorillas as they range freely in the impenetrable forest, and discover their gorgeous natural habitual and the many species they share it with. You are allowed an hour with the gorillas before finally sloping down back to your lodge.

You may opt for Gorilla Habituation on supplement of $1500 per person – here you will be sure of meeting and spending enough time with the Gorillas.

Don’t forget to carry your rain gear, packed lunch, plenty of water, gloves, hat, and water proof bag for protection of your camera in case of rain

Canoe trekking at Lake Mutanda and Nature community walk

Canoe trekking at Lake Mutanda and Nature community walk. After breakfast you can do Canoe experience 40$, Nature and community walk 20$, Motorized boat ride around lake Mutanda 50$, Visit Mutanda Island 60$, Visit the Batwa community 20$ all these are Optional

Golden monkey trekking at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park-Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

After an early breakfast, you may depart to the starting point for a briefing about your Golden monkey Experience – after which you will be led to the forest ending your exercise at the Mgahinga platform for a viewing Experience.

Have lunch and drive to Lake Bunyonyi which has breathtaking scenery. Spend the night overlooking Uganda’s deepest lake, where you may try your hand at paddling at dugout canoe or eating fresh water crayfish

Relax at the Resort or enjoy an optional guided tour to the Islands on a speed Boat

Today you will relax the whole Day at the resort or you may speak to the manager about activities you wish to do at your expense.

Such as you may proceed with a site guide on the Speed Boat and visit 4-5 distant Islands on Lake Bunyonyi which includes the Banishment Island, and upside down island among others at an extra Fee.

You will return to have lunch and later you may still join a one-hour sunset cruise where you are encouraged to bring your cameras, snacks, and drinks as you encounter breathtaking sceneries at your expense. This will help you close up your Day Perfectly.

Swimming Pool

Feel free to use (at your own risk) the ecological swimming pool. Towels are provided by the pool attendant. Use of the pool is free for overnight guests.

Pool Table

At the side of the swimming pool, you will find our snooker pool table.

Canoe Trips

The Birdnest @ Bunyonyi canoes at the dock are at your disposal. The use of the canoes is free (at your own risk) for overnight guests. Ask the pool attendant to supply you with paddles and life jackets if needed.

Unguided use by day visitors: 10$ Two hour trip with guide: 20$

Motorboat Trips

The motorboat trip (at your own risk) takes you along the numerous islands of Lake Bunyonyi.

• hour lake exploration: 30$x

• hour lake exploration: 40$
  

  Canoe Trekking

   

  Different options are available. Please see the information bundle at the reception or in your room. Bookings can be made at the reception

   

  Nature/Community Walks

   

  Birdnest Resort is a good starting point for various walks ranging from stroll to extended hikes. You can ask reception for more information about directions or a guide to accompany you.

  Batwa Visit

   The Batwa are a local pygmy tribe living around Lake Bunyonyi. A visit to this tribe includes a boat ride crossing Lake Bunyonyi, a visit to the community, and a traditional dance performance. 50.000,- of the fee charged goes to the support of the Batwa community. The whole trip takes approximately 4 hours.

   

  Complete trip: 50$

   

  Visit the blacksmiths of Bukona

   

  A bodaboda (motorcycle taxi) will take you to the village of Bukona along a scenic route offering beautiful views over the lake and its many islands. In the village the blacksmiths practice their craft the traditional way, using charcoal and pumps. This visit offers a nice opportunity to obtain some unique souvenirs.

   

  Complete trip: 20$

Drive to Lake Mburo – Afternoon Boat Cruise or you may enjoy optional Afternoon Guided mountain bike game ride

After breakfast, at 08.00 hours you will travel to L. Mburo National Park, the smallest National Park of Uganda.

Though small, it has a lot to offer!! Centered on a series of swamp-fringed lakes its birdlife is very rich. The green acacia woodland harbors wildlife like Zebra, warthog, Eland, and Impala, not to mention the lake itself, which is home to schools of hippos and crocodiles! Furthermore, Uganda Wildlife Authority recently brought 15 giraffes from Murchison Falls to Lake Mburo.

You will arrive at the lodge in time for lunch. Later at 4:00 p.m. enjoy the boat ride on Lake Mburo and get quite close to the croc and hippos. As you return to your Lodge, you may have an evening game drive.

Depending on how you wish your day to close, You may enjoy an afternoon guided bike safari into the wilderness returning to the lodge for dinner at an extra fee of $30 per person

Game Drive-Transfer back to Entebbe

Enjoy Breakfast and another Game Drive with early Lunch at the Lodge, Later drive to Entebbe with a stopover at the Equator for a water experience; here you will too have an opportunity to stand in 2 hemispheres at the same time. Take some photos, then another stop over at the Mpigi Royal Drum Makers where you will be able to watch the ceremonial drums being crafted using methods passed down through the generations arriving in the afternoon

Ngamba Islands- Chimpanzee

Transfer to Lake Victoria for a half day trip to Ngamba Islands.After a pleasant boat ride, you will arrive at the Islands and you will be directed to the visitor’s centre to learn more about the chimpanzees. You will be able to view and photograph these

fascinating chimps in their natural environment. Transfer back to Entebbe for lunch then to the Airport back home.