UGAND’S BEST CULTURAL AND WILDLIFE TOUR (27 DAYS)

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN UGANDA

Arrival at Entebbe international airport for your Uganda best cultural tour. You will be welcomed by professional driver guide, have a short briefing about Uganda and the tour and then transfer you to your lodge in Kampala. If time allows depending on the time of arrival,you could first visit Kigungu fishing landing site; a historical site where the first Catholic missionaries in Uganda first landed. Overnight at Fairway hotel

DAY 2: VISIT KASUBI AND WAMALA TOMBS AND UGANDA MUSEUM

Morning after breakfast, you will visit the Uganda museum located on kiira road. Constructed in 1954, the museum displays a wide range of items from pre colonial artifacts, collection of traditional musical instruments and ethnographic gallery that displays exhibits on Ugandan life styles. From here you will visit important Buganda cultural where you will learn more about the history and culture of Baganda people. The tour will take us to Kasubi tombs the burial site of the last three Buganda kings and to wamala tombs the burial site of another former king of Buganda Suuna the second. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay

DAY 3: VISIT BULANGE MENGO THE KING’S PALACE

Morning after breakfast head for bulenge mengo palace, the headquarters of Buganda’s kingdom. Visit the kingdom’s Parliament, the king’s palace, Idi Amin torture chamber where thousands of people lost their lives during president Idi Amin regime and the Kabaka’s lake; a man made lake dug by the king’s servants in 1890s to with the intention of linking the palace to lake victorious. Though this was never achieved but substantial work was done and it gave us what we have today as the kabaka’s lake (King’s lake). From here we shall tour old Kampala gland mosque (Ghadafi mosque). A hike to top of its tower gives a great view if the whole of Kampala, we shall end with the visit of Bahai temple at kyikaya hill where you learn about the Baha’i religion. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight.

DAY 4: THE UGANDA MARTYRS TRAIL

Morning after breakfast, you head for the martyrs trail. The Uganda martyrs were servants in the king’s palace who had embraced a new religion of Christianity. Soon their new acquired religion came into conflict with the traditional Africa religion. The king being a traditionalists asked his subject to abandon their new found faith. But the new converts were not ready to abandon their new found faith. This was seen as disloyalty to the king punishable by death. Consequently they were all summoned to the palace court and sentenced to death. In this tour we shall visit munyonyo martyrs shrine, st. Ponsiano monument, Rubaga cathedral, Namirembe cathedral, St. Matia Mulumba church old Kampala, St. Balikuddembe market, st. Gonzaga Giza monument, and we shall end with the namugongo execution site. Here we shall visit both the Catholic and Protestant site and also tour the martyrs museum. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

DAY 5: A VISIT TO NDERE CENTER

Morning after breakfast, proceed to ndere center. Participate I different cultural activities such as cooking traditional foods (luwombo), taking part in traditional music and dance, dress in traditional attire (back cloth) and much more. In the evening enjoy exciting entertainment from ndere troop, see how amazing dancers wiggle their bodies to the cultural beats of the traditional instruments. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight

DAY 6: VISIT JINJA THE SOURCE OF THE NILE

After breakfast,take a .morning drive to the eastern part of the country, branch off to Ssezibwa falls which is said to have been a favourite resting place for kings of Buganda; Mwanga and Mutesa all both of whom planted trees there that still flourish to date. The place is know its spectacular waterfall and for a local spirit medium called Ssezibwa. The waterfall from R. Ssezibwa subsides into two small rivers that are local legendary believe to have been born twins by a lady called Nakangu ,its no wonder they are commonly known as twins. The river smartly split into two small rivers, one heading northeast to lake Kyoga and the others northwest to the Nile. You will proceed to mabira forest reserve which extends more than 300 sqkm. The forest is primarily composed of most semi deciduous forest in which more than 200 tree species have been identified. You will a short nature walk in the forest learning about its economic, cultural and ecological importance of mabira to the surrounding communities. Continue to the mighty Nile, take a short boat ride to the point where the Nile separates from lake Victoria; the source of the Nile, as it heads to the Mediterranean sea. On return, enjoy the cultural dance entertainment at the source of the Nile parking yard.

DAY 7: VISIT TO THE KYABAZINGA PALACE

After breakfast, you will visit the kyabazinga palace Learn about the history and culture of the basoga people and afternoon proceed to mbale for dinner and overnight. Mbale resort hotel

DAY 8: VISIT NYERO ROCK PAINTINGS

After breakfast the and learn about Nyero rock paintings in kumi which is an archeology site with evidences of pre history human civilization. After, you will return to mbale and if its an even year,enjoy the Gishu circumcision ceremony and the kadodi dance. Dinner and overnight at your lodge

DAY 9: VISIT THE UGANDAN JEWS

After breakfast, visit and learn about the fascinating story of the ugandan jews (Abayudaya in the local language). These are not the real Jews by race but Ugandans who follow of discipline of the Jews culture and religion. Their story started with Semei Kakungulu, a muganda imperialist and a prominent and military political in the Ugandan history. In 1890s he helped the British to conquer the eastern region of bukedi and extended the British rule in that region with an understanding that he would be made king for that region. However Kakungulu became disillusioned with the British when they refused to install him as king of the territory he had conquered. In protest Kakungulu decided to away with anything British included their religion (Anglican) and started his own religion called Malaki Christianity which incorporates Jewish rites into their religious practices. After the visit you will return back to your hotel for dinner and overnightDAY 10: VISIT SIPI FALLSAfter breakfast proceed to sipi falls which is a stunner and arguably the most beautiful waterfall in Uganda. The falls are 55km north of mbale in the foothills of mt. Elgon close to the town of kapchorwa. Not only are the falls spectacular so too are the views of my Elgon above them and the wide plains if the eastern and northern Uganda disappearing into the distance below. There are three levels of the falls, but the two upper levels are fairly small compared with the main drop. It is well worth spending a night or two in this peaceful and appealing place. There are some excellent walks on a network of well maintained local trails and beautiful scenery in every direction. Dinner and overnight at Kapkwai Forest Cottages

DAY 11: TRANSFER TO MOROTO TOWN IN KARAMOJA

Moroto town is located near the gentle slopes of mt. Moroto in karamoja region. Check in and overnight at Karamoja Safari Camp

DAY 12: HIKE MT. MOROTO AND VISIT THE TEPETH TRIBE

Early morning after breakfast, you will leave for the scenic hike on mount moroto,the highest mountain in karamoja. During the hike,you will also visit the tepeth mountain people and get the insight into their culture and every day lives

DAY 13: VISIT KARAMAJONG MANYATTA AND DRIVE TO KIDEPO VALLEY NATIONAL PARK

In the morning, you will visit the traditional karamajong homesteads (manyatta). A manyatta is a village made up of several huts which are surrounded by a fence made of wooden branches and thorns. These are put up to keep the cattle in and to protect them from thieving rival tribes and wild animals. Visiting manyatta will give you an interesting insight into the customs and traditions if the karamajong. After this visit,you will head further north to the most remote and pristine national park in the country, kidepo valley national park. Along the way you will enjoy some of the most interesting sceneries. On arrival in the park you will go for evening game drive in the narus valley. Dinner and overnight Kidepo Savana Lodge

DAY 14: GAME DRIVE AND VISIT KARAMAJONG VILLAGE

You will for the early morning game drive in search of animals like elephants, kobs, elands, zebras, giraffes, lions and many entelopes. If lucky you also see the cheetah and ostriches. Return to the lodge for lunch break. Afternoon visit karamajong village to learn more about their culture and for some traditional dance entertainment

DAY 15: TRANSFER TO MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK

In the morning you will transfer to Murchison falls national park through Kitgum Gulu road. Check in your lodge for dinner and overnight. Pakuba lodge

DAY 16: GAME DRIVE AND BOAT CRUISE

In the morning you will go for an early game drive in search of animals like giraffes, elephants, buffaloes, kobs, lions,hyenas, leopard etc. In the afternoon you will go for the boat ride on the Nile up to the bottom of the fall. On return, you will go back to your lodge

DAY 17: GAME DRIVE AND TRANSFER TO HOIMA

You will have a second game drive in search of the animals you could have missed in the first drive. After the game drive, you will proceed to hoima. You will have a stop over at mparo tombs situated 4km out of hoima town along the masindi hoima road. This is where king kabalega famous for resisting the colonial rule is buried,you will also visit katasiha fort, and the king’s palace

DAY 18: TRANSFER TO FORTPOTAL AND VISIT TORO KINGDOM

Morning after breakfast, you will transfer to Fortpotal town reaching there in time for lunch, after lunch,you will visit the traditional kingdom of Toro. You will visit the King’s palace and and then visit karambi tombs a burial ground for the kings Toro. Proceed to the lodge for dinner and overnight at Chimpanzee guest house.

DAY 19: CHIMPANZEE TREKKING/HABITUATION

In the morning you will go to kibale forest national park headquarters for briefing and chimpanzee trekking/habituation. In the afternoon you will go for the evening swamp walk. Return back to the lodge

DAY 20: TRANSFER TO QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK

Transfer to Queen Elizabeth national park. Have a game drive in the afternoon in search of animals like lions,jobs,water backs, leopards, buffaloes, elephants etc. Overnight Enganzi lodge

DAY 21: GAME DRIVE AND BOAT CRUISE

You will go for the second game drive in search of animals you could have missed in the first game drive. Afternoon you will go for the boat cruise on the kazinga channel where you van see crocodiles, hippos, elephants, buffaloes. Return to the lodge

DAY 22: TRANSFER TO ISHASHA

Morning transfer to Ishasha the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park. On arrival you will proceed for the game drive in search of tree climbing lions and other animals like elephants, buffaloes, kobs, topis and much more. Have a lunch break and try a gain in the evening in case you missed in the morning. Overnight Enjojo lodge.

DAY 23: GAME DRIVE AND TRANSFER TO BWINDI

You will have an early morning game drive in search of hyenas, and lions. After, proceed to bwindi impenetrable national park. Bwindi is a magnificent verdant swathe across the steep ridges of the Albertine rift valley. This ancient rain fairest forest; one if the few in Africa to have flourished through out the last ice age is home to half of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas. Bwindi’s broader biodiversity includes 11 primate species, forest elephants, forest antelopes and different species of trees and plants. The altitude span from 1160 – 2607m above see level. Overnight at engaging lodge, Bakiga lodge, Rushaga gorilla camp

DAY 24: GORILLA TREKKING

It is a very captivating activity, it involves walking in the wilderness in search of these great apes. It can be a challenging activity, therefore ensure physical fitness. Tracking gorillas involves walking between 3 – 5 hours tracking these apes in their grazing range. However, sometimes it can be longer depending on how long these animals are feeding from. Encountering these apes can be a breathtaking experience. Looking deep into the expressive brown eyes of these gentle giants is surely the most thrilling. After tracking return back to the lodge for relaxation. In the evening you can go for the Batwa village walk or get entertained by batwa traditional dance. Dinner and overnight at your lodge

DAY 25: TRANSFER TO LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK

Morning after breakfast, you will transfer to lake mburo national park arriving in the afternoon. As you enter the park look out for Ankole long horned cows. This is a local breed of cows indigenous to this area famous for the long huge horns. Proceed to lake mburo for the afternoon boat ride. Although not much wildlife can be seen on this boat like the Murchison and kazinga boats, its still worth it to give it a go as you can see big schools of hippos, crocodiles and many species of birds. Drive to the lodge as you look out for animals like topis, elands, impalas buffaloes, giraffes, zebras and much more overnight at Rwakobo rock, Mihingo lodge, Eagle’s nest

DAY 26: GAME WALK AND A VILLAGE WALK

Early morning, you will go for game walk with a ranger. This activity is done only in lake mburo national park since its free of man eaters like lions. This activity gives us a close encounter with animals than you get while in the car. After the walk,you will have a late breakfast, have time to relax and enjoy the ambience of the lodge or go for swimming in the swimming pool. Late afternoon, you will go for the village walk to learn about the history and cultures of the Banyankole people and also participate in the milking. Return back to the lodge for dinner and overnight

DAY 27: TRANSFER BACK TO ENTEBBE AIRPORT

Morning after breakfast, go for a game drive and later transfer to the airport with the stopover at the equator for the pictures. Continue to the airport for your flightEND