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Embark on a safari adventure that leads you to Queen Elizabeth National Park, offering a unique perspective as you observe the park's picturesque landscapes from the elevated vantage point of a hot air balloon. Marvel at herds of buffalo, elephants, and other wildlife, while also taking in the beauty of Lake Katwe, renowned as one of the most stunning crater lakes globally.
Further exploration awaits you on land during an exciting game drive through the park. Concluding this memorable journey, you'll visit the Kyambura Gorge for a chimpanzee trek in the captivating "hanging rainforest."
Day 1: Arrival in Uganda
Day 2: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 3: Morning game drive, boat cruise along Kazinga Channel
Day 4: Chimpanzee in Kyambura& visit Katwe Crater Lake
Day 5: Drive to Kampala via Ishasha& departure
Itineraries
Day 1
Time : 4:00 am
Arrival in Uganda
Upon your arrival at Entebbe International Airport, situated on a peninsula extending into Lake Victoria, the largest freshwater lake in Africa, you will be greeted by a representative or a driver/guide from Noworks Tours and Travel. They will extend a warm welcome to the Pearl of Africa and transport you to Golden Tulip Hotel Kampala for an overnight stay.
Meal Plan: No meals included.
Day 2
Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Rise and shine at 6:00 am, kickstart your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel, and prepare for your transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park by 6:30 am. The scenic 7-hour drive will lead you through Uganda's lush central plains, meandering amidst tea plantations in or around Fort Portal town. As you descend into the rift valley, you'll be treated to the majestic sight of the Rwenzori Mountain ranges on your right and the rift valley on your left.
Upon arrival, check-in at Bush Lodge and savor a leisurely late lunch. Take some time to unwind at the lodge, and later in the day, embark on an evening game drive. Explore the northern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park along the Kasenyi track, seeking encounters with lions, hyenas, buffaloes, leopards, waterbucks, bushbucks, Uganda Kob, and an array of bird species including ibis, fish eagles, and vultures. Following the adventure, return to your lodge for a delectable dinner and a comfortable overnight stay.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
Morning game drive, boat cruise along Kazinga Channel
Begin your day at 6:00 am and be transported to the launch spot, where the enchanting beauty of Queen Elizabeth National Park unfolds before you. Witness herds of buffalo and elephants, capturing the essence of the park as the sun rises. Seize numerous photo opportunities showcasing the stunning scenery and abundant wildlife.
Take a break for breakfast in the bush immediately after the game drive. Following this, set out for a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway linking Lakes George and Edward. During the cruise, marvel at a plethora of wildlife, including elephants, crocodiles, hippos, buffaloes, and an array of birds such as eagles, kingfishers, and eaglets converging at the channel waters for a refreshing sip.
Later, you'll be driven back to your lodge for a delightful dinner and a restful overnight stay.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
Chimpanzee in Kyambura& visit Katwe Crater Lake
Following breakfast, your journey takes you to Kyambura Wildlife Reserve. As you traverse a grassland area, a sudden and breathtaking sight unfolds—a stunning gorge enveloped by a tropical rainforest. Embark on a hike into the depths of the Kyambura River gorge in pursuit of encounters with wild chimpanzees. After your trek through this captivating hanging forest, return to your lodge for a satisfying lunch.
In the afternoon or later in the evening, venture to the Katwe crater lake, where you'll meet Ugandans engaged in salt mining. Located just north of the impressive Mweya peninsula, this lake's saline levels are too high to support wildlife. Nevertheless, since the 16th century, it has been a lifeline for the Katwe residents, who toil under the equatorial sun, extracting salt from its milky waters. Enjoy the scenic drive to Katwe, keeping an eye out for wildlife such as buffaloes and elephants. Look for Lake Kitagata, fed by salty hot springs, offering spectacular views despite the absence of wildlife.
Upon reaching the salt mines, marvel at the intricate network of paths and huts constructed across the lake to support hundreds of workers. The salt extracted is sold to traders from Uganda, Congo, and Rwanda. This tour not only provides a unique insight into the challenging process of salt mining but also serves as an alternative source of income for the Katwe community. During the lake tour, observe community members at work and navigate the mud walkways.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Drive to Kampala via Ishasha& departure
Following breakfast, embark on a transfer to Kampala via the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, known as Ishasha, renowned for its tree-climbing lions. Keep a keen eye for additional wildlife sightings as you drive through the park. Upon reaching the Ishasha area, search for the famous tree-climbing lions, a unique and fascinating sight. On warmer days, you're likely to spot them perched atop the sycamore fig trees or dominating the acacia trees in this part of the park. The area boasts around four prides of lions, totaling over 40 individuals. Keep an eye out for the distinctive males with their black manes. Additionally, you'll encounter a significant elephant population, with over 1000 elephants in the area, along with plentiful Topi and Uganda Kob antelopes. Capture the beauty of the drive with numerous photo opportunities.
After exploring Ishasha, exit the park and travel via the Mbarara – Kabale road, arriving in Mbarara in time for lunch. As you approach Kampala, make a stop at the Equator Crossing, where the imaginary line dividing the earth into two halves passes. Take advantage of the opportunity for fun photo shoots and purchase souvenirs from your Ugandan safari. Finally, you'll be dropped off at Entebbe International Airport in time for your departure flight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
If you plan to spend an extra night in Kampala, please inform us, and we can assist in booking a hotel for your additional days.
- Accommodation in standard rooms as described above (or similar) according to the option chosen
- Transport and game-drives in non-air-conditioned 5 seater safari minivan or depending on your chosen option
- Game-drives, excursions and sight-seeing activities (if any) as described above
- Activities (if any) as outlined in detailed itinerary
- Transfers as indicated in the itinerary
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Services of an English speaking driver guide
- Relevant park entrance fees
- Bottled water whilst on safari (One-litre per person per day)
- Personal expenses such travel and medical insurance, excess baggage fee, communication charges that include, emails, faxes and phone calls beverages including water, soft drinks luxury champagne, spirits or meals not included in the itinerary
- Gratuity for Porter age / waiters at hotels, camps and airports
- Gratuity for your professional driver guide
- Cost of obtaining visas ($50)
- Any optional tours or excursions not mentioned in the itinerary
- Travel Insurance
- International or domestic airfare unless specified above
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