Experience an unforgettable adventure in Uganda, combining thrilling wildlife encounters, a walking safari in Murchison, cultural experiences, and primate trekking. Track gorillas in Bwindi, explore Queen Elizabeth National Park, and experience the excitement of whitewater rafting on the Birira River near Bwindi. Discover Uganda’s diverse landscapes, encounter iconic wildlife, and immerse yourself in the rich culture.
At Nandi Adventures, we believe in creating all-inclusive Ugandan safaris that maximize your experience and minimize your worries. We prioritize transparent pricing with no hidden costs. Our meticulously crafted itineraries include a variety of activities, attraction entrance fees, comfortable accommodations, reliable transportation, and the services of our expert guides. This ensures you can focus on what truly matters: making unforgettable memories in the Pearl of Africa.
Today you arrive in Uganda – famously known as the Pearl of Africa because of its great diversity and beauty. Your Ugandan safari starts here and now. Our representative and your private guide will receive you at the airport and then transfer you to your accommodation. Your guide for the trip will brief you of the days ahead and the adventure that awaits. Depending on your time of arrival in Entebbe, you may be able to go shopping for some essentials like torch batteries.
Depart early for Murchison Falls National Park. En route, make a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, a cornerstone of Uganda’s white rhinoceros reintroduction program. Here, embark on a unique guided rhino tracking experience on foot alongside experienced rangers. This intimate encounter allows you to learn about these magnificent creatures firsthand and gain a deeper understanding of crucial conservation efforts.
Continuing your journey, arrive at Murchison Falls in the late afternoon and settle into Nyamsika Camp, an exclusive private bush camp offering unmatched seclusion. As you sip a sundowner drink, the breathtaking sunset preludes your multi-day walking safari.
Situated at the northern tip of the Albertine Rift Valley, Murchison Falls National Park boasts the grandeur of the Bunyoro escarpment meeting expansive, palm-studded savannas. Originally designated as a game reserve in 1926, it holds the distinction of being Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area. Murchison Falls is a haven for biodiversity, featuring over 144 mammal species, 556 bird species, 51 reptiles, and 51 amphibians.
The park is intersected by the Nile, cascading 45m over the rift valley wall to form the spectacular Murchison Falls (also known as Kabalega Falls). Murchison Falls National Park has attracted notable visitors throughout history, including Idi Amin, Winston Churchill, Theodore Roosevelt, Ernest Hemingway, and various British royals.
Wake up to an early breakfast accompanied by the sounds of Murchison Falls National Park’s wilderness. Take on a morning safari walk towards Te Okot, lasting 2.5 to 3.5 hours. The terrain is mostly open and slightly hilly, with some gullies and Borassus Palms, which are a primary food source for elephants—one of Africa’s Big 5. There is a good chance of seeing herds of elephants and various antelopes, especially during the dry season.
A walking safari in Murchison Falls National Park offers a unique and immersive experience that allows you to connect with the park’s diverse ecosystems and wildlife in a more intimate way. Unlike game drives, walking safaris provide the opportunity to explore off-the-beaten-path trails, encounter wildlife at a closer distance, and appreciate the subtle details of the park’s flora and fauna.
As you traverse through the savanna, forests, and along the Nile River, you’ll have a greater chance of observing wildlife in their natural behavior, capturing stunning photographs, and gaining a deeper appreciation for the park’s beauty and biodiversity. At all times, you will be guided by an expert wildlife ranger who ensures your safety and enhances the experience with fascinating insights into the park’s biodiversity.
After an early breakfast, embark on a long morning walk to the River Nile, lasting 4 to 5 hours. Sandals are recommended for wading through shallow, warm water. The walk will take you along the Nyamsika riverbed that feeds into the Nile River, frequented by a variety of wildlife, including waterbuck, buffaloes, kobs, hartebeest, elephants, and occasionally hyenas. You’ll have the opportunity to observe numerous footprints along the way.
At the end of the walk, a boat will be waiting to take us on a 2-hour ride to the bottom of Murchison Falls and back. Enjoy a packed lunch on the boat. In the late afternoon, return to the camp for relaxation.
From Omukama (King) Kabalega of Bunyoro to Queen Elizabeth and the Barcelona Legends, Murchison Falls National Park has long been a magnet for the powerful and famous. Over the years, numerous celebrities have been drawn to its breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife. Some notable visitors include:
Kim Kardashian and Kanye West: The celebrity couple enjoyed a safari adventure in Murchison Falls National Park in 2019, exploring the park’s diverse ecosystems and encountering a variety of wildlife.
Winston Churchill: In 1907, the British Prime Minister visited Murchison Falls, hiking, boating, and cycling along the Nile. He was captivated by the park’s natural beauty and documented his experiences in his writings.
Theodore Roosevelt: The 26th President of the United States visited in 1909, embarking on a hunting safari that was one of the most expensive of its time.
Ernest Hemingway: The famous author visited in 1954, but his trip took a turn when his plane crashed near the falls. Fortunately, both he and his wife were rescued.
Humphrey Bogart: The actor starred in the 1951 film The African Queen, which was partly filmed in Murchison Falls National Park. The park’s stunning scenery served as a dramatic backdrop for the movie.
These are just a few examples of the celebrities who have been captivated by the wonders of Murchison Falls National Park. Its stunning landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and rich wildlife continue to attract visitors from around the world.
On your final day in Murchison Falls National Park, start with a stunning morning walk along the Nyamsika riverbed, ending in a scenic bush breakfast. Afterward, you’ll have the option to visit the top of Murchison Falls before departing the park.
The safari from Murchison Falls National Park to Kibale National Park in Uganda offers a transition from savanna landscapes to lush rainforests. Enjoy the amazing Albertine escarpment – the western Great Rift Valley of Africa, the landscapes, rolling hills of tea plantations, and Lake Albert. Pass through Masindi, a town known for its proximity to Budongo Forest and the Budongo Forest Reserve, famous for chimpanzee trekking.
Arrive in Fort Portal, a charming town situated at the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains. This town serves as a gateway to various national parks, including Kibale. You will continue to the Kibale National Park area where your accommodation is.
Tracking chimpanzees in Kibale National Park is a thrilling and immersive experience, offering you the chance to observe these intelligent and charismatic primates in their natural habitat. Kibale National Park is renowned for its high population of chimpanzees, making it one of the best places in Africa for chimpanzee tracking.
The day typically starts with a pre-trek briefing by experienced guides. Once the chimpanzee community is located, visitors are allowed a limited time (usually one hour) to observe and enjoy the experience. Guides provide information about the chimpanzees’ behavior, social structure, and the surrounding ecosystem. You may witness various behaviors, including feeding, grooming, playing, and even vocalizations. Chimpanzees share a close genetic relationship with humans, and observing them can be a fascinating and sometimes emotional experience.
Keep an eye out for other primates, such as the red colobus monkey and the rare L’Hoest’s monkey, and listen for the songs of some of the 370 bird species in the area.
Transfer to the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Your transfer will take you through the Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of the most visited in Uganda. The road trip from Kibale to Bwindi not only takes you to the home of the endangered mountain gorillas but also allows you to appreciate the diverse and scenic landscapes of western Uganda. It provides an opportunity to witness the beauty of Uganda’s diverse landscapes while heading to one of the most iconic destinations for gorilla trekking in the world.
Arriving in Bwindi is the beginning of an unforgettable adventure, providing you with the chance to connect with nature, witness incredible wildlife, and experience the magic of gorilla trekking in one of Africa’s most remarkable national parks. Enjoy a relaxing evening taking in the jungle noises as you prepare for the next day’s gorilla trekking adventure.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a breathtaking gem located in southwestern Uganda, renowned for its rich biodiversity and awe-inspiring landscapes. What makes this park truly special is its status as one of the oldest and most biologically diverse rainforests in Africa, dating back over 25,000 years. Its thick canopy and rugged terrain have earned it the name “Impenetrable,” offering an untamed wilderness experience for travelers seeking both adventure and tranquility.
Bwindi is best known as the home of more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, making it one of the few places on earth where you can trek through the dense forest to encounter these majestic creatures up close. This rare opportunity for gorilla trekking draws visitors from all over the world, offering a once-in-a-lifetime chance to observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
The park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its incredible biodiversity. In addition to gorillas, Bwindi is home to 120 mammal species, 350 bird species, and a variety of butterflies, reptiles, and plant life, many of which are endemic to the region. The park’s diverse ecosystems range from lowland rainforests to high-altitude cloud forests, providing a sanctuary for rare species and unique flora.
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is an extraordinary and unique experience that elicits a range of emotions, creating lasting memories for those fortunate enough to embark on this adventure. The journey begins with a sense of anticipation and excitement as you prepare to enter the dense and mystical forest that is Bwindi.
As you start the trek, guided by experienced trackers, the anticipation builds with each step. The moment arrives when the guides signal a silent pause, and you catch the first glimpse of a gorilla family. The feeling of awe and wonder is palpable as you witness these magnificent creatures in their natural surroundings.
For the hour you spend observing them, a sense of intimacy develops. The intricate social dynamics, the expressions on their faces, and the playful interactions among family members forge a magical connection. It’s not uncommon for participants to be moved to tears by the profound connection established during the encounter.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is more than just a safari destination—it is a sanctuary for rare wildlife, a haven for biodiversity, and a place where nature and culture meet.
Today we bring you a new experience – rafting through the jungles and rivers of the Bwindi region. Rafting has been mostly on the Nile but this thrilling experience takes you through the lush green forests between Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth National Park. Our guides are certified professionals with years of experience on the Nile and around the world. At least 2 safety kayakers or more to accompany rafters.
Rafting in Bwindi on the Birira River is an exhilarating experience for adventure seekers visiting Uganda. The river, known for its scenic landscapes and thrilling rapids, offers an exciting contrast to the calm, lush surroundings of Bwindi.
This Bwindi rafting adventure is a new experience, and it provides a perfect mix of adrenaline and breathtaking views, as you navigate through the heart of Uganda’s rainforest. Suitable for both beginners and seasoned rafters, this activity adds an adventurous twist to a safari that’s often focused on gorilla trekking and wildlife.
After yesterday’s rafting experience, today you transfer by road to the Lake Mburo National Park area. The road transfer takes you through a variety of terrains and landscapes, offering a visual feast of Uganda’s geographical diversity. You may traverse winding mountain roads, pass through lush greenery, and experience the changing scenery as you descend from the highlands.
En route, you are likely to pass through or near local communities and villages, providing glimpses of everyday life in rural Uganda. Look out for the graceful longhorn Ankole cattle. The Ankole cattle are a distinctive breed of cattle indigenous to Uganda and the East African region. Many communities in areas surrounding Lake Mburo National Park keep them as has been the tradition for hundreds of years. You have the option to take a community excursion to see how the locals keep and look after their beloved cattle. Or you could simply take a rest after days of adventure.
About Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park is a small but beautiful park located conveniently near the highway connecting Kampala to western Uganda. It’s the smallest of Uganda’s savannah parks and sits on ancient rocks that are over 500 million years old. The park is home to 350 bird species and various animals such as zebras, impalas, elands, buffalos, leopards, hippos, hyenas, and more.
It is your last day. Crown it with a safari walk in Lake Mburo National Park. The walk offers a unique and immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore the park’s diverse ecosystems on foot. Visitors are accompanied by experienced and knowledgeable wildlife rangers who are familiar with the park’s flora, fauna, and terrain.
Walking safaris offer the opportunity for close encounters with wildlife. While larger predators are not common in Lake Mburo National Park, the walk may bring sightings of various herbivores, birds, and smaller mammals. The park is home to a variety of bird species, and a safari walk allows birdwatchers to spot and identify different birds in their natural habitat. The guided nature walk provides an educational experience, with guides sharing information about the park’s biodiversity, ecosystems, and conservation efforts.
Visit the Equator Line:
Before heading to Entebbe, make a stop at the equator line, a unique geographical landmark dividing the northern and southern hemispheres. Take a photo and experience the fascinating phenomenon of water swirling down different drains on either side of the line.
