Discover the heart of Uganda with Facile Safaris on an 8-day journey through the “Pearl of Africa,” showcasing the country’s most iconic destinations—Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Lake Bunyonyi. This tour blends thrilling wildlife safaris, breathtaking waterfall views, and serene lakeside retreats, offering game drives to spot the Big Five, boat trips along the Nile and Kazinga Channel, and cultural encounters with local communities. With expert guides, comfortable mid-range lodges, and seamless transfers, Uganda safari tours by Facile Safaris deliver an unforgettable adventure, immersing you in Uganda’s natural beauty and vibrant heritage.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Lakeside Welcome
Your journey begins as you arrive at Entebbe International Airport, where a Facile Safaris guide greets you and transfers you to the welcoming Lake Victoria Hotel, nestled by Lake Victoria’s shores. After settling in, enjoy a guided afternoon walk through the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, spotting colorful birds like the black-and-white casqued hornbill and vervet monkeys, with your guide sharing insights into Uganda’s biodiversity. Savor a relaxed dinner featuring local dishes like matoke, soaking in the lake’s tranquil ambiance as you prepare for the adventure ahead.
Day 2: Entebbe to Murchison Falls – Nile River Adventure
After breakfast, travel by private vehicle to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest reserve, known for its powerful waterfall and abundant wildlife. Stop en route at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided walking tour, spotting white rhinos and birds like the Abyssinian ground hornbill. Check into the comfortable Paraa Safari Lodge, overlooking the Nile River. In the afternoon, join a boat safari to the base of Murchison Falls, where the Nile crashes through a narrow gorge, offering sightings of hippos, crocodiles, and African fish eagles. Enjoy a riverside dinner, with the falls’ roar creating a dramatic backdrop.
Day 3: Murchison Falls – Safari and Waterfall Hike
Rise early for a morning game drive across Murchison’s savanna, seeking lions, elephants, giraffes, and birds like the secretary bird, with your expert guide ensuring prime sightings. After a bush breakfast, take a guided hike to the top of Murchison Falls, marveling at the Nile’s thunderous plunge and spotting rock pratincoles along the way. Return to Paraa Safari Lodge for lunch, followed by a relaxed afternoon at the lodge’s pool or a short birding walk along the river, seeking red-throated bee-eaters. Savor a cozy dinner, sharing stories of the day’s wildlife encounters.
Day 4: Murchison Falls to Queen Elizabeth – Scenic Journey
Travel south to Queen Elizabeth National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve renowned for its diverse ecosystems and over 600 bird species. The scenic drive through Uganda’s lush landscapes includes a stop at a local market to see colorful crafts. Check into the Marafiki Safari Lodge, offering comfortable rooms with savanna views. In the afternoon, join a game drive in the Kasenyi Plains, spotting antelopes, buffalo, and birds like the black-bellied bustard, with your guide sharing insights into the park’s wildlife. Enjoy a sunset dinner at the lodge, overlooking the vast plains.
Day 5: Queen Elizabeth – Kazinga Channel and Big Five
Start the day with a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a highlight for wildlife lovers, where you’ll see hippos, elephants, and birds like the pied kingfisher up close. Your guide provides binoculars to enhance sightings of African skimmers and crocodiles. After a picnic lunch, explore the park’s Ishasha sector on a game drive, famous for tree-climbing lions and birds like the palm-nut vulture. Return to Marafiki Safari Lodge for a relaxing evening, with a delicious dinner featuring Ugandan specialties like roasted goat, reflecting on the day’s adventures.
Day 6: Queen Elizabeth to Lake Bunyonyi – Lakeside Retreat
Journey to Lake Bunyonyi, one of Africa’s most beautiful lakes, dotted with 29 islands and framed by terraced hills. Check into the cozy BirdNest Resort, offering comfortable cabins with lake views. Spend the afternoon on a guided canoe ride, exploring the lake’s islands and spotting birds like the grey-crowned crane, with your guide sharing local legends. Relax with a swim in the lake’s clear waters or a leisurely walk along the shore. Enjoy a lakeside dinner, savoring fresh tilapia and plantains under a starry sky, perfect for a tranquil evening.
Day 7: Lake Bunyonyi – Nature and Culture
Wake to the serene beauty of Lake Bunyonyi and enjoy breakfast overlooking the water. Join a guided nature trail along the lake’s shores, spotting African harrier-hawks and enjoying the peaceful scenery, with easy paths suitable for all. In the afternoon, visit a nearby Bakiga community for a cultural experience, learning to make traditional crafts or joining a dance workshop, connecting with local traditions. Return to BirdNest Resort for a relaxing afternoon, perhaps reading by the lake. Savor a final dinner, featuring a barbecue and live music, celebrating Uganda’s charm.
Day 8: Lake Bunyonyi to Entebbe – Farewell to Uganda
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at BirdNest Resort, soaking in Lake Bunyonyi’s tranquil views. Travel back to Entebbe, stopping at a community craft market to see local beadwork and carvings. Arrive in Entebbe for a farewell lunch at a lakeside restaurant, reflecting on your journey through Uganda’s highlights. A Facile Safaris representative transfers you to Entebbe International Airport, leaving you with memories of Murchison Falls’ power, Queen Elizabeth’s wildlife, and Lake Bunyonyi’s serenity, courtesy of Facile Safaris Uganda.
Estimated Price for 2 People Sharing
The estimated cost for this 8-day highlights tour with Facile Safaris is $4,800 for two people sharing, based on double occupancy. This includes mid-range accommodations (Lake Victoria Hotel, Paraa Safari Lodge, Marafiki Safari Lodge, BirdNest Resort), daily breakfast, select lunches and dinners, all ground transfers, park fees, guided safaris, boat trips, and cultural activities with expert guides. Prices exclude international flights, additional meals, personal expenses, and optional activities. Rates are subject to availability and may vary by season; contact Facile Safaris for a tailored quote.
