18 Days Pearl of Africa Safari Experience

Arrival at Entebbe Airport and Relaxation

Your 18 Days Pearl of Africa Safari Experience journey begins with a warm welcome at Entebbe International Airport by a professional Otter African Safaris representative. After a brief introduction and safari orientation, you will be transferred to your comfortable accommodation at Lake Victoria Hotel, conveniently located in Entebbe. Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to unwind by the hotel’s lush gardens, enjoy a swim, or take a gentle evening walk along the nearby shores of Lake Victoria.

This first day is intentionally light to allow you to recover from international travel and acclimatize to Uganda’s serene environment. The blend of tropical breezes, vibrant birdlife, and lush greenery creates a peaceful setting before the excitement of the safari begins. For those arriving earlier in the day, optional activities such as visiting the Entebbe Botanical Gardens or the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre can be arranged.

Overnight stay is at Lake Victoria Hotel, offering luxury and comfort with an authentic Ugandan touch.

• Accommodation: Lake Victoria Hotel
• Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast

Day 2: Shoebill Tracking at Mabamba Swamp and Drive to Jinja City

After an early breakfast, embark on your first 18 Days Pearl of Africa Safari Experience adventure: shoebill tracking at Mabamba Swamp. This wetland on the northern shores of Lake Victoria is one of the best places in Africa to spot the elusive shoebill stork. Boarding a traditional canoe, you will glide silently through papyrus channels as expert guides help you track this rare bird. Alongside the shoebill, Mabamba hosts a wide variety of water birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.

After this rewarding birding experience, the journey continues eastwards towards Jinja City, known as the adventure capital of East Africa. The drive passes through lush countryside, sugarcane plantations, and bustling roadside markets, offering a glimpse into Uganda’s vibrant daily life. Upon arrival in Jinja, check into Lake Victoria Hotel Jinja, where you can relax and prepare for tomorrow’s thrilling activities.

• Accommodation: Lake Victoria Hotel Jinja
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinking Water

Road Transfer to Sipi Falls and Hike

After breakfast, depart Jinja and drive eastwards towards the foothills of Mount Elgon, where the spectacular Sipi Falls await. The journey passes through Kapchorwa’s rolling hills, offering sweeping views of the surrounding plains. On arrival, you will embark on a guided hike to the top of Sipi Falls, a series of three stunning waterfalls cascading down basalt cliffs.

The hike combines adventure with scenic beauty, taking you through coffee plantations, local villages, and caves hidden behind waterfalls. At the summit, enjoy breathtaking views of the Karamoja plains stretching into the distance. The Sipi Falls hike is not only physically rewarding but also culturally enriching, as local guides share stories of the region’s traditions. Overnight at Raffiki Safari Lodge, offering comfort with magnificent views of the falls.

• Accommodation: Raffiki Safari Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinking Water

White Water Rafting and Source of the Nile Boat Cruise

Today is a day of adrenaline and discovery. After breakfast, head to the Nile River for a full-day white-water rafting experience at Ntanda Falls. Guided by professional instructors, you will navigate the thundering rapids of the world’s longest river. Whether you choose the adventurous Grade 5 rafting or a gentler option, this activity is both exhilarating and unforgettable. Safety is paramount, and all necessary equipment is provided.

In the afternoon, transition from adventure to relaxation with a boat cruise at the Source of the Nile. This calm ride takes you to the exact point where the Nile River begins its epic journey northwards, flowing through eleven countries before emptying into the Mediterranean Sea. The cruise is scenic, with abundant birdlife and lush riverbanks. By evening, return to Lake Victoria Hotel Jinja for a relaxing dinner.

• Accommodation: Lake Victoria Hotel Jinja
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinking Water

Transfer to Moroto for a Karamojong Cultural Experience

Leave the Sipi region and drive northwards to Moroto, the heartland of the Karamojong people. This cultural encounter offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in one of Uganda’s most traditional communities. Upon arrival, you will engage with the Karamojong through music, dance, and storytelling, gaining deep insights into their pastoral lifestyle, cattle traditions, and resilience in the semi-arid environment.

Visiting a manyatta (traditional homestead) allows travelers to understand the architecture, social structures, and beliefs of this proud community. The Karamojong are known for their vibrant cultural identity, and spending time here provides meaningful human connections beyond wildlife safaris. Overnight at Mount Moroto Hotel, offering a blend of comfort and cultural immersion.

• Accommodation: Mount Moroto Hotel
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinking Water

Transfer to Kidepo Valley National Park and Evening Game Drive

After breakfast, set out on a scenic road trip through rugged landscapes towards Kidepo Valley National Park, Uganda’s most remote and pristine wildlife reserve. On arrival, you’ll embark on an evening game drive, where you can spot elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, and possibly big cats roaming the savannah.

The park is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, featuring open plains framed by mountain ranges. The remoteness of Kidepo makes it feel like stepping back in time to an untouched wilderness. Dinner and overnight at Kidepo Savannah Safari Lodge, a comfortable lodge with stunning views of the Narus Valley.

• Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah Safari Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinking Water

Adventure in Kidepo Valley National Park

Today is dedicated to exploring the vast wilderness of Kidepo Valley National Park. Begin with a morning game drive in the Narus Valley, where large herds of buffalo and elephants congregate. This area is also prime territory for lions, cheetahs, and leopards. With over 475 bird species, Kidepo is also a birdwatcher’s paradise.

In the afternoon, you’ll venture towards the Kidepo Valley, where the dry riverbed of the Kidepo River creates a dramatic landscape dotted with ostriches and kudu. This less-visited area of the park offers tranquility and breathtaking scenery. Photography enthusiasts will find countless opportunities for capturing iconic African wilderness images. Return to Kidepo Savannah Safari Lodge for an evening under the starlit sky.

• Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah Safari Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinking Water

Transfer to Murchison Falls and Afternoon Game Drive

After breakfast, depart Kidepo for Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest protected area. The long but rewarding drive offers glimpses of rural Uganda, bustling trading centers, and scenic landscapes. Upon arrival, embark on an afternoon game drive through the park’s northern plains. Expect sightings of elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and antelopes. If lucky, you may spot a lion pride preparing for the evening hunt.

Dinner and overnight at Pakuba Safari Lodge, overlooking the mighty Nile.

• Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinking Water

Adventure in Murchison Falls National Park

This full day is dedicated to exploring the wonders of Murchison Falls National Park. Begin with an early game drive across rolling savannahs where elephants, Jackson’s hartebeest, and lions roam. The park’s diversity ensures every drive is unique.

In the afternoon, embark on a boat cruise along the Nile River to the base of Murchison Falls. Along the way, crocodiles bask on sandbanks, hippos wallow in pods, and elephants graze along the riverbanks. The cruise ends with dramatic views of the falls, where the Nile squeezes through a narrow gorge before plunging down with immense power. This is one of Africa’s most iconic natural spectacles. Return to Pakuba Safari Lodge for overnight.

• Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinking Water

Transfer to Kibale Forest and Bigodi Swamp Walk

After breakfast, journey southwest towards Kibale Forest National Park, passing through picturesque countryside and tea plantations. Upon arrival, take part in the Bigodi Swamp Walk, a community-managed ecotourism project. This wetland sanctuary is home to monkeys, butterflies, and over 200 bird species, including the great blue turaco. The walk also provides opportunities to interact with local villagers and learn about their conservation efforts.

Overnight stay at Turaco Treetops Lodge, set in a lush forest environment.

• Accommodation: Turaco Treetops Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinking Water

Chimpanzee Tracking and Queen Elizabeth Safari

Early morning, set off for chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest. Accompanied by expert rangers, you’ll venture into the dense rainforest to locate one of the habituated chimpanzee groups. Watching these intelligent primates feed, groom, and interact is both fascinating and moving.

After the trek, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park for an afternoon game drive in the Kasenyi sector. This area is known for lions, elephants, and vast herds of Uganda kob. Overnight at Elephant Hub Safari Lodge, offering excellent views of the park.

• Accommodation: Elephant Hub Safari Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinking Water

Full Adventure in Queen Elizabeth National Park

This day is dedicated to exploring the variety of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Begin with a morning game drive, where you may spot leopards, buffaloes, hyenas, and more. Later, take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, famous for its high concentration of hippos and birdlife.

In the afternoon, enjoy a guided nature walk, giving you a closer look at the park’s smaller creatures and plants. Photography opportunities are endless, with breath-taking backdrops of crater lakes and savannah plains. Overnight at Elephant Hub Safari Lodge.

• Accommodation: Elephant Hub Safari Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinking Water

Game Drive and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

After breakfast, embark on a game drive through the Ishasha sector, renowned for its tree-climbing lions. Watching these unique predators lounging on fig tree branches is an unforgettable sight. Continue southwards to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to nearly half of the world’s mountain gorillas. Overnight at Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, offering comfort and scenic forest views.

• Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinking Water

Gorilla Trekking and Batwa Cultural Experience

This is the highlight of your 18 Days Pearl of Africa Safari Experience —mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi. After a briefing, join a group led by rangers into the dense rainforest to locate one of the habituated gorilla families. The trek may take 2–6 hours depending on their location, but the reward is immense: one full hour observing gorillas in their natural habitat.

In the afternoon, participate in a Batwa cultural experience. The Batwa, indigenous forest dwellers, share their heritage through music, dance, and storytelling. This interaction provides meaningful cultural context alongside the wildlife experience. Overnight at Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge.

• Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinking Water

Relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi

After the exhilarating gorilla trek, today is devoted to relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi, a breathtaking lake dotted with 29 islands. Activities include a boat cruise, guided nature walks, swimming, and photography. The peaceful environment and scenic highlands make Lake Bunyonyi an ideal retreat for reflecting on your 18 Days Pearl of Africa Safari Experience journey so far. Overnight at Arcadia Bunyonyi Lodge, offering spectacular lakeside views.

• Accommodation: Arcadia Bunyonyi
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinking Water

Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park

Depart Lake Bunyonyi and travel to Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda’s smallest savannah park. Upon arrival, enjoy a game drive to spot zebras, impalas, topis, and buffaloes. Later, participate in an Ankole cultural experience, meeting traditional cattle keepers and learning about their long-horned cattle. Overnight at Rwakobo Rock Lodge, perched on a scenic outcrop.

• Accommodation: Rwakobo Rock Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinking Water

Adventure in Lake Mburo National Park

Start the day with your choice of activities in Lake Mburo. Options include a morning game drive, a nature walk, or even a horseback safari through the park. Each offers unique wildlife encounters at close range. In the afternoon, continue your Ankole cultural experience, diving deeper into the traditions of Uganda’s pastoralists. Overnight at Rwakobo Rock Lodge.

• Accommodation: Rwakobo Rock Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinking Water

Return to Entebbe and Departure

On the final day, depart Lake Mburo and head back to Entebbe. Along the way, stop at the Uganda Equator Crossing Line, where you can take photos and purchase souvenirs. Continue to Entebbe International Airport for your departure, marking the end of your 18 Days Pearl of Africa Safari Experience with Otter African Safaris.

• Accommodation: None
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Drinking Water