Big Cat Adventure

A nice leisurely start before heading west through farms and tea plantations to the volcanic highlands of the south west. You will arrive at your accommodation in the late afternoon in time for an evening game drive in the Ishasha sector of the park on the look out for it’s famous tree climbing lions and healthy population of hyena. Whichever option you take you will enjoy your dinner in the peaceful surroundings of Ishasha.

An early start to see what the main area of Queen Elizabeth has to offer which includes lion, leopard, elephant, hippos, Uganda kob, buffalo and more. We will take lunch in the park and cruise the Kazinga channel in the afternoon enjoying the wildlife on it’s banks and the hippos and crocodiles within. We will return to the lodge for dinner.

A long drive through some lovely scenery, starting with the Rwenzori mountains in the distance, through Fort Portal for lunch then through farmland, sugar cane estates and forest to Masindi (mid-range and luxury options) or Boomu womens group (budget option) for the night.

After breakfast we will take a short walk around one of the villages on the border of Murchison Falls NP. This will give you the opportunity to see how local people live and to chat with them about the challenges they face living in such close proximity to wild animals. Proceeds from this activity go directly to the local community group providing them with livelihood support from tourism thus encouraging local conservation efforts. In the late morning we head into the park through the ancient Budongo Forest before stopping at the top of Murchison Falls. Here we will take a packed lunch as the earth shakes to to the thunder of the falls before walking for around one hour down the nature trail beside the falls. Once at the bottom we will be met by a private launch from which you will see the falls from close to their bottom and then head downstream through the unspoilt park at a leisurely pace observing the wildlife on the banks of the mighty Nile. The river launch will drop you at your accommodation for the night.

An early breakfast followed by a game drive. We cross the Nile at Paraa (place of Hippos) before driving into the delta area where the Victoria Nile briefly enters Lake Albert before turning northwards into the Albert Nile. The huge variety of landscapes within Murchison Falls NP gives rise to a similar variety of animals including leopard, lion, kob, hartebeest, elephant, buffalo, crocodiles and the world’s largest population of Rothschild giraffe as well many species of birds. We will return to the lodge for lunch before an opportunity to relax around the pool or in the lodge, both with wonderful views of the Nile and a little time to reflect on the journey so far. In the late afternoon we cross the river once more and have a short drive through the park to our accommodation for the evening.

An early start before heading into northern Uganda. As we head north through Acholiland you will notice that the terrain and the people change. We first head to the bustling market town of Gulu, the capital of the north, before moving on to Kitgum through an inspiring landscape of rocky outcrops and villages recovering with dignity from the ravages of the past. We stop for lunch in the dusty outpost of Kitgum before turning to the east towards Kidepo. Gradually the flat plains give way to a more mountainous terrain before finally we climb through the stunning mountain pass finally emerging to its secret: the beauty of Kidepo Valley National Park. Once inside the park we will head to our accommodation – comfort camping, (budget and mid-range) or Apoka Lodge (luxury) to freshen up before a short evening game drive.

Wake up in the middle of the action and watch the sunrise over the Morongole mountains with a coffee and some fresh fruit. Then we begin our day of game viewing with a visit to the Narus valley in search of lion, elephant, giraffe, eland, zebra, and leopard and to marvel at the sight of the huge herd of buffalo grazing in the wetland. We return to camp for a more substantial breakfast before heading towards the seasonal Kidepo river in search of cheetah and ostrich. We take a packed lunch among the Barassas palms at the Kidepo river, from which the area take their name before returning to camp or your lodge in the mid afternoon. You can find a nice shady spot to relax (by the pool if in the lodge) or take the optional nature walk or community visit before a traditional African poike stew around the campfire in the evening or dinner at your lodge.

Another sunrise over the Morongole mountains with a coffee and full breakfast. Then we begin our day of game viewing with another visit to the Narus valley in search of lion, cheetah, elephant, giraffe, eland, zebra, and leopard and to marvel at the sight of the huge herd of buffalo grazing in the wetland. Back to camp or your lodge and a few hours rest during the heat of the day before going on a guided nature walk in the bush in the afternoon-the only time we’re not looking for big cats! Dinner again at the campsite or in your lodge.

Up in time for sunrise again and a leisurely breakfast before the long journey ahead. One final chance to see some wildlife on our way out of the park and the reverse journey to Kitgum. After a short break in Kitgum we head south to Lira where we will stop for lunch. In the afternoon we head further south through the marshland of eastern Uganda before we climb into the foothills of Mount Elgon and our accommodation nestled on the banks of the Sipi River. Dinner by a roaring fire to ward off the chill of the fresh mountain air.

A relaxing start with a sumptuous breakfast in the rustic and cosy surroundings of your lodge. Then your choice of walks around Sipi Falls: long or short, strenuous or laid back. All walks include visiting farm areas and at least one waterfall and all require some level of fitness. After lunch at the lodge you will have a couple of hours to relax before taking the coffee tour and witnessing the production of the great coffee this region is renowned for from farm to cup.

After a final filling breakfast we leave Sipi Falls and wind our way back down to the plain before heading back to your departure point.

End of Safari