Embarking on an 11 Day Wild Hearts in The Wilderness Expeditions offers an immersive experience in some of the most pristine natural habitats in East Africa. You will explore white water rafting on the Nile, astonishing Sipi Falls, Kidepo Valley National Park, and its rare wildlife species. You will continue and end your safari to Murchison Falls National Park for the most magnificent and strongest falls in the world.
11 Day Wild Hearts in The Wilderness Expeditions Highlights:
- Shoebill tracking.
- Bungy Jumping to kiss the Nile.
- White water rafting.
- Visit to source of the Nile.
- Sipi falls.
- Game Drive Through the Savannah plains.
- Boat Safari on the Nile to the bottom of the falls.
- Boat safari along the wild-rich Kazinga channel.
- Hike to the Top of Murchison Falls.
- Rhino tracking.
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be welcomed by our meet-and-greet lounge host who will ensure a seamless transition from the airport, and aid you through fast-track assistance with VISA, and luggage collection. After the immigration and baggage collection process, you will then be handed over to our driver guide to start your safari journey. You will transfer to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay. This marks the start of the 11 Day Wild Hearts in The Wilderness Expeditions tour.
Dinner and overnight at Hotel Number 5 (Luxury), Protea Hotel by Marriott (Midrange) Airport Guest House.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 2: Shoebill Tracking at Mabamba Swamp – Journey to Jinja and Exploring the Nile River.
Begin with an early morning breakfast. At 0700hrs, you set off with your driver guide for a 45-minute drive to Mabamba Swamp’s landing site. The shoebill is most active during the early morning hours, making a sunrise start essential for an optimal tracking experience. Please consider wearing comfortable, waterproof clothing, as the environment can be humid and damp. Don’t forget sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat to protect yourself from the elements.
Once you arrive at the swamp, you will board a traditional wooden boat or a motorized canoe with a local bird guide. The boat ride will navigate through papyrus-lined channels to areas where shoebills are often spotted. As you glide through the winding paths, you’ll encounter countless bird species, and the guides will help identify each one. Shoebills prefer the swamp’s shallow waters, where they hunt fish, especially lungfish, which is abundant in Mabamba. Patience is key, as the shoebill may remain motionless for extended periods before catching prey. Other bird species to be spotted include The African jacana, Goliath heron, Black-headed heron, Grey-crowned crane, and Palm-nut vulture. After a rewarding morning of birdwatching, you will disembark on the swamp shores to meet your driver and be transferred to Entebbe town for lunch before Starting your journey to Jinja, a journey that takes approximately two hours. You’ll pass lush landscapes, colorful villages, and bustling local roadside markets as you travel along the Kampala-Jinja Highway. You will quickly stop at the Mabira Forest Reserve, one of Uganda’s largest rainforests Upon arriving in Jinja, start your experience with a sunset boat cruise to the Source of the Nile, one of Africa’s most iconic landmarks. This point marks the beginning of the Nile River as it flows northward through multiple countries before reaching the Mediterranean Sea. A local guide will share fascinating tales about the history and significance of the Nile, giving you a deep sense of the cultural importance of this natural wonder. As you cruise, keep an eye out for a variety of bird species, including kingfishers and African fish eagles, which frequent the area.
Dinner and overnight at Lemala Wildwaters Lodge (Luxury), Nile Village Hotel (Midrange) Sunset Hotel (Budget)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 3: Thrilling White Water Rafting Adventure
Following a hearty breakfast by the Nile, it’s time to dive into one of Jinja’s most popular attractions: white-water rafting. This thrilling activity on the Nile River offers excitement and scenic beauty, as the rapids vary from mild to intense. The entire process begins with Safety briefings provided by the guides, and all necessary equipment, including helmets and life vests, is supplied to ensure a safe adventure. Led by experienced guides, you’ll navigate Grade 3 to Grade 5 rapids, ideal for beginners and seasoned rafters. The first section of the river introduces gentler rapids, allowing rafters to adjust and feel the power of the river. As the journey progresses, the Nile rapids intensify, with each turn bringing new waves, splashes, and excitement. The experience is exhilarating, as the powerful currents challenge you to paddle and stay aboard while surrounded by Uganda’s lush landscape. After this thrilling adventure, you will return to the lodge for a late afternoon at leisure.
Dinner and overnight at Lemala Wildwaters Lodge (Luxury), Nile Village Hotel (Midrange) Sunset Hotel (Budget).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 4: Transfer to Sipi Falls – Afternoon Community and coffee tour experience.
On this beautiful day, our driver guide will pick you up at 0600hrs and transfer you to Sipi Falls. The journey covers approximately 195.6 kilometers and takes about 3.5 hours via Tirinyi and Mbale towns. Upon arriving at Sipi Falls, travelers are immediately greeted by the stunning sight of the waterfalls set against the rugged slopes of Mount Elgon. You will immediately check in to your lodge followed by a hot lunch. After lunch at 1400hrs, you will kick off your tour with a community tour and a visit to a local coffee plantation, where you’ll learn about the entire coffee production process, from planting to roasting. Our knowledgeable local guide will lead you through the fields and explain how coffee beans are cultivated and harvested. For many, the highlight of the tour is the chance to roast and grind your own coffee beans, ending the experience with a fresh cup of locally brewed coffee. Sipi is famous for its high-quality Arabica coffee, which grows on the slopes of Mount Elgon.
Dinner and Overnight at Rafiki Lodge.
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 5: Adventure Day – Hiking, Abseiling – Camp Fire Experience.
After breakfast at 0700hrs. You’ll begin the morning with a guided hike that takes you to each of the three major waterfalls. The tallest of the falls drops over 100 meters, providing a breathtaking sight as water plunges into the lush valley below. The hike can take three to four hours, depending on the pace and length of stops. The trails are moderately challenging, so comfortable hiking boots and sufficient water are recommended. Each waterfall offers a unique view, with the final waterfall being the most dramatic. Here, visitors can stand behind the curtain of water, a thrilling experience that lets you fully appreciate the power of Sipi Falls. Along the hike, you’ll also encounter unique flora and fauna native to the region, including rare birds and vibrant wildflowers.
After enjoying grade three of the falls, you will start abseiling down the 100-meter waterfall. Expert guides will provide all necessary gear, and safety instructions will be given to ensure a secure descent. As you lower yourself down, you’ll feel the spray of the falls and hear the thunderous roar of water around you. Abseiling at Sipi Falls is a rare opportunity to experience the grandeur of the falls up close, making it a highlight of the tour.
As the day winds down, you gather around a campfire with local guides. You will feast on traditional Ugandan dishes like matoke, chapati, and locally grilled meats. Local cultural performances filled with traditional dances and music conclude your evening.
Dinner and Overnight at Rafiki Lodge.
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 6: Transfer to Kidepo Valley National Park.
Start your day with breakfast at 0600hrs and an early morning hike to one of Sipi’s scenic viewpoints to watch the sunrise over the rolling hills and valleys, a peaceful way to bid farewell to Sipi Falls. You will embark on a journey from the stunning landscapes of Sipi Falls to the wild terrain of Kidepo Valley National Park. The journey covers approximately 400 kilometers, about 8 hours’ drive.
Kidepo Valley National Park, one of Uganda’s most secluded wildlife havens, offers an unmatched safari experience in East Africa. Nestled in the rugged, semi-arid valleys between Uganda’s borders with Sudan and Kenya, this lesser-known national park is a gem for those seeking a remote, immersive wilderness adventure. The park is home to a high concentration of animals, including about 75 species of mammals, including rare species like cheaters, bat-eared foxes, and the African hunting dog. It’s also an ideal location for bird enthusiasts with over 475 bird species.
Dinner and overnight at Apoka Safari Lodge (Luxury), Kidepo Savannah Lodge (Midrange).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 7: Morning Game Drive and Karamojong Cultural Experience.
Our first full day in Kidepo Valley National Park begins with an early morning game drive in one of the least-crowded parks, providing an undisturbed safari experience. This morning game drive will take you into the heart of the Narus Valley, known for its high concentrations of wildlife. You will encounter some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, zebras, giraffes, and lions. Unique to Kidepo Valley is the chance to spot rare species, such as the cheetah and the African wild dog, seldom seen in other Ugandan parks. After our morning game drive, we head to the Karamojong community. The Karamojong people are semi-nomadic herders with a rich cultural heritage. You will engage with the locals, witnessing traditional dances, participating in storytelling sessions, and learning about their unique way of life. This cultural encounter provides a deeper understanding of the region and its inhabitants, making our safari experience more enriching.
Dinner and overnight at Apoka Safari Lodge (Luxury), Kidepo Savannah Lodge (Midrange)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 8: Explore Kidepo Valley and Kanangorok Hot Springs.
After breakfast, you will venture into Kidepo Valley which is distinct from Narus Valley due to its drier landscape and dramatic mountain backdrops. The valley is home to the Kanangorok Hot Springs, a natural attraction showcasing the region’s geothermal activity. These steaming springs are set against a stunning backdrop of mountains, creating an almost surreal landscape. While visitors cannot bathe in the hot springs due to high temperatures, they offer a fantastic photo opportunity and a chance to marvel at the natural beauty of this remote part of Uganda.
Dinner and overnight at Apoka Safari Lodge (Luxury), Kidepo Savannah Lodge (Midrange)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 9: Transfer to Murchison Fall National Park – Visit the Top of the Falls.
Wake up to a scrumptious African breakfast as you capture the African sunset at 0700hrs. Thereafter, begin our journey to Murchison Falls National Park (+6 hours), stopping for lunch and refreshments. The long drive back provides time to reflect on our incredible experiences and the diverse wildlife and landscapes we encountered. Upon arrival, we enter the park through the Tangi gate and proceed to check in at your lodge and have lunch. In the evening at 1600hrs, you will visit the top of the falls for magnificent, picturesque moments before checking in at your lodge.
Dinner and overnight at Nile Safari Lodge (Luxury), Pakuba Safari Lodge (Midrange)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 10: Game Drive – Boat Cruise – Hike to the Top of the Falls
Theday begins with a cup of coffee at 0600hrs before stepping out for an early morning game drive, a perfect time to spot some of Murchison Falls’ iconic animals. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll explore the Buligi Game Tracks that stretch between the Victoria and Albert tracks. This area is ideal for seeing large herds of elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and the occasional predators like lions and leopards. You will also spot numerous giraffes, Hartebeest, Bushbucks, Jackal, hyenas, oribis, Uganda kobs, etc. Bird enthusiasts will enjoy sightings of species like the Goliath heron, Abyssinian ground hornbill, and African fish eagle. After an exciting morning on the safari, you’ll return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation.
A short rest at the lodge allows you a smooth transition to an afternoon boat safari along the Nile at 1400hrs. The boat safari provides stunning views of the Nile River to the bottom of the Murchison Falls, the longest river in the world, and introduces the safari’s first sightings of large schools of hippos, crocodiles, and diverse bird species like rare shoebill stork, Fish Eagle, African Skimmer, Grey-crowned Crane, Black-headed Gonolek, Goliath Heron, Green-winged, Long-toed Plover, Saddle-billed Stork. Avid photographers will love the opportunity to capture these remarkable animals in their natural habitat, backdropped by the park’s lush vegetation.
Optional Adventure: ($15 Per Person)
For those up for the challenge, a guided hike to the top of the falls reveals awe-inspiring views and an up-close look at the mighty Nile plunging through a narrow 7-meter gorge. The roar of the waterfall and the mist in the air create a memorable and immersive experience of nature’s raw power.
Dinner and overnight at Nile Safari Lodge (Luxury), Pakuba Safari Lodge (Midrange).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 11: Rhino Tracking – Return to Kampala/Entebbe – Departure.
Our final morning in Murchison Falls National Park includes one last game drive at 0600hrs. This is a last chance to see any wildlife we may have missed earlier. Early morning is a great time to encounter predators returning from a night’s hunt or observe the park’s abundant herbivores grazing in the soft morning light. After the game drive and breakfast, we begin our journey back to Kampala, stopping along the way at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to track rhinos and have lunch. before resuming the trip back to the city. As we drive back to Entebbe, the memories of the safari stay fresh and keep ringing bells in your mind. Depending on the time of departure you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home.
End of the 11 Day Wild Hearts in The Wilderness Expeditions.
The 11 Day Wild Hearts in The Wilderness Expeditions includes;
1. All Gorilla and Chimpanzee trekking permits.
2. All entrance fees.
3. All ground transportation in a 4WD Vehicle with a pop-up roof for easy game viewing and photography.
4. All Accommodation as indicated in the itinerary.
5. English-speaking Experienced Safari guide.
6. Meals as indicated in the itinerary.
7. Ziplining at Griffin Falls.
8. Bungy Jumping to kiss the Nile.
9. White water rafting.
10. Visit to source of the Nile.
11. Sipi falls.
12. Game Drive Through the Savannah plains.
13. Boat Safari on the Nile to the bottom of the falls.
14. Boat safari along the wild-rich Kazinga channel.
15. Hike to the Top of Murchison Falls.
16. Rhino tracking.
17. Refreshments and snacks in the vehicle.
Excluded in the 11 Day Wild Hearts in The Wilderness Expeditions are;
1. All Tips to Hotels/Lodges/Camps staff and Safari Guide.
2. Horseback safaris.
3. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks that are not accompanying meals.
4. International flight/s and departure taxes and other taxes.
5. Visa fees. Visas are available online or upon arrival at all Entry points.