7 DAYS UGANDA: THE PERFECT FAMILY SAFARI

On your first day of travels in Uganda, you immediately hit the road to take in the first images of the country on a 3-hour drive to Jinja. From Entebbe, you first drive to the capital Kampala and from there, you continue to the energizing city of Jinja. Just before reaching this town on the shores of Lake Victoria, you pass over the Source of the Nile bridge and get a first glimpse of this famous body of water originating in Lake Victoria. Then Jinja awaits, time for some action!

Discover the charming villages around Jinja – on the back of a horse! Both professional equestrians and beginners can join, as experienced guides ensure your safety while you saddle up and gallop (or trot!) along the banks of the mighty Nile River. Catch a glimpse of the daily life in rural Uganda or (on longer rides) climb the hills overlooking stunning sugar and tea plantations. Extra special is the sunset ride: for 1.5 hours you’ll enjoy the laid-back atmosphere in late-afternoon villages and see the sun slowly set over the river.

Prepare yourself for a genuine road trip, as today is the day you drive six hours from Jinja to the astonishing Murchison Falls National Park. In the old days, explorers would follow the flow of the River Nile all the way up to the falls – and it would take ages. Luckily, these days the trip is much faster, as the road takes you first to Kampala, then to the town of Masindi and from there to Murchison Falls. A lovely drive!

Nested in the middle of the country, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and a safe haven for white rhinos. In fact, this is the only place where you can see white rhinos in Uganda. During a rhino trekking tour, you can not only meet these majestic animals in their natural habitat but also support the sanctuary’s conservation efforts. With a professional guide, you’ll head out searching for the grey giants. Once found, you only need to do the following: take a deep breath, say "wooooow", take some pictures, and savour the moment.

Murchison Falls National Park is the largest and oldest national park in the country, spanning an impressive 3,840 square kilometres. The park is mostly known for its vast open savannahs, where you can go on classic game drives and spot lions, elephants, giraffes, and many other animals between the long grasses. The mighty Nile River cuts through the whole park, creating dramatic whitewater rapids, a breathtaking gorge AND areas for easy-going boat safaris to see hippos, crocodiles and birds. Last but not least, the famous Murchison Falls plunge an impressive 43 meters and are a major highlight of the park (and can be seen from the boat!).

During a jeep safari, our guide takes you in your private jeep on an unlimited game drive in the park. Make sure to share your expectations for this day with him, and let yourself be surprised by the suggestions he might have. Once on the road, ask any question that comes to mind and most of all: enjoy the amazing ride and sights!

Embark on a double-decker boat for an old-style River Nile cruise in Murchison Falls National Park! Sail up the river for two hours (and one hour back) while spotting hippos and crocodiles in the water, and several other animals on the shores. The boat eventually leads you to the bottom of the impressive 43-meter-high Murchison Falls, where you can feel the fresh water droplets on your face while seeing the water cascading down. The falls are so powerful that it's impossible to get very close, but trust us – you’ll be impressed nevertheless!

Follow in the footsteps of famous people like Winston Churchill and climb to the top of Murchison Falls! This 45-minute hike is relatively easy as the path is paved with steps and footbridges. With some luck, you might spot baboons while enjoying the feel of the cool mist of the waterfalls on your skin during the walk. Once at the top, you marvel at the mighty, churning masses of Nile water squeeze through a narrow gorge before plunging into the depths and take in the view over the Nile and the vast savannah landscape below you.

The highest concentration of chimpanzees on the African continent can be found in Uganda – in Kibale National Park to be precise! With approximately 1,500 chimps in several groups, you have a relatively high chance of seeing these fascinating animals in the wild. During chimpanzee trekking, expert guides take you through the lush rainforest, and once located, you can watch the chimps hop from tree to tree, play, eat and groom each other. Observing these close-knit communities up-close will make you understand what Jane Goodall’s fascination is all about!

The swamp walk through the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary at Kibale National Park is a must-do if you love birds, monkeys, rare animals, plants and flowers. This magical place, or "home of the great blue turaco" as it is also called, harbours over 200 bird species. During your walk, you can spot eight primate species in the trees above you and Ugandan animals like sitatungas, bushbucks and otters (yes, otters!). Lose yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of this pristine wetland, being in perfect harmony with nature’s rhythm. This is a true gem which only waits to be discovered… by you.

As you drive back to Entebbe, you again pass through the villages with their lively marketplaces and the outstretched countryside with tea and coffee plantations, smooth green hills and the occasional wildlife waving you goodbye. After several days of sheer adventure, even the ride back to Entebbe is an experience to enjoy!

This is your last day! Unfortunately, it's time to catch your flight home from Entebbe International Airport. Sad to leave...? Not to worry! We can easily add a few days of safari to your holiday, or extend it with a few days on the shores of Lake Victoria for some whitewater rafting or other exhilarating activities!