An Exciting 17 Days Uganda Safari Adventure By Anthony
An Epic Wildlife and Cultural Safari Experience with Mumwe Safaris
When Raphaela and Sergio embarked on their 17-day Uganda safari adventure, they knew they were in for something special. Guided by Anthony Nuwahereza, an experienced driver-guide from Mumwe Safaris, their journey would take them through Uganda’s most spectacular landscapes, from the mysterious Mabamba swamps to the mist-covered mountains of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Day 1: Arrival and the Quest for the Shoebill
The adventure began with a scenic one-hour drive from Entebbe International Airport to the tranquil Mabamba Swamp. As their vehicle wound through Uganda’s lush countryside, Anthony shared stories of the unique ecosystem they were about to explore. The couple settled into the rustic charm of Mabamba Lodge, anticipating their first encounter with one of Africa’s most sought-after birds.
Day 2: Into the Heart of Mabamba Swamp
Dawn broke with the gentle lapping of water against wooden canoes. Raphaela and Sergio climbed aboard traditional dugout canoes, gliding silently through the papyrus-lined channels of Mabamba Swamp. The morning mist clung to the water as they searched for the legendary shoebill stork—a prehistoric-looking bird that seems to have stepped out of another era.
Their patience was rewarded when they spotted the magnificent creature standing motionless among the reeds, its distinctive shoe-shaped bill catching the morning light. The encounter was magical, lasting nearly an hour as they observed this rare bird in its natural habitat.
Following their successful shoebill tracking, the group embarked on a five-hour journey to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where they checked into Ziwa Lodge as the sun painted the sky in brilliant oranges and purples.
Day 3: Walking with Giants
The morning at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary brought an entirely different kind of excitement. On foot, accompanied by armed rangers, Raphaela and Sergio tracked southern white rhinos through the savanna grasslands. The experience of approaching these massive creatures on foot, observing their peaceful grazing behavior, was both thrilling and humbling.
After their rhino encounter, the journey continued with a 1.5-hour drive to Murchison Falls National Park. Their first stop was the top of the falls, where the mighty Nile River forces itself through a narrow gorge, creating one of the world’s most powerful waterfalls. The thunderous roar and misty spray provided a dramatic welcome to Uganda’s largest national park. They settled into Bamboo Lodge for the night, falling asleep to the distant sounds of the African bush.
Day 4: The Big Game Experience
Day four delivered the classic African safari experience. A five-hour morning game drive revealed the park’s incredible diversity—elephants emerged from acacia groves, graceful Uganda kob bounded across the plains, and lions lounged in the shade of massive trees. Anthony’s keen eye and extensive knowledge helped spot leopards camouflaged in the branches and numerous antelope species.
The afternoon brought a three-hour boat cruise along the Nile, offering a completely different perspective of the park’s wildlife. Hippos wallowed in the muddy waters, massive crocodiles basked on sandbanks, and countless bird species lined the riverbanks. The cruise concluded at the base of Murchison Falls, where they marveled at the raw power of the cascading water from below.
An evening game drive capped off this incredible day, as the golden hour light transformed the landscape and nocturnal animals began to stir.
Day 5: Journey to the Primate Capital
A six-hour drive through Uganda’s diverse landscapes led to Kibale Forest National Park, known as the primate capital of the world. The journey itself was an adventure, passing through traditional villages, rolling hills, and changing vegetation zones. Kibale Eco Home provided a comfortable base surrounded by the sounds of the tropical forest.
Day 6: Cultural Immersion and Chimpanzee Encounters
The day began with a walk through the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-owned conservation project. The swamp walk revealed an incredible diversity of primates and over 200 bird species. But the real magic happened during the community walk, where Raphaela and Sergio experienced authentic Ugandan culture firsthand.
They watched local artisans weave baskets from dried banana fibers, learned the intricate process of making banana juice, and participated in a traditional coffee experience from bean to cup. The visit to a local herbal doctor provided fascinating insights into traditional medicine practices that have been passed down through generations.
The afternoon brought the highly anticipated chimpanzee tracking experience. Starting from Kanyanchu Information Center, they trekked through the dense forest, guided by the distant hoots and calls of our closest relatives. When they finally encountered a family of chimpanzees, the experience was transformative—watching these intelligent creatures interact, play, and communicate in their natural habitat.
The day concluded with a transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, where they checked into Enshama Game Lodge & Campsite as the African sun set over the Rwenzori Mountains.
Day 7: The Kazinga Channel Adventure
Queen Elizabeth National Park showcased its incredible biodiversity during a five-hour morning game drive. The park’s varied ecosystems—from open savanna to dense forest—supported an amazing array of wildlife. Tree-climbing lions rested in fig trees, large herds of buffalo grazed peacefully, and countless bird species added color and sound to the landscape.
The afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel proved to be one of the trip’s highlights. This natural waterway connects Lake Edward and Lake George, creating a wildlife corridor that attracts enormous concentrations of animals. Elephants came to drink at the water’s edge, hippos surfaced nearby, and the channel’s banks were lined with pelicans, kingfishers, and countless other waterbirds.
An evening game drive provided more wildlife encounters before returning to Enshama Lodge for dinner under the stars.
Day 8: Tree-Climbing Lions of Ishasha
The journey to Ishasha sector offered the chance to witness one of Uganda’s most famous wildlife spectacles—tree-climbing lions. These lions have developed the unusual behavior of climbing and resting in large fig trees, possibly to escape ground-dwelling insects or to catch cooling breezes.
After three hours of game driving through Ishasha’s rolling hills and acacia woodlands, they were rewarded with sightings of these remarkable cats lounging in the branches, a behavior found in only two places in Africa.
The day ended with a scenic drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest via Ruhija, arriving in Rushaga as mist began to envelop the ancient forest. Rushaga Gorilla Lodge provided a cozy retreat at the edge of one of Africa’s most biodiverse forests.
Day 9: Meeting the Mountain Gorillas
This was the day they had been waiting for—mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable forest . After an early morning briefing, Raphaela and Sergio, along with a small group of fellow travelers, set off into the mist-shrouded forest with experienced trackers and guides.
The trek through Bwindi’s dense vegetation was challenging but rewarding. Ancient trees formed a cathedral-like canopy overhead, while the forest floor was carpeted with ferns and filled with the calls of exotic birds. After several hours of hiking through steep terrain, they heard the distinctive sounds of gorillas ahead.
Nothing could have prepared them for the moment they first laid eyes on a mountain gorilla family. The massive silverback sat peacefully, occasionally glancing at his human visitors with intelligent eyes. Mothers cradled their young while juveniles played in nearby trees. For one magical hour, they were privileged guests in the gorillas’ world, observing behaviors that revealed just how similar these magnificent creatures are to humans.
The emotional impact of this encounter would stay with them forever—a profound connection with one of our planet’s most endangered species in their natural habitat.
Day 10-11: Golden Monkeys and Mountain Magic
A two-hour drive brought them to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, where they checked into Amajambere Community Camp. This community-owned facility provided authentic cultural experiences while supporting local conservation efforts.
The following day’s golden monkey tracking proved to be another extraordinary primate encounter. These beautiful, endemic monkeys with their golden-orange fur are found only in the Virunga Mountains. The six-hour tracking experience through bamboo forests and volcanic slopes was challenging but incredibly rewarding.
Golden monkeys are much more active than their gorilla cousins, swinging through bamboo groves and chattering constantly as they feed. Their playful nature and striking appearance made for incredible viewing and photography opportunities. The experience provided insights into the delicate ecosystem of the Virunga Mountains and the conservation efforts protecting these rare primates.
After the tracking experience, they transferred to the serene shores of Lake Bunyonyi, checking into Bunyonyi Eco-Resort as the sun set over the terraced hillsides surrounding Uganda’s deepest lake.
Day 12: Tranquility at Lake Bunyonyi
Lake Bunyonyi, known as the “Place of Many Little Birds,” provided a perfect respite from the intensive wildlife activities. The day was dedicated to relaxation, with gentle canoeing across the mirror-like waters and refreshing swimming in the bilharzia-free lake.
The lake’s 29 islands each have their own stories and legends, creating a mystical atmosphere. Traditional dugout canoes glided silently between islands as local fishermen went about their daily routines. The surrounding terraced hills, cultivated by local communities, created a picturesque landscape that seemed to stretch endlessly into the distance.
Day 13: Lake Mburo’s Walking Safari
A four-hour drive brought them to Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda’s smallest savanna park but one rich in diversity. After checking into Kyigarama Lodge, they embarked on a unique walking safari guided by experienced Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers.
Walking through the African bush provided an entirely different safari experience. Every sense was heightened as they tracked animals on foot, learning to read signs and interpret the subtle sounds of the wilderness. Zebras and giraffes grazed peacefully nearby, impalas bounded through the acacia woodlands, and various antelope species provided excellent viewing opportunities.
The walking safari offered intimate encounters with nature impossible to achieve from a vehicle, creating a deeper connection with the African wilderness.
Day 14: Island Paradise on Lake Victoria
The journey to Ssese Islands involved a scenic drive to Bukakata followed by a 30-minute ferry crossing to Kalangala. As their ferry approached the islands, the beauty of Lake Victoria’s archipelago unfolded before them. Victoria Forest Resort provided luxury accommodations with stunning lake views.
The day was spent swimming in the clear waters of Lake Victoria, relaxing on pristine beaches, and taking in the spectacular views of the surrounding islands. The contrast between the wildlife-rich parks they had visited and this tropical paradise was remarkable, showcasing Uganda’s incredible diversity.
Day 15-16: The Source of the Nile Adventure
A seven-hour drive to Jinja City included a memorable stop at the Equator, where they stood with one foot in each hemisphere and witnessed the fascinating water experiments that demonstrate the Coriolis effect. They arrived in Jinja and checked into Nile Perch Hotel as the sun set over the historic town.
The following day brought adventure on the mighty Nile River. Half-day white-water rafting provided thrills and excitement as they navigated rapids with names like “The Bad Place” and “Overtime.” The rafting was followed by a visit to the source of the Nile, where Lake Victoria begins its 4,000-mile journey to the Mediterranean Sea.
Standing at the source of the world’s longest river was a profound moment—a connection to ancient civilizations and the lifeblood of East Africa. The day concluded with a transfer to Kampala, where they checked into the elegant Serena Hotel.
Day 17: Journey’s End
The final morning brought reflections on an incredible 17-day adventure as Anthony drove them back to Entebbe International Airport. The journey had taken them from the papyrus swamps where shoebills hunt to the mist-covered mountains where gorillas roam, from the thundering Murchison Falls to the tranquil islands of Lake Victoria.
Reflections on an Epic Adventure
Raphaela and Sergio’s 17-day Uganda safari with Mumwe Safaris and guide Anthony Nuwahereza showcased the incredible diversity of the “Pearl of Africa.” From Big Five game viewing to intimate primate encounters, from cultural immersion to adventure activities, their journey revealed why Uganda is considered one of Africa’s premier safari destinations.
The experience went beyond wildlife viewing to include meaningful cultural exchanges, conservation education, and personal transformation. Each day brought new landscapes, different species, and unique experiences that created memories to last a lifetime.
Anthony’s expertise, local knowledge, and passion for his country’s natural heritage made the difference between a good safari and an extraordinary one. His ability to spot wildlife, share cultural insights, and ensure his guests’ safety and comfort exemplified the high standards of Mumwe Safaris.
Uganda proved itself to be a destination where visitors can experience the full spectrum of African wildlife and culture, from the ancient rhythms of traditional communities to the cutting-edge conservation efforts protecting endangered species for future generations.
For Raphaela and Sergio, this wasn’t just a safari—it was a journey of discovery that revealed the magic, beauty, and incredible biodiversity of Uganda, leaving them with a deep appreciation for this remarkable country and its dedicated people working to preserve its natural treasures.
Planning a safari in Uganda and require a suitable 4×4 rental car with a driver like Anthony- simply contact us now by sending an email to info@rentadriveruganda.com or calling us on +256-700135510 to speak with the reservations team.
