The ultimate Safari connoisseur’s choice. Zanzibar offers an enchanting blend of luxurious beach life and age-old cultures. Perfect for honeymoons and romantic escapes, this tropical island combines easily with an adventurous trip to Africa’s primate capital- Uganda!
Day 1: Welcome to Uganda
On your arrival at Entebbe International Airport you will transfer to Protea Hotel, Kampala for the night. The rest of the day is yours to relax at the hotel or explore the energetic city and visit the many shops and markets. Days 2-3: Track chimpanzee in the Kibale Forest.
Depart from Kampala and travel through the central part of the country, passing the rural towns of Mityana, Mubende and Kwenjojo on the way. Arrive at the town of Fort Portal, situated at the base of the sweeping Ruwenzori Mountains. After lunch, continue along the rolling hillside past scenic Crater Lakes to the Kibale Forest Camp in the primate world of Kibale Forest National Park.
Early the next morning, embark with Kibale’s researchers into these tropical forests to track the local chimpanzee population. See the chimps in their natural environment and marvel at how similar they are to humans.
Days 3 – 5: Spot hippos on the Kazinga Channel
Say goodbye to the Kibale Forest as you make your way south through rich farmland, travelling on the slopes of the Ruwenzori Mountains – one of Africa’s largest mountain ranges. Cross the equator before reaching the renowned Queen Elizabeth National Park.
After enjoying lunch at the Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge, set off on a game drive in Uganda’s prime game viewing region and be on the lookout for elephant and buffalo. As these are the breeding grounds of the Uganda kob, you will be sure to see them grazing in the grass.
Continue your game viewing in the park the following day as you explore the network of tracks in search of the animals you have not yet seen. In the evening, embark on a cruise of the Kazinga Channel, home to the largest concentration of hippo.
Days 5 – 7: Trek gorillas of Bwindi
Head south through the national park to the Ishasha Plains and enjoy a short game drive to spot the plains’ well known tree-climbing lions. After seeing these brilliantly adapted creatures you’ll exit the park and travel through the rolling hills of central Africa as you make your way to the Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge in the great Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
An early morning will see you off on a chance-of-a-lifetime experience of tracking the mountain gorillas of Uganda. A professional guide will lead you along, searching for these gentle giants, trek the lush, tropical mountains to see Uganda’s rare mountain gorillas. Since these highly endangered creatures do not breed in captivity, encountering a silverback gorilla and his family in the wild is one of the most poignant and thrilling wildlife experiences in the world.
After a refreshing night’s sleep, you once again lace up your hiking boots and set out to meet members of the Twa tribe, who are thought to be the longest-standing inhabitants of the Great Lakes region. Their history can be traced back at least 4 000 years and they are renowned as dancers and storytellers. You will learn more about the Batwa’s hunting and gathering techniques, their goddess and their musical performances.
Day 7 – 9: Lake Mburo Walking Safari
Say farewell to the dense tropical forest of Bwindi and make your way to Lake Mburo National Park’s acacia woodland via the town of Mbarara – the largest urban centre in western Uganda. Continue to the park and look out for the herds of long horned Ankole cattle on the way to the entrance.
After checking in at the Rwakobo Rock Lodge, you can enjoy a relaxed but exciting night drive to seek the nocturnal animals that call Lake Mburo their home. Lake Mburo has a rich animal life, with more than 315 different bird species and 68 different mammals.
Before departing Lake Mburo, enjoy a walking Safari with an experienced ranger. This opportunity should not be missed. From footprints and animal droppings the ranger will tell you which animal has left it and how long ago. It is exciting to approach the wildlife at such close range. Alternatively you can indulge in a mountain bike riding safari or a safari by horseback.
Day 9 – 10: To Zanzibar!
After your activity at Lake Mburo NP, you will drive to Entebbe stopping at the equator for the requisite snapshot and a bit of souvenir shopping. You will stay at the Boma Guest house – a nice and cozy lodge in British colonial style.
Upon arrival in Zanzibar you will be picked up by our representative that will transfer you to your lodge. Time to unwind in paradise!
Your accommodation is planned at the beautiful Blue Oyster Hotel on the East-Coast. This hotel is famous for its wonderful cuisine and the relaxed atmosphere. The lodge is located directly on the beach but does not have a swimming pool. There are great optional activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, low-tide walks and mountain biking on the beach!
Day 11 – 14: Sun, Sand & Sea; East Coast Zanzibar
Family-friendly Breezes is located on a beautiful stretch of white-sand beach that looks out over a deep-blue sea – perfect for activities like snorkeling or diving, beach volleyball, pedal boats and sailing.
You and your family can relax and spend the sunny days beside the pool or swim in the warm Indian Ocean. On day two, enjoy an inclusive half-day tour of Jozani Forest in Chwaka Bay National Park. This is one of the last remaining wild habitats for elusive red colobus monkeys, and is also home to bushbabies, Sykes monkeys, 40 species of birds and 50 different types of butterflies.
On your third day, tour the historic streets of Stone Town and spend sunset on a classic dhow cruise – one of Zanzibar’s most iconic activities.
On the fourth day, indulge in a ‘safari Blue’ and spend the biggest part of the day relaxing on the sandbank, enjoying the solitude of being on a sandbank in the middle of the ocean and feasting on fresh sea food.
The rest of your vacation can be as active or relaxed as you like. Book a few spa appointments, laze on the beach, and catch up on your reading… whatever you prefer, that is what you do!
Day 15: Treasure the island memories
Today a transfer will pick you up from Breezes Beach Club & Spa and take you back to Zanzibar Airport in time for your outbound journey.
This marks the end of what we hope will be an adventurous trip- Thank you very much!!