Welcome from your Tugende Afric family to the definitive Ugandan safari, a quest for the legendary "Big Seven." "Tugende" means "let's go," and on this extraordinary expedition, we will guide you beyond the classic Big Five to encounter Uganda's unique crown jewels: the mighty Elephant, the elusive Lion, the formidable Buffalo, the stealthy Leopard, the powerful Hippopotamus, the intelligent Chimpanzee, and the majestic Mountain Gorilla. This is a complete immersion into Uganda's most spectacular parks, blending raw savannah adventure with profound primate encounters in the world's most biodiverse forests.
What to Pack: This journey spans diverse ecosystems. Tugende Afric recommends warm layers like sweaters and gloves for cool mornings, breathable long and short sleeves, a reliable raincoat, long trousers, and sturdy, comfortable hiking shoes for mountain treks and savannah walks.
Your grand adventure begins as you land at Entebbe International Airport. Your personal Tugende Afric guide will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Kampala. After settling in, your guide will provide a comprehensive briefing on the incredible journey ahead, outlining your quest for the Big Seven. The evening is yours to rest and anticipate the wonders to come.
After breakfast, we journey north with Tugende Afric to Uganda's largest national park, Murchison Falls. This 3,840 km² wilderness, bisected by the mighty Victoria Nile, is your first theater for the Big Seven. Arrive at your lodge in the evening, freshen up, and enjoy an early dinner, listening to the sounds of the wild.
We rise at dawn for a morning game drive on the northern bank's savannah plains. With Tugende Afric, search for elephants, giraffes, lions, buffaloes, and antelopes as they graze in the morning light. Enjoy a memorable bush breakfast before returning to the lodge. After lunch and relaxation, embark on an evening game drive to spot nocturnal creatures and predators beginning their hunt.
Today, we experience the park's namesake. A morning boat cruise on the Nile with Tugende Afric brings you face-to-face with hippos, crocodiles, and elephants drinking at the water's edge. Disembark at the base of the falls for a thrilling hike up to the top, where the Nile explodes through a narrow gorge a breathtaking sight. After lunch, we transfer to Hoima for an overnight stay, reflecting on the day's power and beauty.
After breakfast, we journey southwest with Tugende Afric towards the lush rainforests of Kibale National Park. The scenic drive offers a changing landscape. Arrive at your lodge in the afternoon for a late lunch, a briefing on tomorrow's chimpanzee tracking, and a relaxed early dinner amidst the sounds of the forest.
We venture into the dense Kibale Forest, the "Primate Capital of the World," for an unforgettable chimpanzee tracking experience. With expert guides, listen for their calls and watch their fascinating social interactions. This encounter with our intelligent cousins is a key highlight of the Big Seven. After lunch, we continue to the diverse ecosystems of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
An early morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth NP with Tugende Afric offers chances to see the famous tree-climbing lions of the Ishasha sector, elephants, buffaloes, and more. Enjoy a bush breakfast or return to the lodge. In the afternoon, a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel provides unparalleled wildlife viewing, with huge concentrations of hippos, crocodiles, and birds lining the shores.
After breakfast, we embark on a scenic journey to the mist-covered mountains and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Tugende Afric will take you to your lodge in the Buhoma sector, carefully selected for proximity to your gorilla trekking starting point. The air is thick with anticipation for tomorrow's ultimate encounter.
This is the day. After a very early breakfast, your Tugende Afric guide ensures you arrive for the 7:30 am briefing. Then, we enter the ancient forest. The trek, supported by local porters, leads to a profound, humbling hour with a family of mountain gorillas the majestic culmination of your Big Seven quest. You'll graduate with a certificate from this world heritage site, forever changed by the experience.
After breakfast, we begin our return journey to Kampala. Tugende Afric will ensure a scenic drive, with an optional stop for a local lunch in Mbarara and perhaps last-minute souvenir shopping. We will deliver you to Entebbe International Airport or your hotel in Kampala, your heart and camera full of the incredible Big Seven of Uganda.
