DAY EXCURSIONS
Add something special to the beginning or end of your safari with our day trips
KAMPALA CITY TOUR
This city of 2 Million inhabitants is the largest in Uganda and the capital. Situated on seven major hills, several areas command fantastic views of the surroundings, including Lake Victoria. Kampala is the political and commercial hub of Uganda, and the people are friendly and communicative. It is easy to move about the city centre and, surprisingly, the visitor does not need to be overly concerned about security. Expansion is rapid and new clubs and restaurants open regularly. A guided tour will point out the highlights including Kasubi Tombs, Uganda Museum, Parliamentary Buildings, Nommo Gallery, National Theater Craft Centre, Owino Market, Kabaka's Lake, Kibuli Mosque, Bahai Temple, Namirembe Cathedral, Namugongo Martyr's Shrine and Makerere University.
After a city tour, we recommend at least half a day for shopping and exploring on your own. This will let you meet the friendly indigenous people and get a true feeling of life in a large African city.
JINJA TOUR & SOURCE OF THE NILE
This city was previously the industrial capital of Uganda. It is best known for the source of the Nile at the now submerged Rippon Falls. Owen Falls Dam, located just downstream from the source of the Nile, provides power for Uganda and parts of Kenya. Nearby is Bujagali Falls, where several rapids are situated close together. From here enjoy the scenery or take a white water rafting trip on the mighty Nile. The Nile starts its 4000-mile journey to the Mediterranean from Lake Victoria. Join us to see the source of the Nile and the surrounding environs. Depart from Kampala, heading east to Jinja passing coffee, tea and sugar plantations and colorful roadside fruit/vegetable markets First stop, at Mabira Forest to see primates, birds and butterflies and then on to the Owen Falls Dam and the submerged source of the Nile. After lunch, you will spend the afternoon relaxing at Bujagali Falls. Return to Kampala, arriving early evening.
WHITE WATER RAFTING
You are picked up from your Kampala Hotel. Depart for Jinja for a full day rafting trip on the NileRiver including morning snack, lunch, and beverages at the end of the day. You will have an exhilarating and memorable experience. Though this trip sounds very adventurous, this river can accommodate any level of rafter. You do not have to have rafted before to have a good time. You can choose a raft where you get to paddle or one where you enjoy an easier ride with the someone else doing all the work!
Top quality safety gear and highly experienced guides run the biggest rapids possible. Total rafting is for 25 kms. of river including some of the best rapids in the world. You don’t have to do all the side runs, unless you want to. The river is graded 4+ to 5 and provides one of the best one day rafting trips on planet Earth! Bring a swimsuit, shorts and a pair of sandals or trainers (tennis shoes) to wear on the river. You will get wet, so bring a change of clothes. Facilities are available for cameras to be protected from the water while on the river. Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses and a smile.
ENTEBBE TOUR WITH VISIT TO NGAMBA CHIMPANZEE ISLAND
This sleepy town has great views of the second largest lake in the world. Entebbe was the colonialists’ administrative center and has many buildings that date over half a century ago. The name Entebbe means “the chair” in Luganda, which is the local language of the area. Entebbe is also home to the famous or infamous Airport, which was raided by Israeli commandos in 1976.
While in Entebbe, you will visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Center and the beautiful Botanical Gardens where in the midst of the spectacular flora, you will see vervet monkeys and a Red colobus monkey that escaped from the nearby zoo. The botanical gardens are home to many weavers, waxbills and sunbirds. You may also see the Palm nut Vulture, Pied and Black-and –white casqued Hornbills, Eastern Grey Plantain Eater, Great Blue Turaco, Pigmy Kingfisher and the black-and-white Flycatcher.
You will proceed for the 1 hour 30 minute boat ride to Ngamba Island to view chimpanzees that have been saved from the unscrupulous who doom them to captivity. Chimps that have been nursed back to health are also set free to roam this island.
