About This Journey
embarked on one of the most ambitious scientific expeditions of his era. Departing in 1909 with his son Kermit and a team of naturalists, Roosevelt journeyed through East Africa to document wildlife, landscapes, and cultures for the Smithsonian Institution. When Roosevelt arrived in what is now Uganda, he encountered not an ungoverned wilderness but sophisticated African kingdoms. The Kingdom of Buganda, with its royal courts, political institutions, and ceremonial diplomacy, left a profound impression on him. Scholars today have likened Buganda to a real-life ‘Wakanda’—a powerful African civilization whose complexity challenged Western assumptions. This modern expedition follows Roosevelt’s path not to extract specimens, but to engage ethically with living ecosystems and cultures. It invites travelers to experience Uganda as Roosevelt did—through curiosity and wonder—while embracing the conservation values that define our time. Inspired by Theodore Roosevelt’s 1909–1911 Smithsonian African Expedition, this modern journey retraces landscapes, ecosystems, and kingdoms that shaped early global understanding of Africa—reinterpreted through modern conservation ethics, scholarship, and responsible luxury. Day 1 Arrival – Entebbe Interantional Airport Your met by your host on arrival. Transfer to your appointed Kampala Serena hotel. Evening at leisure with a curated welcome dinner at Explorers Restaurant . Interact with African scholars from Makerere University who for an engaging conversations and insights. Overnight: Kampala Basis: lunch, dinner ,Breakfast Day 2 Buganda Kingdom:The real life Wakanda After breakfast, embark on a scholarly exploration of Buganda, whose political sophistication surprised Roosevelt and challenged Western assumptions. Visit Makerere University • Kasubi Royal Tombs (UNESCO) • The Royal Mile and Buganda Palace ,Mengo • Namirembe/Rubaga Cathedrals • Uganda Museum • Kibuli & Old Kampala Mosques • Namugongo Martyrs Shrine .You may with to have lunch at one of the fine city restaurants or cafes patronized by Kampalas elite residents before you retire to your appointed hotel Overnight: Basis: Breakfast,lunch , dinner
Walk in the footsteps of the 1909 expedition that first championed Uganda’s wildlife — a historic trail through the parks that conservation built.
- Historic Conservation Route
- Murchison Falls & the Nile
- Rhino Tracking – Ziwa Sanctuary
- Classic Big Game Country
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Ziwa Rhino
Sanctuary 07:00 After breakfast, depart Kampala(approximately 2 hours’ drive) Check-in at Ziwa Rhino and Wildlif Ranch on time for Rhino tracking :Explore the sanctuary and encounter other wildlife, including bushbuck ,Uganda kob, crocodile, hippo, and 15 other mammalian species placing Roosevelt’s 1911 rhino collections in modern conservation context Evening: Dinner and bonfire under the stars before you retire .Basis: lunch,dinner breakfast
Murchison Falls National Park
After breakfast at the Sanctuary, proceed to Murchison Falls National Park via Kichumbanyobo Gate with a detour at The Top of The Falls where the Nile is forced through a 7-meter crevice in a thundering plume of smoke below. After memorable photos ,proceed to Paraa Safari Lodge where you are checked in for dinner and overnight. Basis: Dinner Bed and Breakfast (3-4hours)
Murchison Falls National Park Activities:
Morning game drive, afternoon launch trip Arrange an early morning wakeup call and breakfast head for a Game drive in time to catch the animals, Ground/ Abyssinian Hornbill, Grey Kestrel, Elephant, Buffalo, Hartebeest, Giraffe, Duiker, kob, Lion and the elusive Leopard. Return to Paraa Safari Lodge at leisure or have lunch at Paraa. 2:00 PM Murchison Falls launch trip The three-hour return journey to the base of the Falls is for many a highlight of a trip to Murchison. Along the river there are several of hippos, enormous crocodiles, amazing bird life a possible sighting of the rare shoebill. Here is where Ernest Hemingway the great 20th Century writer crash landed his aircraft . Scenes from the 50’s blockbuster African Queen starring Humphrey Boghart and the spirited Katharine Hepburn were acted Return to your lodge for overnight. Basis Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
Ajai Wildlife Reserve – Visit Roosevelt the rhino cub
After breakfast embark on an expedition to visit Ajai Wildlife Reserve, once Uganda’s principal white rhino habitat where Roosevelt brought down white rhino and several other species . Track the three-year-old rhino cub named "Roosevelt," set to be officially christened in October 2026.Today’s expedition reframes extraction into ecological restoration and ethical conservation with the restoration of the species to parts of its historical range in northern Uganda. Enroute, you embark on a boat ride on the Nile with fish mongers in Pakwach , learn the art of wood carving and and pottery and view the ruins of Emin Pashas Fort Wadelai1872. After a picnic bush lunch in Ajai, check in at White Rhino Safari Camp or return to Murchison Falls National Park for Overnight.Basis: Breakfast, lunch dinner
Return to
Kampala City After breakfast at leisure , return to Kampala via Masindi arriving late afternoon .Check in at Kampala Serena hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure with an option to experience the night life entertainment spots , out door restaurants from local to international cuisine. Basis: Bed & Breakfast
End of Expedition -Departure
As your journey approaches its end expedition you with profound memories of Roosevelt’s age of exploration transformed into a 21st-century experience connecting the dots with the Smithsonian Institute that now provides clues of original specimen for restoration efforts. Depending on flight schedules, you may wish to pick up a souvenir at the local craft market or simply pamper yourself at the hotel wellness spa or before your private transfer to Entebbe International Airport.