This 20-day Uganda safari is a comprehensive journey through the Pearl of Africa, offering the best of primate encounters, wildlife safaris, and authentic cultural experiences. You will trek gorillas in Bwindi, track chimpanzees in Kibale, search for tree-climbing lions in Ishasha, enjoy game drives in Uganda’s major national parks, explore the source of the Nile, and immerse yourself in unique cultural traditions from different Ugandan communities.
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Transfer to Kampala
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your safari guide and transferred to your hotel in Kampala. Depending on arrival time, you may enjoy a short city tour before dinner and overnight.
Accommodation in Kampala: Serena Hotel / Cassia Lodge / Forest Cottages
Day 2: Kampala City Tour – Cultural Experience
After breakfast, embark on a Kampala city tour visiting cultural and historical sites such as the Uganda Museum, Kasubi Tombs, Namugongo Martyrs Shrine, and local craft markets. Later in the evening, enjoy a traditional dance performance and local cuisine. Overnight in Kampala.
Day 3: Kampala – Jinja (Source of the Nile)
Drive eastwards to Jinja, the adventure capital of East Africa. En route, stop at Sezibwa Falls and Mabira Forest for a short nature walk. Continue to the Source of the Nile, where the world’s longest river begins its journey. Optional activities include white-water rafting, bungee jumping, or a boat ride. Overnight in Jinja.
Day 4: Jinja – Sipi Falls (Kapchorwa)
After breakfast, travel to Sipi Falls in the foothills of Mount Elgon. Enjoy a guided hike through the beautiful waterfalls, coffee farms, and villages. In the evening, interact with local communities and learn about traditional coffee processing. Overnight in Sipi.
Day 5: Sipi Falls – Moroto (Karamoja Region)
Drive northwards to Moroto, the heart of the Karamoja region. This area offers a unique cultural experience with the Karimojong people, known for their pastoral lifestyle. Enjoy a kraal visit and cultural dance. Overnight in Moroto.
Day 6: Karimojong Cultural Experience
Spend the day immersed in Karimojong culture – milk cattle, learn about their traditions, and listen to oral storytelling. If interested, spend a night in a traditional kraal under the stars. Overnight in Moroto.
Day 7: Moroto – Kidepo Valley National Park
Transfer to Kidepo Valley National Park, one of Africa’s most remote and unspoiled wildernesses. On arrival, enjoy an evening game drive where you may spot lions, cheetahs, giraffes, and buffaloes. Overnight at a lodge inside the park.
Day 8: Game Drive & Cultural Visit
After an early breakfast, enjoy a morning game drive across the Narus Valley with chances to spot elephants, leopards, ostriches, and zebras. In the afternoon, visit the Ik people, one of Uganda’s smallest ethnic groups, living in the mountains. Overnight in Kidepo.
Day 9: Kidepo – Murchison Falls National Park
Today, embark on a long but scenic drive to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest park. On arrival, relax at your lodge overlooking the Nile. Overnight stay in Murchison.
Day 10: Game Drive & Boat Cruise on the Nile
Wake up for a morning game drive on the northern banks of the Nile, spotting lions, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and antelopes. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls, where the Nile squeezes through a 7-meter gorge. Optional hike to the top of the falls. Overnight in Murchison.
Day 11: Murchison – Hoima (Cultural Experience)
After breakfast, drive southwards to Hoima, stopping to interact with local communities along the way. Experience the Bunyoro culture, traditional dances, and storytelling. Overnight in Hoima.
Day 12: Hoima – Kibale Forest National Park
Continue to Kibale Forest National Park, home to the highest density of primates in Africa. Enjoy scenic views of tea plantations along the way. Evening relaxation at your lodge. Overnight in Kibale.
Day 13: Chimpanzee Trekking – Bigodi Wetland Walk
Head for an early chimpanzee tracking adventure in Kibale Forest. Spend time observing chimps and other primates. In the afternoon, take a guided walk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a paradise for birdwatchers. Overnight in Kibale.
Day 14: Kibale – Queen Elizabeth National Park
Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park with en-route sightseeing of crater lakes and the Rwenzori Mountains. Enjoy an evening game drive before checking in at your lodge. Overnight in Queen Elizabeth NP.
Day 15: Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Start with a morning game drive in Kasenyi Plains where you may see lions, elephants, and antelopes. In the afternoon, take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, famous for its concentration of hippos, crocodiles, and water birds. Overnight in Queen Elizabeth NP.
Day 16: Ishasha Tree-Climbing Lions – Bwindi Impenetrable NP
After breakfast, drive through the Ishasha sector, home to the famous tree-climbing lions. Continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home of the mountain gorillas. Overnight at a lodge near Bwindi.
Day 17: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
Today is the highlight of your trip! After breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing before starting your gorilla trekking adventure. Spend one unforgettable hour with the gorillas. In the evening, enjoy a Batwa cultural experience. Overnight in Bwindi.
Day 18: Bwindi – Lake Bunyonyi
After breakfast, transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, one of Africa’s most scenic lakes with 29 islands. Spend the afternoon canoeing, swimming, or relaxing by the lakeshore. Overnight at Lake Bunyonyi.
Day 19: Lake Bunyonyi – Lake Mburo National Park
Drive to Lake Mburo National Park, a small but beautiful park with zebras, elands, impalas, and birdlife. Enjoy an evening game drive or a walking safari. Overnight in Lake Mburo.
Day 20: Lake Mburo – Kampala/Entebbe – Departure
Start the day with an optional nature walk in Lake Mburo before driving back to Kampala or Entebbe. Stop at the Equator in Kayabwe for photos and souvenirs. Later, transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your flight, marking the end of your 20-day safari.