Embark on an extraordinary 20-day journey through the Pearl of Africa, where the untamed beauty of Uganda awaits. This meticulously planned safari adventure is designed for the true wildlife enthusiast, offering a harmonious blend of thrilling game drives, serene nature walks, cultural encounters, and breathtaking landscapes. Prepare yourself for an unforgettable exploration of two of Africa’s most captivating countries.
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe/Kampala
Your adventure begins upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, where you will be greeted by our friendly team. You will be transferred to your hotel in either Entebbe or Kampala, where you can relax and unwind after your journey. Take this opportunity to acclimatize and prepare for the thrilling experiences that await you over the next 20 days. Depending on your arrival time, you may opt for a leisurely evening stroll along the shores of Lake Victoria or a visit to the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre.
Day 2: Transfer to Jinja
After a hearty breakfast, you will embark on a scenic drive to Jinja, the adventure capital of Uganda, located at the source of the mighty Nile River. Upon arrival, you will have the choice to engage in one of several exhilarating activities: test your bravery with white-water rafting on the world-famous rapids of the Nile, explore the countryside on a quad bike, or enjoy a thrilling mountain biking expedition. The evening will be spent relaxing by the river, recounting the day’s adventures.
Optional Activities: White-water rafting, quad biking, or mountain biking.
Day 3: Transfer to Sipi Falls
On this day, you will journey to the picturesque Sipi Falls, nestled on the foothills of Mount Elgon in Eastern Uganda. The drive itself is a visual feast, with panoramic views of the countryside. In the afternoon, you will embark on a coffee tour, where you will learn about the intricate process of cultivating and processing one of the world’s finest coffees, all while enjoying the serene environment of the region. This tour provides a deep dive into the local culture and economy.
Day 4: Sipi Falls Hiking Experience
Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Sipi Falls with a guided walking and hiking tour. The hike will take you through lush landscapes, with opportunities to see all three waterfalls up close. Your guide will share stories of the local culture, the significance of the falls, and the flora and fauna that thrive in this unique environment. The day will be a perfect blend of physical activity and peaceful reflection in nature.
Day 5: Transfer to Moroto
Leave the green hills of Sipi behind as you journey towards the rugged terrain of Moroto in Uganda’s northeastern region. Moroto is the gateway to the Karamoja region, home to the Tepeth people, one of Uganda’s most traditional tribes. Upon arrival, you will visit the Tepeth community to learn about their way of life, which has remained largely unchanged for centuries. The experience provides a rare insight into a culture that few outsiders have witnessed.
Day 6: Transfer to Kidepo Valley National Park
On this day, you will head further north to Kidepo Valley National Park, one of Africa’s most isolated and stunning wilderness areas. As you approach the park, the landscape transforms into a dramatic mix of savannah, mountains, and valleys. Arriving in the afternoon, you will embark on an evening game drive to begin exploring this remarkable park, known for its diverse wildlife and breathtaking scenery. Look out for lions, elephants, and possibly even the elusive cheetah.
Day 7: Explore Kidepo Valley National Park
Spend the day exploring Kidepo Valley National Park, starting with a morning nature walk. Guided by a local ranger, you will have the chance to see the park from a different perspective and perhaps spot some of the smaller, often-overlooked creatures that inhabit this rich ecosystem. In the afternoon, enjoy another game drive, focusing on the park’s remote areas where you can encounter large herds of buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and various antelope species.
Day 8: Kidepo and Kamajong Community Visit
Begin the day with a morning game drive in Kidepo, continuing your search for the park’s diverse wildlife. In the afternoon, you will visit the Kamajong community, known for their traditional pastoral lifestyle. You will have the opportunity to interact with the locals, learn about their customs, and witness their unique way of life, which has remained resilient despite the challenges of modernity.
Day 9: Transfer to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
After breakfast, depart Kidepo for Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, a key conservation area that plays a crucial role in the protection of Uganda’s rhinos. Upon arrival, you will embark on a guided trek to observe the rhinos in their natural habitat. This is a unique opportunity to see these majestic creatures up close, as they graze and roam the sanctuary’s vast landscape.
Day 10: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
Continue your journey to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area. En route, you will visit the top of Murchison Falls, where the Nile River plunges through a narrow gorge, creating one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world. The sight and sound of the falls are awe-inspiring, and you’ll have ample time to explore and take photographs before heading to your lodge for the night.
Day 11: Murchison Falls Game Drive and Boat Cruise
On this day, experience the full splendor of Murchison Falls National Park. Start with an early morning game drive on the northern bank of the Nile, where you may spot lions, leopards, elephants, and a variety of antelope species. In the afternoon, embark on a boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls, where you will see hippos, crocodiles, and an array of birdlife, including the iconic African fish eagle. The boat cruise offers a unique perspective of the park’s wildlife and stunning landscapes.
Day 12: Transfer to Kibale National Park
After breakfast, depart Murchison Falls and travel south to Kibale National Park, a lush tropical rainforest famous for its primate population. The journey takes you through Uganda’s scenic countryside, with stops along the way for refreshments and photography. Arrive at Kibale in the late afternoon, where you can relax and prepare for the following day’s chimpanzee trek.
Day 13: Chimpanzee Trek and Bigodi Wetland Walk
This morning, you will embark on a thrilling chimpanzee trekking adventure in Kibale National Park. Accompanied by an experienced guide, you will venture into the forest to track and observe these fascinating primates in their natural habitat. The experience is both exhilarating and educational, offering insights into chimpanzee behavior and conservation efforts. In the afternoon, take a guided walk through the Bigodi Wetlands, a rich ecosystem home to various bird species, butterflies, and other wildlife.
Day 14: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most popular and diverse protected areas. The park is renowned for its wide variety of wildlife, including the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha, and its stunning landscapes, which range from savannah to wetlands. Upon arrival, you’ll have the evening to relax at your lodge, located in a prime area for wildlife viewing.
Day 15: Queen Elizabeth Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Cruise
Start your day with an early morning game drive in the Kasenyi Plains, where you will search for lions, elephants, buffalo, and other wildlife. Later, enjoy a leisurely boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway that connects Lake Edward and Lake George. The cruise offers spectacular views of large concentrations of hippos, crocodiles, and a wide variety of bird species, making it a highlight of any visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Day 16: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
On this day, you will travel to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most biologically diverse areas on Earth. Bwindi is best known for its population of mountain gorillas, and tomorrow you will have the chance to trek into the forest to see these magnificent creatures. The journey to Bwindi offers stunning views of the terraced hills and local villages, providing a glimpse into the rural life of Uganda.
Day 17: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
The highlight of your safari adventure begins early today with a briefing by park rangers before setting off into the dense forest for gorilla trekking. The trek can take several hours, depending on the location of the gorilla families, but the effort is rewarded with an unforgettable encounter with these gentle giants. Watching a family of gorillas interact in their natural habitat is a profound experience that will stay with you forever.
Day 18: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park
After breakfast, depart Bwindi for Lake Mburo National Park, a smaller yet equally fascinating park known for its unique landscape and diverse wildlife. Upon arrival, you will enjoy an evening game drive, during which you may spot zebras, elands, topis, and other antelopes. The park’s rolling hills and scenic lakes make for a picturesque backdrop to your wildlife sightings.
Day 19: Lake Mburo Game Drive
Wake up early for another game drive in Lake Mburo National Park. The park’s mix of savannah, woodland, and wetland habitats supports a wide range of wildlife, including the elusive leopard. After the game drive, you may choose to relax at the lodge, explore the park further, or take a guided nature walk to appreciate the smaller details of the ecosystem.
Day 20: Transfer Back to Entebbe and Departure
On your final day, enjoy a leisurely breakfast before beginning your transfer back to Entebbe. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time to stop at the Equator for photos and souvenirs. Upon arrival in Entebbe, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight, concluding your 18-day Uganda and Rwanda wildlife safari adventure.
Package Includes:
- Transportation on a 4 x 4 safari vehicle with pop up roof for game view
- En route lunches
- Accommodation and meals as listed on the itinerary
- Service of an English-speaking driver guide
- 1 Chimpanzee permit per person.
- 1 Gorilla (USD 800) permit per person
- Rhino trekking
- Visit the top of falls
- Boat cruises as mentioned in the itinerary
- Park entrance fees
- Bigodi swamp walk
- Bottled mineral water
- Game drives as mentioned in the itinerary
- And other day excursions as described in the itinerary
Package Excludes:
Expenses of a personal nature like airfare, Visa, drinks, laundry, telephone, porter fee while trekking, personal insurance, personal shopping bills and cigars.