Safari Overview
Start on the journey of a lifetime with this comprehensive 21 day Uganda safari, meticulously crafted to unveil the very best of the Pearl of Africa. From the thunderous Murchison Falls to tracking endangered mountain gorillas in the misty Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, this itinerary combines world-class wildlife encounters, immersive cultural experiences, and breathtaking landscapes.
Trip Highlights
- Gorilla Tracking
- Chimpanzee tracking
- Boat Cruises
- Wildlife Safaris & Game drives
- Walking Safaris
- Hiking and Abseiling
- Community Tours
- Shoebill Tracking
- City Tour
Detailed Itinerary
Start on the journey of a lifetime with this comprehensive 21 day Uganda safari, meticulously crafted to unveil the very best of the Pearl of Africa. From the thunderous Murchison Falls to tracking endangered mountain gorillas in the misty Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, this itinerary combines world-class wildlife encounters, immersive cultural experiences, and breathtaking landscapes.
Upon your arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative who will transfer you to your carefully selected accommodation in Entebbe or Kampala. Take time to rest and recover from your international flight, or enjoy a short tour of the local area depending on your arrival time.
Lodge:
Meal Plan: Dinner
After breakfast, depart for Jinja, the adventure capital of Uganda. En route, you may stop at Sezibwa Falls and Mabira Forest for a nature walk. Upon arrival in Jinja, check into your lodge and spend the afternoon at leisure.
In the late afternoon, embark on a memorable sunset boat cruise to the exact spot where the mighty River Nile begins its 6,700-kilometer journey to the Mediterranean Sea. Witness the calm waters and enjoy the spectacular African sunset over this iconic landmark.
Lodge:
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Journey east towards the foothills of Mount Elgon to reach Sipi Falls, a breathtaking series of three waterfalls cascading from approximately 100 meters high. The drive offers spectacular views of the changing landscape as you approach the Karamoja Plains. In the late afternoon, witness a magnificent sunset painting the vast plains of Karamoja in hues of gold and orange a photographer's dream.
Lodge:
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is dedicated to exploring the natural beauty of Sipi Falls. Start a guided hike to visit all three waterfalls, winding through local communities and lush coffee plantations. For the adventurous, the highlight is the abseiling experience a thrilling descent down the cliff face alongside the roaring waterfall. With professional guides and safety equipment, you will rappel down approximately 100 meters, feeling the mist on your face and enjoying unparalleled views of the surrounding valleys.
Lodge:
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart Sipi Falls and travel further northeast to Moroto town, the heart of Karamoja region. This remote and culturally rich area is home to the Karamojong people, a pastoralist community known for their strong attachment to traditional customs. In the evening, participate in an immersive cultural experience where you will visit a traditional Manyatta (homestead). Engage with the community, learn about their daily activities, witness traditional dances, and gain insight into their unique way of life.
Lodge:
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After a morning at leisure, begin your journey south-west towards Lira town, serving as a comfortable break in the long journey. Lira is a bustling hub in the northern region, offering a glimpse into the everyday life of the Acholi people.
Lodge:
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart Lira and head towards Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda where you can track wild rhinos on foot. After check-in, embark on an evening rhino tracking experience led by experienced rangers. Walk through the bush in search of the resident southern white rhinos, following tracks and signs to get within meters of these magnificent creatures. This intimate walking safari is a testament to Uganda's successful conservation efforts.
Lodge:
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Continue north to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda's largest and oldest conservation area. After lunch, experience the park's centerpiece: the mighty Murchison Falls. Hike to the top of the falls, where the Nile River is forced through a narrow seven-meter gorge before plunging 45 meters into the "Devil's Cauldron" below. The thunderous roar and spray are awe-inspiring. In the late afternoon, enjoy your first game drive on the northern bank, spotting wildlife such as elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and lions as the sun begins to set.
Lodge:
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start your day with an early morning game drive, the best time to spot predators like lions and leopards. Return to the lodge for a late breakfast and relaxation. In the afternoon, enjoy a three-hour boat cruise upstream on the Nile to the base of the falls. This is a wildlife spectacle see hippos, crocodiles, and a myriad of bird species, including the rare shoebill stork. For an additional thrill, take a night game drive with a spotlight to observe the park's nocturnal creatures.
Lodge:
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, depart Murchison Falls and drive south through the scenic Ugandan countryside to Kibale National Park, the primate capital of the world. Arrive at your lodge near Kibale Forest and prepare for the next day's chimpanzee tracking adventure.
Lodge:
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Begin the day with a briefing at the Kanyachu Visitors Centre before heading into the forest for chimpanzee tracking. Kibale is home to the highest concentration of chimpanzees in Africa spend up to four hours observing these fascinating primates, closely related to humans. In the afternoon, explore the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary on a community-guided walk, rich in birdlife, monkeys, and butterflies.
Lodge:
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park, passing through the stunning landscapes of the Rwenzori Mountains. En route, stop at the Kikorongo Equator Point for a memorable photo opportunity and participate in the classic water experiment demonstrating the Coriolis effect. Continue to the park and embark on an evening game drive to spot early risers such as elephants, buffaloes, and Uganda kobs.
Lodge:
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start with an early morning game drive on the Kasenyi Plains, renowned for its lion population and excellent predator sightings.
In the afternoon, experience one of Uganda's most celebrated wildlife spectacles the Kazinga Channel boat cruise. This 40-kilometer waterway connects Lake Edward and Lake George and hosts one of Africa's highest concentrations of hippos. During the 2-3 hour cruise, you will see: Hundreds of hippos wallowing and snorting, Nile crocodiles basking on the banks, Elephants and buffaloes drinking at the water's edge, dazzling array of waterbirds, including African fish eagles, kingfishers, and pelicans
In the late afternoon, set out for another evening game drive, scanning the savannah for lions, leopards, and spotted hyenas as the sun sets.
Lodge:
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy one last morning game drive in the northern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. After lunch, transfer to the remote Ishasha sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions. In the late afternoon, set out for a game drive searching for lions lounging in the branches of fig trees a behavior seen in very few places in Africa.
Lodge:
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After a morning game drive in the Ishasha sector, depart for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to nearly half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas. Check into your lodge nestled on the edge of the forest, and listen to the sounds of nature as you prepare for the next day's ultimate wildlife encounter.
Lodge:
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This is the day you have been waiting for. After an early breakfast, proceed to the park headquarters for a briefing before entering the forest to track a habituated mountain gorilla family. The trek can take from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the location of the gorillas, but the moment you come face-to-face with these gentle giants is indescribable. You will spend one unforgettable hour observing them as they eat, play, and interact. In the afternoon, engage with the Batwa (Pygmy) community to learn about the forest-dependent lifestyle of these indigenous people and their rich cultural heritage.
Lodge:
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After a relaxing morning, drive to Lake Bunyonyi, one of the deepest lakes in Africa and the most beautiful lake in Uganda. Surrounded by terraced hills and dotted with 29 islands, the lake offers a serene and breathtaking landscape. Take an evening boat cruise to explore the islands, spot various bird species, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.
Lodge:
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart Lake Bunyonyi and travel to Lake Mburo National Park, the smallest savannah park in Uganda. Despite its size, the park is rich in wildlife and offers unique experiences. In the late afternoon, enjoy a game drive where you are likely to spot zebras, impalas, elands, and buffaloes in the scenic acacia woodland.
Lodge:
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Experience Lake Mburo National Park from a different perspective with a guided walking safari or a cycling safari. Walking allows you to get closer to the wildlife and appreciate the smaller details of the ecosystem. After the activity, depart for Kampala, with a stop at the Uganda Equator for final photos and souvenirs.
Lodge:
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, discover the vibrant capital city of Uganda. The Kampala city tour takes you to key landmarks including the Kasubi Tombs (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Uganda Museum, the Old Taxi Park, and local markets where you can interact with locals and shop for crafts. In the afternoon, transfer to Entebbe and spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure, perhaps relaxing by Lake Victoria.
Lodge:
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
For bird enthusiasts, this morning is a highlight. Travel to the Mabamba Swamp on Lake Victoria's shores for a remarkable shoebill tracking experience. Board a traditional dugout canoe and navigate the papyrus-lined channels in search of the prehistoric-looking shoebill stork. These elusive birds, standing up to five feet tall, are among the most sought-after species in Africa. After this incredible experience, return to your hotel for some leisure time. Depending on your flight time, you will be transferred to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- Accommodation as per itinerary
- Meals as specified (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Ground transportation in a 4x4 safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Park entrance fees
- Gorilla trekking permit (US$800 for foreign non-residents)
- Chimpanzee tracking permit
- Rhino tracking fees
- Boat cruises as mentioned
- Abseiling experience at Sipi Falls
- Cultural experiences as mentioned
- Bottled water during game drives
Cost Excludes
- International flights
- Visas (Ugandan eVisa required for most nationalities)
- Travel insurance
- Optional activities not mentioned
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, etc.)
- Tips and gratuities
- Alcoholic beverages

