On this 25-day historical, cultural, and wildlife safari, experience the best of Uganda. This active tour covers major highlights, including historical sites, cultural experiences in Karamoja, hikes in Sipi Falls, safaris in the plains of Kidepo, and boat rides to the Source of the Nile. You’ll also visit the mighty Murchison Falls, hot springs, trek chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, and encounter mountain gorillas. Throughout your journey, enjoy stays in comfortable lodges, all with great locations, cleanliness, and excellent service.
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrive in Entebbe
You will be picked up from Entebbe airport by your tour guide, and then transferred to Acacia Boutique Entebbe for Overnight. The drive to the hotel is Only 15 minutes from Entebbe International Airport; this hotel is set in a quiet neighborhood and has a very good view of Lake Victoria. In case your arrive early in Entebbe, you can go and visit the Botanical Gardens. You will be escorted by an experienced Local tour guide who will have a lot of information about the trees, birds and a lot more that you will see in the gardens. Stay 1 Night.
Day 2: Visit Historical sites in and around Entebbe
Today, get ready for an introduction to Uganda, the Pearl of Africa. After an early breakfast, you’ll drive to Kampala, which takes about an hour (45 km), depending on traffic. Kampala, built on seven hills like Rome, offers a range of historical sites.
You will visit the Kabaka’s Palace, where you can see the torture chambers used by Idi Amin. Then, explore the Uganda National Mosque, a skyscraper mosque built by Colonel Muammar Gaddafi as a gift to Uganda’s Muslim population. Also, visit the Uganda Museum, which displays Uganda’s cultural heritage through ethnological, natural-history, and traditional life collections.
Later, drive to Kaazi Beach Hotel for relaxation, dinner, and an overnight stay.
Day 3: Transfer to Jinja, Visit Itanda Falls
After breakfast we drive to Jinja. Arrive in time for lunch and check in at Nile Porch. In the afternoon you will drive to visit the Itanda Falls. These are very beautiful waterfalls visited by a few tourists in Jinja apart from those that usually go water rafting. You can stand very close to the river and hear the sounds of the rapids. The waters pass you with a very powerful sound of the river. Its a good place to relax for a few moments, see the river with its full force unleashed and take a walk around as well. Return to the Friends guest house for dinner and overnight. Stay 1 Night.
Day 4: Visit Source of the Nile, Jinja town and Market and transfer to Mbale
After breakfast, you will take a boat ride for about 1 hour on Lake victoria to visit the Source of the Nile where Lake Victoria pours into the Nile, beginning its 600 km long journey to the Mediterranean. During this trip you will also be able to see lots of birds such as African Fish Eagles. Black and White Kingfishers, Malachaite Kingfishers, Great Comorants, Velvet monkeys among many others. You will take a walk in Jinja town visit the Local Market were they have lots of different fruits and vegetables. After lunch you will drive through the eastern part of Uganda takes you to Mbale town were you will Overnight at Elgon heights motel/ Lucia villas hotel.
Day 5: Transfer to Sipi falls en route Nyero rock paintings
After a relaxed breakfast, you will drive for about 2 hours to Kumi to visit the Nyero Rock Paintings. These paintings date back to before 1250 CE and were first documented in 1913. Researchers describe them as mostly geometric and made with red pigment. This type of rock art is common across East, Central, and parts of Southern Africa, linked to the Late Stone Age hunter-gatherer culture. You will take a 2-hour walk with a local guide who will explain the paintings in detail. Afterward, you will continue your journey for another 2 hours to the stunning Sipi Falls.You will a night at Sipi Valley Resort/ Casa lodge
Day 6: Activities at Sipi
Prepare yourself for a beautiful day in paradise. After a delightful breakfast, you have the option to either embark on a 4-5 hour hike or, for the real adventurers, take on a longer trek through the region. A knowledgeable local guide will accompany you throughout the journey, explaining the flora, fauna, and cultural insights along the way.
Regardless of which option you choose, you’re sure to encounter many picturesque waterfalls, natural swimming pools, coffee and banana plantations, and caves. Along the path, local villagers will warmly greet you with “Jambo!” and bright smiles, adding to the welcoming atmosphere.
At the end of the day, relax and enjoy an overnight stay at Sipi Valley Resort/ Casa lodge.
Day 7: Transfer to Pian Upe
Today after a relaxed breakfast you will drive to Pian Upe Game Reserve. It is Uganda’s second largest protected area bordering various mountain ranges and water bodies. This makes it a birding hot spot, home to endemic wildlife species like Cheetahs and the Roan Antelope and archaeological sites for rock paintings. After lunch you will go on a game drive with an experienced armed ranger. You also visit the Napendio Cave an which was created many years ago to close to the hearts of people. During the game drive you expect to see Ostrich, Diki Diki, Oribi, Cheetah, Water bucks, Baboons among many other wildlife and birds, You return later in the evening at Uganda pro Hunts/ Sipi falls lodge/ Crows nest for dinner and overnight. You will only spend one night here.
Day 8: Nature Walk and then transfer to Moroto
Today, you will start with a morning nature walk with an experienced armed ranger guide for about an hour. Afterward, return for breakfast and then drive to Moroto Town, arriving in the late afternoon. The Karamoja region is rarely visited by tourists due to its past, when the Karamojong people were armed cattle keepers. However, the Ugandan government has since disarmed them and developed infrastructure like roads, schools, electricity, and water in the area. In the evening, enjoy a sundowner near the town, overlooking the city while listening to old stories from a local guide. Overnight in Moroto for two nights
Day 9: Village tour, Visit the Karamoja Cultural Museum
In the morning, you will visit a traditional Karamajong manyatta. A manyatta is a village of huts surrounded by a fence made of branches and thorns, built to protect cattle from rival tribes and wild animals. This visit offers a unique insight into the customs and traditions of the Karamajong.
In the afternoon, you can relax or explore the town. Visit the local market, enjoy a drink at a local bar, and interact with the locals. Later, visit the Karamoja Cultural Museum, which displays collections showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Karamoja region. The museum highlights the collaboration between Ugandan and French researchers in paleontology.
Day 10: Transfer to Kidepo Valley National Park with an Evening game drive
Today, you will visit village manyattas to learn about the Karamojong way of life. Later, travel to Kidepo Valley National Park. The long drive offers stunning scenery, making it a rewarding journey. Once you reach Kidepo, you will enter Uganda’s most remote and pristine national park. Kidepo Valley NP is known for its breathtaking landscapes and is often considered the most beautiful park in the country. With few tourists, you can enjoy the park and its unique wildlife without distractions.
Overnight at Nga’Moru Safari Lodge/ Apoka safari lodge
Day 11: Morning Nature walk and afternoon game drive
After an early coffee and biscuit, you’ll embark on a walking safari in the park. Being outside a vehicle offers a different perspective. Your senses heighten as you notice sounds, movements, and details at ground level that are often missed from a vehicle. With a knowledgeable ranger, you’ll learn about the park’s inhabitants and how to recognize their tracks. This exciting and rewarding activity comes highly recommended. Later, return to the Nga’Moru Safari Lodge/ Apoka safari lodge for lunch, relax, and enjoy a game drive in the afternoon.
Day 12: Visit the Ik Community
Today, enjoy an early breakfast before heading out for a full-day trek in the Morungole Mountains, near Kidepo Valley NP, to visit the Ik people. This authentic cultural experience is both a test of stamina and physical endurance. There’s nothing in Uganda quite like visiting the Ik. This small tribe, with fewer than 10,000 members, migrated from Ethiopia and settled in Kenya and Uganda. An experienced, armed ranger guide, who speaks the Ik language, will accompany you and share insights into their cultural practices. Since it’s a full-day experience, you will carry a packed lunch and enough drinking water.
Overnight at Nga’Moru Safari Lodge/ Apoka safari lodge
Day 13: Transfer to Gulu town, Via Fort Patiko
Today, after breakfast, drive to Gulu via Fort Patiko, also known as Baker’s Fort. This military fort was built by Sir Samuel Baker and used by Emin Pasha and Charles Gordon while they served as Governors of the Equatorial Province of the British Uganda Protectorate. A short hike up the rock will take you to a cave where ‘Rwot Kikwiyakare’ once hid young boys and girls, ensuring the repopulation of Acholi land after the slave trade. Rwot Kikwiyakare had an agreement with slave traders to protect their sacred hideouts. Thankfully, Sir Samuel Baker ended the Arab slave trade in the region. The bronze chain (Mola) was once stolen but later recovered in Mombasa and returned. Finally, continue to Gulu town for dinner and overnight at Churchill Courts.
Day 14: Continue to Murchison Falls National Park with an afternoon Game drive
Today you will rise early and set out for a long drive to Murchison Falls National Park. You will arrive in time for lunch at Paraa Safari Lodge. Check in to your rooms and in the afternoon you will go for an afternoon game drive. Murchison Falls National Park is the oldest and biggest National Park in Uganda.
nNot only is it a big Park but it’s very famous for the diversity of wildlife that can be spotted in the Park such as Lions, Elephants, Buffaloes among lots of different other animals. It’s also Popular for the magnificent waterfalls and boat trips along the River Nile. Stay 2 Nights at Fort Murchison/ Pakuba lodge/ Twiga safari lodge
Day 15: Game Drive, Boat Safari on the Nile and Hike to the top of the falls
Today you will have an early breakfast and then go on an early morning safari in the park. You will then return to the Lodge for a break and have lunch then go on a 2 hour boat ride along the River Nile that takes you to the bottom of the waterfalls. You expect to see Nile Crocodiles, Elephants coming to drink water, birds like African Fish Eagles, Pied Kingfishers, Goliath Heron, Red throat-ed Bee Eater among many others. You will then do a 1 hour hike to the top of the falls were you will meet you guide and return to Fort Murchison/ Pakuba lodge/ Twiga safari lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 16: Transfer to Kibale forest National Park and visit the Kings’ place
After an early breakfast, take the 7am ferry for a long drive to Kibale Forest National Park. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant along the way. The drive offers scenic views, including lush green tea plantations. Arrive in Fortportal by afternoon and visit the Tooro Palace, the residence of King Oyo, who became king in 1995 at the age of three. A guide will share the kingdom’s history and ceremonies, though entry inside is not allowed. The palace, built in 1963, fell into ruin after the abolition of royal kingdoms by Idi Amin but was restored in 2001 with a donation from Colonel Gadaffi. Continue for another hour to Kibale Forest Camp for an overnight stay.
Day 17: Chimpanzee trekking, Bigodi Swamp walk and Community visit
After an early breakfast, drive to Kibale National Park for a chimpanzee trek. This amazing experience lets you come face-to-face with our closest relatives. The trek usually takes 3-4 hours, with mornings being the best time to spot the chimps. In addition, you can enjoy the Bigodi Swamp walk, highly recommended for seeing various primates like olive baboons, L’hoest monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and red colobus monkeys. You’ll also spot birds such as the great blue turaco. Overnight at Kibale Forest Camp.
Day 18: Visit Sempaya Hot Springs in Semuliki NP,A visit to the Pygmy Community
Start the day with an early breakfast before driving to Semuliki NP. Upon arrival, visit the Sempaya Hot Springs, where a 2-hour walk awaits. The springs feature separate male and female sections, each with its own unique characteristics. The female spring, in particular, is striking with its bubbling waters. The water boils at temperatures up to 103°C, which is enough to cook a raw egg or plantain instantly. Afterward, continue your journey to visit the Batwa Pygmies, an indigenous group who once lived as hunters and gatherers in the forest. Today, they reside near the forest’s edge. Overnight at Nyati game lodge/ Hotel Vanilla
Day 19: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park with an Afternoon Game drive
On day nineteen, enjoy a full day exploring this lush national park. After breakfast, we drive to the park and arrive in time for lunch. Then, relax with a siesta.
In the afternoon, we head out for an evening drive to discover more of this magnificent area. Expect to see lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and many bird species. We will spend two nights at Bush lodge/ Irungu safari lodge/ Marafiki safari lodge
Day 20: Lion Trekking on Boat Safari along Kazinga Channel
After an early breakfast, you’ll go on a lion trek. This project helps compensate locals who lose livestock to lions. The trek lasts about 3 hours, and you’ll also spot elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, and other wildlife.
Next, drive to Tembo Canteen for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a 2-hour boat safari along the Kazinga Channel. Return to The Bush Lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 21: Coffee Tour and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Today morning after breakfast you will go and visit the Women Coffee Project to see the Coffee making process. You will later continue your drive threw beautiful scenery to Bwindi Forest known as the Switzerland of Africa. The views are breath taking as you get the feel and excitement to trek the Mountain Gorillas. Overnight at Gorilla mist camp/ Silverback lodge/ Nkuringo gorilla camp
Day 22: Gorilla Trekking and Authentic Cultural Experiences
After an early breakfast, head out for one of Africa’s most coveted adventures: Mountain Gorilla trekking in the thick jungles of Bwindi’s impenetrable rainforest. You will carry a packed lunch and at least 2 liters of water per person. Following the trek, return to the lodge for a brief relaxation. Later, venture out again for an authentic cultural experience with Ride for a Woman. Overnight at Gorilla mist camp/ Silverback lodge/ Nkuringo gorilla camp
Day 23: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park, with an afternoon Nature Walk
After an early breakfast, you’ll drive to Lake Mburo National Park. Along the way, you’ll have lunch before arriving at Rwakobo Lodge in the afternoon. Once there, you can go for an exciting afternoon nature walk with an experienced armed ranger. This is an opportunity you shouldn’t miss. The ranger will interpret animal footprints and droppings, explaining which animals left them and how long ago. It’s thrilling to get so close to the wildlife. Afterward, return to Rwakobo Rock/ Arcadia cottages/ Mburo Safari lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 24: Morning Game Drive and Transfer to Entebbe
This morning, you can choose to go on a safari in the park, take a morning walk, or simply relax and sleep in. Afterward, enjoy a late breakfast. Later, continue your drive to Entebbe. Along the way, stop at the Equator for some shopping. Entebbe is known for its beautiful botanical gardens and the beach along Lake Victoria. The city also offers plenty of great restaurants and bars. Discuss your options with your tour guide
Accommodation options : Papyrus guest house /Acactus hotel/ The Boma Guest house
Day 25: Visit Mabamba Swamp, Botanical gardens and Departure
Today, you will head to Mabamba for a swamp tour on a canoe, where you’ll search for the prehistoric bird known as the Shoebill Stork, along with many other bird species. Afterward, you can visit the Botanical Gardens. Later, return to the hotel to freshen up before transferring to Entebbe Airport for your flight home.
Accommodation: No accommodation (End of Tour)
END OF TOUR
Tour Included
- Park fees
- Chimp permits
- All activities
- All accommodation
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation
- All Taxes/VAT
- Round-trip airport transfer
- Meals
- Drinking water
Tour Excluded
- International flights
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips
- Personal items
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Extra Same Meals
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