overview
Embark today on an incredible 21-day comprehensive Uganda safari that immerses you in the nation’s most famous and captivating national parks. This journey offers stunning views and unforgettable experiences that will genuinely sweep you off your feet.
Throughout your adventure, you will fully engage in Uganda‘s most sought-after activities. First and foremost, you’ll trek the majestic Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a truly life-changing experience. You will also hike to the spectacular Top of Murchison Falls to witness the sheer power of the Nile River.
Furthermore, track Chimpanzees through dense rainforests and take a relaxing boat cruise along the famous Kazinga Channel for exceptional wildlife viewing. In addition to these highlights, you will enjoy a wealth of other exciting activities, ensuring a dynamic and thorough exploration of the Pearl of Africa.
Safari Highlights
Arrival at Entebbe airport.
Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park.
Morning game drive and nature walk.
Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, an evening canoe paddle.
Enjoy a sunrise boat cruise at the lake and transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Golden monkey tracking or Batwa heritage trail and transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Gorilla trekking and nature walk.
Transfer to queen Elizabeth national park.
Game drive and launch cruise.
Morning chimp trekking in Kyambura Gorge, and transfer to Kasese.
Do a full-day Mount Rwenzori Hiking and transfer to Kibale National Park.
Chimp trekking and Bigodi nature walk.
Transfer to Hoima, take a visit to the Bunyoro Kitara Heritage Trail.
Hoima to Murchison Falls National Park.
Game drive and launch cruise.
Transfer to Kidepo Valley National Park.
Morning game drive and Karimojong community tour.
Trek to the Morungole mountains to the native Karimojong.
Transfer to the Sipi Area. Do a game drive in Pian Upe Game Reserve en route.
Trek to Sipi Falls and then transfer to Jinja.
White water rafting and depart for Kampala.
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Arrival At Entebbe International Airport
Kick off your safari as your expert guide from Rosamy Africa Safaris meets you upon arrival. We immediately transfer you from Entebbe International Airport (EBB) to your hotel in Kampala.
First, settle in and relax. You’ll have time to unwind and enjoy your first meal in the city.
Depending on your flight’s arrival time, you will then enjoy a fascinating Kampala City Tour this afternoon. However, if your arrival is late, we will proceed directly to the hotel for a delicious dinner. Finally, you will rest up and prepare for the exciting start of your main safari adventure tomorrow.
Therefore, the day’s activities hinge directly on your scheduled arrival time.
Accommodation: Kampala Serena hotel(luxury),cassia lodge(mid range) & Forest cottages
Day 2: Transfer To Lake Mburo National Park
Start your day with a refreshing cup of morning tea. Your expert tour guide will then promptly pick you up from your lodge to begin the scenic transfer to Lake Mburo National Park. This comfortable journey typically takes about 3 to 4 hours.
Upon arrival, we will check you in at the park entrance and drive you directly to your lodge, where you will spend the night. Next, settle in and enjoy lunch.
In the late afternoon, you will embark on a captivating evening boat cruise on Lake Mburo. This cruise offers a superb opportunity to spot diverse wildlife, including large schools of hippos, lurking crocodiles, and herds of zebra along the shores.
Finally, return to your lodge for a delicious dinner and a restful evening, fully prepared for tomorrow’s activities.
Day 3: Morning Game Drive & Nature walk
Begin your day before sunrise with morning tea to energize you for the adventure ahead. Promptly set off for an exhilarating morning game drive across the park’s savanna plains. This is the prime time to spot numerous animals, including vast herds of zebra, swift Impalas, Eland, and many other fascinating species.
Next, return to your lodge for a well-deserved lunch and a brief rest.
Later in the evening, you will re-enter the park for an enriching guided nature walk. Here, you will not only witness the stunning panorama of the rolling, acacia-dotted hills, but you will also get a unique chance to experience the local Banyankole community and their traditional way of life.
Finally, head back to the lodge for a hearty dinner and a restful overnight stay, ready for the journey tomorrow.
Day 4: Scenic Drive To Lake Bunyonyi & Canoe Exploration
Start your day early with morning tea and a fresh cup of coffee. Today, you begin the picturesque journey to Lake Bunyonyi, renowned as Uganda’s deepest lake.
Upon your arrival, we will check you in to your accommodation and direct you to your rooms to relax after the drive. Next, enjoy a delightful lunch.
In the late afternoon, you will glide onto the water for a serene evening canoe paddle ride. This is a fantastic way to explore the beautiful lake and its islands as the sun begins to set.
Finally, return to your lodge to refresh. You will then enjoy a delicious dinner at Birdnest (or similar lodge) before settling in for a restful overnight stay.
Accommodation: Mweya safari lodge(luxury),Bush lodge(budget) & Marafiki safari lodge(mid-range)
Day 5: Morning Boat Cruise & Transfer To Mgahinga N.P
Rise early this morning to enjoy a hearty breakfast. Afterward, return immediately to Lake Bunyonyi to embark on a thrilling morning boat cruise.
You will witness a magnificent sunrise over the water as you explore the lake’s picturesque islands and admire the amazing, rolling Kigezi landscapes. This cruise provides the best opportunity to soak in the lake’s serene beauty.
Next, head back to the lodge for a fulfilling lunch. Following your meal, you will begin the scenic drive to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, a crucial step closer to your primate trekking adventure.
Day 6: Golden Monkey Tracking & Transfer To Bwindi
After your morning tea, your expert tour guide will collect you from the lodge and transfer you directly to the park headquarters. First, you will attend a mandatory briefing to understand the rules and regulations for trekking the Golden Monkeys.
Next, you will venture immediately into the jungle to begin tracking these playful and vibrant primates. Once you locate the monkeys, you will spend quality time observing them and capturing memorable photographs.
Following your exciting encounter, return to the lodge for lunch. Finally, you will begin the crucial transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, getting you ready for your ultimate gorilla trekking experience.
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking & Community walk
Rise very early this morning and enjoy your morning tea. By 7:00 AM, your guide will pick you up and transfer you to the park headquarters for a vital briefing on Gorilla Trekking rules and safety.
Subsequently, by 8:00 AM, you will be divided into small groups of eight people. Then, you will bravely enter the dense forest to begin your life-changing trek. Once you locate these magnificent primates, you will have ample time to observe, enjoy, and photograph the gorilla family.
After this incredible experience, you will return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. Later in the evening, embark on a guided Community Nature Walk. Here, you will meet and interact with the local people, gaining insight into their daily lives and what they do to earn a living.
Finally, head back to the lodge for a well-deserved dinner and a relaxing night’s rest.
Day 8: Transfer To Queen Elizabeth National Park
After enjoying a final cup of tea, your guide will pick you up to begin the journey toward the spectacular Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Upon arrival, we will check you in at the park entrance and drive you directly to your lodge, where you will spend the night. Next, settle in and savor lunch.
In the late afternoon, you will embark on an exciting evening game drive. This is a prime time to spot a variety of animals, including majestic elephants, numerous Uganda Kobs, and hopefully, predators like lions and even elusive leopards.
Finally, return to the lodge for a hearty dinner and a restful evening, preparing you for a full day of exploration tomorrow.
Day 9: Ishasha Tree climbing Lions & Kazinga Channel cruise
After enjoying your morning tea, your guide will promptly pick you up and drive you into the park for an exciting morning game drive. Today, you will specifically explore the famous Ishasha sector to search for the unique tree-climbing lions. Capture this memorable experience with photos before returning to the lodge for lunch.
Following a relaxing break, you will transfer to the Kazinga Channel to embark on a thrilling launch cruise. This cruise offers exceptional, close-up views of wildlife, allowing you to spot hundreds of hippos, massive crocodiles, numerous buffaloes, and countless waterbirds along the shores.
Finally, head back to the lodge for a delicious dinner and a restful night’s sleep, ready for tomorrow’s chimpanzee tracking.
Day 10: Chimpanzee tracking & Transfer to Kasese
Start your day with your morning tea. Your expert tour guide will then promptly drive you to the park headquarters for a vital briefing on Chimpanzee Trekking regulations.
Next, you will be divided into small groups of 10 to 12 members. You will then enter the forest to begin tracking these incredible primates. Once you locate the chimpanzees, you will spend ample time observing them and taking memorable photos.
Following this exciting encounter, return to the lodge for lunch. Afterward, you will embark on a scenic transfer to Kasese. En route, you will see the awe-inspiring, mythical Rwenzori Mountains, often called the “Mountains of the Moon, “a stunning backdrop to your journey.
Day 11: Full Day Rwenzori Hike & Transfer to Kibale
Rise early this morning and grab a cup of tea to fuel your adventure. Today, you will embark on a demanding, full-day hike on the Rwenzori Mountains, famously known as the “Mountains of the Moon,” with your packed lunch ready.
During the hike, you will experience the unique montane ecosystem and may spot a variety of wildlife (though large game sightings like Impalas, Lions, or Elephants are extremely rare on the higher slopes and more typical of the lower park boundaries, you will more likely see various forest primates and birds).
After completing your rewarding, full-day hike, you will then transfer to Kibale National Park via Rwimi, arriving at your lodge to relax and unwind for the evening.
Day 12: Chimpanzee Tracking & Bigodi community walk
Start your day with a refreshing morning tea. Your expert tour guide will then pick you up from your hotel and drive you directly to the park headquarters. First, you will receive a short but essential briefing on the rules and regulations for Chimpanzee Tracking.
Next, after securing the rules, you will venture immediately into the jungle to begin the trek. Once you locate the chimpanzees, you will spend a memorable hour observing them, having fun, and capturing fantastic photos.
Following your encounter, you will be driven back to the lodge for lunch. Later in the evening, we set off for an enriching Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary Nature Walk. Here, you will meet and engage with the local community, learning about their way of life and the activities they undertake to earn a living.
Finally, head back to the lodge to refresh, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the next leg of your safari.
Day 13: Transfer to Hoima & Bunyoro Kitara Heritage Trail
After enjoying a leisurely breakfast, your expert tour guide will collect you and begin the transfer to Hoima. This scenic journey takes you through the beautiful and peaceful town of Fort Portal.
Upon arrival in Hoima, we will check you in to your accommodation, and you can quickly enjoy lunch.
In the afternoon, you will embark on an enriching visit to the Bunyoro Kitara Heritage Trail. During this captivating walk, you will interact directly with the local community and explore the royal tombs of the former Bunyoro kings. Furthermore, engage with the people to learn about their traditional customs and the various local foods they prepare and eat.
Finally, you will return to the lodge to refresh, enjoy a delicious dinner, and relax for the night.
Day 14: Transfer To Murchison Falls
After a delicious breakfast, your expert guide will collect you from your lodge to begin the transfer to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and most famous conservation area.
En route, you will enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Albertine Rift Valley escarpment. You will also stop to admire the powerful Karuma Falls, a truly attractive sight for any traveler heading to Murchison.
Upon your arrival, we will check you in at the park gate and drive you directly to your lodge for the night. Since the journey takes all day, you will likely arrive late. Therefore, you will enjoy a relaxing dinner at the lodge and rest up, preparing for the full day of activities tomorrow.
Day 15: Morning Game Drive & Launch Cruise
Start your day by enjoying your morning tea. Your expert guide will then pick you up from your hotel and transfer you into the park for an exciting morning game drive. Here, you will seek out a wide range of animals, including majestic elephants, numerous antelopes, and, with luck, predators like lions and elusive leopards.
Next, drive back to the lodge for a well-deserved lunch and a brief rest.
In the afternoon, you will embark on a classic Launch Cruise on the Nile River. This cruise offers spectacular views and allows you to spot huge concentrations of hippos, massive crocodiles, and various water birds.
Finally, your guide will drive you back to the lodge to relax, enjoy dinner, and prepare for a restful evening.
Day 16: Transfer To Kidepo National Park
immediately after a hearty breakfast, your guide will transfer you to the remote and stunning Kidepo Valley National Park. This extensive journey takes you to the northern part of Uganda, famous for its dry savanna landscape, bordering both South Sudan and Kenya.
Upon your arrival, we will complete your check-in and direct you to your lodge, where you will spend the overnight, relaxing after the long drive.
Day 17: Morning Game Drive & Cultural Tour
Rise very early and enjoy your morning breakfast. Your expert tour guide will then pick you up from the lodge and drive you into the park for an exhilarating morning game drive. Here, you will spot unique Kidepo wildlife, including large herds of buffaloes, graceful warthogs, and hopefully, the elusive cheetah.
Next, drive back to the lodge for a hearty lunch. In the afternoon, you will set off for an immersive Karimojong Cultural Nature Walk. You will meet and interact directly with the Karimojong pastoralists, learning about their traditional lifestyle and how they earn a living.
Furthermore, these friendly pastoralists will welcome you into their homesteads, showing you their cattle, performing traditional songs, and demonstrating their milking techniques.
Finally, return to your lodge, enjoy a delicious dinner, and rest for the night.
Day 18: Morungole Mountain hike & IK Community Visit
Begin this beautiful day by rising very early and grabbing a cup of coffee. You will then set off immediately for the Morungole Mountains to visit the native Ik community, who are considered the original inhabitants of this region.
This rewarding trek will offer magnificent, sweeping views of the Karamojong plains stretching out to the distant mountains of South Sudan.
Afterward, you will drive back to the lodge to rest, enjoy your meals, and relax for the remainder of the day.
Day 19: Transfer To Sipi Area & Pian Upe Game Reserve
Start your final leg of the journey after grabbing a cup of coffee. Your expert guide will pick you up from the lodge and begin the transfer to the picturesque Sipi area.
First, upon arrival, we will check you in and direct you to your accommodation for the night. Next, relax and enjoy lunch.
In the afternoon, you will embark on an exciting game drive within the Pian Upe Game Reserve. Here, you will actively search for unique wildlife, including species like jackals, elusive Civets, scavenging hyenas, and potentially, a stealthy leopard.
Finally, drive back to the lodge, enjoy a delicious dinner, and relax.
Day 20: Sipi Falls Exploration & Transfer To Jinja
After enjoying your morning breakfast, your expert guide will collect you from the lodge and drive you directly to the stunning Sipi Falls. This fascinating activity allows you to witness the powerful, picturesque cascades and admire the beautiful landscape of the surrounding Elgon (Gisu) region.
Next, return to the lodge for lunch. Following your meal, you will begin the final transfer to Jinja. En route, you will observe vast sugar and rice plantations lining the road as you approach the “Adventure Capital” of Uganda.
Finally, upon arrival in Jinja, check in to your accommodation, enjoy dinner, and relax for your final night in Uganda.
Day 21: Nile White water rafting & Transfer To Kampala
Begin your final morning by rising very early and grabbing a cup of coffee. Today, you will experience a final adrenaline rush as you set off for exhilarating White-Water Rafting on the Nile River. Enjoy the thrilling ride as your raft dips and resurfaces through the powerful rapids. This activity will occupy a significant portion of your morning.
Next, return to the lodge for lunch. Afterward, you will begin the transfer back to Kampala. Upon arrival, check in to the Africana Hotel (or similar), enjoy a farewell dinner, and rest.
This final evening marks the conclusion of your incredible 21-Day Ultimate Uganda Safari.
