19Days Across Uganda Safari Experience

Say goodbye to the ordinary as you start this 19-day trip through Uganda, a country with incredible diversity that blends adventure, wildlife, and culture into an exquisite harmony. 

You will first fly into Entebbe and then head over to Jinja. There you will enjoy the scenic boat ride on the Nile’s Source and witness the spiritual Sezibwa Falls alongside the abundant Mabira Forest. Take a hike through the Sipi Falls and indulge in the award-winning Arabica Sipi Coffee before making your way to the Kidepo Valley National Park, which is a secluded wilderness. Get really close to the wildlife: see lions, giraffes, and zebras, and learn about the Karamojong people's way of life by participating in their customs. 

Next on the itinerary is Murchison Falls National Park, where the Nile bursts through a narrow gorge with great force. Take part in exciting game drives, a scenic boat cruise, and the hike to the Top of the Falls. At Kibale Forest, you will trek the chimpanzees and also visit Bigodi Village for a cultural experience that is very absorbing. 

At Queen Elizabeth National Park, you will see lions in trees and enjoy the peacefulness of a Kazinga Channel boat trip. Then next is the very famous Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where you will have the very best of wildlife encounters—mountain gorilla trekking, plus a golden monkey trek in Mgahinga afterward. Soak in the beauty of Lake Bunyonyi while you take canoe rides and hikes, then participate in a walking safari at Lake Mburo National Park. 

Your adventure ends in Kampala, where you can opt for a city tour or a tranquil Shoebill canoe trip in Mabamba Wetlands. The diversity of river, rainforest, mountains, and savannahs of this across-Uganda safari are the very essence of Africa.

Durations
19 days
Cities
Kampala Entebbe Mbarara Fort Portal Gulu Bwindi Forest Lake Bunyonyi Jinja

19Days Across Uganda Safari Experience

Journey time: Approx. 1 Hour Your adventure in Uganda will begin with the transfer to your hotel in Entebbe, where upon your arrival at the Entebbe International Airport, our guide will meet you. You will have the opportunity to taste the local atmosphere after your check-in and maybe do some light activities because Uganda is waiting for you. Notes Overnight: Midrange: Protea Hotel Entebbe – or similar Luxury: Entebbe Forest Lodge – or similar

meals Bed and Breakfast

Around 3 hours after pickup at 6 a.m. the day starts with an early breakfast which is followed by check-out and then the trip to Jinja starts with the later lunch at a local restaurant. Program of activities: Initial stop: Sezibwa Falls - Find out the spiritual and cultural importance of this Buganda heritage site, where the local myths and traditions are mixed up with the waterfalls. The second stop is Mabira Eco Forest – The visitors who love nature will be in one of Uganda’s biggest remaining rainforests on guided nature walk for about 2-3 hours where they would be able to see different species of plants and birds and enjoy the peaceful forest environment. The last stop is Jinja – Source of the Nile Boat Cruise – Feel the greatness of the longest river in the world as you quietly move along its clean waters, enjoying the beautiful landscape and the vivacious riverbank culture. From the boat, transfer to the hotel where you will check in to spend your time at leisure. Notes Overnight: Midrange: Jinja Nile Resort – or similar Luxury: Lemala Wildwaters Lodge – or similar

meals Bed and Breakfast

Travel Time: About 4 Hours Pick-up Time: 08:00 AM. After breakfast at the hotel and checking-out, you will get to Sipi Falls. However, before you leave, you might want to consider some optional activities like quad biking, bungee jumping, or horseback riding. A local restaurant will be arranged for lunch during the drive. The late afternoon will be the time at Sipi Falls, after which the rest of the day will be yours to spend as you wish. Notes Overnight: Midrange Luxury: Heritage Lodge Sipi – or similar

meals Full Board

Pickup Time: 08:00AM. Breakfast and meals at the lodge are on your account. The day will mostly be devoted to the discovery of Sipi Falls which are accompanied by coastal culture visits. Planned Activities: Sipi Falls Guided Hike – Set out on a picturesque hike to see the three waterfalls of Sipi, getting to know the panoramic views of the waterfalls, green valleys, and surrounding nature. Coffee Experience – Visit local farms in Sipi/Kapchorwa to get the whole process of production, from planting, harvesting to brewing of world-renowned Arabica coffee, and tasting the one prepared for you right on the spot. Optional Activities – For those who like challenges, pick the Sipi Runners Experience where you train alongside the gifted local runners or go for the thrill of rappelling down the cliff right next to the roaring waterfall. Come back to the lodge in the evening and spend your time as you wish. Notes Overnight: Midrange Luxury: Heritage Lodge Sipi – or similar

meals Full Board

Journey time: Approx. 7 Hours Pickup Time: 06:30AM. Start your day with a nice breakfast at the lodge, after that check out and get your packed lunchboxes for a picnic on the way to Kidepo Valley National Park. The drive is not just scenic but also through various landscapes and remote communities, which is a great opportunity to see the northern Ugandan beauty that is still unspoiled. Once you arrive, check in at your lodge and spend the rest of the day at your own pace, enjoying the peace of the wilderness. Notes Overnight: Midrange: Adere Safari Lodge – or similar Luxury: Apoka Safari Lodge – or similar

meals Full Board

Pickup Time: 06:30AM. Wake up early and transfer to a scenic bush breakfast site within the park | Lunch and dinner at the lodge. Planned Activities: Kidepo National Park Bush Breakfast – Start your day with an extraordinary outdoor breakfast in the midst of raw African wilderness beauty, as the park is waking up with the various wildlife's sights and sounds. Guided Game Drive in Kidepo Wilderness – One of Africa's most untouched wildlife places will be granted to you. Zebras, giraffes, elephants, lions, and leopards will be seen up close, all amidst the dramatic environment of the Mount Morungole Ranges and savannah plains. Karamojong Cultural Experience – The vibrant culture of the Karamojong people will be all yours to enjoy. Get to know their pastoral lifestyle, lively dances, and peculiar cultural practices that make them one of Uganda's most attractive communities. Notes Overnight: Midrange: Adere Safari Lodge – or similar Luxury: Apoka Safari Lodge – or similar

meals Full Board

Journey length: Around 07 Hours Departure Time: 06:30AM. After a quick breakfast and checking out, drive from Kidepo to Murchison Falls National Park, with lunch at a local diner arranged. On the way, participate in a cultural and historical break at Fort Patiko (Baker’s Fort), which was once a stronghold during the colonial period. Reach the park at night and check in at your lodge, where dinner and a comfortable overnight stay are ready for you. Notes Midrange: Entikko Safari Lodge - or similar  Overnight: Luxury: Nile Safari Lodge - or similar

meals Half Board

Pickup Time: 06:30AM. The day is going to begin with an early breakfast, then a game drive at sunrise when the savanna is very animated and filled with wildlife at its most active. Planned Activities: Morning Guided Game Drive at sunrise – The park will slowly wake up and you will be there to see it with all the earlymorning wildlife activity across the savannah where lions, elephants, giraffes and other iconic species will be the main attractions. Visit the Top of Murchison Falls – Plunge into the mighty Nile and marvel at its powerful waterfall, panoramic breathtaking views and the surrounding green landscapes will be your eyes’ rest. Afternoon Boat Cruise – Go upstream to where the falls are located, meet hippos, and crocodiles, and enjoy a plethora of birds along the Nile’s placid waters. Optional Evening Game Drive – The day will end with another opportunity to have a close encounter with animals while the sun is setting and the park’s colors are different and the forest's inhabitants are very much alive in a different light. Notes Overnight: Midrange: Entikko Safari Lodge – or similar Luxury: Nile Safari Lodge – or similar

meals Full Board

Travel Time: Around 07 Hours Pick-up Time: 06:30AM. Get ready for a new day with an early breakfast at your hotel before going on a picturesque drive to Kibale National Park – Enjoy a tasty lunch at a local restaurant in Hoima City. You will get to your accommodation in the late afternoon, where you will be able to unwind and enjoy the peace of nature – no planned activities. Notes Overnight: Midrange: Tabebuia Spa & Safari Resort – or comparable Luxury: Papaya Lake Lodge – or comparable

meals Half Board

Pickup Time: 07:00AM. Before leaving for the park for the briefing, enjoy the early breakfast in the lodge. Then, have a traditional lunch at Tinka’s Homestead, where you will be able to know the real local flavors and hospitality.  Planned Activities: Kibale Forest Chimpanzee Tracking – Wake up early and be ready for an adventurous trip into the thick, misty rain forest of Kibale. By 08:30AM, after an 08:00AM briefing, you will be on your way through the trails endowed with branches literally taking up space from above and dotted with colorful tiny plants. The canopy will be ringing with the exciting calls of the chimps and you will be able to see these enchanting creatures in the act of bouncing, eating, and even playing with each other. In the course of this, you may also witness other wild animals and so feel more connected to one of the most spectacular ecosystems in Africa. Hiking boots, long trousers, face mask, insect repellent, gloves, and mineral water are the must-haves for this unforgettable adventure! Later on, you will be a part of the vibrant life of Bigodi village. Walk through the villages, meet the local craftspeople, and see their traditional practices. Notes Overnight: Midrange: Tabebuia Spa & Safari Resort – or similar  Luxury: Papaya Lake Lodge – or similar

meals Full Board

Journey time: Approx. 02 Hours Pickup Time: 07:30 AM. After breakfast at the lodge, check out and start your adventure. Then, you will be back to the lodge for lunch and continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Planned Activities: Guided Scenic “Top of the World” Hike at Ndali Kasenda – Begin a guided hike to the stunning Ndali Kasenda plateau where the vision of undulating hills, lush tea gardens, and remote crater lakes is unlimited. Breath the fresh mountain air and you will be overwhelmed with the broad views that give the feeling of being above the world. Sundowner in the Bunyaruguru Crater Lake Fields – Instead of the day’s activities, take a peaceful sundowner in the quiet crater lake fields of Bunyaruguru. Notes Overnight: Midrange: Mweya Safari Lodge – or similar Luxury: The River Station – or similar

meals Full Board

Pick-up Time: 06:30 AM. A quick meal in the morning and a day of adventures in the park’s most popular places | All the food is provided at your lodge. Planned Activities: Morning Game Drive: Start your day with the thrilling game drive, taking a look at the park’s most representative fauna in their wild home. Lake Katwe Salt Works: Learn about and see the unusual salt manufacturing at Lake Katwe, letting you be a witness to the local traditions and culture. Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise: After the sun has gone down, take a peaceful boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, where you will be able to see hippos, crocodiles, and many different birds very closely. Optional Evening Game Drive: After the boat ride, you can go for a sunset night safari. Notes Overnight: Midrange: Mweya Safari Lodge – or comparable Luxury: Honey Bear Bush Camp – or comparable

meals Full Board

Journey time: Approx. 5 Hours Pickup Time: 08:00AM. After a lovely breakfast and check-out, set off for the scenic journey to the famous Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The ride will take you through the picturesque highlands of Kabale, which is very often referred to as the “Switzerland of Africa,” with a stop at a delicious restaurant for lunch during the drive. Get to Bwindi by the evening, where the thick rainforest greets you; go to your lodge for a quick check-in and a restful night. Notes Overnight: Midrange: Four Gorillas Lodge – or similar Luxury: Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge – or similar

meals Full Board

Pickup Time: 06:30AM. After an early breakfast, you will be given a lunchbox and bottled water to pack in your backpack, and then you will walk to the park office. Planned activity: Bwindi Gorilla Tracking Experience – Go far into the center of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for a fantastic meeting with the endangered mountain gorillas. Together with an adept ranger and expert trackers, you will walk along the green, mist-enveloped trails, hearing and smelling the jungle with every step while the excitement grows. When the gorillas are located, spend 1 to 2 enchanting hours watching and taking pictures of these great beings in their wild life. It is not only a trek but also a close-up, once-in-a-lifetime experience into one of the world’s most incredible ecosystems! The guide will choose a quiet place for a packed lunch during the trek, then you can either proceed to the lodge or come back (this might change). For your comfort and safety, wear good hiking boots, long pants, long-sleeve shirts, gloves, a mask, and bring bug spray and water. Optional Activity ($30 pp): Batwa Cultural Trail. Notes Overnight: Midrange: Four Gorillas Lodge – or similar Luxury: Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge – or similar

meals Full Board

Journey Time: Approximate 1½ Hours Pickup Time: 6:30 AM. Have a very early breakfast, and then you will be given a packed lunch for your picnic later in the day. Drive from Bwindi to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for the start of your golden monkey trek. Scheduled Activity: Mgahinga Golden Monkey Trek – After a thorough briefing by your park guide, start your golden monkey trek at around 8:00 am. The path meanders through the magical forest of Mgahinga which is characterized by huge trees and soft tops before getting to the lower bamboo zones that are home to the spirited and friendly monkeys. The trek is moderate and very encouraging as you soon see the active golden monkeys with their beautiful furry coats shining in the faint light of the forest. The golden monkeys are quite social and might be in their troop, leaping in the bamboo and playing. Therefore, for your comfort and safety be sure to wear sturdy hiking boots, long trousers, and long-sleeved clothing. Also carry insect repellent, drinking water, a face mask, and a small backpack. Should you need help, porters are available. After the trek, transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, check in and have the rest of the day at leisure. Notes Overnight: Midrange: BirdNest Resort – or similar Luxury: Arcadia Lodge Bunyonyi – or similar

meals Half Board

Pickup Time: 08:00 AM. Delight in a hearty breakfast with all meals arranged at the lodge. Today is entirely dedicated to revealing the picturesque features of Lake Bunyonyi, soaking in its peaceful waters, verdant nature and beautiful islands. The planned activities at Lake Bunyonyi are: Canoe Ride on Lake Bunyonyi –Float over the sparkling waters in a traditional dugout canoe, getting to know the lake's peaceful islands and secret spots. The “Top of the World” Bunyonyi Hike/Nature Walk –Take a scenic hike to the viewpoints that provide a wide-angle view of the lake and its green surroundings. With every step, you get not only the beautiful views but also the chance to get in touch with the natural beauty of the area. Notes Overnight: Midrange: BirdNest Resort – or similar Luxury: Arcadia Lodge Bunyonyi – or similar

meals Full Board

Journey Time: Approx. 5 Hours Pickup Time: 07:00AM. Enjoy breakfast, check out, and then go to Lake Mburo National Park, where you will have lunch at your lodge on a relaxing afternoon. Evening Activity: Lake Mburo Walking Safari – Get to Lake Mburo National Park on time for an enchanting evening walking safari of up to three hours. With an expert ranger, follow the paths that lead from Rwonyo through the park's beautiful areas and hear the birds and see the wildlife moving in the bushes. The route takes you to the saltlicks, where the grazers come to get the mineral-rich clay to eat. This is a great place to see zebras, impalas, and other animals in their natural habitat very close to you. After the safari, the next stop is the lodge for check-in and refreshments before dinner. Notes Overnight: Midrange: Rwakobo Rock – or similar Luxury: Mihingo Lodge – or similar

meals Full Board

Journey Time: Approx. 5 Hours Pickup Time: 10:00AM. A leisurely morning passing at the lodge with breakfast or taking a trip to an Ankole Cattle Farm for a glimpse of the local culture is your choice. After that, set out for Kampala, making a stop at the Equator for some pictures and lunch on the way. Arrive in the evening and check in at your hotel to relax and unwind. Notes Overnight: Midrange: Fairway Boutique Hotel – or similar Luxury: Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa – or similar

meals Bed and Breakfast

Journey time: Approx. 1 Hour Pickup Time: 07:00AM. The clients will have an early breakfast at the hotel, later check-out, and the whole day excursion of their choice before flying out. (Guests should choose only one tour option.) Option 1: Kampala City Tour (Half Day) –Experience the liveliness of Uganda’s capital city in a classy way. This thoughtfully planned city tour not only takes you around the attractions but also gives you a window into the vibrant culture of the city; from the markets to colonial-era buildings, you will have a close experience with the city’s heritage and energy. Option 2: Mabamba Shoebill Tour (Half Day) – Start your trip to the Mabamba Wetlands, Uganda’s little paradise, with the help of this exclusive tour. You will be taken to the Nakiwogo Landing Site and from there you will be taken by a private motorized canoe through the peaceful swamp, where you will be surrounded by the beautiful papyrus plants and lots of birds. Spot the legendary and hard-to-find Shoebill Stork in its natural surroundings, which is an incredible wildlife encounter amidst the calm and untouched nature. After the selected excursion, a meal will be provided at the restaurant and then you will proceed to Entebbe Airport for your next departure flight.

meals Breakfast and Lunch

price-label From 8610$

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What's included/Excluded
  • All primate tracking permits as planned in the itinerary. 
  • Fuel for the entire safari until departure. 
  • Transport in an enclosed 4WD Land Cruiser (Window seat guaranteed)
  • Return airport transfers as planned in the itinerary.  
  • Meals as described in the itinerary. 
  • 18 Nights’ accommodation
  • An English-speaking driver-guide. 
  • 02L daily mineral water per person 
  • Mabamba Shoebill tour and Kampala City tour 
  • All park entrance fees per itinerary schedule. 
  • Activities as planned in the itinerary. 
  • AMREF Emergency evacuation cover
  • All optional activities and services not mentioned above
highlights
  • Tour Sezibwa Falls 
  • Explore Mabira Eco Forest 
  • Source of the Nile boat cruise
  • Sipi Falls Hike 
  • Sipi Coffee Experience 
  • Karamojong Cultural visit 
  • Top of Murchison Falls 
  • Nile Boat Cruise 
  • Chimpanzee tracking 
  • Bigodi Cultural Experience 
  • Ndali “Top of the World” Hike
  • Lake Katwe Salt Works
  • Kazinga Channel boat cruise
  • Mountain gorilla trekking
  • Golden Monkey Trek
  • Lake Bunyonyi canoe ride
  • Guided walking safari 
  • Kampala City Tour 
  • Or Shoebill Stork canoe tour
Notes

DISCLAIMER: Journey times in the itinerary are estimates and may vary depending on traffic and road conditions |Accommodation options listed are subject to availability at the time of booking; if unavailable, comparable properties will be provided |Allocation within the five sectors of Bwindi will depend on availability at the time of booking and cannot be predetermined |Rates are subject to change due to factors beyond our control. Any adjustments or top-ups will be communicated and reflected in your final invoice.

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