20 DAYS: EXPLORING UGANDA’S CULTURAL, PRIMATES AND WILDLIFE SAFARI
20 DAYS: EXPLORING UGANDA’S CULTURAL, PRIMATES AND WILDLIFE SAFARI
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On these extraordinary 20 days of adventure and exploring Uganda’s cultural and Wildlife Safari Tour, on these days you will give yourself an opportunity to travel to all corners of Uganda the Peal of Africa and see the diversity of Uganda’s flora and fauna. The mountains of Rwezori, one of the best parks in the world and explore the mighty Source of the River Nile, you will as well explorer the savannas of Queen Elizabeth National Park and Kidepo Vally National park as well as Murchison Falls National Park and then the rainforests of Kibale National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Lake Bunyonyi On this tour, you will go through Uganda in the perfect combination of nature, culture & wildlife, and you will have overnight stays in the best mid-range accommodations in Uganda.
Uganda is known as the “Pearl of Africa” and is famous for its stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, and vibrant culture. This itinerary gives you a well-rounded experience of Uganda’s culture, wildlife, and natural beauty. Of course, Uganda has many more attractions to offer, so feel free to adjust the itinerary to your preferences and interests. Don’t forget to check the latest travel advisories and requirements before your trip, and support sustainable tourism in Uganda to enhance your experience.
Please note that this is a general itinerary, and the actual duration, activities, and accommodations may vary depending on your preferences, available time, and the specific arrangements made with you. It is advisable to consult with us to customise your itinerary and make any necessary adjustments.
Included/Excluded
- Accommodation
- 4×4 safari vehicle with fuel with driver
- Full Board Meals Plan
- Professional Local english speaking Guide/Driver
- All park entry fees-Game drives, ranger and entry fees
- Boat Cruise Execution
- All local taxes
- Entry Visa Fees
- All Air fares
- Meals where not provided
- Alcoholic drinks
- Porter fees while trekking
- Personal Insurance
- Personal shopping bills
- Items of personal nature
Day 1: Pick-Up Entebbe Airport and Transfer to Kampala Day City Tour
From where you are depending on your arrival, our driver/guide will happily meet and welcome you, and shortly brief you about this safari adventure tour package. All your questions will be answered at the point, as you sip a glass of Juice or warm water, after which you will have a Kampala City Tour on a back of a Boda Boda-(Motorbike).
You will visit the Independence monuments to know more about the country the museum to uncover the country’s historical treasures, and the local markets and more historical sites that make Kampala the city of seven hills meanwhile your driver/guide will guide you to exchange the money for an easy transaction, as well as purchasing a few missing Items. Afterwards, you will return to the Hotel/lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 2: Transfer from Entebbe/Kampala to Jinja the Source of the River Nile
In the morning after a relaxed breakfast, you will embark on a remarkable adventure with guidelines from a white-water rafting pro. These optional activities in Jinja, White water rafting, Horseback safari, and Quad-biking. A day of white-water kayaking on the river, a Sundowner cruise on the Nile. The White Nile has up to seven times the volume of the Zambezi. It thunders between heavily forested islands and then leaps widely into a series of spectacular drops. You will plunge into the rapids and ride the mountainous waves downstream whilst relaxing and swimming in warm pools in the equatorial sunshine during parts of the trip. This is white water rafting at its best! You will be given an introduction before departing with large rubber boats taking eight people and a guide. A safety boat is accompanying you all throughout the trip so you can enjoy the thrill and exhilaration of world-class white water rafting in the security of knowing that you are in the safest hands. The river is full of grade five rapids so be prepared to hold your breath when plunging into the rapids! Besides the adrenaline rush the rural scenery along with the river side’s make for an exhilarating day. Delicious buffet lunch on a private island in the middle of the Nile will be served. At the end of the rafting trip, you will meet your Ikaze Rwanda guide again who will pick you up and drive you back to your hotel. This evening you will meet your park ranger who will take you on a 2hrs night game drive in search of the big cats. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Transfer to Sipi Falls for Hike and Coffee Tour Adventure
Early in the morning check out after your breakfast and set off to Sipi Falls Tour located in the Kapchorwa district, your driver/guide will take you through a brief of the whole coffee to tour to hike and trail through the falls well enjoying the best views of the sceneries in all direction. The hiking is 7km and it takes nearly 4 hours to the falls, very worthy of a Tour depending on your ability to reach the falls and enjoy the water breeze and feel the cool weather. The trek is a haven of unending insights as you encounter the nearby hospitable communities the locals mainly include the Sabeyi and Bagishu living around this area. You will sight their Plantations as you trail through the locals carrying out intermixed farming and normally grow Arabica Coffee, which is the major cash crop in this land, the coffee plantations grow on altitudes between 1600 meters and 1900 meters above sea level. While these individuals can engage in visiting these plantations with our local guides in the area. After you shall return back to the lodge for dinner and stay overnight.
Day 4: Transfer to Karamoja Region-Moroto
In the afternoon after your morning tour, you will travel to Moroto town the heart of the Karamoja area for your cultural activities for the following day. The Karamoja tented camp in Moroto is located in the beating heart of the Karamoja region on the slopes of Mountain Moroto (3085m). This is a central location serving as the perfect base for your adventure through northeast Uganda to visit the camps designed in a blend of traditional customs and local materials with a modern touch. Your time here brings you a unique experience of heritage, comfort and hospitality during Uganda safari tour through Uganda’s untouched northeast areas. After the cultural tour experience, you shall return back to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 5: Hike Mountain Moroto and Visit the Kraal
After morning breakfast, you will head to hike Mountain Moroto some of these regions are Uganda’s virgin and undiscovered Ones, of which here it’s the only place where you can learn about the traditional lifestyle of the Karamojong, the most traditional tribe still living in Uganda. In the early morning, you leave for a scenic nature walk through the valley of Mountain Moroto, the highest mountain of Karamoja. While on the walk we will set a camp at a traditional village of the So Tepeth mountain people. After this, you’ll meet the Karamajong living in a Kraal, better known as Manyatta or Boma in Swahili. A Kraal is basically a village made out of huts surrounded by fences made of wood and thorns. These are put up to keep the cattle in and to protect them against rival tribes and wild animals. Some of the Kraals are permanent and others are temporarily for when they tail the fresh grass to feed the cattle. The Karamajong people are similar to the Masai and related. The only difference is that the Karamajong are not known by the world! We want to take you to this unique and untouched destination to discover Uganda’s best-kept secret. Continue the journey to your lodge for an overnight stay and Dinner.
Day 6: Morning Transfer to Kidepo Valley National Park
On this day in the morning after your breakfast, you will travel to the most remote and pristine national park in the country Kidepo Valley National Park. In the rugged semi-arid valleys in the extreme northeast of Uganda, Kidepo Valley National Park lies hidden away in a lost and not frequently visited corner between Uganda’s borders with Sudan and Kenya. It is a long but very rewarding journey to get to this area with some of the most beautiful scenery in Uganda. You’ll experience an afternoon game drive in the wild Narus valley where herds of elephants & buffalos as well as beautiful sights of lions and leopards sitting on various valley rocks can be spotted. After will head to the lodge and check in for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 7: Morning Game Drive and Optional Activities
Kidepo Valley national park is one of the few parks in Uganda where you can do a walking safari. An armed ranger is joining you for your safety and you will explore the wilderness on foot. During this activity, you get the chance to experience the wildlife up close, a totally different experience than game-viewing by car. Buffalo, waterbuck, giraffe, warthog, zebra, bush-buck and of course the naughty baboons can be seen all year round as well as many different bird species. The guide stops regularly, not merely searching for a game, but telling you about birds, insects, trees, animal droppings, the medicinal use of plants and which animals eat which plants. In the afternoon you will go for another game drive in this amazing national park. The savanna is ringed by mountains and rocky ridges. It has a profusion of big game and hosts 475 bird species and over 80 mammal species, of which 28 were not known to occur (or very rarely) in any other Ugandan park. Examples: ostriches, zebras, bat-eared foxes, aardwolves, caracals, cheetahs, and greater and lesser kudus. Kidepo Valley National Park ranks among Africa’s finest wildernesses and is ranked nr. 3 on the list of CNN of best national parks in Africa. After you will get back on the road to proceed to Murchison Falls National Park.
Day 8: Arriving in Murchison Falls National Park
On this day you will arrive late in the evening to the pack, meanwhile, you will continue your journey to Murchison Falls National Park one of the oldest conservation areas in Uganda. This is a long but rewarding journey through various landscapes of Northern Uganda. As you arrive at the park lodge you will check in and prepare for dinner and stay overnight.
Day 9: Morning Game Drive and Boat Safari on Delta
On this day you will wake up, have breakfast 6 am and go for the early morning game drive you will need a very good eye to try and spot as many animals as possible. While driving through the park you have a chance to elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, lions, leopards, different species of antelope and many tropical birds. They are all there! A professional ranger with extensive knowledge of the park and its inhabitants will join you in your car. The park is especially known for its massive elephant population, a huge array of bird species and big herds of buffalo. You will discover some of the park’s ecosystems and different scenery with dense woodland, extensive savannahs and rolling grasslands. As this is a private game drive you can ask your guide to tailor your trip towards specific birdlife and wildlife if you want sport/sight. Meanwhile, you will return back to the lodge for a lunch break and proceed for your waiting boat safari on the delta, the Nile Delta is the area where the Victoria Nile flows into Lake Albert. The banks of the delta are home to hundreds of bird species including the rare and prehistoric-looking shoebill stork and papyrus endemic species. A boat safari through the delta is a “must do” for every birdwatcher. During this (approximately) 5-hour boat tour you enjoy breakfast while enjoying the peaceful scenery and while approaching Lake Albers you may see more fishermen in canoes catch of tilapia fish and local people fetching water from the Nile and if lucky wild game along the banks. You may also see many hippos and crocodiles and if lucky you can witness elephant bathing in the river. Also, keep an eye on the treetops as you can often spot monkeys such as eastern fringed monkeys and baboons. The boat trip starts early in the morning during the soft light, golden hours for photographers. This light lasts till about 10 am when the light becomes brighter. Relax, sit back & enjoy. After your boat trip, you will head back to the lodge for dinner and stay overnight.
Day 10: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
On this day after your breakfast, you will undertake the journey to the green Kibale Forest. The drive is incredibly scenic, passing through tea plantations and the lush green countryside which characterizes so much of Uganda. On arrival at the forest, you will enter a completely different new exciting world…! Kibale Forest National Park lies just outside the colonial town of Fort Portal and is made up of dense tropical rainforest. This park is considered one of the big highlights of Uganda due to some serious monkey business going on here. A big number of primates residing can be found here and particularly a visit to one of the habituated chimpanzee groups is a very memorable experience. The rare red colobus, as well as the black and white colobus, red-tailed monkey, olive baboon, the blue Monkey and l’hoest’s monkeys, are also regularly seen here. Where would you find a better spot to experience encounters with nature smell the forest and listen to the many sounds of nature? Your safari tent or cottage is surrounded by lush green diversity filled with countless bird species and butterflies. Planned lunch, dinner and accommodation for overnight stay at the reserved lodge in the park.
Day 11: Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi Wetlands Nature Walk
The Chimpanzees share 98% of human genes making them our closest living relatives. They are most easily sighted in Uganda due to their dense populations. Today, in Uganda, there are approximately 5,000 chimpanzees left in the wild. The Chimpanzee Tracking experience here is done on several well-maintained walking trails. There is also a wonderfully diverse concentration of other primates, more than any other forest in East Africa, in fact. Besides our delightful cousins, the chimpanzees, you can find red colobus, red-tailed guenon, white-nosed monkey, grey-cheeked mangabey, blue monkey, L’Hoest’s monkey, and the black and white colobus monkey. In addition, you may see olive baboons, bush babies and more. The aim for you trekking through the jungle under the care of a professional guide is 1 hour of eye-to-eye contact with the chimpanzees. In the afternoon your hall head to Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary which features 8 primate species, over 200 bird species and many reptiles. During the walk – which takes 3 hours – will be animals but the highlight is catching a glimpse of a famous bird the Great Blue Turaco. Later on, your guide will lead you back to return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 12: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park Queen
Elizabeth is the second largest park in the country and is located at the base of the majestic Rwenzori Mountain range, next to Lake Edward and Lake George which are joined by the Kazinga channel. Few reserves in the world have such high biodiversity with landscapes including savannah, bushland, wetlands and lush forests. On your first game drive, it is time to explore Queen Elizabeth National Park with 200 kilometers of well-maintained game viewing tracks. We advise you to be alert and proactive on your game drive to help the ranger spot as many animals as possible. With an astonishing 5000 hippos, 2500 elephants and over 10,000 buffalo thriving in its grasslands and shorelines, this park guarantees sightings of some of Africa’s most iconic species. All being well you see elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, different species of antelope and just maybe some of the exciting predators such as lion, leopard, civet, genal and serval cats. Ten species of primates enjoy the park’s diverse habitats. Vervet and black-and-white colobus monkeys are easily spotted in the trees and of course the boldest species; baboons! They are all there! A professional ranger with extensive knowledge of the park and its inhabitants will join you in your car so you can ask your driver/guide to search for specific birdlife or wildlife.
Day 13: Game Drive and Boat Safari Queen Elizabeth National Park
After an early breakfast, you will go for a long game drive in time to see the sunrise. The morning is the best time for a game drive as the African animal kingdom tends to be most active when during the golden hours of the first sunlight touching the savannah. You will continue the search for all the wildlife; elephant, buffalo, lion, waterbuck, leopard, Uganda kob, and warthog and do not forget about the birds and the primates. After in the afternoon you will go for a boat safari at the Kazinga channel where lake Gorge meets lake Albert. You will see many animals come to drink or bathe. You can expect to see, Buffalo, crocodiles, bathing elephants, and a range of beautiful birds. later on, your driver/guide will lead you back to return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 14: Chimpanzee Trekking and Tree Climbing Lions
After your breakfast, early in the morning, you will go for a hike in the Kyambura gorge; another gem in the far eastern corner of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This gorge is also called the “Valley of Apes” and is another world on its own. Drained by River Kayambura it now has a rich wildlife biodiversity, including a family of 16 chimpanzees and many bird species. The view from the top is very impressive as you look down a gorge filled with lush green tropical vegetation amidst an impressive valley. A hike through the gorge gives you the opportunity to see chimpanzees and other types of primates including red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus, baboons and vervet monkeys. This green- riverine forest also offers shelter to several forest birds. Although the chance of spotting chimpanzees is not as high as on official trekking in Kibale or Budongo forest, this landscape is among the most impressive in Uganda and absolutely worth visiting. Along the way, you will drive to the south part of Queen Elizabeth National Park after the hike. This part is famous for its’ tree-climbing lions, while lion cubs around the world frequently climb trees for fun, adults rarely do. However, these lionesses enjoy spending the hot afternoons snoozing in fig trees to get away from the tsetse flies and to enjoy a cool breeze. This is the most memorable sight in the park as you have never seen such photogenic lions posing for your camera before. During a game drive, you will try your luck! Meanwhile don’t miss the stunning scenery and superb birdlife in this southern remote section of the park either. Thereafter you will head back to the lodge for your ready dinner and for an overnight stay.
Day 15: Transfer to Lake Mutanda
Today you go to a very beautiful part of the country often referred to as ‘the Switzerland of Africa. You will see the great countryside, and bamboo forest and have great views over the Virunga Mountains between Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. For lunch, you will stop at a local restaurant on the road. Mutanda Lake Resort offers one of the best views in Uganda! Perched on a peninsula in Lake Mutanda, isolated in the shadow of the Virunga Mountain Range, this lodge offers comfortable accommodation in a very unique corner of the country. Situated between Kisoro town, Mgahinga and Bwindi National Parks the Resort makes a perfect base for gorilla trekking, volcano hikers, and bird- lovers as well as those looking for a secluded magical place in nature. Don’t forget to take your chance to dip in the lake as it is Bilharzia-free. On your arrival, you check in to your booked accommodation lodge for a chill-out and dinner and overnight stay.
Day 16: Gorilla Trekking
Today is a very exciting day… Prepare yourself for an encounter with one of Bwindi’s gentle giants: the rare Mountain Gorilla. For most people, this is the absolute highlight of their tour in Uganda. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a highlight for many visitors as this is where they will be visiting the home of the gentle giants. The park lies in southwestern Uganda on the edge of the Rift Valley. Uganda’s oldest and most biologically diverse rainforests lie on the mist-covered hillsides. This magnificent forest dates back over 25,000 years, even surviving the last Ice Age -most forests disappeared. Bwindi Forest has an incredible diversity of flora and fauna and is the only forest in Africa which can make claim to hosting both mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. In fact, half the world’s population of gorillas live here divided into nine habituated family groups. Also, 5 other primate species, 120 species of mammal, over 220 butterflies and 360 bird species call Bwindi home. This is a place to see the critically endangered mountain gorillas up close for your very own ‘Gorillas in the Mist’ moment. Your trek will be exciting for some but also challenging journey along forested ‘sometimes slippery’ slopes, entwined vines, bushes and bamboo before you eventually reach the gentle giants. En route, your guide will point out signs of previous gorilla activity. Think of dung, nests and chewed bamboo shoots. The time to complete the gorilla trekking can be as little as 2 hours to as much as 7 hours. Once the family of gorillas has been located, you will be allowed to have a maximum of one hour observing them, coming face-to-face with the mountain gorillas is a truly humbling and emotional experience. This is a fantastic part of your tour you will definitely remember for the rest of your life. Before you start your descent back to the starting point and continue the journey to your lodge for overnight stay and Dinner.
Days 17: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi and Explorer The Batwa Trail
On this day we will take you to another exciting lake Bunyoyi, the lake of many small birds this stunning location offers some wonderful optional activities. The southwestern part of Uganda is known as ‘Little Switzerland’, a lush, mountainous region dotted with freshwater lakes, which makes it the perfect base for a number of activities beyond gorilla tracking. The area is great for walking, hiking, mountain biking, cultural village tours, bird watching or water sports activities and more. If you don’t go for a boat cruise you could opt for cycling around the area. Return to the lodge, have dinner and have an overnight stay.
Day 18: Transfer To Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo is a small national Park (on the route from Bwindi National Park back to Entebbe) but should certainly not be underestimated. This is the only place in southern Uganda to see zebras and the only park in the country with impalas, slender mongooses and giant bush rats. You can also look for hyenas, leopards, topis, elands and the beautiful Rothschild’s giraffes, not to mention the lake itself which is teeming with hippos and crocodiles! There are a lot of wonderful activities on offer, such as horse-riding, bush walks, boat safari on the lake and a mountain bike safari. It is exciting to approach the wildlife at such close range, especially combining the fresh air with the beautiful scenery of Lake Mburo National Park. Lunch and dinner will be planned at your booked lodge. Early morning, head out for Bush Biking. Do not forget to carry your camera in order to keep all your memories forever intact and also to ensure not to miss out on the detail of your amazing trip. Depending on how long you would like these activities to last, you could also choose to conduct an optional walking safari in the park. Return to the lodge for lunch and later go for a relaxing and experiential boat cruise on the lake. Return in the evening to prepare dinner.
Day 19: Horse Game Track, Walk or Mountain Bike Tour and More Optional Activities
Uganda where it is permitted to go for a safari walk with an experienced ranger. Footprints and animal droppings tell which animal has been here and how long ago. It is exciting to approach the wildlife at such close range. This activity is included. Lake Mburo National Park is well know for the impala though it has a vast population of wildlife ranging from zebra, eland, buffalo, oribi,deffasa water back, leopard ,hyena, hippo, reed back. The park Offers alot of animals for the traveler to enjoy.
Day 20: Natural Walk Before Your Transfer to the Entebbe Airport/Kampala City
Lake Mburo National Park. Is one of the two parks in Uganda where it is permitted to go for a safari walk with an experienced ranger. Footprints and animal droppings tell which animal has been here and how long ago. It is exciting to approach the wildlife at such close range. This activity is included this morning. This will mark the end of your 20 days of exploring Uganda’s cultural and wildlife safaris. Return to Kampala/Entebbe. On the way you will have a picnic lunch break, en-route while stopping at the equator for photographs, later you will arrive in Kampala/Entebbe in the late evening. Or you will be dropped off at your hotel/lodge or at any place of your inconvenience