This 21-Day Grand Uganda Safari offers a comprehensive view of the beauty across various destinations, from the east, south, west, and northern parts of the country.
Traverse the diverse national parks of Mount Elgon, Kidepo, Semuliki, Rwenzori, Queen Elizabeth, Mgahinga, Lake Mburo, Murchison Falls, and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, which is home to half of the world’s mountain gorillas.
The adventure also allows you to appreciate the beauty of other cultures, such as those of the Karamojong and the Batwa Pygmies.
The parks feature a wide range of attractions, including wildlife like lions, buffaloes, elephants, zebras, impalas, leopards, cheetahs, and Rothschild’s giraffes, as well as aquatic animals like crocodiles.
The experience isn’t complete until you’ve enjoyed the bird melodies on the banks of Lake Bunyonyi and encountered the chimpanzees and gorillas.
Detailed 21-Day Uganda Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer to Jinja
Upon arrival, our expert guide will welcome you to the beautiful land of the pearl of Africa.
Thereafter, drive you in a very comfortable way to Jinja, about a 1-2 hour drive from Kampala, where you will check into your accommodation for dinner and overnight.
Jinja is home to the source of the River Nile which runs for over 4000km.
Day 2: Explore the Source of the Nile & White Water Rafting
Wake up to a warm breakfast before heading to the source of the Nile, from where the Nile starts its 4000km journey across a number of African countries.
Take a boat cruise to the point where the Nile begins.
Then have lunch before proceeding to the next adventure of rafting.
Afterward, head back to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Transfer to Mount Elgon
After completing breakfast, you will embark on a 3-4 hour journey, feeding your eyes with beautiful views of the rice and sugar plantations.
It’s all amazing until you reach Mount Elgon, which is home to numerous bird species as well as the magnificent Sipi Falls, located in the Kapchorwa district.
On arrival, check into the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Hike Sipi Falls
Wake up to an early morning cup of coffee, then gather at the park’s headquarters where the hiking begins.
A specific ranger will be allocated to you who will guide you on every detail; a porter will also be necessary in case you need assistance during any difficulties.
This activity is very rewarding since it offers the music from the birds, the fauna and flora, and wildcats among others.
After reaching your target, get back to the lodge for lunch before heading to the roars of Sipi Falls.
Retire in the evening for dinner and overnight.
Day 5: Transfer to Kidepo Valley National Park
After an early morning breakfast, check out and embark on a long day’s 10-hour drive to Kidepo National Park, home to wildlife.
The drive will pass via the Pian Upe Game Reserve, a mixed acacia-commiphora savanna.
This reserve is home to cheetahs, spotted hyenas, leopards, buffaloes, among others.
Proceed with the drive to Moroto, where you will have lunch as the journey continues through Kotido and Kabong, where the park is located.
Check into your accommodation for dinner and overnight.
Day 6: Game Drive & Culture
Rise up to an early morning breakfast, and then head to the wilderness to encounter the late evening hunters returning to their resting places as well as the morning predators out hunting for the day’s food.
While here, you have a good chance of spotting Africa’s game that includes, among others, lions, elephants, zebras, cheetahs, giraffes as well as different bird species such as ostriches.
After the 3-4 hour activity, return to the lodge for lunch in preparation for an encounter with the Karamojong people who will lead you through a real traditional way of life.
Return for dinner and overnight.
Day 7: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
Enjoy a nice breakfast at your accommodation and check out, then proceed with your trip to Uganda’s largest national park to have the most memorable experience of Murchison Falls as well as an unforgettable game drive that exposes you to wildlife such as lions, elephants, buffaloes, among others.
Upon reaching Gulu, have lunch and proceed to the park, where you will check into your accommodation for dinner and overnight.
Day 8: Game Drive & Launch Cruise
Wake up to a very sweet cup of coffee.
Afterward, head for a 3-4 hour game drive where you stand a chance of seeing night hunters come back to their hiding places to rest, as well as watching the early morning hunters head to the battlefield to get the day’s meal.
These may include lions, leopards, elephants, warthogs, giraffes, hippos, among others, not forgetting to sight some bird species singing sweet melodies for you.
Upon finishing, you will have lunch then head for an afternoon boat cruise that sails to the bottom of the falls, here, you will have a clear sight of the park’s treasure, Murchison Falls.
On completion, head back to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 9: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
After an early morning breakfast, transfer to Kibale Forest National Park in Fort Portal.
Kibale Forest is the best place for chimpanzee trekking in the world.
Day 10: Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Swamp Walk
The flickering sun’s rays will wake you up to an early morning breakfast.
Then, head to the park’s headquarters for a chimpanzee trekking briefing.
The guides will tell you the dos and don’ts while in the park. The entire activity may take about 3-4 hours, with an hour for you to view humans’ closest relatives.
It’s amazing that you will stand a chance of spotting other primates such as the red-tailed monkeys, baboons, bush babies among others, not to forget the birds who will be entertaining you with sweet melodies.
After, head back for lunch before proceeding to Bigodi Wetland to watch birds, baboons, bush babies, among others. Return to your accommodation for dinner and overnight.
Day 11: Transfer to Mount Rwenzori National Park
After an early morning breakfast, drive to the Rwenzori area, stopping at the Rwenzori Art Foundation, which is the only bronze casting center in Africa, to view the process of sculpture making.
Then proceed to check on the Ruboni Community Wax and Craft Center to see how the locals live.
Check into the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 12: Hike Mount Rwenzori
After your morning breakfast, head to the Rwenzori headquarters for a briefing on the hiking process, and to get a porter to assist you.
Start your hike to the mountain of the moon, reaching 5,109m above sea level with a snow-capped peak.
The hike exposes you to the foothills of the mountain, the glaciers, and offers stunning views of the Albertine Rift.
Below is the panoramic view of Kasese town. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 13: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Enjoy an early morning breakfast, then head to Queen Elizabeth National Park on a comfortable drive with an entertaining guide.
You’ll have the opportunity to take photos and enjoy sightseeing. Upon arrival at the park, check into your accommodation facility.
After a sumptuous and energy-giving meal at your accommodation, set out for a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel for some relaxation.
Day 14: Game Drive & Boat Cruise
Wake up to an early morning breakfast, then head out for a game drive to appreciate the wildlife and discover new sights.
You’ll have the chance to spot lions, antelopes, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, giraffes, and more.
Take control of your binoculars during the 3-hour activity and capture wonderful pictures with your camera.
After a picnic lunch, head out in the afternoon for a boat cruise where you might spot a number of aquatic animals and other wildlife that have come to bathe or drink water in the Kazinga Channel.
Day 15: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Wake up to an early morning breakfast, then embark on an early game drive where you might spot amazing wildlife, such as elephants, lions, buffaloes, leopards, and more.
Then, have a picnic lunch and head to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest via the Ishasha sector, where you will see the unique tree-climbing lions.
Proceed to your safari lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 16: Gorilla Trekking, Transfer to Mgahinga
Let the sunrise wake you up to an early morning breakfast, then head to the sector headquarters for a briefing.
Here, the UWA park rangers will brief you on the dos and don’ts of gorilla trekking before you embark on the trek, which will last about 4-6 hours depending on the location of the mammals.
After finding them and interacting for about an hour, return for lunch at the lodge.
Then, drive to the neighboring Mgahinga National Park, which is less known but full of treasures for all its visitors.
In Mgahinga, you will encounter the ancient and entertaining culture of the Batwa Pygmies.
Check into your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 17: Golden Monkey Trekking & Batwa Community Visit
After breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing at 8:30 am on the dos and don’ts while in the jungle.
Mgahinga, Muhabura, and Sabyinyo offer rewarding sights.
The hike allows you to explore the endangered golden monkeys, which are unique to the Virunga Volcanoes.
They dwell in the bamboo forests of Mount Mgahinga and exhibit playful behavior.
Their distinctive skin color is striking. After the hike, return for lunch and then visit the Batwa Pygmies.
Day 18: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi & Afternoon Boat Cruise
After a satisfying breakfast, proceed to Lake Bunyonyi, Africa’s second deepest lake and a birders’ paradise.
You’ll be greeted by beautiful landscapes.
This area, named by the British diplomat Winston Churchill as the ‘Switzerland of Africa,’ offers a stunning sunset boat cruise.
Day 19: A Full Day at Lake Bunyonyi
Let the birds’ melodies wake you up. Enjoy breakfast while taking in the stunning views of the surrounding hills and the beautiful flash of the sun’s rays in the morning.
Then, proceed for a canoe ride on the lake, visiting its 29 islands, each rich in history, such as the Punishment Island.
Sit back and relax as the guides share stories during the ride. After lunch, go hiking in the nearby hills and enjoy bird watching.
Day 20: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park & Evening Game Drive
After an early morning breakfast, drive to Lake Mburo National Park, home to zebras and many other wildlife species.
The roughly 4-hour and 30-minute drive takes you to this small but fascinating park, which is home to zebras, impalas, oribis, buffaloes, warthogs, and over 332 bird species.
On arrival, take in the atmosphere and capture as many photos as you wish.
Check into your accommodation for dinner and overnight.
Day 21: Transfer to Kampala/Entebbe
After a very satisfying breakfast, head out for an early morning game drive for about 3 hours.
Here, you stand a chance of spotting zebras, impalas, elephants, buffaloes, and more.
After completing the drive, return to your accommodation for lunch and check out.
Transfer to Entebbe, stopping at the equator for photography and to buy souvenirs from the nearby craft shop.
