Uganda Uncovered: Gorillas, Wildlife & Cultural Wonders

DURATION

  • Number of days: 14 Days
  • Number of nights: 13 Nights
  • A trip by travel experts : Albert and Juliet

Top Highlights:

  • Spot giraffes, elephants, and cheetahs on game drives through Kidepo Valley and Murchison Falls, Uganda’s largest national parks.
  • Trek chimpanzees in Kibale Forest and enjoy a boat cruise along the wildlife-filled Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
  • Experience unforgettable gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, then unwind at the serene Lake Bunyonyi
  • Discover Kampala’s rich history with visits to the Kabaka’s Palace and Old Kampala Mosque, followed by a local Ugandan meal.
  • Hike Sipi Falls and enjoy thrilling abseiling, coffee tours, and cultural interactions with the Sabiny and Bagishu communities.

Tour Plan

Day 1 Arrival in Entebbe & Transfer to Kampala 54 min (45.6 km)

Destination(s): Entebbe/Kampala
Arrival and City Tour

Activities: Arrive at Entebbe International Airport, where you'll be greeted by your tour guide. Transfer to your hotel in Kampala for some rest. If time permits, enjoy a city tour of Kampala, including visits to the Kabaka's Palace, Buganda Palace, and the Old Mosque. Experience a taste of Ugandan cuisine.

Accommodation: Cassia Lodge

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast included; other drinks not included.

Day 2 Transfer to Sipi falls/ 5 hr 12 min (290.3 km)

Destination(s): Sipi Falls

Activities: After breakfast, depart for Sipi Falls in Eastern Uganda, a journey through scenic landscapes and rural villages. On arrival, hike through the Sipi Falls trail system, enjoying breathtaking views of the cascading waterfalls.

Learn about local coffee farming through a guided coffee tour in nearby villages.

For adventurous souls, experience abseiling down the falls (optional).
Engage with the Sabiny and Bagishu communities to experience their unique culture.

Accommodation: Rafiki Lodge Sipi
Meals & Drinks: All meals included, other drinks not included.

Day 3 Journey to Kidepo Valley National Park/8 hr 19 min (456.0 km)

Destination(s): Kidepo Valley National Park

Activities: Set off for Kidepo Valley National Park, passing through Karamoja, Uganda’s northeast region. Along the way, visit local markets to see vibrant cultural displays of traditional craftsmanship. In the evening, enjoy a game drive in Kidepo Valley, known for its cheetah, ostrich, and buffalo
populations.

Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah Lodge (Budget Tent)
Meals & Drinks: All meals included, other drinks not included

Day 4 Game Viewing and Karamoja Cultural Exploration

Destination(s): Kidepo Valley National Park

Activities: Begin your day with an early morning game drive, where you can spot giraffes, elephants, and zebras against the stunning savannah backdrop.

After lunch, embark on a community walk in Karamoja to interact with the local Karamojong people, learning about their semi-nomadic pastoral lifestyle and traditions.

Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah Lodge (Safari Tent)
Meals & Drinks: All meals included, other drinks not included.

Day 5 Transfer to Murchison Falls 10 hr 34 min (603.9 km)

Destination(s): Murchison Falls NP

Activities: After breakfast, depart Kidepo and travel to Murchison Falls National Park via Gulu.

Enjoy a scenic drive through Northern Uganda’s plains, stopping for lunch en route. Upon arrival, check in to your lodge and rest in preparation for upcoming adventures in the park.

Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge
Meals & Drinks: All meals included, other drinks not included.

Day 6 Game drive & Boat Cruise

Destination(s): Murchison Falls National Park

Begin your day with an early morning game drive in Murchison Falls National Park, where you'll have the opportunity to spot iconic African wildlife such as elephants, lions, giraffes, and buffalo as they roam the savannah. The early hours offer a perfect time for wildlife sightings, with cooler temperatures and animals being most active.

After returning to your lodge for a hearty lunch, embark on a scenic boat cruise along the Nile River in the afternoon. This relaxing journey will take you to the base of the magnificent Murchison Falls, where the Nile plunges through a narrow gorge, creating a breathtaking spectacle. Along the way, you'll have the chance to observe crocodiles sunning themselves on the riverbanks, pods of hippos wallowing in the water, and a variety of bird species, including kingfishers and herons. (If water levels are conducive you will hike to the top of the falls). As the day winds down, return to your lodge for a restful evening, reflecting on the day’s unforgettable experiences in the heart of Uganda's wilderness.

Overnight: Pakuba Safari Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 7 Kibale Forest National Park & Bunyoro Palace in Hoima 8 hr 10 min (343.6 km)

Destination(s): Kibale Forest National Park & Bunyoro Palace in Hoima

Start your day with breakfast before setting off for Kibale Forest National Park. Along the way, stop in Hoima to visit the Bunyoro King’s Royal Palace, where you'll spend 1-2 hours immersing yourself in the rich culture and traditions of the Bunyoro people. After enjoying a local lunch, continue your scenic drive to Kibale Forest National Park, home to the world’s largest population of chimpanzees. Upon arrival, settle into your accommodation and prepare for the exciting adventures ahead.

Overnight: Primate Lodge Kibale
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 8 Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale National Park

Destination(s): Kibale National Park

Begin your day with an early breakfast before heading to the starting point for an exhilarating chimpanzee trekking adventure in Kibale Forest National Park. Spend your morning tracking these captivating primates in their natural habitat, observing theirbehavior and interactions in the lush forest. After lunch, enjoy a guided walk through the Bigodi Wetlands, a renowned sanctuary for birdlife and swamp wildlife. This rich ecosystem offers a chance to spot a variety of birds and unique creatures as you explore the beautiful, tranquil surroundings. In the evening, unwind at Turaco Treetops, where you'll enjoy a comfortable overnight stay after a day filled with remarkable wildlife encounters.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 9 Crater Lakes Tour & Kichamba Community Visit 255 km

Destination(s): Crater Lakes Tour & Queen Elizabeth National Park

Start your day with a delightful morning breakfast, followed by a tour of the breathtaking Crater Lakes around Fort Portal. These serene lakes offer stunning views and are perfect for a peaceful start to your adventure. In the afternoon, head to the Kichamba Community for an immersive cultural experience. For a small fee, the community group will prepare a traditional lunch, showcasing local Ugandan cuisine. You’ll have the opportunity to taste authentic dishes and learn about their cultural significance.
After lunch, engage with the community and discover their efforts to conserve the environment. You'll learn about their sustainable practices, daily lives, and dedication to preserving their natural surroundings.

End your day with an overnight stay at Enganzi Game Lodge, where you can relax and
reflect on the enriching experiences.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 Experience Queen Elizabeth National Park: Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Destination(s): Queen Elizabeth National Park

Start your adventure with an exciting morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most diverse wildlife destinations. As you traverse the park’s savannah and woodlands, keep your eyes peeled for the iconic wildlife that calls this place home. Spot majestic elephants moving through the bush, Uganda kobs grazing in the grasslands, and lions lounging under the shade. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of leopards stealthily hunting in the early hours. After a thrilling morning, relax and enjoy lunch before heading out for an afternoon boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. This waterway is famous for its dense population of hippos and crocodiles, offering an excellent opportunity to observe these fascinating creatures up close. As you drift along the channel, you’ll also encounter a wide variety of bird species, from majestic fish eagles to brightly colored kingfishers, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. The stunning scenery, combined with the abundance of wildlife, ensures that your time in Queen Elizabeth National Park will be an unforgettable experience.
Overnight: Enganzi Game Lodge.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 Journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park via Ishasha Sector 180.8 km

Destination(s): Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before setting off on a scenic drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas. As you travel through the diverse landscapes of western Uganda, you’ll pass through the renowned Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its rare and iconic tree-climbing lions. Keep your cameras ready as you drive through this unique area—you may spot these majestic predators lounging high up in the fig trees, a behavior observed in only a few places in Africa. The journey itself offers breathtaking views of Uganda’s natural beauty, with rolling hills, lush forests, and expansive savannahs unfolding before your eyes. Along the way, you may also spot other wildlife like elephants, antelope, and a variety of bird
species. After a day filled with wildlife viewing and scenic vistas, you will arrive at the worldfamous Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its dense, misty jungle and diverse ecosystem, offering an intimate encounter with nature. Bwindi is not only home to mountain gorillas but also harbors over 120 species of mammals, 350 species of birds, and countless butterflies.
Upon arrival at Buhoma Haven Lodge, settle into your cozy accommodation and enjoy a well-earned dinner. Prepare for the exciting gorilla trekking adventure that awaits you in the morning, as you’ll soon experience one of the most remarkable wildlife encounters on Earth.

Overnight: Buhoma Haven Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12 Gorilla Trekking Adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Destination(s): Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Today marks the highlight of your safari—a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience in the heart of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most biologically diverse areas on the planet.
After an early breakfast, you'll be briefed by experienced park rangers about theguidelines and expectations for your trek. With your trekking group, you'll set off on a journey into the dense, mist-covered forest in search of one of Bwindi's habituated mountain gorilla families. The trek can last anywhere from a few hours to half a day, depending on the location of the gorillas, as these majestic creatures roam freely in their natural habitat.
As you hike through the lush jungle, keep an eye out for other wildlife and the rich flora that makes Bwindi a biodiversity hotspot. Your efforts will be rewarded when you finally come face-to-face with a family of mountain gorillas. You'll spend a magical hour observing these gentle giants as they feed, play, and interact with each other in the forest. It’s a profoundly moving experience that few will ever get to witness, and one that will leave lasting memories. In the evening, after an exhilarating day, immerse yourself in a cultural experience with the Batwa people, the indigenous forest dwellers of Bwindi. Learn about their rich heritage, traditional survival techniques, and deep connection to the forest,
which has sustained them for generations. The Batwa cultural visit offers a unique insight into a way of life that is rapidly disappearing.

Overnight: Buhoma Haven Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13 Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park

Destination(s): Lake Mburo National Park

After a hearty breakfast, begin your journey to Lake Mburo National Park, one of Uganda’s most picturesque and compact national parks. Known for its rolling hills, savannah, and lakes, the park is a haven for wildlife, offering a unique blend of scenic landscapes and rich biodiversity. Along the way, you'll pass through Uganda’s beautiful countryside, with views of traditional villages and farmlands.
Upon arrival at Lake Mburo National Park, you’ll be welcomed by the tranquil surroundings and the sound of nature all around. After settling in, embark on a community walk around the park. This enriching experience gives you the opportunity to interact with the local communities living around the park, including the Banyankole herdsmen. Learn about their unique pastoral lifestyle, traditional
practices, and the vital role they play in conservation efforts to protect the park’s wildlife and natural habitats.
As you stroll through the community, you’ll gain insights into how they coexist with the wildlife and the park’s conservation initiatives. The walk also offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape, dotted with acacia woodlands, wetlands, and grazing wildlife such as zebras, impalas, and buffalos. This is a perfect way to experience Uganda’s warm hospitality while supporting eco-tourism initiatives thatbenefit both the wildlife and the local people.
In the evening, relax at Mburo Eagle's Nest, your accommodation for the night, situated atop a hill with stunning panoramic views of the park. Enjoy a peaceful night under the starry African sky, with the sounds of nature providing a soothing backdrop.

Overnight: Mburo Eagle's Nest
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14 Transfer to Entebbe & Departure

Destination(s): Entebbe

After breakfast, begin your return journey to Entebbe. Along the way, make a stop at the Equator, where you can take memorable photos and shop for unique souvenirs. Once you arrive in Entebbe, enjoy a visit to the serene Botanical Gardens, or opt for a relaxing sunset boat cruise on the tranquil waters of Lake Victoria. Afterward, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your departure, concluding your adventure on a high note.

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