This 19 Days Uganda safari combines gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest, Chimapnzee tracking in Kibale Forest, game viewing in Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, Kidepo Valley and Lake Mburo NationalPark. wildlife safari in Murchison Falls National Park. The trip starts with a visit to Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda’s smallest protected area home to a wide range of flora and fauna. The trip takes you further through the Albertine Rift to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to more than half of the remaining total population of the mountain gorillas. The trip starts and ends in Kampala guided by Africa Adventure Safaris
Trip Highlights- 19 Days Uganda Safari
Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport
Day 2: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park
Day 3: Morning Game Drive and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking and Community Visit
Day 5: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 6: Morning Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Day 7: Transfer to Kibale National Park
Day 8: Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
Day 9: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
Day 10: Morning Game Drive and Nile Boat Cruise
Day 11: Transfer to Kidepo Valley National Park
Day 12: Morning Game Drive and Visit to Kanangorok Hot Springs
Day 13: Cultural Visit with the Karamojong Community
Day 14: Transfer to Sipi Falls
Day 15: Hike the Three Sipi Falls and Coffee Experience
Day 16: Transfer to Jinja
Day 17: Visit the Source of the Nile and Explore Jinja
Day 18: Transfer to Kampala and Visit Ssezibwa Falls
Day 19: Kampala or Entebbe City Tour and Departure
Detailed itinerary – 19 Days Uganda Safari
Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport
Your 19 Days Uganda Safari begins when you arrive at Entebbe International Airport. After completing immigration formalities, meet your safari guide outside the arrivals terminal. Your guide will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. The drive usually takes 10 to 20 minutes depending on the hotel’s location.
If your arrival time allows, take a short drive around Entebbe. You may visit the Entebbe Botanical Gardens established in 1898. The gardens contain indigenous trees, colourful birds, monkeys and walking trails. Another option is the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre where rescued wildlife such as lions, giraffes, chimpanzees and rhinos are cared for. For travellers who enjoy photography, the shores of Lake Victoria offer beautiful sunset views. Your guide will brief you about the safari before you return to your hotel. Accommodation options include Hotel No.5 Entebbe and Protea Hotel by Marriott Entebbe (luxury), 2 Friends Beach Hotel and Best Western Premier Garden Hotel (mid-range), Airport Guesthouse Entebbe and ViaVia Entebbe (budget).
Entebbe is Uganda’s main international gateway and sits on the northern shores of Lake Victoria. The town has a relaxed atmosphere and offers beautiful lakeside views, botanical gardens, wildlife centres and local markets. It is the starting point for many safaris across Uganda.
Day 2: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park
After breakfast, leave Entebbe and begin the drive towards Lake Mburo National Park. The journey takes about 5 to 6 hours. Travel through central Uganda while passing small towns, banana plantations and farmland. Your first major stop is the Uganda Equator at Kayabwe. Here you can stand in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, take photographs and watch the famous water demonstration that explains the Coriolis effect. Browse local craft shops for handmade baskets, paintings, jewellery and wood carvings.
Continue towards Mbarara for lunch. If time allows, visit the Igongo Cultural Centre where you can learn about the history of the Ankole Kingdom and see the famous Ankole long-horned cattle. Arrive at Lake Mburo National Park during the afternoon. Enjoy a short evening game drive while searching for zebras, impalas, buffaloes, giraffes, topis warthogs and elands.
Lake Mburo National Park is Uganda’s smallest savannah national park. It lies about 240 kilometres west of Kampala and covers open grasslands, acacia woodland, rocky hills, wetlands and several lakes. The park is known for zebras, giraffes, impalas, elands, buffaloes, hippos and more than 350 bird species. Unlike many other parks in Uganda, it also offers guided walking safaris and horseback safaris. Return to your lodge before dinner. Accommodation options include Mihingo Lodge (luxury), Lake Mburo Safari Lodge, Rwakobo Rock Lodge (mid-range), Eagles Nest Camp and Leopard Rest Camp (budget).
Day 3: Morning Game Drive and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Wake up early for game drive. The early hours are the best time to watch wildlife before temperatures rise. Drive across the park’s open plains while looking for giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, impalas, elands, topis and warthogs. Bird lovers may also spot African fish eagles, crested francolins and lilac-breasted rollers.
After breakfast, leave Lake Mburo and continue towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The journey takes about 5 to 6 hours, depending on your gorilla trekking sector. Travel through the Kigezi Highlands, a region known for rolling hills, terraced farms and winding valleys. Stop at one of the viewpoints to enjoy the landscape and take photographs. You may also visit a local coffee farm where farmers explain how Arabica coffee is grown, harvested, roasted and prepared. Arrive at your lodge near Bwindi in the late afternoon.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in southwestern Uganda along the edge of the Albertine Rift Valley. The park protects one of Africa’s oldest rainforests and is home to more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Besides gorillas, Bwindi supports over 350 bird species, several monkey species, butterflies, orchids and many indigenous trees. Accommodation options include Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp and Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge (luxury), Mahogany Springs Lodge and Gorilla Mist Camp (mid-range), Broadbill Forest Camp and Ride 4 A Woman Guest House (budget).
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking and Community Visit
mountain gorillas
Wake up and enjoy an early breakfast. Drive to Bwindi Uganda Wildlife Authority headquarters for a briefing by park rangers. After the briefing, visitors are assigned to different habituated gorilla families. Begin your trek through Bwindi’s dense rainforest. The hike may last between 2 and 7 hours depending on the gorillas’ location. Along the trail, your guide will explain the forest’s plants, birds, butterflies and animal tracks.
Once you find the gorillas, spend one hour observing them.Watch the silverback protect the family while mothers care for young infants. Young gorillas often climb trees and play close to the adults. Return to the lodge for lunch. Later, visit a nearby community. You may visit the Batwa community where local guides share their traditional way of life through music, dance, storytelling and demonstrations of hunting and fire making techniques. Another option is visiting a women’s craft group or coffee cooperative that supports local families through tourism. Return to your lodge in the evening. Accommodation options include Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp and Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge (luxury), Mahogany Springs Lodge and Gorilla Mist Camp (mid-range), Broadbill Forest Camp and Ride 4 A Woman Guest House (budget).
Day 5: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, leave Bwindi and travel towards Queen Elizabeth Ishasha Sector which is well known for its tree-climbing lions. Enjoy a game drive while searching for lions resting in large fig trees. Besides lions, the area supports elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, topis and many bird species.
Continue north through the park while enjoying views of open savannah, crater lakes and the distant Rwenzori Mountains. If time allows, stop at one of the explosion crater lakes. These ancient volcanic craters provide beautiful scenery and attract many bird species. Another worthwhile stop is Lake Munyanyange, a seasonal home to thousands of migratory flamingos during certain times of the year. Arrive at your lodge near the Mweya Peninsula in the late afternoon.
Queen Elizabeth National Park lies between Lake Edward and Lake George in western Uganda. It covers nearly 2,000 square kilometres and contains grasslands, forests, crater lakes, wetlands and the Kazinga Channel. The park is famous for elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards, hippos, crocodiles, antelopes and over 600 bird species. It also includes the Ishasha Sector which is known for its tree-climbing lions. Relax and enjoy views of the surrounding wilderness before dinner. Accommodation options include Mweya Safari Lodge and Kyambura Gorge Lodge (luxury), Elephant Plains Lodge and Twin Lakes Safari Lodge (mid-range), Bush Lodge and Pumba Safari Cottages (budget).
Day 6: Morning Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Wake up early for a sunrise game drive across the Kasenyi Plains. The morning hours provide the best chance to see wildlife before temperatures rise. Drive through open grasslands while searching for lions, elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, warthogs and hyenas. With some luck, you may also spot a leopard returning from its night hunt. Bird lovers can watch secretary birds, African fish eagles, martial eagles, saddle-billed storks and crowned cranes.
After the game drive, return to the lodge for breakfast. Following lunch, head to the Mweya Jetty for a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. The channel connects Lake George and Lake Edward and attracts wildlife throughout the day. Large groups of hippos spend much of their time in the water while Nile crocodiles rest along the shoreline. Elephants, buffaloes and antelopes often visit the banks to drink. The cruise also provides excellent opportunities to photograph wildlife at close range.
After the boat cruise, visit Katwe Salt Lake if time allows. Local communities have harvested salt here for generations using traditional methods. Return to your lodge. Accommodation options include Mweya Safari Lodge and Kyambura Gorge Lodge (luxury), Elephant Plains Lodge and Twin Lakes Safari Lodge (mid-range), Bush Lodge and Pumba Safari Cottages (budget).
Day 7: Transfer to Kibale National Park
After breakfast, leave Queen Elizabeth National Park and begin the drive to Kibale National Park. The journey takes about 3 to 4 hours. Travel through small villages, tea plantations, crater lakes and farmland. Along the way, stop at the Ndali-Kasenda Crater Lakes. This area contains dozens of volcanic crater lakes surrounded by forests and rolling hills. Continue to Fort Portal, one of Uganda’s most attractive towns.
Enjoy lunch before visiting a nearby tea estate. Here you can learn how tea is grown, harvested and processed before reaching your lodge. If time allows, enjoy a guided walk around the lodge or nearby forest. Keep an eye out for birds and monkeys moving through the trees.
Kibale National Park is located in western Uganda at the foot of the Rwenzori Mountains. It protects one of East Africa’s largest tropical rainforests. The park is famous for chimpanzee tracking and is home to 13 primate species. Other animals include black-and-white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, blue monkeys, forest elephants and many bird species. Accommodation options include Kyaninga Lodge and Ndali Lodge (luxury), Turaco Treetops and Chimpanzee Forest Lodge (mid-range), Kibale Forest Camp and Isunga Lodge (budget).
Day 8: Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
Wake up early and drive to Kanyanchu Visitor Centre. After a briefing from Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers begin your chimpanzee tracking adventure. The trek usually lasts between 2 and 4 hours. As you walk through the rainforest, your guide will explain different tree species, medicinal plants, butterflies and birds. Besides chimpanzees, you may also see red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys and grey-cheeked mangabeys. After finding the chimpanzees, spend one hour observing their behaviour. Watch them feed, communicate, groom each otherand move through the forest canopy.
Return to your lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. This community-managed wetland is well known for bird watching and monkey sightings. Look for the great blue turaco, papyrus gonolek, hornbills and colourful butterflies. The guided walk also supports local conservation and community development projects.You may visit nearby craft groups that produce handmade baskets and traditional items. Return to your lodge before dinner. Accommodation options include Kyaninga Lodge and Ndali Lodge (luxury), Turaco Treetops and Chimpanzee Forest Lodge (mid-range), Kibale Forest Camp and Isunga Lodge (budget).
Day 9: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
After breakfast, leave Kibale National Park and travel north to Murchison Falls National Park. The journey takes about 7 to 8 hours. Travel through Hoima and the Albertine Rift Valley while enjoying changing landscapes. Stop for lunch in Hoima before continuing towards the park. If time allows, visit the Top of Murchison Falls before checking into your lodge. Here the Victoria Nile forces its way through a narrow gorge only about seven metres wide before crashing more than 40 metres below. The sound of the rushing water and the rising mist create an unforgettable scene. Photography opportunities are excellent from the viewing platforms. Continue to your lodge and enjoy views of the surrounding wilderness.
Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest national park. It stretches across the northern Albertine Rift Valley and is divided by the Victoria Nile. The park is famous for Murchison Falls where the Nile squeezes through a narrow rocky gorge before plunging into the river below. It is also home to elephants, giraffes, lions, leopards, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles and many bird species. Accommodation options include Paraa Safari Lodge, Nile Safari Lodge (luxury), Pakuba Safari Lodge and Twiga Safari Lodge (mid-range), Fort Murchison and Red Chilli Rest Camp (budget).
Day 10: Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Nile Boat Cruise
Begin the day with an early morning game drive on the northern bank of the Nile. This area has wide open grasslands that support large numbers of wildlife. Look for elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, Jackson’s hartebeests, Uganda kobs, oribis and lions. Leopards are sometimes seen resting in trees or moving through the grass during the early morning. After breakfast, return to the lodge and relax before lunch.
In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise along the Victoria Nile towards the base of Murchison Falls. The cruise passes large groups of hippos and Nile crocodiles resting along the riverbanks. Elephants and buffaloes often come to the water to drink. The river also attracts African fish eagles, bee-eaters, kingfishers, herons and goliath herons. As you approach the falls, the river becomes faster and the roar of the waterfall grows louder. The dramatic views of the falls from the boat are among the highlights of the safari. Return to the lodge in the evening and enjoy your final night in the park. Accommodation options include Paraa Safari Lodge, Nile Safari Lodge (luxury), Pakuba Safari Lodge and Twiga Safari Lodge (mid-range), Fort Murchison and Red Chilli Rest Camp (budget).
Day 11: Transfer to Kidepo Valley National Park
After an early breakfast, leave Murchison Falls National Park and begin the journey to Kidepo Valley National Park. The drive takes about 7 to 8 hours. Travel through northern Uganda while passing wide open plains, local trading centres and rural communities. Stop for lunch in Kitgum before continuing towards Kidepo. As you approach the park, the scenery changes as mountain ranges rise above the savannah. Watch for wildlife near the park entrance where zebras, giraffes, buffaloes and antelopes are often seen. Arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon. If time allows, enjoy a short evening game drive around Narus Valley. Many animals gather here because water remains available throughout the year. End the day by watching the sunset over the distant mountains.
Kidepo Valley National Park is located in Uganda’s northeastern corner near the borders with South Sudan and Kenya. It covers about 1,442 square kilometres and is widely regarded as one of Africa’s most beautiful wilderness parks. The park contains open savannah, rocky hills, river valleys and seasonal wetlands. It supports more than 75 mammal species and over 470 bird species. Wildlife found here includes lions, elephants, buffaloes, cheetahs, leopards, giraffes, zebras, ostriches, jackals, hyenas, elands and many antelope species. Accommodation options include Apoka Safari Lodge (luxury), Kidepo Savannah Lodge (mid-range), UWA Bandas and Kidepo View Cottages (budget).
Day 12: Morning game drive and Visit to Kanangorok Hot Springs
Nubian giraffes
Wake up early for a sunrise game drive through the Narus Valley. Morning is the best time to search for predators before the day becomes warmer. Look for lions resting on rocky outcrops or scanning the grasslands. You may also see elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, elands, Jackson’s hartebeests, ostriches and oribis. Kidepo is one of the few places in Uganda where cheetahs are occasionally seen. After breakfast, continue exploring different sections of the park. Your guide will explain how wildlife survives during the long dry seasons.
In the afternoon, drive to the Kanangorok Hot Springs near the South Sudan border. The springs lie in the Kidepo Valley and are surrounded by dry riverbeds and open plains. The journey offers more chances to spot wildlife and enjoy spectacular scenery. Spend time walking around the hot springs while learning about their geological importance. Return to your lodge. Accommodation options include Apoka Safari Lodge (luxury), Kidepo Savannah Lodge (mid-range), UWA Bandas and Kidepo View Cottages (budget).
Day 13: Cultural Visit with the Karamojong Community
After breakfast, visit a traditional Karamojong Manyatta. The Karamojong are among Uganda’s best-known pastoral communities. Local guides explain their traditions, livestock practices, housing and daily life. Walk through the village while learning how families build their homes using local materials. Watch demonstrations of traditional dances, songs and storytelling. Community members also explain the importance of cattle in their culture. You may have the chance to meet local craftsmen who make beads, walking sticks, jewellery and leather products. Buying handmade items supports local families and helps preserve traditional skills. After lunch, return to the park for a short afternoon game drive. This drive offers another opportunity to search for wildlife while enjoying the peaceful surroundings. Return to the lodge in the evening. Accommodation options include Apoka Safari Lodge (luxury), Kidepo Savannah Lodge (mid-range), UWA Bandas and Kidepo View Cottages (budget).
Day 14: Transfer to Sipi Falls
After breakfast, leave Kidepo Valley National Park and travel towards eastern Uganda. The drive to Sipi Falls takes about 7 to 8 hours. The journey passes through Kotido, Moroto, and other towns in the Karamoja region. Along the way, enjoy changing scenery that includes rocky hills, open grasslands and farmland. Stop for lunch before continuing towards Mount Elgon. As you approach Sipi, the landscape becomes greener and cooler. Rolling hills, coffee plantations and waterfalls replace the dry plains of Karamoja. If time allows, stop at one of the viewpoints overlooking the Sipi Valley. Arrive at your lodge during the late afternoon. Relax while enjoying views of Mount Elgon and the surrounding countryside.
Sipi Falls lies on the western slopes of Mount Elgon in eastern Uganda. The area is known for its cool climate, green hills, waterfalls, caves, coffee farms and walking trails. The three waterfalls range from about 65 metres to nearly 100 metres in height. The surrounding villages produce some of Uganda’s finest Arabica coffee. Accommodation options include Sipi Heritage Lodge (luxury), Rafiki Lodge Sipi (mid-range), Casa Sipi Falls Lodge and Noah’s Ark Hotel (budget).
Day 15: Hike Sipi Falls and Coffee experience
Wake up to views of Mount Elgon. After breakfast, begin a guided hike to the three waterfalls of Sipi. The hike usually lasts between 3 and 5 hours depending on the chosen route. The trail passes rivers, caves, bridges, banana plantations and local villages. Your guide will explain the area’s history, plants and farming practices. The tallest waterfall drops nearly 100 metres into a deep gorge. Several viewpoints along the trail provide excellent opportunities for photography.
After lunch, visit a local Arabica coffee farm. Farmers explain each stage of coffee production from planting and harvesting to roasting and grinding. You can even prepare and taste a fresh cup of coffee using traditional methods. Return to your lodge. Accommodation options include Sipi Heritage Lodge (luxury), Rafiki Lodge Sipi (mid-range), Casa Sipi Falls Lodge and Noah’s Ark Hotel (budget).
Day 16: Transfer to Jinja
After breakfast, leave Sipi Falls and travel towards Jinja. The journey takes about 4 to 5 hours. Drive through Mbale and continue across eastern Uganda while passing sugarcane plantations, rice fields and small trading centres. Stop for lunch in Mbale or Iganga before continuing your journey. If time allows, visit the Busowoko Falls viewpoint or stop at local fruit markets along the highway. Arrive in Jinja during the afternoon. Spend the rest of the day relaxing beside the River Nile. You may take a short evening walk along the riverbank or enjoy sunset views from your lodge.
Jinja is located in eastern Uganda on the northern shores of Lake Victoria. It is best known as the source of the River Nile and has become one of East Africa’s leading adventure destinations. Besides the Nile, Jinja offers river scenery, colonial-era buildings, local markets, craft shops and nearby forests. Visitors can enjoy boat cruises, kayaking, nature walks, bird watching and cultural tours. Accommodation options include Wildwaters Lodge (luxury), Jinja Nile Resort and 2 Friends Guest House Jinja (mid-range), Nile River Explorers Camp and Brisk Hotel Triangle (budget)
Day 17: Visit the Source of the Nile and explore Jinja
After breakfast, visit the Source of the Nile. Take a guided boat ride to the point where the River Nile flows out of Lake Victoria. Your guide will explain the history of the river and the explorers who searched for its source. The calm waters also attract kingfishers, cormorants, African fish eagles and other water birds. After the boat trip, visit the nearby craft market. Local artists sell handmade baskets, jewellery, paintings, woven products and wood carvings.
Enjoy lunch at a riverside restaurant before continuing your exploration of Jinja. If you enjoy nature, visit Mabira Forest on the way back from the Source of the Nile. The forest supports monkeys, butterflies, birds and indigenous tree species. A guided walk introduces visitors to the forest ecosystem and its importance for conservation. Those looking for more adventure can choose optional activities such as white-water rafting, kayaking, tubing or a sunset boat cruise. Return to your lodge in the evening. Accommodation options include Wildwaters Lodge (luxury), Jinja Nile Resort and 2 Friends Guest House Jinja (mid-range), Nile River Explorers Camp and Brisk Hotel Triangle (budget).
Day 18: Transfer to Kampala and Visit Ssezibwa Falls
After breakfast, leave Jinja and drive towards Kampala. The journey takes about 3 to 4 hours depending on traffic. On the way, stop at Ssezibwa Falls. A local guide will explain the cultural importance of the falls in Buganda Kingdom. Take a guided walk through the forest surrounding the waterfall. Look for vervet monkeys, birds, butterflies and indigenous plants. The peaceful setting makes Ssezibwa Falls a good place to stretch your legs before continuing the journey. Ssezibwa Falls lies in Mukono District about 50 kilometres east of Kampala. The falls are both a natural attraction and a cultural heritage site. According to Buganda tradition, the falls hold spiritual significance and have been visited for generations during cultural ceremonies. The surrounding forest supports monkeys, birds, butterflies and indigenous plants.
After lunch, continue to Kampala. If time allows, visit a local craft market or enjoy panoramic views from one of the city’s hills. Check into your hotel and relax for the evening. Kampala is Uganda’s capital city and its commercial and cultural centre. The city is built across several hills and offers museums, religious sites, markets, historical buildings and lively neighbourhoods. Visitors can learn about Uganda’s history while exploring landmarks, local restaurants and craft markets. Accommodation options include Kampala Serena Hotel (luxury), Hilton Garden Inn Kampala and Fairway Hotel (mid-range), Forest Cottages and Humura Resorts Budget Rooms (budget).
Day 19: Kampala or Entebbe city tour and departure
Enjoy breakfast before your final day of the 19 Days Uganda Safari. Your activities will depend on your departure flight. If you choose a Kampala city tour, begin with a visit to the Uganda Museum, the country’s oldest museum. The museum displays traditional musical instruments, archaeological discoveries, cultural exhibits and historical collections. Continue to the Kasubi Tombs, the burial grounds of Buganda kings and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You may also visit the Kabaka’s Palace, the Gaddafi National Mosque, or Nakasero Market where local traders sell fresh produce, spices, fabrics and handmade goods.
If your flight departs later in the day, you can choose an Entebbe city tour instead. Visit the Entebbe Botanical Gardens which are home to many bird species, monkeys and indigenous trees. Another excellent stop is the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre where rescued wildlife receives care and rehabilitation. Enjoy lunch at a lakeside restaurant overlooking Lake Victoria before your transfer to Entebbe International Airport. Your guide will ensure you arrive at the airport in good time for check-in and departure.
End of safari
Included in this tour package
- Gorilla and Chimpanzee viewing Permits
- Cultural entertainment
- Park Ranger Fees
- Relevant Government Taxes.
- Full Board Accommodation (2 nights) and en-route meals as indicated in the itinerary.
- Full time English speaking Driver/Guide
- Ground Transportation by a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Airport transfer, as long as your flight is on the same day on which the safari ends.
Exclusions:
- Airfares
- Visa Fees
- Personal Insurance
- Expenses of personal nature such as; drinks, tips, laundry, telephone, cigarettes, accommodation & meals not indicated in the itinerary and optional activities.
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