19 Days In Uganda Safari Tour is an exciting, extensive 18 night/19 days Uganda tour that starts and ends in Entebbe/Kampala. This 19 days safari in Uganda adventure allows you to see the two iconic primates – Gorillas and Chimps – the Big Five, abundant wildlife, and epic landscapes, whilst providing an insight into the unique local culture and Ugandan life.
Your 19 days in Uganda safari tour starts in Ziwa Sanctuary with rhino tracking on foot. Then head further northeast to the true wilderness of Kidepo National Park, home to almost 500 species of birds in Uganda and 77 species of Uganda mammals, Lions, Elephants, Buffalos, Leopards, plus many species which cannot be seen elsewhere in Uganda such as Cheetahs, Ostriches, and Kudus. Enjoy game drives and visit Karamajong homesteads, known as Manyatta.
Travel southwest to Murchison Falls National Park – a classic savannah reserve with abundant wildlife and the world’s most powerful waterfall. Enjoy game drives looking for lions, buffalos, and giraffes. Cruise on the Nile River spotting hippos, elephants, shoebills, and crocodiles.
Drive south to Kibale National Park, home to over 1500 wild chimpanzees. Track chimps on foot and takes a walk in the nearby Bigodi Community to see African village life in Uganda. Also, explore Ruboni Community on the Rwenzori Mountains foothills. Continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park – a superbly diverse park with 95 species of mammals and over 600 bird species! Here, embark on game drives to see a variety of big games. Cruise on the hippo-filled Kazinga Channel and visit Ishasha, famous for its tree-climbing lions.
Finally, travel to the great Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla trekking in this world-famous park which contains half of the world’s 1063 Mountain Gorillas. After this incredible adventure, go relax on Lake Bunyonyi before moving to Lake Mburo National Park.
You will finish your 19 days Uganda tour in Jinja, the source of the River Nile, and the adventure capital of Uganda where you have the option to try white-water rafting on the Grade 5 rapids of the Nile.
You can book or customize this 19 Days Uganda safari vacation of a lifetime at an affordable price.
Day 1: Arrival in Uganda – Entebbe
Day 2: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary & Gulu
Day 3, 4, & 5: Kidepo Valley National Park & Karamajong community
Day 6, 7, & 8: Murchison Falls National Park
Day 7: Morning game drive and afternoon boat trip to the bottom of Murchison Falls
Day 9 & 10: Kibale National Park
Day 11 & 12: Ruboni Community & Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 13: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 14 & 15: Lake Bunyonyi
Day 16: Igongo Cultural Center & Lake Mburo National Park
Day 17 & 18: Jinja – the Source of the Nile River
Day 19: Entebbe/Kampala
Day 1: Arrival in Uganda – Entebbe International Airport & transfer to a hotel
Day 2: Transfer from Entebbe/Kampala to Gulu. Track rhinos en route at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Day 3: Drive to Kidepo Valley National Park & enjoy an afternoon game drive
Day 4: Unlimited game drive in the stunning landscape of Kidepo Valley National Park
Day 5: Morning game drive & undertake an afternoon Karamajong community tour
Day 6: Transfer to Murchison Falls NP. Enjoy the scenic views of northern Uganda landscapes
Day 7: Morning game drive & afternoon boat trip to the bottom of Murchison Falls
Day 8: Private Nile River delta boat cruise and evening game drive
Day 9: Visit the top of the falls & transfer to Kibale National Park
Day 10: Chimpanzee tracking Kibale Forest & Bigodi community walk
Day 11: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Visit the Ruboni village en route & enjoy a game drive on arrival.
Day 12: Morning game drive, afternoon Kazinga Channel boat cruise & evening game drive along the channel track.
Day 13: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. En-route game drive in the Ishasha sector in search of tree-climbing lions.
Day 14: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi and transfer to Lake Bunyonyi for relaxation
Day 15: Whole day of relaxation & canoeing on the scenic and serene Lake Bunyonyi
Day 16: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park. Traditional lunch stop at Igongo Cultural Center & evening game drive upon arrival. Optional night game drive.
Day 17: Morning game walk & transfer to Jinja source of the Nile via the Uganda equator crossing.
Day 18: Whole Day Relaxation at the banks of the Nile River. Optional white water rafting on the Grade 5 rapids of the Nile.
Day 19: Transfer from Jinja back to Entebbe for your onward flight. Optional Kampala city tour.
Day 1: Arrival In Uganda – Entebbe International Airport And Transfer To A Hotel.
Your 19 days in Uganda safari trip begins as soon as you land at the Entebbe International Airport. You will be picked up by your expert Prime Uganda safaris guide who will load your bags into our air-conditioned safari vehicle and set off for your hotel situated nearby.
Entebbe Airport is located in Central Uganda, on the magical Entebbe peninsula, on the shore of Lake Victoria (Africa’s biggest lake). It is around 40km from Kampala, Uganda’s capital. The fresh air, relaxed pace of life, and warm tropical climate will make you feel right at home. The rest of the day is yours to relax at the hotel or explore one or more of the nearby attractions.
The highlight of the day: – Seeing the tranquil waters of Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake.
Accommodation:-
Luxury/Upmarket: – Protea Hotel Entebbe/Serena Lake Victoria Resort
Midrange/Moderate: – The Boma Hotel Entebbe/2 Friends Beach Hotel Entebbe
Budget/Basic: – Airport Guesthouse Entebbe
Meal Plan: – Lunch & Dinner
Drive Distance & time: – Approx. 4 -10 km or 20-30 minutes
Activities & Services Of The Day:-
Optional Activities You Can Choose To Do On This Day Include:-
Day 2: Transfer From Entebbe/Kampala To Gulu. Track Rhinos En Route At Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
After an early breakfast at 6.30 am, embark on a 422km (8 hours) drive north to the Gulu. Drive through bustling towns and traditional Ugandan villages. Branch off at Nakitooma in Nakasongola district for a special stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. It is the only place in Uganda to see wild rhinos. Undertake a 2 hours rhino tracking adventure on foot with an expert local guide to see some of the 33 White Rhinoceros currently in the sanctuary.
Watching these endangered prehistoric-looking heavyweights on foot is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. And because proceeds go toward breeding and ultimately reintroducing Rhinos into Uganda National Parks, visiting Ziwa is a must. After this super exciting start of the safari, you will continue to your hotel in Gulu for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
The highlight of the day: – Wild Rhino tracking on foot in Ziwa Sanctuary
Accommodation:-
Upmarket/Luxury: – Gulu Churchill Courts Hotel
Moderate/Mid-range:- Gulu Churchill Courts Hotel
Basic/Budget: – Gulu Churchill Courts Hotel
Drive distance & time: – Approx. 422km or 8 hours
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activities & Services Of The Day:-
Day 3: Drive To Kidepo Valley National Park & Enjoy An Afternoon Game Drive
After breakfast at around 8.00 am, undertake a 155km (3-4 hours) drive to the true wilderness of Kidepo Valley National Park. Drive through scenic landscapes and villages including great Karamajong Manyattas – traditional homesteads. Arrive at your lodge in the park for relaxation and lunch. After lunch, embark late a game drive exploring Kidepo’s impressive landscapes dotted with the magical wild game.
Kidepo National Park is the most remote of all national parks in Uganda. As a result, few travelers make the effort to come here and so it has remained an untouched, unique experience. The park has an area of 1442km2 and ranges from 914 to 2,750m in altitude.
Its vast savannah plains contain the largest wildlife range of all Uganda wildlife safari parks, with almost 500 species of birds and 77 mammal species including Lions, Elephants, Buffalos, Leopards, Giraffes, Zebras, Hyenas, and Eland plus many species which cannot easily be seen elsewhere in Uganda such as Cheetahs, Ostriches, Bat-eared foxes, Black-backed jackals, Aardwolf, Caracals, Greater and Lesser Kudus.
Besides the exceptional wildlife, Kidepo is another great spot for cultural tours in Uganda, especially for those who would like to see the unique Karamajong and Ik tribes.
The highlight of the day: – The afternoon game drive in the stunning landscape of Kidepo National Park
Accommodation:-
Upmarket/Luxury: – Apoka Safari Lodge
Moderate/Mid-range:- Kidepo Savannah Lodge/Ng’ Moru Wilderness Camp
Basic/Budget: – Kidepo Savannah Lodge/Apoka Rest Camp
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activities & Services Of The Day:-
Other Optional Activities You Can Choose To Do On This Day Include:-
Day 4: Unlimited Game Drive In The Stunning Landscape Kidepo Valley National Park.
Today you have a full day in the untamed wilderness of Kidepo. Start your 19 days in Uganda safari tour with a cup of coffee at your lodge at 6.30 am, and then enjoy a game drive in the wildlife-rich Narus Valley.
Narus is the only permanent source of water for wildlife in Kidepo National Park, thus attracting large buffalo herds, thirsty elephants, and antelope in the dry season. A gathering of herbivores attracts predators, allowing you to see a range of beautiful Uganda animals. Chances of spotting big cats hunting are very high as well if you’re lucky, you may spot the rare cheetahs too.
Return to your lodge for relaxation and lunch. Then return to the Narus valley in the evening for another game drive, after which you retreat to the lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
The highlight of the day: – Full day game drive in the wildlife-rich Narus Valley
Accommodation:-
Upmarket/Luxury: – Apoka Safari Lodge
Moderate/Mid-range:- Kidepo Savannah Lodge/Ng’ Moru Wilderness Camp
Basic/Budget: – Kidepo Savannah Lodge/Apoka Rest Camp
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activities & Services Of The Day:-
Other Optional Activities You Can Choose To Do On This Day Include:-
Day 5: Morning Game Drive & Undertake An Afternoon Karamajong Community Tour.
Enjoy breakfast at 6.30 am and then embark on another Kidepo National Park game drive, this time in drier and beautiful Kidepo Valley.
Drive slowly, crossing the palm-fringed Kidepo River – a wide sand bed in the dry season – and meander across plains framed by the mountains. Visit the bubbling Kanangorok Hot Springs which is the best place to see the giant Common Ostrich, Secretary birds, Jackson’s hornbills, and the striking Greater and lesser kudus
Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, visit the Manyatta – the traditional homestead of the famous Karamajong nomadic pastoralists to get unparalleled insight into their well-preserved and iconic culture. Learn about the culture-specific as well as the more general traditions of the Karamoja area. Enjoy the best dances, cultural music performances, traditions, norms, and others. Return to your lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
The highlight of the day: – The Kidepo River Valley game drive and Karamajong village community tour
Accommodation:-
Upmarket/Luxury: – Apoka Safari Lodge
Moderate/Mid-range:- Kidepo Savannah Lodge/Ng’ Moru Wilderness Camp
Basic/Budget: – Kidepo Savannah Lodge/Apoka Rest Camp
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activities & Services Of The Day:-
Other Optional Activities You Can Choose To Do On This Day Include:-
Day 6: Transfer To Murchison Falls NP. Enjoy The Scenic Views Of Northern Uganda Landscapes.
Have your breakfast at around 7.00 am and then embark on your 19 days in Uganda safari tour, on a 347 km (8-9 hours) drive to Murchison Falls National Park. Pass through the impressive landscapes of northern Uganda former dwelling place for the Lord’s Resistance Army headed by Joseph Kony. Arrive in the evening, freshen up, enjoy dinner, and a good night’s rest under the stars in Africa.
At 3895km2/389500 hectares, Murchison Falls is Uganda’s largest National Park. The park boasts a beautiful palm-dotted savannah landscape, the historic Nile River, the world’s most powerful waterfalls, 76 species of mammals including 4 of the Big Five, and 450 bird species.
The highlight of the day: – The scenic road trip through the impressive landscapes of northern Uganda
Accommodation:-
Upmarket/Luxury: – Paraa Safari Lodge/Bakers Lodge
Moderate/Mid-range:- Murchison River Lodge/Pakuba Safari Lodge
Basic/Budget: – Hornbill Bush Lodge/Red Chilli Rest Camp
Drive distance & time: – Approx. 347km or 9-8 hours
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activities & Services Of The Day:-
Day 7: Morning Game Drive & Afternoon Boat Trip To The Bottom Of Murchison Falls.
Enjoy an early breakfast at your lodge at around 6.30 am.
Then start your 3-4 hours game drive in the northern section of Murchison which contains savannah, and Borassus palms, and is inhabited by nearly 80% of the entire park’s animals. Drive through the popular game-viewing tracks, looking out for Lions, Leopards, Buffalo, Elephants, Warthogs, towering Giraffes, Bushbucks, Waterbucks, Kobs, Hippos, Crocodiles, Reedbuck, Duikers, Oribi, the ground-dwelling Patas monkey, Olive baboon, and the unusual-looking Jackson’s hartebeest, as well as unique birds like shoebill, Abyssinian ground hornbill, Grey-crowned crane (Uganda national bird), and more.
Return to the lodge for relaxation and lunch. Then transfer to Paraa Jetty for a Nile boat trip to the bottom of the falls which starts at 2 pm. You gently cruise past huge crocodiles, hippos, buffaloes, and elephants. Also see lots of birds, including Herons, Kingfishers, Fish eagles, and – if you’re lucky – the prehistoric-looking Shoebill.
Finally, you will dock a few meters away from the crashing waterfall and marvel at Murchison falls which have been described as the most amazing thing to happen to the Nile along its entire 6,700 km length.
The 50-meter wide Nile River forces itself an 8-meter rocky gap before falling 45 meters to what has been termed the “devil’s cauldron” below, forming a plume of spray marked by a thunderous roar and a permanent rainbow.
It is a truly memorable experience! and one of the lifetime highlights of this 19 days in Uganda safari tour. Return to your lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
The highlight of the day: – The Afternoon boat cruise to the bottom of Murchison Falls
Accommodation:-
Upmarket/Luxury: – Bakers Lodge/Paraa Safari Lodge
Moderate/Mid-range:- Pakuba Safari Lodge/Murchison River Lodge
Basic/Budget: – Hornbill Bush Lodge/Red Chilli Rest Camp
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activities & Services Of The Day:-
Other Optional Activities You Can Choose To Do On This Day Include:-
Day 8: Private Nile River Delta Boat Cruise And Evening Game Drive.
You have another full day on safari in the wonderful Murchison Falls National Park.
Wake up at around 7.00 am and have your breakfast. Transfer to Paraa Jetty for (4-5 hours) 20km private boat ride to the Nile delta area. This cruise offers views of the rare wetland birds including the incredible shoebills and papyrus endemics.
Slowly float downstream the historic Nile River as you see many Hippos in the water, as well as African Elephants, Rothschild’s giraffes, and Nile Crocodiles on the water’s edge. End your trip at the confluence of the Victoria Nile and Albert Nile. It’s at this point the Victoria Nile flows south into Lake Albert and the Nile River continues into South Sudan and eventually to Egypt. Return to your lodge for relaxation and lunch.
In the early evening at around 4.00 pm, enjoy a game drive to explore more wild games of Murchison and then return to your lodge for relation, dinner, and overnight.
The highlight of the day: – Sighting the pre-historic shoebills and other Uganda wildlife on the morning Nile delta boat cruise.
Accommodation:-
Upmarket/Luxury: – Paraa Safari Lodge/Bakers Lodge
Moderate/Mid-range:- Murchison River Lodge/Pakuba Safari Lodge
Basic/Budget: – Hornbill Bush Lodge/Red Chilli Rest Camp
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activities & Services Of The Day:-
Other Optional Activities You Can Choose To Do On This Day Include:-
Day 9: Visit The Top Of Falls & Transfer To Kibale National Park
After breakfast at 8.00 am, drive to the top of Murchison Falls.
The 2-hour hiking experience at the top of this world’s most powerful waterfall is staggering. You feel the force of the water beneath the rocks underfoot. You need to shout to make your voice heard above the tons of water thundering beneath you!
From there, slowly continue on a 366km (6 hours) scenic drive southward to Kibale National Park, home to over 1500 wild chimpanzees. Pass through lush countryside, traditional farms, villages, and homesteads. Break your journey with a lunch stop in Fort Portal town, another natural scenic area of Uganda with the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon as its backdrop. Enjoy lunch in one of the best restaurants in the town and continue on a (26km) 1-hour drive south to Kibale.
The park has an area of 776km2 and the highest densities and diversity of primates in Africa including over 1500 wild chimpanzees. Besides chimps, it contains Grey-cheeked Mangabey, Red Colobus, Olive Baboon, Red-tailed Monkey, Black-and-white colobus, Blue Monkey, Bushbaby, and the rare L’Hoest’s Monkey, as well as over 375 bird species.
Arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon and settle in. Relax, have dinner, and your overnight stay. Tomorrow another thrilling adventure awaits!
The highlight of the day: – Visiting the top of the powerful Murchison Falls
Accommodation:-
Luxury/Upmarket: – Crater Safari Lodge/Kyaninga Lodge/Primate Lodge Kibale
Midrange/Standard: – Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse /Kibale Forest Camp
Budget/Basic: – Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse /Kibale Forest Camp
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drive distance & time: – Approx. 366km or 6 hours
Activities & Services Of The Day:-
Optional Activities You Can Choose To Do On This Day:-
Day 10: Chimpanzee Tracking Kibale Forest & Bigodi Community Walk.
After an early breakfast at around 6.30 am, transfer to Kanyanchu Visitor Centre in Kibale National Park for registration and briefing about the chimpanzee tracking adventure.
After the briefing at around 8.00 am, your expert ranger guide leads you on a 2-5 hours trek in search of this great ape. You see a variety of other primates, as well as birds and butterflies in the Kibale forest’s lush flora. On encountering the chimps, viewing them as they swing in trees, munch fruit, socialize, patrol, mating, and make hooting calls is a remarkable experience that you will prize forever.
You have a full hour to enjoy these precious creatures which share over 98% of our DNA with us. You are free to take as many photos as you wish! for great memories of this 19 days in Uganda safari tour
After your chimpanzee trek, return to the starting point for your packed picnic lunch. After lunch, the fun doesn’t stop, as you visit the Bigodi Village to explore the daily life of the Batooro people. Visit men making local banana beer, banana juice or wine, and Uganda banana waragi gin. You can even taste some, but please note that if taken in excess, Waragi can drop you like a punch from a heavyweight boxing champ, so it is wise to take it in even small doses.
Also, visit traditional healers and learn about spirits, herbs, plants, and local medicines. End your cultural tour with a visit to the Bigodi Women’s Group for handicrafts demonstrations. It is a group of 150 weavers and has worked cooperatively for more than 15 years to perfect its crafts. They sell baskets, mats, bags, and jewelry made from local materials. Income from these activities is invested in education, health, sanitation, and improving the livelihood of residents.
Return from activity to your lodge to freshen up, relax, have dinner, and overnight.
The highlight of the day: – Tracking wild Chimpanzees on foot in the primate-rich Kibale Forest
Accommodation:-
Luxury/Upmarket: – Crater Safari Lodge/Kyaninga Lodge/Primate Lodge Kibale
Midrange/Standard: – Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse/Kibale Forest Camp
Budget/Basic: – Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse /Kibale Forest Camp-
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activities & Services Of The Day:-
Optional Activities You Can Choose To Do On This Day:-
Day 11: Drive To Queen Elizabeth National Park. Visit The Ruboni Village En Route & Enjoy A Game Drive On Arrival.
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at around 9.00 am.
Then continue southward to the famous Queen Elizabeth National Park. It is a 2 to 3-hour drive with incredibly scenic views en route. Make a stop in Kasese on the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains to explore the Ruboni Village. Experience the cultural traditions of the Bakonzo people that have lived on the foothills of Mount Rwenzori for centuries.
Meet the local blacksmith who practices his craft as in the days of old, a storyteller, ladies making crafts, a traditional healer that will explain various herbs, how roots, and leaves from the nearby forest is used, and the ailments that they treat. There are the food preparations and cooking done over traditional fires, even making of alcohol such as local beer. It is a most interesting time and supports the villagers.
After this enriching cultural encounter, continue to Queen Elizabeth NP. Arrive at your lodge in time for a late lunch and relax. Then enjoy an evening game drive to explore the impressive landscapes of Queen. Situated in the shadow of the Rwenzori Mountains, this park covers 197800 hectares of rolling savannah grasslands, tropical rainforests, most acacia woodlands, saline crater lakes, freshwater lakes, rivers, and wetlands.
These impressive landscapes/habitats have led to a fauna and flora count of 95 mammal species, over 600 bird species, and much more!
After your first game drive, return for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
The highlight of the day: – Ruboni village visit
Accommodation:-
Upmarket/Luxury: – Mazike Valley Lodge/Mweya Safari Lodge,
Midrange/Standard: – Enganzi Game Lodge/Bush lodge/Kasenyi Safari Camp
Budget/Basic: – Pumba Safari Cottages
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activities & Services Of The Day:-
Optional Activities You Can Choose To Do On This Day Include:
Day 12: Morning Game Drive, Afternoon Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise & Evening Game Drive Along The Channel Track.
Enjoy an early breakfast at the lodge at around 6.00 am.
After breakfast, undertake a 3-4 hours game drive through the scenic Kasenyi savannah Plains, the prettiest section of the park, especially in the golden light of the morning. You have a chance to tick off some impressive Uganda animals such as elephants, Buffalo, Uganda Kob, Bushbuck, Hippo, Warthog, Crocodile, Hyaena, Leopard, and various smaller creatures, as well as special bird species like Vultures, Bateleur, Brown Snake Eagle, African Skimmer, Pelican, and more.
After your game drive, return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, you have another fantastic activity planned – the Kazinga Channel boat cruise. Starting from Mweya Jetty at 2 pm, this 2 hours boat tour offers you a chance to some of the world’s densest concentrations of hippos. You cruise just meters from African Buffalo, African Elephants, and Crocodiles, along with numerous waterbirds including Pelicans.
After the boat cruise, you do a short game drive along the channel track as you head back to the lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
The highlight of the day: – The two hours afternoon boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel
Accommodation:-
Upmarket/Luxury: – Mazike Valley Lodge/Mweya Safari Lodge,
Midrange/Standard: – Enganzi Game Lodge/Bush lodge/Kasenyi Safari Camp
Budget/Basic: – Pumba Safari Cottages
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activities & Services Of The Day:-
Optional Activities You Can Choose To Do On This Day Include:
Day 13: Transfer To Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. En-Route Game Drive In The Ishasha Sector In Search Of Tree-Climbing Lions.
After a relaxed breakfast at around 9.00 am, embark on a 4-7 hours drive south to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Before leaving Queen, undertake a short game drive in the Ishasha Plains in search of the plain’s famous tree-climbing lions. After seeing these brilliantly adapted creatures, exit the national park and travel through the rolling hills of southwestern Uganda as you make your way to the great Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Despite its rather forbidding name, Bwindi is an untouched rainforest that has been declared a World Heritage Site because of its breathtaking natural beauty and diversity. It covers an area of 321km². The park is world-renowned for hosting nearly half of the world’s mountain gorilla population, about 459 individuals at last count. It also has over 120 other mammal species, 10 primate species, 351 bird species, and 220 species of butterflies.
On arrival in Bwindi, check in your lodge and relax, taking in the incredible views, or maybe stretch your legs with a birding walk on the lodge grounds. You already feel the excitement to start to build for tomorrow’s activity. Gorilla trekking through the thick and dark rainforests of Bwindi definitely ranks among one of the world’s premier wildlife encounters.
The highlight of the day: – Finding the rare tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector
Accommodation:-
Luxury/Upmarket: – Haven Lodge Buhoma/Gorilla Forest Camp/Buhoma Lodge
Mid-range/Moderate: – Gorilla Mist Camp/Agandi Uganda Eco-Lodge/Ichumbi Lodge
Budget/Basic: – Trekkers Tavern Cottages.
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drive Distance & time: – Approx. 130-220km or 4-7 hours
Activities & Services of the day:-
Day 14: Mountain Gorilla Trekking In Bwindi And Transfer To Lake Bunyonyi For Relaxation
The great day arrives!
Wake up at around 6.30 am for a nourishing breakfast (you will need the energy). Then transfer to the national park headquarters for registration.
At 8.00 am, meet your expert local ranger guides for an informative briefing about gorilla trekking. After the briefing, embark on a jungle for a trek to see our closest cousin. Trekking takes between 2 to 8 hours, so a reasonable degree of fitness and a sturdy pair of walking shoes are required. The thrill of encountering these gentle apes in the wild is well worth the fairly challenging trek through steep trails and thick undergrowth. Once you find the gorillas, spend some time watching them feed and interact with each other.
You get to hear the gorillas communicating with one another and marvel at the sheer size of the dominant adult male gorilla, called Silverback. You generally get up close to the adult gorillas to watch them feeding, grooming, and resting, as well as witness baby gorillas at play.
After your encounter, return to the starting point to receive your gorilla trekking certificates. Enjoy your packed picnic lunch and then depart for serene Lake Bunyonyi, about 90 minutes away. Drive through the fascinating Kigezi Highlands where locals apply a terracing method to cultivate their slopes, making for an impressive and scenic landscape. Arrive at Bunyonyi in the late afternoon for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
The highlight of the day: – The one magical hour with the gentle mountain gorillas who roam Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Accommodation:-
Luxury/Upmarket: – Birdnest @Bunyonyi Resort
Mid-range/Moderate: – Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drive Distance & time: – Approx. 52km or 90 minutes
Activities & Services of the day:-
Optional activities you can choose to do on this day include:-
Day 15: Whole Day Relaxation & Canoeing On the Scenic And Serene Lake Bunyonyi
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast today at around 9.00 am.
Then undertake a canoe ride on Lake Bunyonyi – the ‘place of many little birds. The beautiful lake is surrounded by intensively terraced Kigezi highlands and dotted with 29 islands of different sizes and shapes. It second deepest lake in Africa, formed over 10,000 years ago when a river was dammed by lava.
On the canoe ride, you visit the lake’s famous islands including Akampane or Punishment Island where unmarried girls who became pregnant would be exiled. Here, they faced one of two possible fates. Any man who did not own sufficient cows to pay for an untainted bride was permitted to fetch the disgraced girl from the island and make her his wife. Failing that, the girl would usually starve to death.
You will also visit Kahungye Island where you can find some wildlife including the Zebras, waterbucks, impalas, and kobs.
After the canoe, have lunch and in the evening you can swim in the lake, zipline across the lake, or go for a community walk and visit a local school.
The highlight of the day: – Boat cruise on Lake Bunyonyi
Accommodation:-
Luxury/ Upmarket: – Birdnest @Bunyonyi Resort
Mid-range/ Moderate: – Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activities & Services of the day:-
Optional activities you can choose to do on this day include:-
Day 16: Transfer To Lake Mburo National Park. Traditional Lunch Stop At Igongo Cultural Center & Evening Game Drive Upon Arrival. Optional Night Game Drive.
After a relaxed breakfast at around 9.30 am, depart Lake Bunyonyi for your final national park of this 19 Days In Uganda Safari Tour. Drive northeast through the impressive Ugandan landscape, villages, agricultural plantations, and towns. Make a lunch stop at the Igongo Cultural Centre and Museum. After lunch, continue to Lake Mburo National Park.
This Uganda’s smallest park covers 26000 hectares of wetlands, lakes, savannah grassland, and extensive acacia woodland. It is a famous spot for serious birders with over 350 bird species. It also offers some serene game viewing on nature walks, boat cruises, day and night game drive cycling tours, and horseback rides. You see Zebras, Impala, Eland, Buffalo, Oribi, Waterbuck, Leopard, Hippos, Hyaena, Topi, Reedbuck, and Mongoose.
You basically do an afternoon/early evening game drive in the park as you head to your lodge for relaxation dinner, and overnight.
The highlight of the day: – Game drive in Lake Mburo National Park
Accommodation:-
Luxury/Upmarket: – Mihingo Lodge
Mid-range/Moderate: – Rwakobo Rock/ Mpogo Safari Lodge
Budget/Basic: – Eagles Nest Mburo
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drive distance & time: – Approx. 199km or 4 hours
Activities & Services of the day:-
Optional activities you can choose to do on this day include:-
Day 17: Morning Game Walk & Transfer To Jinja Source Of The Nile Via The Uganda Equator Crossing.
After breakfast at 7.00 am, enjoy a game walk with an expert ranger guide. See the fascinating herbivores of Lake Mburo National Park including Giraffes, Impalas, Zebras, Topis, Warthogs, Waterbucks, Bushbucks, Buffalos, Elands, and numerous birds. Retreat from a 3-hour activity and embark on a 320km or 7-8 hours drive to Jinja.
On the way, pause at the equator to take photos and see how water turns in opposite directions on different sides of this imaginary line.
Proceed to Jinja, arriving at your lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight. Jinja is famous for being the Adrenaline Capital of East Africa and the Source of the Nile – the point at which the world’s longest river exits Africa’s largest lake to commence an epic 6700km journey to the Mediterranean Sea.
With its world-class Grade-5 rapids, the Nile River in Jinja is a magnet for white-water rafting enthusiasts. And extreme kayakers from all over the world head here in their quest for more challenges. There is also the ultimate daredevil deed of bungee jumping for the bold and brave. For those wanting something gentler on the Nile, there is the family float, tubing, or a sundowner cruise on the Nile.
You can also enjoy quad biking, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, and birding. Jinja on the Nile has something for everyone.
The highlight of the day: – The game walk in Lake Mburo National Park and the Uganda Equator crossing experience.
Accommodation:-
Luxury/Upmarket: – Lemala Wildwaters Lodge
Mid-range/Moderate: – Haven Lodge Jinja/2 Friends Hotel Jinja
Budget/Basic: – Source of the Smile Guesthouse
Meal Plan: – Breakfast
Drive distance & time: – Approx. 320km or 7-8 hours
Activities & Services of the day:-
Optional activities you can choose to do on this day include:-
Day 18: Whole Day Relaxation At The Banks Of The Nile River. Optional White Water Rafting On Grade 5 Rapids Of The Nile.
This day is dedicated to your relaxation in the tranquil environment listening to the flowing waters of the longest river in the world. You can have your breakfast at around 9.00 am and take a rest in your lush eco-friendly room, private balcony, or the lush garden setting the body just like new! The sumptuous meals served according to your preference also add spice to the experience.
You can opt to undertake a challenging half-day white-water-rafting adventure along the historic Nile River. The source of the Nile is one of the world’s most spectacular white-water rafting destinations. Expect long, rollicking strings of Grade IV and V rapids, with plenty of thrills and spills. You raft in the company of expert guides who are at your rescue in case the waters push you off the raft.
The crowd cheers from the locals on the river bank enjoying the free sights of your struggle with waters will make you part of the community.
The highlight of the day: – Relaxation at the bank of the Nile River
Accommodation:-
Luxury/Upmarket: – Lemala Wildwaters Lodge
Mid-range/Moderate: – Haven Lodge Jinja/2 Friends Hotel Jinja
Budget/Basic: – Source of the Smile Guesthouse
Meal Plan: – Breakfast
Activities & Services of the day:-
Optional activities you can choose to do on this day include:-
Day 19: Transfer From Jinja Back To Entebbe For Your Onward Flight. Optional Kampala City Tour.
And so an amazing Uganda safari, unfortunately, comes to an end. After breakfast at the lodge, pack your bags and head to Entebbe International Airport 120km (4-5 hours) drive. Depending on flight departure time, you can opt to undertake a 5 hours tour of Kampala, the capital and commercial city of the Republic of Uganda.
Kampala sits on several hills. Before the British colonialists came to Uganda, the city was the capital of the Buganda Kingdom and remains so to this day. Buganda is one of the last surviving intact African traditional monarchies, established about 700 years ago and headed by a traditional king, called “Kabaka”. His subjects, the 7.6 million-strong tribe of Buganda, are called the Baganda who speak the Luganda language, the most widely spoken language in Uganda.
On the tour, you still see some of the thatched relics of the former glory years of Buganda at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kasubi Royal Tombs, a sacred burial ground of Buganda Kings. You also taste the frenetic energy of day-to-day Ugandan life between the sun-cracked streets of Central Kampala, a place of throbbing markets.
You tour the Kabaka’s Palace and Bulange Parliament the traditional center for Lukiiko which demonstrates that Buganda already had an established Parliament even before the coming of Europeans. You can also visit the Uganda National Museum, Uganda National Mosque, and Uganda Martyrs Shrine Namugongo.
Activities & Services of the day:-
Optional activities you can choose to do on this day include:-
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