20 days Uganda safari tour is a 19 night/20-day safari in Uganda tour that takes you on an epic adventure through the Central, Eastern, Northern, Western, and Southern regions of this magnificent country. Your 20 days Uganda tour adventure begins east at the source of the Nile in Jinja for an exhilarating whitewater rafting and a boat cruise along the Nile River. Continue east for a wonderful hike to see the 3 magnificent Sipi falls on the slopes of Mount Elgon.
Proceed northeast for a game drive in Pian-Upe Wildlife Reserve and Kidepo Valley National Park, one of Africa’s most scenic parks. Enjoy a game drive in search of Elephants, Buffalos, Lions, Leopards, Cheetahs, Giraffes, Zebras, Ostriches, Caracals, Jackals, and more, as well as a cultural visit to the Karamajong community. Also, undertake a whole day’s adventure hike to Mount Morungole to meet the mysterious Ik, a tribe of around 10,000 people that have had little contact with the outside world.
Head southwest to Murchison Falls Park, Uganda’s largest park blessed with the world’s most powerful waterfalls, the Nile River, and 76 mammal species. Enjoy a game drive in search of giraffes, lions, leopards, hyenas, elephants, buffalos, hippos, as well as a Nile launch cruise to the bottom of the falls. Move to Kibale National Park – the primate capital of Africa – to track a troop of chimpanzees in their natural habitat on foot.
Travel to Semuliki National Park – a birder’s paradise – for a nature walk and a visit to the Batwa pygmy community. Head to Kasese for a whole day hike in the Rwenzori Mountains before driving to Queen Elizabeth National Park to undertake game drives to see the tree-climbing lions, leopards, buffalos, elephants, and other mammals. Enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel to view some of the world’s largest concentrations of hippos.
Continue to the mighty Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park for an exhilarating trek to meet a family of mountain gorillas. Your hour spent silently in the company mountain gorillas must be the most moving wildlife experience in Africa – arguably in the world.
Drive Mgahinga Gorilla National Park to track golden monkeys. Undertake a scenic drive through Kigezi highlands to the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi for relaxation and island hopping. Drive to Lake Mburo National Park for a game walk to see Zebras, Elands, Impalas, and other mammals. End this amazing 20 days Uganda safari tour with an interactive cultural visit to the Banyankore community and Equator crossing experience at Kayabwe.
Discover the Central, Eastern, Northern, Western & Southern regions of the ‘Pearl of Africa’.
Trek and meet the famous Mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Track a troop of wild chimpanzees on foot in Kibale Forest
Track on foot and watch playful golden monkeys in bamboo thickets of Mgahinga Gorilla Park
Game drives in Kidepo Valley, Murchison Falls, & Queen Elizabeth National Parks
Search for the uncommon tree-climbing lions of Queen Elizabeth National Park
Walk among the wild mammals of Lake Mburo National Park
Nature in the community tour in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
Go whitewater rafting at the source of the world’s longest river, the Nile River in Jinja
Boat cruise to the Source of the Nile River in Jinja
Cruise along the Nile to the bottom of Murchison Falls, the world’s most powerful waterfall
Visit the top of Murchison Falls
Boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel to view some of the world’s densest hippo concertation
Whole day Island hopping on the magical Lake Bunyonyi
Full-day adventure hike into the Mountains of the Moon, the Rwenzori Mountains
Hike to the spectacular Sipi falls on the slopes of Mount Elgon
Hike to the ancient Sempaya hot springs in Semuliki National Park
Cycle in Mpanga tea estate
Meet the locals and explore the Karamajong, Ik, Batwa, and Banyankore indigenous cultures
The Uganda Equator crossing experience at Kayabwe
Day 1: Entebbe
Day 2: Jinja – the source of the Nile River
Day 3: Sipi Falls Area on slopes of Mount Elgon
Day 4, 5 & 6: Kidepo Valley National Park, Pian-Upe Wildlife Reserve & Morungole Mountains
Day 7 & 8: Murchison Falls National Park
Day 9: Hoima – Kibiro Salt Gardens
Day 10 & 11: Fort Portal Area, Kibale National Park & Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
Day 12: Semliki National Park, Batwa community at Ntandi & Kasese
Day 13: The Rwenzori Mountains or Mountains of the Moon.
Day 14: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 15: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 16: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Day 17 & 18: Lake Bunyonyi
Day 19: Lake Mburo National Park & Igongo Cultural Center
Day 20: Banyankore community (Enyemebwa Center) & Equator Crossing at Kayabwe.
Day 1: Arrive in Uganda via Entebbe International Airport & transfer to the lodge.
Day 2: Drive to Jinja for whitewater rafting & boat cruise at Source of the Nile River
Day 3: Transfer to the Sipi area & hike the Sipi falls on the slopes of Mount Elgon.
Day 4: Travel to Kidepo Valley Park with a game drive en route in Pian-Upe Wildlife Reserve
Day 5: Morning game drive in Kidepo & afternoon Cultural tour to the Karamojong Community.
Day 6: Whole-day adventure hike to Mount Morungole to visit the indigenous 1k tribal people.
Day 7: Drive to Murchison Falls National Park, the largest of the 10 national parks in Uganda.
Day 8: Enjoy a morning game drive & an afternoon Nile launch cruise to the bottom of the falls.
Day 9: Visit the top of fall & transfer to Hoima with an en-route stop at Kibiro Salt gardens.
Day 10: Drive to Fort Portal Area. Cycle in Mpanga tea estate & connect to Kibale National Park.
Day 11:Morning chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park & afternoon Bigodi wetland walk.
Day 12: Drive to Semliki National Park, do Sempaya nature walk & visit the Batwa community. Transfer to Kasese & visit the Rwenzori art foundation.
Day 13: Whole-day adventure hike to the Rwenzori Mountains or Mountains of the Moon.
Day 14: Morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth NP & an afternoon Kazinga Channel boat cruise.
Day 15: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable NP. Do an en-route game drive in the southern Ishasha plains of Queen in search of the uncommon tree-climbing lions.
Day 16: Do Mountain Gorilla trekking in Bwindi & transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Day 17:Do golden monkey tracking in Mgahinga & drive to Lake Bunyonyi for relaxation.
Day 18: Enjoy a whole Island hopping adventure in Lake Bunyonyi
Day 19: Drive to Lake Mburo NP with a traditional lunch stop at Igongo Cultural Center. Enjoy an evening game walking safari upon arrival.
Day 20: Morning interactive cultural tour to Banyankore community & transfer to Kampala. Make an en-route stop at the Equator Crossing for photoshoots.
Your unforgettable 20 days Uganda safari tour starts as soon as you touch down at the Entebbe International Airport. You are met by your Prime Uganda Safaris and Tours representative who help load your bags into a comfortable, air-conditioned safari vehicle. You attend a short briefing about Uganda and this safari trip in particular after which you board the vehicle and connect to the hotel in Entebbe for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
Entebbe Airport is positioned on a magical peninsular, surrounded by freshwaters of Lake Victoria – the world’s largest tropical lake. The Airport is best known for the dramatic rescue operation ending on 4th July 1976, when commandos of the Israel Defense Forces freed over 100 hostages following a plane hijacking by a group of Palestinian militia during Idi Amin’s time. It was also from this airport that Queen Elizabeth II departed Africa to return to England in 1952 when she learned of her father’s death and that she had become Queen.
Depending on your time of arrival there might be a chance for an optional excursion to one or more of the nearby attractions.
The Highlight Of The Day: – Sighting The Serene Waters Of Lake Victoria As You Touch Down Entebbe Airport.
Upmarket/Luxury: – Serena Lake Victoria Resort/Protea Hotel Entebbe
Midrange/Standard: – Boma Hotel Entebbe/Lake Heights Hotel Entebbe/2 Friends Beach Hotel Entebbe
Budget/Basic: – Airport Guesthouse Entebbe/Acacia Boutique Hotel
Meal Plan: – Dinner
Drive distance & time: – Approx. 3-5km or 10-20 minutes
Have breakfast at around 6.00 am at your place of stay in Entebbe. Embark on a 95km drive from Entebbe to Jinja, a large historical town of Uganda whose main claim to fame is the source of the Nile, the point at which the world’s longest river exits Africa’s largest lake (Lake Victoria) to begin an epic 6650km journey north to the Mediterranean Sea via the deserts of Sudan and Egypt. On your journey to Jinja, drive through impressive landscapes of the Kampala city outskirts before entering into Lugazi sugar plantations and Mabira Forest.
On arrival, check-in the lodge and transfer to the starting point of whitewater rafting for briefing. After the briefing, get your rafting gears to start your wonderful half-day whitewater rafting adventure downstream of the historic Nile River. Rafting along the Nile River in Jinja is considered to be amongst the best in the world, with some of the most prevailing constant Grade 5 rapids on Earth. 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 make you part of the community.
Retreat from the activity for lunch and relaxation. After your meals, embark on a thrilling 2-hour boat cruise to the source of the Nile, to the point where John Speke stood as the first European to discover the source of the Nile River. This boat cruise is a rewarding adventure as it exposes you to opportunities of exploring counts of birds including beautiful Kingfishers.
Luxury/Upmarket: – Haven Lodge Jinja/Wild waters Lodge
Mid-range/Moderate: – Haven Lodge Jinja/2 Friends Hotel Jinja
Budget/Basic: – Source of the Smile Guesthouse
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Drive distance & time: Approx. 80km or 2-3 hours
Enjoy breakfast at around 7.30 am and embark on a 198km (4-5hours) drive to Sipi Falls. The drive is rewarding. You pass through amazing landscapes of Eastern Uganda, rice fields, sugarcane plantations, busy roadside markets, and quiet rural villages, where you get a real sense of what life is like here.
Arrive at the Sipi area, check in at your lodge, and settle for lunch. In the afternoon, embark on a guided 3- 4 hours hike to see the 3 magnificent Sipi waterfalls that stretch to 85m, 75m, and 99m accordingly, formed by the Sipi River as it cascades downhill from the upper slopes of Mount Elgon into the Kyoga Basin. The hike offers sights of Mt Elgon cliffs, birds, Bagisu farmlands, settlements, and the flat Karamoja plains. Sipi falls are surrounded by beautiful walking trails, lush green hills and offer breathtaking water drop and the surrounding physical and human landscape generate a remarkable state of excitement and memories. Retreat from the activity for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
The Highlight Of The Day: – Hiking To The Spectacular Sipi Falls On The Slopes Of Mount Elgon.
Upmarket/Luxury: – Sipi River Lodge
Midrange/Standard: – Mbale Resort Hotel
Budget/Basic: – Kapkwai Forest Cottages/Sipi River Lodge
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drive distance & time: – Approx. 198km or 4-5 hours
Following a cup of coffee at your lodge at around 7.00 am, transfer to Kidepo Valley National Park to the far northeast of Uganda. Drive through the local farmlands before approaching the Pian Upe Game Reserve, Uganda’s second-largest protected area to undertake a thrilling 2 hours game drive to explore its rolling savannah plains dotted with counts of wild game including the Cheetah, Spotted hyenas, Patas monkeys, Vervet monkeys, Olive baboons, Topis, Cape buffalos, Common eland, Gunther’s dik-dik, Klipspringers, Defassa waterbucks, Oribi, Jackson’s hartebeests, Roan antelopes, Uganda kobs among other wild game. Retreat from the activity and continue on the drive to Kidepo arriving in the evening for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
Kidepo Valley National Park ranks as one of the best safari parks in Africa because of its breathtaking natural beauty. Undisturbed by human activities, the vegetation of Kidepo is eye-catching savannah grassland that spread into horizons beyond the eye can see.
Ringed by mountains, this short-grass savannah-filled valley park hosts over 77 mammal species including a healthy population of Lions, Elephants, Buffalos, Leopards, Giraffes, Zebras, Hyenas, Elands, and Hartebeests plus many species which cannot easily be seen elsewhere in Uganda such as Cheetahs, Bat-eared foxes, Black-backed jackals, Aardwolf, Caracals, Greater and Lesser Kudus. There are also plenty of birds exclusive to this park and with over 475 species on the checklist including the Common ostrich, Abyssinian roller, Karamoja Apalis, Clapperton’s francolin, African rose-ringed parakeet, and several others.
Besides the exceptional wildlife safari experience and superb scenery, this Uganda safari park is another great spot for cultural tours in Uganda especially for those who would like to see the Karamajong and Ik peoples plus other great tribes.
Upmarket/Luxury: – Adele Lodge/Apoka Safari Lodge
Midrange/Standard: – Adele Lodge/Kidepo Savannah Lodge/Ng’ Moru Wilderness Camp
Budget/Basic: – Apoka Rest Camp/Kidepo Savannah Lodge
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drive time: – Approx. 526km or 7-8 hours
After early morning breakfast at 6.30 am, embark on a 3-4 hours game drive in Kidepo. The vast open savannah plains of this park make it easy to spot animals. Expect to explore the Narus Valley in the south sector of Kidepo, looking out for Buffalos, Elephants, Lions, Leopards, many Zebras, Giraffes, Hartebeest, Reedbucks, Bat-eared foxes, Side-striped jackals, Black-backed jackals, and Elands. There are also Cheetahs, Aardwolves, and Caracals.
A variety of waterbirds can also be seen in Narus including African Jacana, yellow-billed stork, white-faced whistling duck, and various herons and egrets plus other Kidepo specials such as Clapperton’s francolin, Rose-ringed parakeet, Abyssinian ground hornbills, Bateleur, Meyer’s parrot, and superb starling.
After this exciting activity, return to the lodge for relaxation and lunch. In the afternoon, take on a visit to the Lorokul community, located just outside the park for an insight into the cultural heritage of the Karamonjos, one of Uganda’s most distinctive tribes. The nomadic pastoralists are well known for their love for cattle and cattle rustling and their resistance to the trappings of the modern world. They take a lot of pride in their culture and customs, harbor foreign interference and with their traditional lifestyle, and view new trends in life, travel, education, technology, dress, fashion, housing, medicines, religion, and several others as unnecessary inconvenience.
You explore their Manyattas (homesteads), traditions, the arts and crafts, the Kraal and the grazing field, and traditional performances before retreating to the lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
Upmarket/Luxury: – Apoka Safari Lodge/Adele lodge
Midrange/Standard: – Nga’moru Wilderness Camp/Adele Lodge/Kidepo Savannah Lodge
Budget/Basic: – Apoka Rest Camp/Kidepo Savannah Lodge
Meal Plan: – Lunch & Dinner
Wake up for breakfast at around 7.30 am after which embark on a wonderful full-day adventure hike to Ik villages high on the slopes of Mount Morungole. This cultural adventure offers an unforgettable opportunity to make friends among these people who were portrayed as the world’s nastiest people in the 1972 best-seller “The Mountain People” by the British-American anthropologist Colin Turnbull. Your visit to the Ik village will disapprove that, they are loving, welcoming and Turnbull simply got it wrong.
The Ik is a small tribe of fewer than 10,000 people and is seen as endangered for its future existence. They are believed to have migrated from Ethiopia and first settled in Kenya and migrated to what is now Kidepo Valley National Park. They were cattle herders however due to cattle raids from Karamojong they gave up cattle herding for subsistence farming, goat keeping, and honey production. After the encounter with these charming people, transfer back to the lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
The highlight of the day: – Relaxation in the pristine wilderness of Kidepo Valley National Park
Accommodation:-
Upmarket/Luxury: – Apoka Safari Lodge/Adele lodge
Midrange/Standard: – Nga’moru Wilderness Camp/Adele Lodge/Kidepo Savannah Lodge
Budget/Basic: – Apoka Rest Camp/Kidepo Savannah Lodge
Meal Plan: – Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast at 9.00 am, embark on the drive to Murchison Falls National Park passing through impressive landscapes of northern Uganda former dwelling place for the Lord’s Resistance Army headed by Joseph Kony. You are taken back to imagine the horror that happened in this part of the country by viewing the war ruins and the people themselves some with no lips and others with no ears. You drive past Kitgum, Gulu, and eventually arrive in Murchison Falls National Park in the evening for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
The 3,840km2 Murchison Falls NP is the largest of Uganda’s 10 national parks, blessed with a variety of habitats, a rolling savannah landscape, the world’s most powerful waterfall, the Nile River, 451 bird species, and 76 species of mammals including the world’s largest population of Rothschild’s giraffes.
The Highlight Of The Day: – The Very Scenic Drive Through The Impressive Landscapes Of Northern Uganda.
Upmarket/Luxury: – Paraa Safari Lodge/Bakers Lodge
Moderate/Mid-range:- Pakuba Safari Lodge/Murchison River Lodge
Basic/Budget: – Red Chilli Rest Camp/Hornbill Bush Lodge
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drive distance & time: – Approx. 347km or 7-8 hours
Start your day with an early breakfast at around 6.30 am. Embark on a 3-4 hours game drive in the northern sector of Murchison, a very scenic section of the park with rolling savanna grassland dotted with impressive stands of Borassus palms, acacia trees, riverine woodland, a variety of mammals, and unique birds. Look for Lions Elephants, Buffalos, Leopards, Rothschild’s Giraffes, Hyenas, Patas Monkeys, Oribi, Warthogs, Hartebeests, Waterbucks, Hippos, Uganda Kobs and much more. Also look out for special bird species including Abyssinian ground hornbills, Secretary birds Grey-crowned cranes, Denham’s bustard to name just a few.
Retreat from the activity for relaxation and lunch. After your meal transfer to Paraa Jetty for what will surely be one of the highlights of the entire trip: an afternoon 3-hour boat cruise along the legendary Nile River to the bottom of the Murchison Falls!
The boat trip departs at 2 pm. You slowly cruise eastward along an archetypically African stretch of the Nile, fringed by Borassus palms, acacia woodland, and mahogany stands. Look out for hundreds of giant Nile crocodiles gliding along the surface, with pods of submerged hippos breaking the surface of the still water as they peep up to catch a glimpse of you. See the Elephants and buffalos quenching their thirst at the river banks along with a variety of waterbirds including the incredible, pre-historic like Shoebill, the well-named Goliath heron, Saddle-billed stork, African jacana, Squacco heron, African fish eagles, and much, much more.
The boat docks in a small bay a few hundred meters away from the crashing Murchison Falls. These falls are arguably the world’s most powerful! They’re not very big or wide like some you may have seen before but think of the world’s longest river which is 50 meters wide squeezing through a narrow cleft of up to 7 meters and fall 45 meters down. Return to the lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
The Highlight Of The Day: – The Afternoon Boat Cruise On The Nile To The Bottom Of Murchison Falls And The Hike To The Top Of The Falls.
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
Have breakfast at around 8.00 am and then cross with the ferry to the southern section of Murchison. Drive to the top of the falls to explore the famous Murchison Falls. Murchison falls is an impressive sight from the boat, but hiking to the top of these magnificent waterfalls is an opportunity for you to see a lot of nature’s secrets. This is where you truly appreciate the staggering power with which the Nile crashes through the narrow gap in the escarpment, not to mention the deafening roar and voluminous spray. The site is impressive for photography.
Retreat from the activity and embark on the transfer to Hoima. You make a stop en route at Kibiro Salt Gardens to encounter the heritage of this historic site. The Kibiro Salt Gardens has supported the livelihoods of the surrounding community dating far back to 900 years ago far before the coming of Europeans. The locals extract fine salt which they then exchange with the other communities for food and other items.
The work of salt extraction at this site has for long been a dominant of females. The process of extracting is rather long and technical than the ordinary but it is amazing to see how the indigenous knowledge is put into use to have a product out well made. Accessing the site exposes you to walking on steep and challenging landscapes with narrow paths that can only be accessed by foot. Retreat from the encounter and transfer to Hoima arriving in the afternoon for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
Midrange: – Lake Albert Lodge/Hoima Cultural Lodge
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drive distance & time: – Approx. 120km or 4 hours
Have breakfast at 7.00 am and drive to Fort Portal Area passing through the impressive countryside landscapes of Kagadi and Kyenjojo that are dotted with lush green, rural homesteads, and farmlands. Arrive in Fort Portal town and settle for a special lunch in one of the best restaurants in the town. Then embark on cycling in the green tea plantation of Mpanga, spread over a beautiful undulating landscape with endless scenic views which makes it ideal to encounter on your mountain bikes. You encounter the estate staff plucking tea and you are free to participate in the exercise to gain the exact touch.
Alternatively, you can opt to visit the Amabere Caves and hike to the dramatic Fort Portal Crater lake field. The Amabere cave, named after the live stalactite formation Amabeere ga Nyinamwiru, translates as Breast of Nyinamwiru. These breast-like features in the caves are believed to have belonged to Nyinamwiru, the daughter of King Bukuku who is said to have been so beautiful that no man could leave her alone. When King Bukuku became weary of receiving marital requests from unsuitable suitors, he took the extreme measure of cutting off his daughter’s breasts to make her less attractive.
But even this proved to be insufficient to deter Nyinamwiru’s many admirers, so the king hid her away in the cave now known as Amabere. Here, she was discovered by the Batembuzi King Isaza, who impregnated her with a son. Because Nyinamwiru lacked breasts, she stayed on in the cave with her baby, feeding him on the cloudy limestone ‘milk’ that drips from its stalactites. The child nurtured by the stalactite formation grew up and became king Ndahura, founder of the Bachwezi dynasty that ruled over the Bunyoro Kitara Empire centuries ago. Retreat from the activity and transfer to Kibale National Park 26km from Fort Portal town for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
Luxury/Upmarket: – Crater Safari Lodge/Primate Lodge Kibale/Kyaninga Lodge
Midrange/Standard: – Kibale Forest Camp/Turaco Tree Tops/Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse
Budget/Basic: – Kibale Forest Camp/Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Wake up for a cup of good Ugandan coffee at around 6.30 am. Pack your lunch and then transfer to Kanyanchu Visitor Centre for another highlight of the trip, the Chimpanzee tracking which begins promptly at 8 am. The encounter commences with a briefing from the excellent local park rangers who will be your guides for the activity.
After the briefing, head to the forest in search of man’s closest relative and marvel at how similar they are to humans. The activity lasts about 2-5 hours and contacts time with chimpanzees is limited to 1 hour. As you track in the depth of the lush green forest you see a variety of other primates including Black-and-white colobus, Red-tailed, Uganda red colobus, and blue monkeys. You also see a variety of birds as Kibale is home to 375 bird species.
Finally, you approach the chimps which have been fully habituated (accustomed to human) and thus offering you an opportunity to draw closer, watching them (from a safe but intimate distance of 8-10 meters) and take pictures.
After your one hour with chimps, return to the starting point where you connect with your company guide. Settle for your packed lunch and then embark on a short drive to community-run Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a 2 hours swamp walk in this eco-tourism site which hosts 200 bird species and several primates. You can opt to undertake a cultural tour of Bigodi village and craft center to explore the local way of life. Retreat from the activity for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
The Highlight Of The Day: – Encountering Chimpanzees, Our Closes Living Genetic Relatives In Their Natural Habitat On Foot.
Luxury/Upmarket: – Crater Safari Lodge/Primate Lodge Kibale/Kyaninga Lodge
Midrange/Standard: – Kibale Forest Camp/Turaco Tree Tops/Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse
Budget/Basic: – Kibale Forest Camp/Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast at around 8.30 am, pack your bags into the vehicle, check out and say farewell to the great staff in the Kibale. Embark on 78km (2-5 hours) drive to the 220km² Semuliki Park – a birder’s paradise – on the floor of the Great Rift Valley. The park harbors intriguing wildlife; 440 bird species, Mona monkeys, Anubis baboons, De Brazza’s monkeys, Black-and-white colobus monkeys, Grey-cheeked mangabeys, Chimpanzees, Red-tailed monkeys, Forest buffalos, Forest Elephants, Water chevrotains, Pygmy antelopes, and more.
Arrive and undertake a 2-4 nature walk along the Sempaya Nature Trail to view the Sempaya hot springs, primates, and birds. There are 2 hot springs: the “male” hot spring is known as Bitente and the “female” hot spring, the geyser is called Nyansimbi. The geyser spouts up to 2 meters into the air from an opening in a low salt sculpture. The emerging water has a temperature of over 100 °C and the surrounding pools are hot. You can boil some plantain or eggs to have picnic bites.
Retreat from the activity and connect to Ntandi to visit the Batwa (a tribe of hunter-gatherer people) who were evicted in the forest of Semuliki to pave way for conservation. They dance for you and tell you stories of their hunter-gatherer lifestyle. From Semliki, you connect back to Fort Portal and transfer to Kasese. Upon arrival in Kasese, visit the Rwenzori Art Foundation which is the only bronze casting center in the whole of Africa where you have an opportunity to explore the gallery with a collection of beautiful artworks. The foundation also offers an experiential touch and allows you to participate in the casting process. Retire for relaxation, dinner, and overnight on the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains.
The Highlight Of The Day: – The Hike To The Sempaya Hot Springs.
Luxury/Upmarket: – Equator Snow Lodge
Midrange/Standard: – Sandton Hotel Kasese
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Have breakfast at 7.00 am and transfer to Nyakalengija ranger post to start your full-day adventure hike into the “Mountains of the Moon” the Rwenzori which starts with a briefing at 8 am. Organized by the Rwenzori Mountaineering Services that manages the Central Circuit Trail, the Rwenzori hike is a daylong encounter enabling you to explore the foothills of the Rwenzori in detail. The Rwenzori stands as the 3rd-highest in Africa rising to 5,109m above sea level with snowcapped peaks. The day-long exploration of the legendary Rwenzori presents magical sights of the Rwenzori ridges, the rift valley lakes below including Edward and George, the savannah stretches of Queen Elizabeth NP, and the panoramic view of Kasese town. Retire at 5 pm for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
The Highlight Of The Day: – Hiking The Rwenzori Mountains, The Legendary ‘Mountains Of The Moon’.
Luxury/Upmarket: – Equator Snow Lodge
Midrange/Standard: – Sandton Hotel Kasese
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After hearty breakfast at 6.00 am, undertake a 30 minutes drive to Queen Elizabeth, a very scenic park on the floor of the Great Rift Valley blessed with an impressive variety of habitats including acacia woodland, grass savannah, lakes, rivers, dense papyrus swamps, rainforest, and extinct volcanic crater cones with lakes. This incredible diversity has led to a fauna count of 95 mammal species, over 600 bird species, and much, much more.
On arrival, enjoy a 3-4 hours game drive in the classic savannah plains of the Kasenyi sector. The vast grasslands of Kasenyi, aside from being a great wildlife watching spot, is one of the prettiest sectors of the park, particularly in the golden light of the morning. During the game drive, search for Lions, Leopards, Buffalos, Hyenas, Giant forest Hogs, Warthogs, Uganda kobs, Hippos, and more as the checklist of Mammals reaches 95 species.
Also, look out for special bird species including Grey-crowned crane, Red-throated spurfowl, Yellow-throated longclaw, White-backed vulture, White-headed vulture, Long-crested Eagle, Black-bellied bustard, African skimmer, and Brown Snake Eagle, to name just a few. Return to the lodge for relaxation and lunch. In the afternoon, drive to Mweya Jetty for another remarkable activity planned; the 2-hour boat trip along 45km Kazinga channel which flows between Lakes George and Edward. One of the world’s densest concentrations of hippo lives here, as well as large numbers of elephants, buffalos, crocodiles, and water birds like African Open-billed, Yellow-billed, and Saddle-billed Storks; Marabou storks, African spoonbills, and Pink-backed Pelicans.
Return from the activity and do a game drive along the channel track as you connect to the lodge overnight.
The highlight of the day: – The very relaxing 2-hours cruise along the famous Kazinga Channel.
Upmarket/Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge/Katara Lodge/Mazike Valley Lodge
Midrange/Standard: Enganzi Game Lodge/Kasenyi Safari Camp/Bush lodge
Budget/Basic: Park View Safari Lodge/Pumba Safari Cottages
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
You start with breakfast at around 7.30 am. Depart ‘Queen’ and drive even further south. Before leaving the park, undertake a short game drive in the Ishasha plains in search of the plain’s well know tree-climbing lions. After seeing these rare creatures, exit the park and travel through the rolling hills of southwestern Uganda towards the world-famous Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. You enjoy lunch somewhere along the route and reach the Bwindi area in the afternoon as you make your way to the lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
Despite its rather forbidding name, Bwindi Impenetrable Park is a tropical rainforest wonderland. This beautiful park stands on the edge of the Albertine Rift Valley, hosting the amazing biodiversity of its rainforests, which date back more than 25,000 years, making them possibly the oldest in the world. This conservation area received gazetted status as a national park in 1991, earning the distinction of UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site in 1994.
With altitudes ranging from 1160 to 2607 meters above sea level, this 321km2 features a range of landscapes including rocky ridges, dense rainforests, deep valleys, sparkling mountain streams, and a multitude of waterfalls. Thick mists cover a forest canopy so lush that sunlight scarcely filters down to the forest floor, making it a mystical place to explore.
Bwindi is world-renowned for excellent gorilla trekking opportunities, harboring nearly half of the Mountain Gorillas on Earth. Aside from the majestic Mountain Gorillas, there are other drawcards including over 120 mammal species, 10 species of primates, over 350 species of bird to spot, 1000 species of flowing plants, and a variety of colorful butterflies.
The highlight of the day: – Encountering the rare tree-climbing Lions in Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Luxury/Upmarket: – Buhoma Lodge/Gorilla Forest Camp/ Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Mid-range/Moderate: – Gorilla Valley Lodge/Silverback Lodge/Bakiga Lodge
Budget/Basic: – Buhoma Community Rest Camp/Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drive Distance & time: – Approx. 130-220km or 4-7 hours
After breakfast at 6.30 am, drive to the respective Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park headquarters where you’re assigned to a group, meet your ranger guide, and be briefed about the gorilla trekking experience (at 8.00 am). Embark on an exhilarating trek into the forest to meet a family of mountain gorillas. The gorilla trek lasts from 2 to 8 hours including the 1 hour of direct encounter with the gorillas.
Watch the ranger guide up ahead hack a path with his machete… then, a quiet word from your guide and you see a flash of dark fur against the green. You have found what you are looking for: a family of rare mountain gorillas. So similar to humans in so many ways, the mothers gather for a chin-wag, the toddlers gambol and play, exasperating their teen babysitters, all watched over by the great silverback patriarch.
Your hour spent silently in the company of this extended family must be the most moving wildlife experience in Africa – arguably in the world. Put down your camera and sit awhile, just observing their social rituals, the keenness of their relationships, and the depth and range of their emotions. There are only a few hundred of these gentle giants left, and watching them at the brink of potential extinction is, for many, a life-changing experience.
After your one hour with the gentle giants, have a picnic lunch and return to the starting point. Have your gorilla trekking certificate and transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park 204km from Buhoma, 146km from Ruhija, 53km from Rushaga, and Nkuringo driving through the impressive Kigezi Highlands arriving in the evening for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
The Highlight Of The Day: – The One Breathtaking Hour With The Gentle Mountain Gorillas Of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Luxury/Upmarket: – Mount Gahinga Lodge
Mid-range/Moderate: – Lake Chahafi Resort
Budget/Basic: – Traveler’s Rest Kisoro
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drive Distance & time: – Approx. 90km or 3 hours
Enjoy breakfast at 7.00 am. Transfer to Ntebeko visitor center for briefing about the trek to see the beautiful, endangered, and endemic golden monkeys who sport an amazing multi-colored coat of rusty red, fiery oranges, shadowy blacks, tints of blue, and, yes, even some gold. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the smallest park in Uganda. It shares borders with Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in DR Congo. It is also the most scenic as it stands at three volcanoes of Muhabura at 4,127m, Gahinga (3,474m), and Sabyinyo at 3,669m.
After the briefing, embark on your golden monkey tracking adventure. The habituated groups thrive in the Bamboo zone on the slopes of Mount Gahinga and their playful tactics make them interesting to encounter. Alternatively, you can opt to undertake a whole day volcano hiking adventure or take the Batwa trail where you’re immersed in the cultural experience of the Batwa people (Pygmies) who used to stay in the forest alongside the gorillas for over 1000 years.
Have lunch and then undertake a scenic drive through the fascinating Kigezi Highlands with a cool temperate climate and rugged terrain that has earned them the dub as the Switzerland of Africa. Arrive at Lake Bunyonyi (literally a place of little birds) the loveliest lake in Uganda. It is the second deepest Africa. Its contorted shore encircles 29 islands, surrounded by spectacular steep terraced hillsides. Relax at the lodge, have dinner, and overnight.
The Highlight Of The Day: – Tracking The Endemic, Endangered, And Beautiful Golden Monkeys In Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Luxury/ Upmarket: – Birdnest @Bunyonyi Resort
Mid-range/ Moderate: – Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort/Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drive distance & time: – Approx. 80km or 1 ½ – 2 hours
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast today at 9.00 am. Undertake a whole day island hopping adventure to explore the little lake blessed with 29 emerald Islands. Explore the Bucuranuka (Upside down Island) which is believed to have buried a group of male revelers who refused to share their abundant stock of beer with an old lady who had embarked on a canoe to join them. Unfortunately for the drinking party, the woman was a sorceress. She returned to her canoe, paddled a safe distance away, and then used her magical powers to overturn the island-drowning everybody in the party and then flip it back the right way up as if nothing had happened.
You visit the Akampane (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.
There is also Bushara with its impressive forest cover and the eucalyptus forest, Kyahugye Island with its resort environment with wildlife including the Impala, Zebra, De brazza monkey, and Waterbuck not forgetting the Njuyera/Sharps Island which is known as the traditional leprosy healing center. The hopping experience exposes you to the local life of the Island communities including the process of brewing local beer. Retreat for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
The Highlight Of The Day: – Whole Island-Hopping Encounter On The Magical Lake Bunyonyi.
Luxury/ Upmarket: – Birdnest @Bunyonyi Resort
Mid-range/ Moderate: – Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort/Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Following an early morning cup of coffee at your respective lodge at around 8.00 am, embark on the transfer to Lake Mburo National Park 199km about 4 hours’ drive. You drive through impressive south western Uganda landscapes before making a stop at Igongo Cultural Center 12km past Mbarara town the largest in the sub-region for a thrilling traditional lunch after which you will proceed to 33km to the Park for an afternoon game walking experience. You enter the park through the Sanga gate and embark on the game exploration on foot.
You enjoy beautiful views of the area including open stretching plains. The walk offers you an opportunity to explore the range of wild games including large herds of Zebras, Giraffes, Impalas, Topis, Warthogs, waterbucks, bushbucks, elands not forgetting acacia associated birds. Hiking the Kazuma hill offers you one of the magical scenic views in Uganda. Retreat from the activity for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
The Highlight Of The Day: – Walking Amongst The Wild Mammals Of Lake Mburo National Park.
Luxury/Upmarket: – Mihingo Lodge
Mid-range/Moderate: – Rwakobo Rock/Arcadia Cottages Mburo/Mpogo Safari Lodge
Budget/Basic: – Eagles Nest Mburo
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drive distance & time: – Approx. 199km or 4 hours
Day 20 Of The 20 Days Uganda Safari Tour: Morning Interactive Cultural Tour To Banyankore Community & Transfer To Kampala. Make An En-Route Stop At The Equator Crossing For Photo Shoots.
Wake up at 6 am and connect to the Enyemebwa center to catch up with the herdsmen getting up to do the milking and their daily routine. You arrive and get the milking equipment including the tying rope and the milking pot to actively participate in the traditional hand milking of the world-famous Ankole long-horned cattle. From milking you participate in sick animal treating, caring for cows like brushing their body using the locally made fiber brush (Enkuyo), and set out to graze in the wilderness.
You enjoy the stimulating sounds that are made by the herd’s men as they set out to the grazing field and be mesmerized by the cows know how to align themselves forming a line headed by those that have a special character of leading others. You retreat and visit the traditional hut where you find the women churning milk in the churning gourd, from here the guide can take you to explore the crop bit of it exploring the extensive banana plantations where you learn about various banana types and their respective use participate in pruning and weeding using local methods and then participate in initial arrangements for traditional lunch.
Retreat from the activity and embark on the transfer back to Kampala in the afternoon 240km about 3 – 4 hours’ drive making a stop at Uganda Equator crossing Kayabwe for amazing photo shoots where you have the opportunity to take photos with one leg in the northern hemisphere and another one in the southern hemisphere.
The Highlight Of The Day: – The Interactive Cultural Tour To The Banyankore Community And The Uganda Equator Crossing Experience.
Meal Plan: – Breakfast & Lunch
Drive distance & time: – Approx. 240km or 3 – 4 hours
End of the 20 Days Uganda Safari Tour
Cate
Samuel
Robert
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