21 Days Safari To Uganda Tour – Gorillas & Wildlife, Chimps & Rwenzori Mountain Hiking

21 Days Safari To Uganda Tour – SAFARI OVERVIEW

21 Days Safari to Uganda Tour is a wonderfully varied 20 nights/21 days Uganda Tour package that starts and ends in Entebbe/Kampala. This Uganda safari allows you to see the iconic wildlife of Uganda -Gorillas, Chimpanzees, the Big 5, tree-climbing lions – and climb the Rwenzori Mountains – Africa’s tallest mountain range at 5109m.

Your fantastic 21 days safari to Uganda tour adventure begins with rhino tracking on foot in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Continue to the beautiful savannah grasslands of Murchison Falls National Park, home to the Nile River and the world’s most powerful waterfall. Enjoy game drives and Nile boat cruises to the bottom of the falls and delta area. These are the perfect ways to spy Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Buffalos, Giraffes, Hyenas, Crocs, Antelopes, Hippos, and Shoebills.

From there, embark on a scenic drive to the primate-rich, lush Kibale National Park – home to over 1500 wild chimpanzees and numerous monkeys. Track a community of chimps on foot to watch these intelligent apes up close. Also, take a walk in the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary to support this superb community tourism initiative. Head to Kasese for a 7-day hike in the snowcapped Rwenzori Mountains. It’s a difficult technical climb for experienced mountain trekkers.

Next, move to Queen Elizabeth National Park – a stunningly varied park with over 95 mammals of Uganda and 600 species of birds in Uganda! Here, embark on game drives to see a variety of big games. Also, take a cruise on the hippo-studded Kazinga Channel and visit Ishasha, famous for its tree-climbing lions.

Continuing your trip, finally, reach the great Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla trekking – something that tops many Africa safari bucket list experiences. Bwindi contains nearly half of the world’s mountain gorillas. After a gorilla trek, go relax on the magical Lake Bunyonyi. End your fantastic 21 days safari to Uganda tour with a walk among the wild mammals of Lake Mburo National Park; Zebras, Impalas, Buffalos, Giraffes, Elands, and more.

Book/customize this unforgettable 21 Days Safari to Uganda Tour of a lifetime at an affordable price.

21 Days Safari to Uganda Tour – PRIME SAFARI ACTIVITIES

• Climbing Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon−7 days
• Mountain Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
• Chimpanzee tracking on foot in Kibale Forest
• A nature walk in the community-run Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
• Interactive Ruboni community cultural tour
• Rhino tracking on foot in Ziwa Sanctuary
• Savannah game drives in Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks
• Nile River Boat trip to the bottom of Murchison Falls
• Boat cruise to the Nile delta area
• Visiting the top of the powerful Murchison Falls
• Boat cruise on the hippo-filled Kazinga Channel in Queen
• An authentic Coffee tour at Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Finding the rare tree-climbing lions
• Boat cruise and relaxation at the magical Lake Bunyonyi
• Traditional lunch at Igongo Culture Centre
• Game walk in Lake Mburo National Park
• Photoshoots at the Uganda Equator crossing

21 Days Safari to Uganda Tour – FEATURED SAFARI DESTINATIONS

Day 1, 2, & 3: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary & Murchison Falls National Park.

Day 4 & 5: Kibale Forest National Park & Bigodi Village

Day 6: Kasese & Ruboni Community

Day 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 & 13: Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Day 14, 15, & 16: Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 17: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Day 18 & 19: Lake Bunyonyi

Day 20: Lake Mburo National Park

Day 21: Equator – Kampala/Entebbe

21 Days Safari to Uganda Tour – SAFARI HIGHLIGHTS

Day 1: Transfer from Kampala/Entebbe to Murchison Falls National Park. Visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary en route

Day 2: Morning game drive & an afternoon Nile launch cruise to the bottom of Murchison Falls

Day 3: Enjoy a Nile delta boat cruise and an evening game drive in Murchison Falls National Park

Day 4: Visit the top of Murchison Falls and transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

Day 5: Morning chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest & afternoon Bigodi Village Walk

Day 6: Transfer to Kasese & visit Ruboni Community on arrival

Day 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 & 13: Climb Rwenzori Mountains or the Mountains of the Moon

Day 14: Drive to Queen Elizabeth Park & enjoy an afternoon game drive and relaxation

Day 15: Morning game drive in Kasenyi plains & afternoon Kazinga Channel boat cruise.

Day 16: Enjoy an authentic Coffee plantation tour around Kyambura & transfer to Ishasha Sector for a game drive in the Ishasha sector in search of tree-climbing lions and other wildlife.

Day 17: Morning game drive in Ishasha and transfer to transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Day 18: Mountain Gorilla trekking in Bwindi & transfer to Lake Bunyonyi for relaxation

Day 19: Whole day relaxation and boat cruise at Lake Bunyonyi

Day 20: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park. Have an en-route traditional lunch stop at Igongo Cultural center and do an evening game drive on arrival

Day 21: Morning game walk in Lake Mburo NP. Transfer back to Kampala/Entebbe via the Uganda Equator Crossing

21 Days Uganda Safari – DETAILED SAFARI ITINERARY

Day 1: Transfer From Kampala/Entebbe To Murchison Falls National Park. Visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary En Route

At around 6.30 am, after a good night’s sleep and breakfast, you will be met by your guide to begin your safari. Embark on a 311km (5 hours) drive northwest to the beautiful and varied landscape of Murchison Falls National Park. Drive through traditional Ugandan villages, bustling towns, and the impressive stretches of the Nakasongola district.

Branch off at Nakitooma after a 115km drive and divert from the main road for another 7km drive to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. This 70km² sanctuary is the only place in Uganda to see wild rhinos. Undertake a 2-hour rhino tracking adventure on foot with an expert local guide – one of the top highlights of this trip.

After this exciting start of our safari, enjoy your lunch at the nearby Kabalega dinner. After lunch, continue on a further one-hour drive into Murchison Falls National Park. At 3895km², Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest national park. It is here that the mighty Nile River is forced through a rocky 8 meters gap, creating the world’s most powerful waterfall. The falls plunge 45 meters into Devil’s Cauldron below with a thunderous roar and breathtaking rainbow formations. The park also boasts 76 mammals including 4 of the Big 5 and 450 bird species.

You will arrive at your lodge in the early evening. After freshening up, you have dinner and a good night’s rest under the stars in Africa.

The highlight of the day: – Tracking wild rhinos on foot in Ziwa Sanctuary

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

Drive distance & time: – Approx. 311km or 5-6 hours

Activities & Services of the day:-

• Transfer from Kampala to Murchison Falls National Park
• Rhino tracking in Ziwa

Other optional activities you can choose to do on this day include:-

• Bush dinner in Murchison Falls Park
• Night game drive in Murchison

Day 2: Enjoy A Morning Game Drive In The Park’s Northern Savannah Plains And An Afternoon Nile River Launch Cruise To The Bottom Of The Falls.

After an early breakfast at around 6.30 am, set off on a 3-4 hours game drive in the northern sector of Murchison. This section contains savannah, and Borassus palms, and is inhabited by almost 80% of the entire park’s animals. Look for Lions, Leopards, Buffalos, Elephants, Giraffes, Hyenas, Warthogs, Patas monkeys, Hippos, and Crocodiles. There are also numerous antelopes including Hartebeests, Waterbucks, Bushbucks, and Uganda Kobs.

After the game drive, return to the lodge for relaxation and lunch. After lunch, transfer to Paraa Jetty for a Nile launch cruise to the bottom of the falls. You gently cruise along an archetypically African stretch of the Nile. You view huge Nile crocodiles basking in the sun as they lie in wait for the unsuspecting Antelope that wanders to the river for a drink. See many hippos, African buffaloes, and African elephants.

You also see lots of birds, including Spoonbills, Herons, Kingfishers, Fish eagles, and – if you’re lucky – the prehistoric-looking Shoebill. The boat finally docks in a small bay a few meters away from the crashing waterfall. You 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. It is a truly memorable experience! Return to your lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.

The highlight of the day: – Afternoon boat cruise to the bottom of Murchison Falls

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:-

• Morning game drive
• Afternoon boat cruise to the bottom of the falls

Other optional activities you can choose to do on this day include:-

• Bush breakfast
• Hot air balloon safari
• Bird watching
• Sportfishing
• Cultural tour

Day 3: Enjoy A  Nile Delta Boat Cruise And An Evening Game Drive In Murchison Falls National Park.

This is another full day exploring the wildlife of Murchison Falls with a boat cruise in the morning and a game drive in the evening. You will wake up at around 6.00 am. Then at around 7.00 am, embark on a (4-5 hours) 20km boat ride from Paraa to the Nile delta area which is home to rare wetland birds including the incredible shoebills and papyrus endemics.

As you enjoy your breakfast on board, you will slowly float downstream away from the fierce pull of the falls. You will also see many Hippos in the water, as well as African Elephants, Rothschild’s giraffes, and Nile Crocodiles on the water’s edge. You will end your boat 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.

After the boat cruise, return to your lodge for relaxation and lunch. In the early evening at around 4.00 pm, undertaking a game drive to explore more wild games of Murchison. From, the game drive, return to your lodge for relation, dinner, and overnight.

The highlight of the day: – The boat cruise to the Nile Albert Delta area

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:-

• Morning game drive
• Afternoon boat cruise to the bottom of the falls

Other optional activities you can choose to do on this day include:-

• Bush breakfast
• Hot air balloon safari
• Bird watching tour
• Sportfishing
• Cultural tour

Day 4: Visit The Top Of Murchison Falls And Transfer To Kibale National Park.

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast today at around 8.30 am. Then embark on a drive to the top of the Murchison falls – the world’s most powerful waterfall! The experience at the top of the fall is staggering. You will feel the force of the water beneath the rocks underfoot. You’ll need to shout to make your voice heard above the tons of water thundering beneath you!

From the falls, 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, and homesteads. The journey is broken up for lunch in Fort Portal town. Fort Portal is a very scenic area, located at the base of the fertile Rwenzori Mountains, also known as the Mountains of the Moon in Uganda.

After lunch, continue to Kibale NP, about an hour to the south. At 776km², the park has one of the highest densities and diversity of primates in Africa. Besides Chimpanzees, the park 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. Bird lovers will be mesmerized by the park’s 375 bird species.

You will arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon and settle in. Relax, have dinner, and you’re over 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:-

• Transfer to Kibale National Park

Optional activities you can choose to do on this day:-

• Night walk in Kibale Forest to see Pottos & Bushbabies

Day 5: Morning Chimpanzee Trekking In Kibale Forest & Afternoon Walk-In Bigodi Wetland

Your day starts with an early breakfast at around 6.30 am. You transfer to Kanyanchu Visitor Centre for the trek to see our closest relatives which starts at 8 am. The encounter commences with a briefing from an expert local park ranger guide. After the briefing, your guide leads you into the forest on a chimpanzee-tracking adventure on foot.

The activity lasts about 2 to 5 hours, but contact time with chimpanzees is limited to one hour. Group size is limited to 6 visitors, and participants must be aged 12 or over.

Over the years there has been a 95% success rate in seeing some of the 1,500 chimps in Kibale Forest. Watching 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 and you are free to take as many photos as you wish! You will also other primates, as well as birds and butterflies in Kibale’s lush flora. After your chimpanzee viewing experience, return to the starting point for your packed picnic lunch.

After lunch, visit the Bigodi Wetland for a nature walk. Bigodi is excellent for birding and monkey watching, but a walk here is also a great opportunity to support a fantastic community tourism initiative. The Kibale Association for Rural and Environmental Development manages the sanctuary, and all earnings benefit education and income-generating initiatives at the Bigodi Village. 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 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:-

• Chimpanzee tracking
• Bigodi Wetland Walk

Optional activities you can choose to do on this day:-

• Bird watching
• Night Forest Walk

Day 6: Transfer To Kasese & Visit Ruboni Community On Arrival.

After a relaxed breakfast at around 9.30 am, depart Kibale forest for Kasese. The drive takes about 50km (1½ hours).  On arrival, visit Ruboni Village to explore the cultural traditions of the Bakonzo people who have lived on the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains for centuries.

Learn about their way of life, the crops that they grow, livestock that they keep, their art and craft, not forgetting impressive music, dance, and drama. Bakonzo is an agriculturalist, popularly known for their stocky build and hardy nature. They believe in their principal god, Kitasamba whose name may not be spoken on the mountain. His throne is on the snow-capped Margherita peak at 510m above sea level. Retire for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.

The highlight of the day: – Ruboni Community cultural tour on Rwenzori Mountains foothills

Accommodation:-

Upmarket/Luxury: – Equator Snow Lodge

Moderate/Mid-range:- Sandton Hotel Kasese

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Drive distance & time: Approx. 50km or 1 hour

Activities & Services:-

• Transfer to Kasese
• Visit the Rwenzori Art Foundation & Ruboni Craft Village.

Day 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 & 13: Climb Rwenzori Mountains Or The Mountains Of The Moon.

Day 7: Hike from Nyakalengija (1,615m) to Nyabitaba Hut (2,651m).

After breakfast at around 6.30 am, drive to the Rwenzori Mountaineering Services offices at Nyakalengija for a briefing about the Rwenzori Mountains trekking adventure. At this point, you have the opportunity to hire the mountaineering equipment if you didn’t have any. After the briefing, you embark on a hike from Nyakalengija, through the homes of local Bakonzo People. Gradually move up to the park gate and register before entering the park.

Begin the Central Circuit Trail through montane elephant grass, dense bushes, and tropical rainforest. The forest hosts several animal species including colobus monkeys, Blue monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, Forest elephants, Chimpanzees, Hyrax, Bushbucks, Duikers, and unusual reptiles such as the Three-horned chameleon. It is also home to endemic bird species including colorful Rwenzori turaco. Expect to see some of them.

It’s about 10km from the trailhead at Nyakalengija to Nyabitaba hut at 2,651m. Have dinner and overnight at Nyabitaba hut.

Accommodation:-

• Nyabitaba Hut

Hiking distance and time: – Approx. 1615m -2651m or 5 hours

Altitude gain: – 1,036m

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities and services:-

• Hiking from Nyakalengija to Nyabitaba hut

Day 7: Climb From Nyabitaba Hut To John Matte Hut (3,505m).

After breakfast at about 7 am, depart Nyabitaba hut for the most difficult and longest day’s trek. Trek through thick shrubs and forest for about 30 minutes to the Kurt Shafer bright which is at the confluence of the Rivers Bujuku and Mubuku. For the first few hours, the trail is good; however, it gets steeper and very rocky as you take up the moorland zone, where heather plants are abundant.

As you hike, also expect to see various unique bird species. Emerge at Nyamileju after about 5 hours, where the little-used hut is supplemented by a rock shelter, making for a good lunch stop. At this point, you have a view of Mounts Stanley and Speke if the weather is clear. Then continue to trek through the giant heather forest and follow the Bujuku River for about 2 hours to John Matte hut which is in good condition and stands about 200m from Bujuku River.

You can take a bath in the river, the water is so cold but so refreshing as well. You also have a view of the Margherita glacier which is on Mt Stanley between Alexandra and Margherita peaks. Have dinner and overnight stay at John Matte hut.

Accommodation:-

• John Matte Hut

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Hiking distance and time: – Approx. 2,651m -3,505m or 7 – 8 hours.

Altitude gain: – 854m

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities and services:-

• Climbing from Nyabitaba hut to John Matte Hut

Day 8: Climb From John Matte Hut To Bujuku Hut (3,962m).

Have breakfast at the hut around 7 am. Then cross Bujuku River and hike through the forest to the lower Bigo bog, a unique swampy that is home to charismatic giant lobelias. As you hike also expect to see everlasting flowers and wonderful groundsels. Then take a steep climb along a ridge that leads you to the start of the upper bigo bog. There is also a boardwalk up to Lake Bujuku.

After the boardwalk, try to hike through the remaining small boggy area with no walk boards to Bujuku hut. Bujuku has a magnificent setting between Mounts Stanley, Baker, and Speke. The lake also acts as the beginning of the amazing alpine zone of little vegetation. Eventually arrive at Bujuku Hut standing at 3.962 m. Have dinner and overnight at Bujuku Hut.

Accommodation:-

• Bujuku Hut

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Hiking distance and time: – Approx. 3,505m – 3,962m or 5 hours

Altitude gain: – 457m

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities and services:-

• Climbing from John Matte Hut to Bujuku Hut

Day 9: Climb From Bujuku Hut To Elena Hut (4,430m).

After breakfast at Bujuku hut at around 7 am, continue with the hike to Elena hut which takes about 5-7 hours. Hike through the sides of the upper Bigo bog then climb the steep slopes of Lake Bujuku. As you climb Lake Bujuku’s steep slopes on the west, the trail ascends the 4,372m Scott-Elliot pass and passes through more swamps and the thrilling ground gully.

Go over a steep section at the top of the gully using a metal ladder. The route is then divided into two. The 2 trails, the left trail leads to Scott-Elliot pass descending to Kitandara Lakes while the right trail heads to the Elena Hut and on a steep trail above large boulders to Mt Stanley. Elena hut is on the rocky part of Mount Stanley and the area is too cold. At this point, you’re at the highest mountain of the Rwenzori. Have a direct view of Mt Baker and Mt Speke. Sometimes it’s hard to view the 2 mountains because of fog. Have dinner at Elena hut then spend the night.

Accommodation:-

• Elena Hut

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Hiking distance and time: – Approx. 3,962m-4,430m or 5-7hours

Altitude gain: – 468m

Activities and services:-

• Climbing from Bujuku Hut to Elena hut

Day 10: Ascend Margarita Peak (5,109m) From Elena Hut & Descend To Kitandara Hut (4,023m).

Wake up as early as 2.00 am and have breakfast at Elena hut. Put on your warmest gear, harness, hand gloves, and head sock. Also, have your headlamps and helmet, and make sure you have sunglasses in the day pack on.  Climb to Margherita peak (5109m) via the Stanley plateau. On steep rocky areas, use the ropes to help you move. On the glacial parts, use your crampons and ice axe. After ascending for several hours after the Stanley plateau glacier, reach the bottom of the Margherita glacier. This is the most challenging part of the entire Rwenzori trekking adventure.

Hike through this glacier to the top of the peak. At the peak, you have a view of Ireen Lake, Mt Speke, and the surrounding environment. Then descend to Elena Hut for Lunch and later proceed to descend to Kitandara through the Scott Elliot pass. It is the most beautiful point of the Rwenzori. Have dinner at Kitandara then spend the night.

Accommodation:-

Kitandara hut

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Ascent distance and time: – Approx. 4,430m – 5,109m or 7-8 hours

Altitude gain: – 679m

Descent distance and time: – 5,109m – 4,023m or 2-3 hours

Decent: – 1086m

Activities and services:-

• Summiting Margherita peak
• Descending to Lake Kitandara hut

Day 11: Descend From Kitandara Hut To Guy Yeoman (3,505m).

Have your breakfast at Kitandara hut around 7.00 am. Then hike through the base of Mt Baker. It can be slippery so you need to be so careful. The trail ascends steeply up the headwall, spreading out from the base of Mt Baker and continuing along the south side of the Rwenzori Mountain to a Fresh field pass. From there, the long muddy descent continues, passing the rock shelter at Bujangolo. It is the base camp for the historic expedition by the Duke of Abruzzi in 1906. This takes you around 6-7 hours. Then reach Guy Yeoman hut on Mubuku river bank.

Accommodation:-

• Kitandara hut

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Descent distance and time: – Approx. 4,023m – 3,505m or 6-7 hours

Decent: – 518m

Activities and services:-

• Descending from Kitandara Hut to Guy Yeoman Hut

Day 13:  Descend From Guy Yeoman to Nyabitaba to Nyakalengija

Descend from Guy Yeoman to Nyabitaba through the bamboo forests. The trail down can be muddy and slippery with little to hold on to.  It requires careful balancing over the vertical mud or steep rock. After around 5 hours of hiking, reach Nyabitaba hut and have your lunch. Then continue to descend for more than 3 hours to Nyakalengija. Upon arrival at Nyakalengija in the late evening, have an overnight stay in Kasese town.

Accommodation:-

Upmarket/Luxury: – Equator Snow Lodge

Moderate/Mid-range:- Sandton Hotel Kasese

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities & Services of the day:-

Descend the mountain

Day 14: Drive To Queen Elizabeth Park & Enjoy An Afternoon Game Drive And Relaxation.

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at around 9.30 am. Then embark on a 30 minutes drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Arrive at your lodge for relaxation and lunch. After lunch, enjoy a game drive in the impressive landscapes of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

This 1978km^2, the park is the best-loved National Park in Uganda, and with good reason! It has the most diverse habitats of any park in the country and includes areas of sprawling grassland savannah, moist forests, fertile wetlands, and beautiful crater lakes cut into the green, rolling hills. This incredible diversity has led to a fauna and flora count of 95 mammal species, over 600 bird species, and much, much more! After your first game drive, return to your lodge to relax and have dinner. Later you are off to bed for a good night’s sleep.

The highlight of the day: – Afternoon game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park

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

Driving time: – Approx. 30 minutes

Activities & Services of the day:-

• Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Afternoon game drive

Day 15: Morning Game Drive In Kasenyi Savannah Plains And Afternoon Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise.

Start your day with an early breakfast at the lodge at around 6.00 am. Then undertake a 3-4 hours game morning game drive through the Kasenyi savannah Plains. It is the prettiest section of the park, especially in the golden light of the morning.

You have a chance to tick off some impressive animals of Uganda, including Elephant, Buffalo, Uganda Kob, Bushbuck, Hippo, Warthog, Crocodile, Hyaena, Leopard, and various smaller creatures. Also look to pick some special bird species during your drive such as Rüppell’s Vulture, Bateleur, Brown Snake Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, African Skimmer, Great White Pelican, along with many others. After your game drive, return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation.

In the afternoon, you have another amazing activity planned – the Kazinga Channel boat cruise. Starting from Mweya Jetty at 2 pm, this 2 hours boat tour is a real must-do activity when visiting Queen. It 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 2 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:-

• Morning game drive
• Afternoon boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel

Optional activities you can choose to do on this day include:

• Lion tracking
• Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge or Kalinzu Forest
• Night game drive
• Birding

Day 16: Enjoy An Authentic Coffee Plantation Tour Around Kyambura And Transfer To Ishasha Sector For A Game Drive In Ishasha Sector In Search Of Tree-Climbing Lions And Other Wildlife.

Enjoy your breakfast at 8.00 am and check out of your lodge.

Then go on an authentic coffee plantation tour. Situated in the buffer zone between the national park and the farmlands, this exceptional initiative is run by the Omwani Women’s Cooperative, an association of local women committed to growing organic coffee beans without the use of pesticides or chemicals fertilizers. Marvel at over 1500 Arabica and Robusta coffee plants.

End your experience, exploring the transformation of the coffee bean into delicious Ugandan coffee. The process is all done by hand, by local community members. Sampling some of the coffee will make for a good start to your day and buying some coffee to take home will make a good souvenir as well as support the local community.

From the coffee tour, continue to the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National park for a game drive. This area is famous for its tree-climbing lions. It is believed that these rare lions climb into trees to get away from the heat on the ground – the breeze is much cooler up in the branches!

Besides tree-climbing lions, you will see spot Uganda wildlife including huge herds of Buffaloes, Topis, Uganda kobs, Waterbucks, Elephants, Hippos, various monkeys, and birds. In the late afternoon, you can enjoy sundowners arranged by your lodge at a secluded viewing point. Here you can savor the last views of the landscape before a stunning African sunset closes the chapter on this day.

The highlight of the day: – Finding the rare tree-climbing lions of Ishasha Sector.

Accommodation:-

Luxury/Upmarket: – Ishasha Wilderness Camp

Mid-range/Moderate: – Enjojo Lodge – Private Cottage

Budget/Basic: – Enjojo Lodge – Self-Contained Tent

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities & Services of the day:-

• Game drive in Ishasha in search of the tree-climbing Lions

Optional Activities You Can Choose To Do On This Day Include:-

• Late afternoon sundowner

Day 17: Morning Game Drive In Ishasha Sector And Transfer To Transfer To Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast today and embark on a morning game drive in the Ishasha sector. After the game, drive embark on a 4-7 hours’ drive south 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, you will check in your lodge/camp 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:-

• The scenic drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Game drive in Ishasha in search of the tree-climbing Lions

Day 18: Do Mountain Gorilla Trekking In Bwindi National Park And Undertake A Scenic Drive To Lake Bunyonyi For Relation.

The Great Day arrives! Wake up at around 6.30 am for a nourishing breakfast (you will need the energy). Then a short transfer to the national park headquarters for registration. At 8.00 am, meet your expert local ranger guides for an informative gorilla trekking briefing.

You then head off into the dense jungle for a trek to see our close cousin. Gorilla trekking in Uganda 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 relatively challenging trek through steep trails and thick undergrowth.

Once you find the Mountain Gorillas you 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 with the gorillas, return to the starting point and receive your gorilla trekking certificates. Enjoy a picnic lunch, after which you leave for magical 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. Relax at the resort, have a lovely dinner, and overnight stay.

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:-

• Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
• Evening boat cruise on Lake Bunyonyi

Optional activities you can choose to do on this day include:-

• Birding in the Bwindi Buhoma sector of Bwindi

Day 19: Whole Day Relaxation And Boat Cruise At Lake Bunyonyi.

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at around 9.00 am.

You’re free to admire the beauty of the lake and its surrounding hills.

You also have a choice of taking a canoe ride on the lake to explore some of its major islands, discovering the exciting histories behind them. For example, you can visit the Akampane or Punishment Island, the place 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. Alternatively, you can hike one of the hills around Lake Bunyonyi, swim in the lake, zipline across the lake, or go for a community walk and visit a local school.

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:-

• Boat cruise and relaxation on Lake Bunyonyi

Optional Activities You Can Choose To Do On This Day Include:-

• Zip ling
• Community visits
• Hiking

Day 20: Transfer To Lake Mburo National Park. Have An En-Route Traditional Lunch Stop At Igongo Cultural Center. Do A Late Afternoon/Evening Game Drive Upon Arrival.

Have breakfast at around 9.00 am and then leave Lake Bunyonyi for your final park of the trip.

Drive northeast, through Uganda’s meandering landscape of rolling hills and lush banana plantations – known as one of the most scenic roads in the country. Passing mystical villages often veiled in mist, exchanging waves with friendly locals, and admiring the impressive Ankole cattle (their horns are unusually large), you’ll fully understand just why Uganda is such a hidden gem of a destination. The drive all of the morning, and you will make a stop at the Igongo Cultural Centre and museum for a traditional lunch.

After lunch to Lake Mburo National Park, a perfect overnight stop-over. Although the heavyweights such as elephants are missing, the great mix of wetland and woodland habitats makes for a wide range of mammals and birds and Mburo’s tranquil atmosphere and soothing views provide welcome relief after a long Uganda safari.

You will reach your stunningly-located lodge in time to freshen up. Then you will have your excellent farewell dinner after an amazing tour through the “Pearl of Africa”, as you watch the African night creep closer over the waters of Lake Mburo.

The highlight of the day: – Game drive and relaxing atmosphere of 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:-

• Transfer to Lake Mburo
• Evening game drive in Mburo Park

Optional Activities You Can Choose To Do On This Day Include:-

• Night game drive to seek the nocturnal animals that call Lake Mburo their home.

Day 21: Morning Game Walk-In Lake Mburo National Park. Drive Back To Kampala/Entebbe Via Uganda Equator Crossing

After your early morning breakfast at 6.30 am, undertake a nature walk, your last “safari activity” of the tour. This is one of the most interesting game walks in Uganda, in a beautiful area with a knowledgeable local guide. On the walk look out for antelopes like Common Eland, Waterbuck, Impala, Topis, Bushbuck, and Klipspringer among others, as well as Hyaena, Buffalo, Giraffe, Zebra, and Warthog. All this in a beautiful savannah landscape dotted with great Acacia trees.

After the walk, embark on a 240km/3 to 4 hours drive to Entebbe. However, there is one more surprise in store! Make a stop at the Ugandan Equator crossing at Kayabwe, where you can stand with one leg in the Northern hemisphere while the other remains in the Southern! It makes for great photographs and memories. It is also an impressive site for purchasing memorabilia to take back home as a memento of this incredible safari in Uganda. You reach the Entebbe International Airport for your departing flight.

The highlight of the day: – Walking amongst the wild mammals of Lake Mburo National Park

Meal Plan: – Breakfast

Drive distance & time: – Approx. 240km or 3-4 hours

Activities & Services Of The Day:-

• Game walk in Lake Mburo National Park
• Drive back to Entebbe

Optional Activities You Can Choose To Do On This Day Include:-

• Morning game drive in Lake Mburo Park
• Cycling tour in Lake Mburo Park
• Horseback safari in Lake Mburo Park
• Banyankole community tour

End of the 21 Days Safari to Uganda Tour

21 Days Safari to Uganda Tour − SAFARI INCLUSIONS

• Gorilla Permit (for gorilla trekking safaris)
• Chimpanzee Permit (for chimpanzee trekking safaris)
• Full Board Accommodation on Safari
• Transportation in either 4X4 Safari Van or 4X4 Safari Land Cruiser all with Pop up roof & AC
• Fuel
• Professional English Speaking driver guide. Any other foreign language speaking guide can be arranged on request.
• Entrance fees to the tourist sites including Protected areas mentioned
• Activity fees of the tourist activities mentioned
• Bottled water while on safari
• Border crossing fees (for cross-border safaris)

21 Days Safari to Uganda Tour − SAFARI EXCLUSIONS

• General tips for the driver guide, site guides, and service staff at the lodges
• Laundry Services
• Other Beverages/drinks of personal nature like Alcohol
• International Flights (Arranged on request)
• Domestic Flights (Arranged on request)
• Visas
• Optional Activity fees
• Other extras not mentioned in the Itinerary
• Airport Transfer (Arranged on request)
• Accommodation in Kampala or Kigali unless it is part of the Itinerary (Arranged on request)

For Safari Bookings We Accept

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