21 Days Uganda Safari
21 Days Uganda Safari Overview
Uganda’s geography and climate are defined by its location in the basin of the eastern and western wings of the Great East Africa Rift Valley. Jump on this 21 Days Uganda Safari and get an opportunity to visit all the different sites. The safari destinations include Kidepo Valley National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls, Bwindi, Sipi Falls, Lake Mburo, Lake Bunyonyi, and a Mabamba shoebill excursion for a memorable holiday experience in Uganda.
21 Days Explore Uganda Safari Highligths
Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport
Day 2: Transfer to Jinja and Explore the Source of the Nile
Day 3: Transfer to Sipi Falls
Day 4: Hiking Sipi Falls
Day 5: Transfer to Moroto
Day 6: Drive to Kidepo Valley National Park
Day 7: Game Drive and Cultural Visit in Kidepo Valley National Park
Day 8: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
Day 9: Game Drives and Boat trip in Murchison Falls National Park
Day 10: Top of the Falls Visit and Relax at the Lodge
Day 11: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
Day 12: Chimpanzee Trekking
Day 13: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park and Lake Katwe Visit
Day 14: Game Drives and Boat Cruise
Day 15: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 16: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest
Day 17: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
Day 19: Transfer Back to Entebbe
Day 20: Visit Mabamba Swamp for Shoebill Excursion and Entebbe City Tour
Day 21: Departure
Detailed 21 Days Explore Uganda Safari
Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport
Entebbe is a city in Central Uganda located on the Lake Victoria peninsula, southwest of the Ugandan capital city, Kampala. On arrival at Entebbe International Airport, a Ganyana Safari driver-guide will meet and greet you and then transfer you to your hotel in Entebbe to relax. You will be briefed about your 21 days Uganda safari.
Accommodation: Papyrus Guest House
Day 2: Transfer to Jinja and Explore the Source of the Nile
Today you transfer to Jinja, the first industrial town of Uganda. You will visit the source of the Nile. You will have a stopover at Ssezibwa Falls and have time to take some photos. At the source of the Nile, enjoy an evening sunset boat ride. You also get the chance to see the mighty River Nile (the longest river in Africa) starting its journey all the way to the Mediterranean.
Later, head back to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: 2 Friends Guest House
Day 3: Transfer to Sipi Falls
Sipi Falls is a series of three waterfalls in Eastern Uganda in the district of Kapchorwa, northeast of Sironko and Mbale. The waterfalls lie on the edge of Mount Elgon National Park near the Kenyan border. You will transfer to Sipi Falls and view the caves, plantations of coffee, and Matooke along the way. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the sun setting, and have dinner later in the evening.
Accommodation: Rafiki Lodge Sipi
Day 4: Hiking Sipi Falls
After breakfast, you will encounter the Sipi Falls – a series of three raging waterfalls. Enjoy a guided village walk. You will explore the coffee plantations and see how Arabica coffee is locally grown and processed. Later, head to the lodge, relax, and have dinner.
Accommodation: Rafiki Lodge Sipi
Day 5: Transfer to Moroto
Moroto is a town in the Moroto District in the northern region of Uganda. It is the location of the district headquarters. Start your journey to Moroto town by going off the beaten track and hoping for a market day to visit the tribes. Bumpy roads with a scenic reserve area and a total village setup are the highlights here. On reaching Moroto, we will immediately check in at the hotel, have a rest, and watch the sunset.
Accommodation: Kara-Tunga Safari Camp
Day 6: Drive to Kidepo Valley National Park
Kidepo is Uganda’s most isolated national park, but the few who make the long journey north through the wild frontier region of Karamoja would agree that it is also the most magnificent, for Kidepo ranks among Africa’s finest wildernesses. Transfer to Kidepo Valley National Park where you will embark on a game drive in Kidepo Valley in anticipation of seeing herds of buffaloes, zebras, elephants, hyenas, and cheetahs.
You will enjoy a slow drive during which you can be sure to seize picture moments while you can have stops at any moment. We will then drive to the lodge to check in and spend the evening at leisure admiring the wilderness.
Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah Lodge (Budget Tent)
Day 7: Game Drive and Cultural Visit in Kidepo Valley National Park
On this day, we will do a game drive and a cultural walk. Head out for a cultural tour to the Karamojong people for a truly unique experience. They are a very interesting group of people with their unique culture visible in their way of dressing, cooking, dancing, and other daily activities.
Enjoy a rewarding game drive through the open savannah, rocky outcrops, forests, and rings of mountains. Drive extensively up to Kanangorok Hot Springs and brace yourself for photo opportunities and chances of catching sight of more wildlife, especially lions sitting on the rocks as they scan the park for possible prey. Later, transfer back to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah Lodge (Budget Tent)
Day 8: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
Leave the park in the morning and transfer through Gulu, Uganda’s biggest town in the North. Continue through the flat, scenic landscapes with local villages and enjoy the Ugandan countryside. Murchison Falls National Park is the largest national park in Uganda. This is where the Victoria Nile River surges through a narrow gap over a massive drop. Head to the lodge where you can go to the spa in the evening, relax and have dinner.
Accommodation: Sambiya River Lodge
Day 9: Game Drives and Boat trip in Murchison Falls National Park
You will spend this day exploring the park. Enjoy breakfast in the wilderness after the morning game drive. Look out for the king of the jungle (lion) and various other animals like elephants, buffalos, antelopes, and leopards as well as different bird species.
The boat cruise on the placid Victoria Nile to the bottom of the magnificent Murchison Falls where the Nile plunges through a narrow crevice is among the activities of the day. Look out for the Nile crocodile along the river bank, a bloat of hippos, and a variety of bird species. The evening game drive is also very good as it increases your game count in this large national park.
Accommodation: Sambiya River Lodge
Day 10: Top of the Falls Visit and Relax at the Lodge
You will visit the top of the falls as this is the highlight of Murchison Falls. The Nile squeezes through an eight-meter wide gorge and plunges with a thunderous roar into the “Devil’s Cauldron”, creating a trademark rainbow. Later, head back to the lodge and relax.
Accommodation: Sambiya River Lodge
Day 11: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
Today we transfer to Kibale National Park. Continue driving through the undulating highlands of southwestern Uganda on our way to the green and beautiful Fort Portal area. Reach the park and go for a nature walk on the Bigodi Swamp walk.
Rich in biodiversity and scenic beauty, it is famously known as the home of the great blue turaco and is a birder’s paradise with over two hundred bird species and eight species of primates. You will head to Chimpundu Lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Primate Lodge Kibale
Day 12: Chimpanzee Trekking
Kibale’s most popular activity is the Kanyanchu Primate Walk. Thirteen species can be sought, and a good variety of diurnal monkeys are invariably encountered, but the stars of this trail are the chimpanzees. Kanyanchu’s chimps have been tracked since 1993 and the chances of locating them are excellent.
The guided walks start at 8 am and 2 pm and last an average of three hours, depending on various factors. After this activity, head back to lodge and relax.
Accommodation: Primate Lodge Kibale
Day 13: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park and Lake Katwe Visit
Today you’ll transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The park’s diverse ecosystems, which include sprawling savannah, shady, humid forests, sparkling lakes, and fertile wetlands, make it the ideal habitat for the classic big game.
It is also home to ten primate species including chimpanzees and over six hundred species of birds. You will pay a visit to Lake Katwe located in the Mweya Peninsular and tour the local community.
Accommodation: The Bush Lodge (Banda)
Day 14: Game Drives and Boat Cruise
Spend the whole day exploring Uganda’s most popular tourist destination. You will enjoy both morning and evening game drives in search of wildlife. Look out for animals like elephants and lions. Enjoy a two-hour boat trip on the Kazinga Channel where you get close to hippos, buffalos, and other wildlife.
The boat trip offers excellent bird-watching opportunities as well as the chance to see elephants, warthogs, and kobs. The banks of the channel are home to a rich variety of wildlife. This ride will leave you with an amazing experience on the water. When back on the shores, you can still have an evening game drive (optional) before returning to the lodge for dinner and night.
Accommodation:The Bush Lodge (Banda)
Day 15: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Set out for a game drive in the Ishasha area and brace yourself for a chance to see the rare tree-climbing lions. The climbing lions can be seen lounging in the fig trees during mid-morning as they rest from the previous night’s strenuous hunt! Afterward, proceed to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in preparation for your next day’s gorilla trek.
The forest is also home to the Batwa pygmies. These indigenous people were the original dwellers of the ancient forest and were known as the “keepers of the forest”. If time allows, you can visit the Batwa.
Accommodation: Buhoma Gorilla Camp
Day 16: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest
Bwindi is the habitat of more than half the world’s population of mountain gorillas. You will drive to the park headquarters for a briefing and then go gorilla trekking. This activity can take four to eight hours, depending on the movement of the gorillas. After the trekking, meet your driver and transfer back to the hotel where you will unwind as you reflect on the memorable gorilla trek.
Accommodation: Buhoma Gorilla Camp
Day 17: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
You will transfer to Lake Bunyonyi which has almost 32 islands and is a good stopover for relaxation from trekking the mountain gorillas. Upon arrival, you will go on a boat ride which will enable you to visit most of the islands on the lake.
Each island is named according to the bird species found on the island and some were named for their purposes, for example, the “Punishment Island” which is the smallest and was used by the Bakiga people to drop off the girls that got pregnant before marriage. You will also learn a lot more about the islands and the people who live there. Return to the lodge for relaxation while you watch the beautiful sunset.
Accommodation: Bunyonyi Overland Resort
Day 18: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo National Park is blessed with forests that act as a habitat for animals in the park but also help in the influence and formation of rainfall that provides water. You will start on a long journey to Lake Mburo National Park.
In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Mburo. Later, you head out for an evening game drive. You have a chance to see a number of wildlife and zebras since Lake Mburo is the home of zebras and impalas in Uganda.
Day 19: Transfer Back to Entebbe
Start your journey back to Entebbe. You will make a stopover at the equator to take photos and buy some souvenirs. Uganda is one of the few countries in the world where the imaginary line that divides the earth into two halves passes. Later, head back to Entebbe.
Accommodation: Papyrus Guest House
Day 20: Visit Mabamba Swamp for Shoebill Excursion and Entebbe City Tour
Transfer to the Mabamba Swamp on the shores of Lake Victoria. At Mabamba Swamp, you will set out on the lake in a local canoe guided by an expert birder. You will explore the swamp in search of the infamous shoebill stork, the grey-crowned crane (Uganda’s national bird), the saddle-billed stork, the African fish eagle, and the malachite kingfisher. Enjoy a city tour of Entebbe. Later, head to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation:Papyrus Guest House
Day 21: Departure
Breakfast will be served early, where after the driver will transfer you to Entebbe International Airport in time for your air transfer.
Accommodation:No accommodation
End of 21 Days Explore Uganda Safari
Package cost offer includes the following services:
- Park fees (For non-residents)
- Gorilla permits (One per person, non-resident)
- Chimp permits (One per person, non-resident)
- All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
- Services of English-speaking driver guides
- Exclusive Safari transport in custom made Safari 4x4WD Land Cruiser with AC
- Meals(As specified in the day-by-day section)
- Drinks(As specified in the day-by-day section)
Package cost excludes the following services
- International flights(From/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips(Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
- Personal items(Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
GENERAL INFORMATION
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
All visitors to Uganda must have a valid passport with at least 4 consecutive blanks pages. Any applicable visa and/or relevant documentation are the responsibility of the traveller. For further information on Visa requirements visitors are advised to contact their nearest Ugandan Embassy or Consulate.
LANGUAGE:
Kiswahili and English
TIME:
GMT +3
VOLTAGE:
220 Volts/AC50Hz. Sockets are UK style, 3 pin square plugs. Power is from the National Grid in the city/major towns and generator with inverter back up in the Safari Lodges and Camps.
CURRENCY:
Foreign currency must be changed at the Bank, Bureau de Change, and Hotel/Safari lodge/Camp/Resort. Major Credit Cards, Master card, Visa, American Express, are usually accepted throughout the country. Where credit cards are accepted, the payment will normally be recorded in US$ regardless of the card’s default currency.
CLOTHING:
Dress is mainly informal and should be comfortable as well as practical. Something warm should be brought along for early morning and evenings. Safari clothes are available from hotels/lodges/camps.
BAGGAGE:
Where possible, travel light. Baggage space on safari is limited to medium suitcase or soft bag per person plus reasonable amount of hand luggage. There is 15 Kilogram per person limit on all flights to the wildlife sanctuaries. Excess luggage must be stored in your arrival hotel.
WATER:
You will find many different of opinion of what is safe and what is not. We recommend for peace of mind, to drink local Bottled Mineral water. It is important to drink plenty of water especially during the hotter months. We would recommend that guests drink at least 2 to 3 liters of water per day to limit the effects of dehydration.
HEALTH;
East Africa is a safe and secure destination; however, it is a good idea to take a few precautions. Kindly consult your GP or local doctor at least 6 weeks before you travel, with regards:
Malaria prophylactics. East Africa is a known malaria area and preventive measures are essential. You are advised to take one of the recommended anti-malarial drugs.
Be sure to wear long sleeved shorts and trousers after sunset and spray the exposed parts of your body with a mosquito repellent spray
Remember to protect yourself from direct sun rays with sunscreen cream or safari hat.
DIETARY REQUIREMENTS:
For those guests with specific dietary requirement, please ensure the Hotel is notified prior to travel
GRATUITIES:
As a guideline and dependent on how happy you are, we would suggest the following:
The General Hotel/Lodge/Camp Staff – Approximately U$ 10.00 per person per day
Driver Guides – Approximately US$ 15.00 to US$ 20.00 per person per day
PHOTOGRAPHY:
Please be careful when photographing public buildings, airports, bridges, the national flag and people in uniform. Ensure that you have sought permission before photographing local people and their villages. If in doubt, please check with your guide.
Read about
10 Things you Should NOT DO on an African Safari.
What to expect on a safari in Uganda.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
How to Choose the Best Tour Operate for Your Safari in Africa
12-Day Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi
Some of our African Safaris
1 Day Jinja Ultimate tour Experience
1 Day White Water Rafting in Jinja
3 Days Bwindi Gorilla Habituation via Rwanda
3 Day Birding Safaris and Photography in Uganda
3 Day Safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park
3 Day fly in Gorilla Trekking Safari from Masai Mara
3 Day Grand Gorilla Trekking Safari
4 Day Chimpanzee and Gorilla Trekking Safari
4 Day Murchison Falls and Jinja tour
