Uganda is a land of contrasts, where you can encounter the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, witness the thundering Murchison Falls, explore the savannahs of Queen Elizabeth National Park, and discover the rich culture and history of the local people. This 15-day itinerary will take you on a journey through the best that Uganda has to offer, with a mix of wildlife, adventure, and relaxation.
You will start your trip in Entebbe, where you will have a chance to visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre and learn about the conservation efforts for the country’s wildlife. From there, you will fly Aerolink (domestic airline) to Kidepo Valley National Park, one of Africa’s most remote and spectacular parks, where you will enjoy game drives and walks among the elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, and more.
Next, you will drive to Murchison Falls National Park, home to the world’s most powerful waterfall and a variety of wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes, and antelopes. You will also take a boat safari on the Nile River and see the falls up close. You will then continue to Kibale Forest National Park, where you will have a unique opportunity to track the chimpanzees and other primates in the forest.
After that, you will head to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most popular park, where you will enjoy game drives and boat safaris in search of lions, leopards, elephants, hippos, and more. You will also visit the Ishasha sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions. You will then drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, where you will have the highlight of your trip: trekking with the mountain gorillas. This is an unforgettable experience that will bring you face to face with these gentle giants in their natural environment.
You will end your trip in Lake Mburo National Park, a scenic park with rolling hills and acacia woodlands. Here you will have a chance to see zebras, impalas, elands, and other animals. You will also enjoy a horseback safari or a quad bike safari for a different perspective of the park. You will then drive back to Entebbe for your departure flight home or to your next destination.
Entebbe International Airport, Uganda
Pickup on arrival
This itinerary is ideal for anyone who wants to explore Uganda’s diverse and rich wildlife, culture, and landscapes. You will have a comfortable and memorable stay in some of the best lodges and camps in the country. You will also have an experienced guide and driver who will ensure your safety and satisfaction throughout your trip. This is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that you don’t want to miss.
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe and transfer to your hotel. You will be welcomed by our representative at the airport and driven to your accommodation in Entebbe, a charming town on the shores of Lake Victoria. You can relax and enjoy the views of the lake or explore the town’s attractions, such as the botanical gardens, the wildlife education center, or the local markets. This will also be a good time to convert cash to Uganda Shillings.
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Flying to Kidepo Valley is a convenient and luxurious way to access the park, which is otherwise a long and rough drive from Kampala.Â
There are several airstrips in Kidepo Valley, a national park in northern Uganda. The most popular one is Apoka Airstrip, which is located near Apoka Safari Lodge and is a designated entry and exit point for the park. Flights to Apoka Airstrip are operated by Aerolink, a local airline that offers flights to various national parks in Uganda.Â
You will take a scenic flight to Kidepo Valley National Park, one of the most remote and spectacular parks in Uganda. You will check in at your lodge and have lunch, then embark on an afternoon game drive in the park. You will have a chance to see some of the rarest and most diverse wildlife in Africa, such as lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, ostriches, and many antelopes.
If you are looking for a unique and unforgettable safari experience, you should consider visiting Kidepo Valley National Park in Uganda. This park is one of the most remote and pristine in Africa, offering a chance to see wildlife that is rare or extinct elsewhere. Kidepo is home to over 80 mammal species and 475 bird species, many of which are endemic to the region. You will be amazed by the diversity and abundance of animals that roam freely in this park, from the majestic lions and leopards, to the gentle elephants and giraffes, to the colorful zebras and antelopes.
Kidepo Valley National Park covers an area of 1,442 square kilometers, and has two main valleys: the Narus Valley and the Kidepo Valley. The Narus Valley is the heart of the park, where most of the wildlife can be found. This valley has permanent water sources that attract animals throughout the year, especially during the dry season. You will have a chance to see large herds of buffaloes, elephants, zebras, and waterbucks, as well as predators like lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and jackals. The Narus Valley also has some spectacular scenery, with rolling grasslands, acacia woodlands, and rocky outcrops.
The Kidepo Valley is the other valley in the park, and it is more arid and desolate. This valley has a seasonal river that dries up during the dry season, leaving behind sand beds and borassus palms. The Kidepo Valley is less visited by tourists, but it offers a different perspective of the park. You will be able to see some rare animals that are not found in the Narus Valley, such as ostriches, bat-eared foxes, caracals, and aardwolves. You will also have a stunning view of the mountains that border South Sudan and Kenya.
One of the highlights of visiting Kidepo Valley National Park is interacting with the local people who live near the park. The Karamojong are a pastoralist tribe that have maintained their traditional way of life for centuries. They live in circular huts made of mud and grass, and they keep cattle, sheep, goats, and camels. They are known for their colorful attire, distinctive jewelry, and warrior culture. You will have a chance to visit their villages, learn about their customs and beliefs, and witness their dances and ceremonies.
Kidepo Valley National Park is a wildlife haven that deserves more attention from travelers who love nature and adventure. You will be amazed by the variety and beauty of the animals and landscapes that you will encounter in this park. You will also appreciate the culture and hospitality of the Karamojong people who live in harmony with their environment. Kidepo Valley National Park is a hidden gem of Uganda that you should not miss.
Welcome to the 4th day of your Uganda safari adventure! Today, you will experience one of the most spectacular sights in Africa: Murchison Falls. After breakfast, you will check out of your hotel and transfer to the airstrip for your flight to Murchison Falls National Park. This is the largest and oldest national park in Uganda, covering over 3,800 square kilometers of diverse landscapes and habitats. You will land at Pakuba airstrip, where your driver-guide will meet you and take you to your lodge. You will enjoy a delicious lunch and some rest before embarking on your afternoon excursion to the top of the falls.
Murchison Falls is the highlight of the park and one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world. Here, you will witness the mighty Nile River forcing its way through a narrow gap of only 7 meters wide and dropping 43 meters into a boiling pool below. The sight and sound of this natural phenomenon are breathtaking and unforgettable. You will have the opportunity to walk along the edge of the falls and see different viewpoints of the cascading water. You can also opt for a more challenging hike to the bottom of the falls, where you can feel the spray and mist on your face. This is a great spot for photography and wildlife watching, as you may spot some hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and birds along the riverbank.
After exploring the falls, you will return to your lodge for dinner and overnight. You can relax and enjoy the views of the park from your balcony or join a campfire with other guests. Tomorrow, you will have another exciting day of game drives and boat cruises in Murchison Falls National Park. Stay tuned for more updates on your Uganda safari adventure!
Welcome to day five of our amazing safari adventure in Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area. Today, we have two exciting activities planned for you: a morning game drive on the savannah and an afternoon boat cruise on the mighty Nile River.
We will start our day early, before sunrise, and head to the northern bank of the Nile River, where most of the wildlife is concentrated. This is the best time to see the predators in action, as they hunt for their prey or return from a successful night hunt. You will have a chance to see lions, leopards, hyenas, jackals, and maybe even the rare cheetah. You will also see plenty of herbivores, such as elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, hartebeests, oribis, kobs, and warthogs. Don’t forget your binoculars and camera, as you will witness some spectacular scenes of nature.
After about three hours of game viewing, we will drive back to our lodge for a hearty breakfast and some rest. You can enjoy the facilities of the lodge, such as the swimming pool, the spa, or the library. Or you can just relax on your balcony and enjoy the views of the river and the park.
In the afternoon, we will embark on a boat cruise on the Nile River, which is the longest river in the world and flows through 11 countries. The cruise will take us up to the base of Murchison Falls, where the Nile squeezes through a narrow gorge and plunges 43 meters into a pool below. The falls are named after Sir Roderick Murchison, a British explorer and geologist who visited them in 1864.
Along the way, you will see a variety of wildlife on the banks of the river and in the water. You will see hippos, crocodiles, waterbucks, monitor lizards, and many birds. Some of the birds you can spot are kingfishers, bee-eaters, fish eagles, cormorants, herons, egrets, storks, and more. The boat cruise is a great way to enjoy the beauty and diversity of the Nile ecosystem.
At the base of the falls, you will have an option to hike to the top of the falls and enjoy a panoramic view of the river and the park. The hike is about 45 minutes and requires some physical fitness. Alternatively, you can stay on the boat and return to the jetty.
After this thrilling experience, we will drive back to our lodge for dinner and overnight. You can share your stories and photos with your fellow travelers and enjoy a bonfire under the stars. Tomorrow, we have another exciting day ahead of us.
and a plethora of birds such as kingfishers, bee-eaters, fish eagles,
and herons.
A Day with plenty of Wildlife Encounters: From Rhinos to Chimpanzees
as you continue your Safari of adventure and discovery, we take you from Murchison Falls National Park to Kibale Forest National Park, with a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary on the way.
You will start your day early and drive south for about 7 hours, enjoying the scenic views of the Ugandan countryside. Along the way, you will make a detour to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda where you can see the critically endangered white rhinos. You will join a ranger who will guide you on a walk to track these magnificent animals and tell you more about their history and conservation efforts. You will have a chance to observe them up close and take some amazing photos. After this unforgettable experience, you will resume your drive to Kibale Forest National Park, home to the largest population of chimpanzees in Africa. You will arrive at your lodge and enjoy a delicious dinner before resting for the night.
Welcome to day 7 of our amazing adventure in Uganda, the pearl of Africa. Today, we will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to track and encounter the chimpanzees of Kibale Forest National Park, home to the largest population of primates on the continent. After a hearty breakfast, we will head to the park headquarters, where we will meet our expert guide and receive some instructions and tips on how to track the chimps. Then, we will venture into the lush and green forest, following the signs and sounds of our closest relatives in the animal kingdom. We will be amazed by their intelligence and behavior, as they communicate, forage, socialize, and interact with each other. We will have a full hour to watch them in their natural habitat, and learn more about their fascinating lives and personalities. We will also spot other primates that live in the forest, such as the striking black-and-white colobus monkeys, the playful red-tailed monkeys, the shy blue monkeys, and the elusive grey-cheeked mangabeys. This will be an unforgettable experience that will stay with us forever.
After a delicious lunch, we will continue our exploration of Kibale Forest National Park by visiting the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-run initiative that conserves a wetland area that hosts a variety of wildlife. We will enjoy a guided walk along the boardwalks and trails that crisscross the swamp, and admire the diversity of birds, butterflies, and plants that thrive here. We will also learn about the importance of this ecosystem for the local people, who depend on it for water, food, medicine, and income from tourism. By visiting this sanctuary, we will not only enjoy its beauty and wildlife, but also support its conservation and development. This will be a rewarding way to end our day in Kibale Forest National Park.
Welcome to day 8 of our amazing safari adventure in Uganda! Today, we will explore the stunning Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of the most biodiverse parks in Africa. We will leave our Safari lodge after breakfast and drive for about 3 hours to reach the park. Along the way, we will enjoy the beautiful views of the crater lakes and the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains, also known as the Mountains of the Moon. We will arrive at our lodge in time for lunch and relax for a while before heading out for our evening game drive. This is a great opportunity to spot some of the park’s wildlife, such as elephants, buffaloes, warthogs, kobs, waterbucks, and more. We will also keep an eye out for the predators, such as lions and leopards, that may be lurking in the grasslands. Our experienced guide will help us identify the animals and tell us more about their behavior and ecology. We will return to our lodge for dinner and a good night’s sleep, looking forward to another exciting day.
Welcome to day nine of your unforgettable safari adventure in Uganda! Today, you will explore more of the amazing Queen Elizabeth National Park, home to over 600 bird species and 95 mammal species. You will start your day early with a game drive in the park, where you will have the opportunity to see lions, leopards, hyenas, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and many more. You will be amazed by the diversity and beauty of this natural wonderland. After a delicious breakfast at your lodge, you will have some free time to relax or enjoy the facilities. You can swim in the pool, get a massage, or read a book in the lounge. After lunch, you will embark on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a 32-kilometer long waterway that links Lake Edward and Lake George. This is one of the highlights of your trip, as you will witness a spectacular display of wildlife and birds along the shores of the channel. You will see hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes, elephants, and antelopes that come to drink and cool off, as well as a variety of waterbirds that include pelicans, cormorants, storks, and flamingos. You will also enjoy the stunning views of the Rwenzori Mountains in the background. This is a great opportunity to take some amazing photos and videos of your safari experience. You will return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight.
If you are looking for a unique and thrilling safari experience, you should not miss the opportunity to visit the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you can see the rare and fascinating tree-climbing lions. These majestic animals have learned to climb fig trees to escape the heat and the insects, and they often rest on the branches, watching over their domain. You will be able to spot them from a safe distance as they nap, groom, or play on the tree limbs. You will also enjoy the sight of other wildlife that live in this area, such as elephants, buffaloes, topis, and kobs. This is a game drive that will leave you in awe of the incredible adaptation of nature’s king to its surroundings.
Greetings from the eleventh day of your safari adventure of a lifetime! Today, you will bid farewell to the Ishasha sector and make your way to the incredible Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, where the endangered mountain gorillas live. This forest is a biodiversity hotspot, with over 1,000 plant species and hundreds of animal species. After a picturesque drive of about two hours, you will reach your comfortable lodge and enjoy a delicious lunch. You will then have some free time to relax and get ready for the most memorable experience of your trip: meeting the gentle giants of the forest tomorrow.
Welcome to day 12 of our Uganda adventure, where we will have the opportunity to encounter the majestic mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. This is one of the most thrilling and unforgettable experiences you can have in Africa, and we are so excited to share it with you.
After an early breakfast, we will drive to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. We will register at the park headquarters and receive a briefing from the park rangers on the rules and guidelines for gorilla trekking. They will also assign us to one of the habituated gorilla families that we will visit today.
Then, we will embark on our hike into the forest, accompanied by our ranger guide and porters. The hike can be challenging, as the terrain is steep, muddy, and dense with vegetation. We may also encounter rain, insects, and other wildlife along the way. The duration of the hike depends on the movement and location of the gorillas, which can range from 2 to 8 hours. But don’t worry, we will take breaks and enjoy the scenery as we go.
When we finally reach the gorillas, we will have to keep a distance of at least 7 meters from them, and follow the instructions of our guide. We will have one hour to observe them closely, and take photos and videos (without flash). This is a truly magical moment, as we witness the gorillas’ daily activities and interactions. We will see how they feed on fruits, leaves, and stems, how they groom each other, how they play and communicate with vocalizations and gestures, and how they express their emotions and personalities. We will also learn more about their ecology, behavior, and threats from our guide, who is an expert on these gentle giants.
Seeing the gorillas in their natural environment is a privilege and a responsibility. We must respect their space and well-being, and support their conservation efforts. By visiting them, we are contributing to their protection and survival, as well as to the development of the local communities that live around them. We hope that this experience will inspire you to appreciate and care for these amazing creatures, and for all the wildlife that shares this planet with us.
Welcome to day 13 of our Uganda adventure!
Today, we will leave the gorilla tracking behind and head to Lake Bunyonyi, a stunning lake that offers a serene and relaxing escape. Lake Bunyonyi is one of the most scenic lakes in Uganda, with a depth of over 900 meters and more than 20 islands to discover. It is also home to a rich variety of birds,
hence its name which means “place of many little birds”. We will drive for about 2 hours to reach our lodge on the lake shore, where we will have a delicious lunch and settle in.
The afternoon is yours to enjoy as you wish. You can lounge by the lake, admire the scenery and the wildlife, or join an optional activity such as a boat tour or a canoe excursion to visit some of the islands.
Some of the islands have interesting stories and legends associated with them, such as the punishment island where unmarried pregnant girls were abandoned in the past, or the upside-down island where a sorcerer allegedly flipped an entire village.
Whatever you choose to do, you will surely have a memorable and relaxing day at African Tent Resort, Lake Bunyonyi.
Welcome to day 14 of our Uganda safari adventure! Today, we will explore Lake Mburo National Park, the smallest but one of the most diverse parks in Uganda. Lake Mburo National Park has a variety of habitats such as savannah, woodland, wetland, and lake. It is home to animals such as zebras, impalas, elands, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and over 300 bird species.
We will leave our hotel in the morning and drive to Lake Mburo National Park, a journey of about 4 hours. We will arrive at our lodge and have lunch, then we will have two options to enjoy the park: a boat ride or a nature walk.
If you choose the boat ride, you will board a motorboat and cruise along the lake shore. You will have a chance to see hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes, and water birds such as fish eagles, kingfishers, and herons. You will also enjoy the scenic views of the rolling hills and islands that dot the lake.
If you choose the nature walk, you will be guided by a ranger who will show you the trails and tracks of the park. You will have a chance to see zebras, impalas, elands, giraffes, warthogs, and other animals that graze on the savannah. You will also learn about the plants and trees that grow in the park and their uses by the local people.
After the boat ride or the nature walk, we will return to our lodge and relax for the evening. We will have dinner and share our experiences of the day. We will also enjoy the sounds of nature and the starry sky at night.
Tomorrow, we will continue our safari adventure with a game drive in Lake Mburo National Park and then drive to Entebbe for our flight back home. Stay tuned for more updates!
On your last day of this unforgettable adventure, you will have one more chance to explore the wildlife and landscapes of Lake Mburo National Park. You can choose between a morning game drive or a horseback safari, depending on what suits you best. Both activities will allow you to get close to the animals and admire the views of the lake and the hills. You might spot zebras, giraffes, impalas, buffaloes, warthogs, and various birds along the way. You will also witness the beautiful sunrise over the park, a perfect way to end your trip.
After your safari, you will drive back to Entebbe, where you will have some time to relax and prepare for your flight home or to yout next destination. You can also do some last-minute shopping or sightseeing in the city, if you wish. Your guide will drop you off at the airport in time for your departure. We hope you had a wonderful time in Uganda and we look forward to seeing you again soon.
As a solo traveler, safety was paramount. Uganda’s reputation as a safe destination held true. Plus, the camaraderie among fellow female travelers made the experience even more special.