21-Day Uganda Safari (Gorillas, Chimpanzees, Wildlife and Culture)

Trip Overview

Discover Uganda’s breathtaking beauty and rich cultural heritage with this meticulously curated 21-day Uganda safari itinerary. Start your journey in Kampala before venturing to Mabamba Swamp, a birding paradise. Experience white-water rafting in Jinja and the serene beauty of Sipi Falls, before traveling to the remote wilderness of Kidepo Valley National Park.

Explore Murchison Falls and track chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park. Visit Sempaya Hot Springs in Semuliki National Park and the cultural heritage of Amabere ga Nyina Mwiru.

Enjoy a wildlife safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park and trek through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for an unforgettable gorilla encounter. Relax by Lake Bunyonyi before concluding your adventure at Lake Mburo National Park.

This comprehensive journey starts and ends in Kampala, offering a true exploration of Uganda’s diverse landscapes, wildlife, and cultures.

What’s Included

  • Safari accommodation
  • Transportation in a custom 4x4 safari vehicle
  • A professional English-speaking safari guide
  • Gorilla permits
  • Chimpanzee trekking permits
  • All activities included in the safari itinerary

What’s not Included

  • Travel Insurance
  • International flights
  • Any optional activities excluded from the trip itinerary
  • Personal expenses

Trip Itinerary

Upon your arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and expert guide, who will transfer you to your hotel in Kampala. Take the day to relax and recover from your flight, preparing for the exciting adventure ahead. Overnight stay in Kampala.

Start your 21-day Uganda safari with a birding excursion in Mabamba Wetland, renowned for its diverse birdlife, including the elusive shoebill stork and over 300 bird species. Enjoy a guided canoe ride through papyrus reeds, spotting species like the papyrus gonolek, malachite kingfisher, and African jacana, along with the Sitatunga antelope. Afterward, return to Kampala for lunch and embark on a scenic 2.5 to 3-hour drive to Jinja, the adventure capital of East Africa, located on the shores of Lake Victoria. Check into your lodge and relax for the night.

After breakfast, embark on an adrenaline-filled white-water rafting adventure on the Nile River. Starting at 8 am, enjoy a safety briefing before navigating over 20 kilometers of Grade 3 to 5 rapids, with professional guides and top-notch gear ensuring a thrilling and safe experience. Whether you're a beginner or experienced rafter, this action-packed day promises excitement. Return to your lodge in Jinja for an overnight stay.

Start the day with a visit to the Source of the Nile, where Lake Victoria meets the Nile River, enjoying a thrilling boat ride with views of birds, monitor lizards, and scenic riverbank vegetation. Return to your hotel for lunch before transferring to Sipi Falls, about a 3 to 4-hour drive. Nestled on the edge of Mount Elgon National Park, Sipi Falls is known for its stunning waterfalls and cool climate. Upon arrival, check into your lodge and relax. Overnight stay at Sipi.

After breakfast, embark on a 3-hour guided hike to explore the stunning Sipi Falls, passing through breathtaking valleys and local plantations for beautiful views of the falls and surrounding countryside. Return to your lodge to relax, then enjoy a coffee tour in the nearby communities, learning about the process of growing, harvesting, and roasting Arabica coffee. Sample freshly brewed coffee and interact with local farmers to understand how coffee farming has positively impacted the community. Overnight stay at Sipi.

After an early breakfast, embark on a scenic 8 to 9-hour drive to Kidepo Valley National Park, one of Africa’s most remote and pristine national parks. Enjoy views of landscapes and traditional villages as you pass through the countryside. Kidepo, located in northeastern Uganda, is known for its vast savannah landscapes and diverse wildlife, including lions, elephants, giraffes, and rare cheetahs. The park also boasts the second-largest bird population in Uganda. Stop for lunch in Moroto before continuing to Kidepo. Upon arrival, check-in at your lodge for an overnight stay.

Start your day with an early 6:30 am game drive in Kidepo Valley, exploring wildlife hotspots like Narus Valley and Kanangorok Hot Springs. Spot a variety of animals, including buffaloes, zebras, bat-eared foxes, hyenas, and leopards. Afterward, return to your lodge to relax. In the afternoon, visit a Karamojong village to experience the traditional semi-nomadic lifestyle of this tribe, engaging in activities, learning about their rich culture, and witnessing their dances. Overnight stay in Kidepo Valley National Park.

Today, you will engage in yet another fascinating cultural tour to visit the Ik people, one of Uganda’s smallest ethnic groups residing on the remote slopes of Mount Morungole. The Ik are Uganda’s smallest ethnic group of subsistence farmers and hunters. The Ik were displaced in 1962 after Kidepo was gazetted into a national park, forcing them to settle in small communities on Mount Morungole. This cultural experience offers a rare insight into the lives of the Ik, known for their unique social structures and traditions. You will also enjoy spectacular views of Mount Morungole and Kidepo’s stunning landscape. Overnight stay in Kidepo.

After breakfast, depart Kidepo for Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area. The drive takes about 6 to 7 hours, with lunch and sightseeing stops along the way. Upon arrival, check into your lodge and spend the evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Murchison Falls National Park.

Wake up for an early morning game drive at 6:30 am along the park’s Buligi game track, where you can spot four of the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, and buffaloes, along with giraffes, elands, bushbucks, antelopes, and various bird species. This is the best time to observe wildlife, as predators hunt and grazers emerge. After 3 hours of exploration, return to your lodge for a late breakfast. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on the Nile River towards the base of Murchison Falls, where you'll see hippos, Nile crocodiles, and abundant birdlife. Overnight in Murchison Falls National Park.

After breakfast, visit the top of Murchison Falls for a spectacular view of the Nile as it forces its way through a narrow gorge, creating the world’s most powerful waterfall. Enjoy the stunning scenery, take photos, and then embark on a 7 to 8-hour drive to Kibale Forest National Park, renowned for its rich chimpanzee population. Upon arrival, check into your lodge and have a late lunch. Overnight stay in Kibale Forest National Park.

After an early breakfast, head to Kanyanchu Tourism Center for chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park, home to over 1,500 chimpanzees and 12 other primate species, making it the primate capital of Africa. The trek begins with a briefing at 8 am, followed by an exciting search for your assigned chimp group. With expert guides, enjoy observing these intelligent creatures in their natural habitat. After spending an hour with the chimpanzees, return to your lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, explore the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, known for its birdlife, primates, and unique flora. Overnight stay in Kibale Forest National Park.

After an early breakfast, travel to Semuliki National Park to visit the Sempaya Hot Springs, where you will witness boiling geysers and learn about their cultural significance, along with the opportunity to boil eggs in the hot springs. Afterward, drive to Fort Portal for lunch before exploring the Amabere ga Nyina Mwiru caves, famous for their cultural history and unique rock formations. Overnight stay in Fort Portal.

After breakfast, embark on a 3-hour road trip to Queen Elizabeth National Park, passing through the crater lakes region with stunning views of the Great Rift Valley and Rwenzori Mountains. Famous for its diverse ecosystems, including savannah, wetlands, lakes, and rivers, the park is home to 95 mammal species, including tree-climbing lions, and over 612 bird species. Upon arrival, check into your lodge for lunch, followed by an evening game drive to spot elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes. Overnight stay in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Wake up at 6:30 am for a unique lion tracking experience with researchers, offering a rare chance to observe lions and other predators, including leopards, in their natural habitat. Alternatively, enjoy a traditional early morning game drive. Afterward, relax at your lodge. In the afternoon, take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, famous for its high concentration of hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife. Overnight stay in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Wake up to a relaxed breakfast at your lodge, then embark on a 4 to 5-hour journey to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, passing through the Ishasha sector, known for its tree-climbing lions. Enjoy exciting wildlife sightings along the way before continuing to Bwindi. Upon arrival, transfer to your lodge for lunch and spend the rest of the day relaxing, preparing for your gorilla trek. Overnight stay in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.

Today is the highlight of your 21-day Uganda safari as you embark on an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Home to half of the world’s mountain gorilla population, Bwindi offers the best opportunity to observe these endangered apes in their natural habitat. After a briefing at 8 am, you'll join expert guides and fellow trekkers to locate a gorilla family, with trekking time varying from 1 to 6 hours depending on the gorillas' location. Once found, you'll spend an hour observing them. After the trek, return to the park headquarters for certification, then drive to Lake Bunyonyi for relaxation. Located 2 to 3 hours from Bwindi, Lake Bunyonyi is Uganda's deepest lake, famous for its stunning scenery, islands, and birdlife.

Spend the day exploring Lake Bunyonyi, Africa’s second-deepest lake. Enjoy activities such as canoe rides to explore the lake’s beautiful islands, swimming, quad biking, nature walks, and hiking. The serene atmosphere and stunning views make it an ideal place to relax and unwind after a long safari. Overnight stay at Lake Bunyonyi.

After breakfast, drive to Lake Mburo National Park, a 4 to 5-hour journey to Uganda’s smallest but diverse park, covering 260 square kilometers. The park is home to the largest population of zebras, impalas, elands, and over 315 bird species. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at your lodge. In the afternoon, take a boat cruise on Lake Mburo to spot hippos, crocodiles, and water birds. Overnight stay in Lake Mburo National Park.

Start your day with a guided walking safari in Lake Mburo, offering a unique opportunity to explore the park on foot and observe wildlife such as giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, and impalas up close. The 2 to 3-hour safari will provide an intimate experience with nature, followed by breakfast and relaxation at your lodge. In the evening, enjoy a game drive to further explore the park’s stunning savannah and spot more wildlife, including lions, hyenas, and the elusive leopard. Overnight stay in Lake Mburo National Park.

After breakfast, drive back to Kampala or Entebbe, a 4 to 5-hour journey with a brief stopover at the Equator for lunch and souvenir shopping. Depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred either to Kampala for the night or to Entebbe Airport for your departure, marking the end of your unforgettable 21-day Uganda safari.