21 Days | Uganda
Your journey begins at Entebbe International Airport, where a driver-guide welcomes you. You are transferred to your hotel near the shores of Lake Victoria. Settle in and recover from your flight. The afternoon is free to relax or take a gentle stroll through the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, home to many bird species and monkeys. Dinner is served at your hotel. Overnight in Entebbe.
After breakfast, you drive east to Jinja, the adventure capital of Uganda, a journey of about two hours. Upon arrival, you visit the source of the Nile, the point where the mighty river begins its 6,700-kilometre journey to the Mediterranean. A boat trip takes you close to the spot where John Speke first identified the source in 1858. The afternoon is free for optional activities like white-water rafting or a sunset cruise. Overnight in Jinja.
Enjoy a relaxed morning in Jinja. You may choose to visit the local markets or simply enjoy the views of the Nile. After lunch, you drive back to Kampala, Uganda’s vibrant capital. The journey takes about two hours. Upon arrival, you check into your hotel. The evening is free to explore the city or relax. Overnight in Kampala.
After an early breakfast, you drive northwest to Murchison Falls National Park, a journey of about five to six hours. You stop for lunch en route. Upon arrival at the park, you check into your lodge near the Nile River. The evening air is filled with the grunting of hippos. Rest after the long drive. Overnight in Murchison Falls.
An early morning game drive takes you across the savannah plains of Murchison Falls. You have excellent chances of spotting elephants, giraffes, buffalo, and lions. After lunch, you board a boat for a cruise up the Nile towards the base of the falls. Hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds line the banks. As you approach the falls, the thunder of the water grows louder as the Nile forces itself through a narrow seven-metre gorge. Overnight in Murchison Falls.
After breakfast, you visit the top of Murchison Falls for a different perspective of this powerful cascade. You then begin the drive south towards Kibale Forest, passing through the town of Hoima. You stop for lunch en route. The journey takes most of the day. Upon arrival at Kibale, you check into your lodge near the forest edge. Overnight in Kibale.
An early start takes you to the park headquarters for a briefing before entering Kibale’s rainforest. Kibale is known as the “Primate Capital of the World” and is home to over 1,500 chimpanzees. The trek follows chimpanzee calls through the thick undergrowth. When you find them, you have one hour to observe their behaviour – grooming, feeding, and displaying their intelligence. The afternoon is free to relax. Overnight in Kibale.
After breakfast, you visit the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-run project. A guided walk through the swamp reveals colobus monkeys, bush pigs, and a dazzling array of birds. The local guides share their knowledge of medicinal plants. The afternoon is free to relax or take a nature walk along the forest edge. Overnight in Kibale.
After breakfast, you drive west to Semuliki National Park, a journey of about three hours. Semuliki is an extension of the Congo Basin forest and is known for its unique birdlife and hot springs. Upon arrival, you check into your lodge. In the afternoon, you visit the Sempaya Hot Springs, where geothermal vents bubble at 103 degrees Celsius. Overnight in Semuliki.
Today is dedicated to exploring Semuliki’s rich birdlife. The park hosts 435 bird species, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics and 35 Guinea-Congo forest biome species. A guided forest walk offers excellent birding opportunities. You may also spot primates and other wildlife along the trails. The afternoon is free for further exploration or relaxation. Overnight in Semuliki.
After breakfast, you drive south to Queen Elizabeth National Park, a journey of about five hours. The route passes through the scenic countryside, with views of the Rwenzori Mountains. You stop for lunch en route. Upon arrival, you check into your lodge near the Kazinga Channel. The evening is free to relax. Overnight in Queen Elizabeth.
A pre-dawn game drive takes you across the Kasenyi Plains, known for large buffalo herds and the lions that follow them. You spot elephants, lions, and Uganda kob. After lunch, you board a boat for a cruise on the Kazinga Channel. The waters are teeming with hippos, Nile crocodiles, and elephants drinking at the water’s edge. The birdlife is exceptional, with African fish eagles and kingfishers in abundance. Overnight in Queen Elizabeth.
After breakfast, you drive south to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions. These lions are often seen lounging in the branches of fig trees, a behaviour unique to this region. You spend the day on game drives, searching for these elusive predators. After lunch, you return to your lodge. Overnight in Queen Elizabeth.
After breakfast, you drive to the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains, the “Mountains of the Moon.” The journey takes about three hours. Upon arrival, you check into your lodge at the trailhead. The afternoon is free to organise your gear and meet your mountain guide. Your guide briefs you on the trekking route and safety protocols. Overnight at the Rwenzori base.
You spend the next three days trekking in the Rwenzori Mountains. The trek takes you through diverse vegetation zones, from montane forest to afro-alpine moorland, with giant lobelias and groundsels. The trails are challenging but rewarding, with stunning views of glaciers and peaks. You stay in mountain huts along the route. The trek offers a unique experience of Uganda’s highest mountains. Overnight in mountain huts.
After descending from the mountains, you drive south to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a journey of about five to six hours. The route takes you through the Kigezi Highlands, with steep terraced hills and small villages. You stop for lunch along the way. You arrive at your lodge near Bwindi in the late afternoon, surrounded by the sounds of the forest. Overnight in Bwindi.
After an early breakfast, you assemble at the park headquarters for a briefing. You are assigned to a gorilla family and trackers. The trek through steep, dense forest can take from two to six hours. When you locate the gorillas, you have one unforgettable hour with them. Watching the silverback protect his group is deeply moving. Return to your lodge for a well-deserved rest. Overnight in Bwindi.
After breakfast, you drive east to Lake Mburo National Park, a journey of about five hours. Lake Mburo is Uganda’s smallest savannah park and is known for its zebras. Upon arrival, you take an afternoon game drive to spot zebras, impalas, and other wildlife. The park is also a good place for birdwatching. Overnight in Lake Mburo.
After a final morning game drive in Lake Mburo National Park, you check out and begin the drive back to Entebbe, a journey of about four hours. You stop for lunch along the way. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for a quick visit to the craft market in Kampala. Your driver transfers you to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight. This marks the end of your unforgettable 21-day Ugandan adventure.
