21-Day Best of Uganda Safari Experience

Tour Overview

Embark on this 21-Day Best of Uganda safari that showcases the country’s most iconic destinations, including Jinja, Kibale Forest, Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Mgahinga for Golden Monkey trekking, Bwindi Forest for Gorilla trekking, a Mount Sabinyo volcano hike, and the scenic Lake Bunyonyi. Experience an exciting mix of activities such as chimpanzee tracking, game drives, nature walks, boat cruises, and cultural encounters, while immersing yourself in Uganda’s breathtaking landscapes and extraordinary wildlife diversity.

Cost Includes

  • Park Entrance Fees
  • Mountain Gorilla, Golden Monkey and Chimp Permits
  • All Transportations
  • All Meals & Accommodations
  • A professional Driver / Guide
  • Drinking water

Cost Excludes

  • International Airfare
  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
  • Tips
  • Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
  • Drinks other than Water

Tour Plan

Day 1: Mabira Forest, Sezibwa Falls and Jinja Tour

Begin your journey with an early breakfast to beat city traffic, then drive to Sezibwa Falls—a scenic cultural site. Learn about its rich legends, bird species, and traditional healing customs as our guide explains the local folklore. Continue to Mabira Forest for a guided nature walk through Uganda’s largest rainforest, exploring forest trails and spotting wildlife along the way.

Accommodation: Jinja Nile Resort

Day 2: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

After breakfast, depart Jinja and travel through the Luwero Triangle. Stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for rhino tracking—an exciting 1–2 hour experience. After lunch in Masindi, continue to Murchison Falls National Park for check-in, dinner, and an overnight stay.

Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge (mid-range)

Day 3: Morning Game Drive & Afternoon Boat Ride in Murchison Falls

Head out early for a game drive across the savannah to spot elephants, lions, giraffes, and buffaloes, along with birdlife like the Black-chested Snake Eagle. After lunch, enjoy a scenic boat cruise on the Nile to the base of Murchison Falls, where you’ll see hippos, crocodiles, and waterbucks. End the day with a hike to the top of the falls to witness the Nile thunder through a narrow gorge.

Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge (mid-range)

Day 4: Murchison Falls – Kibale Forest National Park

After breakfast, set off for Kibale Forest National Park. Enjoy the scenic drive through lush landscapes, papyrus swamps, and local villages. Arrive in Fort Portal and check into your lodge for dinner and overnight rest.

Accommodation: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge (mid-range)

Day 5: Chimpanzee Habituation Experience & Afternoon Bigodi Swamp Walk

Join researchers for a chimpanzee habituation experience in Kibale Forest, observing these fascinating primates in their natural habitat. In the afternoon, explore Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary on a guided walk to see various bird and primate species. Visit the Bigodi Women’s Project to support local artisans and community initiatives.

Accommodation: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge (mid-range)

Day 6: Visit Amabere Caves & Crater Lakes

After breakfast, explore the Amabere Ga’ Nnyinamwiru Caves—rich in legend and history—and visit the nearby crater lakes. Enjoy scenic views and learn about the cultural heritage of the area before returning to your lodge.

Accommodation: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge (mid-range)

Day 7: Drive to Semuliki National Park – Morning Game Drive and Visit Hot Springs

Travel to Semuliki National Park, known for its wildlife and geothermal features. Take a morning game drive, then visit the Sempaya Hot Springs, where water boils at 100°C. Try boiling eggs in the spring and hear local tales about the “male” and “female” springs.

Accommodation: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge (mid-range)

Day 8: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park while enjoying views of the Rwenzori Mountains and the Rift Valley. After lunch, embark on a game drive in the Kasenyi plains to search for elephants, antelopes, buffaloes, and possibly lions.

Accommodation: The Bush Lodge (mid-range)

Day 9: Queen Elizabeth National Park – Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Ride

Enjoy an early game drive across the Kasenyi plains to see elephants, lions, buffaloes, and more. In the afternoon, take a relaxing boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel to spot hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds along the shoreline.

Accommodation: The Bush Lodge (mid-range)

Day 10: Queen Elizabeth National Park – Ishasha Sector

Head south to the Ishasha sector, famed for its tree-climbing lions. Enjoy a game drive in search of these rare predators and other wildlife species that roam this unique landscape.

Accommodation: Ishasha Jungle Lodge (mid-range)

Day 11: Ishasha Sector – Bwindi Forest National Park

After a morning game drive, continue to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to Uganda’s mountain gorillas. Arrive in the evening, have dinner, and relax in preparation for the next day’s gorilla trek.

Accommodation: Bakiga Lodge (budget)

Day 12: Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Start early for your once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi. After a briefing, head into the forest to locate your assigned gorilla family and spend an unforgettable hour observing their behavior. In the afternoon, visit nearby villages, meet local artisans, and experience traditional music and dance performances.

Accommodation: Bakiga Lodge

Day 13: Golden Monkey Tracking

Spend the day tracking the endangered Golden Monkeys in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Join a small group and enjoy this unique primate experience in the bamboo forests of the Virunga Volcanoes.

Accommodation: Travellers Rest Hotel

Day 14: Batwa Community Visit and Garama Cave

After breakfast, visit the Batwa community, one of Uganda’s oldest indigenous groups. Enjoy their storytelling, songs, and dances that reflect their forest heritage. Later, explore the historic Garama Cave before returning to the lodge to relax.

Accommodation: Travellers Rest Hotel

Day 15: Hiking Mount Sabinyo Volcano

Embark on a guided hike up Mount Sabinyo in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Reach the summit where Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo meet. The challenging climb rewards you with breathtaking views and diverse vegetation zones.

Accommodation: Travellers Rest Hotel

Day 16: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

Drive to Lake Bunyonyi, the “place of many little birds,” and one of Africa’s deepest lakes. Enjoy a scenic canoe or boat ride to explore its 29 islands and vibrant birdlife. Relax at the lakeside and soak in the tranquil atmosphere.

Accommodation: Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort

Day 17: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park

Travel through the rolling plains of Ankole and stop in Mbarara for lunch. Continue to Lake Mburo National Park for an afternoon boat cruise and an evening game drive.

Accommodation: Rwakobo Rock Lodge

Day 18: Nature Walk and Evening Game Drive

Join a guided morning nature walk with park rangers to the salt lick, where animals gather. Spot zebras, impalas, and birdlife while exploring the savannah on foot. In the evening, take another game drive to spot nocturnal animals.

Accommodation: Rwakobo Rock Lodge

Day 19: Transfer Back to Entebbe

Enjoy a final morning game drive before breakfast, then start your journey back to Entebbe. Stop for lunch en route and arrive in the evening for check-in and rest.

Accommodation: The Boma Hotel

Day 20: Entebbe Tour

Spend the morning visiting the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC) to learn about animal conservation and rehabilitation. After lunch, explore the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, famous for their lush greenery, bird species, and playful monkeys.

Accommodation: The Boma Hotel

Day 21: Transfer to Airport

Enjoy a relaxed morning at your hotel before transferring to Entebbe International Airport for your flight home. End of the 21-day Best of Uganda safari.

Accommodation: None (End of tour)

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