The Ultimate 21-Days Grand Uganda Safari Adventure

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, a representative from Upcountry Safaris will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, you’ll receive a detailed safari briefing and enjoy a relaxing evening in this lakeside town.

Overnight at 2 Friends Beach Hotel (mid-range).

Day 2: Entebbe – Mabamba Swamp – Jinja
Your day begins with an early morning excursion to Mabamba Swamp, home to Uganda’s most sought-after bird—the Shoebill. After an exciting canoe ride in search of this elusive bird, you’ll drive to Jinja, the adventure capital of East Africa.

Overnight at The Haven Eco River Lodge (mid-range).

Day 3: Jinja Exploration
Enjoy a full day in Jinja with options like white-water rafting on the Nile, a boat cruise to the Source of the Nile, quad biking, or simply relaxing by the riverside. The town offers a vibrant atmosphere with rich colonial and local history.

Overnight at The Haven Eco River Lodge.

Day 4: Jinja – Sipi Falls
After breakfast, you’ll head eastward to the beautiful Sipi Falls located on the slopes of Mount Elgon. In the afternoon, take a guided nature walk to explore the three stunning waterfalls that define the area. Overnight at Rafiki Lodge Sipi(mid-range).

Day 5: Hiking, Nature Walk, and Coffee Tour
Today is packed with adventure and culture. Begin with a moderate hike through the foothills of Mount Elgon, taking in stunning vistas and meeting local farmers. Later, enjoy a hands-on Arabica coffee tour where you’ll roast and taste Uganda’s highland coffee.

Overnight at Rafiki Lodge Sipi.

Day 6: Sipi Falls – Moroto
Depart Sipi and journey north to Moroto in the Karamoja region, one of Uganda’s most culturally rich and least explored areas. Engage with the Karamojong community for an authentic cultural experience including dance, traditions, and pastoral life.

Overnight at Kara-Tunga Safari Camp (budget).

Day 7: Moroto – Kidepo Valley National Park
Travel deeper into Uganda’s northeastern frontier as you head toward Kidepo Valley National Park, arguably the most remote and untouched park in the country. Settle in and enjoy an evening game drive.

Overnight at Kidepo Savannah Lodge (budget).

Day 8: Full Day in Kidepo
Enjoy a full day of game drives through the Narus and Kidepo Valleys, where you’ll likely encounter lions, buffaloes, elephants, zebras, and cheetahs. The park offers sweeping savannah landscapes bordered by rugged mountains.

Overnight at Kidepo Savannah Lodge.

Day 9: Kidepo – Murchison Falls National Park
After breakfast, drive through the rugged landscapes of northern Uganda to Murchison Falls National Park. En route, enjoy scenic stops before reaching the top of the falls, where the Nile dramatically squeezes through a 7-meter gorge.

Overnight at Sambiya River Lodge (mid-range).

Day 10: Murchison Game Drive & Boat Cruise
Start with a morning game drive on the northern bank in search of giraffes, lions, antelope, and elephants. In the afternoon, cruise along the Nile to the base of Murchison Falls, spotting hippos, crocodiles, and water birds along the way.

Overnight at Sambiya River Lodge.

Day 11: Murchison – Kibale Forest National Park
Today’s journey leads you southwest through verdant countryside to the primate capital of the world—Kibale Forest National Park. Enjoy views of tea plantations and rural life as you head toward Fort Portal.

Overnight at Primate Lodge Kibale (luxury).

Day 12: Chimpanzee Tracking
Enter Kibale’s dense tropical forest for an exhilarating chimpanzee tracking experience. In the afternoon, explore the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for birding and community experiences.

Overnight at Primate Lodge Kibale.

Day 13: Kibale – Semuliki National Park
Drive to the nearby Semuliki National Park, known for its geothermal activity and rich biodiversity. Visit the Sempaya Hot Springs and learn about the local Bakonzo culture.

Overnight at Semuliki Safari Lodge (mid-range).

Day 14: Semuliki – Queen Elizabeth National Park
Head south to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most famous savannah reserve. Enjoy an evening game drive through the Kasenyi plains in search of big game.

Overnight at The Bush Lodge (mid-range).

Day 15: Queen Elizabeth NP Game Drive & Boat Safari
Begin the day with a sunrise game drive, then take a relaxing boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, known for its high concentration of hippos and aquatic birds.

Overnight at The Bush Lodge.

Day 16: Queen Elizabeth – Bwindi via Ishasha
Drive through the Ishasha sector, renowned for its tree-climbing lions, and continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home of the endangered mountain gorillas.

Overnight at Bweza Gorilla Lodge (mid-range).

Day 17: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
Set off early for a life-changing gorilla trekking experience. Hike through misty jungle terrain with expert rangers to find a habituated gorilla family and spend an awe-inspiring hour in their presence.

Overnight at Bweza Gorilla Lodge.

Day 18: Bwindi – Mgahinga National Park
Today, drive to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for golden monkey tracking or a visit to the Batwa pygmy community to understand their forest heritage.

Overnight at Mount Gahinga Lodge (luxury).

Day 19: Mgahinga – Lake Bunyonyi
After breakfast, transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, one of Africa’s most scenic lakes. Spend the afternoon relaxing, canoeing, or hiking.

Overnight at Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort (mid-range).

Day 20: Lake Bunyonyi – Lake Mburo National Park
Leave the highlands and drive to Lake Mburo National Park. After settling in, take an evening game drive through the acacia-dotted landscape.

Overnight at Rwakobo Rock Lodge (mid-range).

Day 21: Lake Mburo – Entebbe (Departure)
Enjoy a morning walking safari with an armed ranger to spot zebras and other wildlife up close. After brunch, drive back to Entebbe for your departure flight.