21-Day Ultimate Uganda Safari: Falls, Gorillas, and Cultural Walks

Days

Destination

Safaris in Uganda

21-Day Uganda Cultural and Wildlife Adventure: Immerse yourself in Uganda’s rich culture and diverse wildlife. Explore bustling cities, hike through verdant forests, encounter iconic wildlife, and experience local traditions. From tracking mountain gorillas to witnessing the majestic Murchison Falls, this journey offers a comprehensive exploration of Uganda’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Itinerary at Glance

Day 1: Arrival and Start of the Kampala Experience

Day 2: Kampala City Tour

Day 3: Journey to Mount Elgon National Park

Day 4: Sipi Falls Exploration

Day 5: Arrival and Exploration of Moroto

Day 6: Immersive Karamojong Cultural Walk

Day 7: Arrival and Initial Exploration of Kidepo Valley National Park

Day 8: Immersive Kidepo Adventures and Cultural Experience

Day 9: Gulu and Luo Cultural Walk

Day 10: Journey to Murchison Falls and Wildlife Exploration

Day 11: Murchison Falls Adventure and Chimpanzee Trekking

Day 12: Arrival and Exploration in Kibale National Park

Day 13: Wildlife and Nature Activities

Day 14: Arrival at Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 15: Exploration of Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 16: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Day 17: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Day 18: Kabale and Boogaali Factory

Day 19: Kabale Exploration

Day 20: Lake Mburo National Park

Day 21: Departure

Book Itinerary

Day1

Arrival and Start of the Kampala Experience

Arrival at Entebbe International Airport.
Meet and greet by safari guide; transfer to Kampala.
Check-in at Washarika Lodge or similar for rest and relaxation.

Day2

Kampala City Tour

Visit the Uganda Museum to explore the country’s history and cultural artifacts.
Tour the Kasubi Tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and burial place of Buganda kings.
Stop at Namirembe Cathedral, a historic Anglican church.
Explore the Bahá’í Temple, a serene spiritual site with beautiful gardens.
Return to the lodge for overnight stay.

Day3

Journey to Mount Elgon National Park

1. Drive to Mount Elgon National Park (approx. 3.5 hours).
2. Check-in at Rafiki Lodge or similar.
3. Relax and enjoy the scenic surroundings.

Day4

Sipi Falls Exploration

1. Hiking: Explore Mount Elgon’s scenic trails, offering panoramic views and lush vegetation.
2. Visit Sipi Falls, a series of stunning waterfalls nestled in the foothills of Mount Elgon.
3. Return to the lodge for an overnight stay.

Day5

Arrival and Exploration of Moroto

1. Scenic drive to Moroto (approx. 4 hours) through Uganda’s picturesque landscapes
2. Settle into accommodation at Karatunga Lodge or a similar property
3. Explore Moroto town and its surroundings
4. Visit Karamojong communities for an introduction to their way of life

Day6

Immersive Karamojong Cultural Walk

1. Participate in a guided Karamojong cultural walk
2. Learn about traditional customs and rituals of the Karamojong people
3. Witness cattle herding practices and their significance in Karamojong culture
4. Enjoy a local meal or experience traditional Karamojong music and dance (optional activity)
5. Return to Karatunga Lodge for relaxation and overnight stay

Day7

Arrival and Initial Exploration of Kidepo Valley National Park

1. Drive to Kidepo Valley National Park (approx. 4 hours)
2. Afternoon game drive: Spot lions, cheetahs, and leopards in their natural habitat
3. Evening relaxation and dinner at your lodge
4. Accommodation: Savana Lodge or similar

Day8

Immersive Kidepo Adventures and Cultural Experience

1. Morning game drive: Explore the Narus Valley for more wildlife encounters
2. Optional Acholi cultural walk: Visit nearby Karamojong communities to learn about their traditions and lifestyle
3. Relaxation or nature walk around the lodge in the afternoon
4. Accommodation: Savana Lodge or similar

Day9

Gulu and Luo Cultural Walk

Drive to Gulu (approx. 6 hours)
Luo Cultural Walk: Explore Gulu town, visit Luo communities
Learn about traditional customs, farming practices
Accommodation: Gulu Churchill Hotel or similar

Day10

Journey to Murchison Falls and Wildlife Exploration

Drive to Murchison Falls National Park (approximately 4 hours)
Game drive: Explore the park’s vast savannah and diverse wildlife, including elephants, lions, giraffes, and antelopes
Accommodation: Overnight at Pakuba Lodge or a similar lodge

Day11

Murchison Falls Adventure and Chimpanzee Trekking

1. Boat cruise: Experience the dramatic beauty of Murchison Falls as the Nile bursts through a narrow gorge
2. Bugoma Forest trek: Discover the fascinating chimpanzees in their natural habitat
3. Accommodation: Overnight at Pakuba Lodge or a similar lodge

Day12

Arrival and Exploration in Kibale National Park

1. Drive to Kibale National Park (approx. 6 hours)
2. Arrival and check-in at accommodation
3. Relax and enjoy the scenic surroundings

Day13

Wildlife and Nature Activities

1. Morning chimpanzee trekking in Kibale’s lush forests
2. Bigodi Swamp Walk: Spot diverse bird species and primates
3. Evening relaxation at the lodge

Day14

Arrival at Queen Elizabeth National Park

Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park (approx. 2 hours)
Evening game drive: Spot lions, elephants, and antelopes in their natural habitat
Check-in and accommodation at Bush Lodge or similar

Day15

Exploration of Queen Elizabeth National Park

Morning game drive: Discover the park’s diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes
Kazinga Channel boat cruise: Spot hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species
Leisure time at the lodge or optional guided nature walk

Day16

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Drive to Bwindi (approx. 4 hours)
Gorilla trekking: Encounter mountain gorillas
Batwa Cultural Walk: Explore Batwa communities, learn about traditional hunting practices
Accommodation: 4 gorillas lodge or similar

Day17

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Drive to Mgahinga (approx. 4 hours)
Gorilla Trekking (explore the rugged terrain to see mountain gorillas)
Optional Volcano Hike (hike Mt. Sabyinyo for panoramic views)
Accommodation at Traveler’s Rest Inn or similar

Day18

Kabale and Boogaali Factory

Drive to Kabale (approx. 2 hours)
Arrive and Check-in at your accommodation (Arcadia Lodge or similar)
Visit the Boogaali Factory (explore the bamboo bike workshop and learn about the production process)
Explore Kabale Town (stroll around the town, visit local markets, and experience the vibrant culture)

Day19

Kabale Exploration

Morning at Leisure (relax or explore the surroundings)
Visit Local Attractions (such as Lake Bunyonyi, known for its stunning views and tranquil atmosphere)
Cultural Walks (engage with local communities to experience their traditions and way of life)
Return to Accommodation for a restful evening

Day20

Lake Mburo National Park

Drive to Lake Mburo (approximately 2.5 hours)
Game Drive (embark on an exciting safari, spotting wildlife such as zebras, impalas, elands, and various other species in their natural habitat)
Boat Cruise (enjoy a scenic boat ride on Lake Mburo, observing its diverse aquatic life, including hippos, crocodiles, and an array of bird species)
Accommodation at Rwakobo Rock or a similar lodge (relax in a serene setting, surrounded by nature)

Day21

Departure

Drive to Entebbe International Airport (approx. 4 hours)
Departure

Make Enquiry Book Itinerary

Accommodation in Entebbe, Kampala, and Murchison Falls National Park
Transportation throughout the itinerary, including airport transfers
Entrance fees to all parks and activity sites
Meals as specified in the itinerary
Experienced guide for the safari and community visits
Volunteer program coordination and support