22 Days Uganda Cultural, Wildlife & Gorilla Adventure

Overview

This 22-day Uganda safari is the ultimate journey through the Pearl of Africa — where the golden savannah meets lush tropical rainforests. Experience Uganda’s diverse wildlife, unique cultures, and breathtaking landscapes in one unforgettable adventure.
You’ll encounter Africa’s iconic Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino), track mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, and meet more than 16 primate species. Beyond wildlife, immerse yourself in Uganda’s rich cultural heritage — from Buganda’s royal roots to the remote Karamojong warriors of the northeast.

Explore the best of Uganda’s top destinations: Jinja (Source of the Nile), Sipi Falls, Moroto, Kidepo Valley, Murchison Falls, Kibale Forest, Semuliki, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi Impenetrable, Mgahinga, Lake Bunyonyi, and Lake Mburo National Parks.

  • 22 Days
  • Age 15+
  • Uganda

 

Day-by-Day Itinerary

 

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel for relaxation and overnight stay.

  • Distance: 10 km (Approx. 15 minutes)

  • Accommodation Options:

    • Mid-range: Shangri-La Hotel / Cassia Lodge (BB)

    • Luxury: Serena Lake Victoria / Commonwealth Resort (BB

 

Day 2: Entebbe – Jinja (Source of the Nile)

Drive eastward to Jinja, stopping at Ssezibwa Falls — a site rich in Buganda spirituality — and Mabira Forest, Uganda’s largest natural rainforest. Continue to Jinja, where the Nile begins its 6,000 km journey to Egypt.

  • Distance: 130 km (Approx. 4 hours)

  • Accommodation Options:

    • Mid-range: 2Friends Jinja (FB)

    • Luxury: The Haven Jinja (FB)

 

Day 3: Adventure at the Source of the Nile

After breakfast, enjoy optional adventure activities — from white-water rafting, horse riding, and quad biking to boat cruises and cycling tours. Jinja offers a perfect mix of adrenaline and natural beauty.

  • Accommodation: Same as previous night

 

Day 4: Jinja – Sipi Falls (Mount Elgon National Park)

Travel to the foothills of Mount Elgon National Park, home to the stunning Sipi Falls — a series of three cascading waterfalls surrounded by lush coffee plantations. Enjoy a guided village walk or a scenic hike to the falls.

  • Distance: 282 km (Approx. 4 hours)

  • Accommodation Options:

    • Mid-range: Rafiki Sipi Lodge / Sipi Resort (FB)

    • Luxury: Sipi River Lodge (FB)

 

Day 5: Sipi Falls – Moroto (Karamoja Region)

Depart Sipi for Moroto, through the rugged plains of Karamoja. Visit traditional villages and local markets to experience one of Uganda’s most authentic tribal cultures.

  • Distance: 251 km (Approx. 5 hours)

  • Accommodation: Kara-Tunga Lodge / Moroto Hotel (FB)

 

Day 6: Cultural Encounters in Karamoja

Spend the day exploring the fascinating Karamojong culture — renowned for their pastoral traditions, colorful attire, and rich folklore. Visit Lopotuk villages, youth centers, and enjoy traditional music and dance performances.

  • Accommodation: Kara-Tunga Lodge / Moroto Hotel (FB)

 

Day 7: Moroto – Kidepo Valley National Park

Journey north to Kidepo Valley National Park, one of Africa’s most remote and untouched wildernesses. The dramatic landscape of mountains and savannahs hosts diverse wildlife and unique bird species.

  • Distance: 242 km (Approx. 2 hours)

  • Accommodation:

    • Mid-range: Kidepo Savannah Lodge

    • Luxury: Adere Safari Lodge

    • High-end: Apoka Safari Lodge

 

Day 8–9: Explore Kidepo Valley National Park

Enjoy two full days of game drives in Kidepo Valley and Narus Valley. Spot cheetahs, giraffes, elephants, lions, buffaloes, and ostriches. Optional cultural visits to the Karamojong “manyattas” (homesteads) can also be arranged.

  • Accommodation: Same as previous night

 

Day 10: Kidepo – Murchison Falls National Park

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area.

  • Distance: 442 km (Approx. 11 hours)

  • Accommodation:

    • Mid-range: Pakuba Lodge / Murchison River Lodge (FB)

    • Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge / Baker’s Lodge (FB)

 

Day 11: Game Drive & Boat Cruise on the Nile

Begin with a sunrise game drive in the savannah plains, home to elephants, lions, giraffes, and more. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls, where the Nile explodes through a narrow gorge.

  • Accommodation: Same as previous night

 

Day 12: Murchison Falls – Hoima

Travel southwest through the Rift Valley escarpments to Hoima, the historical capital of the Bunyoro Kingdom. Visit Old Fort Butiaba along the way.

  • Distance: 150 km (Approx. 3 hours)

  • Accommodation: Hoima Cultural Hotel (FB)

Day 13–14: Hoima – Kibale Forest National Park

Drive to Kibale National Park, the “Primate Capital of the World,” for your Chimpanzee Habituation Experience. Spend time with researchers as you follow chimps throughout their day — a truly unforgettable experience.

  • Distance: 280 km (Approx. 5 hours)

  • Accommodation:

    • Mid-range: Kibale Forest Camp / Chimpanzee Forest Lodge (FB)

    • Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge / Primate Lodge (FB)

 

Day 15: Visit Semuliki National Park & Amabere Caves

Drive to Semuliki National Park, known for its Sempaya Hot Springs, and visit Amabere Caves and waterfalls near Fort Portal. Return for dinner and overnight.

  • Distance: 90 km (Approx. 3 hours)

  • Accommodation: Rwenzori View Guesthouse / Kyaninga Lodge (FB)

 

Day 16–17: Queen Elizabeth National Park

Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its diverse ecosystems and the Kazinga Channel, which links Lakes Edward and George.
Enjoy morning game drives and a scenic boat cruise to spot hippos, crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species.

  • Accommodation:

    • Mid-range: Kasenyi Game Lodge / Bush Lodge (FB)

    • Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge / Elephant Plains Lodge (FB)

 

Day 18: Ishasha Sector (Tree-Climbing Lions)

Drive to Ishasha Sector in the southern part of the park, known for its tree-climbing lions lounging in fig trees. Enjoy an afternoon game drive.

  • Accommodation: Enjojo Lodge / Ishasha Wilderness Camp (FB)

 

Day 19–20: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.
On the next day, begin your gorilla trekking adventure — a once-in-a-lifetime experience as you encounter these gentle giants in their natural habitat.

  • Accommodation:

    • Mid-range: Haven Buhoma / Rushaga Gorilla Lodge (FB)

    • Luxury: Mahogany Springs / Buhoma Lodge (FB)

 

Day 21: Bwindi – Lake Mburo National Park

After breakfast, travel to Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda’s smallest but most scenic savannah park. Spot zebras, impalas, elands, and topis during a game drive.

  • Distance: 260 km (Approx. 3 hours)

  • Accommodation:

    • Mid-range: Rwakobo Rock / Arcadia Cottages (FB)

    • Luxury: Mihingo Lodge / Mantana Tented Camp (FB)

 

Day 22: Lake Mburo – Entebbe (Departure)

Take an early morning guided nature walk in the park, then drive back to Entebbe for your departure flight.

  • Distance: 350 km (Approx. 5 hours)

 

Included in the Price

  • Airport transfers

  • Full-board accommodation as mentioned

  • Transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle

  • Professional English-speaking driver/guide

  • Gorilla & chimpanzee habituation permits

  • All park entrance fees and activities listed

  • Government taxes

 

Not Included

  • International flights

  • Tourist visa (USD 50)

  • Travel & medical insurance

  • Optional activities

  • Tips and personal expenses