This 20-day epic safari is the definitive Ugandan experience. We journey from the historic Nile source to the remote, untamed plains of Kidepo, and from the misty gorilla forests of Bwindi to the acacia-dotted landscapes of Lake Mburo. You will encounter the Big Five, come face-to-face with mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, and immerse yourself in the stunning scenery and vibrant cultures that make Uganda unique.
Touch down at Entebbe International Airport, where your Muganzi Safaris guide will give you a warm welcome. We immediately set off for Jinja, a town steeped in history and adventure, allowing you to relax and acclimatize after your long flight.
Accommodation: Kingfisher Safaris Resort, Jinja
After breakfast, feel the power of the Nile with an exhilarating boat cruise to the exact source of the world’s longest river. For an extra thrill, opt for an afternoon of horseback riding along the riverbanks. It’s a day of speed, beauty, and unforgettable experiences.
Accommodation: Kingfisher Safaris Resort, Jinja
Bid farewell to Jinja and journey east towards Kapchorwa, nestled in the foothills of Mount Elgon. The drive itself is a spectacle, with lush landscapes and rolling hills painting a beautiful picture outside your window.
Accommodation: Noah’s Ark Hotel
Today, you’ll be mesmerized by the stunning Sipi Falls. Embark on a guided hike to the three main waterfalls, marvel at the cascading waters, and explore an ancient cave with rich cultural significance for the local Sabiny people. After lunch, we continue our journey north to Kitgum.
Accommodation: Bomah Hotel, Kitgum
Today is a travel day, offering a fascinating glimpse into rural Ugandan life as we drive deeper into the northern region. Sit back, relax, and watch the ever-changing landscape unfold.
Accommodation: Bomah Hotel, Kitgum
After breakfast, we complete the journey into one of Africa’s most pristine wildernesses: Kidepo Valley National Park. Arrive in time for an introductory game drive, where the wild, rugged beauty of the park will leave you in awe. Keep an eye out for elephants, giraffes, and perhaps a predator on the prowl.
Accommodation: Apoka Hostel Bandas
Rise early for a morning game drive to the Kanangorok Hot Springs, with a chance to spot the rare ostrich. After lunch, we shift from wildlife to culture with a visit to a Karamojong Manyatta. This immersive experience offers a deep insight into the traditions, dance, and daily life of this iconic pastoralist community.
Accommodation: Apoka Hostel Bandas
We begin our journey south, traversing the remote landscapes of Northern Uganda. We’ll spend the night in Gulu, a vibrant town and a hub of the region, giving you a chance to experience urban Ugandan life outside the capital.
Accommodation: Churchill Hotel, Gulu
We drive southwest to Murchison Falls National Park. Our first stop is the Top of the Falls, where you can witness the Nile River violently forced through a narrow 7-meter gorge, creating a thunderous, spray-filled spectacle. It’s a powerful introduction to the park.
Accommodation: Murchison River Lodge
An early morning game drive on the Buligi Circuit offers fantastic sightings of lions, giraffes, elephants, and buffalo. In the afternoon, a boat cruise brings you along the Nile to the base of the falls, providing an unparalleled opportunity to see hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds up close.
Accommodation: Murchison River Lodge
Today, we travel south to Fort Portal, a town surrounded by lush tea plantations and crater lakes. The journey is long but scenic, offering a beautiful cross-section of the Ugandan countryside.
Accommodation: Rwenzori View Guest House
Wake to the sounds of the jungle! Today, you’ll venture into Kibale Forest for an unforgettable chimpanzee trekking experience. Watch these charismatic primates swing through the canopy and interact with their families. After this adventure, we transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Accommodation: Elephant Hab Lodge
A sunrise game drive in the Kasenyi plains offers a chance to see lions on the hunt, elephants, and vast herds of Uganda Kob. The afternoon features a highlight: a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. This two-hour journey guarantees close-up views of hippos, buffalo, and elephants bathing on the shores.
Accommodation: Elephant Hab Lodge
We drive to the Ishasha sector, famous for its unique tree-climbing lions. Spotting these majestic cats lounging in fig trees is a rare and incredible sight. After the game drive, we ascend into the highlands, with the landscape transforming as we approach the misty Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Camp
This is the day you’ve been waiting for! After a thorough briefing, you will begin your mountain gorilla trek. The hike can be challenging, but the reward of spending a full hour in the presence of a habituated gorilla family is a humbling, emotional, and truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. Afterward, relax at the serene Lake Bunyonyi.
Accommodation: Birdnest Lodge, Lake Bunyonyi
Enjoy a well-deserved day of relaxation at “the place of many little birds.” You can choose to swim in the bilharzia-free waters, canoe to the various islands, hike the surrounding hills, or simply unwind and reflect on your incredible journey so far.
Accommodation: Birdnest Lodge, Lake Bunyonyi
We journey east to the compact and beautiful Lake Mburo National Park. The drive takes us through Uganda’s picturesque rolling hills, arriving in time for lunch and an afternoon of relaxation at the lodge.
Accommodation: Rwakobo Rock
Start the day with a unique and thrilling guided safari walk, getting you up close with the smaller details of the ecosystem—tracks, smells, and sounds. After breakfast, enjoy a final, relaxing game drive to spot zebras, impalas, and elands.
Accommodation: Rwakobo Rock
After a leisurely breakfast, we begin our return to Kampala. A key stop is at the Uganda Equator for the classic photo opportunity and a bit of souvenir shopping. We arrive in Kampala in the late afternoon.
Accommodation: Cassia Lodge, Kampala
Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a guided city tour of Kampala. Explore cultural sites like the Kasubi Tombs, the Bahai Temple, or vibrant craft markets. Later, your guide will transfer you to Entebbe Airport for your flight home, filled with a lifetime of memories.
Meals: Breakfast