17 DAYS UGANDA SAFARI
Overview.
The 17 days Uganda Safari is a wonderful exposure to Uganda’s top tourist destinations, leading to the untouched wilderness including Murchison falls, Mount Elgon, Kidepo Valley, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi Impenetrable and Lake Mburo National Parks in addition to Lake Bunyonyi and Jinja-the Adventure Capital of Uganda. This long safari is a “trip of discovery and memorable experiences” with activities such as game drives where you should expect big five animals, giraffes, Uganda Kobs, Impalas, zebras, Oribis, spotted hyenas, cheetahs, striped hyenas, serval cats, Defassa waterbucks, common elands, Jackson’s hartebeests and many others.
Undertake refreshing boat cruises with plethora of bird species and water-dwelling animals, gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, community visits, hiking/guided nature walks and birding opportunities. This long safari starts and ends within Entebbe International Airport.
Trip Itinerary.
Day 1: Arrival in Uganda through Entebbe International Airport and transfer to Kampala
Arrival in Uganda, through the spectacular Entebbe International Airport and transfer to Kampala for meals and overnight at a stupendous Hotel/Motel.
Day 2: All day Jinja adventures
Breakfast at the Hotel/Motel in Kampala and transfer to Jinja, the adventure Capital of East Africa and home to the source of the Nile. Some of the adventurous activities here are Bungee jumping, whitewater rafting and boat cruise to the source of the Nile. After Lunch, you will visit the famous Bujagali falls and check-in at a Lodge/Hotel/Motel in Jinja Town for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Transfer from Jinja to Mount Elgon National Park, Eastern Uganda
Start your day with a Continental breakfast at the Hotel/Motel in Jinja then leave for Mount Elgon National Park. Drive through several Towns along the Eastern route while relishing spectacular views, then arrive Mbale in the afternoon for Lunch. On arrival at Mount Elgon National Park, start the hike to the jaw-dropping Sipi falls through local villages, coffee plantations and many other beautiful sites. Your dinner and overnight will be within the Sipi falls area or in Mount Elgon National Park.
Day 4: Leave Mount Elgon National Park for Kidepo Valley National Park
Breakfast at the Lodge while enjoying the breathtaking views of the Mount Elgon area and leave for Kidepo Valley National Park, an authentic African wilderness within the north-western corner of Uganda. The long journey involves exploring the Karamoja plains and arrival in the evening for dinner and overnight stay. Meanwhile Lunch is en-route.
Day 5: All day Kidepo valley National Park Exploration
The whole day is dedicated to exploring the hidden and untouched treasures of Kidepo Valley National Park. After a delicious breakfast, embark on the photographic game drive through the Park’s hot spots including Narus Valley where outstanding wildlife species such as cheetahs, black-backed jackals, serval cats, lions, side-striped jackal, leopards, striped hyenas, greater and lesser kudu, zebras, mountain reedbucks, elephants, buffaloes, Defassa waterbucks, Jackson’s hartebeests, warthogs, Oribis, Klipspringers, Topis, impalas and many others. Also expect to see a variety of exceptional bird species including the Somalia Ostriches and Karamoja Apalis among others.
Lunch at the Lodge and evening head for a community visit where you will explore the interesting culture of the Karamojong people that include their traditional Dances, traditional wear and housing structures among others. Relaxation, sumptuous dinner and overnight stay at the Lodge within the wilderness.
Day 6: Transfer from Kidepo Valley National Park in north-western Uganda to Murchison falls National Park (north-west)
Breakfast at the Lodge and connect to Murchison falls National Park through the northern gates and arrive in the afternoon for a hot meal. Murchison falls National Park was the first Park to be established in Uganda with outstanding wildlife and bird species. Relax at the Lodge for the rest of the evening, dinner and overnight at the same Lodge.
Day 7: Entire day to explore Murchison falls National Park (boat cruise and game drive)
Embark on a morning game drive after breakfast, lasting 3-4 hours through the stunning northern banks of Nile River. This is considered the most endowed part of the Park with numerous buffaloes, Rothschild giraffes, buffaloes, warthogs, bushbucks, spotted hyenas, lions, Uganda Kobs, Defassa waterbucks, leopards, common elands and Oribis among others. Get back to the lodge for relaxation and later Lunch that will pave way for the next activity.
With enthusiasm move to the Delta jetty for the start of the Boat cruise along the mighty Nile River until the bottom of the Murchison falls. Hippos, large crocodiles, elephants, Uganda Kobs and buffaloes as well as birds such as African fish eagles, pelicans, kingfishers shoebill storks, yellow-billed storks, herons and cormorants are the popular sights during the boat cruise. Settle for hot meal (dinner) and overnight stay at the Lodge.
Day 8: Transfer from Murchison falls National Park to Kibale Forest National Park via the Albertine Rift Valley
Breakfast in Uganda’s prime National Park and embark on a 7-8 hours’ journey to Kibale Forest National Park via the Lake Albert area as well as the Rift Valley Escarpment, known for picturesque views and have en-route Lunch in Hoima Town. Continue enjoying the views of the Rwenzori Mountains and arrive Kibale Forest National Park in the evening for dinner and overnight.
Day 9: Chimpanzee tracking adventure and Birding in Bigodi wetland Sanctuary
Gather at Kanyanchu Visitor Center for pre-tracking briefing on Chimpanzee trekking. After almost 45 minutes of the briefing, enter the forest for not just the chimpanzees (the highlight of the trek) but also grey-cheeked mangabeys, olive baboons, black and white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys and L’Hoests monkeys in addition to variety of forest-dwelling bird species. On finding the chimpanzees, spend one hour in their presence to watch them go-about their daily activities.
Settle for a hot meal at the Lodge and be driven to Bigodi wetland Sanctuary. Undertake a guided walk through the sanctuary where birds such as Brown-chested Alethe, great blue Turaco, African pitta, yellow-billed barbets, Papyrus canary, Black Bishop, white-breasted negrofinch, Papyrus gonolek, Superb sunbirds and many others. Drive back to the Lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 10: Leave for the phenomenal Queen Elizabeth National Park
Leave Kibale Forest National Park after breakfast, for the savannah-dominant Queen Elizabeth National Park. The 3-4 hours’ drive sees you arriving your final destination in the Afternoon. Start the game drive through the Park, heading to the Lodge for hot Lunch, dinner and overnight.
Day 11: All day Queen Elizabeth National Park exploration (game drive and boat cruise)
Be up early for breakfast and early morning game drive through the northern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park where herds of buffaloes, Uganda Kobs, warthogs, bushbucks, elephants, Defassa waterbucks as well as solitary leopards, prides of lions and many others. Settle for Lunch after 3-4 hours of the Game Drive and in the afternoon relaxation during the boat cruise on Kazinga Channel.
The boat cruise on the calm waters of Kazinga Channel, which connects Lakes Edward and George and home to high concentrations of crocodiles, Hippos and Monitor lizards in addition to numerous species of water, wetland and woodland bird species. Dinner and overnight on this day will be at the Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Day 12: Transfer to the misty Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Leisurely breakfast at the Lodge and check-out of the accommodation facility for a transfer to the misty Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Drive southwards towards Ishasha sector for another short game drive that will reward you with the views of the tree climbing lions on fig tree branches, Uganda Kobs, elephants, Defassa waterbucks, Topis and bushbucks. En-route Lunch (at Savannah Resort Kihihi, Kanungu district) and arrive Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the evening for dinner and overnight.
Day 13: Gorilla Trekking adventure and evening community visit
The day for the life-changing gorilla trekking adventure begins with breakfast and connect to the Park Headquarters for briefing on the rules and regulation is trekking and being in the presence of these endangered gentle giants. Trekking to search for the mountain gorillas takes 2-5 hours, depending on their movement/location and this time also includes the one hour in their magical presence.
Lunch at the Lodge and in the evening relax by the Lodge or undertake a community visit at the borders of the Forest. Dinner and overnight stay within the outskirts of the lush and misty Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Day 14: Leave Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for the shores of Lake Bunyonyi
Breakfast at the Lodge in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is followed by transfer to the serene Lake Bunyonyi. Enjoy several en-route sceneries and arrive the shores of Lake Bunyonyi in the afternoon for Lunch at the booked Lodge. Explore the Lake through a boat ride, leading to the lush forested Islands, not forgetting the bird species. Overnight stay at the same booked Lodge.
Day 15: Transfer to the serene shores of Lake Bunyonyi to Lake Mburo National Park
Breakfast and transfer to Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda’s smallest savannah National Park located in Kiruhura district. Drive through the verdant terraced rolling hills and reach the Park in the afternoon for Lunch. Later undertake a game drive where buffaloes, Defassa waterbucks, Topis, impalas, giraffes, zebras, warthogs, common elands, olive baboons and bushbucks scattered across the Park’s landscape. Settle for dinner and overnight at the Lodge, within or outside the Park.
Day 16: Boat ride on Lake Mburo and transfer to Kampala City
Embark on a boat ride along the serene Lake Mburo exploring the unique vegetation along the shores, Hippos, Nile crocodiles, buffaloes as well as plethora of bird species. The boat ride will also lead to the fishing village where you will see the different fish preservation methods. Lunch at the Lodge and leave for Kampala City, where you will arrive in the evening for dinner and overnight.
Day 17: City tour and transfer to Entebbe International Airport
Breakfast and depending on your flight schedule, you will either be transferred to Entebbe International Airport for departure flight or visit the city’s top tourist sites.
End of the safari.

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