21 Days Around Uganda Explorer

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Welcome to Uganda

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport on your 21 Days Around Uganda Explorer, you’ll be warmly welcomed by your safari guide and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to relax or enjoy an optional visit to the Entebbe Botanical Gardens or the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre for a gentle introduction to Uganda’s flora and fauna. Enjoy a delicious dinner and rest ahead of your adventure.

Day 2: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and Transfer to Murchison Falls

Depart early from Entebbe and drive north to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Here, you will track endangered white rhinos on foot with a professional guide, learning about rhino conservation efforts in Uganda. After lunch, continue to Murchison Falls National Park. En route, stop to view local villages and roadside markets. Before arriving at your lodge, visit the top of the mighty Murchison Falls to witness the Nile River squeezing through a 7-meter gorge.

Day 3: Safari Game Drive and Nile Boat Cruise

Start the day with a sunrise game drive in the northern savannah plains of Murchison Falls National Park. Look out for lions, giraffes, elephants, buffaloes, and a variety of antelope species. In the afternoon, embark on a boat safari on the Nile River towards the base of Murchison Falls, where you’ll see hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species. You may opt for a short hike to the top of the falls for stunning panoramic views.

Day 4: Cultural Transfer to Hoima

After breakfast, take a scenic drive to Hoima, the historical capital of the Bunyoro Kingdom. Along the way, enjoy cultural encounters with local communities and pass through fertile farmlands. Upon arrival in Hoima, you can visit cultural sites such as the Bunyoro Royal Palace or engage in a village walk to learn more about the traditions and daily life of the local people.

Day 5: Drive to Fort Portal via Tea Plantations and Crater Lakes

Journey west to Fort Portal, a town nestled in the shadows of the Rwenzori Mountains. En route, enjoy views of verdant tea plantations and rural countryside. In the afternoon, visit the Amabere Ga Nyina Mwiru Caves and take a guided hike around the beautiful crater lakes. Learn about the area’s cultural myths and enjoy the scenery of this picturesque region.

Day 6: Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Wetland Walk

Today is dedicated to primates. Head into Kibale Forest for an unforgettable chimpanzee trekking experience. Witness their fascinating social behavior as you spend time with a habituated troop. In the afternoon, take a guided nature walk through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-run conservation project home to monkeys, birds, and swamp-dwelling species.

Day 7: Explore Semuliki National Park and Hot Springs

Take a day trip to Semuliki National Park, known for its lowland rainforest and geothermal activity. Explore the Sempaya Hot Springs and enjoy a short forest walk where you may encounter unique bird species and forest mammals. Learn about the local Batwa communities and their historical ties to the forest before returning to Fort Portal for the evening.

Day 8: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Depart Fort Portal for Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most popular wildlife destinations. Arrive in time for an afternoon game drive in the Kasenyi Plains. Look out for elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kob, and if lucky, lions on the hunt. Your lodge offers views of the savannah or nearby crater lakes.

Day 9: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Safari

Enjoy an early morning game drive for a chance to spot nocturnal predators before they retreat. Later, take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway connecting Lakes Edward and George. This relaxing trip offers great photography of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and over 600 bird species. End the day with a sundowner overlooking the channel.

Day 10: Tree-Climbing Lions and Transfer to Bwindi via Ishasha

Travel through the remote Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its rare tree-climbing lions. Keep your eyes on the fig trees! After a picnic lunch, continue to the misty highlands of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home of the endangered mountain gorillas.

Day 11: Gorilla Trekking Adventure

Wake up early for a briefing at the park headquarters before venturing into the dense forest for your gorilla trekking experience. The trek can take 2-6 hours depending on the location of the gorilla family. Once located, you will spend one magical hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat. In the afternoon, enjoy a Batwa community visit to learn about their forest traditions.

Day 12: Relaxation and Canoeing on Lake Bunyonyi

Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, a scenic and peaceful lake dotted with islands. After checking into your lodge, enjoy a relaxing canoe ride to explore some of the islands, each with its own story. The calm atmosphere makes this a perfect day to rest and reflect on your gorilla trekking experience.

Day 13: Cultural Encounters and Nature Walks Around Bunyonyi

Spend the day exploring the local culture around Lake Bunyonyi. Visit a local school or farm, enjoy traditional dances, or take a nature walk along the lake’s terraced hills. For the adventurous, optional activities like zip-lining or birdwatching are available.

Day 14: Transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Drive to the scenic Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located in the Virunga Mountains. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walk along the Batwa Trail or visit the Garama Cave to learn about Batwa cultural history. Mgahinga offers breathtaking views and cool mountain air.

Day 15: Golden Monkey Tracking or Volcano Hiking

Choose between tracking the playful golden monkeys or hiking one of the Virunga Volcanoes, such as Mount Gahinga or Sabinyo. Both options offer rich biodiversity and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Return to your lodge for a relaxing evening by the fire.

Day 16: Drive to Lake Mburo National Park

After breakfast, depart for Lake Mburo National Park. This compact park is home to zebras, impalas, elands, and bird species not commonly found elsewhere in Uganda. Enjoy a sunset game drive en route to your lodge nestled within the park.

Day 17: Walking Safari and Boat Cruise

Begin your day with a guided walking safari – a unique chance to observe wildlife on foot. After lunch, enjoy a tranquil boat cruise on Lake Mburo to see hippos, crocodiles, and water birds. The day ends with a scenic view of the acacia woodlands.

Day 18: Transfer to Sipi Falls via Mbale

Day 18 of  your 21 Days Around Uganda Explorer. Travel east toward the Mount Elgon region and arrive at the beautiful Sipi Falls. This area is known for its cool climate and impressive waterfalls. Take a short evening walk to admire the views or visit a local coffee farm to learn about Arabica coffee production.

Day 19: Full-Day Sipi Falls Exploration

Hike through local trails to explore all three waterfalls that make up Sipi Falls. A local guide will share stories of the region and point out unique plants and birds. In the afternoon, enjoy a cultural visit or relax at your lodge with views of the falls and valley.

Day 20: Transfer to Jinja – Adventure Capital of East Africa

Descend from the highlands and make your way to Jinja, the source of the Nile River. Visit the point where the Nile begins its long journey to Egypt. Optional activities include white-water rafting, quad biking, horseback riding, or a relaxing sunset cruise on the Nile.

Day 21: End Of Your 21 Days Around Uganda Explorer

On your final day, drive back to Kampala or Entebbe. If time allows, visit the Uganda Museum, crafts markets, or the Bahai Temple. Your driver will drop you at Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of an unforgettable journey across Uganda.