Embark on an unforgettable journey to Uganda's top destinations with Activentures Africa Safaris. Experience the country's rich diversity as you travel from East to West and North to South. Discover the stunning Sipi Falls, explore Kidepo Valley, one of the world’s premier parks, and meet the Karamojong people. Cruise along the mighty Nile, traverse the savannas of Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls, and venture into the rainforests of Kibale and Bwindi. This tour blends the best of Uganda’s nature, culture, and wildlife into one extraordinary adventure.
Day 1: You'll be collected from the airport. Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be met by a Activenture Africa Safaris guide/driver who will welcome you to Uganda—the Pearl of Africa. Thereafter, you will be transferred to your booked accommodation.
You'll enjoy your stay at a charming lodge offering stunning views of Lake Victoria. The rooms are tastefully furnished in a safari style and come equipped with satellite TV, a minibar, telephone, ceiling fan, a balcony overlooking the lake, and a modern, comfortable bathroom.
Day 2: Transfer to Jinja for Water Rafting (Source of the Nile)
You'll be picked up early in the morning to begin your journey to Jinja. On the way, you'll pass through Mabira Forest, Lugazi's sugar plantations, and finally reach the world's longest river, the Nile. Jinja, located about 3 hours east of Kampala on the shores of Lake Victoria, is renowned as the historic source of the Nile and the adrenaline hub of East Africa. Beyond its serene sunsets, birdlife, and calm atmosphere, Jinja offers exciting adventures like white-water rafting. With its stunning natural scenery, colonial-era architecture, lively downtown, and charming leafy streets near the Nile, you'll have plenty to explore and enjoy.
Day 3: The Stunning Sipi Falls
On this day, you'll set out from Kumi District towards the breathtaking Sipi Falls. The drive takes you through northeastern Uganda, leading to the foothills of Mount Elgon. Here, at an elevation of 1800 meters, you'll arrive at the plateau where Sipi Falls is nestled. This verdant region boasts a spectacular series of waterfalls—some reaching nearly 100 meters—set amidst lush, coffee-covered hills and scenic village trails. The cooler, temperate climate provides a refreshing contrast to other parts of Uganda. You’ll unwind in the serene atmosphere, far from the noise and traffic of the city. Later, you can enjoy activities such as a coffee tour, community visits, or invigorating hikes.
Day 4: Nature Hikes and Visit the Traditional kraals
Activenture Africa Safaris is committed to innovation and responsible travel, taking you to off-the-beaten-path destinations that few others explore. One such place is Karamoja, a remote region in northeastern Uganda, where you can immerse yourself in the traditional lifestyle of the Karamojong, one of Uganda's most culturally preserved tribes. After breakfast, you'll depart for Moroto, home to the Karamojong. Upon arrival, you'll embark on a scenic nature walk up Karamoja's highest mountain. Along the way, you'll set up camp in a village of the So Tepeth mountain people. Later, you’ll visit a Karamojong community living in a Kraal, also known as Manyatta or Boma in Swahili. A Kraal is a village of huts enclosed by wooden and thorny fences, designed to protect livestock from rival tribes and wild animals. Some Kraals are permanent settlements, while others are temporary.
Day 5: Kidepo Valley National Park
Start your day immersed in the peaceful sights, sounds, and scents of rural life. After breakfast, we continue our journey north, traveling through the rugged landscapes of Karamoja towards Kidepo Valley. You'll have the morning to enjoy more time with the Karamojong tribe, soaking in the richness of their culture. Following this memorable encounter, we'll head to Uganda's most remote and untouched wilderness: Kidepo Valley National Park. Nestled in the semi-arid valleys of northeastern Uganda, where the country meets Sudan and Kenya, Kidepo remains a hidden gem rarely visited by many. Though the journey is long, the reward is the breathtaking scenery and wildlife. In the afternoon, you'll experience a game drive through the wild Narus Valley, where you'll have the chance to spot elephants, buffalo herds, and possibly even lions or leopards resting on the valley's rocky outcrops.
Day 6: Kidepo Game Drive
Kidepo Valley National Park is one of the rare places in Uganda where you can embark on a walking safari. Accompanied by an armed ranger for your safety, you’ll explore the wilderness on foot, offering a unique opportunity to get close to wildlife, a completely different experience from viewing animals by car. You’ll have the chance to encounter buffalo, waterbuck, giraffes, warthogs, zebras, bushbucks, and playful baboons, as well as a variety of bird species. Your guide will pause frequently, not just to search for wildlife but to share insights about the birds, insects, trees, animal tracks, and the medicinal uses of plants, as well as which animals feed on which vegetation. Later in the evening, you’ll embark on another game drive through the park. Surrounded by mountains and rocky ridges, this stunning savannah is home to a vast array of wildlife, with over 80 mammal species, including 28 that are rarely found in other Ugandan parks, and 475 species of birds.
Day 7: Transfer from Kidepo to Murchison Falls National Park
After an early breakfast, we'll depart from the camp for one last opportunity to soak in the beauty of Kidepo and perhaps spot any wildlife we may have missed. From the park gates, we’ll embark on a two-hour drive through the rugged terrain of northern Uganda to Kitgum, followed by another hour's drive to Gulu, where we'll pause for lunch. Afterward, we’ll continue south on well-maintained roads toward the northern entrance of Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and most renowned nature reserve. Famous for the breathtaking Murchison Falls and its abundant wildlife, this park is a must-see gem in the Pearl of Africa. In the late afternoon, we’ll take a leisurely drive through the park, concluding with a camp setup in the delta area.
Day 8: Game Drive and the Mighty Falls
After an early breakfast, it's time to fully explore the park. During the game drive, you'll have the chance to spot as many animals as possible. As you traverse the park, you may find yourself face-to-face with Africa's majestic wildlife. Keep an eye out for elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, lions, leopards, various species of antelopes, and a wide variety of tropical birds. A knowledgeable ranger will accompany you, offering insights into the park's diverse inhabitants. Murchison Falls National Park is particularly known for its large elephant population, rich birdlife, and vast herds of buffalo. As you explore, you'll encounter a range of ecosystems, from dense woodlands to open savannahs and rolling grasslands. In the afternoon, you'll embark on a memorable boat safari along the Victoria Nile towards the base of the mighty Murchison Falls. This three-hour journey offers a unique perspective on the park and its incredible landscapes.
Day 9 Transfer to Kibale National Park
Have breakfast in the morning and depart for Kibale Forest National Park. Have lunch at Fort Portal and proceed in the view of the Rwenzori Mountains. Enjoy a guided nature walk in the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary to see various bird species, butterflies and primates. Dinner and your overnight stay are in Bigodi.
Day 10: Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Swamp Walk
Today, you'll embark on a trek to find Kibale National Park's most famous residents: the chimpanzees. Sharing 98% of our genes, chimpanzees are our closest living relatives. While they inhabit 21 countries across Africa, Uganda is the best place to see them due to its high population density. Currently, approximately 5,000 chimpanzees remain in the wild in Uganda. The trekking experience takes place along several well-maintained walking trails, allowing for easy exploration. Kibale is also home to the highest diversity of primates in any East African forest, offering the chance to encounter not just our delightful cousins, the chimpanzees, but also red colobus, red-tailed guenon, white-nosed monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, blue monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and black-and-white colobus monkeys.
Day 11: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Scenic Queen Elizabeth National Park is located in southwestern Uganda and is most often included in visitors’ itineraries. It is the second largest park in the country and is located at the base of the majestic Rwenzori Mountain range, next to Lake Edward and Lake George which are joined by the Kazinga channel. Few reserves in the world have such high biodiversity with landscapes including savannah, bushland, wetlands and lush forests. On your first game drive, it is time to explore Queen Elizabeth National Park with its 200 kilometres of well-maintained game viewing tracks. We advise you to be alert and proactive on your game drive to help the ranger spot as many animals as possible. With an astonishing 5000 hippos, 2500 elephants and over 10,000 buffalo thriving in its grasslands and shorelines, this park guarantees sightings of some of Africa’s most iconic species.
Day 12: Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel and Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park
After enjoying your breakfast, you'll head out for a morning game drive, timed perfectly to witness the sunrise. The early hours are ideal for spotting wildlife, as the African animal kingdom is most active during the golden light of dawn illuminating the savannah. You'll continue your search for a variety of animals, including elephants, buffalo, lions, waterbucks, leopards, Uganda kob, warthogs, and don’t forget to look out for the birds and primates.
After lunch, you’ll embark on a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, where you’ll encounter an astonishing number of hippos, along with various other animals that come to the water to drink or bathe. Expect to see buffalo, crocodiles, elephants enjoying a dip, and a stunning array of birds. This experience is sure to be a highlight of your tour. On your way back to the lodge, you’ll also enjoy an evening game drive.
Day 13: Chimpanzee and Tree Climbing in Ishasha Sector to Bwindi
In the early morning, you'll embark on a hike in the Kyambura Gorge, a hidden treasure located in the far eastern corner of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Often referred to as the "Valley of Apes," this stunning gorge offers a unique ecosystem all its own. Nourished by the River Kyambura, it boasts rich biodiversity, including a family of 16 chimpanzees and numerous bird species.
Following your hike, you'll drive approximately 2.5 hours to the southern section of Queen Elizabeth National Park, known as the Ishasha sector. This area is renowned for its remarkable tree-climbing lions. While lion cubs around the world often climb trees for play, adult lions rarely do so. However, these lionesses can be seen lounging in fig trees during the hot afternoons, seeking refuge from tsetse flies and enjoying a refreshing breeze. After this exciting experience, you will be transferred to Bwindi for your overnight stay.
Day 14: Gorilla Trekking and Batwa Culture
Today is the big day… Prepare yourself for an encounter with one of Bwindi’s gentle giants: the rare mountain gorilla. For most people, this is the absolute highlight of their tour in Uganda. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a highlight for many visitors as this is where they'll be visiting the home of the gentle giants. The park lies in southwestern Uganda on the edge of the Rift Valley. Uganda’s oldest and most biologically diverse rainforests lie on the mist-covered hillsides. Bwindi forest has an incredible diversity of flora and fauna and is the only forest in Africa which can make a claim to hosting both mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. In fact, half the world’s population of gorillas live here divided over nine habituated family groups. Also, 5 other primate species, 120 species of mammal, over 220 butterflies and 360 bird species call Bwindi home. This is the place to see the critically endangered mountain gorillas up close for your very own ‘Gorillas in the Mist’ moment.
Day 15: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi for Relaxation
After breakfast, we shall start our journey to Lake Bunyonyi in Kabale District. Lake Bunyonyi is framed by lush, green-terraced hills that reach a height of (2,200 – 2,478m) with 29 islands of various shapes and sizes scattered across the water that make it most magical—you could admire them all day. You shall have an exciting boat ride on Lake Bunyonyi. In the afternoon, you may have optional activities; a canoe boat ride, a swim in the bilharzia free lake, you may also explore a nearby village. Residents are happy about your visit and are open to explaining their daily lives.
Day 16: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park
After your breakfast, and a brief visit to Kabale town, you will start your journey to Lake Mburo. Lake Mburo is a small national park but should certainly not be underestimated. This is the only place in southern Uganda to see zebras and the only park in the country with impalas, slender mongoose and giant bush rats. You can also look for hyenas, leopards, topis, elands and the beautiful Rothschild’s giraffes, not to mention the lake itself which is teeming with hippos and crocodiles. There are a lot of wonderful activities on offer, such as horse riding, bush walks, a boat safari on the lake and a mountain bike safari. It is exciting to approach the wildlife at such close range, especially combining the fresh air with the beautiful scenery of Lake Mburo National Park. En-route have lunch in Mbarara town and visit the Igongo Cultural Center.
Day 17: Nature Walk and Boat Cruise
What makes Lake Mburo National Park unique is the opportunity to take nature walks anywhere in the park, accompanied by an armed guide from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. On an early morning guided walk, you may encounter hyenas returning to their dens after a night of hunting, as well as hippos heading back to Lake Mburo after a night of grazing, seeking to cool off and protect their sensitive skin from the sun. During your nature walk, you’re likely to spot zebras, giraffes, elands, topis, various antelope species, buffaloes, birds, and butterflies. Follow the trail to the hilltops for a breathtaking view of Lake Mburo and the surrounding landscape, where you can see nine of the regional lakes in the area. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Mburo, allowing you to connect with the lake's diverse flora and fauna.
Day 18: Exit Lake Mburo and Transfer Back to Kampala
Early in the morning, have a guided nature walk again and later return to the camp for a healthy breakfast. Afterwards, you will start your journey back to Entebbe. You will cross the equator and experience being in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres at the same time. You'll also have time to take photos. Buy a few souvenirs in the craft shops and have a quick picnic lunch. Later, depart for the airport and take your flight back home.
