21-Day Gorilla, Chimps & Wildlife Safari in Uganda
This 21-Day Gorilla, Chimps & Wildlife Safari introduces you to Uganda’s diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes. You will travel across lush forests, open savannahs, and dramatic waterfalls. Each day offers fresh sights, sounds, and cultural experiences. From meeting gorillas in Bwindi to walking with zebras in Kidepo, this trip offers great variety. You will explore Uganda’s famous parks and discover hidden gems like Sipi Falls and the Karamoja region.
Cultural visits include time with the Batwa and the Karamojong people. Wildlife encounters include chimpanzees, elephants, and lions. Hikes lead you through the cool forests of Mount Elgon and the roaring Murchison Falls. You will cruise the Nile and view game in open plains. Accommodation ranges from budget lodges to community guesthouses. All transport, permits, meals, and activities are arranged.
Iconic Africa Safaris also customizes the safari to match your budget and interests. Whether you’re a nature lover, photographer, or cultural explorer, this safari suits many travel styles.
Day 1: Arrival in Uganda and Kampala City Tour
You will arrive at Entebbe International Airport and meet your Iconic Africa Safaris driver. Transfer to your hotel in Kampala for breakfast and check-in. After resting, explore the city’s cultural landmarks.
Begin with a visit to Kasubi Tombs, a sacred burial site for Buganda kings. These tombs are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and reflect traditional architecture. Next, head to the Gaddafi Mosque. This mosque is Uganda’s national mosque and offers panoramic views of Kampala.
Later, tour the Uganda Museum, where you learn about the country’s history and heritage. End your city tour at the Baha’i Temple on Kikaya Hill. This peaceful site is the only Baha’i temple in Africa.
Accommodation: Forest Cottages
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 2: Transfer to Jinja – Source of the Nile
After breakfast, drive east to Jinja town, located on the shore of Lake Victoria. On the way, pass through Mabira Forest and the Lugazi sugar plantations. Jinja is known for being the source of the River Nile.
Enjoy the natural scenery and colonial charm of this riverside town. Participate in optional adventure activities like white-water rafting, tubing, or horseback riding. Walk around the vibrant streets and admire the colonial architecture.
Accommodation: Afro Smile Hotel & Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 3: Travel to Sipi Falls
After breakfast, begin your journey northeast toward Sipi Falls in the Kumi District. Drive through the foothills of Mount Elgon to reach a high plateau. Sipi Falls features three spectacular waterfalls surrounded by lush coffee farms and steep cliffs.
The area has cool weather and amazing hiking trails. Spend the afternoon walking to the waterfalls or visiting local farms. Join a coffee tour to learn how coffee is grown and processed.
Accommodation: Casa Sipi Falls Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 4: Visit the IK Tribe and Travel to Karamoja
Wake up early and head to Karamoja, a remote region in northeastern Uganda. Along the way, enjoy scenic views of dry savannahs and rocky hills.
Once in Moroto, walk through the Tepeth Mountains and camp near a village. Later, meet the IK and Karamojong people. Learn about their traditions, cattle culture, and daily lifestyle. Visit their Kraals, which are wooden-fenced villages that protect cattle and families.
Accommodation: Karamoja Arts
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 5: Transfer to Kidepo Valley National Park
After breakfast, continue north through dramatic Karamoja landscapes toward Kidepo Valley National Park. Enjoy the scenic drive and stop for photos along the way.
Kidepo is Uganda’s most remote park. Its wide valleys and rocky hills are home to rare wildlife. In the afternoon, enjoy a game drive in Narus Valley. Spot elephants, buffaloes, and predators like lions and leopards on the rocky outcrops.
Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 6: Walking Safari and Game Drive in Kidepo
Start the day with a guided walking safari through the open savannah. An armed ranger joins the group for safety. Observe wildlife such as zebras, warthogs, giraffes, and various birds.
During the walk, learn about medicinal plants, animal droppings, and tracks. Later, drive across the park for more wildlife viewing. Kidepo hosts unique species like ostriches, cheetahs, and caracals rarely seen in other parks.
Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 7: Travel to Murchison Falls National Park
After breakfast, leave Kidepo and drive south toward Murchison Falls. The route passes through Kitgum and Gulu towns, offering chances to see northern Uganda’s rural life.
Stop for lunch in Gulu before continuing to Murchison’s northern gate. Enter the park in the late afternoon and enjoy a short game drive. Watch for giraffes, antelope, and monkeys along the way.
Accommodation: Red Chilli Rest Camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 8: Game Drive and Boat Safari at Murchison Falls
Begin the morning with a game drive across the northern savannah. With a ranger onboard, search for elephants, lions, leopards, and buffaloes. Murchison is home to many birds, including the shoebill stork.
In the afternoon, take a boat cruise on the Victoria Nile toward the base of the falls. Spot hippos, crocodiles, and birds along the riverbank. You may also hike to the top of the falls for spectacular views.
Accommodation: Red Chilli Rest Camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 9: Visit the Top of the Falls and Drive to Semuliki
After breakfast, visit the top of Murchison Falls for photo opportunities. Watch as the Nile forces its way through a narrow gap.
Later, drive west toward Semuliki National Park. The journey takes about seven to eight hours. You will pass through Fort Portal and other scenic areas.
Arrive at your lodge in the evening and relax after the long journey.
Accommodation: Mountains of the Moon Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 10: Hike to Hot Springs, Crater Lakes, and Amabere Ganyina Mwiru
After a hearty breakfast, set off to explore the famous Sempaya Hot Springs in Semuliki. These hot springs feature a geyser that shoots water from a hole 8 meters deep, creating a spectacular sight. The water is hot enough to boil matooke and eggs, which will be ready to eat in just minutes. This is the largest hot spring in Uganda, and it is a must-see. Along the trail, you will also spot a variety of birds, including the Blue-breasted Kingfisher. Several primates, such as red-tailed monkeys and grey-cheeked mangabeys, also inhabit the area.
Next, visit the Amabere Ga Nyina Mwiru Caves, known for their rich cultural history and fascinating legends. While hiking through the area, you’ll enjoy learning about the local culture and stories. Afterward, transfer to Kibale National Park for your next adventure.
Accommodation: Rweteera Safari Park
Meals & Drinks: All meals included
Day 11: Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi Swamp Walk
Today, head into Kibale National Park to track its most famous inhabitants, the chimpanzees. These fascinating creatures share 98% of human DNA, making them our closest living relatives. Kibale is home to one of the highest chimpanzee populations in Africa, and you are likely to encounter them. In addition to chimpanzees, the park hosts many other primates. You might also see red colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and gray-cheeked mangabeys.
In the afternoon, enjoy a walk through Bigodi Swamp. The swamp is rich in wildlife and offers excellent birdwatching opportunities. It’s a peaceful walk with beautiful scenery, perfect for nature lovers.
Accommodation: Rweteera Safari Park
Meals & Drinks: All meals included
Day 12: Mountain Rwenzori Hiking (Mahoma Trail)
The trek today will take you through the stunning Kyambogho Ridge in the Rwenzori Mountains. The trail offers views of the Mubuku Valley and passes through dense rainforest, home to various primates. You may encounter black-and-white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and the occasional L’Hoest’s monkey. Reach the Omu’ka Kizza Rest Camp at 2,977 meters for breathtaking views over the Rwenzori foothills and Kasese town, which lies 2,160 meters below.
Spend the night in a mountain hut, surrounded by the beauty of the mountains.
Accommodation: Bujuku Hut
Meals & Drinks: All meals included
Day 13: Mahoma Trail Hike and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Today, continue your hike towards Mahoma Lake. The trail leads through moss-covered ridges and ancient forests of giant heather trees. You may spot mountain elephants and even see them drinking from hot springs. The flora in this area is diverse, with everlasting flowers and giant lobelias lining the path. Once you reach Mahoma Lake, take a brief rest before transferring to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Accommodation: Engiri Game Lodge
Meals & Drinks: All meals included
Day 14: Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Crater Lake Drive
Start the day early with a game drive along the Kasenyi plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Look out for wildlife like lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes, and waterbucks. Return to your accommodation for some rest before lunch.
In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic drive around the park’s explosion crater lakes. The views are spectacular, and wildlife such as Cape buffaloes and elephants are often seen.
Accommodation: Engiri Game Lodge
Meals & Drinks: All meals included, Drinking water included (Other drinks not included)
Day 15: Transfer to Bwindi National Park via the Ishasha Sector
After breakfast, head to the Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park for a chance to see tree-climbing lions. Spotting these lions is a unique experience, as they rest high in the branches of fig trees. In addition to lions, you may see Uganda kob, buffaloes, and elephants.
Afterward, continue your journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to half of the world’s mountain gorillas. The park is a haven for wildlife, including several primate species. Once you arrive, check in to your accommodation and relax in preparation for the gorilla trekking experience the following day.
Accommodation: Karungi Camp
Meals & Drinks: All meals included
Day 16: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi National Park and Transfer to Mgahinga National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of the best places in the world to see mountain gorillas. The park is home to over 400 gorillas, spread across nine habituated groups. Trekking through the forest is a thrilling experience, offering the chance to see these gentle giants up close. The park’s lush vegetation and misty atmosphere add to the adventure.
After your gorilla trekking, transfer to Mgahinga National Park, home to more primates and the stunning Virunga Volcanoes.
Accommodation: Karungi Camp
Meals & Drinks: All meals included
Day 17: Golden Monkey Trekking and Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
Start your day with golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga National Park. These monkeys are active and playful, making for an exciting trekking experience. They are found only in the Virunga Volcanoes region. After tracking the golden monkeys, you will be transferred to Lake Bunyonyi, known for its serene environment and stunning scenery.
In the afternoon, explore the Batwa culture through a nature walk before settling in for the night at Lake Bunyonyi.
Accommodation: Bunyonyi Overland Resort
Meals & Drinks: All meals included
Day 18: Explore Lake Bunyonyi – Canoe Ride, Sightseeing, and Community Visit
After breakfast, you can opt to visit the Orugano Rain Forest, which is rich in plants and wildlife. Alternatively, spend time with the Batwa people, who inhabit the forest and its surrounding areas. The area is also great for birdwatching, with over 300 species recorded.
Another option is a canoe ride on Lake Bunyonyi. The canoe trek will introduce you to the various islands and their histories. You will experience the peaceful nature of the lake while learning about its cultural significance.
Accommodation: Bunyonyi Overland Resort
Meals & Drinks: All meals included
Day 19: Transfer to Lake Mburo NP and Enjoy Afternoon Game Viewing
After breakfast, depart for Lake Mburo National Park. On your way, pass through the terraced hills of Kigezi and Mbarara town. Upon arrival at Lake Mburo NP, enjoy some rest before heading out for a late afternoon game drive. Look out for wildlife such as zebras, impalas, and topis. Return to your accommodation to relax for the evening.
Accommodation: Eagle’s Nest Camp
Meals & Drinks: All meals included, Drinking water included (Other drinks not included)
Day 20: Lake Mburo NP Nature Walk and Boat Cruise
Start the day with an early morning nature walk, guided by an armed ranger. During the walk, you may encounter zebras, giraffes, and eland antelopes. Afterward, take a boat cruise on Lake Mburo, where you’ll enjoy scenic views and spot more wildlife.
Accommodation: Eagle’s Nest Camp
Meals & Drinks: All meals included
Day 21: Transfer to Kampala or Entebbe Airport
On your last day, enjoy an early morning safari walk. You might see hyenas, leopards, and other wildlife in the early morning light. Afterward, have breakfast and begin your drive back to Kampala or Entebbe. Stop for lunch in Masaka and visit the Equator before arriving at your final destination.
Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour)
Meals & Drinks: Meals at your own expense, Drinks not included
