Best of Uganda

Best of Uganda

Experience the best of Uganda in this immersive 20-day journey combining wildlife encounters, cultural exchanges, and community initiatives across the country’s most spectacular locations.

Overview

Co-designed with Positive Impact Tourism, this comprehensive 20-day journey showcases the best of Uganda while creating meaningful social and environmental impacts. From wildlife encounters in multiple national parks to engaging with local communities through education, crafts, and sustainable initiatives, this thoughtfully crafted itinerary combines Uganda’s natural wonders with opportunities to make a lasting positive difference.

Trip Highlights

Information

Trip Info


Dry Seasons in Uganda – December to February, June to August

During these months, the weather is generally warm and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 25°C to 29°C (77°F to 84°F) during the day. The average rainfall per month ranges from 46mm (1.8”) to 86mm  (3.4”). It is an ideal time to visit for wildlife safaris and gorilla trekking, as the drier conditions make it easier to navigate through the national parks.

Wet Seasons in Uganda – March to May, September to November

This period experiences relatively higher precipitation, with rainfalls ranging from 86mm (3.6”) from September to November to averages of around 147mm (5.8”) from March to May. The rainforest landscapes become lush and vibrant during this time, but it’s important to note that travel conditions can be more challenging due to occasional heavy rains and muddy trails. However, the rainy season also offers unique opportunities for birdwatching and witnessing the spectacular waterfalls at their fullest.

Best Times To Spot Wildlife in Uganda

In Uganda, game viewing in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale National Park, and Murchison Falls National Park is excellent December through February and June through October. In November and March it is good, and it is fair in April and May. 

Itinerary

Trip Itinerary

Arrival in Entebbe

Welcome to Uganda! Your driver-guide will meet you at Entebbe International Airport and transfer you to your accommodation for a restful evening.

Wildlife Conservation Experience

Immerse yourself in wildlife care through UWEC’s unique keeper program. Work alongside dedicated animal keepers in hands-on activities including meal preparation, enclosure maintenance, and creating enrichment activities that support animal wellbeing. This experience provides valuable insight into conservation while contributing to Uganda’s wildlife preservation efforts.

Community Care Initiative

Connect with an inspiring local hero who provides care and support to abandoned children. Participate in meaningful service by purchasing essential supplies and sharing a meal while hearing her remarkable story. Engage with the children through creative activities including painting, dancing, and storytelling at a local park, making a direct impact on their lives.

Cultural Heritage & Education Support

Experience Uganda’s rich heritage through visits to the National Museum and Gadhafi mosque in Kampala. Purchase educational supplies before visiting a local primary school, where you’ll engage students through board games and memory activities. Share your personal journey to inspire the children and donate books to enhance their library resources.

Conservation and Natural Wonders

Journey north to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where you’ll observe and support the conservation of endangered white rhinos through educational experiences and direct contributions. Continue to witness the raw power of nature at Murchison Falls, where the mighty Nile River forces its way through a dramatic 7-meter gap, creating one of Uganda’s most spectacular sights.

Wildlife and River Exploration

Begin your day with an early morning game drive through Murchison Falls National Park. In the afternoon, cruise along the Victoria Nile River, observing diverse wildlife gathering at the riverbanks, including numerous crocodiles and hippos. Experience the thundering falls from water level as you approach their base by boat.

Cultural Exchange and Agricultural Heritage

Embark on a scenic 6-hour journey to Kibale National Park. En route, stop at a local tea plantation for a meaningful exchange with tea pickers, participating in their daily work and learning about this crucial aspect of Uganda’s agricultural heritage.

Primate Conservation and Community Development

Track chimpanzees through pristine jungle in the morning, observing their fascinating social interactions and natural behaviors in their habitat. In the afternoon, support local conservation efforts through a guided walk in the community-managed Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, known for its rich primate and bird populations.

Coffee Culture and Wildlife

Experience Uganda’s coffee heritage before crossing the Equator en route to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Afternoon game drive offers opportunities to spot lions, elephants, various antelope species, and abundant birdlife in their natural habitat.

Savannah and Waterway Exploration

Start with an early morning game drive when wildlife is most active, seeking out lions, buffalo, elephants, antelopes, bush pigs, and possibly the elusive leopard. Afternoon boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel reveals abundant hippos, buffalo, crocodiles, and diverse water birds.

Journey to Bwindi's Wilderness

Travel to the magnificent Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, settling into the serene Ruhija sector for an evening of relaxation surrounded by ancient forest.

Women's Economic Empowerment

Immerse yourself in a local women’s tailoring initiative that creates sustainable economic opportunities. Tour the workshop to understand their process, from fabric cutting to finishing, while learning about the project’s impact on community development. After lunch, explore the area’s natural beauty on a guided walk before dining at a local restaurant.

Indigenous Cultural Preservation

Participate in a vital cultural exchange with the Batwa community, joining local youth to learn from community elders about their traditional forest-dwelling lifestyle and customs. This intergenerational experience helps preserve crucial indigenous knowledge, with the option to document these teachings for broader cultural preservation.

Sustainable Community Initiatives

Begin your journey to Lake Bunyonyi, stopping at Kiyebe Village for meaningful community engagement. Participate in local sustainable projects including beekeeping and gardening, sharing a meal and cultural entertainment with community members.

Local Artisan Experience

Engage with local women artisans in their craft-making workshop, learning traditional techniques while sharing knowledge and experiences. Explore Lake Bunyonyi’s 29 islands by boat, discovering their rich history and cultural significance.

Lake Mburo Wildlife

Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park for an evening game drive, introducing you to the park’s diverse wildlife.

Cultural and Wildlife Connections

Experience local culture through a morning bicycle tour of Bahima communities surrounding the park. Support local enterprise with lunch at a community-owned restaurant. Afternoon game drive to observe zebras, giraffes, hippos, and buffaloes in their natural habitat.

Youth Education Exchange

Journey to Masaka, where you’ll share time with local primary school students through interactive games and activities, fostering cross-cultural understanding and educational support.

Cross-Border Learning

Create an educational opportunity by accompanying local students to the Uganda-Tanzania border, sharing experiences about immigration and international relations. Share a meal at a local restaurant before returning to Entebbe.

Departure

Reflect on your journey’s positive impact before your airport transfer for your departure flight.

Itinerary

Trip Details

Inclusions

Exclusions

Prices

  • 2 people (1 Double Room) $8,200/person
  • 4 people (2 Double Rooms) $6,555/person
  • 6 people (3 Double Rooms) $5,959/person

Our tailor-made trips are designed to offer you the best possible value to make your East African safari experience a memorable one. As a boutique tour operator, we are happy to personalise your trip budget and package according to your needs.

Please treat all pricing as a guide only, as customisations made to this itinerary, style of travel, and number of guests may raise or lower the overall cost. All rates are subject to availability and may change without notice. Single supplements may apply.

For the best, most current rates available, request a quote or speak to one of Kikooko Africa Safari’s travel experts.

Warren Anwkasa,
Founder, Kikooko Africa Safaris

Inquire About This Tour

All our itineraries can be adapted to suit your personal interests and preferences. 

Please feel free to discuss these with us so we can personalise your tour for your maximum enjoyment.

For the most current rates for your party, request a quote or speak to one of Kikooko Africa Safari’s travel experts.

What Our Guests Say

Other Tours You May Like

Western Uganda

Western Uganda

Immerse yourself in Western Uganda’s wildlife and communities through this transformative 20-day journey combining conservation, culture, and meaningful local impact.

Overview

Co-designed with Positive Impact Tourism, this transformative 20-day journey through Western Uganda combines stunning wildlife encounters with meaningful community engagement. From tracking gorillas in ancient forests to supporting local education initiatives and sustainable agriculture projects, this carefully crafted itinerary creates lasting positive impacts in local communities while offering travelers an authentic, immersive experience of Uganda’s natural and cultural treasures.

Trip Highlights

Information

Trip Info

Dry Seasons in Uganda – December to February, June to August

During these months, the weather is generally warm and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 25°C to 29°C (77°F to 84°F) during the day. The average rainfall per month ranges from 46mm (1.8”) to 86mm  (3.4”). It is an ideal time to visit for wildlife safaris and gorilla trekking, as the drier conditions make it easier to navigate through the national parks.

Wet Seasons in Uganda – March to May, September to November

This period experiences relatively higher precipitation, with rainfalls ranging from 86mm (3.6”) from September to November to averages of around 147mm (5.8”) from March to May. The rainforest landscapes become lush and vibrant during this time, but it’s important to note that travel conditions can be more challenging due to occasional heavy rains and muddy trails. However, the rainy season also offers unique opportunities for birdwatching and witnessing the spectacular waterfalls at their fullest.

Best Times To Spot Wildlife in Uganda

In Uganda, game viewing in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale National Park, and Murchison Falls National Park is excellent December through February and June through October. In November and March it is good, and it is fair in April and May. 

Itinerary

Trip Itinerary

Arrival in Entebbe

Welcome to Uganda! Your driver-guide will meet you at Entebbe International Airport and transfer you to your accommodation for a restful evening.

Entebbe - UWEC Keeper for a Day

Experience a unique behind-the-scenes day at the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre through their keeper program. Shadow dedicated animal keepers who will share their passion and expertise while you participate in hands-on activities throughout the day. Help prepare animal meals, clean enclosures, and create enrichment activities that stimulate both mental and physical wellbeing for the animals. This immersive experience provides valuable support to local conservation efforts while offering deep insight into wildlife care and management.

Entebbe - Community Care Visit

Experience the inspiring work of a local hero who provides care and support to abandoned children. Contribute meaningfully by purchasing essential supplies and engaging with the children through creative activities like painting and storytelling. This visit directly supports vulnerable youth while fostering cross-cultural understanding.

Entebbe to Kampala - Cultural Exchange & Education

Explore Uganda’s cultural heritage at the National Museum and Gadhafi mosque before participating in an enriching school visit. Share your knowledge through board games and interactive activities, creating meaningful connections while supporting local education.

Kampala to Masaka - Community Engagement

Journey to Masaka via the iconic equator line. Experience authentic local cuisine and engage with community members through guided walks, gaining insight into daily life in rural Uganda.

Masaka - School Support Initiative

After breakfast, immerse yourself in a local primary school’s daily operations. Work alongside school chefs and kitchen staff to prepare nutritious meals for the children – from washing vegetables to organizing ingredients, fostering community connection while learning about local cuisine. Share the meal with students and engage in meaningful interaction. In the afternoon, accompany the children on an educational trip to the Tanzania-Uganda border, supporting their learning about international relations before returning to your accommodation.

Masaka to Lake Mburo National Park

Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park for an evening game drive, introducing you to Uganda’s diverse wildlife.

Lake Mburo National Park Experience

Begin with a morning bicycle tour through Bahima communities, learning about local culture. Afternoon game drive to spot zebras, giraffes, hippos, and buffaloes in their natural habitat.

Lake Mburo to Lake Bunyonyi

Travel to the scenic Lake Bunyonyi, known for its serene beauty. Afternoon nature walk to explore the surrounding landscape.

Lake Bunyonyi - Women's Empowerment

After a relaxed breakfast, visit a local women’s cooperative to learn traditional basket weaving techniques. Share your professional knowledge about business management, helping strengthen their entrepreneurial skills. Support their work directly by purchasing handcrafted items. In the afternoon, take a scenic boat trip to explore the lake’s islands, including the historically significant Akampene (Punishment Island). Learn about local history and culture before returning to your accommodation for a peaceful evening.

Lake Bunyonyi to Ruhija - Social Enterprise

Visit a women’s tailoring project in Bwindi, sharing entrepreneurship knowledge and supporting local business development through meaningful exchange.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Visit a women’s tailoring project in Bwindi, sharing entrepreneurship knowledge and supporting local business development through meaningful exchange.

Bwindi - Cultural Heritage Preservation

After breakfast, visit the Batwa community alongside youth from neighboring villages for an immersive cultural learning experience. Together with these young people, you’ll learn directly from Batwa elders about their traditional forest lifestyle and cultural practices. This intergenerational exchange helps preserve vital indigenous knowledge. With permission, these sessions can be recorded to share this cultural heritage with a wider audience, supporting both preservation and understanding.

Bwindi to Kiyebe Village

Immerse yourself in village life through community cooking and cultural exchange, experiencing authentic rural Uganda.

Kiyebe Village - Sustainable Agriculture

Start your day shopping for ingredients that will be shared with your hosts. Take a guided tour of the local beekeeping project, actively participating in honey collection and processing. Engage in detailed discussions with the beekeepers about their methods, challenges, and the socio-economic benefits of beekeeping for the community. After enjoying lunch together, participate in a meaningful tree planting activity supporting local reforestation efforts. Learn about indigenous tree species, their ecological benefits, and the crucial role of reforestation in combating climate change while enhancing local ecosystems.

Kiyebe - Community Health & Education

Begin your day purchasing essential supplies like soap and sugar for the community. Visit a local school for interactive sports activities with the children, promoting physical fitness and healthy lifestyles. Donate sports equipment to support ongoing physical education. In the afternoon, visit the local health centre to participate in health education initiatives and deliver much-needed supplies. Share packed lunches with the dedicated healthcare staff while learning about their work in the community.

Kiyebe to Fort Portal

Travel to Fort Portal with views of the majestic Rwenzori Mountains.

Fort Portal - Wildlife & Community Care

Begin your morning by purchasing essential supplies like sugar and soap for a local children’s home. Share lunch with the caretakers at a local restaurant while delivering these vital supplies. In the afternoon, venture into Kibale Forest for an unforgettable chimpanzee tracking experience, observing our closest relatives in their natural habitat as they interact, play, and forage through the forest. Return to Fort Portal for the evening.

Fort Portal to Entebbe

Return journey to Entebbe for a relaxing afternoon.

Departure

Final reflections on your impact journey before airport transfer for your departure flight.

Itinerary

Trip Details

Inclusions

Exclusions

Prices

  • 2 people (1 Double Room) $8,620/person
  • 4 people (2 Double Rooms) $6,740/person
  • 6 people (3 Double Rooms) $5,814/person

Our tailor-made trips are designed to offer you the best possible value to make your East African safari experience a memorable one. As a boutique tour operator, we are happy to personalise your trip budget and package according to your needs.

Please treat all pricing as a guide only, as customisations made to this itinerary, style of travel, and number of guests may raise or lower the overall cost. All rates are subject to availability and may change without notice. Single supplements may apply.

For the best, most current rates available, request a quote or speak to one of Kikooko Africa Safari’s travel experts.

Warren Anwkasa,
Founder, Kikooko Africa Safaris

Inquire About This Tour

All our itineraries can be adapted to suit your personal interests and preferences. 

Please feel free to discuss these with us so we can personalise your tour for your maximum enjoyment.

For the most current rates for your party, request a quote or speak to one of Kikooko Africa Safari’s travel experts.

What Our Guests Say

Other Tours You May Like