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The Best of Uganda

The Best of Uganda

Discover the diverse beauty of Uganda with this 22-day safari: gorilla tracking, Big Five animal spotting; tree-swinging chimps, tree-climbing lions, and the source of Nile.

Overview

For those travelers who want to experience everything Uganda has to offer, The Best of Uganda is for you. This 22-day Uganda safari gives you plenty of time to enjoy the very best of the Pearl of Africa. From mountain gorilla tracking in the mountains to Big Five animal spotting on the savannah; tree-swinging chimps to tree-climbing lions; the gentle source of the Nile to its thundering descent through Murchison Falls, you will truly get a sense of the variety that a Ugandan safari entails.

Trip Highlights

Information

Trip Info

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Hike to see the rare mountain gorillas in a misty rainforest.

Kibale National Park

Spot chimpanzees and other primates on guided treks in a biodiverse forest.

Kidepo Valley National Park

Visit one of Africa’s wildest parks for lions, ostriches, and scenic landscapes.

Lake Mburo National Park

Enjoy an easy-to-reach savanna park for wildlife and water activities.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Hike to see mountain gorillas and visit the Batwa people in a volcanic landscape.

Murchison Falls National Park

Marvel at the world’s most powerful waterfall and see lions, elephants, and giraffes on safari.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

See elephants, lions, and hippos on a classic African safari and boat trip.

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

Arrival at Entebbe airport and transfer to your accommodation nearby.

Entebbe- Jinja

Today we leave the hustle and bustle of Kampala behind us and drive to distinctly colonial Jinja, where you can visit the source of the Nile. Feeling adventurous? White water rafting is an option here!

Jinja - Sipi Falls

We leave Jinja and drive 3 – 4 hours north and east to Sipi Falls. Enjoy a hike to the top of the falls and, if you’re adventurous, you can go over the edge and abseil down again. If time allows, explore the communities of Sipi Falls where you can take a coffee tour and enjoy a traditional dance later in the evening.

Sipi Falls -Murchison Falls National Park

On the way to Murchison Falls National Park you will be treated to one of the loudest sights in Uganda at the top of Murchison Falls, where the powerful river Nile forces its way through a gap only 7 metres wide.

Today we will have an early morning game drive and a relaxing afternoon boat ride along the Victoria Nile River where you will encounter animals gathering on the riverbanks, and an abundance of crocodiles and hippos. You’ll get to see the thundering falls from the bottom as the boat turns for the return journey.

We will finish this part of the trip off with another boat trip, this time heading the other way to explore the Nile delta. Keep your eyes peeled for the prehistoric-looking Shoebill stork. An afternoon game drive follows.

Kibale Forest National Park

Make sure you have a good breakfast, then sit back and enjoy the beautiful Ugandan countryside on our 6 hour drive to Kibale National Park.

In the morning you will be hiking off the beaten track, through the jungle in search of chimpanzees. Once you find them, it will be a fascinating experience as you watch them play, feed and swing through the trees, which is highly entertaining. Primate and bird watching will be the highlights of the afternoon walk in the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary.

Semuliki National Park & Queen Elizabeth National Park

On our way to Semuliki National Park we visit Semuliki’s most outstanding attraction – Sempaya Hot Springs. After we proceed to Queen Elizabeth National Park.

We will start the day with an early morning game drive while many animals are still on the move during the cool part of the day. Stay alert and you could see lions, buffalo, elephants, antelopes, the elusive bush pig and you might even be lucky to spot a leopard! Hippos, buffalo, crocodiles and many species of birds can be spotted during the afternoon boat trip on the Kazinga Channel.

Today, you can choose your morning activity. One of the following options is included: you could go chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge, enjoy a nature walk or hike in Maramagambo Forest, or you can visit the salt pan at Lake Katwe. You should not miss the afternoon game drive.

Ishasha

A leisurely drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park brings us to Ishasha, one of the few regions in Africa where lions can be spotted climbing trees and lounging on branches. Therefore, make sure that during the game drive you are not only looking out over the savannah, but also have your eyes focused up in the trees!

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

The search for the tree climbing lions continues on the morning game drive, after which we head to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The drive can take from 2 to 5 hours, depending on your chosen accommodation and the condition of the road.

Your second day is a big one: put your boots on and grab a sturdy walking stick, because it’s time for a once in a lifetime experience: mountain gorilla tracking! It is one of the best Ugandan travel experiences you can have. You will be hiking up in the mountains which can take between 2 to 6 hours depending on how far the Gorillas are.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park-Kisoro

The wonder visit to Kiyebe village day! Today you will visit Kiyebe, the complete wonder village. This is perhaps one of the most remote, and traditional village in Uganda. It is the only village with no access through by road as its main rough mountainous road only stops at the small trading centre called mukyogo a name originating from the only community elephant pond in Uganda.

You can plant your own tree, collect honey from the beehive and then if you want, enjoy local and national beers with the villagers.
You will also have great local food that is fresh and organic and the dancing and singing of this community is nothing you can even imagine. It’s impossible to miss a visit to this village.

A choice of activities wait for you for your second day in the area. You could opt for a nature walk in the forest, go birdwatching or primate-watching, pay a visit to the Golden Monkeys or climb a volcano!

Kisoro-Lake Bunyonyi

Our next stop will be Lake Bunyonyi, one of the deepest and most beautiful lakes in Africa. You will have time to relax, take a nature walk or go bird watching. You could try your hand at paddling a dugout canoe or go swimming in the hippo, croc and bilharzia-free waters. You can also visit the local community.

Next, you’ll enjoy a day in the “Switzerland of Africa”. Relax, take a nature walk or enjoy bird watching – Bunyonyi does mean “place of many little birds”, after all! Swim, see if you can master paddling a dugout canoe.

Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park
After breakfast we will drive to Lake Mburo National Park. The park has a variety of animals such as leopard, zebra, impala, buffalo and over 300 bird species, many of which you will see on the afternoon game drive. Horseback safaris and boat trips on the lake are also available.

You will start your next day with a game drive in the morning and come for a relaxed breakfast. You have option of just relaxing at this lodge and go back for the afternoon game drive to this small but incredible National Park with many chances to just be with animals.

Lake Mburo - Entebbe

You can choose to do an optional morning walking safari to get closer to the animals, and it is the best way to spot birds. When leaving the park, you get a final chance to view the animals.

Entebbe

Enjoy the last day of your Ugandan tour in Entebbe and the surrounding area.

There are optional activities: we can head into the Mabamba Swamp in search of the shy shoebill, visit the Botanical Gardens or spend some time on the beaches of Lake Victoria. After a farewell dinner (maybe some famous Lake Victoria grilled fish) and drinks, we will drop you at the airport for your flight home. As your plane takes off, we hope you are already starting to plan your next African safari adventure!

Details

Trip Details

Inclusions

Exclusions

Prices

  • 2 pax based on a double room $12,034/person
  • 4 pax based on 2 double rooms $8,957/person
  • 6 pax based on 3 double rooms $7,956/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.

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