20 Days in Uganda Itinerary for First Time Visitors

Detailed 20 Days in Uganda Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Uganda

After your 20 Days in Uganda Itinerary cultural and animal safari, your guide will take you from Entebbe Airport to the ViaVia Guesthouse, which is about a 10-minute drive away. After a hearty breakfast tomorrow, your guide from Kabira Safaris & Tours Africa will meet you here to begin your journey. Your ability to explore the area will be determined by the moment of your arrival. Entebbe is well-organized and offers a wide variety of possibilities. For instance, a trip to the UWEC or the Botanical Gardens in Uganda.

Located in Entebbe, just ten minutes from the airport, ViaVia Entebbe is a charming place to stay. There is a private patio in each of the rooms that looks out over the beautiful garden. Unwind in a hammock while you watch the monkeys play in the trees; soak in the hot tub; watch the sun set over the horizon; and spend the nights by the campfire. Enjoy a well-rounded foreign and local meal at this restaurant that features fresh, healthful ingredients seasoned with flavors from around the world. An unforgettable and genuinely touching experience awaits you at ViaVia! Shoebill stalk trekking and birdwatching in Mabamba swamp is an option if you’re interested.

Accommodation: Via Via Guest house
Journey time: 10 minutes
Meal Plan: No meals inclusive

Day 2: Jinja (The Source of the mighty River Nile)

Rafting the Nile – Jinja, Uganda

East of Kampala, on the shores of Lake Victoria, is Jinja, which is approximately three hours away. On our 20-day cultural and wildlife safari, we will begin our journey here. Not only is this town the adrenaline capital of East Africa, but it is also famed as the historic source of the Nile River. Visitors can satisfy their adventurous spirit while simultaneously appreciating tranquility, birdlife, and serene sunsets. Take part in exciting pursuits like white-water rafting, kayaking, tubing, quad biking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. In Jinja, you may see beautiful colonial buildings surrounded by nature. The town grew as a trade post and significant river crossing after the British colonial government arrived in 1906. Modern Jinja is known for its lively downtown and wide, verdant residential avenues that run parallel to the Nile River.

In a serene and tranquil setting, you’ll find the eco-lodge known as The Nile Porch. The lodge is spotless and perfect for families. Views overlook the Nile, the world’s longest river, allowing you to relax while taking in the serene scenery. From the large restaurant terrace, you may see many different kinds of birds, as well as fish otters, monkeys, monitor lizards, and fish eagles. Following an exciting day of touring Jinja, relax with a swim in the pool and a supper at the restaurant.

Journey Time: 3 hours
Accommodation: The Nile porch
Meal Plan: Breakfast and dinner

Optional activities

• White water rafting
• A horseback safari
• Quad-biking
• A day of whitewater kayaking on the river
• A sundowner cruise on the Nile above are at an additional cost. Please get in to find out more.

Day 3: Sipi Falls and Coffee tour

The stunning Sipi Falls are situated on a plateau 1800 meters above sea level, accessible via a drive through northeastern Uganda, at the foothills of Mount Elgon. Village walking trails and verdant hills that produce coffee surround this open space, which features a breathtaking succession of waterfalls, some of which are about 100 meters high. On either side of the steep hills are three waterfalls. When opposed to the milder climates seen elsewhere in Uganda, this area is noticeably cooler. Far from the noise and chaos of the city, you may unwind in the peaceful surroundings and take in the fresh air. Along with hiking, you can partake in activities like as abseiling down Sipi Falls, doing a coffee tour, or visiting local communities.

Ideally situated at the foot of Mount Elgon, the Sipi River resort offers a breathtaking setting. Of all the places to stay in the region, this one is the most cozy. From your veranda, you can take in the magnificent scenery and watch one of the Kapsurur Falls in action. Here you may relax with a cup of garden-grown coffee—among the world’s finest Arabica beans—and, if you’re lucky, witness the breathtaking sunsets for which this location is known. Utilizing fresh, regional ingredients, the eatery prepares comforting, home-style dishes.

Journey time: 7 hours
Accommodation: Sipi River Lodge Meal
Meal Plan: Dinner and Breakfast

Day 4: Sipi Falls hike, Karamoja region (Moroto)

Sipi Falls hike, white river rafting and many smiles.

A sequence of waterfalls formed by the Sipi River as it passes over the Mount Elgon foothills culminating in a stunning drop encircled by picturesque hiking paths and verdant slopes. A three- or seven-hour hike through the area is available for those who are really daring. While hiking, you will be accompanied by a local guide. It is possible to combine the nature and waterfall walk with a coffee tour or a cultural trip, but you can also go alone. Regardless of your choice, you will certainly encounter numerous waterfalls, plantations, and caverns. The locals will be overjoyed to see you and will grin and shout “Jambo!” as they welcome you.

Tomorrow, you will participate in cultural activities at Moroto town, which is located in the center of the Karamoja area. This town is your destination for the 20 days in Uganda Itinerary. On the slopes of Mount Moroto (3085m), in the very center of the Karamoja region, is the Karamoja tented camp. Located in the heart of northeast Uganda, this is an ideal starting point for your expedition. The architecture of the camp is a contemporary take on native practices and materials. In the midst of an unspoiled northeastern Uganda safari, you will get a one-of-a-kind encounter with the country’s rich history, luxurious accommodations, and kind hospitality.

Journey Time: 5 hours
Accommodation: Kara Tunga safari camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 5: Hike mountain moroto and Visit the Kraal

This part of Uganda has not been mapped out yet. The Karamojong are the most traditional tribe in Uganda, and here is one of the few places in the country where you may learn about their way of life. You set out for a picturesque nature walk in the morning, following the valley of Karamoja’s tallest mountain, Mount Moroto. We will be camping at a traditional So Tepeth mountain community as we trek.

What follows is an encounter with a Karamajong family residing in a Kraal, which the Swahili people call Manyatta or Boma. The fundamental structure of a kraal is a collection of huts enclosed by a hedge of thorns and wood. Cattle herds use these to keep out predators and other wild animals. Although some kraals are there permanently, others are just there momentarily to follow the new grass as it grows so that the cattle can eat it.

The Karamajong are a related group who share many similarities with the Masai. The one key distinction is that the Karamajong remain unknown to the rest of the globe! We would love to show you this unspoiled, one-of-a-kind spot in Uganda so you can find out what everyone is talking about.

Accommodation: Kara tunga safari camp
Meal Plan: Break fast and dinner

Day 6: To Kidepo National Park

This day of your 20-days in Uganda Itinerary will take you to Kidepo Valley National Park, the country’s most isolated and unspoiled national park.

Hidden away in the semi-arid valleys of far northeastern Uganda, between the borders of Sudan and Kenya, is Kidepo Valley National Park, a place that is both obscure and little seen. The trip to this region, which has some of Uganda’s most breathtaking landscapes, is lengthy, but well worth it. During your afternoon wildlife drive in the untamed Narus valley, you may see buffalo and elephant herds, as well as the majestic lions and leopards perched on the valley’s many cliffs.

Day 7: Safari in Kidepo

Safari in Uganda – Kidepo Valley National Park – Karamoja Region

One of the rare Ugandan parks that offers walking safaris is Kidepo Valley National Park. You will be accompanied by an armed ranger for your protection while you go through the woods. This is a great alternative to game viewing from a vehicle because it allows you to get up close and personal with the animals. The mischievous baboons, buffalo, waterbuck, giraffe, warthog, zebra, bush-buck, and a plethora of bird species are all year-round residents. At regular intervals, the guide will pause to educate you about the local wildlife, birds, insects, trees, feces, plants, their medicinal uses, and the foods eaten by various animals.

This magnificent national park will be the site of your second game drive during your twentieth day of cultural and wildlife safaris. Rocky outcrops and mountain ranges encircle the grassland. It is home to a plethora of large mammals, 475 bird species, and 80 different kinds of mammals, 28 of which are either uncommon or never seen in any other park in Uganda. Here are a few examples: ostriches, zebras, aardwolves, caracals, cheetahs, and both larger and smaller kudus. Among the best national parks in Africa, Kidepo Valley National Park is ranked third by CNN. It is also considered one of the best wilderness areas in Africa.

Day 8: To Murchison Falls National Park

Your journey to one of Uganda’s oldest conservation sites, Murchison Falls National Park, continues today. Traveling through the varied landscapes of Northern Uganda is an arduous but ultimately worthwhile undertaking.

Of all the nature reserves in Uganda, the largest and most famous is Murchison Falls National Park. It is an absolute must-visit in the Pearl of Africa, thanks to the magnificent and mighty Murchison waterfall and its incredible animal populations. Amazing things to do include going on a Nile Delta safari or a boat safari. As it flows southward into Lake Albert after navigating several rapids and waterfalls, the river cuts the park in half.

The majority of wildlife was unfortunately wiped away during the war years by both army and poachers. Lucky for us, every single species of wildlife in the park has made a full recovery since then, with the exception of the rhinos. You can get up close and personal with the African animal kingdom on a game drive around the park, and the sheer number of elephants will astound you. You can also see crocodiles, waterbucks, buffalo, lions, antelope, and giraffes. You may reach the northern section of the tracks, where game drives are held, by taking a ferry across the river. During your 20-day Primates/Cultural/Wildlife Uganda Itinerary, this park will ensure that you have an adventure.

Journey time: 8 hours
Accommodation: Fort Murchison
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Dinner

In order to see as many animals as possible on the early morning game drive, you should have breakfast at 6 in the morning and get out for the drive at the crack of dawn. You can see lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, buffalo, antelopes, and tropical birds as you drive through the park. All of them are present! In your vehicle, you will be accompanied by a certified park ranger who is well-versed in the area’s history, ecosystem, and wildlife. Elephants, a plethora of bird species, and large buffalo herds are the park’s most recognizable features. As you explore the park, you’ll come across a variety of habitats and landscapes, including thick forests, vast savannahs, and undulating grasslands. Since this is an exclusive game drive, you can request that your guide focus on seeing a particular kind of bird or animal.

For the next two nights, you will be staying at Murchison River Lodge. Located on the banks of the majestic Nile River, this lodge offers breathtaking views of Murchison Falls National Park and hippos in their natural habitat. Enjoy the height of luxury in these safari tents with private bathrooms set in a picturesque woodland setting. Have fun in the pool and take advantage of the warm welcome! Bring binoculars if you have them! Its avian inhabitants are astounding. Sitting on an elevated bank, the main lodge area—which includes a bar and restaurant—offers breathtaking panoramic views of the park and the enchanting Nile River. The nighttime antics of the local wildlife will make you feel like you’re truly on safari when you follow your guide back to your tent after supper.

Accommodation: Murchison River Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 9: Boat Safari on Delta

Amazing Boat Safari on the White Nile and Hiking to the Murchison Falls, Uganda

As it empties into Lake Albert, the Victoria Nile runs through what is known as the Nile Delta. The delta’s banks are inhabited by a multitude of bird species, including the papyrus indigenous species and the uncommon shoebill stork, which resembles an ancient bird.

It is an absolute “must do” for every birdwatcher to go on a boat safari in the delta. As you make your way towards Lake Albers on this (about) five-hour boat excursion, you can savor breakfast while taking in the serene surroundings. Along the way, you might witness locals drawing water from the Nile, more fisherman in canoes, and, if you’re lucky, wild animals frolicking along the banks. If you’re fortunate, you might also see elephants taking a dip in the river, as well as crocodiles and hippos. Also, keep your eyes out for monkeys, especially eastern fringed monkeys and baboons, in the treetops. As soon as the sun rises, the boat sets sail, ushering in the golden hours of photography. At around 10 in the morning, the light starts to get brighter. Indulge, unwind, and savor!

You can choose to unwind later in the day or go on a game drive to see more of the park’s fascinating animals.

Journey Time: Depending on the game drive
Accommodation: Murchison River Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 10: Transfer to Kibale National Park

You will begin your 20 days in Uganda Itinerary today with a visit to the verdant Kibale Forest. The route takes you through verdant countryside typical of Uganda, past tea plantations and other picturesque landscapes. You will step into a whole new and thrilling world when you reach the woodland…

Just outside the colonial hamlet of Fort Portal sits Kibale Forest National Park, a lush tropical rainforest. Because there is a lot of monkey activity going on here, this park is seen as one of the major highlights of Uganda. You may find a wide variety of primates here, but seeing a group of habituated chimpanzees in particular is an unforgettable experience. Here you can frequently find l’hoest’s monkeys, olive baboons, red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus, the blue monkey, and the rare red colobus. There is no better place than here to have an encounter with nature, taking in the scent of the woods and the cacophony of its numerous sounds. Lush, verdant diversity teems with various butterfly and bird species, encircling your safari tent or cottage.

Journey Time: 5-6 hours
Accommodation: Chimpanzee guest house
Meal Plan: Breakfast and dinner

Day 12: Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi wetlands nature walk

Chimpanzees of Kibale and Budongo Forest and Birding in Bigodi Wetlands

Our nearest living relative is the chimpanzee, with which we share 98% of our genes. Because of their high population density, they are most commonly seen in Uganda. About 5,000 chimpanzees remain in the wild today, all in Uganda. Guests engage in chimpanzee trekking on a network of paths that have been well-kept. Of all the forests in East Africa, this one has the highest concentration of other primates, which is quite remarkable. In addition to our adorable chimpanzee cousins, there are black-and-white colobus monkeys, gray-cheeked mangabeys, white-nosed monkeys, blue monkeys, and L’Hoest’s monkeys. Olive baboons, bush infants, and other wildlife are also possible sightings.

During your forest journey with a knowledgeable guide, you will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with chimpanzees for an hour.

Afternoons are spent at the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary, home to several reptiles, eight species of primates, and more than two hundred bird species. The three-hour trek is filled with wildlife, but seeing the world-famous Great Blue Turaco is the real treat.

Accommodation: Chimpanzee guest house
Meal Plan: Breakfast and dinner

Day 13: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Situated at the foot of the magnificent Rwenzori Mountains, on the edge of the Kazinga Channel that connects Lakes Edward and George, Queen Elizabeth National Park is the country’s second-largest park. Savannah, bushland, wetlands, and verdant woods are just a few of the environments found in this exceptionally diverse reserve, which is home to a high concentration of species. The 200 kilometers of Queen Elizabeth National Park’s meticulously maintained game viewing paths are waiting for you on your first game drive. On your game drive, remain vigilant and proactive so that the ranger can see more animals. Among the park’s many notable animals are approximately 10,000 buffalo, 2,500 elephants, and 5,000 hippos, all of which live on the park’s grasslands and along its shores. With any luck, you’ll witness antelopes of all kinds, elephants, giraffes, buffalo, and, perhaps, some interesting predators like lions, leopards, civets, genal and serval cats, and so on. The park’s varied environments are home to ten different kinds of primates. In the treetops, you can see baboons, the most daring of the monkey species, as well as vervet and black-and-white colobus monkeys. All of them are present! As you drive around the park, a trained ranger will accompany you, allowing you to ask questions and get precise information about the animals and birds you hope to see.

Private safari tents with elevated timber flooring and rollable canvas walls are available at the bush lodge. During your 20 Days in Uganda Itinerary, you may relax while taking in breathtaking vistas of the park’s savannah grasslands.

Day 14: Game Drive & Boat Safari

Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park

In the morning, after you have breakfast, you will go on a long game drive so you may witness the sunrise. Because most African animals are most active in the early morning, when the sun’s rays first reach the savannah, this is the ideal time to go on a game drive. Elephants, buffalo, lions, waterbucks, leopards, Uganda kobs, warthogs, and, of course, birds and primates will all be part of your ongoing quest for wildlife.

The Kazinga waterway, the meeting point of Lake Gorge and Lake Albert, will be the site of your afternoon boat safari. There are a lot of animals that come here to drink and bathe. The following animals and birds are common: buffalo, crocodiles, elephants in the act of bathing, and many more.

Day 15: Chimpanzees and tree climbing lions

You will begin your day with a trip into the Kyambura gorge, a hidden treasure in Queen Elizabeth National Park’s far eastern corner. The “Valley of Apes” is just another name for this canyon, which is a completely separate planet. After being drained by the Kayambura River, it became home to a diverse array of wildlife, including a group of sixteen chimpanzees and other bird species. From its vantage point, the valley below is a verdant jungle of tropical plants, and the vista from the peak is breathtaking. On a trek into the gorge, you might spot baboons, vervet monkeys, black-and-white colobus, red-tailed monkeys, and chimpanzees, among other animals. A number of forest birds find refuge in this verdant riverine forest. This is one of the most breathtaking landscapes in Uganda, and you should definitely travel there even if your chances of seeing chimpanzees are lower than on an official walk in the Kibale or Budongo forests.

Following the walk, head south toward Queen Elizabeth National Park. The tree-climbing lions are the main attraction in this area. Lion babies playfully climb trees all around the globe, but adults seldom join in. But these lionesses love to nap in fig trees during the hot afternoons, where they can escape the tsetse flies and feel the refreshing air. You will never have seen such photogenic lions standing for a picture before, making this the most unforgettable experience in the park. A game drive is your chance to test your luck! Also, while you’re here, make sure you don’t miss the breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife in the park’s more isolated southern region.

If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a herd of elephants, buffalo, or antelopes while you slumber at the Enjojo lodge. Among the lodge’s new inhabitants are vervet monkeys, baboons, and black- and white colobus.

Journey time: 2 ½ hours
Accommodation: Enjojo lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast and dinner

Day 16: Lake Mutanda

A stunning region of the nation, sometimes called “the Switzerland of Africa,” is your destination today. As you travel between the countries of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Congo, you will be able to take in breathtaking vistas of the countryside, a bamboo forest, and the Virunga Mountains. While traveling, you will have lunch at a nearby restaurant.

Among Uganda’s most breathtaking vistas is available at Mutanda Lake Resort. This lodge provides cozy lodgings in a one-of-a-kind part of the nation, situated on a peninsula in Lake Mutanda and hidden in the shadow of the Virunga Mountains Range. The resort is an ideal starting point for those seeking a remote, enchanting spot in nature, as well as those interested in trekking with gorillas, hiking volcanoes, or just relaxing in the company of birds. It is located between Kisoro town and Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks. Since the lake is Bilharzia-free, you shouldn’t pass up the opportunity to swim in it.

Journey time: 8 hours
Accommodation: Lake Mutanda resort
Meal Plan: Dinner and breakfast

Day 17: Gorilla Tracking

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

It is a day filled with excitement… Get ready to meet the rare Mountain Gorilla, one of the gentle giants of Bwindi. The majority of tourists rank this as the most memorable part of their time in Uganda.

As the site of the gentle giants’ home, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a popular attraction for tourists. The park is situated on the outskirts of the Rift Valley in southwestern Uganda.

On the mist-covered hillsides of Uganda lay some of the country’s oldest and most biologically varied rainforests. This breathtaking woodland has been there for more than 25,000 years, making it through the last glacial period when most trees died out. As the sole African forest that can boast housing both chimpanzees and mountain gorillas, Bwindi boasts an astonishing variety of flora and animals. Among the nine habituated gorilla family groups that call this area home, half of the world’s gorilla population resides. Along with these five primate species, 120 mammalian species, more than 220 butterfly species, and 360 bird species call Bwindi home. For your own “Gorillas in the Mist” experience, this is the best spot to get up close and personal with the endangered mountain gorillas.

Before you reach the gentle giants, your gorilla hike will be an exhilarating (and for some, demanding) adventure through forested (and occasionally slippery) slopes, tangled vines, bushes, and bamboo. Your guide will be on the lookout for evidence of gorilla behavior along the way. Imagine feces, nests, and bamboo stems that have been chewed. The duration of the gorilla trekking excursion might range from two to seven hours!

You will be granted a maximum of one hour to see the gorilla family after they have been located. Meeting the mountain gorillas in person is an incredibly moving and humbling experience. Among the many unforgettable aspects of your journey, this one stands out as particularly remarkable.

Journey Time: 1 ½ x 2 hours
Accommodation: Lake Mutanda resort
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 18: Lake Bunyonyi/Batwa Trail

Bunyoyi, often known as the “Lake of many small birds,” is another amazing lake that we will be seeing today. This beautiful place has some great optional activities. A verdant mountainous region doted with freshwater lakes, the southwestern section of Uganda is often called “Little Switzerland.” It serves as an ideal starting point for numerous activities, not limited to gorilla tracking. Guests can enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities in the region, including trekking, biking, birdwatching, cultural village visits, and water sports.

Journey time: 2 ½ hours
Accommodation: Hawks eye lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 19: Lake Mburo National Park

You shouldn’t underestimate the little Lake Mburo National Park, which is on the way back to Entebbe from Bwindi National Park. Zebras, impalas, slender mongooses, and gigantic bush rats are all unique to this park; in fact, it’s the only one in southern Uganda. In addition to the crocodiles and hippos in the lake, you can spot hyenas, leopards, topis, elands, and the stunning Rothschild’s giraffes. Activities like mountain biking safaris, boat safaris on the lake, wilderness walks, and horseback riding are just a few of the many fantastic options. Getting up close and personal with the animals is an exhilarating experience, made even better by the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors in the stunning setting of Lake Mburo National Park.

A stay at today’s resort is like taking a deep breath of authentic Ugandan wilderness. Responsible tourism is the lodge’s number one priority. Underneath the dining area, zebras, warthogs, impalas, and bushbucks frequently congregate around the lodge to quench their thirst.

Journey time: 7 hours
Accommodation: Rwakobo rock
Meal Plan: Break fast and dinner

Day 20: Game walk or mountain bike tour, and transfer to the airport

Among Uganda’s two national parks, Lake Mburo is the only one where a knowledgeable ranger can lead you on a safari walk. Debris and footprints left by animals can provide information on the species and duration of their visit. Getting so close to the animals is a thrilling experience. Included in this morning’s schedule is this activity. After 20 Days in Uganda Expeditions, this will be it.

Note:
If you would like to incorporate this activity into your trip, it’s highly recommended to go on a mountain bike safari. Kindly inform us so that we can assess an additional fee.

End of the 20 Days in Uganda Itinerary