15 Days Best Of Uganda National Parks Safari
The 15-Day Gorillas, Chimpanzee, and Wildlife Safari spans eastern, northern, and western Uganda. Over 15 days, discover Entebbe, the Source of the Nile in Jinja, Sipi Falls in Mount Elgon National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, and Kibale Forest National Park for chimpanzee and mountain gorilla trekking adventures.
DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION
Kampala City (Google Map)
DEPARTURE TIME
Set Off time is usually very early in the morning.
INCLUDED
ACTIVITIES AND TRANSPORTATION
Game drives: open-sided 4×4 vehicle, pop-up roof 4×4 vehicle & pop-up roof minivan
Welcome to Uganda: On day 1 of the 15 Days Best Of Uganda Safari, you will be welcomed in Uganda the pearl of Africa by Tafari Safaris processional guide upon landing at Entebbe international airport. Brief you about this 2 weeks adventure as you head to your reserved hotel in Entebbe or Kampala. Upon arrival at the hotel, you will check in for a meal then spend your evening at leisure.
After breakfast on day 2 of the 15 Days Best Of Uganda Safari, check out of the lodge and meet your safari driver to begin your journey to Jinja. Along the way, make a stopover at Mabira forest, one of the finest natural forests in Uganda. Continue your journey to Jinja, where you will enjoy lunch before embarking on an afternoon boat cruise along the Nile River to visit the source of the Nile. Later in the evening, you will be transferred to Kapchorwa, where you will spend the night at the base of Mount Elgon. You may also opt to participate in optional activities such as white water rafting on the Nile, tubing, bungee jumping, horse riding, and more, at an additional cost.
Accommodation: 2 Friends Guest House
Mid-range guest house located in Jinja (Town)
Your guide will take you to the Sipi Falls offices, where you will receive a briefing about the hike and meet the local guides who will lead you through the waterfall hike to summit three waterfalls, measuring 100m, 85m, and 75m respectively. During the hike, you will begin with the longest waterfall at 100m, then proceed to the 85m waterfall, and finally to the 75m waterfall before returning to your starting point.
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Accommodation: Rafiki Lodge Sipi
Mid-range lodge located at Sipi Falls (Highlight)
Begin your day with an early game drive in the wilderness of Kidepo Valley National Park, where you will encounter a plethora of wildlife inhabiting the plains and the Narus Valley. Return to the lodge in time for lunch, unless you have packed a lunch box, and then head back to the park for another game drive, this time towards the South Sudan border. Here, you will visit the hot springs before returning to your lodge on a sunset game drive. Throughout the day, expect to spot a variety of mammals including lions, elephants, buffaloes, warthogs, bush babies, wildebeests, and waterbucks, among others. Additionally, keep an eye out for numerous birds, butterflies, and the lush flora of the park, which remains verdant year-round.
Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah Lodge (Budget Tent)
Budget lodge bordering Kidepo Valley NP without fences
After breakfast, depart for Kidepo Valley National Park, where you will arrive in time for some rest and lunch before embarking on a game viewing adventure. Your first stop will be the Narus Valley in the south sector of Kidepo. Narus is characterized by savannah grasslands mixed with acacia woodland and is known for its permanent water sources, making it a prime area for wildlife sightings year-round. Keep an eye out for large herds of buffaloes, zebras, various antelope species, and the majestic lions. After an exciting day of game viewing, return to your accommodation for dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah Lodge (Safari Tent)
Mid-range tented camp bordering Kidepo Valley NP without fences
Indulge in a leisurely breakfast before embarking on your journey to Murchison Falls National Park. This park is renowned for its awe-inspiring features, including the thundering rapids of the Murchison, and the expansive plains of Uganda’s largest National Park. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to spot a diverse array of wildlife, such as lions, leopards, giraffes, hartebeests, buffaloes, and elephants. Additionally, be captivated by the abundant hippos and Nile crocodiles. Bird enthusiasts will be delighted by Murchison Falls’ rich avian diversity, boasting approximately 450 bird species, including the grey parrot, dwarf kingfisher, and the majestic Goliath heron. Upon arrival, enjoy a delicious lunch and some relaxation time at the lodge, before embarking on an afternoon-to-evening safari adventure.
Accommodation: Fort Murchison (Room)
Mid-range lodge located just outside Murchison Falls NP
Embark on an early morning game drive to observe nocturnal mammals and predators within the park. This game drive will take place in the Northern part of the park, renowned for its expansive savanna grasslands where you can spot the iconic big 4 African game (excluding the buffalo) and a plethora of bird species. After the game drive, return to the lodge for lunch and then set out on a breathtaking boat cruise upstream to the base of the waterfalls.
Accommodation: Fort Murchison (Room)
Mid-range lodge located just outside Murchison Falls NP
After enjoying your breakfast, check out of the lodge and embark on a full day drive to Kibale Forest National Park, with a stop for lunch along the way. Upon arrival at the park, proceed to check in at your lodge before setting off for the Bigodi walk. Later, return to your lodge to enjoy dinner and spend the night.
Accommodation: Kibale Forest Camp (Safari Tent)
Mid-range tented camp located just outside Kibale NP (Chimps)
Following breakfast on day 9 of the 15-day Uganda Safari, prepare some snacks and drinking water before meeting your safari driver. You’ll then be transferred to the park headquarters in Kanyanchu for a briefing. From there, venture into the forest in search of the habituated chimpanzee troops, observing these fascinating creatures in their natural habitats. With the park boasting 13 primate species, there’s also a possibility of spotting other primate species during your excursion. After spending an hour with the chimpanzees, return to the lodge for lunch. You can then choose to spend your evening at leisure or opt for an evening guided nature walk in the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary.
Accommodation: Kibale Forest Camp (Safari Tent)
Mid-range tented camp located just outside Kibale NP (Chimps)
Indulge in an early breakfast at your lodge on day 10 of the 15-day Uganda Safari, then embark on a guided walk to explore the crater lakes of Kasanda and visit the Amabere Ga Nyina Mwiru caves. Later, enjoy an en-route lunch as you continue your journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you will arrive in time for dinner and spend the night.
Accommodation: Lake Munyanyange Caves Lodge
Mid-range lodge located just outside Queen Elizabeth NP
Embark on an early morning game drive with your driver to the Kasenyi plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park for an exhilarating half-day wildlife viewing adventure. Keep your eyes peeled for a diverse array of wildlife species, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, hyenas, waterbucks, Ugandan kob, and even the elusive leopard. After your game drive, return to the lodge for lunch.
In the afternoon, set out for a leisurely boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, offering ample opportunities to spot hippos and a plethora of aquatic wildlife, including crocodiles, water birds, and much more. Enjoy the serene beauty of the channel as you glide through the waters, taking in the sights and sounds of this vibrant ecosystem.
Accommodation: Kibale Forest Camp (Safari Tent)
Mid-range lodge located just outside Queen Elizabeth NP
Indulge in a leisurely breakfast before embarking on a journey to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, renowned for its iconic tree-climbing lions. While the chance of spotting these majestic creatures is around 70%, they can sometimes be elusive, particularly when they’re hidden in the grasslands hunting for prey. However, if you’re fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of them, it’s a sight that’s both picturesque and unforgettable.
After your excursion in Ishasha, continue your journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Given the strenuous day ahead, you’ll have a lighter schedule upon arrival. Simply check into your accommodation, unwind, and prepare for the exhilarating Bwindi gorilla trekking experience scheduled for the following day.
Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge
Mid-range lodge located just outside Rushaga (Bwindi NP)
Embark on an unforgettable trek this morning to seek out mountain gorillas in the lush depths of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It’s an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime. As you approach the park’s boundary, the majestic forested mountainsides create a breathtaking contrast against the cultivated hills.Once inside the park, prepare for a sensory journey filled with captivating sounds, enticing aromas, and mesmerizing sights unique to the pristine African jungle. Even in the absence of wildlife sightings, the sheer beauty of the surroundings is bound to leave you in awe.
After your gorilla trekking adventure, return to your accommodation for some well-deserved rest. Later in the day, immerse yourself in the vibrant local community with an engaging late afternoon-to-evening cultural encounter. Delight in traditional dances performed by the local people and take part in activities such as traditional cooking and weaving, offering you a deeper insight into the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge
Mid-range lodge located just outside Rushaga (Bwindi NP)
Indulge in a hearty breakfast before embarking on your journey to Lake Mburo National Park via Mbarara City. Upon arrival at the accommodation in Lake Mburo, take some time to unwind before setting out for an afternoon-to-evening game drive. Prepare to be mesmerized by the majestic sight of the towering eland antelopes, graceful zebras, agile topis, elegant impalas, spirited Uganda kob, and formidable Cape buffalos, among other wildlife species. After the exhilarating game drive, retreat to your accommodation for a peaceful night’s rest, accompanied by a delicious dinner.
Accommodation: Mburo Safari Lodge
Mid-range lodge located inside Lake Mburo NP
Savor a delightful early breakfast before embarking on the Mburo morning park walk, guided by an armed Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger-guide. This immersive experience offers the chance to encounter various wildlife up close, including zebras, giraffes, elands, topis, and other antelope species, as well as Cape buffaloes.Embark on a trail leading to the hilltops, where you’ll be treated to panoramic views of Lake Mburo and its surroundings, showcasing nine of the twelve lakes that grace the national park. After this captivating excursion, return to your accommodation to check out.
Subsequently, depart for Entebbe Airport, scheduled for a departure time of 1800hrs or later. En route, make a stop at the equator for a memorable photo opportunity before continuing your journey back home.
NB : An African wildlife safari is a thrilling chance to see wild animals going about their daily lives in their natural habitat, which is why they’re one of the most popular activities on the continent. East Africa (specifically Uganda and Rwanda) has a huge variety of national parks that offer adventurous opportunities to see wildlife up close. For Inquiries, reach out to us at [email protected]
