21 Day Uganda Ultimate Safari | Three Weeks In Uganda

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From $9698 per person for two sharing

Tour Overview

Experience the “Pearl of Africa” ​​up close on this 21-Day Uganda Ultimate Safari! From the vast savannas of Kidepo Valley National Par to dense rainforests, mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, rhinos, and the mighty Murchison Falls await you. Discover the wildlife in a car, on foot, and by boat – with expert guidance and comfortable accommodation.

Highlights

  • Visit to the Ziwa Rhino Rhino including a hike to see the rhinos
  • Night game drive and walking safari in Kidepo
  • Boat trip at Murchison Falls
  • Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest
  • Chimpanzee trekking in the Kyambura Gorge
  • Boat trip on the Kazinga Canal in Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
  • Mabamba Shoebill Tour by dugout canoe
  • Night game drive and walking safari in Lake Mburo NP
Book This Tour
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Kibale
Murchison Falls National Park (3)
Murchison Falls National Park (2)

Itinerary IN dETAIL

Discover your route below. This itinerary is the starting point, tailor your adventure with the specific experiences.

Day 1 | Arrival Entebbe Airport, Meet & Greet

Your adventure begins with your arrival at Entebbe International Airport (EBB), where the warm, tropical air welcomes you. You will be met at the exit. Your personal Ugandan tour guide will greet you with a warm smile and a sign bearing your name. Winston Churchill was so captivated by the lush nature and diversity of this country that he bestowed upon it the unforgettable name “The Pearl of Africa.” After this initial warm welcome, your driver will take you directly to your comfortable accommodation in Entebbe. Once there, you can shake off the dust of your journey, take a deep breath in the idyllic garden, and relax after your flight, while your anticipation for the days ahead grows.

Accommodation: The Boma Entebbe

Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast

In the morning, your driver guide will pick you up from your hotel in Entebbe and take you on a drive northwest past towns, villages, and through stunning scenery to the Ziwa Rhino Ranch. You will arrive at the ranch in time for lunch. In the afternoon, you will walk to see the wild white rhinos. 

This small reserve is a project of Uganda Wildlife Authority aimed at reintroducing rhinos to Uganda National Parks and Reserves, as they were eradicated by poaching many years ago. In company of an experienced ranger, you will l embark on a guided hike to see the rhinos and other animals that inhabit the reserve. Besides the rhinos, the birdlife is also a delight. There are over 300 bird species recorded here. If you are lucky, the rhinos might even wander right up to your accommodation – a particularly special opportunity if you are photographers.

Accommodation: Ziwa Rhino Ranch

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

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After an early breakfast, you will continue your adventure north to Kidepo Valley National Park. Often called the jewel of Uganda, Kidepo is a paradise for nature lovers, far removed from the main tourist crowds. A beautiful drive will take you to your accommodation. Gazetted in 1962, Kidepo Valley National Park is a hidden gem for pristine African wilderness and undisturbed wildlife viewing. About 80 mammal species and almost 500 bird species can be seen only here in Uganda During the dry season months of January and February, wildlife gathers around the remaining waterholes in the Narus Valley. The Kanangorok hot springs in the Kidepo Valley, on the border with Sudan, are the only year-round water source. Enjoy this time here. 

Accommodation: Namoni Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Namoni Lodge
Namoni Lodge (2)

The next few days are yours to explore the Kidepo Valley National Park at your leisure. Depending on your selected safari activities, you will be accompanied by a Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger in addition to your driver guide. You, your guide, and the ranger will decide together which activities you wish to participate in and for how long. Your safari car will, of course, be available for game drives at all times. A night drive and a walking safari are already included in the tour.

Here are some of the possibilities:

  • Game drives in the Narus Valley:  The northern region of Uganda experiences a dry spell from mid-December to February. Rainfall doesn’t begin until mid-March. At this time, game drives through the open savannah of the Narus Valley are especially rewarding. Long avenues of sausage trees and Borassus palms line the riverbed, which is dry at this time of year. Huge herds of buffalos, elephants, and antelopes gather at the remaining waterholes. Lions, in turn, bask in the setting sun on kopjes (rocky hills). The plains are a superb hunting ground for lions. Cheetahs are also occasionally spotted, though this requires a bit of luck. Zebras and giraffes are, of course, also present.
  • Kanatarok Hot Springs: Depending on the season and conditions on the trails, you can also explore the Kanatarok Hot Springs area in the nearby Kidepo Valley. In this area, you may encounter lesser kudu, jackals, and Common ostriches. However, the area is especially known for its rare bird species.
  • Night game drive: Even during the night, the animal world has much to offer. After nightfall, with a little luck, you might even spot African leopards on a night game drive with a ranger. You might also see some bird species which are nocturnal.
  • Walking safari: There is plenty to experience in Kidepo National Park even without a vehicle. Accompanied by a ranger, you will set out on foot to observe the wildlife.

Accommodation: Namoni Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Kidepo walking safari

After an early morning breakfast, you bid farewell to Kidepo Valley National Park and travel west to your next major highlight, Murchison Falls National Park. Along the way, you will stop for lunch in Gulu, a flourishing town. At around late afternoon, a game drive will take you to your accommodation, located near the Nile Delta inside Murchison Falls National Park.

Accommodation: Tangi Elephant Camp

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Elephants in Murchsion Falls National Park

Today it’s an early start.

Day 7: After breakfast, you will set off on a full-day game drive in the Nile Delta of Murchison Falls National Park. Lunch will be a picnic right by the delta, where you can disembark. Relax and enjoy the fantastic views of the Nile River (the longest river on Earth) as the day winds down.

Day 8: Today, you will enjoy on a relaxing boat cruise on River Nile to Murchison Falls. This is a wonderful opportunity to observe Nile crocodiles, hippos, Cape buffalo, African elephants, Shoebills, and several other animals near the riverbanks. The power of nature and the water can not only be sensed here, but truly felt. On hot days, the rising spray offers welcome refreshment. The Nile plunges about 43 meters through a narrow gorge only 8 meters wide. Along the walking trail, you will discover diverse perspectives with fantastic photo opportunities. Enjoy the view and let it all sink in. Lunch will be a picnic along the way. You will also go on a walking safari on one of these days. The evening is spent relaxing at your accommodation.

Accommodation: Tangi Elephant Camp

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Lion in Murchison Falls National Park
Boat cruise in Murchison Falls National Park

In the morning, you will go on a game drive in Murchison Falls National Park. Afterwards, you will be taken to the boat station in Paraa, where you will board a boat and travel upstream to the impressive Murchison Falls. At the entrance to the gorge, you will land on a sandbank and walk for about 20 minutes through a forest up the cliff. There, with a fantastic view over the Nile River, lies Hemingway’s Camp. Your baggage will be taken directly to your accommodation. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your accommodation with its wonderful view.

Accommodation: Hemingway Camp – Murchison River Camps

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Early in the morning, you will put on your comfortable hiking shoes. Through the forest, along steep and sometimes slippery trails, as well as across dry riverbeds, you will hike to spectacular viewpoints overlooking the two waterfalls on the Nile River: Murchison Falls and Uhuru Falls. Since the hike is quite strenuous, the team at camp t will prepare a “bush breakfast” for you to fortify you before you head back. Back at the accommodation, you can enjoy a freshly-brewed cup of coffee by the pool if you wish.

After that , everything will be packed up, and a short walk will lead you back to the boat landing. From there, you will travel by boat back to your starting point in Paraa. The journey downstream is then a leisurely one. Along the riverbanks, you will observe elephants, buffalo, waterbuck, and other animals coming to drink. Hippos frolic in the shallows, and crocodiles some up to 7 meters long lie in wait for their prey. Your driver will be waiting for you there, and you will continue directly towards Lake Albert. The Lake Albert Safari Lodge, where you will stay for one night, is beautifully situated on a steep bank with sweeping views across the Lake Albert to the blue mountains of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Depending on your arrival time, you will embark on your first game drive in the afternoon. 

Accommodation: Lake Albert Safari Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

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After leisurely breakfast, your adventure continues south to Fort Portal. En route, you will pass quite rural villages with markets. Fort Portal lies in the shadow of the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains, also known as “the Mountains of the Moon”. You will arrive at your lodge in the afternoon. It is situated with a superb view of the tropical rainforest. After some relaxation, you will take a nature walk along the edge of Kibale Forest National Park. Enjoy the view and let the day come to a relaxing end.

Accommodation: Turaco Treetops Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

In the morning, you will hike through the rainforest in search of a community of wild chimpanzees. The probability of spotting these primates is over 95%. However, they sometimes hide high up in the trees and can be quite challenging to find. Kibale Forest National Park is also home to numerous other primate species. Besides chimpanzees, you will find Columbus monkeys, red colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, vervet monkeys, Olive baboons, and many more. Over 370 bird species and 250 butterfly species further enhance the forest’s appeal as a haven for nature lovers. The chimpanzee trek lasts approximately 2-4 hours and covers a distance of 3-5 km. Depending on permit availability, it can take place either in the morning or early afternoon.

In the afternoon, you will take a village walk through atmospheric village of Bigodi accompanied by a local guide. The walk will take up to 3 hours. According to your interests, you will first visit a traditional healer who will happily share his knowledge about spirits, herbs, plants and local medicines. Secondly, the visitors will visit the homes of elderly men and women who tell interesting stories about birth, marriage, ceremonies, clans and their traditional life. Learn more about the history and issues that they face as a developing community of rural Uganda. Along the way, you will visit the Bigodi’s trading centre, a hub of rural life and activity. Afterward, you will return to your accommodation, where you can relax and enjoy the rest of the day.

Accommodation: Turaco Treetops Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

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After a relaxed breakfast, the journey continues further south, traveling along the mighty Rwenzori Mountains. You will have will have a stop at the equator monument for photoshoots. On arrival in Queen Elizabeth National Park, your first game drive will take you to the Kazinga Channel area. After lunch, you will go on another game drive and then relax at your accommodation for the evening.

Accommodation: The Bush Lodge – Banda

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Today you will take a truly magnificent hike through the Kyambura Gorge! The gorge is an 11 km long and a 100-meter-deep fissure running straight through the savannah of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Hidden within the gorge lies a beautiful stretch of tropical rainforest, situated along the banks of the Kyambura River. This rainforest is home to chimpanzees, and other animal species. Rangers make it a sport to spot the chimpanzees, but the chance of seeing them is about 50%. Therefore, above all, enjoy the hike itself, as it is one of the most beautiful hikes you can take in this country. It is an adventurous hike involving scrambling and climbing. But don’t worry, with a reasonable level of fitness, this is no problem. Enjoy your time and immerse yourself in this pristine natural environment.

After the approximately 3-hour hike, a boat trip awaits you on the Kazinga Canal. Besides the hundreds of hippos and crocodiles in the water, you can spot many wild animals near the banks, as well as numerous waterbirds. A fantastic opportunity to observe and photograph the animals up close from the boat. As the sun sets, you will return, and a final boat trip will take you back to your accommodation.

Accommodation: The Bush Lodge – Banda

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

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In the morning, you will take another game drive through the northern part of this park (Kasenyi). You can also (optionally) choose to book the “Lion predator tracking”.  After this safari, you will drive for approximately 2.5 hours to the southern part of the park, Ishasha. Here, you will enjoy a well-deserved lunch at your lodge. After lunch, you will go on safari again, searching for the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha. Ishasha is a remote location with low number of visitors, which benefits the wilderness character. The savannas are interspersed with numerous wild fig trees used by tree-climbing lions. The Ntungwe River flows through Ishasha, where hippos live and the vegetation is lush and dense. Large herds of Uganda kob (grass antelope) are also common in this area. Elephants, buffalo, hyenas, and even the elusive leopard can also be observed.

Accommodation: Ishasha Wilderness Camp

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Another exciting day awaits you in this pristine part of the national park. Early in the morning as the African sun breaks out over the wilderness, you will venture out for a game drive to look for lions, leopards, elephant, buffalo and many antelope species. You will also look out for warthog, water buck, bush buck, Ugandan kob, countless bird species and even the rare giant forest hog.  You will also have a game drive and a Sundowner in the late afternoon as the sun sets over the savannahs. The Sundowner drinks and snacks are a fantastic way to round your day off! At the end of your afternoon game drive, you will be taken to a prearranged location inside the national park, where you will find a small buffet with freshly-made snacks and ice-cold drinks. This is set up with comfortable chairs, overlooking the beautiful African savannah plains. The Sundowners are held in an area where you have a combination of the beautiful African sunset, as well as having a quiet location from which to enjoy viewing the wildlife. The Sundowners last as long as you choose, so there is no pressure to return to Camp before watching the sun set fully. The selection of drinks on offer include: water, sodas, beers, house wines, as well as local gin. Highly recommended to book in advance is a unique bush breakfast (optional extra).

Accommodation: Ishasha Wilderness Camp

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Ishasha

In the morning, you will enjoy on another game drive. Afterwards, the journey proceeds through the so-called “Switzerland of Africa,” the hilly Kigezi region, to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Bwindi is home to half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Nine other primate species also inhabit the forest. The name Bwindi Impenetrable Forest itself hints at the landscape’s impenetrable nature. The dense mountainous rainforest has developed since the Ice Age, and its shrub and bush vegetation provides an ideal habitat for the primates. You will reach your accommodation in the afternoon. Enjoy the views of the rainforest. This is a relaxing end to the day, and you should get to bed early to be rested for the next day.

Accommodation: Engagi Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

After an early breakfast, you will be transferred to the park headquarters. There, you will receive a detailed briefing on the rules of conduct that are important for gorilla trekking. You will then embark on the trek into mountain rainforest with an experienced ranger from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. The ranger follows the instructions and tracks of the trackers, who started their trek at sunrise. The trackers first went to the spot where they encountered the gorillas the previous day and are now following their movements. As soon as they spot the gorillas, they inform the guide. You will carefully approach the gorilla family and the silverback. It’s a truly amazing moment to stand face to face with these gentle giants of the rainforest. You must limit your visit with the gorilla family to one hour to minimize disruption to their natural rhythms.

The hike to the gorillas can be strenuous, depending on the gorilla family you’re visiting. This is quickly forgotten when you see these majestic apes, but a certain level of fitness is recommended. It’s also crucial that you’re in good health. Even a cold can prevent you from seeing the gorillas, so they aren’t at risk. The hiking time varies depending on the gorilla family. Proper equipment is essential. Good footwear, gaiters, and rain gear are standard. Gloves are also highly recommended, especially when dealing with thorny plants. Enjoy your time with the gorillas. This visit is much more than “just” wildlife observation. When you look into the eyes of these gentle giants, you’ll see so much about ourselves.

Over 98% of our genes are identical to those of gorillas, and you will experience a truly sublime feeling when you stand close to these magnificent creatures. The young ones are playful and frolic within the gorilla family. A late lunch awaits you at your accommodation. After you’ve eaten, you can relax at the lodge for the rest of the afternoon.

Accommodation: Engagi Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Day 19: Bwindi – Lake Mburo National Park (travel time approx. 6 hours)

After a hearty breakfast, you will Bwindi and travel to Lake Mburo National Park. Located on the way to Kampala and Entebbe, it is often overlooked by travelers but offers beautiful scenery and a wide range of unique activities. It is Uganda’s smallest savannah national park, and birdwatchers will also find plenty to enjoy. More than 350 different species, such as the papyrus shrike, black-headed lapwing, and mirror warbler, can be found in the national park. In the afternoon, an extensive game drive awaits. Buffalo, eland, oribi, topi, and many other animals can be spotted. It is also the only npark besides Kidepo where zebras can be seen in Uganda. After the game drive, you will return to your accommodation. The accommodation offers magnificent views, and in the evening, you can enjoy a wonderful sunset from here.

Accommodation: Mihingo Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Today set out a morning game walk in Lake Mburo National Park. A ranger from the Uganda Wildlife Authority will accompany you, sharing insights into the local flora and fauna. During the walk, you will have an opportunity to encounter the animals at eye level. The rising sun offers especially spectacular photo opportunities. The lodge offers a variety of activities (not included), such as mountain biking and horseback riding inside the park, which you can book on-site. Afterward, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and spend the rest of the day at leisure. In the evening, you will set off on a night drive, where you will have the chance to see animals that remain hidden during the day. It’s like an exclusive glimpse behind the scenes of nature. Relax and unwind at the lodge for the rest of the evening.

Accommodation: Mihingo Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

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Game drive at night

In the morning, you will begin your journey back towards Entebbe. En route, you will visit the Mabamba Wetland on the shores of Lake Victoria. You will board a small wooden canoe boat with a local guide and navigate the narrow channels of the papyrus swamp. Searching for the legendary shoebill, you will discover many different bird species. Named for its huge beak which looks like a Dutch Clog, this bird is one of Uganda’s iconic symbols. Afterwards, you will return to Entebbe, arriving in the late afternoon. From here, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to home. We wish you a pleasant flight and many unforgettable memories of this trip.

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Tour Price

Number of People

Price per Person

1 Person

USD 13938

2 People

USD 9698

3 People

USD 9023

4 People

USD 8143

5 People

USD 8049

6 People

USD 7624

Inclusions

  • All park entrance fees
  • Transport in a safari-equipped off-road vehicle
  • Experienced English-speaking driver/guide
  • All meals as indicated in the itinerary
  • Game drives as indicated in the itinerary
  • Drinking water in the vehicle
  • Airport transfers on arrival and departure
  • Accommodation and meals as described in the itinerary
  • Visit to the Ziwa Rhino Ranch including a hike to see the rhinos
  • Night game drive & walking safari in Kidepo
  • Boat trip at Murchison Falls
  • Waterfall hike Uhuru / Murchison
  • Game walk in Murchison National Park
  • Bush Breakfast Murchison
  • Nature walk along the edge of Kibale Forest
  • Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale (permit included)
  • Bigodi Village Walk
  • Uganda Equator Experience
  • Chimpanzee trekking in the Kyambura Gorge - (permit included)
  • Boat trip on the Kazinga Canal in Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • Gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park (permit included)
  • Guided hike + night game drive in Lake Mburo National Park
  • Mabamba Shoebill Tour by dugout canoe

Exclusions

  • International flights to/from Uganda
  • Optional excursions or activities not pre-booked
  • Uganda visa costs (USD 50)
  • Travel Insurance
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Drinks

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We founded Choose Uganda Safaris with a dream in hand: to organize the most beautiful trips for people who want to discover Uganda. Since then, we have built a passionate local team with one goal: to make your Uganda trip an unforgettable experience. 

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Crafted By Ssonko Rashidu

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21 Day Uganda Ultimate Safari | Three Weeks In Uganda