20 days cultural wildlife safaris
20 days cultural wildlife safaris Overview
This extra ordinary 20 days cultural and wildlife safaris will give you an opportunity to travel to all corners of Uganda and see the diversity of Uganda’s flora and fauna. The mountains of Sipi Falls, One of the best parks in the world: Kidepo valley, meet the karamajong, explore the River Nile, the savannas of Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls and the rainforests of Kibale and Bwindi. This tour through Uganda is the perfect combination of nature, culture & animals and you will overnight in the best mid-range accommodations in Uganda.
Departure & Return Location
- Entebbe International Airport
Departure Time
- 3 Hours Before Flight Time
Room Service Fees
- Accomodation
- Tour Guide
- Entrance Fees
- All transportation in destination location
Price Excludes
- Any Private Expenses
- Room Service Fees
Complementaries
- Sunscreen
- T-Shirt
- Entrance Fees
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Uganda!
Your guide will pick you up from Entebbe airport and transfers you to ViaVia Guesthouse, only a 10 minute drive on arrival for your 20 days cultural and wildlife safaris. This is where your Laba Africa guide will find you tomorrow morning for the start of your tour after a good breakfast. Depending on the time of your arrival, you might be able to explore the area. There are many options in Entebbe and easily organized . For example a visit to the Botanical gardens or the Ugandan Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC).
ViaVia Entebbe is a very cosy accommodation in Entebbe, only 10 minutes away from the airport. All the rooms are self-contained and have a private terrace overlooking the dazzling garden. Relax in one of the hammocks while the resident monkeys play around in the trees, you can bath in your hot-tub, enjoy a romantic sunset and sit aside the campfire at night. The restaurant serves you fresh and healthy food, spiced with world flavours for a well-balanced international and local menu. ViaVia will give you a truly heartwarming experience that’s very hard to beat! If you wish, you can go birding and trek the shoebill stalk in Mabamba swamp
- Accomodation : Via Via Guest house
- Journey time : 10 minutes
- Meal plan: No meals inclusive
Day 2: Jinja ( The Source of the mighty River Nile)
Jinja lies on the shore of Lake Victoria, about 3 hours East from Kampala. This is our first destination on this 20 days cultural and wildlife safaris. This town is famous as the historic source of the river Nile and at the same time the adrenaline capital of East Africa. Besides enjoying peaceful sunsets, birdlife and tranquillity, this is also where visitors get their adventurous fix. Enjoy activities such as white-water rafting, kayaking, tubing, quad biking, mountain biking and horse riding. Jinja has a gorgeous natural setting with crumbling colonial architecture. With the arrival of British colonial rule in 1906 the town began to grow as a trading canter and important river crossing. These days Jinja has a vibrant downtown and broad leafy residential streets set next to the Nile River.
The Nile Porch is an eco lodge set in a very relaxing and peaceful environment. This lodge is very family-friendly and is well maintained. The views are right onto the Nile so you get to enjoy the tranquillity as you gaze at the gently flowing water of the longest river in the world. Watch fish eagles, fish otters, monitor lizards, monkeys and numerous species of birds from the comfort of the spacious restaurant terrace. Go for a dip in the swimming pool and enjoy the delicious meals in the restaurant after exploring the fun activities in Jinja.
- Journey Time: 3 hours
- Accommodation: The Nile porch
- Meal Plan: Breakfast and dinner
Meal Plan Breakfast and dinner
Optional activities in Jinja
- 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
A drive through the north-eastern part of Uganda, to the foothills of Mount Elgon you reach a plateau 1800m above sea level where the beautiful Sipi Falls are located. These green area has a spectacular series of waterfalls (some nearly 100m high), surrounded by village walking trails and lush green coffee-producing hills. There are three falls separated by steep hillsides. It is quite cool here compared to the other parts of Uganda with temperate weather conditions. You will relax and enjoy the fresh air and the calm environment away from city hustles and traffic. Abseiling on sipi falls, a coffee tour and community visits are some of the activities you can enjoy besides the hikes.
Sipi River lodge is located in the Mount Elgon footsteps in a perfect location. This is by far the most comfortable place to stay in the area. Within the picturesque setting you will experience the view on one of the Kapsurur Falls right from your veranda. This is where you will comfortable enjoy some garden-grown coffee (some of the best Arabica coffee in the world) and hopefully enjoy a magical sunsets this place is so famous for. The restaurant serves hearty home-style meals using local produce.
- Journey time : 7 hours
- Accomodation: Sipi River Lodge Meal
- Plan: Dinner and Breakfast
Day 4: Sipi Falls hike, Karamoja region (Moroto)
The Sipi River flows over the foothills of Mount Elgon, forming a series of waterfalls – these culminate in a spectacular drop, which is surrounded by pretty walking trails and lush green hills. You can choose to go on a 3 or, for the real adventurers, 7 hour hike through the region. A local guide will accompany you on your hike. You can go only for the nature and waterfall walk, but it is also possible to combine the tour with a coffee tour or cultural tour. Whichever you choose, you can be certain that you pass many waterfalls, plantations and caves. Local villagers will be sure to greet you with ‘Jambo!’ and beaming smiles.
In the afternoon of this 20 days cultural and wildlife safaris, you will travel to Moroto town the heart of the Karamoja area for your cultural activities tomorrow. The Karamoja tented camp in Moroto is located in the beating heart of the Karamoja region at the slopes of Mount Moroto (3085m). This is a central location serving as the perfect base for your adventure through northeast Uganda The camp design is a blend of traditional customs and local materials with a modern touch. Your time here brings you a unique experience of heritage, comfort and hospitality during a Uganda safari through Uganda’s untouched northeast.
- Journey Time: 5 hours
- Accommodation: Kara Tunga safari camp
- Meal Plan: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 5: Day 5: Hike mountain moroto and Visit the Kraal
This region of Uganda is virgin and undiscovered One of these here it’s the only place where you can learn about traditional life of the Karamojong, the most traditional tribe still living in Uganda. In the early morning you leave for a scenic nature walk through the valley of Mt Moroto, the highest mountain of Karamoja. During the walk we will set camp at a traditional village of the So Tepeth mountain people.
After this, you’ll meet the Karamajong living in a Kraal, better known as Manyatta or Boma in Swahili. A Kraal is basically a village made out of huts surrounded by fences made of wood and thorns. These are put up to keep the cattle in and to protect them against rival tribes and wild animals. Some of the Kraals are permanent and others are temporarily for when they tail the fresh grass to feed the cattle.
The Karamajong people are similar to the Masai and related. The only difference is that the Karamajong are not known by the world! We want to take you to this unique and untouched destination to discover the Uganda’s best kept secret.
- Accomodation : Kara tunga safari camp
- Meal plan : Break fast and dinner
Day 6: To Kidepo National Park
On this day of this 20 days cultural and wildlife safaris, you will travel to the most remote and pristine national park in the country: Kidepo Valley National Park.
In the rugged semi-arid valleys in the extreme northeast of Uganda, Kidepo Valley National Park lies hidden away in a lost and not frequently visited corner between Uganda’s borders with Sudan and Kenya. It is a long but very rewarding journey to get to this area with some of the most beautiful scenery in Uganda. You’ll experience an afternoon game drive in the wild Narus valley where herds of elephants & buffalos as well as beautiful sights of lions and leopards sitting on various valley rocks can be spotted
Day 7: Safari in Kidepo
Kidepo Valley national park is one of the few parks in Uganda where you can do a walking safari. An armed ranger is joining you for your safety and you will explore the wilderness on foot. During this activity you get the chance to experience the wildlife up-close, a totally different experience than game-viewing by car. Buffalo, waterbuck, giraffe, warthog, zebra, bush-buck and of course the naughty baboons can be seen all year round as well as many different bird species. The guide stops regularly, not merely searching for game, but telling you about birds, insects, trees, animal droppings, the medicinal use of plants and which animals eat which plants.
In the afternoon of your 20 days cultural and wildlife safaris, you will go for another game drive in this amazing national park. The savanna is ringed by mountains and rocky ridges. It has a profusion of big game and hosts 475 bird species and over 80 mammal species, of which 28 were not known to occur (or very rarely) in any other Ugandan park. For example; ostriches, zebras, bat-eared foxes, aardwolves, caracals, cheetahs, and greater and lesser kudus. Kidepo Valley National Park ranks among Africa’s finest wildernesses and is ranked nr. 3 on the list of CNN of best national parks in Africa.
Day 8: To Murchison Falls National Park
Today you continue your journey to Murchison Falls National Park one of the oldest conservation areas in Uganda. This is a long but rewarding journey through various landscapes of Northern Uganda
Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s best-known and biggest nature reserve. With the impressive and powerful Murchison waterfall and its remarkable animal populations, this is a must visit in the Pearl of Africa. There are superb activities on offer such as a boat safari or Delta safari on the Nile. The river divides the park between a Northern and Southern section as it makes its way through multiple rapids and waterfalls to Lake Albert.
Unfortunately, during the war years poachers and troops wiped out the majority of wildlife. Except for the park’s rhino population, fortunately all other wildlife has recovered fast since. A game drive in the park allows you to be eye-to-eye with the African animal kingdom and you will be amazed by the amount of elephants. Also giraffes, lions, antelope, waterbucks, buffaloes, hippos and crocodiles can all be spotted. Game drives take place on the tracks in the northern section which you reach by taking a ferry across the river. This park guarantees adventure on your 20 days cultural and wildlife safaris.
Journey time : 8 hours Accomodation: Fort Murchison Meal plan: Breakfast and Dinner
Have breakfast at 6 am and go for the early morning game drive you will need a very good eye to try and spot as many animals as possible. While driving through the park you you have a chance to elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, lions, leopards, different species of antelope and many tropical birds. They are all there! A professional ranger with extensive knowledge on the park and its inhabitants will join you in your car. The park is especially known for its massive elephant population, huge array of bird species and big herds of buffalo. You will discover some of the parks ecosystems and different scenery with dense woodland, extensive savannahs and rolling grasslands. As this is a private game drive you can ask your guide to tailor your trip towards specific birdlife and/or wildlife if you want
Your accommodation for the coming two nights is at Murchison River Lodge. This lodge has been built on the edge of the mighty River Nile overlooking pods of hippos and stunning Murchison Falls National Park. Here you can expect ultimate comfort and relaxation in en-suite safari tents in a beautiful bush-location. Enjoy the swimming pool and the great hospitality! If you have binoculars, bring them! The bird life is incredible. The main lodge area provides a bar and restaurant and sits on a raised bank providing magical panoramic views of the magical River Nile as well as the park. You know that you are really in the bush having a guide leading you back to your safari tent after dinner because of the active wildlife at night!
- Accommodation: Murchison River Lodge
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 9: Boat Safari on Delta
The Nile Delta is the area where the Victoria Nile flows into Lake Albert. The banks of the delta are home to hundreds of bird species including the rare and prehistoric-looking shoebill stork and papyrus endemic species.
A boat safari through the delta is a “must do” for every birdwatcher. During this (approximately) 5 hour boat tour you enjoy a breakfast while enjoy the peaceful scenery and while approaching Lake Albers you may see more fishermen in canoes catches of tilapia fish and local people fetching water from the Nile and if lucky wild game along the banks. You may also see many hippo, crocodile and if lucky you can witness elephant bathing in the river. Also keep an eye on the treetops as you can often spot monkeys such as eastern fringed monkeys and baboons. The boat trip starts early in the morning during the soft light, golden hours for photographers. This lights lasts till about 10 am when the light becomes brighter. Relax, sit back & enjoy!
Later in the evening, you will have game drive searching for more exciting wildlife scenes in the park or just choose to relax
- Journey Time: Depending on the game drive Accommodation Murchison River Lodge
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 10: Transfer to Kibale National park
On this day of your 20 days cultural and wildlife safaris, you will undertake the journey to green Kibale Forest. The drive is incredibly scenic, passing through tea plantations and the lush green countryside which characterizes so much of Uganda. On arrival at the forest, you will enter a completely different new exciting world…!
Kibale Forest National Park lies just outside the colonial town of Fort Portal and is made up of dense tropical rainforest. This park is considered one of the big highlights of Uganda due to some serious monkey business going on here. A big number of primates residing can be found here and particularly a visit to one of the habituated chimpanzee groups is a very memorable experience. The rare red colobus as well as the black and white colobus, red tailed monkey, olive baboon, the blue Monkey and l’hoest’s monkeys are also regularly seen here. Where would you find a better spot to experience encounters with nature; smelling the forest and listening to the many sounds. Your safari tent or cottage is surrounded by lush green diversity filled with countless bird species and butterflies.
- Journey Time: 5-6 hours
- Accommodation: Chimpanzee guest house
- Meal Plan: Breakfast and dinner
Day 12: Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi wetlands nature walk
Chimpanzees share 98% of human genes making them our closest living relatives. They are most easily sighted in Uganda due to their dense populations. Today, in Uganda, there are approximately 5,000 chimpanzees left in the wild. The Chimpanzee Trekking experience here is done on several well maintained walking trails. There is also a wonderfully diverse concentration of other primates, more than any other forest in East Africa, in fact. Besides our delightful cousins, the chimpanzees, you can find red colobus, red-tailed guenon, white-nosed monkey, gray-cheeked mangabey, blue monkey, L’Hoest’s monkey, and the black and white colobus monkey. In addition, you may see olive baboons, bush babies etc
The aim for your trekking through the jungle under the care of professional guide, is 1 hour of eye to eye contact with the chimpanzees.
The afternoon Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary which features 8 primate species, over 200 bird species and many reptiles. During the walk – which takes 3 hours – will animals but the highlight is catching a glimpse of a famous bird; the Great Blue Turaco.
- Accommodation: Chimpanzee guest house
- Meal Plan: Breakfast and dinner
Day 13: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National park is the second largest park in the country and located at the base of the majestic Rwenzori Mountain range, next to Lake Edward and Lake George which are joined by the Kazinga channel. Few reserves in the world have such a high biodiversity with landscapes including savannah, bushland, wetlands and lush forests. On your first game drive, it is time to explore the Queen Elizabeth National Park with her 200 kilometers of well-maintained game viewing tracks. We advise for you to be alert and pro-active on your game drive to help the ranger spot as many animals as possible.With an astonishing 5000 hippos, 2500 elephants and over 10,000 buffalo thriving in its grasslands and shorelines, this park guarantees sightings of some of Africa’s most iconic species. All being well you see elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, different species of antelope and just maybe some of the exciting predators such as; lion, leopard, civet, genal and serval cats. Ten species of primates enjoy the park’s diverse habitats. Vervet and black-and-white colobus monkeys are easily spotted in the trees, and of course the boldest species; baboons! They are all there! A professional ranger with extensive knowledge on the park and its inhabitants will join you in your car so you can ask your guide to search for specific bird life or wildlife.
Bush lodge offers private safari tents on raised wooden floors with canvas walls, which can be rolled up. You can sit comfortably when watching the savannah plains with breath taking views across the park on your 20 days cultural and wildlife safaris.
- Journey Time: 4 hours
- Accomodation: Bush lodge
- Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner
Day 14: Game Drive & Boat Safari
After an early breakfast, you will go for a long game drive in time to see the sun rise. The morning is the best time for a game drive as the African animal kingdom tends to me most active when during the golden hours of the first sunlight touching the savannah. You will continue the search for all the wildlife; elephant, buffalo, lion, waterbuck, leopard, Uganda kob, warthog and do not forget about the birds and the primates.
In the afternoon you will go for a boat safari at the Kazinga channel where lake Gorge meets lake Albert. You will see many animals come to drink or bathe. You can expect to see: Buffalo, Crocodile, bathing Elephant, and a range of beautiful birds.
Day 15: Chimpanzees & tree climbing lions
Early in the morning you will go for a hike in the Kyambura gorge; another gem in the far eastern corner of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This gorge is also called the “Valley of Apes” and is another world on its own. Drained by River Kayambura it now has a rich wildlife bio-diversity, including a family of 16 chimpanzees and many bird species. The view from the top is very impressive as you look down a gorge filled with lush green tropical vegetation amidst an impressive valley. A hike through the gorge gives you the opportunity to see chimpanzees and other types of primates including red-tailed monkey, black-and-white colobus, baboons and vervet monkeys. This green- riverine forest also offers shelter to several forest birds. Although the chance of spotting chimpanzees is not as high as on an official trekking in Kibale or Budongo forest, this landscape is among the most impressive in Uganda and absolutely worth visiting.
Drive to the south part of Queen Elizabeth National Park after the hike This part is famous for its’ tree-climbing lions. While lion cubs around the world frequently climb trees for fun, adults rarely do. However, these lionesses enjoy spending the hot afternoons snoozing in fig trees to get away from the tsetse flies and to enjoy a cool breeze. This is the most memorable sight in the park as you have never seen such photogenic lions posing for your camera before. During a game drive you will try your luck! Meanwhile don’t miss the stunning scenery and superb birdlife in this southern remote section of the park either.
You will sleep at Enjojo lodge where you have an opportunity to see birds and herds of elephants, buffaloes and antelopes are regularly spotted. Vervet monkeys, baboons, black- and white colobus have become residents to the lodge.
- Journey time: 2 ½ hours
- Accomodation: Enjojo lodge
- Meal plan : Breakfast and dinner
Day 16: Lake Mutanda
Today you go to a very beautiful part of the country often referred to as ‘the Switzerland of Africa’. You will see a great country-side, bamboo forest and have great views over the Virunga Mountains between Uganda, Rwanda and Congo . For lunch you will stop at a local restaurant on the road .
Mutanda Lake Resort offers one of the best views in Uganda! Perched on a peninsula in Lake Mutanda, isolated in the shadow of the Virunga Mountains Range, this lodge offers comfortable accommodation in a very unique corner of the country. Situated between Kisoro town, Mgahinga and Bwindi National Parks the Resort makes a perfect base for a gorilla trekking, volcano hikers, bird- lovers as well for those looking for a secluded magical place in nature. Don’t forget to take your chance to dip in the lake as it is Bilharzia free
- Journey time: 8 hours
- Accomodation : Lake Mutanda resort
- Meal plan : Dinner and breakfast
Day 17: Gorilla Tracking
Today is a very exciting day…. Prepare yourself for an encounter with one of Bwindi’s gentle giants: the rare Mountain Gorilla. For most people this is the absolute highlight of their tour in Uganda.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a highlight for many visitors as this is where they will be visiting the home of the gentle giants. The park lies in southwestern Uganda on the edge of the Rift Valley.
Uganda’s oldest and most biologically diverse rainforests lies on the mist-covered hillsides. This magnificent forest dates back over 25,000 years, even surviving the last Ice Age (most forests disappeared). Bwindi forest has an incredible diversity of flora and fauna and is the only forest in Africa which can make claim to host both mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. In fact, half the worlds’ population of gorillas live here divided over nine habituated gorilla family groups. Also 5 other primate species, 120 species of mammal, over 220 butterflies and 360 birds species call Bwindi home. This it THE place to see the critically endangered mountain gorillas up close for your very own ‘Gorillas in the Mist’ moment.
Your gorilla trek will be an exciting (for some also challenging) journey along forested (sometimes slippery) slopes, entwined vines, bushes and bamboo before you eventually reach the gentle giants. En-route, your guide will point out signs of previous gorilla activity. Think of dung, nests and chewed bamboo shoots. The time to complete the gorilla trekking can be as little as 2 hours to as much as 7 hours!
Once the the family of gorillas has been located, you will be allowed a maximum of one hour observing them. Coming face-to-face with the mountain gorillas is a truly humbling and emotional experience. This is a fantastic part of your tour you will definitely remember for the rest of your life.
- Journey Time : 1 ½ x 2 hours
- Accomodation: Lake Mutanda resort
- Meal plan : Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Days 18: Lake Bunyonyi / Batwa Trail
Today we will take you to another exciting lake Bunyoyi ‘ Lake of many small birds” this stunning location offer some wonderful optional activities. The south-western part of Uganda is known as ”Little Switzerland” , a lush, mountainous region dotted with freshwater lakes, which makes it the perfect base for a number of activities beyond gorilla tracking. The area is great for walking, hiking, mountain biking, cultural village tours, bird watching or water sport activities.
- Journey time: 2 ½ hours Accomodation Hawks eye lodge
- Meal plan Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 19: Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo is a small national Park (on the route from Bwindi National Park back to Entebbe) but should certainly not be underestimated. This is the only place in southern Uganda to see zebras and the only park in the country with impalas, slender mongoose and giant bush rats. You can also look for hyenas, leopards, topis, elands and the beautiful Rothschild’s giraffes, not to mention the lake itself which is teeming with hippos and crocodiles!. There are a lot of wonderful activities on offer, such as horse-riding, bush walks, boat safari on the lake and a mountain bike safari. It is exciting to approach the wildlife at such close range, especially combining the fresh air with the beautiful scenery of Lake Mburo National Park.
Today’s lodge is an ultimate place to breath in the essence of wild Uganda. This lodge’s aim it to ensure responsible tourism in every way. Zebras, warthogs, impalas and bushbucks often gather around the lodge to drink water beneath the dining area.
- Journey time: 7 hours
- Acoomodation: Rwakobo rock
- Meal plan : Break fast and dinner
Day 20: Game walk or mountain bike tour, and transfter to the airport
Lake Mburo N.P. is one of the two parks in Uganda where it is permitted to go for a safari walk with an experienced ranger. Footprints and animal droppings tell which animal has been here and how long ago. It is exciting to approach the wildlife at such close range. This activity is included this morning. This will mark the end of your 20 days cultural and wildlife safaris.
NOTE It’s very exciting to make a safari by mountain bike if you wish this activity to be included on your trip? Let us know and we will put it at an extra cost
- Journey Time: 6 hours to Entebbe
- Accomodation: Not ncluded
- Meal Plan: Late breakfast
