20 Days All Uganda with Kidepo

This extended Uganda Round Trip covers all of Uganda, the Wilderness of the North East as well as the Primates areas of Kibale and Bwindi.

You start in Entebbe with the shoebill boat safari and proceed North via Jinja, Sipi Falls, Moroto with the Karamojong Culture up to KIDEPO VALLEY National Park, which is a hidden jewel under the National Parks of East Africa.

The trip then moves to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Murchison Falls NP with Nile Boat Safari(s), Kibale with Chimpanzee Tracking, Queen Elizabeth with game drives and Kazinga Channel Boat Safari, Bwindi with Gorilla Tracking and Lake Mburo with walking safari.

The tour can start at any date of your choice.

Highlights

• Shoebill Boat in Mabamba Swamps
• Jinja and the source of the Nile
• Sipi Falls: Waterfall hike and coffee experience
• Moroto: Karamojong Culture
• Kidepo Valley National Park: 2 Safari Days
• Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary with Rhino Walking Safari
• Murchison Falls NP with Game drives and Nile Boat Safari
• Kibale Forest NP: with Bigodi Wetland Walking Safari and Chimp tracking
• Queen Elizabeth National Park: Kazinga Channel Boat Safari and Game Drives
• Bwindi: Gorilla Tracking in Rushaga
• Lake Mburo National Park with Walking Safari

Day by Day Program

Day 1 & 2 – Entebbe

The moment you've been waiting for has finally arrived: Your Uganda safari begins. Entebbe and its international airport offer a wonderful introduction to this country full of natural treasures. The airport is practically surrounded by the waters of Africa's largest lake, and the jungle-like surroundings of the city give it a special atmosphere. You can already encounter vervet monkeys and observe fantastic birds here in Entebbe – fish eagles and ibises circle screeching, and turacos chatter in the trees.

• After arrival: Transfer upon arrival to Tilapia Lodge We arrange a shuttle to pick you from the airport and drop you to Nakiwogo landing site, where the speed boat waits for you to take you to the lodge. Speed Boat operated 24 hours.
• Morning: Relax in the Lodge, Tilapia Lodge by Entebbe and enjoy the Nature at the shores of Lake Victoria.
• Shoebill Boat Safari and outdoor activity advices: Our boat guide picks you at the Guesthouse shortly before 1 pm. After a short walk you reach the boat which takes you over the lake to the Mabamba Swamps, a Ramsar wetland whose prolific birdlife includes the eagerly sought shoebill. There you change to a smaller boat. Please apply enough sun lotion - very important, come with a rain poncho in your backpack and wear a hat. Clothes can be leisure, like shorts and sandals depending on temperatures. Use the toilet before you start! The boat trip will last 3-4 hours. Following applies to all outdoor activities in Uganda: • apply sun protection even when it's cloudy, • have your rain poncho with you, even when the sun is shining, • go with a hat or cap • do not forget to take enough water water with you • early morning and towards evening apply insect repellent! • walking safaris: long trousers, closed shoes and trousers inside the socks (ANTS!)

Accommodation: Tilapia Lodge by Entebbe — Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3 – Jinja

Jinja sits on a green peninsula where the Nile begins its journey north from Lake Victoria, the source of the world's longest river. The town has a relaxed atmosphere, with tree-lined streets and colonial-era buildings hinting at its history as Uganda's second city. The mix of old Indian architecture and leafy neighborhoods gives Jinja real character. The Nile here is young and energetic, surrounded by lush vegetation. We often bring guests here to experience the natural drama of the Nile's source and the welcoming small-town feel. The climate is warm year-round, and the area has a productive, settled quality with farms and villages nearby. Jinja offers a different side of Uganda, combining geographic significance with genuine local life and outdoor adventure.

• After Breakfast: Transfer by Road, Entebbe to Jinja Transfer time; about 2-3 hours
• We organise a boat trip to the source of the Nile, the birthplace of the mighty Nile on Lake Victoria. The water bubbles up underground at the edge of the lake and flows westward as a mighty river at high speed. From Lake Albert it changes the direction northward. It is estimated that no more than 5% of the water flows to Egypt. A landmark marks the source near Jinja. On a small island, there were once a few restaurants and bars that were washed due to high water a few years ago. During the boat trip, you can observe many birds.

Accommodation: The Jewel and the Lake — Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4 & 5 – Sipi Falls

You will visit some stunning waterfalls, one of them standing 99 meters high, cascading down lush slopes. Perched high above the plains, it offers sweeping views. The falls are fed by a river flowing from the mountain’s upper reaches to the lowlands. The area is exceptionally green and fertile, with terraced hillsides and coffee plantations. The climate here is cooler and fresher, making it a pleasant retreat. Mist from the falls creates a lush microclimate year-round. You will find the scenery quite different from other parts of Uganda. The area is peaceful and undeveloped, with small villages scattered across the hillsides. Local farmers grow crops on the mountain slopes, and the landscape changes with the seasons. From various viewpoints, you can see far across the eastern plains. The combination of dramatic waterfalls, mountain scenery, and agricultural landscapes makes this a memorable stop on your journey.

• After Breakfast: Transfer by Road, Jinja to Sipi Heritage Lodge Transfer time; about 4-5 hours
• All Day: Explore the Sipi Falls The 3 Sipi Falls can be visited by a 3 to 4 hour hike or supported by the car with 10 to 30 Minute walks
• Coffee experience the Mount Elgon area is famous for its coffee. In this elevated area you find very good Arabica coffee. Learn in the afternoon all around coffee from the plant to the cup.

Accommodation: Sipi Heritage Lodge — Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6 – Moroto

Our next stop is Moroto, a small and unassuming town that nonetheless serves as the largest urban outpost in the vast badlands of Karamoja. The town has an attractive setting at the base of Mt Moroto, which rises to 3,084m on the eastern skyline.

• After Breakfast: Transfer by Road, Sipi Falls to Kara-Tunga Safari Camp Transfer time; about 5 to 7 hours
• Visit the Karamojong, Moroto Karamojong community visits offer a deep look into the traditional, semi-nomadic lifestyles of pastoralist communities like the Karamojong in northeastern Uganda and the Maasai in East Africa. These enclosed, thorn-fenced homesteads showcase unique architecture, vibrant cultural dances, and a communal way of life centered around cattle

Accommodation: Kara-Tunga Safari Camp — Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7 to 9 – Kidepo Valley National Park

Kidepo Valley National Park is in Uganda's remote northeast, surrounded by grassy valleys and rugged peaks reaching 9,000 feet. This is one of Africa's wildest places, far from tourist paths. We believe this park is a great spot for wildlife. You might encounter buffalo, elephants, giraffes, and zebras. Lions and cheetahs are also possible sightings in this special part of East Africa. The park is home to many kinds of antelope, like eland, hartebeest, oribi, and reedbuck. Look out for the long-legged patas monkey, a ground-dwelling primate you won't see often. Bird lovers will enjoy the 470 recorded bird species. What makes Kidepo special is the combination of great wildlife viewing and a true wilderness feel. The sense of isolation is strong, with dramatic mountain scenery as a backdrop to your safari adventure.

• After Breakfast: Transfer by Road, Kara-Tunga Safari Camp to Kidepo Valley National Park Transfer time; about 5 to 7 hours
• Karamoja Cattle Market There is a large market near Moroto on Mondays. The Karamoja are a semi-nomadic pastoralist people whose main source of income is livestock. A local guide will accompany you to the market.
• Early Morning: Go on an early morning game drive in Kidepo Valley National Park, and you’ll soon discover why it’s the favorite activity of the day for many safari-goers.
• You return to the lodge for a short lunch break
• Afternoon Game Drive, Kidepo Valley National Park
• In Kidepo Valley National Park, your early morning game drive gets you close to the wildlife when they’re most active, and the landscapes are at their most beautiful.
• You return to the lodge for a short lunch break
• Afternoon Game Drive, Kidepo Valley National Park

Accommodation: Mara Safari Lodge Kidepo — Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10 – Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch

The thrilling opportunity to track rhinos on foot is the main attraction of Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch, a non-profit organization that protects 7,000ha of dense African bush also inhabited by a wide variety of antelope, small mammals and birds. Starting with six animals relocated from outside Uganda in 2005–6, the white rhinos of Ziwa have now bred up to more than 40 individuals. The long-term plan is to reintroduce rhinos into national parks where they are now locally extinct, but for now, Ziwa is the only place in Uganda where you can see Africa's second-bulkiest land mammal in the wild.

• After Breakfast: Transfer by Road, Kidepo Valley National Park to Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch Transfer time; about 8 hours
• Churchill Court Hotel in Gulu is the best place for a lunch break coming from our going to Kidepo

Accommodation: Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch - Chalets — Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 11 & 12 – Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is situated at the end of the Albertine Rift Valley and it is Uganda’s oldest and largest safari park. Murchison is located 305 kilometers north of Kampala in Masindi District and can be accessed by road or flights. The Park was first gazetted as a wildlife reserve in 1926 and is home to 76 different mammal species and 451 birds. Murchison Falls Conservation Area is made up of Bugungu, Karuma wildlife reserves and Murchison Falls National Park. The Park is bisected by the Victoria Nile, which plunges 45m over the remnant valley wall, creating the dramatic falls, the park’s unique attraction and the final event in an 80km stretch of rapids. The mighty cascade drains the last of the river's energy, transforming it into a broad, placid stream that flows quietly across the rift valley floor into Lake Albert. This stretch of river provides one of Uganda's most remarkable wildlife spectacles.

• At about 8 am: Rhino walking safari, Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch - please wear long trousers, closed shoes and put your trouser ends inside the socks, that the ants cannot attack you. Come with a hat, enough sun protection and water.
• Transfer by Road, Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch to Murchison Falls National Park Transfer time; about 2-3 hours
• Visit The Top of Murchison Falls The Top of the Falls viewpoint is one of the park's highlights. Sturdy shoes are recommended, as it can be muddy and slippery. After descending to the lower viewpoint, don't miss the opportunity to climb to the higher Platform 1 and then on to Platform 2. You'll get very wet on the first higher platform, so you can skip it, but the WOW view is on the next level.
• Late afternoon Game Drive, Murchison Falls National Park
• Early Morning: Early Morning Game Drive, Murchison Falls National Park You set off at dawn and are excited to see the animal world awaken. In the morning, it can be chilly in the car with the roof open. Please remember to bring a scarf and a thin jacket.
• You return to the lodge for a short lunch break
• Boat Safari on the Nile to Murchison Falls. A diverse range of wildlife awaits you on the banks and in the water, and at the end, you'll see the Murchison Falls from below. This Boat Safari will be booked as a seat on the big boat not in a small private boat. A private boat is indeed the far better option as it goes closer to the shores and offers you more time to take pictures are watch the wildlife.
• Late afternoon Game Drive, Murchison Falls National Park

Accommodation: Bamboo Village Safari Lodge — Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 13 & 14 – Kibale National Park

Today, you continue to the prime chimpanzee country of Kibale National Park. This immense forest is renowned for its rich diversity of primates, but it is chimps – humankind's closest genetic relative – that top the wish list of most visitors. On a good day in Kibale, you might also see half-a-dozen different monkey species, including the extremely localized Uganda mangabey. Other attractions include a bird checklist of 370 species, a kaleidoscopic variety of butterflies, and a scattering of beautiful crater lakes.

• Early Morning optional: OPTION 1 for this day: Early Morning Game Drive, Murchison Falls National Park You set off at dawn and are excited to see the animal world awaken. In the morning, it can be chilly in the car with the roof open. Please remember to bring a scarf and a thin jacket.
• We have planned the next boat trip to the Nile Delta on Lake Albert for you at 7 a.m. A 4-hour boat trip begins with the sunrise over the Nile. Again there are many mammals and birds to see. The morning sun is ideal for great photos. With luck you might even spot the rare shoebill in the Delta.
• Transfer by Road, either after morning activity or after breakfast, when you opt for Option 3 of this day Murchison Falls National Park to Ensiko Primates Lodge Kibale Transfer time; about 6-7hours
• OPTION 3: Guided Nature and Birding Walk, Ensiko Primates Lodge Kibale
• After Breakfast: Guided Walk, Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary After breakfast, you will walk through the Bigodi Wetlands to see monkeys, birds and a diverse range of flora. Be careful, it can get muddy and wobbly, the "walkways" often consist of loose boards laid over the muddy areas. If you are lucky, you will see red or black and white colobus monkeys and the stately blue turacos.
• Local Lunch at TINKA For lunch today we are organising a typical Ugandan meal at Tinka's in Bigodi. A selection of delicious dishes with explanations of Ugandan food traditions awaits you.
• Chimpanzee Tracking, Kibale National Park The highlight of the day comes at around 2 p.m. You walk into the rainforest with a ranger in search of our closest relatives, the chimpanzees. Good hiking boots, a rain poncho, a face mask and drinking water should be part of the basic equipment here, as well as a camera. Since the chimpanzees are visited in the morning, your ranger knows roughly where the animals are and chimpanzees often give themselves away with their loud roars. As soon as you have found the great apes, they can spend an hour with you. They are used to human visitors and are not disturbed by our presence. After an hour, you return to civilization.
• Visit some community activities in Bigodi depending on the time, you can join these either after Bigodi Walking Safari or after the Chimps Tracking. You have these options: a women cooperative weaving baskets, ⁠the Banana Man, explaining for what bananas are used in Uganda, the coffee experience from the plant to the cup When time is too short you can still add one of them next morning after breakfast.

Accommodation: Ensiko Primates Lodge Kibale — Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 15 – Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park (QE NP) is located in western Uganda. It was established in 1952 and was named in honor of Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain during a visit to the Commonwealth country. The park covers an area of approximately 2000 square km and borders Lake Edward and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west, separated from it by the Ishasha River, and the Rwenzori Mountains to the north. Parts of the park lie in the districts of Kasese, Rubirizi, Rukungiri, and Bushenyi. The elevation above sea level ranges from 1,000 to 1,300 m, rising to 5,110 m in the Rwenzori Mountains. Annual rainfall varies from 700 mm in Mweya, in the center of the park, to 1,250 mm in the north and in the Maramagambo Forest. The best-accessible area is around the Kazinga Channel. The Kazinga Channel flows gently from Lake George in the east to Lake Edward in the west of the national park. Boat trips along this natural waterway offer excellent opportunities to observe hippos and pelicans, as well as migratory birds that spend the European winter here.

• After Breakfast: Transfer by Road, Ensiko Primates Lodge Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park Transfer time; about 3 hours net driving time
• Boat Safari, Kazinga Channel from Mweya to Lake Edward We have once again organised a wonderful boat trip for you. This time on the Kazinga Channel from Mweya half peninsula to Lake Edward. Many animals on the banks and hundreds of pied kingfishers, nesting in the cliffs along the banks will be spotted. A dreamlike scenery awaits you.
• With this late afternoon game drive we try to give you the opportunity to spot lions and leopards. The big cats often doze in the heat of the day, hidden in bushes or tall grass, and start to become active towards evening.

Accommodation: Acacia Wilderness Mweya — Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 16 & 17 – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Supporting almost half the world's mountain gorillas, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is arguably the best place anywhere in the world to track these charismatic gentle giants through their misty forest home. But there is far more to this Unesco World Heritage Site than just gorillas. The lush forest interior is also home to a diversity of other mammals, ranging from L’Hoest’s monkey and chimpanzee to elephant and the yellow-backed duiker. A total of 350 bird species, 23 of which are unique to the Albertine Rift Valley, ensure that Bwindi ranks among East Africa's most rewarding bird-watching destinations. The fees for gorilla tracking are largely used to preserve the mountain gorillas' habitat - to finance the staff, the gorilla doctors, research projects, and support for the local population to prevent further forest clearing for their needs. A small portion goes to wildlife conservation in other national parks that receive few visitors and therefore hardly any income.

We can as well arrange the gorilla tracking in Mgahinga NP - please contact us for further advice.

• After early breakfast: As Acacia Lodge is deep inside the park we combine the transfer to Bwindi with an intense morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth NP Transfer time; net transfer time 4-5 hours
• Visit Twin Lakes View Point - Kichwamba Can be done by car as a short Photo Stop or by a guided community walk
• The Elephant Dung Project is a women's cooperative supporting farmers. Since the farmers' fields are repeatedly infested by elephants, this project offers a small compensation by buying up the manure. Handmade paper is then made from this. During the visit the project and the manufacturing process will be explained. You can buy products made from 'elephant' paper there, but also others such as cold-pressed avocado oil for the skin. They expect that you buy something or leave a donation.
• Kitagata Hotsprings A photo stop at the Kitagata Hotsprings is worth a small detour, if you have enough time…on Uganda's roads, you never know exactly how long it will take. The hot springs serve as an open-air spa for locals.
• Morning to possibly afternoon: Important for gorilla tracking: good waterproof hiking boots, gaiters if necessary, muted colors, long pants and sleeves, gardening gloves, sunscreen, and rain gear. A briefing by the rangers begins at 7:30 a.m. and includes a cultural performance. Afterwards, visitors are divided into groups of up to eight people, each visiting a gorilla family. Our clients are usually back at the lodge between 1 and 3 p.m. at the latest. The ranger trackers go into the forest early in the morning in groups of three people and begin searching for the gorillas, starting from the sleeping areas where the apes were abandoned the previous evening. A ranger and two security guards set out with their group of visitors after the briefing. There will be frequent breaks along the way, as the trail includes steep uphill and downhill sections, often on the elephant trails, which can be slippery depending on the weather. To ensure a safe and relaxed arrival at the gorillas, we recommend booking a porter/supporter. Young women and men from the surrounding, very poor communities accompany the visitors, carry their backpacks, and provide support in difficult areas. A helping hand on steep, slippery terrain, when balancing over streams, and in muddy areas can be very helpful. Once you reach "your" gorillas, your magic hour begins. These mighty animals are unbothered by us humans. It is incredibly fascinating to observe the mighty gorillas so closely and in their natural habitat. Their mostly leisurely but powerful movements, their interactions, their facial expressions. You almost feel like you can read their emotions on their faces. What an experience! After an hour, you must bid a heavy hearted farewell to these impressive great apes. The trackers stay in the forest—they accompany the gorillas until they prepare their night camp—and then receive their tips in the forest, with the ranger and security guards receiving their tips at the end when they hand over their certificates. The happy visitors take the shortest route out of the beautiful rainforest with their ranger, the security rangers, and the porters and return to civilization.

Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge — Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 18 – Lake Mburo National Park

From today we're heading back towards Entebbe. But first, we're planning our last game drives in Lake Mburo National Park. The Park belongs to the ancient Ankole Kingdom and is conveniently located halfway between Kampala and the Gorilla Highlands in southwest Uganda. The park is a small but beautiful savannah park. It's the only place on your trip where you'll find zebras and impalas, as well as giraffes, buffalo, eland, and many beautiful birds.

• After Breakfast: Transfer by Road, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to Lake Mburo National Park Transfer time; about 5 to 6 hours
• View Point Lake Bunyonyi A short detour to the best Lake Bunyonyi View Point is recommendable. The access is only possible inside Arcadia Lodge. Enjoy a coffee or a soda on their terrace and get the best impressions and pictures of the most beautiful lake in East Africa.
• Afternoon Game Drive, Lake Mburo National Park

Accommodation: Arcadia Lodge Lake Mburo — Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 19 – Entebbe

We return to Entebbe on the lush northern shore of Lake Victoria. But before your last Game Drive combined with a walking safari is waiting for you.

• Early Morning: An early Game Drive in lake Mburo is always a highlight. Sometimes it is a bit foggy in the morning and you might get incredible pictures of wildlife in the mist.
• Walking Safari In Lake Mburo best time as early as possible in the morning: We organised one game drive as walking safari guided by a park ranger for you. This means as soon as a herd is spotted, you leave behind the vehicle and guided by the ranger you walk among the animals. Don't worry, it's safe and an amazing experience to be so close to the animals. Giraffes, in particular, offer a whole new perspective.
• Transfer by Road, Lake Mburo National Park to Secrets Guest House Transfer time; about 5 to 6 hours
• Photostop at Equator Memorial East
• Visit a Drum Manufacturer, Mpigi On the last leg of the journey before Kampala/Entebbe, you'll pass an area home to many traditional drum manufacturers. They're always happy to welcome visitors, explain the purely manual manufacturing process, and are even happy to host a small drum session with guests and guides. As usual, the event is free for anyone who purchases something; otherwise, a donation is expected.

Accommodation: Secrets Guest House — Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 20 – The end of your safari with us

Your time with us on safari in Uganda comes now to an end, but we hope to have given you many fantastic memories that will live on long after you've returned home. Travel home safely, and we hope to see you again.

• TBD: Transfer by Road, Secrets Guest House to Entebbe International Airport Transfer time; about 15 to 20 Minutes

Fully customisable

This trip is fully customisable to your preferences and can be booked as a private trip as well as a group trip. We offer accommodation packages from budget midrange to superior midrange; luxury and high-end lodges are available on request.