Uganda is a country of incredible natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, offering travelers an unforgettable experience. On this 13-day tour, you will explore the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Uganda, from the lush rainforests and savannas of the national parks to the majestic mountains and sparkling lakes. Immerse yourself in the local culture as you visit traditional villages and interact with the friendly locals. Discover the abundant wildlife, including mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and the iconic Big Five, on thrilling game drives and tracking excursions. This comprehensive itinerary has been carefully designed to showcase the best of Uganda, ensuring an unforgettable journey that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. So pack your bags and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime in the Pearl of Africa.
This 13-day Uganda tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the country’s diverse landscapes, wildlife, and culture. Here are some of the tour’s highlights:
- Exploring Kampala: Discover Uganda’s bustling capital city, Kampala, with visits to its historical landmarks, vibrant markets, and iconic mosques.
- Boat cruise on the Nile: Embark on a scenic boat cruise along the Nile River, witnessing the powerful Murchison Falls and observing the diverse wildlife that inhabit the riverbanks.
- Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest: Trek through the lush Kibale Forest to observe wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat, learning about their behavior and conservation efforts.
- Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park: Embark on thrilling game drives in search of the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros), along with other iconic African wildlife.
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest: Trek through the dense Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to observe mountain gorillas, a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will bring you face-to-face with these magnificent creatures.
- Cultural experiences: Immerse yourself in Ugandan culture with visits to local villages, traditional dance performances, and opportunities to interact with locals.
- Scenic landscapes: Marvel at Uganda’s stunning natural beauty, from the rolling hills and valleys to the towering mountains and serene lakes.
- Expert local guides: Benefit from the knowledge and expertise of local guides, who will share their insights about Uganda’s history, wildlife, and conservation efforts.
- Comfortable accommodations: Enjoy comfortable accommodations throughout the tour, ranging from luxury lodges to charming guesthouses, all situated in scenic locations.
- Small-group experience: Travel in a small group of like-minded travelers, ensuring personalized attention and an intimate group dynamic.
Overall, this 13-day Uganda tour offers a well-rounded experience that combines wildlife viewing, cultural immersion, and scenic beauty, providing travelers with a deep appreciation for this beautiful East African country.
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
On the first day of your tour, you will arrive at Entebbe International Airport, the main international gateway to Uganda. Upon arrival, you will be met by a tour representative who will assist you with your luggage and transfer to your hotel in Entebbe. The rest of the day is free for you to relax and acclimate to your new surroundings.
Day 2: Transfer to Jinja
After breakfast at your hotel, you will embark on a scenic drive to Jinja, a town located on the shores of Lake Victoria. This drive takes approximately 2-3 hours, and along the way, you will have the opportunity to see the lush countryside and rural communities of Uganda. Upon arrival in Jinja, you will check into your hotel and have the rest of the day at leisure to explore the town on your own or take part in optional activities such as boat trips on the Nile River, bungee jumping, or horseback riding.
Day 3: Explore Jinja
Today, you will have a full day to explore Jinja and its surroundings. In the morning, you can visit the Source of the Nile, where the Nile River originates from Lake Victoria. You can also visit the Bujagali Falls, a scenic waterfall located on the Nile River, and enjoy various water activities such as white-water rafting or kayaking. In the afternoon, you can visit the Jinja Market, where you can purchase locally made crafts and souvenirs, or visit the nearby Mabira Forest Reserve, a tropical rainforest that is home to a wide variety of wildlife and bird species.
Day 4: Transfer to Kampala
After breakfast, you will leave Jinja and drive back to Kampala, the capital city of Uganda. The drive takes approximately 2-3 hours, and along the way, you will have the opportunity to see more of the Ugandan countryside. Upon arrival in Kampala, you will check into your hotel and have the rest of the day at leisure to explore the city on your own or take part in optional activities such as visiting the Uganda Museum, the National Mosque, or the Kampala Art and Crafts Market.
Day 5: City Tour of Kampala
Today, you will have a full day to explore Kampala and its surroundings. In the morning, you can take a guided tour of the city and visit some of its most famous landmarks and attractions, including the Kasubi Tombs, the Namugongo Martyrs Shrine, and the Bahai Temple. In the afternoon, you can visit the nearby Entebbe Wildlife Education Center, where you can see a variety of animals, including lions, giraffes, and elephants, and learn more about conservation efforts in Uganda.
Day 6: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
After breakfast at your hotel, you will check out and depart for Murchison Falls National Park, a famous safari destination located in the northwest of Uganda. The drive takes approximately 5-6 hours, and along the way, you will have the opportunity to see more of the Ugandan countryside and rural communities. Upon arrival in Murchison Falls National Park, you will check into your lodge and have the rest of the day at leisure to relax and explore the park on your own.
Day 7: Game Drive in Murchison Falls National Park
Today, you will have a full day to explore Murchison Falls National Park and its wildlife. In the morning, you can go on a guided game drive in the park, where you will have the opportunity to see a variety of animals, including elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and antelopes. In the afternoon, you can take a boat trip on the Nile River to the base of Murchison Falls, where you will have the opportunity to see hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species.
Day 8: Transfer to Kibale National Park
After breakfast at your lodge, you will check out and depart for Kibale National Park, a famous chimpanzee tracking destination located in the western part of Uganda. The drive takes approximately 6-7 hours, and along the way, you will have the opportunity to see more of the Ugandan countryside and rural communities. Upon arrival in Kibale National Park, you will check into your lodge and have the rest of the day at leisure to relax and explore the park on your own.
Day 9: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale National Park
Today, you will have a full day to explore Kibale National Park and track chimpanzees. In the morning, you will go on a guided chimpanzee tracking trek in the park, where you will have the opportunity to see these amazing creatures in their natural habitat. In the afternoon, you can take a guided nature walk in the park, where you will have the opportunity to see a variety of other wildlife and bird species.
Day 10: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast at your lodge, you will check out and depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park, a famous safari destination located in the southwest of Uganda. The drive takes approximately 3-4 hours, and along the way, you will have the opportunity to see more of the Ugandan countryside and rural communities. Upon arrival in Queen Elizabeth National Park, you will check into your lodge and have the rest of the day at leisure to relax and explore the park on your own.
Day 11: Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Today, you will have a full day to explore Queen Elizabeth National Park and its wildlife. In the morning, you can go on a guided game drive in the park, where you will have the opportunity to see a variety of animals, including elephants, lions, leopards, and buffaloes. In the afternoon, you can take a boat trip on the Kazinga Channel, where you will have the opportunity to see hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species.
Day 12: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast at your lodge, you will check out and depart for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a famous gorilla tracking destination located in the southwest of Uganda. The drive takes approximately 3-4 hours, and along the way, you will have the opportunity to see more of the Ugandan countryside and rural communities. Upon arrival in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, you will check into your lodge and have the rest of the day at leisure to relax and explore the park on your own.
Day 13: Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Today, you will have a full day to explore Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and track gorillas. In the morning, you will go on a guided gorilla tracking trek in the park, where you will have the opportunity to see these amazing creatures in their natural habitat. In the afternoon, you can take a guided nature walk in the park, where you will have the opportunity to see a variety of other wildlife and bird species.
This is just a sample itinerary, and it can be customized to suit your preferences and interests. The itinerary includes various optional activities and attractions that you can choose to participate in or skip, depending on your interests.