Uganda is a country of remarkable beauty and rich biodiversity, offering travelers an extraordinary blend of experiences ranging from thrilling wildlife safaris to cultural encounters with its vibrant communities. Our 15-day tour, “Best of Uganda”, has been meticulously designed to showcase the country’s most iconic highlights, granting visitors a comprehensive view of the stunning landscapes, unique flora and fauna, and rich cultural heritage that make Uganda an unforgettable destination.
Embarking on this tour, you will be introduced to Uganda’s two principal cities – the serene Entebbe and the bustling Kampala, where you’ll immerse yourself in local markets, visit historic sites, and experience the vibrant Ugandan way of life. Then, you’ll journey through some of Uganda’s most prized national parks, including Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, each offering an unparalleled glimpse into the country’s remarkable wildlife. You’ll have the chance to witness the mighty Murchison Falls, track chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, and embark on the highly anticipated mountain gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi. The tour also includes cultural experiences such as meeting local communities, learning about traditional practices, and sampling Ugandan cuisine.
Throughout the tour, you’ll be accompanied by knowledgeable guides, ensuring you gain a deep understanding of Uganda’s diverse ecosystems, conservation efforts, and cultural traditions. Travelers can expect a balance of adventure, relaxation, and cultural enrichment on this tour, all while enjoying comfortable accommodations and delicious meals. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a nature lover, or a cultural explorer, “Best of Uganda” promises an enriching and unforgettable journey that will leave you with cherished memories and a newfound appreciation for this captivating country.
This 15-day tour of Uganda offers a variety of activities that showcase the country’s natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage.
Here are some of the activities you can expect to enjoy during the tour:
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: This is one of the most unforgettable experiences in Uganda. You’ll hike through the dense forest to track down a family of mountain gorillas, and once you find them, you’ll have the opportunity to observe them up close in their natural habitat.
- Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park: Kibale is home to a large population of chimpanzees, and you’ll have the chance to track these intelligent creatures in the forest. The trek can be challenging, but it’s well worth it for the chance to see these fascinating primates.
- Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls National Park: Both of these parks are home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, giraffes, hippos, and more. You’ll have the opportunity to see these animals up close on guided game drives through the parks.
- Boat safaris on the Nile River and the Kazinga Channel: These boat safaris offer a unique perspective on Uganda’s wildlife. You’ll have the chance to see hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species as you cruise along the river and channel.
- Cultural experiences: Throughout the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with Uganda’s diverse cultures. This may include visiting local villages, meeting with community members, and learning about traditional customs and practices.
- Nature walks and hikes: Many of Uganda’s national parks offer guided nature walks and hikes, which provide an opportunity to explore the parks’ diverse ecosystems and learn about the plants and animals that inhabit them.
- Relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi: The tour includes a visit to Lake Bunyonyi, one of Uganda’s most scenic lakes. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
These are just a few of the many activities that are included in the tour. Overall, the tour offers a well-rounded experience that combines wildlife viewing, cultural immersion, and relaxation in some of Uganda’s most beautiful locations.
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
This is the day you will be landing at Entebbe International Airport, the main airport serving 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, which is a city on the shores of Lake Victoria. The rest of the day is free for you to relax and acclimate to your new surroundings.
Day 2: Entebbe to Jinja
After breakfast, you will embark on a scenic drive to Jinja, which is known as the adventure capital of Uganda. It is located on the shores of Lake Victoria and is famous for its outdoor activities. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to see the lush countryside and rural communities of Uganda. Once you arrive in Jinja, you will check into your hotel and have the rest of the day at leisure to explore the town 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: Jinja to Kampala
After breakfast, you will leave Jinja and drive back to Kampala, which is 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. Once you arrive 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: Kampala City Tour
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: Kampala to Murchison Falls National Park
After breakfast, you will leave Kampala and drive to Murchison Falls National Park, which is one of Uganda’s largest and most popular national parks. 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. Once you arrive 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: 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: Murchison Falls to Kibale National Park
After breakfast, you will leave Murchison Falls National Park and drive to Kibale National Park, which is famous for its chimpanzee tracking and other primate species. The drive takes approximately 6-7 hours, and along the way, you will have the opportunity to see more of the Ugandan countryside. Once you arrive 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: Kibale National Park
Today, you will have a full day to explore Kibale National Park and its wildlife. In the morning, you can go chimpanzee tracking 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: Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, you will leave Kibale National Park and drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is one of Uganda’s most popular national parks. The drive takes approximately 3-4 hours, and along the way, you will have the opportunity to see more of the Ugandan countryside. Once you arrive 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: 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: Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
After breakfast, you will leave Queen Elizabeth National Park and drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, which is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The drive takes approximately 3-4 hours, and along the way, you will have the opportunity to see more of the Ugandan countryside. Once you arrive in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, you will check into your lodge and have the rest of the day at leisure to relax and explore the forest on your own.
Day 13: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Today, you will have a full day to explore Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and track mountain gorillas. In the morning, you will go on a guided gorilla tracking trek in the forest, 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 forest, where you will have the opportunity to see a variety of other wildlife and bird species.
Day 14: Bwindi to Lake Bunyonyi
After breakfast, you will leave Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and drive to Lake Bunyonyi, which is one of Uganda’s most scenic lakes. The drive takes approximately 2-3 hours, and along the way, you will have the opportunity to see more of the Ugandan countryside. Once you arrive at Lake Bunyonyi, you will check into your lodge and have the rest of the day at leisure to relax and explore the lake on your own.
Day 15: Lake Bunyonyi to Entebbe
After breakfast, you will leave Lake Bunyonyi and drive back to Entebbe, where you will catch your flight back home or continue your onward journey.
This itinerary provides a comprehensive overview of Uganda, covering its major cities, national parks, and natural wonders. It offers a balance of cultural experiences, wildlife encounters, and outdoor adventures, making it an ideal choice for travelers who want to explore the diversity of this beautiful country.