Uganda Complete (25 days)
Our 25-day trip brings you all the highlights of Uganda: The remote Northern circuit (seldom visited by tourists) and all the well-known highlights of Uganda: where the savannah meets the rainforest. During this trip it is possible to see the big 5 and gorillas and chimps! Animals you might see include: lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, rhino, giraffe, hippo, crocodile and up to 15 primate species (including gorillas and chimps).
This trip specifically includes the most important places of Uganda: Jinja, the source of the Nile, Sipi Falls, Pian Upe Game Reserve, Kidepo Valley National Park, Karamojong, Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi National Park, Mgahinga National Park, Lake Mutanda and Lake Mburo National Park.
Highlights
- See the source of the Nile in Jinja and do some kayaking or rafting
- Visit the spectacular Sipi Falls, the highest waterfall in East Africa
- Game drives (safaris) in Uganda’s second largest protect area, Pian Upe Game Reserve, with cheetahs
- Game drives (safaris) on the savannahs of Kidepo Valley, Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth and Lake Mburo
- Visit the Karamojong and experience their local way of living. The Karamojong are the ‘Maasai’ of Uganda
- Boat trip on the Nile to the Murchison Falls, where the Nile is forced through a gorge and drops 60 meters
- See the white Rhinos in Ziwa Sanctuary
- See the chimpanzees and 12 other monkey species in Kibale Forest National Park
- Boat trip on the Kazinga Channel with the biggest concentration of hippos and spectacular birds
- Search for the tree climbing lions in the Ishasha sector of the Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Meet the Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi National Park, an experience you will never forget!
- Visit the Golden Monkeys on the slopes of the Volcanoes in Mgahinga National Park
- Enjoy the silence and beautiful landscape of Uganda’s most beautiful lake, Lake Mutanda
- Visit the local people and/or the pygmies and experience their local way of living
Video
Route
Day to day program
Entebbe Airport - Entebbe
Arrival at Entebbe Airport. Our driver/guide will be there waiting for you. Pick up and proceed to your accommodation.
Included: airport transfer
Entebbe - Jinja
After breakfast we drive to Jinja for Lunch and dinner at the lodge. Visit Ewaffe Cultural centre enroute and experience a traditional feel of Uganda’s Baganda tribe. In Jinja we will visit the source of the Nile by boat.
Included: Ewaffe cultural centre, visit source of the Nile
Jinja
Today we will explore the area around Jinja. You can do some of the following activities (all optional):
- White water-rafting
- Kayaking
- Quad biking or horse riding
- Make a walk along the Nile
Jinja - Sipi Falls
Drive to Sipi Falls, a stunning location on Mount Elgon's slopes (4.321 m). This region is renowned for its breath-taking views and charming Sebei settlements.
Hike the three impressive waterfalls and visit a nearby coffee plantation by car and take part in the processing and tasting of the coffee with the local Sebei farmers. Plant your own coffee tree as well. In the late afternoon we go to the sunset point to see the sun go down.
The water falls down 100 meters at Sipi Falls, making it the highest waterfall in Uganda. It is also possible to walk behind the waterfall.
Included: Hike Sipi Falls, coffee experience, sunset viewing
Sipi Falls - Pian Upe Game Reserve - Sipi Falls
In the early morning we drive through local communities to Uganda’s second largest conservation area; Pian Upe Game Reserve.
Full day game drive to search for cheetahs, Roan antelopes, birds, bush bucks, etcetera. Return to Sipi falls for dinner and overnight.
Pian Upe is situated in the Karamoja subregion and has a variety of interesting animals, like Cheetahs, Roan Antelopes, zebras, Hyenas, Serval Cats, Leopards, Lions, Giraffes and Ostriches.
Included: game drive
Sipi Falls - Moroto
After breakfast we drive to Pian Upe for a game drive. We hope to see the animals of this beautiful national park.
Proceed to Moroto, Visit Karimojong village in the afternoon to experience their rich culture. see them going about their daily life see Karamojong drink the blood they tap from a live cow without killing or harming it. It is also possible to go cycling through the Karimojong villages to experience their way of living. This culture is similar to the Masai of Kenya.
Included: game drive, Karimojong village walk or cycling
Moroto - Kidepo Valley National Park
Drive to Kidepo Valley National Park through the beautiful local villages with grass thatched houses.
Afternoon game drive before checking in at your accommodation.
Kidepo Valley National Park is one of the best national parks in Uganda with high chances to see lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes and large numbers of buffalo. Kidepo is also home to the Somali Ostrich.
Included: game drive
Kidepo Valley National Park
Morning and afternoon game drive in this beautiful national park.
Included: game drives
Kidepo Valley National Park
Morning game drive. Afterwards we visit the IK people’s community with the ranger guide. This is the smallest tribe in Uganda.They are hunters and gatherers similar to the Bush Men and are more cultured than Karimojong. They prefer covering themselves with blankets all day instead of wearing clothes.
Included: game drive, community visit
Kidepo Valley National Park - Murchison Falls National Park
Today we travel across the country side to reach Murchison Falls. In the afternoon we do a game drive.
Murchison Falls is one of the most beautiful national parks of Uganda. One of the main attractions is the Nile, with the spectacular Murchison Falls, where the whole Nile is forced through a narrow gorge and falls 60 meters. Expect to see elephants, giraffes, lions, hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes and maybe leopards.
Included: game drive
Murchison Falls National Park
Early morning game drive in this beautiful national park. In the afternoon we do the boat ride on the Victoria Nile up to the bottom of the falls.
The boat is the perfect platform to see and photograph many different bird species.
Included: game drive
Murchison Falls National Park - Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary - Hoima
Visit top of the falls as you exit the park to Ziwa Rhino sanctuary for a white Rhino bush walk. Apart from the Entebbe Zoo, this is the only place in Uganda where you can see the white Rhinos in the wild.
We proceed to Hoima for an overnight after the Rhino tracking.
Included: top of the falls, Rhino walk
Hoima - Kibale Forest National Park
After breakfast, we drive to Kibale Forest National Park, This route to Kibale is filled with tea plantations so expect a stopover to observe local farmers doing their farm activities.
Kibale Forest is a spectacular jungle and is best known as Primates Capital of the World. In Kibale Forest live 13 primate species! Including chimps, baboons, black and white colobus, red colobus, grey cheeked mangabey and L’Hoest monkey.
Kibale Forest National Park
Chimpanzee tracking in the morning or in the afternoon. There is also an option to upgrade this 1-hour tracking to a Chimpanzee Habituation Experience, which is 4 hours tracking.
Depending on the time of the chimpanzee tracking, we will go for the Bigodi Swamp walk before or after the chimpanzee tracking. During this walk through the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, you will see many birds and primates.
It is also possible to make a night walk through the forest to see the animals of the night, like bush babies (optional).
Included: chimp tracking, Bigodi Swamp walk and community walk
Kibale Forest National Park - Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, we go for the crater lakes and top of the world tour. We proceed to Queen Elizabeth National Park afterwards. On our way we pass the equator. Game drive in the afternoon
Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the best places in Uganda to see lions. Expect to see elephants, lions, many hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes and maybe leopards.
Included: crater lakes, game drive
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Game drive in the morning. Boat trip on the Kazinga Channel in the afternoon. It is also possible to go for an experimental Lion Tracking (optional).
The Kazinga Channel is one of the highlights of Uganda and has the highest concentration of hippos in the world.
Included: game drive, boat trip
Queen Elizabeth National Park - Ishahsa sector
After breakfast we drive to the Ishasha sector in the South of Queen Elizabeth. Game drive in the afternoon in Ishasha in search of the tree climbing lions.
In Ishasha there are 4 prides of lions that climb the trees. The other attraction of Ishasha is the Topis, not found anywhere else in this national park.
Included: game drives
Queen Elizabeth National Park Ishahsa sector - Bwindi Impenetrable
Early morning game drive to see the tree climbing lions. Afterwards we drive to Bwindi Impenetrable. On our way we pass through interesting villages and have some breath-taking views of the mountains.
Bwindi Impenetrable is a unique jungle, with many monkey species. Bwindi is one of the 2 places in the world where you can find Mountain Gorillas!
Included: game drive
Bwindi Impenetrable
Gorilla tracking!!! Early morning departure with your ranger to search for one of the world’s most interesting and endangered animal, the Mountain Gorilla! You will spend one hour with one of our closest relatives. An experience you will never forget.
Bwindi Impenetrable - Lake Mutanda
In Bwindi it is possible to do one of the optional activities in the morning
- Second gorilla tracking
- Birding walk
- Community experience with the exceptional Batwa people
Transfer to Lake Mutanda, one of the most beautiful places in Uganda. In the afternoon we do a boat trip around the lake up to Gahiza island.
On a clear day you can see the 3 volcanoes in the distance. Relax at the lodge or do one of the following activities (one activity included): boat trip on the lake, walk along the lake or to the local people, go for a swim, or visit the pygmies.
Included: boat trip on the lake
LakeMutanda
Early breakfast before we drive to Mgahinga National Park, where we visit the Golden Monkeys or climb one of the volcanoes. Later we go back to Lake Mutanda.
Mgahinga National Park is part of the Virunga Volcanoes and borders Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. Apart from Mountain Gorillas, the stars of Mgahinga are the golden monkeys, a subspecies of the Blue Monkey.
Included: golden monkey visit or climb one of the volcanoes
Lake Mutanda – Lake Mburo National Park
Drive to Ichuya forest for Batwa community experience. Afterwards we proceed to Lake Mburo National Park. In the evening we make a night game drive with high chances of seeing leopards
Lake Mburo is one of the 2 national parks with zebras and the only national park with impalas in Uganda. There are no elephants and lions, so walking safaris are possible.
Included: Batwa community experience, night game drive
Lake Mburo National Park
Early morning game drive. In the afternoon we do another game drive or optional boat trip on the lake.
It is also possible to relax and enjoy the scenery in the afternoon.
Included: game drives
Lake Mburo National Park - Entebbe (Mabamba)
Game drive in the morning. It is also possible to do a walking safari or to go for mountain biking (both activities optional).
Drive to Entebbe afterwards, stopover at the Equator for photos.
Included: game drive
Entebbe (mabamba) - Entebbe Airport
After breakfast we have an early morning canoe trip to Mabamba Swamp to try and see the Shoebill Stork.
In the afternoon we go to a hotel with swimming pool for a relaxed afternoon.
Afternoon Optional activities
- Visit Botanical Gardens
- Sun set cruise on Lake Victoria
Transfer to the airport depending on your departure flight time.
Included: Shoebill excursion, transfer to the airport
Accommodations
Legend: BB = Bed and Breakfast / HB = Half Board / FB = Full Board
* Depending on the group of gorillas you will be tracking we will choose where to sleep in Bwindi. There are 4 areas for Gorilla tracking in Bwindi: Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo and Rushaga.
Lodges we use for Medium Budget:
- Buhoma: Buhoma Haven Lodge (HB)
- Ruhija: Bakiga Lodge (HB)
- Nkuringo: Gorilla Close up Lodge (HB)
- Rushaga: Rushaga Gorilla Camp (HB)
Lodges we use for High Budget:
- Buhoma: Mahogany Springs (FB)
- Ruhija: Ruhija Gorilla Lodge (FB)
- Nkuringo: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge (FB)
- Rushaga: Four Gorillas Lodge (FB)
Price
Price on request, please send an email to mail@kazingatours.com
Includes
- Airport transfers
- Accommodations with meals mentioned
- Bottled drinking water
- Private 4x4 custom built safari Jeep with knowledgeable driver/guide and fuel
- Entrance fees to the included National Parks
- Activities mentioned as included
Excludes
- Flights
- Visa
- All optional activities
- Insurances
- Meals not mentioned and beverages
- Tips and personal expenses such as laundry and communication
On arrival on the airport our guide will be there waiting for you. During safari we use custom made safari vehicles, custom made for an optimal view of the wildlife. Safari vehicles (and small aircrafts) provide limited space for luggage. It is therefore recommended to travel with light bags since bulky suitcases will overload and might be difficult to be taken on board.
In most of the cities it is possible to withdraw money from an ATM. Travelers Cheques are not widely accepted and it is very difficult or impossible to pay by credit card outside the cities. The US dollar is traditionally the hard currency of preference. We advise to bring some Dollars for daily expenses and tips.
Dollar bills should not be older than 10 years.
We advise you to apply for a Flying Doctors membership. The membership provides a quick and reliable air evacuation and medical care if needed.
AMREF Flying Doctors offers 2 covers (Annual and Short Term). You can choose between the Maisha Silver (Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar), Maisha Gold (Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi) or Maisha Platinum (Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan and Ethiopia).
Please check out the AMREF Flying Doctors website for more information and to become a member.
A valid passport is mandatory (passport must be valid for at least 3 months after re-entry) and visa requirements for all countries you are planning to visit should be checked before you travel.
To make the most of your visit to the game reserves and national parks, we advise you to carry binoculars and field guides.
Photographers will need a zoom lens for wildlife (70-300 or more). Please make sure to carry enough memory cards with you. Toiletries and other essentials can be bought in the cities.
A torch (flashlight) can proof to be very useful
Please mind that washrooms along the road are sometimes not to European standards, for example squatting toilets, no flushing toilets or no toilet paper available. Like the locals say: T.I.A. This Is Africa.
Bathroom facilities and accommodations can be more basic when traveling on a medium to low budget. In the eco lodges mind that the water reserves are limited and in most cases there are no sockets in the room, but you can always charge your devices at the reception.
Tipping will always be appreciated. It is normal to tip 5-10% in hotels and restaurants. Guides, drivers and carriers should always be tipped. Indication: for carriers USD 1-3 and for your driver/guide USD 5-15 per day, depending on the group size, number of days and your satisfaction.
