20-Day Uganda wildlife safari

Tour Overview

This ultimate 20-day Uganda Wildlife Safari is crafted for travelers who want to experience the very best of Uganda by visiting all 10 of its national parks. Starting from the adventure capital of Jinja, you’ll journey across the country, encountering everything from thundering waterfalls and snow-capped mountains, to savannah game drives, rainforest jungles, and gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

You’ll enjoy authentic cultural experiences, scenic hikes, and close encounters with iconic wildlife — including the Big Five, chimpanzees, giraffes, hippos, zebras, and the endangered mountain gorillas. This itinerary is ideal for photographers, nature lovers, birders, and anyone seeking the full Uganda safari circuit in a single, unforgettable journey.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Transfer to Jinja

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you’ll be welcomed by your guide and transferred to Jinja, Uganda’s adventure capital.

• Optional sunset boat ride on the Nile
  Overnight: 2 Friends Guesthouse
  Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Jinja – Source of the Nile & Adventure Activities

• Visit the Source of the Nile

• Optional white-water rafting, tubing, horse riding, or quad biking
  Overnight: 2 Friends Guesthouse
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Jinja to Sipi Falls – Mount Elgon National Park

• Drive east to the foothills of Mt. Elgon

• Guided hike to the scenic Sipi Falls
  Overnight: Sipi River Lodge
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Coffee Experience & Nature Walk

• Authentic Arabica coffee tour with local farmers

• Optional short hike or cave visit in the Elgon area
  Overnight: Sipi River Lodge
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Sipi to Kidepo Valley National Park (via Moroto)

• Scenic drive through Karamoja region

• Cultural encounters en route
  Overnight: Kidepo Savannah Lodge
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Game Drives in Kidepo Valley

• Game drives in Narus and Kidepo valleys

• Look for lions, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, cheetahs
  Overnight: Kidepo Savannah Lodge
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Kidepo to Murchison Falls National Park

• Drive via Gulu to Uganda’s largest national park
  Overnight: Pakuba Safari Lodge
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Game Drive & Nile Boat Safari

• Morning game drive to spot lions, giraffes, and more

• Afternoon boat cruise to the base of the falls
  Overnight: Pakuba Safari Lodge
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Top of the Falls Visit – Transfer to Semuliki NP

• Visit the powerful top of Murchison Falls

• Scenic transfer to Semuliki near Fort Portal
  Overnight: Ntoroko Game Lodge
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Explore Semuliki – Hot Springs & Wildlife

• Guided walk to Sempaya Hot Springs

• Optional boat ride on Lake Albert
  Overnight: Ntoroko Game Lodge
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

• Drive to Kibale for primates and birds

• Afternoon Bigodi Wetland walk
  Overnight: Turaco Treetops
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest

• Early morning chimp trek with rangers

• Relax in the afternoon or explore crater lakes
  Overnight: Turaco Treetops
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Transfer to Rwenzori Mountains National Park

• Drive to the base of the “Mountains of the Moon”

• Cultural visit with Bakonzo community
  Overnight: Ruboni Community Camp
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14: Day Hike in Rwenzori Mountains

• Guided nature hike into Rwenzori with waterfall and mountain views
  Overnight: Ruboni Community Camp
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15: Rwenzori to Queen Elizabeth National Park

• Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park

• Game drive in the Kasenyi Plains
  Overnight: Elephant Hab Lodge
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16: Boat Safari on Kazinga Channel

• Morning game drive

• Afternoon boat cruise with elephants, hippos, crocs, birds
  Overnight: Elephant Hab Lodge
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 17: Queen to Bwindi via Ishasha (Tree-Climbing Lions)

• Game drive through Ishasha to see tree-climbing lions
  Overnight: Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 18: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

• Once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking with park rangers
  Overnight: Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 19: Golden Monkeys or Batwa Trail in Mgahinga

• Transfer to Mgahinga NP

• Choose between golden monkey tracking or Batwa cultural experience
  Overnight: Travellers Rest Hotel Kisoro
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 20: Lake Mburo National Park – Departure via Entebbe

• Morning walking safari or game drive in Lake Mburo

• Transfer to Entebbe for your flight
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Safari Inclusions

• Gorilla & chimpanzee permits

• Park entry fees & ranger guides

• Accommodation & meals as listed

• Private 4×4 safari vehicle & English-speaking guide

• Bottled water throughout the trip

Safari Exclusions

• International flights & Uganda visa

• Tips, drinks, laundry, and personal expenses

• Optional activities in Jinja

Why Choose This Tour?

• Covers all 10 of Uganda’s national parks in one itinerary

• Includes gorilla and chimpanzee trekking

• Encounters with Big Five, rare primates, birds, and local cultures

• Great for nature lovers, photographers, and long-stay travelers