Sarania Adventure Safaris For Customized East African Safaris

Get a chance to hop between eight of Uganda’s unmissable Protected Areas and other destinations on this 20-day itinerary for wildlife and nature lovers. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to spot lots of lions, leopards, and cheetahs in the sprawling and rugged Kidepo Valley National Park, Cruise along the Nile to the bottom of Murchison Falls, enjoy a jaw-dropping wildlife adventure in Queen Elizabeth and Lake Mburo National Park, track the endangered relatives of mankind in the animal Kingdom within Kibale National Park and trek into the verdant and dense rainforests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to get up close and personal with the mountain gorillas.

Highlights

• Enjoy boat rides to the bottom of Murchison Falls and the Kazinga Channel.
• Spot lots of wildlife (lions, giraffes, leopards, spotted hyenas, African bush elephants, and Cape buffaloes) and enjoy breathtaking views of the country’s National Parks and Wildlife Reserve/s.
• Track the endangered mountain gorillas in the wild- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
• Get up close and personal with chimpanzees in the wild- Kibale National Park.
• Canoeing and Island Tour on Lake Bunyonyi.
• Sipi Falls hike and coffee tours.
• Learn about the cultures and lifestyles of Batwa pygmies, original occupants of the Central African forest.
• Whitewater rafting in Jinja.

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Pickup from Hotel (Entebbe or Kampala); transfer to Murchison Falls via Ziwa.

Day 2: Morning Murchison Game drive and afternoon launch cruise to the bottom of the falls.

Day 3: Transfer to Kidepo Valley National Park; evening game drive.

Day 4: Kidepo game drive and afternoon Karamojong cultural tour.

Day 5: Kidepo game drive and drive to Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve.

Day 6: Pian Upe game drive and scenic drive to Sipi Falls.

Day 7: Sipi Falls Tour- Hike the stunning waterfalls and enjoy a coffee tour.

Day 8: Transfer to Jinja; Explore the Town.

Day 9: Jinja Whitewater rafting; drive to Kampala

Day 10: Road transfer to Kibale National Park.

Day 11: Kibale Chimpanzee tracking and Bigodi wetland walk.

Day 12: Road transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park; afternoon Launch Cruise along the Kazinga Channel.

Day 13: Queen Elizabeth NP Lion tracking; afternoon transfer to Ishasha sector for a game drive.

Day 14: Ishasha game drive and transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Day 15: Bwindi gorilla trekking; afternoon Batwa cultural tour.

Day 16: Golden monkey tracking in Mgahinga National Park.

Day 17: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi- Canoeing and Island Tour.

Day 18: Scenic drive to Lake Mburo National Park; night game drive.

Day 19: Lake Mburo guided nature walk and transfer to Kampala.

Day 20: Mabamba Wetland tour and drop off at Entebbe Airport; departure.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Pickup from Hotel (Entebbe or Kampala); transfer to Murchison Falls via Ziwa

This morning, you get to explore the first of the eight Protected Areas on your itinerary, as a six to seven-hour transfer takes you north to Murchison Falls National Park. First gazetted as a Game Reserve in 1926, this is Uganda’s largest and oldest Protected Area and a haven to over 144 mammal species, 500 bird species, 50 Amphibian, and 50 reptile species.

Only three hours into the drive, you will be ushered to the Nakasongola district where you will detour at Nakitoma, towards Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Here, you will track and meet Uganda’s only population of southern white Rhinos in the wild. Spend the next 1-2 hours tracking/searching for them, while accompanied by armed Ranger guides and get to learn about their exceptional behavior and natural habitat. Continue to the Park, arriving late afternoon to unwind and rest for the next day’s adventures.

Meals and overnight accommodation at;

• Nile Safari Lodge (luxury).
• Sambiya River Lodge or Paraa Safari Lodge.
• Fort Murchison or Murchison River Lodge (budget).

Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner.

Travel time: 6-7 hours.

Activities: Rhino tracking.

Day 2: Morning Murchison Game drive and afternoon launch cruise to the bottom of the falls

Arise and shine, enjoy a morning game drive before the break of dawn to catch sights of animals when they’re still active. You will have an opportunity to see different wildlife species including Cape buffaloes, Rothschild giraffes, Uganda Kobs, Topis, Defassa waterbucks, Jackson’s hartebeests, warthogs, and many exceptional bird species. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, return to the Lodge for a proper breakfast, followed by lunch and siesta.

Start your afternoon with a two-hour launch cruise down the Nile, to the bottom of the Murchison Falls. Keep eyes out for the birds flying above, Nile crocodiles basking in the sun, or the partially submerged Hippos or elephants and Cape buffaloes visiting the banks to quench their thirst. Drive back to the Lodge to rest up for the next day’s early start.

Meals and overnight accommodation at;

• Nile Safari Lodge (luxury).
• Sambiya River Lodge or Paraa Safari Lodge.
• Fort Murchison or Murchison River Lodge (budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Activities: Game drives and Launch cruise to the bottom of the falls.

Day 3: Transfer to Kidepo Valley National Park; evening game drive

Trade Murchison Falls National Park for Kidepo Valley National Park this morning as you transfer 5-6 hours by road, with spectacular views along the way. The 1442-square-kilometer Kidepo Valley National Park lies within the Northeastern part of Uganda, where rolling hills and Mountains tumble into sweeping, acacia-dotted savannah. There are over 77 mammal species and over 475 bird species to look out for.  Arrive at the Lodge in time for lunch.

This evening, you will embark on a game drive through the savannah plains. Bump through the sprawling savannah to catch glimpses of Big Game- Cape buffaloes, African bush elephants, Rothschild’s giraffes, Jackson’s hartebeests, and Defassa waterbucks, as well as predators such as lions, cheetahs, leopards, and a wide array of exotic bird species. Get back to your Lodge afterward to rest and unwind for the next day’s adventure.

Meals and overnight accommodation at;

• Apoka Safari Lodge (luxury).
• Adere Safari Lodge (midrange).
• Kidepo Savannah Lodge (budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Activities: Evening game drive.

Day 4: Kidepo game drive and afternoon Karamojong cultural tour

Be prepared for another day of exploring this National Park, starting at dawn to catch a glimpse of the beautiful nocturnal residents (spotted hyenas, lions, leopards, and cheetahs) before they go to sleep. Grab a cup of tea/coffee, then jump in the 4X4 Safari vehicle before setting off across the sprawling savannah plains while the landscape comes alive under the rising sun. Listen as the guide takes you through details of the wildlife and their behavior while keeping an eye out for species like the seldom-seen ones such as Aardvarks.

Around 9 am, stop for a picnic breakfast in the wild, providing you the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take in the tranquil atmosphere. Later, continue with the game drive, driving deeper into the Park. You might spot more Cape buffaloes, zebras, elephants, Jackson’s hartebeests, and others. Return for lunch at the Lodge.

Your afternoon is for visiting the Karamojong community to learn about the lifestyle and culture of this pastoralist tribe. Explore their homesteads (locally known as Manyattas), take part in their traditional dances, and purchase some of their cultural artifacts. Then, drive back to the Lodge to enjoy dinner and rest after your early start.

Meals and overnight accommodation at;

• Apoka Safari Lodge (luxury).
• Adere Safari Lodge (midrange).
• Kidepo Savannah Lodge (budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Activities: Morning game drive and afternoon Karamojong cultural visit.

Day 5: Kidepo game drive and drive to Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve

Have another game drive to increase your chances of sighting more animals and birds missed on the previous days. Say goodbye to Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve mid-morning as you transfer five hours to another exceptional wildlife hot spot in Uganda. When you arrive, check into Pian Upe Savannah Cottages, a facility that affords jaw-dropping views to the edge of the Reserve.

Enjoy an evening game drive through Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, to see populations of Cape buffaloes, Patas monkeys, the gigantic Ostriches, and Olive baboons among others. At the end of the adventure, you will return to your Lodge for dinner and overnight.

Meals and overnight accommodation at: Pian Upe Savannah Cottages.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Travel time: 5-6 hours.

Activities: Evening game drive.

Day 6: Pian Upe game drive and scenic drive to Sipi Falls

Get ready for another early wake-up call to spend a half day exploring Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, starting with a game drive at sunrise when the animals are most active. Look out for the Roan antelopes, Uganda Kobs, Rothschild’s giraffes, Mountain reedbucks, Defassa waterbucks, Aardvarks, Patas monkeys, Olive baboons, and lots of bird species that include Ostriches. End your action-packed game drive with lunch, followed by the scenic drive to Sipi Falls.

Meals and overnight accommodation at;

• Sipi Heritage Lodge (Luxury).
• Sipi Valley Resort (midrange).
• Lacam Lodge (budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Activities: Game drive in Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve.

Day 7: Sipi Falls Tour- Hike the stunning waterfalls and enjoy a coffee tour

Have breakfast and lace up your best hiking boots, as you conquer a 7-kilometer hike to the top of Sipi Falls. Embark on the hike to the first of the three magnificent waterfalls, referred to as the “main falls” where you will be greeted by a stunning 95-meter cascade. Be mesmerized by the water flowing through the verdant greenery below and relish the peaks of Mount Elgon. Go along the trail, transversing through the ancient caves to the next waterfall referred to as “Simba Falls” pouring over 75 meters. Relax and take in views of the falls, as the next part is quite challenging.

Expect a high ascent, climbing uphill to the final waterfall known as “Ngasire Falls”. Abseiling down the cliff is the best way to go down. Stop for lunch and continue with your afternoon adventure.

In the afternoon, you will go for a coffee tour. Uganda is Africa’s second largest coffee producer after Ethiopia and today, you will learn about how it’s grown and processed. Enjoy a guided walk through banana plantations and past traditional homesteads to see the harvesting, drying, roasting, and grinding process. Taste an original Ugandan coffee and walk back to the Lodge for dinner and overnight.

Meals and overnight accommodation at;

• Sipi Heritage Lodge (Luxury).
• Sipi Valley Resort (midrange).
• Lacam Lodge (budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Activities: Sipi Falls hiking and coffee tours.

Day 8: Transfer to Jinja; Explore the Town

After breakfast, trade the mountains for the Adventure Capital of East Africa as you set off on a three-hour road transfer. After checking in at your accommodation, venture out on a guided Town of Jinja Town, starting at the Mahatma Gandhi monument close to the Source of the Nile. This phenomenal monument stands not only as a tribute to his great work in Africa but also as a reminder of his decision to have a portion of his ashes sprinkled in the Nile in 1948. After the tour, head for the Source of the Nile boat.

Overnight accommodation at:

• Lemala Wildwaters Lodge (high end).
• Kingfisher Safari Resort Jinja (midrange).
• Jinja Backpackers (budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Activities: Jinja City Tour.

Day 9: Jinja Whitewater rafting; drive to Kampala

Set off for a riveting aquatic adventure this morning, a half-day Jinja whitewater rafting experience down the Nile River. Go through a safety briefing, brace yourself with safety gear, and hop on the large rubber raft to start your adrenaline-rushing expedition. Known for its powerful rapids, this activity is a perfect adventure for novice and seasoned rafters hence don’t be intimidated. Between the ferocious rapids, there are extraordinary moments of tranquility where the magnificence of the Nile’s breathtaking surroundings becomes manifest, providing enthusiasts the opportunity to take in views of the towering cliffs and thick vegetation. End this adrenaline-packed experience with a hearty lunch surrounded by the Nile, to savor delicious meals in a natural setting.

Later, leave Jinja City behind and transfer to Kampala.

Overnight accommodation at:

• Kigali Serena Hotel (high-end).
• Latitude 0 Hotel (midrange).
• Yellow Haven Lodge (budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Activities: Half-day whitewater rafting.

Day 10: Road transfer to Kibale National Park

Return to nature this morning as you bid farewell to Kampala and set off on a six to seven-hour transfer to Kibale National Park. This dense Forest is home to over 70 mammal species including 13 species of primates that include (chimpanzees, grey-cheeked mangabey, L’Hoests monkeys, Olive baboons, and others), and over 320 bird species including the sought-after green-breasted pitta.

As you approach the Fort Portal area, soak up breathtaking views of the Rwenzori Mountains, dubbed the “Mountains of the Moon” towering 5109 meters above sea level. Have lunch and have an optional tour of Fort Portal Town to learn about its historical and cultural heritage. Afterward, continue to the Lodge where you will fall asleep to the sounds of monkey calls and chirping birds.

Overnight accommodation at:

• Ndali Lodge or Kyaninga Lodge (high-end).
• Turaco Treetops or Crater Safari Lodge (midrange).
• Kibale Forest Camp or Chimpanzee Guesthouse (budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Activities: Optional Fort Portal City tour.

Day 11: Kibale Chimpanzee tracking and Bigodi wetland walk

Another early start takes you towards the Kanyanchu Visitor Center for registration and pre-tracking briefing. Later, start tracking one of the chimpanzee communities to learn about the unique behavior and physical appearance of one of mankind’s closest relatives in the animal Kingdom. These Great Apes are fun to watch as they play, groom each other, rest, feed, or nurse their young ones. The seasoned Ranger guides will introduce you to the different members of the chimpanzee communities, and you will have plenty of opportunities to see various bird, primate, and plant species along the way.

For lunch, you have an option of savoring a typical Ugandan meal or International cuisine from a nearby Lodge.

The afternoon takes you to the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. You will enjoy a guided walk through this biodiversity hot spot, navigating well-maintained forest pathways and boardwalks that go through the 4-square-kilometer Sanctuary to look at some of the 8 primate species and 200 of the bird species. You will also meet the local community, taste local cuisines, and local beer, try your hand at basket weaving, and others.

Overnight accommodation at:

• Ndali Lodge or Kyaninga Lodge (high-end).
• Turaco Treetops or Crater Safari Lodge (midrange).
• Kibale Forest Camp or Chimpanzee Guesthouse (budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Activities: Chimp tracking and guided walk through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary.

Day 12: Road transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park; afternoon Launch Cruise along the Kazinga Channel

After a restful night at Kibale National Park Lodge, it is time to head to Queen Elizabeth National Park, set on the sprawling Rift Valley floor and set against a backdrop of the majestic Rwenzori Mountains. This 1978-square-kilometer Protected Area boasts diverse ecosystems, from verdant forests to sprawling savannahs, wetlands, and Lakes that are home to 95 mammal species, 600 bird species, and many others. Lunch at the Lodge.

In the afternoon, drive to the Mweya pier for a boat ride along Kazinga Channel, a natural channel that connects Lakes George and Edward. The guide will identify some of the Channel’s 100 bird species (such as African skimmers, Pelicans, African fish eagles, Kingfishers, and others), animals such as Hippos wallowing and Nile crocodiles basking at the water edge. You will also see Elephants, Cape buffaloes, and antelopes visiting the Channel for a refreshing drink.

Overnight accommodation at:

• Elephant Plains Lodge (high-end).
• Mweya Safari Lodge (midrange).
• Bush Lodge Tents (budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Activities: Boat ride on Kazinga Channel.

Day 13: Queen Elizabeth NP Lion tracking; afternoon transfer to Ishasha sector for a game drive

Wake up before dawn for what’s sure to be the highlight of Queen Elizabeth National Park- a lion-tracking adventure. Enjoy a game drive through Kasenyi Plains, where roving prides of lions can be spotted stealthily hunting and prowling for prey through the grasses. Follow them, driving off-track while learning about their interesting behavior. Also expect herds of Uganda Kobs, Defassa waterbucks, Topis, cape buffaloes, and Elephants in their natural habitat. Around 10 am, stop for a picnic breakfast in the wild, providing an opportunity to take in a pristine atmosphere. After this breakfast, continue with the game drive, driving deeper into the Protected Area.

In the afternoon you will say goodbye to Northern Queen Elizabeth National Park as you transfer 2 hours to the southern sector of Ishasha. When you arrive, check into the Lodge and have lunch.

After lunch, the trip continues to different parts of the Ishasha sector, stopping at tranquil spots to watch various animal species- tree climbing lions (if lucky), African bush elephants, cape buffaloes, Topis, warthogs, and others. End this action-packed adventure with a sundowner, which is almost like the “Happy Hour”, where you wind down with a drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) and snacks while watching the sunset.

Overnight accommodation at:

• Ishasha Wilderness Camp (high-end).
• Ishasha Jungle Lodge (midrange).
• @ The River Ishasha Lodge (budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Activities: Lion tracking and Ishasha afternoon game drive.

Day 14: Ishasha game drive and transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Continue your exploration of Southern Queen Elizabeth National Park (Ishasha sector) this morning with a game drive. Drive across the sprawling savannah, verdant Valleys, and over rolling hills, keeping your eyes peeled for the famous tree-climbing lions. These mysterious lions are only found in the Ishasha sector and Tanzania’s Lake Manyara National Park and seeing them is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Stop for a quick lunch at the Lodge.

In the afternoon, pack your bags for a five-hour journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site sheltering almost half the World’s population of mountain gorillas. Besides these Giant Apes, the Park is a haven for another 120 mammal species and over 350 bird species.

Overnight accommodation at:

• Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge or Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge (high-end).
• Chameleon Hill Forest Lodge (midrange).
• Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge or Rushaga Haven Gorilla Lodge (budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Activities: Ishasha game drive.

Day 15: Bwindi gorilla trekking; afternoon Batwa cultural tour

Be up early for your long-awaited gorilla trekking adventure, which starts with registration and pre-tracking briefing at the Park Headquarters to ensure your safety and that of the mountain gorillas. Gorilla treks last anywhere between two and six hours, and include the one hour you will spend watching and taking photos of the Giant Apes when found. Settle in and watch Giant Apes in their natural habitat- playing, resting, feeding, and grooming each other.

Your afternoon is for cultural immersion at the nearby Batwa community to learn about their ancient lifestyle when they lived in the forest. Learn about traditional hunting, honey harvesting, traditional fire-making skills with sticks, and many others.

Overnight accommodation at:

• Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge or Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge (high-end).
• Chameleon Hill Forest Lodge (midrange).
• Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge or Rushaga Haven Gorilla Lodge (budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Activities: Gorilla tracking and Batwa cultural tour.

Day 16: Golden monkey tracking in Mgahinga National Park

Today takes you to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for an unforgettable golden monkey tracking adventure. You leave at 5:30 am to catch up with the 7:30 briefing and registration before the adventure. Accompanied by a seasoned guide and Rangers, you will trek through the bamboo forest in search of the frisky primates. They’ve been habituated, meaning they are visited by Park Rangers for several hours each day and are used to being near humans. Once sighted, you will spend one hour watching and taking photos of them. Later, return to the Lodge to unwind and take in breathtaking views of the surroundings.

Overnight accommodation at:

• Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge or Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge (high-end).
• Chameleon Hill Forest Lodge (midrange).
• Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge or Rushaga Haven Gorilla Lodge (budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Activities: Golden monkey tracking.

Day 17: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi- Canoeing and Island Tour

After spending several days discovering some of Uganda’s best natural landscapes and wildlife, head to Lake Bunyonyi to relax. Check-in, have lunch, and venture to Lake Bunyonyi to canoe down its pristine waterway. Paddle down the lake surrounded by verdant green hills, tropical trees, and vibrant flora, looking to the shores and skies for bird species. When one hour has passed, return to the shore and return back to the Lodge to enjoy dinner and overnight.

Overnight accommodation at;

• Arcadia Lodges Lake Bunyonyi or Birdnest @Bunyonyi Resort (high-end).
• Bunyonyi Safaris Resort (midrange).
• Hawk’s Eye Bunyonyi (budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Activities: Canoeing.

Day 18: Scenic drive to Lake Mburo National Park; night game drive

Day goodbye to Lake Bunyonyi this morning as you transfer five to six hours to Lake Mburo, the smallest savannah National Park in Uganda. Leave Bunyonyi and hilly landscapes behind, transitioning into the savannah plains. When you arrive, check in at the Lodge, have lunch, and continue with your adventure.

Head for a night game drive and the Ranger will guide the way as you search for nocturnal wildlife such as spotted hyenas in their natural habitat. You might also see owls, nightjars, and leopards. Your seasoned guide will point out any glowing eyes so you don’t miss a thing. After the two-hour drive, return to the Lodge for dinner and overnight.

Meals and overnight accommodation at;

• Mihingo Safari Lodge (high-end).
• Kigambira Safari Lodge (midrange).
• Rwakobo Rock Lodge (budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Activities: Night game drive.

Day 19: Lake Mburo guided nature walk and transfer to Kampala

Get ready for another wake-up call to spend your morning exploring Lake Mburo National Park, enjoying a guided nature walk at sunrise when animals are most active. Look out for the zebras, Rothschild giraffes, Cape buffaloes, and many others. Later, have lunch and pack your bags for a three to four-hour transfer back to Kampala.

Overnight accommodation at:

• Kigali Serena Hotel (high-end).
• Latitude 0 Hotel (midrange).
• Yellow Haven Lodge (budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Activities: Guided nature walk.

Day 20: Mabamba Wetland tour and drop off at Entebbe Airport; departure

Your penultimate day in Uganda takes you to the lush Mabamba Wetland, just a one-hour drive to the pier, where you will get there in time for a speedboat ride to the Wetland. The one-hour boat ride will allow you to switch to a canoe ride to maneuver through the papyrus swamps while encountering shoebill storks and other bird species. After this informative birding tour, stop for a meal and proceed to Entebbe Airport for a flight home. Safe travels!

Meal Plan: Breakfast.

Our 20-day Uganda safari package includes;

• Gorilla trekking permit/s.
• Chimpanzee tracking permit/s.
• Golden monkey tracking permit/s.
• Entry fees for National Parks, Reserve/s, and other tourist sites.
• Ranger fees.
• 19 nights’ accommodation as indicated on the itinerary.
• Bottled water throughout the safari.
• Relevant Government taxes and levies.
• Ground transport in a 4X4 Safari vehicle.
• Fuel fees.
• Meals as per the itinerary.
• Rhino tracking permit/s.
• Whitewater rafting fees.
• Nature walk/Hiking fees.
• Mabamba birding tour.
• Services of a professional English-speaking safari guide.

Our 20-day Uganda safari package excludes;

• Visa fees.
• Medical and Travel insurance.
• Domestic and International airfares.
• Gratuities to the porters, Ranger guides, safari guide/s, Airport staff, and Lodge staff.
• Laundry fees.
• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks at Lodges/Camps.
• Extra fees due to cancellation of the safari.
• Telephone calls and internet expenses.
• Other activities not included on the itinerary.