21 Days Best of Uganda and Big Five Safari
Day 1: Arrival and Pick Up from Entebbe
21 Days Best of Uganda and Big Five Safari. Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly greeted by your guide, who will provide a brief overview of your exciting adventure ahead. You’ll then be transferred to your hotel for relaxation after your journey. Enjoy a refreshing evening with dinner at your lodge, preparing for the days to come.
Accommodation: Via Via Entebbe
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 2: Transfer from Entebbe to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary (Approx. 4 Hours)
After breakfast, your journey begins as you head north towards Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda where you can track rhinos on foot. Upon arrival, you’ll take a guided walking safari to see these majestic animals up close while learning about rhino conservation efforts. Enjoy lunch at the sanctuary and spend the evening relaxing in this tranquil natural environment.
Accommodation: Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 3: Transfer to Kidepo Valley National Park (Approx. 7–8 Hours)
After an early breakfast, set off for one of Africa’s most remote and unspoiled destinations, Kidepo Valley National Park. The drive offers spectacular scenery as you pass through traditional villages and rolling hills. You’ll arrive in the late afternoon and check in to your lodge surrounded by the wild beauty of Kidepo.
Accommodation: Apoka Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 4: Full Day Game Drive in Kidepo Valley
Today you’ll enjoy a full day of game viewing in the vast savannahs of Kidepo. Look out for elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, lions, zebras, and cheetahs. The park’s rugged beauty and open plains provide incredible photographic opportunities. Lunch will be served in the park before returning to the lodge for an evening at leisure.
Accommodation: Apoka Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 5: Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Relaxation
Wake up to the sounds of the wild and head for another early morning game drive, increasing your chances of spotting predators and other wildlife. After lunch, take the afternoon to relax at your lodge, swim, or enjoy the scenic views of the valley.
Accommodation: Apoka Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 6: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park (Approx. 6 Hours)
After breakfast, leave Kidepo behind and drive southwest to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area. The drive offers scenic views of rural Uganda, and you’ll arrive in time to settle in and relax before dinner.
Accommodation: Red Chilli Rest Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 7: Game Drive and Boat Cruise on the Nile
Start your day with an early morning game drive across the park’s plains, home to elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, lions, and many antelope species. After lunch, enjoy a boat cruise along the River Nile to the base of the mighty Murchison Falls, spotting hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife along the banks. Later, you can choose to hike to the top of the falls for breathtaking views before returning to your lodge.
Accommodation: Red Chilli Rest Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 8: Transfer to Kibale National Park (Approx. 6 Hours)
After breakfast, depart for Kibale National Park, a lush tropical forest known as the “Primate Capital of the World.” The journey takes you through scenic countryside and tea plantations. Arrive in the afternoon and unwind at your lodge surrounded by the sounds of the forest.
Accommodation: Kibale Forest Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 9: Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Swamp Walk
This morning, you’ll set off for chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest, one of Africa’s best places to see wild chimpanzees. Enjoy the thrill of watching them swing through the trees and interact in their natural habitat. After lunch, take a guided nature walk in the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, known for its rich birdlife and community-based tourism.
Accommodation: Kibale Forest Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 10: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park (Approx. 3–4 Hours)
After breakfast, drive south through scenic crater lakes and rolling hills to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Upon arrival, enjoy the beautiful views of the Rwenzori Mountains and relax at your lodge in the heart of the park.
Accommodation: Bush Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 11: Morning Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Start your day with a morning game drive in the Kasenyi plains, famous for its lions, elephants, and large herds of buffalo. After lunch, enjoy a leisurely boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, where you’ll encounter hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of waterbirds up close.
Accommodation: Bush Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 12: Transfer to Ishasha and Evening Game Drive
After breakfast, travel to the southern Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, known for its rare tree-climbing lions. In the evening, enjoy a game drive to search for these unique predators and other wildlife in this beautiful region.
Accommodation: Ishasha Jungle Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 13: Morning Game Drive and Transfer to Bwindi (Approx. 4 Hours)
Enjoy a final game drive in Ishasha before continuing your journey to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to the endangered mountain gorillas. Arrive in the afternoon and relax at your lodge nestled on the forest edge.
Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 14: Gorilla Trekking and Batwa Cultural Experience
Today is the highlight of your safari gorilla trekking in Bwindi! After an early briefing, you’ll trek through dense forest to find a gorilla family. Spend an unforgettable hour observing these gentle giants up close. Later in the afternoon, visit the Batwa community to learn about their traditional forest lifestyle through music, dance, and storytelling.
Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 15: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi (Approx. 3 Hours)
After breakfast, drive through the scenic highlands to Lake Bunyonyi, one of Africa’s most beautiful lakes. The afternoon is free to relax or take a canoe ride among the lake’s 29 islands.
Accommodation: Bunyonyi Eco Resort
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 16: Zip-lining and Canoeing at Lake Bunyonyi
Today you’ll enjoy an adventurous day at Lake Bunyonyi, starting with zip-lining across the lake and ending with a relaxing canoe ride or optional nature walk. Take in the serene landscape and birdlife as you unwind in Uganda’s most peaceful setting.
Accommodation: Bunyonyi Eco Resort
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 17: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park (Approx. 5 Hours)
After breakfast, drive to Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda’s smallest but most scenic savannah park. Arrive in time to relax at your lodge, surrounded by acacia woodlands and rolling hills.
Accommodation: Eagle’s Nest
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 18: Walking Safari and Boat Cruise on Lake Mburo
Start the day with a guided walking safari, one of Uganda’s most exciting ways to experience wildlife. Spot zebras, impalas, and giraffes on foot before returning for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Mburo, home to hippos, crocodiles, and colorful birdlife.
Accommodation: Via Via Entebbe
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 19: Transfer to Kampala with Equator Stop (Approx. 6–7 Hours)
After breakfast, set off for Kampala. Along the way, stop at the Equator line for photos, souvenirs, and a short demonstration of the Coriolis effect. Arrive in Kampala in the afternoon and check in to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Via Via Kampala
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 20: Shoebill Experience at Mabamba Swamp
After an early breakfast, drive to Mabamba Swamp for a memorable shoebill encounter. This birdwatching excursion by canoe is perfect for nature lovers. Glide through papyrus channels in search of the rare and prehistoric-looking shoebill stork. Return to Kampala in the afternoon for relaxation and dinner.
Accommodation: Via Via Kampala
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 21: Kampala City Tour and Transfer to Entebbe
On your final day, enjoy a city tour of Kampala, exploring historical landmarks, markets, and cultural sites such as the Uganda Museum and Gaddafi Mosque. After lunch, your guide will transfer you to Entebbe International Airport for your departure, marking the end of an incredible 21-day journey through Uganda.
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch.
Inclusions 21 Days Best of Uganda and Big Five Safari
- Transportation
- Professional English-speaking driver/guide throughout
- Accommodation
- meals
- All park entry fees,
- Boat cruises, walking safaris, and scheduled activities as listed
- Mabamba shoebill canoe trip and Equator stop
- Bottled drinking water during transfers
Exclusions 21 Days Best of Uganda and Big Five Safari
- International flights to/from Entebbe
- Visas and travel insurance
- Tips/gratuities for guides, drivers and lodge staff
- Personal expenses, alcoholic and soft drinks unless specified
- Any optional extras not listed above
What to Pack on 21 Days Best of Uganda and Big Five Safari
- Valid passport, visas and travel documents
- Lightweight quick-dry clothing for daytime; warm layer for cool evenings in highlands
- Sturdy hiking boots and closed shoes for walks/treks
- Waterproof jacket/poncho and gaiters for muddy trails
- Gardening gloves for gorilla trekking
- Sun protection, insect repellent, reusable water bottle, binoculars, camera (spare batteries/cards)
- Any personal medication and small first-aid kit
- Face masks
- Sunscreen