$7,662 pp (USD)
2 travelers on Start dateArrival
Arrival
Day 1
Arrive and transfer to Jinja City
Arrive and transfer to Jinja City
Your safari adventure will begin with arrival at Entebbe International Airport. on arrival you'll be warmly welcomed by your Maraka Tours assigned professional driver-guide. You'll set off to Jinja, one of Uganda’s most vibrant and scenic cities nestled along the shores of Lake Victoria. You'll pas through the lush Ugandan countryside, with rolling hills, small trading centers, and local communities going about their day which will give you a first glimpse into the rich cultural fabric of the country. Upon arrival in Jinja, you’ll check in at a tranquil retreat perfect for relaxation. The accommodation offers views of Lake Victoria, excellent hospitality, and a peaceful ambiance to help you unwind. Jinja is known as the adventure capital of East Africa, and it sets the tone for the thrilling experiences ahead, including white-water rafting and cultural excursions.
Your driver-guide will brief you on the journey ahead, highlighting key experiences.
Accommodation: 2Friends Guest House.
- Main Destination:
- Jinja (Town)
- Accommodation:
- 2 Friends Guest House
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 2
Exploration of River Nile and Jinja City
Exploration of River Nile and Jinja City
After breakfast, you'll go for a full day of white-water rafting on the legendary Nile River. Jinja’s Nile waterfalls are world-renowned for offering some of the most exhilarating rafting experiences in Africa. This thrilling activity is a highlight for adventure seekers, and it perfectly complements the rest of your Uganda safari’s wild spirit. Safety is paramount, and you are equipped with high-quality gear and thorough briefings before venturing out. Throughout the day, you are treated to sweeping views of the lush riverbanks, birdlife, and warm encounters with locals going about their daily activities along the Nile. In the afternoon, you may choose to relax at your patio or go for a boat ride to the source of the River Nile. As you return to 2Friends Guest House for the evening, you’ll reflect on a day filled with excitement, laughter, and unforgettable safari experience.
- Main Destination:
- Jinja (Town)
- Accommodation:
- 2 Friends Guest House
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 3
Transfer to Sipi Falls
Transfer to Sipi Falls
Have breakfast, then hit the road to transfer from Jinja to the mystical Sipi Falls region in Mt. Elgon region. The journey offers captivating views of the lush landscapes, farmlands, and foothills of Mount Elgon, one of Uganda’s most striking volcanic mountains. Along the way, you’ll witness life in motion, - roadside markets, coffee plantations, and the rhythmic buzz of rural towns. This is the ideal moment to absorb the true heartbeat of Uganda. Upon arrival in Sipi, you’ll check in at your lodge and prepare for an invigorating afternoon hike to explore the stunning Sipi Falls. The hike to the falls is moderately challenging but rewarding. As you trek through banana plantations, coffee gardens, and steep escarpments, the sound of rushing water grows louder, until you’re greeted with a breathtaking view of the falls against the backdrop of the expansive Karamoja plains. You may spot chameleons and a variety of birds en route, making this both a physical and sensory experience.
- Main Destination:
- Sipi Falls (Highlight)
- Accommodation:
- Rafiki Lodge Sipi
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 4
Coffee tours in Bugishu Environments
Coffee tours in Bugishu Environments
After a hearty breakfast with views of the rolling hills, you’ll set off on a guided coffee tour in the heart of the Sipi region, famous for producing some of Uganda’s finest Arabica coffee. The tour takes you through the entire coffee production process—from the coffee garden to the steaming cup. You’ll pick berries, process beans, and even roast your own batch using traditional methods. This interactive and aromatic experience offers a refreshing perspective on Uganda’s agrarian economy. The Bagisu are most famed for the imbalu (circumcision) ceremony—a rite of passage celebrated with dances, songs, and community gatherings. Although not held daily, a cultural simulation allows you to understand its symbolic significance. You’ll engage with local elders, storytellers, and dancers who share insights into Bagisu life, beliefs, and customs. After this experience, drive northward to Moroto town the nomadic Karamojong people. Check in and relax as you wait for dinner and overnight.
- Main Destination:
- Mount Elgon
- Accommodation:
- Mount Moroto Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 5
Mount Moroto Adventure Experience
Mount Moroto Adventure Experience
After breakfast, gear up for a guided hike to Mount Moroto, one of Uganda’s least explored yet most rewarding hiking destinations. Towering at over 3,000 meters, Mount Moroto offers panoramic views of the surrounding savannah and escarpments. The hike ranges in difficulty based on your chosen route, but all paths provide intimate encounters with unique birdlife, indigenous plants, and rock formations. In the afternoon, have the Karamojong cultural experience. Known for their distinct dress, jewelry, and warrior customs, the Karamojong are semi-nomadic pastoralists with deep-rooted traditions. You’ll visit a local manyatta (homestead), where elders share stories, traditional dances erupt in celebration, and you’ll learn about cattle herding and communal living. This cultural exchange enriches your Uganda Safari, You’ll rest overnight in Moroto, the sounds of drums and laughter echoing softly into the night.
- Main Destination:
- Mount Moroto
- Accommodation:
- Mount Moroto Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 6
Transfer to Kidepo Valley National Park
Transfer to Kidepo Valley National Park
Your day begins with an early morning breakfast, after you'll embark on a breathtaking road journey to Kidepo VNP. This drive is a captivating cultural and geographical transition, as the terrain changes from lush highlands to open savannahs dotted with distant mountain ranges and sparse settlements. The drive provides rare photographic opportunities and a firsthand experience of the untouched beauty of Uganda’s northeast. Upon arrival in Kidepo Valley National Park, you’ll check in at the beautifully located Kidepo Savannah Safari Lodge, where the vastness of the park sprawls out in all directions. The setting sun casts golden hues across the Narus Valley, creating a magical ambiance perfect for relaxation. This part of the journey is not only an immersion into wilderness but also a chance to unwind before the thrilling wildlife experiences that follow.
- Main Destination:
- Kidepo Valley National Park
- Accommodation:
-
Kidepo Savannah Lodge (Budget Tent)
Wildlife in Kidepo Valley NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 7
Full-Day Adventure in Kidepo Valley National Park
Full-Day Adventure in Kidepo Valley National Park
This day is entirely dedicated to discovering the rich biodiversity of Kidepo Valley National Park. With its remote setting and less-traveled paths, Kidepo offers an unmatched wildlife safari experience, featuring large herds of buffalo, elephants, and an abundance of predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Morning and evening game drives across the Narus and Kidepo valleys offer rare opportunities for unforgettable wildlife sightings. The open savannah and scattered Borassus palms create a uniquely cinematic backdrop for photography enthusiasts. For adventurers eager to experience the true african wilderness on foot, guided nature walks provide close encounters with smaller animals, birds, and plant life. With over 470 bird species recorded, Kidepo is a paradise for birders. This experience blends beautifully with the spirit of the Uganda safari – unfiltered, authentic, and immersive. Kidepo brings the thrill of vast wildlife diversity under big African environments.
- Main Destination:
- Kidepo Valley National Park
- Accommodation:
-
Kidepo Savannah Lodge (Safari Tent)
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 8
Further exploration of Kidepo VNP & cultural encounter
Further exploration of Kidepo VNP & cultural encounter
Activities of today, deepens your exploration of Kidepo Valley National Park. Morning game drives take you further into the untouched wilderness, reaching areas such as the Kanangorok Hot Springs near the South Sudan border. These game drives offer rare chances to spot elusive species like the striped hyena and bat-eared fox. With minimal tourist traffic, Kidepo ensures exclusive wildlife experiences in a tranquil environment, making it a top highlight of this safari.
In the afternoon, you have the option to visit nearby Karamojong communities or to relax preparing for a strenuous tomorrow. The visit provides a glimpse into their resilience and way of life, adding a cultural dimension to the day’s safari adventures. The blend of wilderness and cultural immersion sets the stage for the primate experiences to come, including chimpanzee tracking and Uganda Gorilla Trekking.
- Main Destination:
- Kidepo Valley National Park
- Accommodation:
- Kidepo Savannah Lodge (Safari Tent)
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 9
Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
After breakfast, hit the road to transfer to Murchison Falls NP. This full-day scenic drive from Kidepo Valley National Park to Murchison Falls National Park is great. The drive unfolds through rugged escarpments, savannah grasslands, and local communities, painting a vivid picture of Uganda’s geographic and cultural diversity. This transitional journey is perfect for those appreciating slow travel and connection with the land. It’s an excellent opportunity to reflect on the wildlife safari highlights and anticipate the adventures in Uganda’s most iconic park. Arriving in Murchison Falls National Park; you’ll settle in at the Pakuba Safari Lodge. Located near the Nile River, the lodge provides the perfect vantage point for evening wildlife sightings, including giraffes, hippos, and warthogs. Combining this part of the Uganda safari with Gorilla Trekking Rwanda offers travelers the best of both worlds: the Nile’s dramatic wilderness and Rwanda’s dense mountain forests.
- Main Destination:
- Murchison Falls National Park
- Accommodation:
- Pakuba Safari Lodge
Wildlife in Murchison Falls NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 10
Game drive and boat cruise in Murchison Falls NP
Game drive and boat cruise in Murchison Falls NP
After breakfast, you'll drive into this lofty palm dotted part of MFNP known for its sweeping savannah plains and abundant wildlife. Here, sightings of lions, elephants, giraffes, Jackson’s hartebeest, and large herds of Uganda kob are common. The park’s unique setting along the Nile River gives life to diverse ecosystems that host both land and water species.
Boat Cruise to the Base of Murchison Falls.
In the afternoon, you'll head to Paraa pier to embark on a boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls. As the Nile squeezes through a 7-meter gorge and plunges 43 meters below, the thunderous roar and mist-filled air create a mesmerizing natural spectacle. Along the way, crocodiles bask on the riverbanks, hippos grunt in pods, and elephants come to drink from the river. This multi-dimensional experience – combining land and water – reflects the richness and beauty of the Pearl of Africa.
- Main Destination:
- Murchison Falls National Park
- Accommodation:
- Pakuba Safari Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 11
Hike to Top of Falls and Track Rhinos in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Hike to Top of Falls and Track Rhinos in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
On this day, after your relaxed breakfast, begin on an invigorating hike to the top of Murchison Falls. This short but steep trail offers panoramic views of the Nile River’s thunderous descent through the narrow gorge. The hike is an excellent way to experience the raw power and beauty of the falls up close, and it provides one of the most iconic moments of your safari. The roaring cascade, surrounded by lush vegetation, is a photographer’s dream and a nature lover’s paradise. After this, the journey continues to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, home to Uganda’s wild rhinos. This sanctuary plays a vital role in the Big Five restoration program. Accompanied by armed rangers, you’ll track rhinos on foot—an exhilarating and intimate wildlife safari experience that few destinations offer. The day ends with an overnight stay in Masindi town or Hoima City, a perfect stopover that breaks the long drive. This day blends adventure, conservation, and nature.
- Main Destination:
- Masindi (Town)
- Accommodation:
- Kabalega Resort Masindi
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 12
Transfer to Kibale National Park
Transfer to Kibale National Park
After your breakfast, embark on a journey that takes you to the lush tropical landscapes of Kibale Forest National Park. This road trip reveals the stunning rural landscapes and crater lakes of western Uganda, giving a firsthand view of the country’s natural abundance. You'll have lunch in Fort Portal City or at your lodge. Known as the “Primate Capital of the World,” Kibale Forest is famed for its high concentration of chimpanzees and other primates, making it an essential stop on your safari. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. This community-led conservation area rich in biodiversity, hosting over 200 bird species, numerous monkey species, and an array of wetland plants. The walk is educational, offering cultural interaction and ecological insight. The community’s efforts in sustainable tourism and conservation make it a meaningful part of the journey. This experience is a wonderful prelude to the chimpanzee tracking adventure awaiting you tomorrow.
- Main Destination:
- Kibale National Park (Chimps)
- Accommodation:
- Chimpanzee Forest Lodge
Wildlife in Kibale NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 13
Chimp tracking in Kibale NP & Transfer to Queen Elizabeth NP
Chimp tracking in Kibale NP & Transfer to Queen Elizabeth NP
This day is a major highlight of your tour. After breakfast, you’ll head to Kibale Forest with experienced guides for the unforgettable chimpanzee tracking experience. As you trek through the dense jungle, the calls of chimpanzee’s echo through the canopy, guiding you toward them. Observing these intelligent primates in their natural habitat is awe-inspiring and ranks among the top wildlife safari moments in East Africa. Kibale also harbors other primates like monkeys, adding depth to the experience.
In the afternoon, head to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most popular and scenic parks. The drive offers glimpses of crater lakes, rolling tea plantations, and the majestic Rwenzori Mountains in the distance. Upon arrival, you’ll check in at a safari lodge overlooking the savannah plains. Queen Elizabeth National Park is renowned for its classic game drives, boat safaris, and tree-climbing lions, making it a perfect complement to your primate adventures.
- Main Destination:
- Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Accommodation:
- Elephant Hab Lodge
Wildlife in Queen Elizabeth NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 14
Game drive and boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth NP
Game drive and boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth NP
Begin with an early morning game drive in the Kasenyi plains, known for their abundant wildlife. Expect to see elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, warthogs, and possibly lions and leopards. The open plains provide excellent visibility and photography opportunities. The Uganda safari here is enriched by the park’s varied landscapes—from volcanic craters to grassy savannahs and swampy lowlands. In the afternoon, head to Mweya peninsula, to embark on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel that offers a unique perspective on wildlife. This natural waterway connecting Lake Edward and Lake George teems with life. Hippos wallow in the shallows, crocodiles lurk at the banks, and elephants often come to drink and bathe. Over 600 bird species have been recorded here, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise. This dual land-and-water safari experience is the hallmark of Queen Elizabeth’s diversity and enhances the itinerary in terms of wildlife viewing.
- Main Destination:
- Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Accommodation:
- Elephant Hab Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 15
Transfer to Ishasha & head to Bwindi Impenetrable NP
Transfer to Ishasha & head to Bwindi Impenetrable NP
After breakfast, you'll drive to the remote Ishasha sector—famed for its rare tree-climbing lions. These lions are often seen lounging on the branches of large fig trees, a behavior thought to help them escape ground heat and insects. The drive through Ishasha is a more off-the-beaten-path Uganda safari experience, with fewer tourists and more intimate wildlife encounters. Alongside lions, you may also spot buffaloes, topis, and elephants roaming the vast plains.
After the game drive, the journey continues to the Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. As the terrain shifts to thick montane forest, excitement builds for the encounter with mountain gorillas. The afternoon includes with a relaxed view of the the mighty Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, as you prepare for the next days strenuous energy draining exercise - Gorilla trekking.
- Main Destination:
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorillas)
- Accommodation:
-
Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge
Wildlife in Bwindi Impenetrable NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 16
Batwa cultural encounter
Batwa cultural encounter
After a relaxed breakfast at your lodge, together with your driver guide you'll visit a Batwa community one of the indigenous people acculturised to live in the forest, still practicing the rudimentary or primitive ways of life- hunting and gathering. This visit, you'll immerse yourself in the rich heritage of the Batwa people—original inhabitants of Bwindi Forest. The Batwa Cultural Experience reveals a unique lifestyle deeply tied to the forest. With songs, dances, storytelling, and demonstrations of traditional hunting and gathering techniques, this experience offers a powerful cultural narrative. This community engagement not only enhances your understanding of indigenous life but also contributes to sustainable tourism efforts. Combined with the upcoming Gorilla Trekking, this cultural encounter completes a multi-layered Uganda safari experience.
- Main Destination:
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorillas)
- Accommodation:
- Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 17
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable NP
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable NP
Gorilla Trekking Uganda in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is the epitome of this trip and a bragging right for Ugandan itineraries. After an early breakfast, you’ll head to the park headquarters for a briefing by rangers. Trekking through the dense forest terrain can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family assigned. The trail is scenic, often passing through vines, bamboo zones, and cascading streams.
Upon finding the gorillas, you’ll spend one precious hour observing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Witnessing their social behaviors—playful juveniles, nurturing mothers, and dominant silverbacks—is a humbling and emotional experience. This extraordinary Uganda Gorilla Trekking moment stands as a testament to the power of conservation and the importance of preserving our planet’s wildlife. After the trek, return to the lodge for a well-earned afternoon of relaxation and reflection in the heart of the jungle.
- Main Destination:
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorillas)
- Accommodation:
- Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 18
Transfer to Entebbe International Airport
Transfer to Entebbe International Airport
After breakfast, embark on the long but scenic drive back to Entebbe. The road meanders like snakes through lush hills, local markets, and tranquil countryside providing a final opportunity to absorb the beauty and culture of Uganda. Lunch is typically enjoyed en route, offering a relaxed break to reflect on the adventures of the past two and a half weeks. Arriving in Entebbe in the late afternoon or early evening, you’ll be transferred to Entebbe International Airport for your departure back home. Though the safari ends, the memories of gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, wildlife game drives, the thunderous roar of the most powerful waterfall in the world- Murchison Falls, community visits, and cultural experiences will last a lifetime. Maraka Tours and Safaris is honored to have guided your journey and encourages future adventures that combine Gorilla Trekking with broader East African explorations.
- Main Destination:
- Entebbe International Airport (Entebbe)
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks:
