18-Day Uganda Grand Explorer Safari

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Arrival in Entebbe

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your Usoke Explorers driver-guide and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may rest or take a short orientation walk around the neighborhood. Your guide will provide a safari briefing, outlining the 18-day grand adventure ahead – covering wildlife, primates, culture, and adventure across the Pearl of Africa.

Main Destination:

Entebbe (City)

Accommodation:

Fairway Hotel & Spa

• Mid-range hotel located in Kampala (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• Dinner (Breakfast & lunch not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Kampala City Tour

After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of Kampala, Uganda's vibrant capital. Visit the Uganda Museum showcasing traditional musical instruments and cultural artifacts. Climb the Gaddafi National Mosque minaret for 360° panoramic views of Kampala's seven hills. Explore the Kabaka's Palace, seat of the Buganda Kingdom. Wander through Nakasero Market for fresh produce and local crafts. Overnight in Kampala.

Main Destination:

Kampala (City)

Accommodation:

Fairway Hotel & Spa

• Mid-range hotel located in Kampala (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Transfer to Jinja – Source of the Nile

After breakfast, drive east to Jinja, Uganda's adventure capital. En route, stop at Mabira Forest for a guided nature walk and visit Sezibwa Falls, a culturally significant site for the Baganda people. In the afternoon, visit the Source of the Nile – where the world's longest river begins its 6,650-kilometer journey. Optional activities: white-water rafting, boat ride, or bungee jumping. Overnight in Jinja.

Main Destination:

Jinja (Town)

Accommodation:

Jinja Backpackers

• Budget lodge located in Jinja (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Jinja to Sipi Falls

After breakfast, drive east to Sipi Falls, a hidden gem on the slopes of Mount Elgon. The drive offers spectacular views of tea plantations, rural homesteads, and distant peaks. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided hike to all three waterfalls – a 3-4 hour trek through lush green hills. Visit a coffee plantation for a hands-on experience: learn how the Sabiny people roast and pound Arabica coffee, followed by tasting. Overnight at Sipi.

Main Destination:

Sipi Falls (Highlight)

Accommodation:

Rafiki Lodge Sipi

• Mid-range lodge located at Sipi Falls (Highlight)

+8 Photos

+7 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Transfer to Moroto – Karamoja Region

After breakfast, drive northeast to Moroto Town, the heart of the Karamoja region (approx. 6 hours). This remote area is home to the Karamojong people – Uganda's last remaining pastoralist warriors. The drive is breathtaking, passing through rugged landscapes, acacia-dotted plains, and the foothills of Mount Moroto. Arrive in the afternoon and check into your accommodation for a cultural orientation.

Main Destination:

Karamoja Region

Accommodation:

Kara-Tunga Safari Camp

• Budget tented camp located in Moroto (Karamoja)

+11 Photos

+10 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Karamoja Cultural Experience

Today is dedicated to an authentic Karamojong cultural tour. Visit a manyatta (traditional homestead) to learn about the Karamojong's semi-nomadic lifestyle, cattle herding traditions, and warrior culture. Witness traditional dances, hear stories from elders, and visit a local market. You may also participate in iron smelting demonstrations or food preparation activities. Return to your lodge for dinner.

Main Destination:

Karamoja Region

Accommodation:

Kara-Tunga Safari Camp

• Budget tented camp located in Moroto (Karamoja)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Drive to Kidepo Valley National Park

After breakfast, drive to Kidepo Valley National Park (approx. 3-4 hours), one of Africa's wildest and most remote parks. Located in Uganda's far north-eastern corner, Kidepo is described as "the true African wilderness." Arrive in the afternoon for lunch, then enjoy an evening game drive in the Narus Valley. Spot elephants, buffalo, zebras, giraffes, lions, and leopards against the dramatic Morungole Mountains.

Main Destination:

Kidepo Valley National Park

Best Time To Visit September to March (Dry season)

High Season September to March (The park rarely gets crowded)

Best Weather September to November (End of the rains)

Wildlife in Kidepo Valley NP

ElephantCommon

BuffaloAbundant

ZebraCommon

GiraffeOccasional

LionOccasional

LeopardOccasional

Show more

HyenaOccasional

White RhinoRare

CheetahRare

Wild DogRare

Black RhinoNone

WildebeestNone

HippoNone

Accommodation:

Kara-Tunga Safari Camp

• Budget tented camp located in Moroto (Karamoja)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Full Day Game Drives in Kidepo

Wake early for a full day of game driving through Kidepo's two main valleys – the Narus Valley and Kidepo Valley. Narus Valley is the park's wildlife hub, with permanent water attracting elephants, buffalo, zebras, and antelopes. Kidepo Valley offers a stark, beautiful landscape home to ostriches, cheetahs, and the elusive greater kudu. Visit Kanangorok Hot Springs at the northern end of the park. Return for dinner.

Main Destination:

Kidepo Valley National Park

Accommodation:

Kara-Tunga Safari Camp

• Budget tented camp located in Moroto (Karamoja)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Kidepo to Murchison Falls via Ziwa

After breakfast, depart Kidepo and drive south to Murchison Falls National Park (approx. 6-7 hours). En route, stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided rhino trek – a 1-2 hour walking safari to observe white rhinos in their natural habitat. This is the only place in Uganda to see rhinos. Continue to Murchison Falls, arriving in the evening for check-in.

Main Destination:

Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch

Best Time To Go June to August and December to February (Dry seasons)

High Season June to September (Peak time for Uganda)

Best Weather

Accommodation:

Ikorom Safari Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located in Pakwach (Town)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Game Drive & Boat Cruise to Murchison Falls

Wake before dawn for a sunrise game drive on Murchison's northern plains. Spot Rothschild's giraffes, elephants, lions, buffalo, Uganda kobs, and hyenas. After breakfast, enjoy a 3-hour boat cruise up the Victoria Nile to the base of Murchison Falls – the park's highlight. Watch hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds as you approach the thunderous falls. Hike to the top (45 minutes) where the Nile explodes through a 7-metre gap.

Main Destination:

Murchison Falls National Park

Best Time To Visit December to February (Easier to spot animals)

High Season June to September (Peak time for Uganda)

Best Weather June and July (Less rain and lower temperatures)

Wildlife in Murchison Falls NP

ChimpanzeeOccasional

ElephantCommon

GiraffeCommon

LionCommon

BuffaloCommon

HippoAbundant

Show more

LeopardOccasional

White RhinoNone

Black RhinoNone

CheetahNone

ZebraNone

WildebeestNone

Wild DogNone

Accommodation:

Ikorom Safari Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located less than 1hr drive from Murchison Falls NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Murchison Falls to Kibale Forest

After breakfast, drive south to Kibale National Park (approx. 5-6 hours). The journey takes you through the scenic Rwenzori foothills, passing tea plantations, crater lakes, and the town of Fort Portal. Arrive in the late afternoon, check into your lodge, and relax in preparation for tomorrow's chimpanzee trek – the highlight of this leg.

Main Destination:

Kibale National Park (Chimps)

Best Time To Visit January to February and June to July (Chimp trekking is easiest)

High Season June to September (Peak time for Uganda)

Best Weather January to February and June to July (Least rain)

Wildlife in Kibale NP

ChimpanzeeCommon

ElephantOccasional

BuffaloOccasional

LionVery Rare

LeopardVery Rare

HippoRare

Show more

GiraffeNone

White RhinoNone

Black RhinoNone

CheetahNone

ZebraNone

WildebeestNone

Accommodation:

Kibale Forest Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located just outside Kibale NP (Chimps)

+3 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Swamp Walk

After breakfast, head to Kanyanchu Visitor Centre for briefing and chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest (2-4 hours). Kibale is home to the highest density of primates in East Africa, including over 5,000 chimpanzees. Once located, spend one hour with the chimp troop. In the afternoon, explore Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary – a community-run swamp reserve famous for birdlife, primates, and the Great Blue Turaco.

Main Destination:

Kibale National Park (Chimps)

Accommodation:

Kibale Forest Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located just outside Kibale NP (Chimps)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Transfer to Queen Elizabeth – Evening Game Drive

After breakfast, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park (approx. 2-3 hours). Enjoy lunch at your lodge, then head out for an evening game drive in the Kasenyi Plains. Look for lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, Uganda kobs, and waterbucks. The park's diverse habitats – savannah, wetlands, and crater lakes – support an incredible variety of wildlife. Overnight in Queen Elizabeth.

Main Destination:

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Best Time To Visit January to February and June to July (Dry seasons)

High Season June to September (Peak time for Uganda)

Best Weather June to July and January to February (Less rainfall)

Wildlife in Queen Elizabeth NP

ChimpanzeeOccasional

ElephantCommon

LionCommon

BuffaloCommon

HippoAbundant

LeopardOccasional

Show more

GiraffeNone

White RhinoNone

Black RhinoNone

CheetahNone

ZebraNone

WildebeestNone

Wild DogNone

Accommodation:

Enshama Game Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located just outside Queen Elizabeth NP

+2 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Kazinga Channel Cruise & Ishasha Lions

After breakfast, enjoy a 2-hour boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel – a 36-kilometer waterway teeming with hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds. After lunch, drive through the Ishasha sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions lounging in ancient fig trees. This is one of the only places in Africa where this behavior is regularly observed. Continue to Bwindi for overnight.

Main Destination:

Ishasha Sector (Queen Elizabeth NP)

Accommodation:

Nshongi Camp

• Budget lodge located just outside Bwindi Impenetrable NP (Gorillas)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

This is the day you have been waiting for. After early breakfast, proceed to park headquarters for briefing and gorilla trekking (2-6 hours). Enter the Impenetrable Forest with ranger guides and trackers in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family. Once located, spend one hour with the gorillas – watching silverbacks, mothers, and juveniles interact. This profound, life-changing experience awaits. Return to your lodge for rest.

Main Destination:

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorillas)

Best Time To Visit June to August and December to February (Gorilla trekking is easiest)

High Season June to September (Gorilla permits are scarce)

Best Weather June to July and December to February (Less rainfall)

Wildlife in Bwindi Impenetrable NP

GorillaCommon

ChimpanzeeRare

ElephantRare

White RhinoNone

Black RhinoNone

LionNone

Show more

GiraffeNone

LeopardNone

CheetahNone

BuffaloNone

ZebraNone

WildebeestNone

HippoNone

Accommodation:

Nshongi Camp

• Budget lodge located just outside Bwindi Impenetrable NP (Gorillas)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi – Canoeing

After breakfast, transfer to Lake Bunyonyi (approx. 2-3 hours), Africa's second-deepest lake and one of Uganda's most beautiful natural features. Lake Bunyonyi means "place of many little birds." Check into your lodge, then spend the afternoon at leisure. Optional activities: canoeing to explore the 29 islands, swimming (bilharzia-free), or a community visit to local Bakiga and Batwa villages.

Main Destination:

Lake Bunyonyi

Accommodation:

Paradise Eco-Hub

• Budget lodge located at Lake Bunyonyi

+2 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Transfer from Lake Bunyonyi to Kampala – Equator Stop

After breakfast, begin your scenic drive back to Kampala (approx. 7-8 hours). Stop for lunch en route and visit the Equator crossing in Kayabwe – stand with one foot in each hemisphere, watch the water swirl experiment, and take memorable photos. Arrive in Kampala in the evening. Enjoy a farewell dinner at your hotel, reflecting on your incredible journey through the Pearl of Africa.

Main Destination:

Kampala (City)

Accommodation:

Fairway Hotel & Spa

• Mid-range hotel located in Kampala (City)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Transfer to Entebbe – Departure

After breakfast, transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight. Depending on your flight time, you may have some time for last-minute shopping or relaxation. End of services. Safe travels – we hope to welcome you back to Uganda for another unforgettable adventure with Usoke Explorers.

Main Destination:

Entebbe (City)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.