16 Days Uganda Safari Adventure

16 Days Uganda Safari Adventure

The 16 days Uganda Safari Adventure takes you for an ultimate experience in the Pearl of Africa. This exploration starts from the North to South of Uganda. Here, you visit the “True African Wilderness” where you will witness the beauty of Uganda starting from Wildlife to Birdlife, Murchison Falls National park to see the world’s strongest waterfalls, exploration of crater lakes, Queen Elizabeth National Park known for tree climbing lions in Ishasha sector, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park which is known for mountain gorillas, Lake Bunyonyi and finally Lake Mburo National Park.

Safari destinations

Kidepo Valley National Park

Located in Kaabong district on the extreme north- eastern corner of Uganda. It boarders Sudan and Kenya and covers a total area of 1442 Square Kilometers. Kidepo valley National Park got its name from a Karamojong word ‘akidep’ which means ‘to pick’ from down. The park is dominated by an open savannah grassland that is composed of a mixture of acacia and other perennial grasses plus dry thickets, short trees and shrubs.

Kidepo Valley Park hosts over 75 mammal species these include: striped hyena, aardwolf, caracal, cheetah, greater and lesser kudu, klipspringer, dik-dik, Bright’s gazelle, and chandler’s mountain reedbuck, African wild dogs, Lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, African elephant, buffalo, waterbuck, Jackson’s hartebeest, buffaloes, and both black-backed and side-striped jackal. Around 475 bird species like ostriches, Egyptian vulture, Nubian woodpecker, Jackson’s hornbill, Karamoja Apalis, Red-and-yellow barbet, Dark chanting goshawk, chestnut weaver, black breasted sunbird, red throated bee eater, white-bellied go-away bird, Northern carmine bee eater among other bird species.

Murchison Falls National Park

From Kidepo Valley National Park, you will visit Murchison Falls National Park. It is located in the North Westerner part of Uganda, it covers areas such as Masindi, Buliisa, Amuru, Pakwach, Kiryandongo, Nwoya etc. It is the largest National Park with an area of 3840sq.kms. The park harbors about 76 mammal species including 4 members of the big 5 family (lions, Leopards, Elephants, Buffaloes) and also visitors can encounter Rhinos at Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Other mammals include Nile crocodiles, Hippos, bush bucks  Giraffes, Uganda kobs, Bushbucks, Elephants, Hartebeests, Oribs, waterbucks, warthogs, hyenas and various bird species like black bee eater, rare shoebill stork, weavers, grey crowned cranes, Abyssinian ground hornbill, Black-headed lapwing, Senegal thick-knee among others.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

After Murchison Falls National Park, proceed to Queen Elizabeth National Park the most visited destination. Queen Elizabeth National Park is the second largest and the most beautiful Park in Uganda. It covers approximately 1,978sq.kms. It’s located in South Western Uganda. When it comes to scenic beauty and other naturally specular wonders, it’s hard to beat Queen Elizabeth National Park with its sprawling savanna, shady, humid forests, sparkling lakes and its ecosystem.

It is also home to 95 mammal species including the 4 members of the big 5 such as Lions, Leopards, Elephants and Buffaloes, however other species include warthogs, Hippos, hyenas, Ugandan kobs, oribis, topis, bush bucks, waterbucks, giant forest hogs, chimpanzees, Nile crocodiles among others and also various Bird species like grey crowned cranes, Marital eagle, shoebill, African green pigeon, handsome francolin, Nubian wood pecker, swamp flycatcher, grey crowned heron, black bee eater, African skimmer Here you will go for a game drive and Boat cruise on Kazinga Chanel to see wildlife and birdlife.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Famous for being a home to half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, one of Uganda’s ancient well as the most biologically diverse rainforests that is over 25,000 years with almost 400 species of plants that are forming the huge impenetrable forest that is ever green.

It is a home to approximately 400 mountain gorillas found in Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo. The park has about 120 mammal species such as      black and white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, Red tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, bush pigs, forest elephants, buffaloes, duikers and also  350  bird species including 23 Albertine Rift endemics the African green broadbill, Grauer’s swamp warbler, Turner’s Eremomela, Chapin’s flycatcher, handsome francolin, Rwenzori turaco, purple sunbird, Red throated bee eater, black bee eater, and Shelley’s crimson-wing   and also butterfly species such as the African giant swallowtail and Cream-banded swallowtail and is the ancient home of the Batwa people.

Lake Bunyonyi

Thereafter, you will visit Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Mburo National Park. Lake Bunyonyi takes to one of the most naturally beautiful crater lakes in Uganda for relaxation, Island hopping, swimming, canoeing and a host of other activities. The name Bunyonyi (Place of Little birds in the local language) comes from the fact that the area is home to over 200 species of birds making it one of the best birding spots in Uganda.  Birds like grey crowned crane, the white tailed blue monard, herons, African Harrier Hawk, egrets, slender-billed baglafetch, levillant cuckoo,  cardinal woodpecker,  Bronzy sun bird, Knobbed coot  and many more.

Lake Mburo National Park

One of the smallest parks in Uganda but this does not mean it has less to offer; It is a home to a variety of wildlife including Zebras, Impalas, buffaloes, bush pig, topi, crocodiles, elands, buffalos, oribi, waterbuck, leopard, hippo, hyena, topi and reedbuck., and many more. Bird species like African Fin foot, pied kingfisher, bare faced go away, Red faced barbet, Greater painted snipe, Black bellied Bustard, Blue breasted kingfisher, African wattled lawing, striped kingfisher can also be sighted.  Here you will relax and enjoy the scenery. The Park’s topography and vegetation are made of falling and raising hillsides, rocky outcrops, open and wooden grassland, rich acacia tree valleys, forests, bushes and thickets together with permanent and seasonal swamps along the shores of the Lakes.

 

Day 1: Pick up from Entebbe International Airport – Drive to your Hotel

The 16  Days Uganda Safari Adventure will start with a pick up from Entebbe International Airport where our professional driver guide from Paradise  Adventure Vacations will meet and greet you and thereafter he will transfer you to your accommodation where you will spend the rest of the day relaxing and enjoying the hospitality in the Pearl of Africa.

Location: Kampala Uganda

Accommodation Option:

Mid-Range

Latitude 0 Degrees or Similar

Meals Plan: Breakfast and Lunch as well as Dinner

Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey

 

Day 2: Drive to Kidepo Valley National Park

Day 2 of the 16 Days Uganda Safari Adventure will start with an early morning breakfast and thereafter you will drive to Kidepo Valley National Park which is located in the North Eastern region of Uganda. The drive takes about 12 hours including a lunch stopover in Gulu City. Afterwards, you will continue to Kidepo Valley National Park where you will have dinner and an overnight.

Location: Kidepo Valley National Park

Accommodation Option:

Mid-Range

Kidepo Savannah Lodge or Similar

Meals Plan: Breakfast and Lunch as well as Dinner

Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey

 

Day 3: Kidepo Valley National Park – Karamojong Cultural encounter

Rise up early in the morning for a hot breakfast on day 3 of the 16 Days Uganda Safari Adventure. Kidepo is one of the wildest and most unique national park in Uganda with its vast plains and semi-arid savannah. Here, you will visit the cultural community that will bring you close with Karamojong people at Karenna and Kapedo.  Then meet the local elders and have an opportunity to interact with them. Thereafter, you will have an opportunity to see the kraals, the grinding stones, jewelry and other amazing items. You will also have a chance to see their cultural dance and later you will return for dinner and overnight.

Location: Kidepo Valley National Park

Accommodation Option:

Mid-Range

Kidepo Savannah Lodge or Similar

Meals Plan: Breakfast and Lunch as well as Dinner

Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey

 

 Day 4: Kidepo Valley National Park – Morning Game drive – Evening game drive

Day 4 of the 16 Days Uganda Safari Adventure will start with an early morning breakfast. Thereafter, you will head out for the morning game drive that takes you towards Natabba gate which is specifically for cheetahs and other lower grassland mammals. You will drive through the Kidepo Valley where you will see wildlife like Lions, Zebras, Kudus Buffaloes, African Elephants, hartebeests, giraffes, Leopards, water bucks, Oryx, Roan antelopes, elands, Uganda kobs, and duikers. Driving through Kidepo valley is a thrilling experience since you will be exploring the dry Kidepo with white sand bed. You will return to the lodge for lunch, refreshments and relaxation as you prepare for the evening game drive.

Later, you will proceed for an evening game drive along the Narus Valley for photography and game viewing, you will see mammals like Elephants, Buffaloes, Jackals, Jackson’s Hartebeest, Klipspringer and possibly Lions will be sighted.

Location: Kidepo Valley National Park

Accommodation Option:

Mid-Range

Kidepo Savannah Lodge or Similar

Meals Plan: Breakfast and Lunch as well as Dinner

Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey

 

Day 5: Kidepo Valley National Park – Kanangorok hot springs and nature walk

Day 5 of the 16 Days Uganda Safari Adventure will start with a hot breakfast before we start today’s activity. You will proceed to Kanangorok hot springs which are just at the Kidepo River where a variety of animals can be seen roaming for example buffaloes, warthogs, monkeys among others. You will be amazed by nature and also take as many pictures as you would wish. After the activity, you will then return to your lodge and have lunch.

Later in the evening, you will have a nature walk around Apoka camp site to see different birds, animals, plant species, butterflies etc. and then you will return back for your dinner and an overnight.

Location: Kidepo Valley National Park

Accommodation Option:

Mid-Range

Kidepo Savannah Lodge or Similar

Meals Plan: Breakfast and Lunch as well as Dinner

Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey

 

Day 6:  Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

You will wake up on day 6 of the 16 Days Uganda Safari Adventure and have your breakfast then after start your journey to Murchison falls National Park located in North Western region of Uganda. This drive will take about 8 to 9 hours with a lunch stopover in Gulu City. You will then proceed to the park for relaxation from the long journey, have dinner and an overnight.

Location: Murchison Falls National Park

Accommodation Option:

Mid-Range

Pakuba Safari Lodge or Similar

Meals Plan: Breakfast and Lunch as well as Dinner

Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey

 

Day 7: Murchison Falls National Park – Morning Game drive – Afternoon boat cruise – Hike to Top of the Falls

Morning Game drive

Day 7 of the 16 Days Uganda Safari Adventure will start with a wakeup call from the sounds of the birds singing and the waters of the magnificent Murchison falls roaring, you will then embark on an early morning game drive with your packed breakfast through different trails of the park like Albert trail, buligi trail and the Victoria trail. While here, you will meet eye to eye with different mammal species like Bufaloes, elephants, lions, leopards, bush barks, giraffes, warthogs, Jackson’s hartebeest, , crocodiles, hippos, Uganda kobs  among others, you will then return to your lodge for relaxation and lunch.

Afternoon boat cruise

Later in the afternoon, you will embark on an afternoon boat cruise upstream to the bottom of the falls and it will take about 3 hours, while on the cruise, you will see the Nile crocodiles resting under the shade, herds of hippos while in water, elephants swimming and drinking water at the water banks and also for the bird lovers, be on the lookout for the different bird species like the shoebill, the black bee eater, grey crowned crane, marabou stork, Malachite kingfisher, Abyssinian ground hornbill, Long-tailed nightjar, Senegal thick-knee, Black-headed lapwing, Long-toed lapwing , Black-billed barbet,  and many others, you will have a view of the magnificent Murchison falls as it roars and pours its waters through an 8m narrow gorge .

After the cruise, you will hike to the top of the falls for another breathtaking moment, take as many pictures as possible to keep you connected and give you beautiful memories of the Pearl of Africa. You will later return to your accommodation for dinner and an overnight.

Location: Murchison Falls National Park

Accommodation Option:

Mid-Range

Pakuba Safari Lodge or Similar

Meals Plan: Breakfast and Lunch as well as Dinner

Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey

 

Day 8: Transfer to the crater lakes area in Fort Portal

Day 8 of the 16 Days Uganda Safari Adventure will start with a hot breakfast and thereafter you will be transferred to the Crater lakes area in Fort portal where you will have your hearty lunch. You will have a punctuation of stopovers at sceneries like the Rift valley escarpment on Lake Albert, typical African village setup in the far countryside and tea plantations. You will check in to an area with surely an amazing display of primates and lovely scenery and then you will have dinner and an overnight

Location: Kibale Forest National Park

Accommodation Option:

Mid-Range

Chimpanzee Forest Lodge or Similar

Meals Plan: Breakfast and Lunch as well as Dinner

Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey

 

Day 9: Kibale Crater lakes exploration – Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Wake up early in the morning for a hot breakfast on the 9th day of the 16 days Uganda Safari Adventure. Thereafter, you will proceed for Crater exploration with a hike to Nyakasura hills, here look out for different species of Monkeys, such as red colobus, red tailed monkey and bush babies. More in the forest canopy, there are colored aviation creatures like butterflies, various bird species like native Great blue turaco, joyful greenbul, olive long tailed cuckoo. You will have your lunch in the tourism city and a transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park for dinner and an overnight.

Location: Queen Elizabeth National Park

Accommodation Option:

Mid-Range

Twin Lake Safari Lodge or Similar

Meals Plan: Breakfast and Lunch as well as Dinner

Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey

 

Day 10:  Queen Elizabeth National Park – Chimpanzee trekking – Boat cruise along Kazinga Channel

Chimpanzee trekking

Day 10 of the 16 Days Uganda Safari Adventure will start with a heavy Breakfast and then you will head to the park’s headquarters for briefing on the Do’s and the Don’ts when you are with the chimpanzees. Then later you will proceed for the trek in Kyambura Gorge or Kalinzu forest. During chimpanzee trekking you may encounter other primates such as Blue monkeys, Olive baboons, Red tailed monkeys, Vervet monkeys among others and also various mammals like Elephants, duikers, yellow-backed duiker, buffaloes, bush pigs, and giant forest hogs among others. Once you meet the chimpanzees, you will be allowed to spend 1 hour while watching them feed, communicate and also play on the tree branches. Later you will return to your lodge for lunch.

Boat cruise along Kazinga Channel

Thereafter, you will head out for an ultimate afternoon boat cruise at Kazinga channel. Kazinga Channel is one of the most impressive features in Queen Elizabeth National Park, it is a narrow water stream joining Lake George to Lake Edward with over 32 km of length and it is known for having the highest concentration of hippos and Nile crocodiles. While on the cruise, you will view the herds of hippos, elephants, Nile crocodiles and also various bird species like the martial eagle, shoebill, grey crowned crane, African green pigeon, and handsome francolin among other bird species, you will then return back to your accommodation for dinner and an overnight.

Location: Queen Elizabeth National Park

Accommodation Option:

Mid-Range

Twin Lake Safari Lodge or Similar

Meals Plan: Breakfast and Lunch as well as Dinner

Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey

 

Day 11: Queen Elizabeth National Park – Early Morning Game drive OR Optional Experiential lion and leopard Tracking – Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park – Batwa Community Experience

Early Morning Game drive

Day 11 of your Safari will begin with an early morning breakfast and thereafter you will head out to the jungle to search for the various mammal species that inhabit Queen Elizabeth National Park like Antelopes, Hippos, bush pigs, sitatungas, topis, bushbucks, cape buffaloes, elephants among others.

Optional Experiential lion and leopard Tracking

OR You can Opt for an Experiential Lion and Leopard Tracking Experience in the Northern sector of the park “Kasenyi plains” which goes for an Extra $250 per person, while here, you will have an opportunity to drive off track while tracing a pride of lions and the leopards of the park. This Experience takes you beyond the usual game drive  since you get to learn about their population, behavior, life style and also any other information concerning them. Experiential Lion and Leopard Tracking is done with Researchers who drive around the Park with Radiation trackers which help them to find lions that have radio collars around their Neck, Trackers here can drive off truck in order to find the predators whenever the signals would be directing.

Kazinga channel

After a great time in the jungle, you will return back to the lodge for relaxation and lunch, later in the afternoon proceed for another ultimate experience on the Kazinga channel while cruising.  While on the cruise, you will view the herds of hippos taking in water, elephants drinking water on the banks of the Kazinga channel, Nile crocodiles resting in the shade at the shores and also various bird species like the martial eagle, grey crowned crane, African green pigeon, and handsome francolin among other bird species.

Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

You will later transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park where you will visit the Batwa community.  You will see the pygmies proudly known as “the forest keepers” who used to live in Mgahinga and Bwindi Impenetrable forest before the it was gazetted as a national park and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Here you will learn about their ancient ways of life and the struggles to adapt to modern life outside the forest, how they feed among others, Your dinner and an overnight awaits you at your lodge.

Location: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Accommodation Option:

Mid-Range

Engagi Lodge or Similar

Meals Plan: Breakfast and Lunch as well as Dinner

Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey

 

Day 12: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park – Gorilla Trekking

You will rise up early to have a hot breakfast and start day 12 of the 16 Days Uganda Safari Adventure, you will meet your driver guide for a transfer to the park’s information center for briefing regarding the dos and don’ts to follow during gorilla trekking. Thereafter, start your guided forest trek in search for the mountain gorillas which takes about 3 to 6 hours depending on the movements and location of the Gorilla family you have been assigned.

During your walk, you may encounter other wildlife species besides Gorillas such as black and white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, bush pigs, forest elephants, bird species like African green pigeon, African harrier hawk, Giant kingfisher and Butterflies like cream-banded swallowtail, African giant swallowtail, spalgis lemolea among others. Once you meet the gorillas, you will have a maximum of 1 hour of watching them especially the playful juveniles and other family members as they are carrying out their daily activities, keep  your camera well charged and on standby such that you do not miss out on any moment uncaptured during your gorilla trekking Experience. Later you will return to the park information center to pick your tracking certificate and then you will head back to your lodge to have lunch, dinner and an overnight.

Location: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Accommodation Option:

Mid-Range

Engagi Lodge or Similar

Meals Plan: Breakfast and Lunch as well as Dinner

Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey

 

Day 13: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi – Relaxation at Leisure

You will rise up early to have a hot breakfast on day 13 of the 16 Days Uganda Safari Adventure and start your drive to Lake Bunyonyi which will take about 3 hours. Lake Bunyonyi “Place of many little birds” is in south-western Uganda between Kisoro and Kabale and it is close to the border with Rwanda. The place is absolutely gorgeous at the same time peaceful giving you nice sounds of the birds hence making memorable moments. The lodges on the lake offer comfortable accommodations with stunning views of the water and the surrounding landscape. There are plenty of activities to enjoy at Lake Bunyonyi, including swimming, canoeing, hiking, and bird watching. It is known for offering a great rest and relaxation to travelers due to its beautiful and breathtaking views. Lunch, dinner and an overnight awaits you.

Location: Lake Bunyonyi

Accommodation Option:

Mid-Range

Arcadia Cottage Lake Bunyonyi or Similar

Meals Plan: Breakfast and Lunch as well as Dinner

Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey

 

Day 14: Transfer to Lake Mburo National park – Evening to Night game drive

After breakfast, you will leave Lake Bunyonyi on day14 of the 16 days Uganda Safari Adventure and drive to Lake Mburo National Park, one of Uganda’s smallest but most beautiful national parks. The drive from Lake Bunyonyi to Lake Mburo National Park is approximately 4 to 5 hours.

Lake Mburo is famous for having the largest population of Zebras and Impalas in Uganda. It is made of seasonal swamps, woody Savannah grassland that is dominated by acacia and Lakes.  Upon arrival,   you will check into your lodge, have lunch and later go for your evening to night game drive where you will spot various wildlife species like Impalas, buffaloes, bush pigs, leopards, warthogs and hippos etc. The game drive typically takes about 2-3 hours, depending on the sightings and your interests. Make sure to wear appropriate clothes and shoes for the drive and later return to the lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight.

Location: Lake Mburo National Park

Accommodation Option:

Mid-Range

Rwakobo Rock or Similar

Meals Plan: Breakfast and Lunch as well as Dinner

Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey

 

Day 15:  Lake Mburo National Park – Morning Game drive – Nature walk or Horse Riding

Upon waking up on your day 15 of the 16 Days Uganda Safari Adventure, you will have an early morning heavy breakfast and then you will proceed for an early morning game drive. This drive will let you meet eye to eye with the different wildlife in Lake Mburo National park like Impalas, buffaloes, bush pigs, leopards, warthogs, hippos among others. You will have your delicious lunch and later proceed for a Nature walk or horse riding within the park which will take about 2 to 3 hours.

This experience in Lake Mburo national park will take you off the main paths and you will go deep into the bush trails to enjoy the park and see herds of zebras, giraffes, Elands, impalas, buffalos, Defassa waterbucks, oribis, leopards, hippos, hyenas, topis and reedbuck among others. You will later have dinner and an overnight.

Location: Lake Mburo National Park

Accommodation Option:

Mid-Range

Rwakobo Rock or Similar

Meals Plan: Breakfast and Lunch as well as Dinner

Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey

 

Day 16: Drive back to Entebbe International Airport or your Hotel

Your final day of the 16 Days Uganda Safari Adventure will start with a heavy delicious breakfast as you enjoy the scenic views on your way to Entebbe International Airport or your Hotel. This drive will take about 8 to 10 hours with a lunch stopover in Igongo Cultural center or Ajip Motel. You will also have a stopover at the Equator line at Kayabwe where you will participate in the water experience, have some coffee, and take memorable pictures to tell your Ugandan story and thereafter proceed with your journey to your destination. Thank you so much for specifically choosing Paradise Adventure Vacations on 16 Days Uganda Safari Adventure and we hope to see you again!!!

Location: Kampala (City)

Accommodation Option: No 

Meals Plan: Breakfast and Lunch as well as Dinner

Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey

 

The Safari Package Includes:

• Return airport transfers (pick up and drop off)
• Private transport for 16 days in a well-modified safari Extended land-cruiser (4WD,air-conditioned and pop-up roof)
• Rhino Tracking in Ziwa rhino Sanctuary
• Flue for 16 days
• English safari driver guide for 16 days
• Mid-range accommodation for 15 night on full board (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
• All en-route meals and bottled mineral water throughout your tour
• All park entrance and activities feel and all applicable government taxes
• evening game in Lake Mburo National Park
• Bigodi sanctuary swamp and community safari
• 1 Chimpanzee Trekking permit per person (Kibale forest national park)
• 1 Mountain gorilla trekking permit per person in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park (Buhoma sector )
• A visit to the Equator land mark
• Batwa Community Encounter
• Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey
• Night game drive in Lake Mburo National Park
• Nature walk or Horse Riding in lake Mburo National Park
• Hike to Mount Morungole and the IK Community Encounter
• Game drive and Boat Cruise in Murchison Falls & Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Game drives in Kidepo Valley National Park

 

The Safari Package Excludes:

• Experiential Lion and Leopard Tracking at an Extra $250 per person
• International and domestic flights
• Country entry visa
• Personal travel insurance
• Items of personal nature/laundry/telephone charges
• Souvenirs and gifts, Tips
• Alcoholic and other soft drinks (sodas, special juice order at the lodge and wines)

Special Deals on African Safari 2024-2025 (Rates Per Person in USD)

Mid-range Safari	2 People 1 room	4 People 2 rooms	6 People 3 rooms	7 People+
Price Per Person	$6,800	$5,500	$5,078	GET A QUOTE