Journey Details
- Start / End
- Entebbe International Airport, Uganda → Entebbe, Uganda
- Languages
- English, French, German (on request)
- Guide
- Expert Local Guide
- Group Size
- 2–12
- Accommodation
- Luxury
About This Journey
Overview
Experience the extraordinary diversity of Uganda on this 20-day safari from the Nile to the gorilla forests of Bwindi. The journey takes you from Entebbe and Mabamba Swamp through Jinja and the Source of the Nile, the waterfalls of Sipi, the cultural landscapes of Karamoja and the remote wilderness of Kidepo Valley National Park.
Continue through Murchison Falls, Kibale and Queen Elizabeth National Parks, combining game drives, boat safaris, chimpanzee trekking and community experiences. The adventure culminates with mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi, followed by the tranquil landscapes of Lake Bunyonyi and a final wildlife experience in Lake Mburo before returning to Kampala and Entebbe.
The Route Ahead
Every stop, stay and meal — laid out so you know exactly what each day holds.
Arrival at Entebbe international airport
After finalizing the formalities, you shall be welcomed by a Paanvuu Safari guide who will drive you to your hotel
Mabamba Swamp, Drive to Jinja
After breakfast, you will head to Mabamba swamp located on Lake Victoria a large tract of Marshland with various channels through it which provides the perfect habitant for countless water birds. You will later proceed to Jinja.
Boat ride on the source of the Nile River
After breakfast you will have a boat ride to the source of the Nile as well as visit Jinja city in the afternoon you will start your journey to Kapchorwa home to the magnificent Sipi falls.
Sipi falls hike, coffee community walk
You shall have a nature walk to the sipi falls. These are a series of 3 waterfalls. You will walk to the base of the falls and relax while taking a drip in the cool water of the fall. In the afternoon, you will have a coffee community walk
Drive to Moroto
Today after your breakfast, you will drive to Moroto district. After checking in to your hotel, you will go for a cultural tour in the Kejong community. Here you will spend a wonderful evening with the Karamojong people and have an insight into their life and beliefs.
Drive to Kidepo
You will drive to Kidepo valley National park. After checking in to your hotel, you shall undertake an afternoon game drive.
Morning game drive
After breakfast, you shall have a game drive leading you to the Narus valley and later to the springs. In the afternoon you will have another game drive.
Drive to Murchison falls national park
After breakfast, drive south west to Murchison falls National Park, Uganda’s biggest national park. You shall have a stop in Gulu town, purchase some items then proceed to the national park. Check in to you Hotel and later have an evening game drive
Morning game drive
After an early breakfast you will go for a game drive to catch a glimpse of the animals. This is a beautiful drive across the blossom palm forest and grassland savanna to the Albert Nile head north after which you will have a boat cruise to see animals that bank on the Nile.
Drive to Fort portal
Today you will drive to Kibale National park. Along the way you will see several tea plantations. You may stop and learn how tea is grown and picked.
Chimp trekking and Bigodi swamp tour
Today you will have an opportunity of trekking chimpanzee. After lunch you shall have a walk in the Bigodi swamp that are a good example of community led nature conservation you may visit a local school or take a village walk to learn about life in villages
Drive to Queen Elizabeth
Today you will drive to the world-famous queen Elizabeth national park passing the equator along the way. You will visit the katwe fishing village, see the salt craters. You shall have an evening game drive.
Game drive and boat safari in Queen Elizabeth national park
Have an early game drive. In the afternoon have a boat ride on the kazinga channel.
Ishasha sector, game drive
After your breakfast, you will drive to ishasha, the southern part of Queen Elizabeth. In ishasha you will have a game drive in search of the unique tree-climbing lions as well as other Game
Ishasha game drive/Bwindi
Have an early morning game drive afterwards drive to Bwindi
Gorilla trekking, drive to Buyonyi
This morning, you will get up very early to prepare for the Gorilla trekking. You will be led by an experienced ranger who will tell you interesting facts about Mt. Gorillas. Afterwards you will proceed to one of the most beautiful places in Uganda Lake Buyonyi. Along the way you shall have spectacular views of the terraces of the Uganda Mountains. This area is called the Switzerland of Uganda
Boat ride on Lake Bunyonyi
You shall have an exciting boat ride on Lake Bunyonyi. In the afternoon you may have optional activities; a canoe boat ride, a swim in the Bilharzia free lake. You may also explore a nearby village cultural walk, visit a bar and interact with the locals. Residents are happy for your visit and open to explore their daily lives
Drive to Lake Mburo National park
After breakfast, you shall drive to Lake Mburo. Even at the entrance to the park you can watch impalas & zebras together with long horned cows. Have an evening game drive
Lake Mburo National park, Kampala
In the morning, you will have a guided nature walk, return to the lodge for a hot breakfast. Afterwards start your journey to Kampala. Cross the equator, have a quick lunch and proceed to Kampala
Kampala sight-seeing, fly home
In the morning you will take a 4-hour walking tour of Kampala. You will get to experience first-hand, the hustle and bustle this city has become known for. You will get to do some souvenir shopping at one of the craft markets. Afterwards, drive to Entebbe International Airport and fly Home. End of Safari
Departure Dates & Pricing
Available on request — tell us your preferred dates and we'll tailor a departure around them.
What's Included
- Accommodation: Comfortable accommodations are provided throughout the tour, including hotels and lodges. These accommodations are carefully selected to ensure your comfort and convenience.
- Transportation: You will have a private guide and vehicle to take you to each destination, ensuring a safe and hassle-free journey. Airport transfers are also included.
- Activities and Excursions: The tour includes a wide range of activities such as birdwatching at Mabamba Swamp, boat rides, game drives, gorilla trekking, and cultural experiences with local communities.
- National Park Entry Fees: Entrance fees to national parks and protected areas are covered in the tour price.
- Meals: Daily meals are included, usually in the form of breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You will have the opportunity to savor a variety of local and international cuisines.
- Experienced Guides: Knowledgeable and experienced guides will accompany you on the journey, providing insights into the local culture, wildlife, and history.
What's Excluded
- International Flights: The tour does not include international flights to and from Uganda. Travelers are responsible for booking their own flights.
- Visa Fees: Travelers must obtain the necessary visas to enter Uganda, and the cost of the visa is not included in the tour price.
- Travel Insurance: It is highly recommended that you have travel insurance to cover unexpected events, medical emergencies, and trip cancellations.
- Personal Expenses: Expenses such as souvenirs, alcoholic beverages, laundry, and additional activities not specified in the itinerary are not included.
- Gratuities: Tips for guides, drivers, and staff are not included in the tour price and are at the discretion of the travelers.
- Gorilla Trekking Permits: Gorilla trekking permits are not included in the tour price. These permits are subject to availability and must be obtained separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
East Africa — including Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania — welcomes hundreds of thousands of international visitors every year, and the overwhelming majority return home with wonderful memories and no safety issues.
The main tourist areas (national parks, gorilla trekking zones, established lodges, and well-travelled routes) are generally very safe when you travel with a reputable operator. Crime against tourists is relatively rare in these environments. Like any destination in the world, larger cities require normal urban awareness, especially after dark.
Safety can vary by country and by region, and the situation can change. For this reason we always recommend that you check the latest official travel advice from your own government’s embassy or foreign office before you book and again closer to your departure date. This is the most reliable and up-to-date source of information.
At Tuntu Safaris we take safety extremely seriously. We use experienced local guides, well-maintained vehicles, carefully selected lodges, and proven routes. Your wellbeing is our highest priority from the moment you arrive until you leave.
This is one of the best questions you can ask, and the answer depends on the kind of experience you want.
Uganda is ideal if you want exceptional variety in a single country. Here you can trek mountain gorillas, track chimpanzees, enjoy classic game drives, boat safaris, and beautiful scenery — all without excessive travel days. It feels less commercial than some of its neighbours and offers outstanding value, especially for gorilla trekking.
Rwanda is perfect for a short, high-end, polished trip focused on mountain gorillas. The infrastructure and service standards are excellent, and the experience is very exclusive.
Kenya and Tanzania are the classic choices for big open savannahs, large numbers of the Big Five, and (in season) the Great Migration. They deliver the iconic “endless plains” safari experience many people picture when they think of Africa.
Many of our guests combine two countries. Uganda + Rwanda is a particularly popular pairing for primate lovers. We’re happy to help you decide based on the length of your trip, your interests, and your budget.
Uganda can be visited year-round, but conditions change with the seasons.
The two dry seasons — June to September and December to February — are generally considered the best times for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking. Trails are less muddy and hiking is more comfortable. Wildlife viewing in the savannah parks is also excellent during these months as animals gather around water sources.
The rainy seasons (March to May and October to November) bring lush green landscapes, excellent birdwatching, fewer visitors, and sometimes better availability of gorilla permits and lodge rooms. Trekking is still very possible, though you should expect some mud and rain.
If your main goal is comfortable gorilla trekking, aim for the dry seasons. If you prefer quieter parks and don’t mind a bit of rain, the green seasons can be wonderfully rewarding.
A standard gorilla trekking permit in Uganda currently costs USD 800 per person for foreign non-residents. This allows you one hour with a habituated gorilla family in Bwindi or Mgahinga.
A gorilla habituation experience permit (which lets you spend up to four hours with a group still being habituated) costs USD 1,500.
Permits are limited and sell out quickly in peak season, so we recommend securing them as early as possible. We handle the entire permit booking process for our clients.
