itinerary

Pearl of Africa Expedition: Full Circle Adventure

Sipi Falls

Kidepo National Park

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Jinja City

Murchison Falls National Park

Kibale National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Bwindi impenetrable National Park

Lake Mburo National Park

Duration
20 days
Destinations
9
Decorative Wave Shape

Itinerary overview

Did you know that the world’s longest river, The Nile, starts from Uganda? This trip will give you an opportunity to visit the source of river Nile as it exits Lake Victoria, the biggest fresh water body in Africa.

Timeline

  • Entebbe > Kampala City

    Start / Day 1
  • Jinja

    Day 2
  • Kapchorwa

    Day 3
  • Karamoja > Kidepo Valley National Park

    Day 4
  • Kidepo Valley National Park

    Day 5
  • Kidepo Valley National Park

    Day 6
  • Murchison falls.

    Day 7
  • Murchison falls.

    Day 8
  • Murchison falls > Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

    Day 9
  • Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary > Kibale Forest national park.

    Day 10
  • Starting point for Chimpanzee tracking.

    Day 11
  • Semiliki National Park

    Day 12
  • Queen Elizabeth National Park.

    Day 13
  • Queen Elizabeth National Park > Lake Katwe.

    Day 14
  • Queen Elizabeth National Park > Bwindi.

    Day 15
  • Starting point for Gorilla tracking

    Day 16
  • Lake Bunyonyi.

    Day 17
  • Lake Mburo National Park

    Day 18
  • Lake Mburo National Park

    Day 19
  • Kampala > Entebbe

    Day 20 / End
Locations

Sipi Falls

Sipi Falls is a series of three waterfalls located on the north-western slopes of the eponymous extinct volcano, Mount Elgon, in Uganda, with views over the Karamoja plains. The falls are situated to the northeast of Sironko and Mbale, adjacent to Mount Elgon National Park, which is located 1.7 kilometers (1 mile) away from the Kenyan border.

Sipi Falls
Locations

Kidepo National Park

Kidepo National Park, is Uganda’s most isolated national park, but the few who make the long journey north through the wild frontier region of Karamoja would agree that it is also the most magnificent, for Kidepo ranks among Africa’s finest wildernesses. From Apoka, in the heart of the park, a savannah landscape extends far beyond the gazetted area, towards horizons outlined by distant mountain ranges. The park contains two rivers – Kidepo and Narus – which disappear in the dry season, leaving just pools for the wildlife. The local communities around the park include pastoral Karamojong people, similar to the Maasai of Kenya, and the IK, a hunter-gatherer tribe whose survival is threatened.

Kidepo National Park
Locations

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the only place with Rhinos in the wilderness, in Uganda. Due to high poaching in the 1970s & 1980s, all Rhinos in Uganda where killed for their horn. In 2004, a program was established to reintroduce Rhinos in the country. 4 Rhinos from Kenya & 2 Rhinos from USA, where imported into the Uganda and settled in Ziwa Sanctuary for breeding. This program has been successful, the Rhinos settled in well, did breed and gave birth to different generations to a tune of 37 Rhinos at present. A visit to this sanctuary gives you a memorable experience of tracking these Rhinos, on foot. Plus your entrance fees supports the conservation program of breeding more Rhinos, which will later be reintroduced in some savannah parks of Uganda.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Locations

Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is the biggest park in Uganda and the most visited because of its diversity in nature (Budongo Forest, River Nile and Savanah grass), many wildlife species that include Elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, lions, Leopards, hippos, crocodiles, etc plus over 500 species of birds. The icing of this park is the Murchison falls, the world’s most powerful water fall as the whole of River Nile squeezes itself through two rocks just 9meters apart. It’s a breathtaking safari whenever you visit this park.

Murchison Falls National Park
Locations

Kibale National Park

Kibale National Park is a rain forest park that is known as the capital of primates in the whole world with a chimpanzee population of over 1500. Chimpanzees stay in communities consisting of about 30 members each. The activity of chimpanzee tracking is done twice a day, morning and evening, involving a trek of about 1 – 3 hours in the rain forest and when you come across the chimpanzees, you will spend 1 hour with them as you observe and enjoy their lifestyle.

Kibale National Park
Locations

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the best tourism destinations of Uganda. The park was founded in 1952 as Kazinga National Park and renamed Queen Elizabeth N P, two years later to commemorate a visit by the late Queen Elizabeth II of England. The park is home to over 95 mammal species and over 600 bird species. It lies within a rift valley, with two wonderful lakes ( L.Edward & L.George) joined by a 40km Kazinga channel. Its home to the largest population of elephants in Uganda. A unique situation about this park, is how human beings co-exist with wild animals. There are about 10 different villages that are within the boundaries of Queen Elizabeth.

Queen Elizabeth National Park
Locations

Bwindi impenetrable National Park

Bwindi impenetrable National Park lies in south western Uganda. Its mist covered hillsides are blanketed with a biologically diverse rain forest which is home to over 500 mountain gorillas. Mountain Gorillas are much endangered mammals, currently in only 3 countries with a population of just over a 1000 members. Gorilla tracking is an activity where you trek in the Bwindi forest for a couple of hours while looking for Mountain gorilla families. When you come across the members, you will spend a whole 1 hour with them before starting the hike back to the starting point. It’s a breathtaking moment to spend time with these gentle giants known as Mountain gorillas.

Bwindi impenetrable National Park
Locations

Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park is the smallest savannah park of Uganda. It’s famous for Zebras and Impalas, which are not found in other savannah parks of Uganda. The park also has buffaloes, giraffes, Topis, waterbucks, leopards, hyenas, warthogs, Elands and you can do a safari boat cruise on Lake Mburo to see Hippos, crocodiles and many bird species, the reason we add this park on the package while you’re heading for gorilla tracking in Bwindi park. Enroute to Lake Mburo, you will also be able to see the unique local cows of Uganda that have very big white horns.

Lake Mburo National Park

Day-by-Day Itinerary Breakdown

Day One (1)
  • Arrive at Entebbe Airport.

  • Pick up from the airport by our driver guide.

  • Transfer to Kampala City which is 1 hour drive.

  • Check in a hotel for the night.

Day Two (2)
  • Early morning. – Pick up from your hotel after breakfast.

  • Set for Jinja. Have a stopover in Mukono to visit Ssezibwa falls.

  • Proceed to Jinja. Lunch at Jinja Sailing Club.

  • Have a boat cruise to visit the source of River Nile.

  • Sleep in Jinja. Options are below.

Day Three (3)
  • 8 am Breakfast.

  • 9 am Transfer to Kapchorwa.

  • Check in. Options below.

  • Have lunch.

  • Hike to visit the 3 different sipi falls.

  • Return to the lodge.

  • Dinner and sleep

Day Four (4)
  • 8 am Breakfast.

  • 9 am Transfer to Karamoja. (Carry a packed lunch)

  • Visit some Karamajong tribes. They have a lot of similarities like the Masai of Kenya and Tanzania.

  • Later Transfer to Kidepo Valley National Park.

  • Check in. Options below.

  • Dinner and sleep.

Day Five (5)
  • Have a half day rest. Breakfast and lunch, at leisure.

  • Have an evening game drive in the Narus Valley, Kidepo National Park.

  • Dinner & Sleep early.

Day Six (6)
  • Wake up early for the main game drive in Kidepo Valley National Park

  • Lunch.

  • Rest the rest of the evening at the lodge.

Day Seven (7)
  • 8 am Breakfast.

  • Transfer from Kidepo to Murchison falls.

  • With a stopover in Gulu city for lunch.

  • Proceed to the lodge. Below are the lodge options:

  • Upon arrival, check in, dinner, campfire and sleep early.

Day Eight (8)
  • 6 am Breakfast.

  • 6.30 am Game drive in Murchison falls National Park. Animals likely to be seen are elephants, buffaloes, lions, giraffes, leopard, antelopes, etc.

  • 10.30 am Back to the lodge, relax, swim, etc.

  • 12 pm Lunch.

  • 1 pm Transfer to River Nile.

  • 2 pm Have a 3 hour safari boat on River Nile seeing animals like Hippos, crocodiles and many bird species. You will also be able to see the bottom of Murchison falls.

  • 5 pm Drive to visit the top of the magnificent Murchison water falls.

  • Return to the lodge.

Day Nine (9)
  • Have enough sleep.

  • 9 am Breakfast.

  • Carry a packed lunch.

  • 11 am Drive to visit the top of the magnificent Murchison water falls.

  • Enjoy the packed lunch at the top of the falls.

  • Transfer to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.( The sanctuary has all room categories, budget, mid range and high end)

  • Dinner and sleep.

Day Ten (10)
  • 6 am Breakfast.

  • Head out to track Rhinos on foot.

  • 11 am Have an early lunch.

  • 12 pm Start a 5 hour transfer from Ziwa Sanctuary to Kibale Forest National Park.

  • Evening arrival in Kibale and check in. Below are the lodge options.

  • Have dinner and sleep early.

Day Eleven (11)
  • 6:30 am Breakfast.

  • 7 am Transfer to the starting point for Chimpanzee tracking. You will get a detailed briefing before entering the Kibale forest to start tracking.

  • Trekking usually starts at 8am. It can take between 1 – 3 hours hike before finding the chimpanzee community. You will enjoy the journey in the rainforest.

  • Upon finding the chimpanzees, you will spend a full 1 hour with them as you watch them relax, feed and move around.

  • After, hike back to the starting point. You will be provided with hiking sticks.

  • When done with the activity, you will be driven back to the safari lodge so that you have enough rest.

Day Twelve (12)
  • 8 am Breakfast.

  • 2 hour transfer to Semiliki National Park to visit sempaya hot springs, the hottest in Uganda and probably in Africa. They water is too hot to boil an egg in just 10mins.

  • After have an evening gentle hike in the hills of Tooro, overlooking the Rwenzori mountains, to see a number of crater lakes.

  • Later transfer back to your lodge.

  • Dinner and sleep at leisure

Day Thirteen (13)
  • 8 am Breakfast

  • 3 hours transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park.

  • Arrive and check in. Below are the lodge options.

  • Have lunch.

  • Relax at the lodge for the rest of the day.

  • Dinner and sleep early.

Day Fourteen (14)
  • 6 am Breakfast.

  • 6:30 am Game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Animals likely to be seen are elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopard, antelopes, etc.

  • 11:30 am Back to the lodge, refresh, have an early lunch.

  • 2 pm Transfer to Kazinga Channel for a safari boat cruise.

  • 3 pm Have a 2 hour safari boat on Kazinga seeing animals like Hippos, crocodiles and many bird species. You will also be able to sail on Lake Edward. On this boat cruise, you will see one of the communities that stay inside the park.

  • 5 pm Transfer to Lake Katwe to see the local methods of salt mining.

  • Late evening, transfer back to the lodge, refresh, dinner, campfire and sleep at leisure.

Day Fifteen (15)
  • Have enough sleep.

  • 9 am Breakfast.

  • 11 am Start a 3 hour transfer from Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi.

  • Arrive in Bwindi and check in. Below are the options.

  • Relax in the evening, dinner and sleep early.

Day Sixteen (16)
  • 6:30 am Breakfast.

  • 7 am Transfer to the starting point for Gorilla tracking. You will get a detailed briefing before entering the Bwindi forest to start tracking.

  • Trekking usually starts at 8am. It can take between 1 – 3 hours hike before finding the members. You will enjoy the journey in the rainforest.

  • Upon finding the gorillas, you will spend a full 1 hour with them as you watch them relax, feed and move around.After, hike back to the starting point.

  • When done with the activity, you will be driven back to the safari lodge.

  • Have lunch.

  • Rest and relax at the lodge.

  • Dinner and sleep.

Day Seventeen (17)
  • 8 am Breakfast.

  • 9 am 2 hour transfer to Lake Bunyonyi. It’s a very beautiful lake with many islands.

  • Check in at the lodge. Options are below.

  • Relax at the lodge while enjoying the beautiful scenery of Lake Bunyonyi.

  • Have lunch.

  • Have a boat cruise of Lake Bunyonyi.

  • Return to the lodge.

  • Dinner and sleep at leisure.

Day Eighteen (18)
  • 8 am Breakfast

  • 9 am Transfer to Lake Mburo National park (3 hours drive)

  • Arrive at Lake Mburo and check in.

  • Lunch.

  • Have a safari boat cruise on Lake Mburo.

  • Return to the lodge.

  • Dinner and sleep early.

Day Nineteen (19)
  • 6:30 am Early breakfast.

  • 7 am Head out for game drive in lake Mburo. Among the animals in this park you will not have seen in the earlier parks include Zebras, Impala and Elands. Otherwise this park also has giraffes, buffaloes, waterbucks, leopards, etc

  • Return to the lodge

  • Have lunch.

  • After noon relaxation.

  • Dinner and sleep at leisure.

Day Twenty (20)
  • Have enough sleep.

  • 9 am Breakfast.

  • 10 am Set off for Kampala / Entebbe.

  • Drop off at the Entebbe Airport.

  • End of Safari.

Accommodation

Options in Kampala City

Budget

Eliana Hotel

Hotel Eliana, situated on Ntinda-Kiwatule Road in Kampala, Uganda, offers guests a blend of comfort and convenience. The hotel features elegant rooms, including Executive, Twin, Deluxe, and Standard options, each equipped with modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and flat-screen TVs.

Mid-range

Fair Way Hotel

Fairway Hotel & Spa, located on Kafu Road in Kampala, Uganda, offers guests a tranquil retreat with expansive lush gardens and an outdoor pool. The hotel provides a variety of rooms, each equipped with air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and private balconies overlooking the gardens.

High end

Serena Hotel

The Kampala Serena Hotel, located on Kintu Road in central Kampala, Uganda, is a 5-star establishment set amidst 17 acres of landscaped grounds and water gardens. The hotel features 186 guest rooms, including 14 suites, each adorned with African artwork and private balconies offering garden views.

Options in Jinja City

Budget

Jinja Back Packers

Jinja Backpackers offers budget-friendly accommodations in the heart of Jinja, with a relaxed, social atmosphere. Guests can enjoy garden views, a variety of adventurous activities like white-water rafting, and warm, friendly service. It’s an ideal spot for travelers seeking a vibrant and affordable experience in Uganda’s adventure capital.Jinja Back Packers sits by the River Nile, providing budget-friendly lodging for adventure seekers.

Mid-range

Signature Apartments Hotel

Signature Apartments Hotel in Jinja, Uganda, offers modern, spacious suites with all the comforts of home. Guests can enjoy on-site dining, a pool, and easy access to the Source of the Nile. It’s an ideal choice for both business and leisure travelers seeking convenience and relaxation.

High end

Nile Village Hotel

Nile Village Hotel offers comfortable accommodations along the banks of the River Nile in Jinja, Uganda. With spacious rooms, a restaurant, and scenic river views, guests can enjoy a relaxing retreat close to local attractions. It’s the perfect spot to unwind while exploring the vibrant city of Jinja.

Options in Kapchorwa

Budget

Mise Cave Lodge

Mise Cave Lodge is nestled in a tranquil location with stunning views, offering unique cave-style accommodations. Guests can enjoy cozy rooms, breathtaking landscapes, and a peaceful environment perfect for relaxation. This eco-friendly lodge provides an intimate retreat with warm hospitality and natural beauty.

Mid-range

Sipi Valley Resort

Sipi Valley Resort lies in Eastern Uganda near the stunning Sipi Falls, offering cozy accommodations and panoramic mountain views. Guests can embark on waterfall hikes, savor local coffee tours, and bask in the area’s serene atmosphere.

High end

Sipi River Lodge

Sipi River Lodge rests at the edge of Sipi Falls, offering cozy cottages and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Guests can explore nearby waterfalls, enjoy coffee tours, and immerse themselves in the tranquil beauty of eastern Uganda.

Options in Kidepo Valley National Park

Budget

Savanah Lodge

Savanah Lodge lies at the edge of Kidepo Valley National Park, offering panoramic views of Uganda’s remote northern plains. Guests can enjoy comfortable tented accommodations, guided wildlife safaris, and an authentic wilderness experience.

Mid-range

Zebra Safari lodge

Zebra Safari Lodge lies close to Kidepo Valley National Park, providing a comfortable retreat amid sweeping savannah views. Guests can enjoy guided game drives, relax in cozy accommodations, and experience authentic Ugandan hospitality in the heart of the wilderness.

High end

Adere Safari lodge.

Adere Safari Lodge sits close to Kidepo Valley National Park, offering stylish accommodations amid Uganda’s remote northeastern savannah. Guests can embark on wildlife safaris, immerse themselves in local culture, and unwind in the lodge’s tranquil ambiance.

Options in Murchison Falls National Park

Budget

Ikorom Safari Lodge

Ikorom Safari Lodge, located near the Tangi Gate of Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda, offers a blend of traditional African design and modern comfort. The lodge features 12 grass-thatched cottages, each with en-suite facilities, providing options for single, double, twin, triple, and family accommodations.

Mid-range

Sambiya River Lodge

Sambiya River Lodge, situated in the heart of Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda, offers guests a serene retreat amidst lush landscapes. Located just a 20-minute drive from the top of the iconic Murchison Falls, the lodge provides convenient access to the park's main attractions.

High end

Paara Safari Lodge

Paraa Safari Lodge, established in 1954, is located in Murchison Falls National Park in northwestern Uganda. The lodge overlooks the Victoria Nile, where the river narrows to a six-meter-wide gorge and cascades 43 meters down at Murchison Falls.

Options in Kibale National Park

Budget

Mountains of the moon Hotel

Mountains of the Moon Hotel sits in the heart of Fort Portal, surrounded by lush gardens and views of the Rwenzori Mountains. Guests enjoy comfortable accommodations, warm hospitality, and easy access to nearby attractions. With a relaxed ambiance and local charm, it provides a serene retreat in western Uganda.

Mid-range

Turaco Treetops Lodge

Turaco Treetops Lodge sits at the edge of Kibale National Park, offering panoramic forest views and easy access to chimpanzee trekking. Guests can unwind in spacious rooms, immerse themselves in nature walks, and embrace genuine Ugandan hospitality.

High end

Chimpundu Lodge

Chimpundu Lodge sits near Kibale National Park, offering modern comfort and prime access to chimpanzee trekking adventures. Guests can enjoy sweeping forest views, guided nature walks, and warm Ugandan hospitality. It provides a tranquil base for unforgettable wildlife encounters.

Options in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Budget

Simba Safari Lodge

Simba Safari Lodge sits on a hill near Queen Elizabeth National Park, offering sweeping savannah views. Guests can venture on guided game drives or boat safaris to encounter Uganda’s diverse wildlife. With comfortable accommodations and friendly hospitality, it’s an ideal base for exploring this iconic safari destination.

Mid-range

Acacia Wilderness Lodge

Acacia Wilderness Lodge overlooks the sweeping savannah of Queen Elizabeth National Park, offering an intimate safari retreat. Guests can spot abundant wildlife on guided game drives or boat cruises along the Kazinga Channel. With comfortable cottages and genuine Ugandan hospitality, it provides a memorable wilderness escape.

High end

Mweya Safari Lodge

Mweya Safari Lodge rests in the heart of Queen Elizabeth National Park, offering panoramic views of the Kazinga Channel and the Rwenzori Mountains. Guests can enjoy guided game drives, boat cruises, and abundant wildlife sightings. With comfortable accommodations and warm Ugandan hospitality, it ensures a memorable safari getaway.

Options in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Budget

Rushanga Gorilla havens Lodge

Rushanga Gorilla Havens Lodge sits near Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, offering comfortable cabins amid lush greenery. Guests can trek to see mountain gorillas, explore forest trails, and immerse themselves in Uganda’s biodiversity. With warm local hospitality and an eco-friendly focus, it promises a memorable jungle getaway.

Mid-range

Icumbi gorilla Lodge

Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge perches on the edge of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, offering panoramic forest views. Guests can embark on gorilla treks, forest hikes, and cultural experiences to explore Uganda’s natural wonders. With cozy accommodations and genuine hospitality, it provides an immersive wildlife retreat.

High end

Four Gorillas Lodge

Four Gorillas Lodge nestles on the edge of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, providing a prime base for gorilla trekking. Guests can enjoy sweeping forest views, cozy accommodations, and local hospitality. With a focus on eco-friendly practices, it offers an unforgettable jungle escape in Uganda.

Options in Lake Bunyonyi

Budget

Hawks Eye Lodge

Hawks Eye Lodge overlooks the scenic Bujagali Lake in Jinja, offering stylish cabins with panoramic views. Guests can indulge in watersports, spot vibrant birdlife, and enjoy warm Ugandan hospitality for a serene riverside escape.

Mid-range

Birdnest Lodge

Birdnest Lodge overlooks the serene waters of Lake Bunyonyi, offering panoramic lake views and cozy accommodations. Guests can savor locally inspired cuisine, enjoy boat rides on the lake, and relax in the tranquil ambiance for a truly restful retreat.

High end

Aracadia Lodge.

Arcadia Lodges provides scenic getaways at Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Mburo, featuring cozy cottages with stunning views. Guests can enjoy boat rides, wildlife watching, and the warm Ugandan hospitality that makes each stay unforgettable.

Options in Lake Mburo National Park

Budget

Eagles Nest Lodge

Perched on a scenic ridge overlooking Lake Mburo National Park, Eagles Nest Lodge offers dramatic views of Uganda’s savannah. Guests can spot wildlife on guided game drives or hikes, then unwind in cozy, safari-style tents. With warm hospitality and a commitment to nature, this lodge provides an intimate bush experience.

Mid-range

Rwakobo Rock Lodge

Rwakobo Rock Lodge sits atop a scenic outcrop near Lake Mburo National Park, blending seamlessly with the surrounding bush. Guests can relax in cozy cottages, enjoy open-air dining, and spot local wildlife from the lodge’s vantage point. With warm hospitality and a commitment to eco-friendly practices, it offers an authentic Ugandan nature getaway.

High end

Kigambira Safari Lodge

Kigambira Safari Lodge is tucked within Lake Mburo National Park, offering serene forest views and modern safari comforts. Guests can explore the park’s abundant wildlife through guided walks or game drives, then unwind in cozy, eco-friendly accommodations. With genuine Ugandan hospitality and a commitment to nature, it delivers an immersive wilderness escape.

Transportation

Safari vehicles

Transport will either a Toyota tourism Van or a Toyota tourism Landcruiser according to the fee option, you will choose.

The Toyota tourism Van is a 4x4 minivan that can accommodate up to 6 passengers. The Toyota tourism Landcruiser is a 4x4 SUV that is ideal for 7-8 passengers. Both vehicles are equipped with pop-up roof, fridge, charging ports and AC. The vehicles are well maintained and have a professional driver. They are also equipped with a first aid kit and fire extinguisher.

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Important Travel Information

What to carry

To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable trip, we recommend packing the following items:

Comfortable closed shoes
A pair of open shoes
Light clothes for the sunny days
A few warm clothes because sometimes it gets a bit cold at night
Insect repellant
Sun glasses / hat / cap
Sun creams
Emergency pills in case you have any medical conditions
Camera or good smart phone with storage space
Anti – malaria drugs

Frequently asked questions

During Your Trip

Lodges & Accommodation