16 Days Uganda Safari Trip | Uganda Vacation – Gorillas, Wildlife, Community, Scenery Viewing Uganda Tour

16 Days Uganda Safari Trip – Overview

This 16 days Uganda safari tour is a wonderful Uganda tour that takes you to climb Rwenzori Mountain for 3 days. This Uganda vacation also offers Gorillas, Chimpanzees, wildlife, source of the Nile, Communities, and beautiful scenery seeing.

On this 16 days Uganda safari tour, you will track Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This is where half of the 1,063 Mountain Gorillas on earth live. Do island hopping on Lake Bunyonyi, an outstanding lake among the lakes of Uganda.

You will do community tourism around Lake Mburo National Park where you will see the amazing Ankole long-horned cattle.

Also, you will enjoy wild game viewing like Elephants, tree-climbing Lions, Leopards, Buffaloes, Zebra, etc. in Queen Elizabeth National Park. You will also enjoy a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel to see Hippos and Crocodiles.

This 16 days Uganda safari tour also features Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda in Kibale National Park. Also enjoy a Crater Lake hike in Fort Portal, the Amabere caves tour, and cycling in the Mpanga tea estates.

All these extraordinary places combine to give you an unforgettable safari experience in the Pearl of Africa.

16 Days Uganda Safari Tour – Highlights

• Day 1: Arrive in Uganda & transfer to the lodge
• Day 2: undertake half day white water rafting in Jinja & afternoon boat cruise to the Source of River Nile
• Day 3: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park. Make a stop at Uganda Equator- Kayabwe. Undertake an evening game walking safari in Lake Mburo NP
• Day 4: Undertake an experiential cultural tour of the Banyankole community and transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
• Day 5: Do a whole day of Island hopping and transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
• Day 6: undertake Volcano Climbing to any of the 3 Volcanic Mountains: Gahinga, Muhabura, and Sabyinyo
• Day 7: Do Batwa Trail Experience and transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Day 8: Do Mountain Gorilla Trekking and attend the Bakiga/ Batwa traditional performance at the lodge
• Day 9: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Do a game drive in the Ishasha sector en route in search of tree-climbing lions
• Day 10: Do morning game drive, afternoon Kazinga channel boat cruise, and transfer to Kasese
• Day 11, 12 & 13: undertake 3 days adventure hike to the Rwenzori Mountains- explore the Mahoma trail
• Day 14: Do morning Chimpanzee trekking & Bigodi wetland walk
• Day I5: Hike the Fort Portal Crater lake field, tour Amabere ga’ Nyinamwiru Caves, Mpanga tea estate cycling, and transfer to Kampala
• Day 16: Departure

16 Days Uganda safari Tour – Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive In Uganda & Transfer To The Lodge

Upon arriving at Entebbe International Airport on this day of your 16 days Uganda safari tour, you will meet with the company’s representative. He will introduce himself and welcome to the Pearl of Africa and then transfer you to your hotel.

He will brief you about the entire safari as you await your dinner and overnight stay.

Day 2: Do Half a Day of White Water Rafting In Jinja & Boat Cruise To The Source Of The River Nile

After enjoying a thrilling breakfast, embark on a journey to Jinja which is 80km (2 hours) from Kampala the capital city of Uganda.

You will pass through the striking landscapes of the city outskirts before entering the scenic sugarcane plantations at Lugazi. You will also go through the forested lands of Mabira before arriving in Jinja for White water Rafting.

Africa’s longest river (River Nile) moves out of Lake Victoria and submerges at Rippon Falls as it starts on this journey. This course is 6650 km as it empties in the Mediterranean Sea in Egypt.

Along this epic course, it meets a series of impermeable rocks that form cascades and rapids. This makes a good environment for undertaking many challenging adventures that are worth it.

You will raft in the company of expert guides who are ever at your rescue in case the white waters overturn your raft. After this encounter, transfer to the source of the Nile in the afternoon.

This boat cruise to the source of the Nile is purely rewarding and it gives you opportunities of observing wonderful birds like Kingfishers. You can stop at the point where John Speke stood.

He was the first European to discover the source of the Nile. This boat cruise will take you back to ancient times when the fabled Nile River attracted great men of this world.

You will return to Kampala for relaxation, dinner, and an overnight stay.

Day 3: Transfer To Lake Mburo National Park. A Stop At Uganda Equator- Kayabwe And An Evening Game Walking Safari In Lake Mburo NP

After a thrilling breakfast at around 6:30 am, drive to Lake Mburo National Park which is about 24km and a 3-4 hours drive. Along this journey for about 77km, stop at the Equator crossing monument in Kayabwe.

This is a great time and opportunity for you to take photo-shoots as you stand in both hemispheres of the earth at once which is memorable! You can also enjoy wonderful experiments to know the geographical separation of the north and southern hemispheres.

This is witnessed by doing the equator water experiment.

Retreat from this break and commence to Lake Mburo National Park and check in your lodge for lunch and a bit of relaxation.

From here, enjoy an evening overwhelming game-walking safari as you pass through the wonderful acacia plains. This offers you great sightings of the park as you explore it while on foot.

During this walking safari, you will see various game animals like Giraffes, Impalas, Zebras, Topis, Warthogs, Water-bucks, Bush-bucks, Elands, and acacia-associated birds. Return from the activity for relaxation, dinner, and an overnight stay at your lodge.

Day 4: Undertake An Experiential Cultural Tour Of The Banyankole Community And Transfer To Lake Bunyonyi

Wake up so early at 6 am and transfer to Enyemebwa center to meet up with the herd’s men who are preparing to milk cattle as their daily routine. When here, you will also engage in the traditional hand milking of Ankole long-horned cattle.

You will also participate in sick animal treatment and also care for cows by brushing their bodies and you can also go graze the cows in the wild.

End this encounter afterward visit the traditional hut where you will find women shaking milk in a churning gourd. You will also embark on the extensive banana plantations and engage in pruning.

You will as well weed the gardens using local methods and then afterward engage in the preparation of a traditional lunch.

End the encounter and commence to Lake Bunyonyi the 2^nd deepest lake in Africa. Along this journey, you can opt to have a delicious traditional lunch at the Igongo Cultural center just 12km from Mbarara town.

You can then continue with your journey to the outstanding Lake Bunyonyi for relaxation, dinner, and an overnight stay.

Day 5: Do A Whole Day Of Island Hopping And Transfer To Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

This a busy day so you will have breakfast early and afterward encounter a whole day of island hopping. Here you will explore the main islands of Lake Bunyonyi.

You will have a visit to the Bucurunuka (upside down) island which is believed to have buried people alive. This happened when youths refused to give local brew to an old woman who then cursed the island to turn upside down and bury the people.

Also, explore the Akampene (Punishment Island) where unmarried pregnant girls were left to die of hunger or die by drowning trying to escape.

Other islands include Bushara, Kahugye, and Njuyera Island which were a traditional leprosy healing center. All this exploration experience will show the local life of the island communities like the process of brewing local beer.

End this activity and transfer along the scenic charming Kabale –Kisoro road to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Upon arrival, relax, and await dinner and overnight stay.

Day 6: Undertake Volcano Climbing To Any OF The Three Volcanic Mountains Namely: Gahinga, Muhabura, And Sabinyo

After an early breakfast, gather at Ntebeko park headquarters along with your packed lunch. From here, you will receive a briefing from park rangers at 8 am. After this short briefing, go volcano climbing.

You opt to choose 3 of the mountains of Muhabura, Gahinga, or Sabinyo. The longest hike is the Sabinyo peak at 3,669m which takes around 8 hours making a 14 km round trip.

Gahinga reaches 3,474km taking about 6 hours giving you opportunities of seeing the Golden Monkeys in the Bamboo zone. Muhabura Mountain (4,127m) hike takes about 8 hours and its peak offers distant views of the Bwindi forest.

You also get to see the Rwenzori Mountains on a clear day, the entire Virunga Mountain chain, and the 3 countries of Uganda, Congo, and Rwanda.

After this amazing adventure, retire at your lodge as you await your dinner and overnight stay.

Day 7: Do Batwa Trail Cultural Experience And Transfer To Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Tourists on Uganda safaris in Mgahinga National Park get opportunities to experience the amazing Batwa culture. This is by going for the Batwa trail experience.

The Batwa trail gives a glimpse into the historical lifestyles of this background community from the perception of ancient forest life. The trail tour starts at 8 am at Ntebeko Visitor’s Centre and lasts for around 5-6 hours.

On this cultural tour, you are escorted and guided by the Batwa guides who will show off their cultural norms. These are harvesting herbs for medicine and wild honey.

Also, they will show their old ways of fetching water using bamboo-made cups. And using construction demos of grass thatched huts plus their incredible hunting skills.

This amazing cultural experience ends with a cultural dance from the Batwa families at the Ngarama cave. This a ceremonial ground of the Batwa cultural leaders. Also, this cave is a symbolic place in the Batwa culture.

You will also participate in the encounter so that you get the full gist of the experience. After here, you will embark on a transfer to Bwindi National Park and you will arrive in the evening for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.

Day 8: Do Mountain Gorilla Trekking And Attend The Bakiga/ Batwa Traditional Performance At The Lodge

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is a lifetime adventure as it gives you chances of meeting the Gorillas in their natural habitat. It is most enjoyed in the misty Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Enjoy a hearty breakfast and transfer to the park’s headquarters for briefing at 8 am. After you will embark on the activity into the forest with the assistance of potters, rangers, trackers, and the park guide.

This thrilling trek is about 2-8 hours and it demands physicality though it is worth undertaking. Once you spot the shy giant apes, you are given 1 full mystical hour to enjoy them feeding, playing, and grooming.

This will be the right time for you to take pictures nonstop and this trek will end before lunch hours. You will then return to the lodge for a quick hot lunch and relax a bit.

Later in the evening as you chill at your lodge grounds, the lodge will offer you traditional outstanding performances. These are performed by the local Batwa or the Bakiga who live around the park.

They will showcase their thrilling songs and numerous dancing styles which will leave you amused.

Day 9: Transfer To Queen Elizabeth National Park. Do A Game Drive In The Ishasha Sector En Route In Search Of Tree-Climbing Lions

After enjoying a hearty breakfast, encounter on a drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. You will drive through the southern sector of the park which is Ishasha well known for harboring the tree-climbing Lions.

You will see the superb Lions resting securely up in the big fig tree branches as they sight on their prey. These are usually the Uganda Kobs feeding within the Savannah plains.

After exploring the mysterious creatures, proceed to the northern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park. You will be arriving in the evening for relaxation, dinner, and an overnight stay.

Day 10: Do Morning Game Drive, Afternoon Kazinga Channel Launch Cruise, And Transfer To Kasese

You will have an early breakfast and by 7 am you will go for a game drive within the amazing Kasenyi plains of this park. This safari game drive during this Uganda safari will give you the opportunity of seeing the African safari big 5.

These are Lions, Leopards, Elephants, and Buffaloes. However, you will see other Uganda animals like;

You will also see various bird species while on this encounter.

Retreat from the activity and return to the lodge for lunch. After enjoying your meal, head out for a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. This voyage gives you great opportunities of seeing 100s of Hippos within the water of the channel.

Also, you will see various bird species and many resident Crocodiles basking on the channel shores. All in all this 2-hour boat cruise offers a splendid podium for photography, birding, and game viewing.

You will retreat from the activity and transfer to Kasese arriving in the evening for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.

Day 11, 12, and 13: Rwenzori Mountains Hike

Day 11: Hike From Ibanda To Omu’ka Kizza Rest Camp (2.977 M)

Have breakfast early and embark on a trek to the fabled Mountains of the moon and which arise at 5,109m altitude with snow-capped peaks.

This day trek will take you through the Kyambogho forest ridge. As you climb the forested ridge, you get excellent sightings of Mubuku Valley and spot numerous primates.

These range from the rare L’Hoest’s Monkeys to the Blue Monkeys reaching up to the Ornu’ka Kiiza Rest Camp at an altitude of 2,977m. This area gives you charming views of the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains and Kasese town.

When you are below 2,160m altitude, you can be able to spot the amazing Rwenzori Turaco and you will also be able to hear pant hooting calls of chimpanzees. You will rest and camp for an overnight in the mountain wilderness.

Day 12: Hike From Omu’Ka Kizza Rest Camp To Lake Mahoma

Enjoy an early morning breakfast and afterward encounter on a hike to the gorgeous Lake Mahoma from which the trail gets its name. This trail will have you through a small stunning ridge which is at an altitude of 3,515m of altitude above sea level.

This ridge is covered by moss and you will proceed through a lush forest made of high heather covered in bright green moss layers. You will then continue remarkably following the Mountain Elephant footprints passing through the Bamboo and heather forest.

This gives you a great opportunity of spotting Elephants as they refresh and take water at the hot springs. This ridge takes you to Rukenga Valley where you will explore the everlasting flowers and giant lobelias.

When you reach this point, you will then cross to Mahoma camp where you will enjoy dinner and an overnight stay. If lucky, on clear skies, you will be able to see Mount Stanley, Mount Baker, and the Portal Peaks from this Camp.

Day 13: Mahoma Lake To Ibanda

Enjoy a thrilling breakfast, and embark on a walk around Lake Mahoma as you prepare to return to the starting point. You will go through the Nyabitaba ranger post and the Mpanga ridge to adjoin the Valley of Mubuku.

This valley harbors the three-horned Chameleon and it leads to Ibanda. From this point, you will board your vehicle and drive to Kibale National Park where you will arrive in the evening.

You will then check in at your lodge for relaxation, dinner, and an overnight stay.

Day 14: Do Morning Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Wetland Walk

After having a joyful breakfast, head to Kibale National Park headquarters for a briefing at 8 am. This is led by the park warden as it is to prepare you before encountering the Chimps which lasts for 2-5 hours.

Once you spot the Chimpanzees (man’s closest relatives, sharing 98.7% DNA), you are given 1 remarkable hour with them. You get excited when you see them feeding, playing, grooming, and swinging in trees, and you get to hear their amazing pant-hooting calls.

This will be a great opportunity and ample time for you to take photos and the sky is the limit.

Also during this encounter, you see other primates like L’Hoest’s Monkey, Blue Monkeys, Red-tailed Monkeys, Black-and-white Monkeys, Olive Baboons, and many bird species.

After this splendid encounter, descend back to your lodge for a hot lunch. You will later head to Bigodi wetland Sanctuary for an incredible nature walk. This wetland sanctuary is home to over 138 bird species including the Great Blue Turaco.

It also has 8 Uganda primates and afterward you will head back to your lodge for relaxation, dinner, and an overnight stay.

Day 15: Hike The Fort Portal Crater Lake Field, Tour Amabere Ga’ Nyinamwiru Caves, Mpanga Tea Estate Cycling, And Transfer To Kampala

Enjoy a morning breakfast and encounter on a visit to Amabere ga’ Nyinamwiru caves and also hike the Fort Portal crater Lake field. Once you arrive, you will be welcomed by the residents who have a deep history of the place.

You will also visit Arnabere ga’ Nnyinamwiru caves which have breast-like features that are known to have belonged to Nyinamwiru. She was the daughter of Bukuku who had self-enthroned as King of the Bachwezi.

Nyinamwiru was denied the opportunity to breakfast her baby Ndahura as his father had fears that the child would take over his throne. That’s why the rocks keep on dripping milk-like structures meaning that milk is still flowing out of her breasts.

After exploring these caves, encounter on the hike to Fort Portal Crater Lake field. When here you will navigate the challenging slopes of Kyeganywa hill which is bounded by many crater lakes.

It also has crater hollows presenting one of the most charming scenic views in Uganda. When on top of Kyeganywa hill on a clear day, you can get great opportunities for picturesque views of the Rwenzori Mountains.

You will then retreat from the chosen activity and drive back to Fort Portal where you will connect to Mpanga tea estates. When here, you will embark on a cycling adventure within the scenic green tea plantation with splendid landscapes while on a Mountain bike.

When cycling, you will see the estate staff plucking tea and you are not refused to participate in this exercise as it will connect you with the people. After this enticing activity, transfer back to Kampala which is about 300km (5 hours’ drive)

Day 16: Departure

This is the last day of your safari and it is devoted to your departure back home through Entebbe International Airport

End Of The 16 Days Uganda Safari Tour

Safari Inclusions

• Gorilla permit
• Chimpanzee Permit
• Full Board Accommodation on Safari
• Transportation in either 4X4 Safari Van/4X4 Safari Land Cruiser all with Pop up roof & AC
• Fuel
• Professional English Speaking driver guide. Any other foreign language speaking guide can be arranged on request.
• Entrance fees to the tourist sites including protected areas mentioned
• Activity fees of the tourist activities mentioned
• Bottled water while on safari
• Border crossing fees (for cross-border safaris)

Safari Exclusions

• General tips for the driver guide, site guides, and service staff at the lodges
• Laundry Services
• Other Beverages/drinks of personal nature like Alcohol
• International Flights (Arranged on request)
• Domestic Flights (Arranged on request)
• Visas
• Optional Activity fees
• Other extras not mentioned in the Itinerary
• Airport Transfer (Arranged on request)
• Accommodation in Kampala or Kigali unless it is part of the
• Itinerary (Arranged on request)