19-Day Uganda Safari | Rwenzori, Primates, Big 5 & Rafting
On a 19-day Uganda safari, you will ascend the Rwenzori Mountains, trek alongside chimpanzees and gorillas, witness the Big Five, cruise the Kazinga Channel and the Nile, and engage in white-water rafting. Plan your dream safari to Africa now. Hiking the Rwenzori Mountains, rafting the Nile, trekking with gorillas and chimpanzees, and seeing the Big Five on safari are all part of the Ultimate Uganda Adventure, a 19-day Uganda safari.
An incredible adventure awaits you in Uganda. The Pearl of Africa is explored extensively throughout this 19-day Uganda safari. Included in this adventure are exciting animal safaris, treks in the Rwenzori Mountains, and intimate experiences with endangered mountain gorillas.
An 8-day Trek to Margherita Peak, Uganda’s highest peak, will kick off your 19-Day Uganda Safari of the Rwenzori Mountains, the third-highest mountain region in Africa. Explore remote mountain slopes, hidden glaciers, and other breathtaking locales that seem to be unknown to the general public.
You can see the beautiful Nile River and a variety of animals in Murchison Falls National Park, including lions, elephants, leopards, and buffalo. Exciting Nile boat trips are available just below the thundering Murchison Falls.
One of the best places to watch white rhinos is at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
Kibale Forest and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest are two of the top places to see mountain gorillas and chimpanzees.
Experience a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel and perhaps see crocodiles and hippos in addition to the world-renowned tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
As a capstone to an incredible journey, go white-water rafting on the Nile River and see Jinja, the river’s source. This trip is perfect for adventure seekers, environment lovers, and anyone interested in seeing the top of Uganda.
19-Day Uganda Safari Highlights
- An astonishing eight-day walk across the Rwenzori Mountains is required to reach Margherita Peak, Africa’s third-highest mountain, which stands at 5,109 m. Along the way, you’ll pass through breathtaking scenery, picturesque meadows, and even glaciers.
- Track the beautiful mountain gorillas and observe endangered gorillas in their own environment by going on a gorilla trekking adventure in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. There has never been a more well-known animal encounter than this one.
- Kibale Forest, sometimes called the “Primate Capital of the World,” is a great place to go chimpanzee trekking and maybe even see some colobus monkeys.
- You can go on Big Five Game Drives at Queen Elizabeth National Park or Murchison Falls National Park. Fun boat excursions and safaris in the savannah increase the likelihood of seeing rhinos, lions, elephants, buffalo, and leopards.
- At the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, you can get up close and personal with the only wild rhinoceros in Uganda. You will conclude your Big Five safari at this protected area.
- On a Nile River boat safari, you can see wildlife such as crocodiles, hippos, elephants, and magnificent birds as you float past Murchison Falls’ base and down the Kazinga Channel.
- Jinja is the adventure capital of Africa; after a long day of Grade 5 whitewater rafting, celebrate with a barbeque on the riverbank.
- Kampala Cultural Tour: See the Kabaka’s Palace, the Gaddafi Mosque, the Baha’i Temple, and the Owino Market, among other cultural landmarks in Uganda.
- Culturally connecting with the Batwa Pygmies—Discover the long-lost practices of the Batwa people of Uganda, who were the original defenders of Bwindi Forest and who still live in the woods today.
- Adorable road journeys over Uganda’s landscape: get up close and personal with the Pearl of Africa as you pass through banana plantations, bustling towns, crater lakes, and stunning hills.
A Detailed 19-Day Uganda Safari | Rwenzori, Primates, Big 5 & Rafting Highlights
Day 1: Arrive at Entebbe International Airport or Kampala
Upon your arrival, your safari guide will be there to greet you and provide an overview of your 19-day schedule. Activities such as primate activities, wildlife encounters, and Rwenzori hiking will be part of your agenda. Dinner and the night will be spent at the hotel of your choice after you have been taken there. A tour of Kampala will be provided if you arrive early, allowing you to see amazing sights like
Kabaka’s Palace serves as the official residence of the Buganda King. There are many artefacts from the past that have been carefully maintained here, such as Idi Amin’s Dungeon, torture chambers, classic cars, and more. You must see the seven hills of Kampala.
Stunning in design, the Gaddafi National Mosque offers visitors the opportunity to climb the minaret for 360-degree views of Kampala.
On Kikaya Hill, not far from Kampala, stands the Bahai Temple. With its stunning views of Kampala, this spot is perfect for contemplation and learning about the Bahai faith.
You may put your haggling skills to the test at the Owino Central Market, one of the biggest open marketplaces in Uganda. Clothing, food (including fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices), and other products are sold at this market.
Day 2: Transfer to Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary to trek rhinos and continue to Murchison Falls National Park
Visiting the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a short halt to observe rhinos is included in our transportation to Murchison Falls National Park after breakfast.
It takes almost three hours to drive from Kampala to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, which is in the Nakasongola area. You have the option to eat lunch in one of the sanctuary’s restaurants or at any hotel in Masindi. In the evening, you will go back to your park hotel for dinner and the night.
Day 3: Morning game drive and an afternoon boat cruise in Murchison Falls
During your early morning game drive, you will have the opportunity to spot the final member of the “big five” wildlife species: leopards, elephants, buffalo, and lions. In addition to these animals, you may also spot giraffes, antelopes, kobs, and zebras.
Lunch is on the house. After that, head back to your hotel for a little R&R before boarding a boat to see the stunning Murchison Falls on the Nile. You can spot crocodiles, hippos, and a variety of aquatic birds, including kingfishers and bee-eaters, in that region.
Day 4: Visit Kibale Forest National Park
Embark on a dawn wildlife tour after breakfast for a chance to see nocturnal creatures including lions, leopards, hyenas, and other birds. Spend the next seven hours exploring the national park of Kibale Forest. You’ll get to the park around sunset and then make your way to the lodge for some dinner and a night’s rest.
Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking
Have some breakfast before heading to the headquarters for the chimp trekking briefing, which should start before 8:00 a.m. In order to see the apes, a ranger will accompany you on a jungle expedition.
Observing chimpanzees as they go about their everyday lives, from feeding their young to climbing from branch to branch, can take anywhere from thirty minutes to six hours of trekking and tracking. Go back to your hotel for some lunch, a nap in the afternoon, and a good night’s sleep.
Day 6: Transfer from Queen Elizabeth National Park to Nyakalengijja
The Rwenzori Mountains National Park headquarters is the place to go after a leisurely breakfast. Upon reaching Nyakalengijja, you have the option to check into your hotel, have lunch and then embark on a nature walk around the hamlet to discover the Rwenzori Mountains National Park.
You will dine and spend the night at Snow Heights Lodge.
Day 7-13: Trek the Rwenzori Mountains
Margherita, the third-highest mountain in Africa, may be reached on an 8-day trek via the picturesque Rwenzori Mountains (5,109 m). Of all the African treks, this one is the most beautiful and difficult. A common name for the Rwenzori Mountains is the “Mountains of the Moon.” In all of East Africa, their hiking experience is second to none.
The Afro-alpine wonderlands are home to enormous lobelias, everlasting flowers, and glacial lakes; they can be reached from the tropical foothills of Nyakalengija via lush montane forests and bamboo zones. Using the same route that pioneers did more than a century ago, you will wind your way through filthy bogs, hanging valleys, and glacier moraines.
Along the way, you’ll pass through a variety of habitats, including lowland jungles teeming with monkey species, odd woods covered in moss, rocky ridgelines, and icy alpine views. The expedition culminates in the ascent to Margherita Peak on Mount Stanley. An exciting yet challenging walk across the glacial plateau requiring crampons, ropes and ice axes awaits the courageous.
Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of Rwenzori Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, while staying in rustic mountain huts and sharing tales around campfires. The ascent into the final uncharted alpine frontier of Africa, aided by knowledgeable local guides and porters, presents a mental and physical test.
At Uganda’s highest peak, the Rwenzori Mountains provide an unforgettable experience for climbers of all skill levels and those seeking an outdoor adventure of a lifetime.
Day 14: Journey from Nyakalengijja to Bwindi National Park
The Buhoma, Rushaga, Nkuringo, and Rihiija sectors are located in the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where one can go gorilla trekking. After a leisurely breakfast, you will be transferred to one of these sectors after checking out of your lodging. After a hearty lodge lunch, spend the afternoon immersed in the Batwa culture.
Day 15: Gorilla trekking in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
At the gorilla tracking headquarters in the early morning, you will receive a briefing on the regulations and protocols that govern gorilla trekking after breakfast. With the help of a ranger, you’ll venture into the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in pursuit of mountain gorillas. Regardless of how long your gorilla trekking tour is, you can expect to spend at least an hour up close and personal with the primates.
Get to know the Batwa people; they’ve been residing in the rainforest with the gorillas for quite some time. Batwa traditional dance is exciting and full of spirit; you will adore it. In the afternoon, you should head back to the lodge for some downtime and lunch.
Day 16: Transfer Back to Kampala
Today you will return to Kampala, have lunch, and stop at the equator for some photos. The arts and crafts market is a great spot to pick up souvenirs. You will arrive in Kampala in the afternoon and, when you’ve settled in, you may proceed to your hotel room.
Have dinner and have a wonderful night’s sleep at your resort.
Day 17: Explore the Nile River’s headwaters and the Ssezibwa Falls before continuing to Jinja
As you make your way to Jinja, make a pit stop at Ssezibwa Falls in Kayunga District. Here you can see the Source of the Nile and take in some breathtaking vistas. Then continue on your journey to Jinja. For dinner and the night, make your way to your Jinja hotel.
Day 18: Return to Kampala after a thrilling day of whitewater rafting
Whitewater rafting down the Nile River, experiencing its exciting rapids, is an adventure you won’t soon forget. From its fabled origins in Jinja to exciting white-water rafting, sunset cruises, and Uganda’s rich cultural history, the Nile River is yours to explore across this Ugandan country. Find out why the Nile is the best place to go for adventure and historical sites in East Africa.
Following a day of grilling, return to your hotel for a meal and a good night’s sleep.
Day 19: Return to Entebbe or Kampala
Stop in Entebbe or Kampala for fuel before your late-night trip home after breakfast.
End of the 19-Day Uganda Safari | Rwenzori, Primates, Big 5 & Rafting