OVER VIEW
The 19-day Classic Uganda Adventure, immersing yourself in the natural wonders of Uganda’s national parks. Venture beyond the tourist trails to discover hidden gems and extraordinary landscapes.
Begin your journey in the Adventure town of Jinja for rafting or quad biking, Proceed to Sipi Falls, then traverse Kidepo National Park before descending to the majestic Nile River in Murchison Falls NP. Continue to the lush tropical forests of Kibale, the domain of chimpanzees, and experience the avian splendor of the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth Park.
Encounter the majestic Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Forest, then unwind at the serene Lake Bunyonyi, known for its islands and cultural richness. Encounter the enchanting golden monkeys at Mgahinga NP before concluding your adventure with thrilling biking and nature walks at Lake Mburo.
SAFARI HIGHLIGHTS
- White Water Rafting Adventure on the Nile
- Quad Biking in Jinja Along the River Nile and Surroundings
- Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Explore Kidepo Valley National Park’s Stunning Wilderness
- Experience the Dodoth Cultural Heritage
- Boat Cruise on the Mighty Nile at Murchison Falls
- Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest National Park
- Sipi Falls Hike and Coffee Tour
- Stay in Handpicked, Eco-Friendly Midrange Accommodations
Upon your arrival in Entebbe, a company representative will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Meal Plan: Dinner depending on time of arrival.
Accommodation: Papyrus Guest House
Comfort Level: Mid-range
Following breakfast at 7:30 am, our journey from Kampala to Jinja in the east begins. Upon arrival, you’ll have the option to experience the thrill of grade 3 rafting on the Nile, avoiding the intense rapids of grade 5.
Alternatively, you can choose a Quad Biking Session, guiding you through picturesque farms, lush forests, and quaint villages along the River Nile.
For those seeking an extra challenge, special sections can be added to the quad biking route. With ample time, we’ll explore further along the Nile, immersing ourselves in the beauty of the surrounding farms, forests, and villages along the eastern bank.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Adrift River Club
Comfort Level: Mid-range
Breakfast at 7:00 am then proceed to Sipi Falls arriving in time for the Sipi Falls Hike using the upper loop. This is a 3-3.5 hrs activity depending on the pace set by the group. This is an amazing walk that takes you on an up climb to the top of the upper waterfall and beyond, walking through community plantations before reaching the national park boundary.
On a clear day, marvel at the majestic vistas, beholding the peaks of Elgon, the apex of Wanale Ridge, and the sprawling plains below. Following the hike, partake in a captivating coffee tour.
Immerse yourself in the coffee cultivation as you visit a local plantation nestled amidst the slopes of Elgon. Gain insights into the meticulous processes of coffee processing, cultivation, and harvesting.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Sipi Heritage Lodge
Comfort Level: Mid-range
Breakfast and then head to Kidepo Valley National with lunch en route arriving in the evening for relaxation. About 480 species have been recorded in the park due to its varied vegetation. Kidepo Valley National Park is renowned for its dramatic savannah landscapes, surrounded by rugged mountains. It features the Kidepo and Narus Valleys, which provide water and attract wildlife year-round, with stunning views of the Mount Morungole range, home to the Ik people.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah Lodge
Comfort Level: Mid-range
Your day on the Classic Uganda Adventure begins at dawn with a game drive or safari walk through the enchanting Narus River Valley. Encounter a stunning array of wildlife, from giraffes and zebras to elephants and lions, set against the backdrop of the African savannah. The park also boasts over 475 bird species, making it a birder’s paradise.
After lunch, visit a local Karamojong Homestead to experience their way of life. Take a 4-hour hike to Dodoth Village. Immerse yourself in the Karamojong’s nomadic culture, learn about local traditions like brewing kwete( local beer), and grinding grains like Sorghum, and join in their vibrant Emuya and Edonga dances. End the day with a scenic hike, taking in breathtaking views from Kenya to South Sudan.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah Lodge
Comfort Level: Mid-range
The journey from Kidepo Valley National Park to Murchison Falls National Park takes around 6 hours, traveling through diverse landscapes. Departing Kidepo, you’ll pass the vast plains and rugged hills of the Karamojong region, offering views of traditional homesteads and the Karamojong people. Heading south to Gulu, the road transitions into farmlands and vibrant towns before continuing through scenic savannah landscapes towards Lake Albert. The journey culminates with the mighty Murchison Falls, where the Nile River crashes through a narrow gorge, creating a stunning waterfall, while the park's wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, and lions, enrich the experience.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Fort Murchison
Comfort Level: Mid-range
After breakfast, you will continue to Murchison Falls National Park with a game drive on the northern bank of the Nile, giving you a greater chance of seeing animals such as giraffes, elephants, lions, hartebeest, and different species of birds.
In the afternoon, you have a boat trip to the base of the falls. Look out for the Nile crocodile, hippos, waterbucks, and a variety of bird species at the bottom of the falls, an amazing scenic view of the Nile awaits you as well before returning to the lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Fort Murchison
Comfort Level: Mid-range
After breakfast, head to Fort Portal with stopovers at Papyrus Swamps for some birding session along the way, look out for Red-necked Falcon, Marsh Tchagra, Thick-billed and Slender-billed, Weavers, Black-crowned and Fawn-breasted Waxbills, Yellow-mantled Widowbird and Black Bishop.
You may spot black-and-white colobus monkeys, baboons, and more primates hiding in trees along the road. You will have lunch in Fort Portal Town, this area is famed for the fabled mountains of the moon and many tea plantations.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Turaco Treetops
Comfort Level: Mid-range
Today the forest opens its doors for sensational chimp tracking. Kibale Forest is reputed for having the highest concentration of primates in East Africa. Enjoy a guided nature walk in the tropical rainforest in search of the wild chimpanzee, red-tailed monkey, black-and-white colobus monkey, and many others.
After lunch, we transferred to Bigodi Community. Here you will have the choice to join a guided Swamp Walk through the Wetland Sanctuary, which is famous for the many birds and primates that live in this area.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Turaco Treetops
Comfort Level: Mid-range
Today you can enjoy the majestic Rwenzori Mountains in their full glory! Have a guided walk at the foothills of the ‘Mountains of the Moon and learn about the local culture firsthand. Enjoy the scenic views, have a glimpse of village life, and meet the locals. Thereafter transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park arriving in time for late lunch on the Classic Uganda Adventure.
In the evening, you may head out for an evening game drive or head out to the Kichwamba Orphanage Foundation for a coffee tour experience learning about the processing of coffee, later a cultural dance session.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge
Comfort Level: Mid-range
After breakfast, you will visit an experiential lion project. This experience allows visitors to actively participate in monitoring the pride in the park, using locator devices and learning habituation calls, as well as monitoring weather, surroundings, and behavior.
The results are added to researchers’ databases, contributing valuable information to the overall understanding of wildlife ecology, and helping to conserve this wonderful ecosystem.
After lunch, head for the scheduled 3 hrs boat ride along the Kazinga channel joining Lake Edward and Lake George with excellent wildlife sightings including, multitudes of hippopotami, Nile crocodiles, wallowing buffaloes on its reedy banks, elephants, multitudes of birds including many endemics as well as hundreds of other plains game that come to it for water.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge
Comfort Level: Mid-range
After breakfast head to Bwindi National Park, the home of the mountain gorillas with lunch en route, take time to look at the amazing scenery and homesteads of the local communities. You will arrive in the early evening for relaxation in preparation for your gorilla trekking adventure.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge.
Comfort Level: Mid-range
In the early morning, you will be briefed on gorilla tracking at the park headquarters and assigned groups of 8 people per group. Accompanied by a guide and your packed lunch, you will go in search of the gorillas in a small group. You walk through the forest, sometimes you descend again and then climb up a slope again. The duration of gorilla tracking is unpredictable.
The walk can be quite strenuous due to the muddy trails and mountainous areas and can take up to 8 hours depending on how far the gorillas have moved in search of food. It is worth it and what awaits you, in the end, is indescribable.
For an hour you can admire these peaceful ‘Gentle Giants’ as they go about their daily activities of grooming, feeding, and playing. It is a once-in-a-lifetime memorable experience.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge.
Comfort Level: Mid-range
After breakfast to Lake Bunyonyi arriving in time for lunch at the Lodge. After lunch, you will embark on a 5-hour experience on the Kyabahinga Peninsula. You will canoe across the bay to the terraced hillsides of the Kyabahinga peninsula.
Have a stopover at a trading center above the school where the local brew is made, as you proceed to climb the slopes of Kyabahinga for about 30 minutes till the top of the hill, you will meet Omugurusi Jeremiah, a traditional healer, a well-known herbalist who will share with us some carefully chosen secrets of tropical highland flora.
After that proceed to the ridge where you will find a home of a crafts maker who will demonstrate how the crafts are made, you can try them out as well. A descent down the hill and a short canoe ride will bring you back to our starting point.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Travelers Rest Hotel
Comfort Level: Mid-range
Following breakfast, make your way to Mgahinga National Park to attend a briefing regarding the guidelines and regulations for hiking with golden monkeys. The trek commences promptly at 8 a.m., following the Gahinga Trail in pursuit of these captivating creatures.
Typically lasting between 30 minutes to 3 hours, the trek duration varies based on the monkeys’ movements in their quest for food. You’ll have the opportunity to observe the golden monkeys for approximately 1 hour, witnessing their daily routines. Subsequently, descend along the trail back to the initial point of departure.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Travelers Rest Hotel
Comfort Level: Mid-range
We drive to Lake Mburo National Park and as we enter the park you will likely spot some wildlife, like impalas, zebras, and buffaloes arriving in time for lunch. In the afternoon you can go on a boat ride on the lake and enjoy the rich birdlife and the hippos that are cooling off. In the evening, you will have an evening game drive in search of zebras, buffalos, giraffes, and impalas among others before returning to the Lodge for relaxation.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Mpogo Safari Lodge.
Comfort Level: Mid-range
After breakfast head out for the Ankole Trail 2-hour biking session. Ride along paths that wind through local Ankole cattle farms, where you can interact with herders and learn about the traditional Ankole cattle culture. The trail also offers opportunities to spot wildlife like zebras, impalas, and bird species as you cycle through the diverse ecosystems of Lake Mburo National Park. Later return to the lodge for relaxation and lunch.
In the evening, head out to the Kigambira Loop in search of bushbucks, bush duikers, and occasionally leopards thereafter head back to lodge.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Bakiga Lodge.
Comfort Level: Mid-range
Early start of the day as we will go for a bushwalk guided by a ranger. Lake Mburo National Park is renowned for its rich birdlife and beautiful lakes. Enjoy a nature walk searching for zebras, warthog, buffalo, and impala and, if you’re lucky, see the largest of Africa’s Antelope, the beautiful Eland.
Return to the lodge for breakfast and with a game drive on our way out we depart the protected area heading back towards the capital city. En route, we will pass the Equator where we will make a stop for lunch, photos, and souvenir shopping.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Papyrus Guest House
Comfort Level: Mid-range
After breakfast, depending on your flight details, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight back home at the end of your Classic Uganda Adventure.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
• Comfortable hiking boots and lightweight clothing.
• Rain jacket and a warm sweater for cooler evenings.
• Insect repellent and sunscreen.
• Reusable water bottle.
• Binoculars and a good camera.
• Personal medications and a small first-aid kit.
• Nature blending clothes
Included in the Itinerary
- Ground transportation in a safari customized 4WD Toyota Landcruiser with gasoline/fuel
- Rafting / Quad Biking
- All Nature walks
- All Community Visits
- All Boat Cruises
- All Game Drives
- Gorilla trekking permit
- Chimpanzee trekking permit
- Drinking water / refillable water bottle
- English-speaking Birding Guide
- Accommodation and Meals
- All Park Entrance Fees.
Excluded in the Itinerary
- International Airfares;
- Visa Fees;
- Drinks and Beverages
- Tips, and Gratuities for your Driver/guide and hotel staff
- Optional activities unless specified as included
- Any other services not expressly shown in the itinerary or indicated as included.
Uganda – The Pearl of Africa’s Untamed Beauty
Uganda, aptly named the Pearl of Africa, is a land Gifted by Nature. It is located in the Great Lakes Region with breathtaking landscapes, extraordinary biodiversity, and unforgettable adventures. This remarkably diverse country is where the East African savannah meets the lush West African jungle, creating an ecological paradise unlike any other.
Towering over Uganda’s landscapes are the majestic Rwenzori Mountains, Africa’s third-highest range, and the dramatic Virunga Volcanoes, while the shimmering waters of Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake, cradle its southern border. Lying in a basin between the eastern and western branches of the Rift Valley, Uganda’s elevated position gives it a more temperate climate than its equatorial location might suggest. Most of the country sits over 1,000 meters above sea level, with a landscape that is largely flat apart from the forested mountain ranges that often define its borders.
One of Africa’s most water-rich nations, Uganda’s lakes, rivers, and wetlands cover 25% of its surface, keeping the landscape lush and green for most of the year—though the northern region gradually transitions into semi-desert.
Nowhere else on the continent can travelers witness such a rich variety of primates with such ease. From great apes—mountain gorillas and chimpanzees—to over a dozen monkey species, Uganda is a primate lover’s paradise. But it’s not just primates that thrive here. With over 1,000 bird species, Uganda is a birder’s wonderland, home to rare rainforest specialists and some of Africa’s most sought-after birds.
We invite you to explore Uganda, a diverse landscape with abundant wildlife, plenty to discover, and unique experiences. When recounting your time in this jewel of a country, you'll struggle to find the words that do justice to it.
Entry Requirements:
Your passport must have a minimum of at least two full clear pages for visas and stamps and be valid for more than 6 months from the date of entry into Uganda.
Please check visa requirements prior to travel with your booking agent or Bush Wander, as requirements are regularly changed with little notice.
Most passports require a single-entry visa (US$50). Visas cannot be obtained on arrival. You must apply and pay for them online at least two weeks before your arrival. You must upload clear copies of your current passport, a yellow fever certificate, and a passport photo.
Only Visa and Mastercard cards are accepted for visa payments. Once payment is made, the system will process your application and send you a barcoded email. Print out this email and bring it with you to Uganda. Upon arrival, you should present the barcoded email to the immigration officer, who will scan the barcode, take your fingerprints and photo, and place a visa in your passport.
Alternatively, the Ugandan High Commissions may issue visas where such commissions are located.
Visa Exempt Countries:
The following nationalities do not require a visa to enter Uganda: all nationalities from East African countries (Tanzania, Rwanda, Kenya, Burundi), all nationalities from COMESA countries (Angola, Eritrea, Malawi, Madagascar, Seychelles, Swaziland, Zambia, Comoros, Kenya, Mauritius, Zimbabwe), and passport holders from OTHERS (Antigua, Barbados, Fiji, Grenada, Lesotho, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, The Grenadines, Vanuatu, Cyprus, Bahamas, Belize, Gambia, Jamaica, Malta, Singapore, St. Vincent-Tonga and Ireland).
East Africa Tourist Visa:
If you are planning an East Africa trip to Uganda, Rwanda, and/or Kenya, it may be better to apply for a multiple-entry visa, valid for 90 days at USD 100 per visa. For more information go through the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration if you are entering Uganda first, or alternatively, the Government visa site for the East Africa country you will be first entering.
Money and Currency:
Before you travel, call your credit card companies to let them know you will be traveling. This will help to ensure the credit card company won’t flag any of your vacation expenses. ATMs are available in major towns or cities though at times may not be reliable due to a limited amount of money to be withdrawn.
- Credit cards are widely accepted within Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda. Major hotels and restaurants accept VISA and MasterCard. AMEX and others are not recommended as establishments usually don’t support them. Note that a surcharge of 5% is attached to their usage.
- Local Currencies are recommended to use while on safari. There are many forex bureaus and banks in the capital cities and the main towns. Smaller denominations than US$100 may attract a less favorable rate of exchange. Notes older than 2010 may not be accepted in the country.
- Forex Bureaus are located in major towns or cities and have regular banking hours Monday to Friday from 08:30hrs to 16:00hrs. Saturdays are open from 09:00hrs to 12:00hrs. Traveler’s Cheques may be changed in major towns/cities. American Express cheques are accepted but they do attract a low rate. If you can, forego this option. Note: A purchase receipt and a passport are often asked for by the bank and forex bureaus as proof of ownership.
Health and Medical Information
Travelers require a Yellow Fever inoculation more than 10 days prior to your departure otherwise you won't obtain a visa. The certificate will be checked on arrival in Uganda. On top of that it is also advised you get vaccinations for DTP, Hepatitis A and malaria. Some organizations may advice you to take Typhoid, Cholera, Hepatitis B and Rabies as well. Please consult your pharmacist/doctor.
Travel Insurance on tour
It’s highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses, trip cancellation, lost luggage, and other unforeseen circumstances. Ensure that your insurance policy provides adequate coverage for your entire trip duration and the activities you plan to undertake, such as wildlife viewing and adventure sports.
Flights & Getting Around
If you need assistance with flight bookings, Travelers Link Africa offers an inflight service—simply share your travel dates, and we’ll take care of the rest!
