12 Days Wildlife and Walking Safari

Immerse yourself in Uganda’s breathtaking landscapes on this  12 days Wildlife and Walking Safari.  Uncover the secrets of the Nile River’s source, marvel at the stunning Sipi Falls, and explore the wild beauty of Pian Upe Reserve.

Experience the untamed wonders of Kidepo Valley and Murchison Falls National Parks with thrilling game safaris. Cap off your journey with an exhilarating rhino tracking experience at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Dive into nature’s splendor on this unforgettable expedition!

Highlights of the 12 days Wildlife and Walking Safari

• Discover the Mystique of Ssezibwa Falls and Cultural Site
• Adventure in Mabira Forest: Zip Lining and Nature Walks
• Hike to the Majestic Sipi Falls
• Coffee Farm Tour: From Bean to Cup
• Game Viewing in Kidepo Valley and Murchison Falls National Parks
• Rhino Tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Itinerary 12 days Wildlife and Walking Safari

Day 1: Arrival at the Airport

Upon arriving at Entebbe Airport, you will be welcomed by your driver guide and transferred to your overnight accommodation at Papyrus Guest House at the start of your 12 Days Wildlife and Walking Safari.

Day 2: Entebbe – Ssezibwa Falls and Ziplining.

On this day, you will transfer to Jinja with a stopover at the Ssezibwa Falls, a cultural site, and learn about preserved African traditional cultures.  Proceed to Mabira Forest arriving in time for lunch. There after you will enjoy a thrilling zip-line experience that will send you soaring between the tallest trees in the rainforest. This adventure includes a network of five zip-lines spanning 250 meters. High up in the canopy, you can admire the forest layers and spot wildlife such as grey-cheeked mangabeys and red-tailed monkeys, as well as birds like palm nut vultures, African fish eagles, and great blue turacos. You’ll also hear the roaring Griffin Falls below.  Accommodation and Meals at The Rain Forest Lodge.

Day 3: Mabira Nature Walk and Bird Watching.

On this day, you will head back to Mabira Forest for a nature walk. The forest is renowned for its rich biodiversity, including mammals like red-tailed monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and birds such as the great blue turaco, black-and-white-crowned hornbill, and the rare Nahan’s francolin, Cassin’s hawk, and purple-necked goshawk. The forest is also home to a variety of trees, butterflies, and many other animals.

Head back to the Lodge for lunch and relaxation in the evening at the Lodge. Alternatively you may head back to the Forest for a Birdwatching session. Mabira forest bird list stands at about 316 species. There are 74 species of the Guinea – Congo Forests biome out of the total 144 recorded in Uganda.

Accommodation and Meals at The Rain Forest Lodge.

Day 4: Travel to Kapchorwa and Hiking to Sipi Falls

Transfer to Kapchorwa to explore the environs of Mt. Elgon and Sipi Falls.  After check-in, head out for a coffee tour at Sipi Falls. This is a 3-hour experience taking a nature walk within the community to learn more about the Arabica Coffee Process. Meet local farmers as you tour the plantations and experience the coffee procession from harvesting to grinding and making a cup of coffee.

After late lunch, you will take a hike to the Sipi Falls following the Sipi River flow. From the top, the first waterfall plunges 85 meters over a cliff into the plunge pool below with a thunderous splash! Behind the waterfall is a vantage point for better views of the falls and panoramic views of the Mt. Elgon Slopes & the distant plains of the Karamoja region.

After the plunge, the river continues on its course through farmlands & local communities, flowing over rocks & small cliffs and thereby forming pools & rapids, before it plunges 65 meters over another big cliff, forming the second waterfall of the Sipi Falls.

This is the smallest of the three Sipi waterfalls. The waterfall forms a nice “natural shower” which you can go under and enjoy the cold pour, especially after a tiring hike.

Accommodation at Sipi Heritage Lodge

Day 5: Mt. Elgon Forest Exploration Tour and Kapkwai Cave

On this day you will head to the Mountain bamboo hikes that cover 7 km to Kapkwai caves which pass via tropical and bamboo forests. It offers the opportunity of viewing primates, birds, and rare trees like the Elgon teak and Elgon Olive.

After a picnic lunch, you will explore the Kapkwai cave, the Cave exhibits unique geological formations, such as stalactites and stalagmites, formed over thousands of years. These natural features add to the allure and intrigue of the cave environment.  Later head back to the camp.  Accommodation at Sipi Heritage Lodge

Day 6: Sipi – Pian Upe Reserve

After breakfast, transfer to Pian Upe wildlife reserve. It is about a 3-4 hour drive from Sipi Falls of Kapchorwa district located on the foothills of Mount Elgon. Have en-route lunch or a picnic lunch and then Proceed to the reserve. Pian Upe is home to several species, including elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, antelopes, and many bird species. Keep an eye out for rare and endangered animals like the Rothschild’s giraffe and the cheetah.

Accommodation and meals at Karamoja Overland Camp

Day 7:  Nature and Community Walks

This day starts with a guided nature walk to get up close and personal with the wilderness at Pian Upe wildlife reserve. For sightseeing, look out for zebras, antelopes, baboons, and the many birds in the reserve. The Reserve is also a birding paradise with over 300 bird species recorded. After a picnic lunch, engage in cultural interactions, visit local communities, and learn about their traditions, dances, and way of life.

Accommodation and meals at Karamoja Overland Camp

Day 8: Travel to Kidepo Park- Game Safari

This day is spent traversing the vast plains and semi-arid savannah of North Eastern Uganda to Kidepo Valley National Park arriving in time for lunch.  Kidepo Valley National Park is one of the wildest and most spectacular reserves in Africa with a landscape of small hills, rocky outcrops, and inselbergs. You will have an evening game drive taking in panoramic views of the Narus River Valley and wildlife such as Elephants, herds of Buffaloes, Jackals, Jackson’s Hartebeest, and Klipspringer among others.

Accommodation and Meals at Kidepo Savannah Lodge

Day 9: Game Drive and Dodoth Village Experience and Hike

The day begins with an exciting game drive, offering opportunities to spot a variety of wildlife, including elephants, herds of buffalo, jackals, Jackson’s hartebeest, klipspringers, and possibly lions, cheetahs, and other grassland mammals. The park’s landscape is adorned with small hills, rocky outcrops, and inselbergs, providing stunning panoramic views in every direction. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Narus River Valley and capture incredible wildlife photography from all angles.

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in a 3-4 hour cultural experience with a visit to the Dodoth Village. Meet local elders and engage in meaningful interactions as you learn traditional practices such as preparing local brew, grinding grains, and experiencing the vibrant Emuya and Edonga dances. The day winds down with a scenic hike, offering views of landscapes stretching from Kenya to South Sudan. Return to Kidepo Savannah Lodge afterward for relaxation.

Day 10: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

Head southwards to Murchison Falls National Park. Murchison Falls is Uganda’s largest national park and is home to over 400 bird species. The park is also endowed with several attractions including mammal species with four members of the big five, the lion, the leopards, the elephants, and the Buffaloes. Other species include bushbucks, Uganda Kob, waterbucks, warthogs, giraffes, Jackson’s hartebeest, hyenas, hippos, and crocodiles among other resident creatures.

You will drive through the flat scenic landscape with local villages while enjoying the Ugandan countryside. You will arrive at Murchison Falls National Park in the afternoon and check in at your lodge.

Accommodation at Fort Murchison

Day 11: Game Drive and Boat Cruise

This day will be spent in the park, with a game drive in Murchison Falls national park. Look out for the Elephants, Giraffes, Buffalos, and Waterbucks among others. You will continue browsing the circuits to the delta point for a cocktail of birds and mammals.

In the afternoon, you will go for the 14:00 hrs boat ride on the Nile River to the base of Murchison Falls where you get to see the Hippos yawning, Grooming in their Pods, Nile Crocodiles, Elephants, and a variety of beautiful bird species along the banks. If you are a keen birder this might be your opportunity to see various birds’ species. The evening will be spent relaxing at the lodge.

Accommodation at Fort Murchison

Day 12:  Rhino Trekking and transfer to Entebbe

Depart the Park and head to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a 2 hr Rhino Trekking Session. Explore the wildlife ranch as you have a walking safari in search of the rhinos.  After trekking the rhinos, you will have lunch and then drive back to Entebbe Airport for your departure flight back home.

Included in the 12 days Wildlife and Walking Safari

• Ground transportation in a safari customized 4WD Toyota Land cruiser with gasoline/fuel
• English speaking Driver/guide
• Activities mentioned
• Accommodation and Meals as shown 
• All Park Entrance Fees,
• Boat rides
• Statutory Taxes where applicable. 

Excluded in the 12 days Wildlife and Walking Safari

• International Airfares
• Ugandan Entry Visa Fees USD 50 per person; 
• Room service,
• Beverages,
• Tips and Gratuities for your Driver/guide and Hotels staff
•  Optional activities