A 20-Day Ultimate Wildlife Safari with Kidepo & Sipi Falls | Toturk Safaris
Embark on an extraordinary 20-day adventure throughout Uganda. With visits to six National Parks and an array of captivating destinations, including the tranquil wetlands of Mabamba on the majestic Lake Victoria, the iconic Kazinga Channel, the legendary Nile River, the mist-shrouded peaks of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and the diverse cultural heritage, this meticulously crafted itinerary invites you to immerse yourself in the wonders of Uganda. Welcome to Uganda, where adventure awaits at every turn.
Safari Highlights
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Mabamba shoebill tracking
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A boat cruise visit to the source of the Nile
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Nyero rock paintings
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Sipi falls
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Game drives
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Boat safaris
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Chimpanzee trekking
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Gorilla trekking
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Buganda kingdom
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Uganda museum
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Bahai
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Panoramic Kampala city view at Gadafi mosque
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Art and crafts village
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Community and cultural encounters
Destinations
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Day 1: Arrival day, stay in Entebbe
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Day 2: Mabamba Entebbe and Source of the Nile Jinja
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Day 3-4: Nyero rock paintings and Sipi Falls
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Day 5-6: Kidepo national park
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Day 7-8: Murchison Falls National Park
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Day 9: Fort portal Amabere caves
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Day 10: Semuliki national park
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Day 11: Kibale National Park
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Day 12-14: Queen Elizabeth National Park and Ishasha sector
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Day 15-16: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
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Day 17: Lake Mburo national park
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Day 18: Crafts village Kampala
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Day 19: Kampala city tour
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Day 20: Departure
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Uganda
ENTEBBE
Karibu—a very warm welcome to Uganda! Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be picked up by a Toturk Safaris guide and transferred to your accommodations in Entebbe. Have a safari briefing and time for any questions regarding your adventure across Uganda. Enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure.
INCLUDED: Airport transfer, dinner, and accommodation.
Accommodation: Protea Entebbe
Day 2
Shoebill and Transfer to Jinja
ENTEBBE-JINJA
After breakfast, embark on the Shoebill tracking Experience, in Mabamba on Lake Victoria, a renown Ramsar site, for a captivating boat excursion through the scenic Mabamba Bay Swamp. Encounter the iconic Shoebill, alongside a plethora of other rare avian species, amidst the tranquil wetlands. This immersive adventure promises an unforgettable glimpse into the natural beauty of Uganda's birdlife.
In the afternoon, after lunch, head to Jinja district. Along the way, you will see tree plantations and the bustling Ugandan communities. You will also pass through the famous Mabira central forest reseve, the biggest natural forest in Uganda, and the newly constructed captivating Jinja Nile bridge. Have dinner at the hotel upon arrival.
INCLUDED: All meals, entrance fees, excursions & accommodation.
Accommodation: Jinja Nile Resort
Day 3
Source of the Nile and Nyero rock paintings
JINJA - KUMI - SIPI
After breakfast embark on a captivating boat excursion to the legendary Source of the Nile that was discovered by British explorer Hannington Speke in 1858. Cruise along the river's gentle currents, enjoying panoramic views of the lush riverbanks and abundant birdlife. Your knowledgeable guide will share fascinating insights into the history and significance of this iconic waterway.
After the Nile cruise go to Kumi district and visit Nyero rock paintings, a UNESCO world heritage site. First documented in 1913, Nyero Rock Paintings are three different rocks that were uniquely and beautifully designed by the early inhabitants of this place. Listen to the fascinating history behind these rock paintings.
INCLUDED: All meals, entrance fees, excursions & accommodations.
Accommodation: Sipi river lodge.
Day 4
Explore Sipi falls
SIPI FALLS KAPCHORWA
After breakfast visit Sipi falls, the highlight of the day and start the hiking process which is about 4hrs. Sipi Falls is a series of three waterfalls located on the slopes of the now dormant volcano, Mount Elgon and pour their waters in Lake Kyoga. Hear the roar of water and let nature mesmerize you. Get back to the lodge for lunch and then enjoy an afternoon of relaxation or optional activities like coffee touring and abseiling.
INCLUDED: All meals, entrance fees, excursions & accommodations.
Accommodation: Sipi river lodge.
Day 5
Transfer to Kidepo valley national park plus evening game drive.
SIPI FALLS KAPCHORWA – KIDEPO VALLEY NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast, depart for Kidepo Valley National Park, one of Uganda's most remote and spectacular parks. Have lunch on the way. Its 7-8hr journey. Enjoy a scenic drive through the countryside. Check-in at your accommodation. After a short rest, go for an evening game drive in Narus Valley: This sector is known for its lush grasslands and abundant wildlife, including large herds of buffalo, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and various antelope species
INCLUDED: All meals, entrance fees, excursions & accommodation.
Accommodation: Kidepo savannah lodge.
Day 6
Game drive and Cultural Encounter with the IK
KIDEPO VALLEY NATIONAL PARK
Wake up early and head to Kidepo Valley for a morning game drive. Kidepo Valley, offers stunning scenery with vast savannah plains and rugged mountains. It's renowned for its predator populations, including lions, cheetahs, and leopards, making it a prime location for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers seeking to spot these elusive big cats in their natural habitat.
After lunch go for a cultural encounter with the Ik community. Engage in activities such as village visits, traditional dances, storytelling sessions, and demonstrations of traditional crafts. These interactions offer valuable insights into the rich cultural heritage of the Ik people.
INCLUDED: All meals, entrance fees, excursions & accommodation.
Accommodation: Kidepo savannah lodge.
Day 7
Travel to Murchison Falls National Park
KIDEPO VALLEY NATIONAL PARK - MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast, depart from Kidepo Valley National Park to Murchison Falls National Park. Enjoy a scenic drive with picturesque views along the way. Upon reaching the park, visit the top of the falls. Known as the most powerful waterfall in the entire world expect to be mind blown by the power and beauty of these amazing falls. Check-into your accommodation to rest and relax.
INCLUDED: All meals, entrance fees, excursions & accommodation.
Accommodation: Murchison falls Bamboo Village lodge.
Day 8
Explore Murchison falls National Park
MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK
This day will be spent exploring Murchison falls National Park. Wake up early and go for a savannah morning game drive, spotting elephants, buffalos, lions, leopards, giraffes, and antelopes, Jackson hartebeest. Have breakfast in the wild. At 11am go for a boat safari on the legendary Nile River, observing hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of water birds.
In the evening go for an evening game drive and look out for whatever animals you may have missed on the boat and in the morning game drive.
INCLUDED: All meals, entrance fees, excursions & accommodation.
Accommodation: Murchison falls Bamboo Village lodge.
Day 9
Visit Amabere caves, Fort portal
MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK - FORTPORTAL
Depart from Murchison Falls National Park in the early morning and embark on a scenic drive towards Fort Portal, passing through picturesque landscapes and small villages. Have lunch in fort portal.
After lunch, visit the Amabere Caves. amabere is a local word to mean breasts. These caves are renowned for their stunning limestone formations that resemble human breasts, dripping stalactites, and shimmering stalagmites, creating an otherworldly atmosphere within their depths. What makes the Amabere Caves truly unique are the mythological and cultural stories that surround them.
INCLUDED: All meals, entrance fees, excursions & accommodation.
Accommodation: Mountains of the moon Hotel
Day 10
Explore Semuliki National Park
SEMULIKI NATIONAL PARK- KIBALE
Start your morning with a hearty breakfast in Fort Portal then set off to Semuliki National Park. Delve into the park's diverse ecosystems through a guided nature walk and spot vibrant avian species in their natural habitat. Visit the therapeutic male and female hot springs afterwards. Following a picnic lunch amidst the park's serenity, journey to Kibale National Park, where you can settle into your accommodation for the evening. Relax and reflect on the day's discoveries over a delicious dinner, anticipating the wildlife encounters that await in Kibale.
INCLUDED: All meals, entrance fees, excursions & accommodation.
Accommodation: Turaco Treetops
Day 11
Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park.
KIBALE NATIONAL PARK
Have an early breakfast and head to the information center where you will receive a briefing on the do’s and don’ts of chimpanzee trekking. Experience the thrill of trekking habituated chimpanzees in Kibale forest. Led by knowledgeable guides, trek through the lush forest in search of these captivating primates. Listen to the sounds of the jungle and keep your eyes open for other primates like the red-tailed monkeys, olive baboons, vervet monkeys, grey cheeked mangabeys among others and take amazing photographs.
INCLUDED: All meals, entrance fees, excursions & accommodation.
Accommodation: Turaco Treetops
Day 12
Journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park and Game drive
KIBALE NATIONAL PARK – QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast, depart from Kibale National Park to Queen Elizabeth National Park. It is Uganda's most popular safari destination and is known for its diverse ecosystems, including savannah grasslands, dense forests, and wetlands. The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, hippos, and crocodiles, as well as over 600 species of birds. Enjoy a sunset game drive in the park.
INCLUDED: All meals, entrance fees, excursions & accommodation.
Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge
Day 13
Explore Queen Elizabeth National Park.
QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK
Embark on a full-day safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Early in the morning, go for a morning game drive, Explore the diverse landscapes and wildlife of the park, including lions, elephants, buffalos and an abundance of bird species.
In the afternoon after lunch, enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. The Kazinga Channel is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and numerous bird species and serves as a vital water source for the park's wildlife.
INCLUDED: All meals, entrance fees, excursions & accommodation.
Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge
Day 14
Visit the tree climbing lions of Ishasha sector.
QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK -ISHASHA SECTOR
After breakfast drive to the Ishasha sector of the park. Throughout the drive, you'll enjoy scenic views of the park's landscapes, including rolling hills, acacia trees, distant mountain ranges and wildlife sightings. Check into your accommodation and after lunch go for another game drive in the Ishasha sector but this time focusing on the famous tree climbing lions of Ishasha among other wildlife sightings like the elephants, buffaloes, antelopes and warthogs.
INCLUDED: All meals, entrance fees, excursions & accommodation.
Accommodation: Enjojo lodge Ishasha
Day 15
Journey to the Impenetrable Forest
QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK - ISHASHA PLAINS & BWINDI NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast go to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to ahalf of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas. This ancient forest unfolds over the steep ridges of the Albertine Rift Valley, providing breathtaking views and extraordinary viewing opportunities.
In the afternoon, visit the local Batwa tribe, Uganda’s ancient hunter-gatherer tribe. Later, relax at the Lodge or take a sunset stroll through the area.
INCLUDED: All meals, entrance fees, excursions & accommodation.
Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla lodge
Day 16
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Trek through the dense vegetation in search of mountain gorillas and spend an unforgettable hour observing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. The trekking exercise takes between 3- 8hrs and when you find the gorillas, you will be allowed to spend 1 hour with them. Make sure to take unforgettable pictures.
INCLUDED: All meals, entrance fees, excursions & accommodation.
Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla lodge
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Day 17
Lake Mburo National Park.
BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK-LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast, depart from Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to Lake Mburo National Park. Enjoy a beautiful scenic drive to Lake Mburo National Park. In the afternoon enjoy an evening game drive.
Lake Mburo is home to the largest population of zebra in Uganda and the only national park you will see the Impalas in Uganda. Giraffes, Buffalos, waterbucks, bush backs and warthogs are also very common.
INCLUDED: All meals, entrance fees, excursions & accommodation.
Accommodation: Mihingo lodge
Day 18
Transfer to Kampala via the equator crossing and crafts village
LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK - KAMPALA
After breakfast, head to Kampala. Pass via Kayabwe and experience the equator crossing experiment. Have lunch on the way. Upon reaching Kampala visit, the crafts Village at Buganda Road. The Village is a vibrant hub for selling traditional Ugandan arts and crafts. You will find a diverse array of handmade items, including traditional clothing, woven baskets, intricately carved wooden sculptures, beaded jewelry, and colorful paintings depicting scenes from Ugandan life.
INCLUDED: All meals, entrance fees, excursions & accommodation.
Accommodation: Four points Hotels by Sheraton
Day 19
Kampala City Tour.
KAMPALA
This day will be spent exploring Kampala city. Visit Bahai gardens and learn about the Bahai faith, Gaddafi Mosque for its unique design, and to also see the panoramic view of Kampala at the minaret and the Uganda museum to learn about Uganda’s history.
After lunch visit the official palace of Buganda kingdom and its parliament. Located on two of the seven hills of Kampala, it is the largest influential kingdom in Uganda.
INCLUDED: All meals, entrance fees, excursions & accommodation.
Accommodation: Four points Hotels by Sheraton.
Day 20
Transfer to the airport
KAMPALA - ENTEBBE
After breakfast, transfer to the airport in time to make your onward connections.
INCLUDED: Breakfast and airport transfer
Rates and Inclusions
Rates are based on the time of year, number of participants, and inclusions. All Toturk Safaris can be customized by speaking to one of our travel consultants. To inquire about rates for this safari, please shoot us an email.
What's Included
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Transfer between airport & accommodations on day of arrival & departure
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Transport in a private 4WD safari vehicle & fuel for tour
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Professional English-speaking driver/guide
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Accommodations as noted in the itinerary
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Meals as noted in the itinerary
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Drinking water in the safari vehicle
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Park entry fees, activities, and excursions as noted in the itinerary
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VAT where applicable
What's Excluded
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International airfare
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Personal (medical/travel) insurance
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Meals, snacks, and drinks not noted in the itinerary
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Optional activities
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Items of a personal nature
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Tips