24 Days Grand Uganda Safari Tour, The Definitive Primate & Wildlife Circuit
The 24 Days Uganda Safari Tour is the most comprehensive wildlife and cultural journey available, designed for the traveler who wishes to experience the entire “Pearl of Africa,” from the remote wilderness of Kidepo Valley in the north to the mountain gorilla heartland of Bwindi in the south.
This three-week Uganda safari package combines the thrill of finding the Big 5 in the savannah with the intimate joy of encountering primates—including the rare mountain gorillas and golden monkeys—all while immersing you in the vibrant cultures of the Karamojong and Batwa peoples. If you are seeking the definitive Uganda adventure, this is the Grand Circuit you need
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24-Day Uganda Safari: The Circuit Overview
This package is meticulously crafted to cover Uganda’s absolute highlights, including hidden gems often missed on shorter tours.
Primate Encounters: Gorilla Trekking (Bwindi), Golden Monkey Tracking (Mgahinga), Chimpanzee Tracking (Kibale).
Northern Wilderness: Deep exploration of Kidepo Valley National Park (a key differentiator) and Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve.
The Big 5: Search for all five species (Rhinos at Ziwa, Lions at Queen Elizabeth, Elephant, Buffalo, Leopard).
Culture & Adventure: Visits to the Sipi Falls on Mt. Elgon, the Karamojong community, the Batwa pygmy trail, and white-water rafting options in Jinja.
Water Safaris: Launch cruises on the Kazinga Channel (highest concentration of hippos) and the Nile River (Murchison Falls boat cruise).
Comprehensive 3-Week Uganda Safari Itinerary (Detailed Daily Breakdown)
Our itinerary is logically structured to optimize travel time and maximize your wildlife encounters, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in the Best of Uganda Safari for three full weeks.
Week One: Eastern & Northern Wilderness (Days 1-8)
This section focuses on the non-traditional safari circuits, targeting the Kidepo Valley National Park and Sipi Falls
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe & Transfer to Jinja for the Nile
Activity: Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport (EBB), you will be met by your professional safari guide. After a short briefing, embark on the scenic drive to Jinja.
Highlights: Stop at the Sezibwa Falls and drive through the Mabira Forest. Enjoy a tranquil boat cruise to the official Source of the River Nile.
Accommodation/Drive Time: Dinner and overnight near Jinja. (Approx. 3-4 hours drive)
Day 2: White Water Rafting Experience & Transfer to Sipi Falls
Activity: Optional (but highly recommended) half-day white-water rafting on the mighty River Nile (Grade 3-5 rapids).
Highlights: In the afternoon, embark on a picturesque drive to the foothills of Mount Elgon National Park.
Accommodation: Overnight at Sipi Falls Lodge/Guesthouse. (Approx. 5-6 hours drive).
Day 3: Sipi Falls Hike, Coffee Tour & Transfer to Pian Upe
Activity: Start the day with a guided hike exploring the three main Sipi Falls waterfalls. Afterward, enjoy a detailed Arabica coffee plantation and cultural tour.
Highlights: After lunch, we transfer to the remote Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve.
Accommodation/Drive Time: Overnight at UWA Bandas/Kara-Tunga Camp. (Approx. 2-3 hours drive)
Day 4: Pian Upe Game Drive & Transfer to Kidepo Valley National Park
Activity: Enjoy an early morning game drive in Pian Upe, searching for Roan Antelopes, Elands, and Cheetahs.
Highlights: Transfer through the Karamoja region to the stunning Kidepo Valley National Park, often cited as Africa’s most beautiful park.
Accommodation/Drive Time: Overnight at Kidepo Savannah Lodge/Apoka Safari Lodge. (Approx. 4-5 hours drive).
Day 5: Full Day Game Drive in Kidepo Valley
Activity: Spend the full day exploring the Narus Valley and Kidepo Valley.
Highlights: Kidepo is famed for species found nowhere else in Uganda, including the Cheetah, Bat-eared Fox, and Greater Kudu. This 24-day Uganda safari gives you ample time to truly seek out these rarities.
Day 6: Karamojong Cultural Experience & Kidepo Game Drive
Activity: Morning visit to the local Karamojong cultural village (Manyattas) to learn about their pastoral lifestyle, similar to the Maasai.
Highlights: Afternoon game drive or relaxation at the lodge
Day 7: Drive to Murchison Falls National Park (Via Top of Falls
Activity: A scenic full-day drive as we transition from the northern arid zone to the savannah of Murchison Falls.
Highlights: Visit the Top of the Falls viewpoint, witnessing the Nile River squeeze through a 7-meter gorge before plunging 45 meters down.
Accommodation/Drive Time: Dinner and overnight near Murchison Falls NP. (Approx. 7-8 hours drive)
Day 8: Murchison Falls Game Drive & Afternoon Nile Boat Cruise
Activity: Morning game drive in the northern sector, searching for Lions, Leopards, Elephants, and the endemic Rothschild’s Giraffes.
Highlights: Afternoon boat cruise on the Nile River to the Bottom of the Falls, offering incredible views of Hippos, Crocodiles, and various bird species, including the elusive Shoebill Stork near the delta.
Week Two: Primates, Crater Lakes & Western Plains (Days 9-16)
The core of the classic Uganda circuit, this week focuses on high-value primate and wildlife.
Day 9: Rhino Tracking at Ziwa & Transfer to Kibale Forest NP
Activity: Morning Rhino tracking on foot at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
Highlights: This completes your search for the African Big 5 in Uganda! Transfer to Fort Portal, the “Tourism City,” enjoying views of the Albertine Rift Escarpment.
Accommodation/Drive Time: Overnight near Kibale Forest. (Approx. 4-5 hours drive).
Day 10: Chimpanzee Tracking & Bigodi Swamp Cultural Walk
Activity: Morning Chimpanzee Tracking in the dense Kibale Forest National Park, home to 13 primate species.
Highlights: Spend an hour with the habituated chimpanzee family. Afternoon guided nature and cultural walk through the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, famous for birdlife and other primates.
Day 11: Amabere Caves & Transfer to Queen Elizabeth NP
Activity: Morning cultural visit to the Amabere Ga Nyina Mwiru caves and the associated Nyakasura cultural sites.
Highlights: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP). Evening game drive upon arrival.
Accommodation/Drive Time: Overnight in the Northern sector of QENP. (Approx. 3 hours drive).
Day 12: Lion Tracking, Kazinga Channel Cruise & Crater Exploration
Activity: Early morning game drive in the Kasenyi plains, featuring a specialized Lion Tracking Experience (research vehicle).
Highlights: Afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, offering phenomenal views of Hippos, buffalo, and waterbirds. Conclude with a scenic drive through the Crater Lake region.
Day 13: Transfer to Ishasha Sector for Tree-Climbing Lions
Activity: Short game drive as we transfer south through QENP to the remote Ishasha Sector.
Highlights: Afternoon game drive in Ishasha, specifically searching for the famous Tree-Climbing Lions, a unique sighting only possible here and in Tanzania’s Lake Manyara.
Accommodation/Drive Time: Overnight in Ishasha. (Approx. 2 hours drive).
Day 14: Final Ishasha Game Drive & Transfer to Bwindi Forest
Activity: Morning game drive to maximize chances of finding the Tree-Climbing Lions.
Highlights: Transfer to the ultimate destination: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, home of the Mountain Gorillas.
Accommodation/Drive Time: Overnight in Bwindi (Buhoma/Ruhija sector). (Approx. 4 hours drive).
Day 15: Ultimate Gorilla Trekking Experience
Activity: The main event—Gorilla Trekking. After a briefing, hike into the forest to spend one unforgettable hour with a habituated mountain gorilla family.
Highlights: This is a once-in-a-lifetime encounter and the core reason many travelers book a long Uganda Safari.
Day 16: Second Gorilla Experience (Optional Habituation) or Relaxation
Activity: Optional second day of gorilla trekking or Gorilla Habituation Experience (must be booked far in advance). Alternatively, take a community walk and visit local projects (e.g., Buhoma Hospital).
Highlights: The chance for a second encounter offers a deeper appreciation for these magnificent creatures.
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Week Three: Gorilla Heartland & Departure (Days 17-24)
This final week focuses on closing the circuit and showcasing the southern attractions, utilizing Mgahinga and Lake Mburo.
Day 17: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi & Canoe Cruise
Activity: Scenic drive through the stunning Kigezi Highlands (the “Switzerland of Africa”) to Lake Bunyonyi.
Highlights: Afternoon canoe cruise on Lake Bunyonyi (meaning “place of many little birds”) to visit several of its 29 islands, including the infamous Punishment Island (Akampene).
Accommodation/Drive Time: Overnight at Lake Bunyonyi. (Approx. 2-3 hours drive)
Day 18: Transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park & Batwa Trail
Activity: Morning transfer to the Kisoro area near Mgahinga.
Highlights: Afternoon Batwa Cultural Trail. Walk with members of the Batwa Pygmy community as they share their forest culture and ancient traditions before they were displaced from the park.
Accommodation/Drive Time: Overnight near Mgahinga. (Approx. 2 hours drive).
Day 19: Golden Monkey Tracking in Mgahinga National Park
Activity: Morning Golden Monkey Tracking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, the only park in Uganda where silver meets gold (Mountain Gorillas and Golden Monkeys).
Highlights: The trek is often easier and offers fantastic close-up views of these beautiful, endangered primates.
Day 20: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park & Walking Safari
Activity: Long scenic drive across the Equator line (second visit) to Lake Mburo National Park.
Highlights: Afternoon Walking Safari in Lake Mburo, which allows you to walk freely among zebras, giraffes, and elands—a rare opportunity in most African parks.
Accommodation/Drive Time: Overnight at Lake Mburo NP. (Approx. 5-6 hours drive).
Day 21: Morning Game Drive, Boat Cruise & Leisure
Activity: Early morning game drive for the best chance to spot Elands, Impalas, Topis, and maybe even a Leopard.
Highlights: Mid-morning boat cruise on Lake Mburo, offering views of Crocodiles, Hippos, and water birds.
Day 22: Transfer to Entebbe via Mabamba Swamp
Activity: Final game drive as you exit the park and transfer back toward Entebbe.
Highlights: Final safari stop: a canoe trip in the Mabamba Swamp in search of the highly elusive Shoebill Stork, one of the most sought-after birds in Africa.
Accommodation/Drive Time: Overnight near Entebbe/Kampala. (Approx. 4-5 hours drive).
Day 23: Kampala/Entebbe City Tour & Souvenir Shopping
Activity: Spend the day exploring the historical and cultural highlights of the capital area.
Highlights: Options include the Kasubi Royal Tombs, the Baháʼí Temple, the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC), or local markets for souvenirs.
Day 24: Departure
Activity: Depending on your flight schedule, your guide will transfer you to Entebbe International Airport (EBB) for your onward journey, marking the End of your 24-day Uganda Safari Tour.
Included in this All-Inclusive 3 Week Uganda Safari tour:
All accommodation and meals (Full Board basis).
Private 4×4 safari vehicle and professional English-speaking guide.
All listed park entrance fees.
One Gorilla Trekking Permit (currently US$800).
One Chimpanzee Tracking Permit (Kibale).
Golden Monkey, Rhino, and Shoebill tracking fees.
All boat cruises and listed cultural visits (Karamojong, Batwa).
Excluded: International flights, tips, personal expenses, and Uganda visa fees.
What is the Best Time of Year for a 24 Day Uganda Safari?
The best time of year for a 24-day Uganda safari is during the dry seasons:
Peak Season (Dry): January to February and June to September. These months offer the best game viewing (thinner vegetation) and easiest trekking conditions.
Shoulder Season: March, May, October, and November. While rain is possible, the parks are less crowded, and prices are generally lower
What to Pack for a 3 Week Uganda Safari Adventure?
A comprehensive packing list is crucial for such a long journey. Key items for the Uganda safari adventure include
Clothing: Layered, neutral-colored clothing; warm layers for Bwindi and Mgahinga (it gets cold).
Trekking Gear: Waterproof hiking boots, gardening gloves (for grip during trekking), light rain jacket.
Essentials: Headlamp, high-SPF sunscreen, insect repellent, and a good pair of binoculars.
Permits: Printouts of all your permits (Gorilla, Chimp, Golden Monkey).
Why Choose Whispers Safaris Uganda for Your Grand Uganda Tour?
Your 24-Day Grand Uganda Tour requires flawless logistics and expert knowledge—precisely what we offer.
Local Experts, Global Standards: As a locally based operator, our guides have unparalleled knowledge of every park, from the remote tracks of Kidepo to the dense trails of Bwindi.
Flexible Cancellation Policy: Book with confidence knowing we offer flexible terms that allow for changes and cancellations, accommodating unforeseen circumstances.
The Full Experience: We are one of the few operators offering this Grand Circuit that includes the high-value destinations of Sipi Falls, Pian Upe, and Kidepo, ensuring you truly experience the Best of Uganda Safari.
READY TO BOOK YOUR GRAND UGANDA ADVENTURE? Contact Our Safari Experts Today for a custom quote or detailed itinerary adjustment.
