11 DAYS UGANDA: DISCOVERING THE CULTURE
*price p.p. incl. guide, safari jeep, hotel and park entrance fees, excl. international flight (based on six persons)
With its many indigenous tribes, royal history, beautiful traditions and delicious food, Uganda is more than “just” nature. This 11-day journey turns you into a true Livingstone, as you not only visit Uganda’s national parks but also get to discover its beautiful people and culture.
Your first introduction to the country starts in the capital Kampala with a captivating city tour and a mouthwatering cooking class. After food comes coffee, which in this case will be your freshest ever on the coffee plantations near Sipi Falls.
Completely satisfied, you’ll meet up with the fascinating Karamajong tribe and, once energized, you’ll drive to the remote Kidepo Valley National Park for a unique walking safari. More walking, but then up to the top of the waterfalls, you’ll experience at Murchison Falls National Park and over a swamp in the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary. In between, you’ll embrace the African zero-footprint way of life, by going back to basic in a village near Kibale National Park. A true journey of discovery!
Uganda is a safe country to visit (yay!). Especially if you want to join organised game drives with private guides, as you will do with us. There are, of course, some places to avoid in big cities like Kampala or Entebbe. But – as with everywhere else in the world – you’ll be fine by taking some precautions. Just some examples to be on the safe side (pun intended): don’t explore the city at night without a driver or guide, keep your valuables close to you, avoid wearing big and visible jewellery and leave some things like passports in the hotel safe.
This is an exclusive, private safari that allows you to travel at your own pace. This trip is made just for you, exactly as you want it! Our experienced travel consultants will make sure that your wishes come true. There are numerous advantages to such a trip. First, you can cruise around in a private safari vehicle and have a personal guide. It’s completely up to you what time you leave in the morning and when you come back (taking into account your guide’s advice, of course). Secondly, once you’re in a national park, you can observe specific animals or herds for as long as you like. No one will push you to move along. And lastly, knowing your wishes, your personal guide will give you the right tips, turning your trip into an unforgettable experience.
At Africa Safari Trips, we’re all about co-creating your perfect journey. When you plan your African adventures with us, you’re not just booking a trip; you’re embarking on a personalised experience. We start by understanding your wishes and preferences, and we won’t stop until every aspect of your journey aligns perfectly with your vision. Our team works closely with you to ensure that your entire trip is tailor-made to your satisfaction. And for added convenience, we offer a selection of our most popular African tours and safaris as a starting point for your consideration.
Yes, yes, yes! And not only the Big Five pose for your pictures, but also hyenas, hippos, zebras or the unique Ugandan kob, and more than 1,000 bird species of all kinds and colours. And if you love primates, Uganda clearly is your place to be: the diverse jungles are home to as many as 24 species of monkeys, from the nocturnal galagos to the beautifully colored blue monkeys and the breathtaking mountain gorillas.
* Indicative costs per person, excluding international airline tickets
24/7 service 11 days All accommodations Drinking water in our safari jeeps Full board Game drives Luxurious private 4×4 Safari Jeep Mentioned internal flights Park Fees Pickup and transfer airport Private guide speaking fluently English Reservation costs Fully accredited under SGR Excluded Visas Travel insurance International flights (can be booked for you on request) Make your dream trip come true with Africa Safari Trips At Africa Safari Trips, you can customize your trip. Our sample itineraries are adjustable to your preferences. Our specialists work together with you to create your dream journey!
Day 1 Arrival at Entebbe International Airport Arrival at Entebbe International Airport Silver Karibu Guesthouse Entebbe Gold The Boma Hotel Entebbe Platinum Protea Hotel Kampala You arrive at Entebbe International Airport, your gateway to the diverse beauty of Uganda! This is the country of adventurous mountain gorilla and chimp trekking, stunning wildlife safaris, amazing road trips and wilderness adventures by boat, bike, horse or foot. Experience the warm hospitality of the Ugandan people and be amazed by the cultural encounters with the different indigenous tribes. With us, you’ll experience it all! Our driver awaits you in the airport, carrying a sign with your name on it. Welcome to Uganda!
Karibu Guesthouse Entebbe Gold The Boma Hotel Entebbe Platinum Protea Hotel Kampala Silver Karibu Guesthouse Entebbe Gold The Boma Hotel Entebbe Platinum Protea Hotel Kampala Day 2 Discover Kampala and cook like the locals Kampala City Tour Silver Latitude 0 Degrees Gold The Boma Hotel Entebbe Platinum Protea Hotel Kampala Since the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach, you get to cook delicious Ugandan food this morning. Then, with a full stomach and heart, you wander the city with a local guide to discover the well-known and lesser-known gems of Uganda’s capital, Kampala.
Uganda’s capital welcomes you with the perfect blend of tradition, culture and modernity. During a Kampala city tour, you’ll see what we mean. Your guide takes you to iconic landmarks like the World War Monument and Independence Monument, shows you a different side of the city in the Katanga slums, and lets you discover the beauty of the vibrant Owino Market. Here you can buy local arts and crafts, the perfect souvenirs for your loved ones. Interact with friendly people, experience the warmth of Ugandan hospitality and most importantly, taste delicious Ugandan street food at the Nakasera Market. Learn to cook delicious Ugandan food Discover the culinary side of Uganda during this fun cooking class in Kampala. Local chefs will share all their kitchen secrets (okay, almost all of them) so that you can surprise your loved ones with the yummiest souvenirs! In this hands-on experience you’ll learn about local ingredients, cooking techniques and cultural traditions. Discover the secrets of creating mouthwatering dishes like matoke (steamed green bananas), luwombo (stew cooked in banana leaves), and rolex (Ugandan street food) and enjoy them yourself afterwards. Accommodations: Silver Latitude 0 Degrees Gold The Boma Hotel Entebbe Platinum Protea Hotel Kampala Silver Latitude 0 Degrees Gold The Boma Hotel Entebbe Platinum Protea Hotel Kampala Day 3 Drive to Sipi Falls and coffee plantations tour Drive from Entebbe / Kampala to Sipi Falls Silver Sipi Heritage Lodge Gold Sipi Heritage Lodge Platinum Sipi Heritage Lodge On your way to Sipi Falls you can enjoy a nature documentary IRL… by simply looking out the window. Once arrived, it’s time for a yummy cup of coffee and to find out, how this hot beverage from heaven is actually made.
You say goodbye to the peninsula and embark on a six-hour drive to the Sipi Falls today. The landscape slowly changes from the city and the sandy beaches of Lake Victoria to a variety of rugged and abundant green vegetation as you approach Mount Elgon National Park. Once you arrive, you see the park’s main attraction, the Sipi Falls; three waterfalls on the north-western slopes of the extinct volcano Mount Elgon. Each waterfall flows from a different altitude and together they make a very impressive sight!
The famous Sipi Falls are not just a great hiking spot, but also a paradise for coffee-lovers. Here, many farmers grow high-quality and internationally sold Arabica coffee on small pieces of land. On this tour you can experience the entire process from picking the coffee berry to drying, grinding the beans with a big wooden mortar to cooking and finally tasting the coffee yourself. Enjoy the rich aroma and taste of freshly brewed coffee whilst engaging with the hospitable community, marvelling at the stunning surroundings and supporting the local farmers. A delicious win-win-situation.
Sipi Heritage Lodge Gold Sipi Heritage Lodge Platinum Sipi Heritage Lodge Silver Sipi Heritage Lodge Gold Sipi Heritage Lodge Platinum Sipi Heritage Lodge Day 4 Meet wildlife and the Karamojong on the way to Moroto Drive from Sipi Falls to Moroto, via the Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve Silver Kara-Tunga Safari Camp Gold Kara-Tunga Safari Camp Platinum Kara-Tunga Safari Camp Marvel at nature’s beauties on the drive to the North of Uganda and visit the animals of Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve. Once arrived in Moroto, you get to learn more about the traditions and customs of the fascinating Karamojong tribe.
After seeing the beautiful dense and lavish green Sipi Falls in Mount Elgon National Park, you drive towards the more rocky Moroto district. It’s a 6-hour journey, long enough for a break and a stretch of the legs along the way. The Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve is the perfect place for that, as it happens to have the most picturesque viewpoints. So why not stop here and enjoy your picnic lunch with an occasional elephant or giraffe passing by? It makes a long journey all the more adventurous and memorable! Meet the Karamojong tribe Visit a village of the Karamojong tribe in the northeast of Uganda, and get to meet the people, see their houses, go cattle herding and experience what a day in the life of the Karamojong looks like! The Karamojong are semi-nomadic pastoralist people who are known for their unique culture, their traditional way of life and their resilience of surviving in harsh environments. This is a fascinating experience, and if you are lucky, you might even see some traditional dances or ceremonies during your visit! Accommodations: Silver Kara-Tunga Safari Camp Gold Kara-Tunga Safari Camp Platinum Kara-Tunga Safari Camp Silver Kara-Tunga Safari Camp Gold Kara-Tunga Safari Camp Platinum Kara-Tunga Safari Camp Day 5 Leave Moroto for Kidepo Valley National Park Drive from Moroto to Kidepo Valley National Park Silver Kidepo Savannah Lodge Gold Kidepo Savannah Lodge Platinum Apoka Safari Lodge See the landscape changing on your way to the northeast corner of the country and experience how it feels to be away from the crowds in a truly stunning setting. Only to arrive in Kidepo Valley National Park, Uganda’s least visited gem (but only because it’s far!).
The 5-hour drive from the rocky Moroto district to Kidepo Valley National Park takes you ‘off the beaten track’, as the far-off Kidepo is less visited by tourists. This means the park offers more unspoiled nature and more animals, and thus a more special wildlife experience. During the drive, the beautiful Karamoja region captivates you with plenteous scenic views and spotting of buffalos, lions, zebras and antelopes.
Looking for an untouched version of Uganda where you can escape the crowds? Kidepo Valley National Park is the place! This remote haven of pristine wilderness covers over 1,442 square kilometres with savannah plains, escarpments, mountain peaks and rocky outcrops. It is home to elephants, buffalos, giraffes, zebras, predators like lions, leopards, cheetahs and not less than 475 bird species. This is also the place where you can meet the indigenous tribe of the Karamojong and discover the Kanangorok Hot Springs. Accommodations: Silver Kidepo Savannah Lodge Gold Kidepo Savannah Lodge Platinum Apoka Safari Lodge Silver Kidepo Savannah Lodge Gold Kidepo Savannah Lodge Platinum Apoka Safari Lodge Day 6 Two safaris in Kidepo Valley National Park Walking Safari in Kidepo Valley National Park Silver Kidepo Savannah Lodge Gold Kidepo Savannah Lodge Platinum Apoka Safari Lodge Discovering Kidepo Valley National Park on foot and by car gives you the chance to see as much as possible of this special park – flora, fauna and secrets only your guide would know.
During a walking safari in Kidepo Valley National Park, you can discover this natural gem from a completely different point of view. As the morning sun rises, you start your adventure with your experienced guide. Dive into a breathtaking landscape, learn more about the various plants and natural phenomena you meet on the way, and get eye-to-eye with African wildlife (or eye-to-knee in the case of giraffes). On foot, you see details and hear sounds much clearer than in a jeep. It’s probably the most natural way to go on a safari! Kidepo Valley National Park Looking for an untouched version of Uganda where you can escape the crowds? Kidepo Valley National Park is the place! This remote haven of pristine wilderness covers over 1,442 square kilometres with savannah plains, escarpments, mountain peaks and rocky outcrops. It is home to elephants, buffalos, giraffes, zebras, predators like lions, leopards, cheetahs and not less than 475 bird species. This is also the place where you can meet the indigenous tribe of the Karamojong and discover the Kanangorok Hot Springs. Jeep safari in Kidepo Valley National Park During a jeep safari, our guide takes you in your private jeep on an unlimited game drive in the park. Make sure to share your expectations for this day with him, and let yourself be surprised by the suggestions he might have. Once on the road, ask any question that comes to mind and most of all: enjoy the amazing ride and sights! Accommodations: Silver Kidepo Savannah Lodge Gold Kidepo Savannah Lodge Platinum Apoka Safari Lodge Silver Kidepo Savannah Lodge Gold Kidepo Savannah Lodge Platinum Apoka Safari Lodge Day 7 Goodbye Kidepo, hello Murchison Falls National Park Silver Bamboo Village Safari Lodge Gold Paraa Safari Lodge Platinum Paraa Safari Lodge Back on the road, you have plenty of time to reminisce about the extraordinary experiences of the last days and to get ready for new ones – in Uganda’s oldest and biggest national park. On your first day here, you already get a glimpse of what awaits you the next day.
After the raw and rugged Kidepo Valley National Park, you are off to Murchison Falls National Park, the roaring jewel of northwest Uganda with the River Nile and the famous Murchison Falls as its highlights! What’s more, this park is home to an abundance of wildlife – think of animals such as zebras, giraffes, elephants, and the rare shoebill stork. A safari in Murchison Falls will surely leave lasting impressions and is absolutely worth the 8-hour drive! Murchison Falls National Park Murchison Falls National Park is the largest and oldest national park in the country, spanning an impressive 3,840 square kilometres. The park is mostly known for its vast open savannahs, where you can go on classic game drives and spot lions, elephants, giraffes, and many other animals between the long grasses. The mighty Nile River cuts through the whole park, creating dramatic whitewater rapids, a breathtaking gorge AND areas for easy-going boat safaris to see hippos, crocodiles and birds. Last but not least, the famous Murchison Falls plunge an impressive 43 meters and are a major highlight of the park (and can be seen from the boat!). Please note that all excursions mentioned must be booked separately. Accommodations: Silver Bamboo Village Safari Lodge Gold Paraa Safari Lodge Platinum Paraa Safari Lodge Silver Bamboo Village Safari Lodge Gold Paraa Safari Lodge Platinum Paraa Safari Lodge Day 8 Two safaris and a hike in Murchison Falls Jeep safari in Murchison Falls National Park Silver Bamboo Village Safari Lodge Gold Paraa Safari Lodge Platinum Paraa Safari Lodge In a jeep, with a boat and on foot – this is how you discover the best Murchison Falls National Park has to offer. Get ready to be wowed by African animals, Ugandan landscapes and captivating waterfalls.
During a jeep safari, our guide takes you in your private jeep on an unlimited game drive in the park. Make sure to share your expectations for this day with him, and let yourself be surprised by the suggestions he might have. Once on the road, ask any question that comes to mind and most of all: enjoy the amazing ride and sights! Boat Safari to the Murchison Falls Board a double-decker boat for an old-style River Nile cruise in Murchison Falls National Park! Sail up the river for two hours (and one hour back) while spotting hippos and crocodiles in the water, and several other animals on the shores. The boat eventually leads you to the bottom of the impressive 43-meter-high Murchison Falls, where you can feel the fresh water droplets on your face while seeing the water cascading down. The falls are so powerful that it’s impossible to get very close, but trust us – you’ll be impressed nevertheless!
Follow in the footsteps of famous people like Winston Churchill and climb to the top of Murchison Falls! This 45-minute hike is relatively easy as the path is paved with steps and footbridges. With some luck, you might spot baboons while enjoying the feel of the cool mist of the waterfalls on your skin during the walk. Once at the top, you marvel at the mighty, churning masses of Nile water squeeze through a narrow gorge before plunging into the depths and taking in the view over the Nile and the vast savannah landscape below you.
Bamboo Village Safari Lodge Gold Paraa Safari Lodge Platinum Paraa Safari Lodge Silver Bamboo Village Safari Lodge Gold Paraa Safari Lodge Platinum Paraa Safari Lodge Day 9 En route to Kibale National Park to meet local communities Drive from Murchison Falls National Park to Kibale National Park Silver Kibale Forest Camp Gold Kibale Tourist Safari Lodge Platinum Primate Lodge Kibale The drive from Murchison Falls to Kibale is studded with small highlights like views on tea fields, crater lakes, traditional villages and snow-capped mountains. Together with getting to know the communities close to the park, this day becomes one big highlight!
Today you drive from Murchison Falls to Kibale National Park. This 6-hour drive leads you past welcoming villages, rainforests, charming tea plantations and mesmerizing crater lakes towards Fort Portal – a friendly and hospitable gateway city to Uganda’s adventures. If the weather is clear, you can see the Rwenzori Mountains with their snow-capped peaks. And then, get ready for Kibale Forest, the primate capital of the world with no less than 13 different species of monkeys! Meet the local communities near Kibale National Park Would you like to interact with locals when on holiday? During this excursion, you’ll get the chance to do just that. Meet the local communities near Kibale National Park and learn more about their everyday life, traditions and customs. Learn to weave a basket, find out more about traditional medicine or see (and join!) traditional dances. A nice plus: You support local sustainable tourism, as any purchase of handmade bags, jewellery and handcrafted products provides income and is used to support the disadvantaged people in the community. Accommodations: Silver Kibale Forest Camp Gold Kibale Tourist Safari Lodge Platinum Primate Lodge Kibale Silver Kibale Forest Camp Gold Kibale Tourist Safari Lodge Platinum Primate Lodge Kibale Day 10 Swamp walk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary at Kibale National Park Swamp walk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary at Kibale National Park Silver Kibale Forest Camp Gold Kibale Tourist Safari Lodge Platinum Primate Lodge Kibale The swamp walk through the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary at Kibale National Park is a must-do if you love birds, monkeys, rare animals, plants and flowers. This magical place, also called “home of the great blue turaco”, is the home of over 200 bird species. During your walk, you can spot eight primate species in the trees above you, as well as other Ugandan animals such as sitatungas, bushbucks and otters (yes, otters!). Lose yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of this pristine wetland; this is a true gem which only waits to be discovered… by you!
Uganda’s Kibale National Park has the highest concentration of chimpanzees on the African continent, with approximately 1,500 chimps in several groups, offering you a high chance of seeing them in the wild. Expert guides lead you through the lush rainforest, where you can observe chimps leaping through trees, playing, eating, and grooming each other. Please note that the minimum age for this 2 to 4 hour trek is 12 years, requires proper hiking shoes, and groups are limited to 6 people. Also, since this is a very popular activity which needs both a permit and a guide, it has to be booked separately and well in advance.
Kibale Forest Camp Gold Kibale Tourist Safari Lodge Platinum Primate Lodge Kibale Silver Kibale Forest Camp Gold Kibale Tourist Safari Lodge Platinum Primate Lodge Kibale Day 11 Return to Entebbe for your flight home Drive back to Entebbe/ Kampala After some exhilarating days, the end of your adventure is near. Enjoy the ride back to where it all started, take in the stunning views once more, and take off with new memories that last forever. Or simply stay a little longer.
As you drive back to Entebbe, you again pass through the villages with their lively marketplaces and the outstretched countryside with tea and coffee plantations, smooth green hills and the occasional wildlife waving you goodbye. After several days of sheer adventure, even the ride back to Entebbe is an experience to enjoy!
This is your last day! Unfortunately, it’s time to catch your flight home from Entebbe International Airport. Sad to leave…? Not to worry! We can easily add a few days of safari to your holiday, or extend it with a few days on the shores of Lake Victoria for some whitewater rafting or other exhilarating activities! Make your dream trip come true with Africa Safari Trips At Africa Safari Trips, you can customize your trip. Our sample itineraries are adjustable to your preferences. Our specialists work together with you to create your dream journey!
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