21 days Uganda safari with kidepo National Park
A 21-day safari in Uganda with a visit to Kidepo Valley National Park promises an extensive exploration of the country’s diverse landscapes, rich wildlife, and vibrant cultures.
Here is a brief write about the national parks and destinations in the 21 days Uganda safari.
Murchison Falls National Park:
- Wildlife Safari: Murchison Falls is home to a variety of iconic African wildlife, including elephants, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, and numerous antelope species. The Nile River, running through the park, provides a habitat for hippos and crocodiles.
- Murchison Falls: The park named after the majestic Murchison Falls, where the Nile River forces its way through a narrow gorge, creating a powerful and breathtaking waterfall.
Kibale National Park:
- Chimpanzee Trekking: Kibale is famous for its high concentration of primates, especially chimpanzees. The park is a prime location for chimpanzee trekking, providing an opportunity to observe these intelligent beings in their natural habitat.
- Birdwatching: Kibale is a haven for bird enthusiasts, with over 375 bird species recorded, including the rare Green-breasted Pitta and African Pitta.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park:
- Gorilla Trekking: Bwindi renowned for its mountain gorillas, and gorilla trekking in this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Visitors have the chance to witness these gentle giants in their dense and lush habitat.
- Rich Biodiversity: Apart from gorillas, Bwindi harbors a rich biodiversity, with a variety of primate species, over 350 bird species, and a diverse array of plant life. The park is aptly named for its thick and impenetrable vegetation.
Murchison Falls National Park:
Set the stage for your adventure in Murchison Falls National Park, a gem nestled in the northwestern part of Uganda. Here, the mighty Nile River forces its way through a narrow gorge, creating the iconic Murchison Falls. The park teems with diverse wildlife, featuring vast savannahs, dense forests, and the powerful Nile, making it a haven for a variety of species.
- Game Drives: Embark on exhilarating game drives across the park’s expansive landscapes. Encounter elephants, giraffes, lions, buffaloes, and an array of antelope species. The park’s diverse ecosystems offer a canvas of wildlife, promising captivating moments at every turn.
- Boat Safari: Cruise along the Nile River and witness the grandeur of Murchison Falls from the water. The boat safari reveals the park’s rich birdlife, including colorful kingfishers, majestic fish eagles, and the elusive shoebill stork.
- Nile Delta Exploration: Venture to the Nile Delta, where the river fans out into a lush haven. This area is a hotspot for birdwatching, offering an opportunity to spot numerous species in their natural habitat.
- Murchison Falls Summit: Hike to the summit of Murchison Falls for panoramic views of the Nile as it surges through the narrow gorge. Feel the mist from the falls and marvel at the sheer force of nature.
Lake Bunyonyi:
- Lake Bunyonyi is a breathtaking freshwater lake located in southwestern Uganda, near the border with Rwanda. It is renowned for its scenic beauty, tranquil atmosphere, and numerous small islands scattered across its waters. Here are some key features:
- Scenic Beauty: Lake Bunyonyi is surrounded by lush green hills, creating a picturesque landscape. The lake’s calm waters and the surrounding terraced hills make it a visually stunning destination.
- Islands: The lake is dotted with approximately 29 islands, each with its own unique charm. Some islands are inhabited, while others are used for farming or are entirely uninhabited.
- Birdlife: Lake Bunyonyi is home to a variety of bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. The serene environment allows for a peaceful birdwatching experience.
- Cultural Experiences: The lakeshore is inhabited by communities with a rich cultural heritage. Visitors can engage in cultural experiences, including village walks, interactions with local communities, and traditional performances.
- Boat Trips: Exploring the lake by boat is a popular activity. Boat trips provide a chance to visit some of the islands, enjoy the scenery, and appreciate the tranquility of the surroundings.
- Leisure and Relaxation: Lake Bunyonyi is an ideal destination for those seeking relaxation. The peaceful atmosphere, combined with the stunning natural surroundings, offers a perfect setting for unwinding.
Kidepo National Park:
- Located in the northeastern part of Uganda, Kidepo Valley National Park is renowned for its vast savannah landscapes and diverse wildlife. It is often considered one of Africa’s most picturesque national parks.
- The park is home to a wide variety of animals, including elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, and numerous bird species. Kidepo is also known for its unique cultural encounters, as the park is situated in an area where different ethnic groups such as the Karamojong and Ik people reside.
Sipi Falls:
Sipi Falls is a stunning series of waterfalls located on the foothills of Mount Elgon in eastern Uganda. The falls consist of three main tiers, each with its breathtaking view.
- The lush greenery surrounding Sipi Falls provides a picturesque backdrop, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Visitors can engage in activities such as hiking, abseiling, and bird watching while enjoying the scenic beauty of the falls and the surrounding landscape.
Nile Source:
- The source of the Nile River is one of Uganda’s most iconic and historically significant landmarks. Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa, considered the source of the White Nile, one of the two main tributaries of the Nile River.
- The town of Jinja, located on the shores of Lake Victoria, is a popular starting point for Nile River excursions. Visitors can take boat trips to explore the source of the Nile, witness the Bujagali Falls, and participate in various water activities such as white-water rafting.
Here’s a suggested itinerary for your 3-week Uganda safari:
Day 1-2: Arrival in Entebbe/Kampala
Arrive in Entebbe or Kampala, Uganda’s capital.
Rest and recover from your journey.
Optionally, explore local attractions such as the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre or the vibrant markets in Kampala.
Day 3-4: Murchison Falls National Park
Drive to Murchison Falls National Park.
Take a boat safari on the Nile River to witness the powerful Murchison Falls.
Enjoy game drives to spot lions, elephants, giraffes, and other wildlife.
Day 5-6: Kibale Forest National Park
Head to Kibale Forest National Park.
Embark on a chimpanzee tracking experience in the lush forest.
Explore the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for birdwatching and nature walks.
Day 7-8: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Enjoy a game drive to see elephants, lions, and hippos.
Take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel for a unique wildlife viewing experience.
Day 9-10: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Journey to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Undertake a gorilla trekking adventure, encountering these magnificent creatures.
Explore the local community and learn about their culture.
Day 11-12: Lake Bunyonyi
Relax by the tranquil shores of Lake Bunyonyi.
Enjoy activities like canoeing, birdwatching, and cultural interactions.
Take in the stunning scenery of the lake and surrounding hills.
Day 13-15: Kidepo Valley National Park
Fly or drive to Kidepo Valley National Park.
Embark on game drives to witness the park’s unique wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, and giraffes.
Explore the Karamojong community for cultural experiences.
Day 16-17: Sipi Falls
Journey to Sipi Falls in the foothills of Mount Elgon.
Hike to the stunning Sipi Falls and enjoy the scenic beauty.
Engage in community visits and coffee experiences.
Day 18-20: Jinja and Source of the Nile
Travel to Jinja, the adventure capital of Uganda.
Participate in water activities such as white-water rafting or boat trips on the Nile.
Explore the Source of the Nile and the surrounding attractions.
Day 21: Departure
Depending on your departure time, enjoy some last-minute activities or shopping.
Depart from Entebbe International Airport, concluding your 21-day Uganda safari.
This itinerary offers a comprehensive exploration of Uganda’s natural wonders, wildlife, and cultural diversity. Adjustments made based on your preferences and the time available for each activity.