Uganda's Iconic Big Five

14 days

From

$5322 USD

pp

Safari summary

Discover the hidden gems of Eastern and Northern Uganda on this immersive 14-day adventure, combining breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural encounters, and unforgettable wildlife experiences.

From the vibrant city of Entebbe and the source of the Nile in Jinja to the dramatic slopes of Sipi Falls and the unique Karamoja region, this journey showcases a side of Uganda that few travelers experience.

Continue into the remote wilderness of Kidepo Valley National Park, widely regarded as one of Africa's most spectacular safari destinations, where exceptional game drives reveal abundant wildlife against a backdrop of rugged mountains and vast savannahs. The adventure then leads to the iconic Murchison Falls National Park, home to the mighty Nile River, diverse wildlife, and the dramatic Murchison Falls. Before departing, enjoy an overnight stay at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, offering the unique opportunity to track Uganda's wild rhinos on foot.

This carefully crafted itinerary offers the perfect blend of adventure, wildlife, culture, and scenic beauty, providing an authentic exploration of Uganda's less-travelled eastern and northern regions.


About this tour

Tour type Custom, tailor-made, private
Main focus Game drives
Activity level Easy activity
Best months January, February, June, July, August, September, December
Countries
Parks

Fine details

Safari highlights
  • Boat, canoe, dhow, kayak, mokoro safari
  • Cultural visits—orphanages, markets, schools
  • Bushman | tribal visits
What’s included?
  • Accommodation
  • Airport transfers
  • All drinks
  • Meals
  • Park fees
  • Private vehicle and driver
What’s not included?
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Internal flights
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Premium alcoholic beverages
  • Spa treatments
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Visas

Itinerary

ARRIVAL AT ENTEBBE AIRPORT

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional driver-guide and transferred to your hotel overlooking the tranquil shores of Lake Victoria. Depending on your arrival time, take a stroll through the beautiful gardens, enjoy a spectacular sunset over Africa's largest lake, or simply relax and unwind after your international flight.

The Boma

EXPLORE ENTEBBE

After breakfast, transfer with your guide to the starting point for your cycling adventure, beginning with a briefing and local guide. Pedal along Lake Victoria’s shores, visiting the zoo, botanical gardens, fishing area and local market. Enjoy a Rolex or beer tasting, followed by lunch and an optional sunset boat ride to the Equator.

The Boma

TRANSFER TO JINJA

After breakfast, leave Entebbe and journey east towards Jinja, where the mighty River Nile begins its legendary journey. Enjoy scenic views of Uganda’s countryside, passing bustling markets, lush sugarcane plantations and rural villages. Arrive at your lodge for lunch and relaxation before exploring Jinja’s historic streets, local markets and colonial charm. Afterward, return to your lodge for dinner and a relaxing evening.

Haven Eco Lodge

OPTIONAL ADVENTURES IN JINJA

Wake up to the peaceful sounds of the Nile and enjoy breakfast before discovering Jinja, East Africa’s adventure capital. Choose from optional activities: Source of the Nile Cruise ($40 pp, minimum 4), Itanda Falls Hike ($20 pp), Quad Biking ($55–$125 pp), White Water Tubing ($45 pp), or Horseback Riding ($65–$95 pp). Return to your lodge to relax.

Haven Eco Lodge

TRANSFER TO SIPI

After breakfast, journey to the breathtaking foothills of Mount Elgon, enjoying rolling hills, waterfalls and panoramic views. After lunch, enjoy an authentic coffee experience on a local farm, learning from bean to cup and roasting your own coffee. Optional activities: Sipi Falls hike (2–3 hrs | $15 pp), abseiling (1 hr | $50 pp), and sunset walk (1 hr | $15 pp), before dinner and a peaceful evening at the lodge.

Sipi Heritage Lodge

TRANSFER TO MOROTO

Have breakfast before driving north into Karamoja, where dramatic landscapes unfold from fertile highlands to open plains, rugged mountains and traditional pastoral communities. Arrive at your lodge for lunch before exploring Karamoja’s culture through colourful beadwork, weaving and pottery at the Cultural Workshops, or visit a traditional herbal healer for USD 30 per person. Return to your lodge for dinner and a relaxing evening beneath Karamoja's endless skies.

Kara Tunga Safari Camp

PIAN UPE WILDLIFE RESERVE

Following breakfast, venture into the vast wilderness of Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, exploring its open plains in search of giraffes, zebras, buffalos, Grant’s gazelles, and diverse birdlife. Return for lunch before a leisurely afternoon or optional guided cycling tour through nearby villages. Return to the lodge for dinner.

Kara Tunga Safari Camp

TRANSFER TO KIDEPO VALLEY N.P

Kidepo Valley

Today, journey into one of Africa’s last great wilderness areas. After breakfast, set off towards spectacular Kidepo Valley National Park, travelling through remote villages, sweeping savannahs and dramatic mountain landscapes. Arrive at your lodge for lunch, then spend the afternoon at leisure, soaking up the breathtaking surroundings before dinner.

Kidepo Savannah Lodge

IK EXPERIENCE AND GAME DRIVE

Kidepo Valley

This morning, journey to the foothills of Mount Morungole for an unforgettable visit with the Ik people, one of Africa’s smallest and most isolated indigenous communities. Enjoy a warm traditional welcome through music and dance, learn about their customs and way of life, then return to Kidepo for an evening game drive.

Kidepo Savannah Lodge

FULL DAY SAFARI

Kidepo Valley

Rise early, enjoy breakfast and set out for a full day exploring Kidepo’s breathtaking wilderness. Traverse sweeping savannahs and seasonal riverbeds in search of elephants, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, leopards and antelope. Pause for lunch before continuing your afternoon safari, then return to the lodge in the evening to relax.

Kidepo Savannah Lodge

TRANSFER TO MURCHISON FALLS N.P

Murchison Falls

Enjoy an early breakfast before departing for Murchison Falls National Park. The scenic drive of approximately 7– 8 hours which takes you through Uganda's beautiful countryside, passing bustling trading centres where local vendors display fresh produce. Stop en route for lunch and proceed with your journey to the park. Upon arrival at the lodge, check in and unwind before dinner.

Murchison River Lodge

SAFARI AND BOAT CRUISE

Murchison Falls

Enjoy an early or packed breakfast before your morning game drive, when lions and other wildlife are most active. Stop at the delta for a bush breakfast overlooking hippos, birds, and antelopes. Continue the game drive, then return for lunch before an afternoon Nile boat cruise to Murchison Falls, with sunset wildlife viewing.

Murchison River Lodge

TOP OF THE FALLS VISIT

Murchison Falls

After breakfast, bid farewell to Murchison Falls with a final visit to the spectacular Top of the Falls before continuing to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Arrive in time for lunch, then set out on foot with your ranger to track southern white rhinos and learn about their behaviour and Uganda’s conservation efforts.

Ziwa Rhino Hotel

TRANSFER TO ENTEBBE AIRPORT

Enjoy breakfast before beginning your journey back to Entebbe through Uganda’s vibrant countryside. Along the way, admire local villages, trading centres and roadside fruit markets, with an optional stop to sample fresh seasonal fruits. Enjoy lunch before continuing to Entebbe International Airport. A day room can be arranged at an additional cost.

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YAScore: 53/100
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