Grassrootz -20 days Uganda Wildlife Adventure

Day notes

Upon arrival at Entebbe Airport, you’ll be greeted by your driver, ready to whisk you away on the first leg of your Ugandan adventure. A short 10-minute drive brings you to the guesthouse, where you can stretch your legs, take in the evening air, and start soaking up the feeling that something unforgettable is about to begin.

Day notes

After breakfast, it’s time to kick off your adventure! Your first stop is Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, home to the majestic white rhinos. Here, a ranger will give you a quick briefing before you set off on foot to track these incredible animals, an experience that will get your heart racing in the best way.

Once the rhinos have been admired, the journey continues to Gulu, where you’ll check in at your hotel. Gulu is a fast-growing town in Northern Uganda, full of energy and charm. In the evening, you can explore its restaurants and bars, sample local flavors, and enjoy a taste of true Ugandan hospitality.

Day notes

The journey to Kidepo takes about 4 to 5 hours, but don’t worry — the scenery is anything but boring. As you drive, the landscape keeps shifting and surprising, and when the rolling hills and mountains of Karamoja finally come into view, it feels like you’ve stepped into an entirely different world.

Once you arrive at the lodge, it’s time to stretch your legs and dive straight into adventure with your first game drive in the park — a perfect way to get a first taste of Kidepo’s wild and untamed beauty.

Day notes

At 7 a.m., the walking safari begins. With a guide by your side, you’ll wander about 5 kilometres through the hills surrounding Kidepo, taking in the wide-open landscapes, spotting birds, and feeling the pulse of the wild beneath your feet.

In the late afternoon, the adventure continues with a game drive, exploring other corners of the park in search of its famous residents. Kidepo Valley is known not just for its stunning scenery, but also for the large herds of buffalo and the surprisingly high number of predators, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs.

If you still have energy at the end of the day, you can visit one of the local villages nearby, getting a glimpse of life in this remote and fascinating part of Uganda.

Day notes

Today is all about wildlife and birding. From dawn to dusk, you’ll be out on game drives, spotting everything from grazing buffalo to elusive predators, while keeping an eye — and ear — out for the incredible variety of birds that call Kidepo home.

In the afternoon, the pace slows a little as you visit one of the surrounding villages, where you can meet the locals, hear their stories, and catch a glimpse of daily life in this remote corner of Uganda.

Day notes

Before leaving Kidepo, there’s time for a short game drive, a last chance to spot any wildlife you might have missed and say goodbye to the rugged beauty of the valley.

Afterward, the journey continues toward Murchison Falls National Park, where new landscapes and adventures await.

Day notes

At 6 a.m., the alarm sounds — time to rise and shine, safari style. By 7 a.m., you’re off on a morning game drive, scanning the park for wildlife as the sun slowly climbs over the horizon. After a few hours of spotting animals and soaking in the scenery, you return to the lodge for a well-earned lunch.

At 2 p.m., the adventure takes to the water with a boat trip along the Nile, heading toward the base of the mighty Murchison Falls. Over the next three hours, you’ll pass hippos lounging in the river, buffalo grazing along the banks, crocodiles lurking just below the surface, and, if luck is on your side, even a few elephants stopping by for a drink.

For the more adventurous, there’s the option to be dropped at the bottom of the falls and hike up alongside the roaring waterfall. It’s steep, slippery, and challenging — but the view from the top makes every step worth it.

After the boat trip or hike, it’s time to return to the lodge for dinner, reliving the thrills of the day and letting the sights and sounds of the Nile settle into memory.

Day notes

Today is a full day on the road as you make your way to Kibale Forest National Park. The drive is long, but the scenery keeps your eyes busy — rolling hills, small villages, and the gradual shift from open landscapes to lush, green forests. It’s the perfect chance to sit back, watch the world go by, and feel the excitement building for the chimpanzee encounters ahead.

Day notes

Today it’s time to search for the chimpanzees in Kibale National Park. Your adventure begins at the rangers’ post with a short briefing — think of it as your “chimp mission prep.” Then, it’s straight into the rainforest. The walk can be challenging at times, so make sure you’ve got sturdy shoes and maybe a poncho, just in case.

As you move through the forest, take your time to listen carefully — the rustle of leaves, distant calls, and snapping branches might just lead you to a troop of chimps. With expert rangers guiding the way, your chances of spotting these lively primates are high, and the encounter is nothing short of magical.

After the trek, you can relax in the resort’s garden and soak in the sounds of the forest. If you still have energy, a walk to the “Top of the World” rewards you with stunning views of the surrounding hills and a collection of crater lakes — the perfect way to end a morning of adventure.

After lunch, the day continues with a walk through the marsh, where you’ll spot a variety of birds and perhaps even a few monkeys, rounding off your day with a quieter, yet equally captivating, wildlife experience.

Day notes

Today you leave the rainforest behind and journey toward Queen Elizabeth National Park, traveling along the Rwenzori Mountains, which form the dramatic border with Congo. Even before you reach your accommodation, the drive through the park offers plenty of chances to spot wildlife along the way.

In the afternoon, it’s time to take to the water with a boat trip on the Kazinga Channel. This natural canal connects two lakes and is alive with animals — from hippos lounging in the water to crocodiles lurking along the banks, plus a dazzling array of waterfowl flying, diving, and calling out to each other.

After the cruise, the day winds down with dinner and an overnight stay at Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge, perched just outside the park boundary on the shores of the Kazinga Channel. The perfect place to relax and let the sounds of the wild sink in.

Day notes

The day kicks off with a lion tracking adventure. You’ll join a research team from the Ugandan Carnivore Project and step into the shoes of a wildlife tracker, following paw prints, listening to the rustle of the grass, and trying to catch sight of these majestic predators in their natural habitat.

In the afternoon, the pace slows down. You can relax and soak in the surroundings, or if your eyes are still itching for wildlife, head out on another game drive and explore more of the park’s diverse landscapes and animals.

Day notes

Today starts early with a game drive to Kasenyi, the area with the highest chance of spotting lions, though the savannah is full of surprises — from antelope to buffalo and everything in between. Along the way, you’ll also visit a crater with a salt lake, a striking spot that feels almost otherworldly.

After the morning adventure, you continue to the southernmost part of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Ishasha, famous for its tree-climbing lions. Once you arrive, it’s time to scan the trees for these incredible cats — a rare and unforgettable sight if you’re lucky enough to catch them lounging among the branches.

Day notes

If yesterday didn’t bring a glimpse of the tree-climbing lions, today offers another chance to try — or you can start the day at a slower pace, enjoying the morning before setting off around noon for Bwindi, where you’ll check in at your lodge.

In the afternoon, there’s an opportunity to visit a Batwa community, guided by Bob, your local expert. He knows this area like the back of his hand and will help you connect with the community, hear their stories, and gain a deeper understanding of life in this unique part of Uganda.

Day notes

Today is the moment you’ve been waiting for — gorilla day! After breakfast, head to the rangers’ post for a briefing, your “mission prep” before stepping into the misty mountains.

Then the trek begins, winding through lush, hilly terrain in search of the incredible mountain gorillas. Depending on where the family group is, the walk can take a few hours, so make sure your walking shoes are sturdy. Every step brings anticipation, and every rustle in the forest could be a gorilla nearby — an experience that’s nothing short of magical.

After this unforgettable encounter, return to the lodge to relax, relive the moments, and scroll through your photos, cherishing memories that will last a lifetime.

Optional: If there wasn’t time to visit the Batwa community earlier, today is a perfect chance to plan a visit and hear their stories firsthand.

Day notes

Today is a leisurely travel day. The drive from Buhoma to Lake Bunyonyi takes about four hours, giving you plenty of time to soak in the changing landscapes along the way.

By the time you arrive, it’s the perfect moment to relax and take in the stunning views of this high-altitude lake, surrounded by misty hills and peaceful waters — a serene reward after days of adventure.

Day notes

Today starts with a canoe tour on Lake Bunyonyi, gliding across its calm waters and drifting past misty islands, each with its own story. Keep your eyes peeled for birds, playful fish, and the serene beauty of this highland lake.

In the afternoon, you’ll visit a floating market, where locals sell their goods from canoes and the lake comes alive with color, chatter, and movement. It’s a lively and unique glimpse into life on the water, a perfect complement to the peaceful morning paddle.

Day notes

Note: Today there’s an optional adventure — Golden Monkey trekking in Mgahinga National Park for an extra 100 USD per person. If this sounds like your kind of thrill, it’s a good idea to stay closer to the trailhead at Travelers Rest in Kisoro on the 16th, so you can start early and make the most of this magical forest hike.

Day notes

Today promises a mix of adventure and serenity in Lake Mburo National Park. In the morning, you’ll saddle up for a horseback safari, riding through the park’s open savannah and keeping your eyes peeled for zebras, antelope, and other wildlife — there’s something magical about spotting animals from horseback, moving quietly and feeling the rhythm of the land beneath you.

In the afternoon, it’s time to take to the water on a boat cruise across the calm waters of Lake Mburo. Glide past papyrus reeds and watch for the elusive African finfoot, along with a variety of waterbirds and other wildlife, all while soaking in the tranquil beauty of the lake and its surroundings.

Day notes

After breakfast and a final on-foot safari, it’s time to head back to Entebbe, with a fun stop at the Equator along the way — a great spot for photos and to feel one foot in the northern hemisphere and one in the southern!

Our guide will drop you off at your hotel to rest, freshen up, and prepare for your journey home.

Note: If you need a PCR test before departure, it can be arranged at the lodge — we’ll make sure you have all the details and guidance for a smooth process.

Day notes

It’s your last day in Uganda, a final chance to soak in the sights, sounds, and memories of this incredible country. If you’re up for a little adventure, you can take an optional trip to Mabamba Swamp, in search of the elusive shoebill stork. Or, if you prefer, simply relax at the guesthouse, savoring a final cup of Ugandan coffee and reflecting on your journey.

When the time comes, your guide will escort you to the airport for your outbound flight, marking the end of an unforgettable adventure.