Grassrootz- 16 days Uganda Highlights incl. Kidepo

Day notes

After arriving at Entebbe Airport, your hotel driver will meet you and take you to your hotel — just a 15-minute drive to start your Ugandan adventure.  

Day notes

The day begins early with a sunrise breakfast, a quiet moment before the adventure kicks off. Then it’s time to hit the road to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, home to the majestic white rhinos. A friendly ranger will give you a quick briefing before you set off on on-foot rhino trekking, getting up close to these incredible creatures in their natural habitat.

After this unforgettable morning, the journey continues to Kidepo, where you’ll arrive at your lodge in the early evening — the perfect place to unwind, swap stories, and prepare for the adventures that lie ahead.

Day notes

At 7:00, your walking safari begins. Together with your guide, you’ll trek about 5 kilometres through the rolling hills surrounding the park, keeping your eyes and ears open for wildlife along the way.

In the afternoon, switch gears for a game drive to explore more of the park — hopefully spotting some of Kidepo’s famous residents! The park is known for its magnificent landscapes, vast herds of buffalo, and its surprising number of predators, from lions and leopards to cheetahs.

If time allows, you can round off the day with a visit to one of the surrounding villages, getting a glimpse of local life in this remarkable region.

Day notes

Before leaving Kidepo, enjoy a short morning game drive, giving you one last chance to spot wildlife in this spectacular park. Then, it’s time to hit the road for Murchison Falls National Park, a journey of 6 to 7 hours through ever-changing landscapes, from rolling savannahs to lush river valleys — the perfect prelude to your next adventure.

Day notes

The day starts early — 6:00 AM alarm, and by 7:00 you’re off on a morning game drive through the park. The animals are just waking up, so keep your eyes peeled for hippos, buffalo, and maybe even a glimpse of elephants before returning to the lodge for a well-earned lunch.

At 2:00 PM, it’s time for a boat trip along the Nile to the base of Murchison Falls. Over the next three hours, glide past hippos lounging in the water, crocodiles basking on the banks, and herds of buffalo grazing nearby. If you’re feeling adventurous and in good shape, there’s the option to hike from the bottom of the falls to the top — steep, slippery, and challenging, but the views are unforgettable.

After the boat trip (and hike, if you dared), return to the lodge for dinner, sharing stories of the day’s wildlife encounters and adventures.

Day notes

Today is a full day of travel as you make your way to Kibale Forest National Park. The journey is long, but the scenery along the way is ever-changing — rolling hills, patchwork farmland, and lush green landscapes slowly giving way to the forests near Fort Portal. Take in the views, stretch your legs at a lunch stop, and enjoy the anticipation building for the wildlife adventures that await in the forest.

By the end of the day, you’ll arrive at your lodge, ready to relax and recharge for the chimpanzee trek ahead.

Day notes

Today it’s time to go in search of the chimpanzees in Kibale National Park. Your morning begins at the rangers’ post with a short briefing before stepping into the rainforest. Then the trek starts. The walk can be challenging at times, so sturdy shoes are a must — and a poncho might come in handy if the forest decides to surprise you.

Move quietly and listen carefully. Often, you’ll hear the chimps before you see them. The rangers are experts at tracking, so chances are high that you’ll come face to face with these lively forest residents.

After the chimp trek, there’s time to relax in the garden of the resort. If you’re still feeling energetic, you can take a walk to “Top of the World”, where sweeping views over the surrounding landscape and crater lakes await.

After lunch, the adventure continues with a walk through the marshlands. This area is rich in birdlife, and with a bit of luck, you might even spot a few monkeys along the way.

Day notes

Today, the safari continues as you make your way to Queen Elizabeth National Park. After lunch, it’s time to swap wheels for water and head out on a boat ride along the Kazinga Channel.

During this three-hour cruise, you’ll glide past pods of hippos lounging in the water, crocodiles basking on the banks, buffalo grazing nearby, and an impressive variety of water birds. Keep your eyes open — with a bit of luck, even an elephant might wander into view along the shoreline.

Day notes

The day begins with an early morning game drive, when the park is at its most alive and wildlife is on the move. After a relaxed lunch, the afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure — or, if you’re eager for more adventure, head out on another game drive to explore the crater lakes and hidden corners of the park.

Either way, it’s a perfect balance of wildlife, scenery, and time to slow down and soak it all in.

Day notes

After an early breakfast, you continue to the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park: Ishasha. This remote area is famous for its tree-climbing lions, so keep your eyes trained on the branches as you drive through the landscape.

Once you arrive in Ishasha, the search begins for the best climbing trees — and with a bit of luck, you might just spot lions lounging high above the ground.

By the late afternoon, you’ll arrive at your next accommodation, ready to relax and reflect on another day full of safari moments.

Day notes

Today is gorilla day. After breakfast, you head to the rangers’ post for a briefing — a quiet moment of preparation before the adventure begins. Then, it’s time to set off in search of the mountain gorillas.

Depending on where the gorilla family is located, the trek can take a few hours. The terrain is mountainous, so sturdy walking shoes are essential — but every step is rewarded by the anticipation of what lies ahead. Coming face to face with these gentle giants is an experience that stays with you forever.

After this unforgettable encounter, return to the lodge to relax, reflect, and relive the moment while viewing your photos.

Note: If there was no time to visit the Batwa community earlier in the trip, there is an opportunity to plan this experience today.

Day notes

In the morning, you’ll check out and drive to Lake Mutanda, a place known for its peaceful atmosphere and stunning scenery. Take your time to soak it all in before heading out for a canoe ride in a traditional local canoe, gliding quietly over the water and enjoying the views all around you.

Day notes

Golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga National Park is one of Uganda’s most unique experiences. The hike can take 4 to 6 hours, leading you through a magical forest filled with lush greenery and stunning scenery at every turn.

After this special encounter, you’ll return to the lodge in the afternoon. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure — the perfect time to relax, reflect, and soak in the peaceful surroundings.

Day notes

Lake Mburo National Park is known for having one of the highest concentrations of leopards in Uganda. During an evening game drive, your chances of spotting this elusive and elegant predator are at their best — a thrilling way to end the day as the park slowly slips into twilight.

Day notes

In the morning, set out on a walking safari through the park, experiencing the wildlife up close and at a slower, more intimate pace.

In the afternoon, it’s time to slow things down — relax by the pool and enjoy a boat trip on the lake, taking in the peaceful scenery and reflecting on the adventures of the past days.

Day notes

With a stop at the Equator along the way, you’ll drive back to Entebbe, slowly closing the chapter on your Ugandan adventure.

If time allows before your return flight, there’s an optional visit to Mabamba Swamp, where you can search for the elusive shoebill stork — a final wildlife highlight for those who can’t get enough.

Afterwards, you’ll head to Entebbe Airport to check in for your flight home, carrying memories and stories that will stay with you long after the journey ends.