Explore the Pearl of Africa in style on this 14-day Uganda safari that combines rich wildlife encounters, iconic landscapes, primate tracking, and cultural experiences. From the elusive shoebill in Mabamba Swamp to the thunderous Murchison Falls, the breathtaking mountain gorillas of Bwindi to the tranquil Source of the Nile in Jinja—this adventure captures the very best of Uganda.
Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Mabamba Swamp – Shoebill Tracking
Begin your adventure with a warm welcome at Entebbe International Airport. After a short briefing, drive to Mabamba Swamp, a Ramsar-listed wetland on Lake Victoria's shores. Glide in a wooden canoe through papyrus channels as you search for the rare shoebill stork, herons, kingfishers, and other water birds.
Overnight: Hotel in Entebbe
Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast
Day 2: Transfer to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Continue to Murchison Falls
After breakfast, head north to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda where you can track wild rhinos on foot. Accompanied by rangers, walk through the bush to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Continue to Murchison Falls National Park, reaching in time for sunset.
Overnight: Pakuba Safari Lodge / Paraa Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 3: Game Drive and Boat Safari on the Nile
Rise early for a game drive in the northern section of the park. Look out for lions, elephants, giraffes, buffalos, Jackson's hartebeest, and elusive leopards. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls, spotting hippos, crocodiles, and birds along the Nile.
Overnight: Pakuba Safari Lodge / Paraa Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 4: Hike to the Top of Murchison Falls – Transfer to Kibale Forest
After breakfast, hike to the top of Murchison Falls for incredible views where the Nile crashes through a 7-meter gorge. Then set off on a scenic drive southward to Kibale Forest National Park, famous for its chimpanzee population.
Overnight: Turaco Treetops / Primate Lodge Kibale
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking & Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary Visit
Today, venture into Kibale Forest for a thrilling chimpanzee tracking experience. Walk through dense tropical forest as you listen for the distant pant-hoots of our closest relatives. In the afternoon, visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-run eco-tourism site rich in birdlife and primates.
Overnight: Turaco Treetops / Primate Lodge Kibale
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Afternoon Game Drive
After breakfast, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, known for its diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon game drive across the Kasenyi plains, home to elephants, antelopes, and tree-climbing lions.
Overnight: Buffalo Safari Lodge / Mweya Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 7: Morning Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Start the day with a morning game drive, then embark on a boat ride along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway that connects Lakes George and Edward. This cruise offers superb wildlife viewing—expect to see hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, elephants, and countless birds.
Overnight: Buffalo Safari Lodge / Mweya Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 8: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kyambura Gorge – Drive to Ishasha
Drive to Kyambura Gorge, nicknamed the “Valley of Apes,” for a second chimpanzee tracking experience in a dramatic rift valley setting. Later, proceed to the Ishasha Sector, famous for its rare tree-climbing lions lounging in fig trees.
Overnight: Ishasha Jungle Lodge / Ishasha Wilderness Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 9: Game Drive in Ishasha – Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Enjoy a morning game drive in Ishasha to search for tree-climbing lions, then continue your journey to the misty mountains of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to over half the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.
Overnight: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge / Mahogany Springs Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 10: Gorilla Trekking Experience in Bwindi Forest
This is the highlight of your safari. After an early breakfast, join your ranger guide for a life-changing gorilla trekking experience. Hike through dense forest terrain until you find a habituated gorilla family, then spend a magical hour observing them.
Overnight: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge / Mahogany Springs Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 11: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park – Evening Walking Safari
After breakfast, drive through rolling hills to Lake Mburo National Park, a haven for zebras, impalas, giraffes, and elands. Upon arrival, enjoy an evening walking safari guided by a ranger. This is a great chance to connect closely with nature on foot.
Overnight: Rwakobo Rock / Mihingo Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 12: Morning Game Drive – Transfer to Jinja
Start with a morning game drive to spot more wildlife, then depart for Jinja, Uganda’s adventure capital and the historic site of the Nile’s source. Enjoy the beautiful countryside and make scenic stops along the way.
Overnight: Lemala Wildwaters Lodge / Nile Porch
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 13: Source of the Nile Experience
Today you’ll explore the Source of the Nile on a relaxing boat ride where the river begins its long journey to Egypt. Visit local craft markets or opt for optional activities like white-water rafting or tubing on the Nile.
Overnight: Lemala Wildwaters Lodge / Nile Porch
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 14: Transfer to Entebbe – Departure
After breakfast, enjoy a comfortable transfer back to Entebbe, where you may visit local attractions or markets depending on your flight schedule. End of the unforgettable 14 Days Best of Uganda Safari.
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Not included (can be arranged on request)
Safari Inclusions
Airport transfers
Ground transportation in a 4x4 safari vehicle
English-speaking driver/guide
Accommodation and meals as per itinerary
All park entry fees and permits
Gorilla & chimpanzee tracking permits
Bottled drinking water
Safari Exclusions
International flights
Visa fees
Travel insurance
Tips and personal expenses
Optional activities in Jinja
