Embark on an unforgettable 16-day authentic Uganda Safari through the heart of Uganda’s wilderness. The Uganda Tour is designed for intimate groups of up to 6 adventurers, nature lovers and photography enthusiasts. Immerse yourself in the heart of Africa’s untamed beauty as you encounter diverse wildlife on foot, by boat and on game drives- including the endangered Gorillas & Chimpanzees, Lions, Ugandan Kobs and a special visit to the only place in Uganda to see the Rhino and the best place in Uganda to spot the Shoebill. Admire captivating landscapes, and participate in authentic cultural experiences, like a cooking class with local women and meeting the Batwa Tribe.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport, Karibu Uganda!
Arrival into Entebbe International Airport. Note: We have a dedicated flight partner who can help find and book the best international flights for you.
Day 2: Shoebill Birding at Mabamba Swamp
After breakfast, you’ll head out on a remarkable birding excursion at Mabamba Swamp, a renowned bird-watching destination near Entebbe, famed for its population of the elusive shoebill stork. This early morning adventure begins with a scenic boat ride through the tranquil papyrus marshes, where expert local guides lead you to the prime spots for observing these prehistoric-looking birds. The swamp is not only home to the shoebill but also hosts a diverse array of bird species, making it a paradise for bird enthusiasts. As you navigate the waterways, you’ll have ample opportunities to capture stunning photographs and witness the unique behaviors of the shoebill in its natural habitat. This unforgettable experience at Mabamba Swamp offers a perfect blend of serenity and excitement, providing a captivating glimpse into Uganda’s rich avian life. Later, you’ll return to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 3:Transfer for Rhino Tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
After breakfast, you’ll transfer to Ziwa rhino sanctuary. Along the way, you’ll stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided walking safari to track rhinos. This is the only place to see wild rhinos in Uganda. You’ll enjoy lunch on the way before arriving at your lodge in Murchison Falls National Park for the next two nights. You’ll visit the top of the falls as well. In the evening, you will have dinner at the lodge and share stories of your wildlife encounters. You’ll relax by the campfire under the starry sky.
Day 4:Guided Game Drives and Nile Delta Boat Cruise to the Bottom of the Falls
You’ll wake up early to the sounds of the African bush and enjoy a hearty breakfast at the lodge. Today promises thrilling wildlife encounters as you embark on a morning game drive through Murchison Falls National Park. Keep your eyes peeled for the park’s diverse wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, lions, and numerous antelope species.
You’ll return to the lodge for lunch and some relaxation during the hottest part of the day. In the afternoon, you’ll take a boat safari along the Nile River to the base of Murchison Falls. You’ll marvel at the sheer power of the waterfall as it plunges into the gorge below, creating a breathtaking spectacle.
After the boat safari, you’ll return to the lodge for dinner and an evening of leisure. Take advantage of the lodge’s amenities, such as the swimming pool or lounge area, or simply unwind on your private veranda overlooking the river.
Day 5:Transfer to Kibale National Park and Bigodi Wetland Visit
You’ll enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the lodge before saying goodbye to Murchison Falls National Park and starting your journey to Kibale Forest National Park. The drive will take you through picturesque landscapes and rural villages, providing glimpses of daily life in rural Uganda.
Upon arrival at Kibale Forest National Park, you’ll check into your chosen accommodation for the next two nights. After lunch at the lodge or guesthouse, you’ll spend the afternoon exploring Bigodi Swamp on a guided nature walk. Keep an eye out for a variety of bird species, primates, and other wildlife that inhabit the swamp. You’ll return to your accommodations in the evening for dinner and relaxation. Make sure to reflect on the day’s adventures and listen to the symphony of nocturnal sounds coming from the forest.
Day 6:Chimpanzee Habituation Experience and Relaxation
The chimpanzee habituation experience offers an unparalleled opportunity to spend an extended period with our closest relatives in the animal kingdom. This immersive adventure takes place in Uganda’s dense tropical forests, where you will join researchers and guides in the habituation process of wild chimpanzee groups. Unlike standard trekking, this experience allows you to spend an entire day observing and learning about the intricate behaviors, social structures, and daily activities of these fascinating primates. From their early morning routines to their evening nesting, you’ll gain deep insights into their lives, all while contributing to vital conservation efforts. This unique, hands-on experience not only enhances your understanding of chimpanzees but also fosters a profound connection with these incredible creatures and their forest home.
Day 7:Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
You’ll transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most renowned wildlife reserves, celebrated for its diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife. Upon arrival, you’ll experience the park’s breathtaking landscapes, from sprawling savannahs to lush wetlands. A highlight of your visit will be the boat trip along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway that links Lake Edward to Lake George. This leisurely cruise offers unparalleled opportunities to observe a rich array of wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and countless bird species, all thriving along the channel’s banks. The Kazinga Channel boat trip provides an intimate and unique perspective on the park’s vibrant life, making it an essential part of your Queen Elizabeth National Park adventure.
Day 8: Experiential guided game drives & Evening Sundowner
You’ll begin your day with the exhilarating experiential lion and leopard tracking adventure, guided by expert trackers and researchers in the heart of Uganda’s wilderness. This unique experience offers a rare opportunity to follow and observe these majestic predators in their natural habitat, learning about their behaviors, hunting strategies, and territorial dynamics. As the day progresses and the excitement of tracking reaches its peak, you’ll capture unforgettable moments of these elusive big cats.
In the late afternoon, you’ll unwind with a picturesque sundowner. You’ll find a serene spot with sweeping views of the savannah as the sun dips below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the landscape. You’ll enjoy beverages and light snacks, reflecting on the day’s adventures and soaking in the tranquil beauty of the African sunset. This combination of thrilling wildlife encounters and serene relaxation creates a perfect balance, making for an unforgettable safari experience.
Day 9: Chimpanzee trekking in the Kyambura & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
After breakfast walk from the lodge directly down into Kyambura Gorge, to search for the ‘Lost Chimpanzees of Kyambura’. The gorge is an extraordinary natural environment and forms a stark contrast to the surrounding grasslands. Here you can track one of our closest animal relatives: the chimpanzee. This group of isolated chimps are quite mobile and viewing can be unpredictable but the walk itself is exciting and enchanting.
In the afternoon take a cruise on the Kazinga Channel, which flows between Lakes Edward and George. Kazinga is home to one of the greatest concentration of hippo in Africa and herds of elephant, buffalo and other animals come to drink at the waters edge. The channel is a magnet for water birds, with great flocks of pelicans and others birds on the shore, and a great spot to see African fish eagle.
Day 10: Transfer Guided Game Drive to Ishasha Sector
You’ll start your day with a guided game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park, where experienced guides will lead you through the diverse landscapes teeming with wildlife. As you traverse the park’s savannahs, forests, and wetlands, keep your eyes peeled for sightings of elephants, buffalos, antelopes, and a variety of bird species. The knowledgeable guides will share fascinating insights about the park’s ecosystems and the behaviors of the animals you encounter.
After an exhilarating morning of wildlife viewing, you’ll transfer to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, renowned for its tree-climbing lions. The combination of a guided game drive and the transfer to Ishasha ensures a day filled with memorable wildlife experiences and breathtaking natural beauty.
Day 11: Transfer guided game drives to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Your adventure begins with a morning game drive in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famed for its unique population of tree-climbing lions. You’ll witness the extraordinary sight of these majestic predators resting in the branches of large fig trees, a behavior rare among lions. This remarkable experience provides excellent photographic opportunities and deepens your understanding of these fascinating creatures’ adaptive behaviors.
Following the excitement of observing tree-climbing lions, you will embark on a scenic transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The journey takes you through diverse landscapes, from rolling savannahs to lush highland forests, showcasing Uganda’s rich ecological variety. Upon arrival at Bwindi, you’ll be greeted by the dense, mist-covered forest that is home to over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.
Day 12: Gorilla Trekking Experience and Relaxation
You’ll embark on a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, immersing yourself in the enchanting world of mountain gorillas. Accompanied by knowledgeable guides and trackers, you’ll journey deep into the heart of the forest in search of these gentle giants. As you trek through dense vegetation and rugged terrain, the anticipation builds until you finally encounter a gorilla family in their natural habitat. You’ll witness these magnificent creatures up close and observe their social interactions and behaviors.
After the exhilaration of gorilla trekking, you’ll return to your lodge for a well-deserved relaxation. Nestled amidst the tranquil surroundings of Bwindi, your lodge offers the perfect sanctuary to unwind and reflect on the day’s adventure. You’ll indulge in delicious meals, rejuvenate with a spa treatment, or simply soak in the natural beauty of the forest from the comfort of your luxurious accommodation.
Day 13: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi for Relaxation
After your gorilla trekking adventure, you’ll embark on a scenic transfer to the picturesque Lake Bunyonyi for a well-deserved relaxation. As you journey through the verdant hills and valleys of southwestern Uganda, the landscape unfolds like a vibrant tapestry, revealing the tranquil beauty of the region. Arriving at Lake Bunyonyi, you’ll be greeted by the mesmerizing sight of the serene lake, dotted with lush, green islands resembling emerald jewels in a sapphire sea.
For those seeking adventure, Lake Bunyonyi offers a variety of optional activities to complement your relaxation. You’ll glide across the glassy waters in a traditional dugout canoe, tracing the contours of the lake’s intricate shoreline. Alternatively, you’ll embark on a guided tour of the lake’s enchanting islands, each with its unique charm and history. From the lush vegetation of Kyahugye Island to the cultural heritage of Punishment Island, each stop unveils a different facet of Lake Bunyonyi’ s rich tapestry.
Day 14:Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park and Evening Guided Game Drive
You’ll embark on a scenic transfer from Lake Bunyonyi to the enchanting Lake Mburo National Park, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Uganda’s countryside. As you journey through rolling hills and verdant landscapes, you’ll be captivated by the breathtaking beauty of the scenery, with occasional sightings of local villages and wildlife along the way.
Upon arrival at Lake Mburo National Park, you’ll be immersed in the wilderness and check into your accommodation, where comfort meets nature in perfect harmony. After settling in, you’ll get ready for an exhilarating guided game drive in the afternoon, led by experienced rangers who will unveil the park’s hidden treasures. You’ll traverse the savannah plains and acacia woodlands in search of the park’s diverse wildlife, including zebras, impalas, buffaloes, and elusive leopards. As the golden light of the setting sun bathes the landscape in a warm glow, keep your eyes peeled for the iconic silhouettes of giraffes against the horizon.
Day 15: Walking Safari and transfer back to Entebbe with an Equator Stopover
You’ll wake up to the gentle morning light and prepare for a walking safari, the perfect way to immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of Lake Mburo National Park. Accompanied by knowledgeable guides, set out on foot to explore the park’s diverse ecosystems, from open savannahs to lush forests. As you walk quietly through the wilderness, keep your senses alert for sightings of zebras, antelopes, and a variety of bird species that call this park home.
After the morning safari, you’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast at your lodge before embarking on the journey back to Entebbe. As you travel through the picturesque countryside, you’ll make a memorable stop at the Equator for a unique photo opportunity. Here, you can straddle the line dividing the northern and southern hemispheres and learn fascinating facts about the Earth’s geography from local guides.
Day 16: Transfer to the Airport & Departure
This morning you will have one final experience as you enjoy the last minute shopping around Entebbe. This afternoon you will be transferred back to Entebbe Airport for your onward flight arrangements. We hope you will be leaving Uganda with some incredible memories and photos of your time here.