18 Day Best of Uganda Safari

Welcome to Uganda! Arrivals at Entebbe International Airport throughout the day. Meet and greet by our team, followed by transfers to your accommodation.
Take some time to rest, refresh, and prepare for the exciting days ahead

Journey to Kibale Forest National Park, home to 13 primate species including our closest relatives, the chimpanzees. Trek through dense rainforest to observe these fascinating creatures, then explore the Bigodi Wetlands with local guides. Continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park for game drives across the Kasenyi Plains, boat safaris along the Kazinga Channel teeming with hippos, and a unique opportunity to track chimps in Kyambura Gorge. Don't miss the Ishasha sector's famous tree-climbing lions lounging in ancient fig trees.

Lodges: Kyaninga Lodge / Elephant Plains Lodge / Kyambura Gorge Lodge (FB)

After breakfast, depart for Budongo Forest Reserve for an exciting chimpanzee trekking adventure. Guided by experienced trackers, hike through the lush forest in search of chimpanzee families, observing their playful interactions, feeding habits, and social behaviors amidst the vibrant flora and fauna. After this remarkable wildlife encounter, continue your journey to Murchison Falls National Park, stopping at the top of the falls to marvel at the dramatic gorge where the Nile River plunges through a narrow channel. Capture the stunning views before proceeding to your lodge for check-in. Spend the evening relaxing at the lodge, enjoying dinner and unwinding after a day filled with wildlife and breathtaking scenery.

Start your day early with an epic morning game drive in Murchison Falls National Park, when wildlife is most active. Explore the diverse habitats of the park with your guide, spotting elephants, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, antelopes, and a variety of bird species against the backdrop of the rising sun. After returning to the lodge for breakfast and a short rest, embark on a stunning afternoon boat cruise along the Nile River toward the base of the iconic Murchison Falls. Along the way, enjoy close-up sightings of hippos, crocodiles, and numerous waterbirds, while taking in the dramatic scenery and photographing the lush riverbanks. Conclude the day with a return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Begin your day with an early morning delta cruise, gliding through the waterways of Murchison Falls National Park. Enjoy close-up sightings of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and a rich variety of birdlife as you take in the peaceful morning atmosphere and scenic riverine landscapes. After returning to the lodge for a mid-morning rest and lunch, prepare for an exhilarating evening game drive. Explore the park’s savannahs and woodlands in search of lions, buffaloes, giraffes, and antelopes, culminating in a memorable sundowner picnic amid the wild, where you can relax and watch the sun set over the breathtaking landscape. Return to the lodge afterward for dinner and an overnight stay.

After breakfast, depart Murchison Falls and enjoy a scenic drive to Kibale Forest National Park, passing through rolling hills, lush countryside, and rural villages. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge for a brief rest and lunch. In the afternoon, embark on a guided walk through the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, exploring the swamp’s rich biodiversity, including a variety of birds, primates, and unique vegetation. Continue to a nearby local community to experience traditional banana gin brewing and the coffee-making process, gaining insight into rural Ugandan culture, traditions, and daily life. Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay amidst the serene forest surroundings.

Begin your day early with breakfast before heading into Kibale Forest National Park for an unforgettable chimpanzee trekking experience. Guided by experienced trackers, hike through the lush forest in search of chimpanzee families, observing their playful interactions, feeding habits, and social behavior in their natural habitat. Along the way, enjoy the rich flora and fauna of the forest, including colorful birds and other primates. After this remarkable wildlife encounter, return to your lodge for lunch and spend the afternoon at leisure, relaxing and enjoying the serene forest surroundings. Dinner and an overnight stay at the lodge conclude the day.

After breakfast, check out from your lodge and embark on a scenic drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, passing through picturesque countryside, crater lakes, and rural villages. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and have lunch before setting out on an afternoon boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. Glide along this natural waterway connecting Lake Edward and Lake George, spotting hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and a variety of bird species along the banks. Enjoy the stunning scenery and excellent photographic opportunities before returning to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Start your day early with breakfast before heading to Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park for an exciting chimpanzee trekking adventure. Guided by experienced trackers, hike through the lush gorge in search of habituated chimpanzee families, observing their playful interactions, feeding habits, and social behavior in their natural habitat. Along the way, enjoy the rich biodiversity of the gorge, including various birds, monkeys, and unique plant life. After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and a short rest. In the late afternoon, embark on an evening game drive in the Kasenyi Plains, exploring the open savannah in search of elephants, lions, buffaloes, Uganda kob, and other wildlife, all while enjoying the beautiful sunset over the plains. Return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

After breakfast, check out from your lodge and transfer to Ishasha, the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, renowned for its rare tree-climbing lions. Arrive in the afternoon and embark on an exciting game drive across the fig tree-dotted savannahs, searching for the iconic lions resting in the branches. Along the way, spot other wildlife such as elephants, topis, and various antelope species while enjoying the serene and less-crowded landscapes of Ishasha. Conclude the afternoon adventure with a return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

After breakfast, check out from your lodge in Ishasha and embark on a scenic drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The journey takes you through rolling hills, lush countryside, and rural villages, offering glimpses of Uganda’s stunning landscapes and local life. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge nestled within the forested slopes and take some time to relax, preparing for the upcoming gorilla trekking adventure. Enjoy dinner at the lodge and an overnight stay surrounded by the peaceful forest environment.

Begin your day early with a hearty breakfast before embarking on the once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Guided by experienced trackers, you will hike through dense, misty forest trails in search of a habituated gorilla family. The trek can last from one to six hours, depending on the gorillas’ location and the terrain, offering a physically engaging yet deeply rewarding adventure. Along the way, observe the forest’s rich biodiversity, including colorful birds, primates, and unique plant species. Once you locate the gorilla family, spend up to one hour observing these magnificent creatures up close—watching them feed, play, groom, and interact within their social groups. Capture photographs and soak in the profound experience of being in the presence of one of nature’s most iconic species. After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation, reflecting on the incredible encounter and the beauty of the forest.

After breakfast, check out from your lodge in Bwindi and embark on a scenic drive to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located in southwestern Uganda near the borders with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The journey takes you through rolling hills, terraced landscapes, and picturesque rural villages, offering a glimpse into the region’s natural beauty and local culture. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and take some time to relax. In the afternoon, enjoy a serene boat cruise on the tranquil waters of Lake Mutanda, surrounded by lush hills and volcanic peaks. Glide along the lake, taking in the breathtaking scenery, spotting birdlife, and capturing photographs of the peaceful landscapes. Return to your lodge afterward for dinner and an overnight stay, reflecting on the day’s scenic and wildlife-filled experiences.

Start your day early with breakfast before embarking on the golden monkey tracking adventure in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Guided by experienced rangers, hike through the lush bamboo and forested slopes in search of these playful and rare primates, observing their social interactions, feeding habits, and acrobatics in the trees. Along the way, enjoy the park’s rich biodiversity, including birds, other primates, and unique plant species. After this rewarding morning trek, return to your lodge for lunch and enjoy a leisurely afternoon of relaxation, taking in the stunning scenery of the surrounding hills and valleys. Alternatively, you may choose to participate in an optional Batwa cultural experience, where you will learn about the traditions, lifestyle, and storytelling of the Batwa community, including music, dance, and forest-based customs. Conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay at the lodge.

After breakfast, check out from your lodge in Mgahinga and embark on a scenic drive to Lake Bunyonyi, known as the “place of many little birds.” The journey takes you through rolling hills, terraced landscapes, and picturesque rural villages, offering glimpses of Uganda’s stunning countryside. Upon arrival, check in at your lakeside lodge and spend the day relaxing by the tranquil waters. Enjoy the serene atmosphere, take leisurely walks along the lakeshore, or simply soak in the breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and islands. Dinner and an overnight stay at the lodge conclude a peaceful and rejuvenating day.

After breakfast, check out from your lodge at Lake Bunyonyi and transfer to Lake Mburo National Park, enjoying the scenic drive through Uganda’s rolling hills and countryside. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and take some time to settle in before lunch. In the afternoon, embark on an exciting horse riding safari through the park’s savannahs, acacia woodlands, and open plains. Accompanied by experienced guides, explore the diverse wildlife up close, including zebras, impalas, buffaloes, and various bird species, while enjoying the unique perspective that horseback offers. Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay amidst the tranquil surroundings of the park.

Start your day early with a morning walking safari in Lake Mburo National Park, accompanied by an experienced guide. Trek through the park’s savannahs, acacia woodlands, and papyrus wetlands, observing wildlife such as zebras, impalas, buffaloes, elands, and a variety of bird species up close. Your guide will share insights about the flora, fauna, and ecosystem, making the experience both exciting and educational. After returning to the lodge for lunch and a short rest, enjoy a relaxing afternoon boat cruise on the park’s serene waterways. Glide along the calm waters, taking in the scenic surroundings, spotting hippos, waterbirds, and other wildlife along the banks, and capturing memorable photographs. Return to the lodge in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay.

Begin your day early with breakfast at Mpogo Lodge, followed by a hands-on cattle milking experience. Learn traditional dairy practices from the local staff, interact with the cows, and gain insight into rural Ugandan farm life. After this immersive cultural experience, return to the lodge for a short rest and lunch, then check out and begin your transfer back to Entebbe. Enjoy the scenic drive through the countryside one last time, reflecting on the memories and experiences from your Ugandan adventure. Upon arrival in Entebbe, proceed to your hotel or the airport for your onward journey.