Wildlife | Primates | Culture | Scenic Landscapes
Overview
Embark on the journey of a lifetime across the Pearl of Africa with this 15-day safari through Uganda’s most iconic national parks and hidden gems. From thrilling wildlife encounters and rare primate trekking to cultural immersion and breathtaking landscapes, this safari is designed to capture the heart of Uganda in every step. Starting with zebras in Lake Mburo, cruise among hippos on the Nile, thunderous Murchison Falls, trek chimpanzees in Kibale, and come face-to-face with mountain gorillas in the ancient forests of Bwindi. Round out your adventure with golden sunsets over Lake Bunyonyi, meaningful cultural exchanges, and the source of the legendary River Nile in Jinja.
Safari Highlights
• Rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
• Game drives in Lake Mburo, Queen Elizabeth, and Murchison Falls National Parks
• Scenic boat cruises on the Kazinga Channel, Lake Bunyonyi, and the River Nile
• Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
• Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest and Kyambura Gorge
• Cultural visits to the Batwa community and the Tooro Kingdom
• Guided nature walks and crater lake exploration
• Visit to the Source of the Nile in Jinja
• Equator crossing photo stop
Ideal for Wildlife lovers and nature enthusiasts, Adventure seekers and primate trekkers, Photographers and birdwatchers, Travelers seeking cultural and ecological immersion
Day to Day Breakdown
Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport.
Hello, welcome to the Pearl of Africa! Upon arrival at the airport, your guide will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel. Relax as you prepare to start your amazing safari the following day. Airport Guest House.
Day 2: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park.
After breakfast in the morning, you will enjoy a scenic drive to Lake Mburo Park. Along the way, stop for a photo moment at the Equator line along Masaka Road before continuing your journey. Upon arrival at the park, you will embark on a guided game drive to admire the unique zebras alongside impalas, giraffes, warthogs, and many other amazing animals. Afterward, proceed to check in at your lodge for the evening. Accommodation: Arcadia Lodge.
Day 3. Morning Nature walk and drive to Lake Bunyonyi.
Wake up to embrace the beauty of the wild. Enjoy a morning nature walk in the park and observe the animals as they rise to feed. Return to the lodge for breakfast before transferring to Lake Bunyonyi, the deepest lake in Uganda and the second deepest in Africa. This breathtaking destination offers stunning views that are truly worth experiencing. Accommodation: Arcadia Lodge
Day 4: Enjoying Lake Bunyonyi.
Enjoy a free relaxation day as you listen to the sweet melodies of the birds. You can also engage in activities such as canoeing, swimming, island visits, or bird watching. Alternatively, you can hike in the morning and return to the lodge in the afternoon for relaxation. Accommodation: Arcadia Lodge.
Day 5: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Savor your breakfast before embarking on a drive to the home of mountain gorillas. Along the way, marvel at the magnificent hills and terraces of southwestern Uganda as you approach the Bwindi Forest. Upon arrival, check in at the lodge and enjoy a delicious lunch. Later, visit Ruhija village, where you’ll have the fascinating opportunity to meet the Batwa, also known as the mountain people, and learn about their remarkable way of life in the forest. Return to the lodge to unwind for the evening with the incredible views of the mountain forests. Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Camp.
Day 6: Mountain Gorilla Trekking and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
After enjoying a delightful breakfast, embark on your thrilling gorilla trekking adventure in the forest. You’ll receive a briefing and be assigned a gorilla family to track alongside a group of fellow trekkers, guided by expert rangers. This immersive experience can last up to six hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family. Once you find them, you’ll have the incredible opportunity to spend one hour observing them in their natural habitat. As you journey through the forest, you’ll discover its hidden wonders.
After the trek, your guide will pick you up for lunch before heading to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The scenic drive through the park offers a chance to spot some of its fascinating wildlife. Upon arrival at the lodge in the evening, unwind and relax, soaking in the beauty of your surroundings. Accommodation: Bush Lodge
Day 7: Game Drive and Boat ride on the Kazinga Channel.
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before setting off to explore the park. As you drive through, you’ll witness a diverse array of wildlife thriving in their natural habitat, including the renowned Big Five—elephants, big cats, hyenas, and many other fascinating animals—alongside a variety of bird species.
In the afternoon, embark on a scenic boat ride along the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake Edward and Lake George. This journey offers an up-close view of aquatic wildlife, including hippos, water-dwelling elephants, and birds gathering along the banks.
As the day winds down, return to the lodge for a relaxing evening at Bush Lodge
Day 8: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge.
After breakfast, embark on a morning drive to Kyambura Forest for an unforgettable chimpanzee trekking experience. This thrilling adventure takes you deep into the rainforest, where the chimps exhibit fascinating behaviors, moving through the trees in ways that seem almost bird-like.
After the trek, return to the lodge for a well-deserved lunch. Spend the afternoon unwinding in a relaxing atmosphere, or opt for an evening game drive to further explore the park’s wildlife. Accommodation: Bush Lodge
Day 9: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park.
After breakfast, journey to Kibale Forest Camp, passing through the stunning crater lakes along the way. Upon arrival, check in at the lodge before setting off on an immersive nature walk. During the walk, you’ll have the chance to spot a variety of primates, including the striking white and blue colobus monkeys, as well as red-tailed monkeys. Keep an eye out for the diverse birdlife that thrives in this lush environment.
Additionally, take in the breathtaking views of the crater lakes, adding to the beauty of your adventure. Accommodation: Kibale Forest Camp
Day 10: Chimpanzee Trekking and Swamp Walk.
After breakfast, set off on an exciting chimpanzee trekking adventure, which lasts approximately five hours. Led by experienced guides and rangers, this immersive trek not only allows you to observe these fascinating primates up close but also provides valuable insights into their behavior and the rich biodiversity of the forest.
After the trek, return to the lodge for a well-earned lunch before heading out for a scenic walk in Bigodi Swamp—a paradise for bird enthusiasts. Home to around 138 bird species, this vibrant wetland offers incredible birdwatching opportunities and a chance to appreciate the region’s diverse ecosystem.
As the day winds down, return to the lodge and enjoy a peaceful evening surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. Accommodation: Kibale Forest Camp
Day 11: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before setting off on your journey to Murchison Falls National Park. As this is a long drive, you’ll pause for lunch along the way and make a few stops to stretch, take photos, and appreciate the scenic beauty of the route.
By evening, you’ll arrive at the lodge, where you can unwind and prepare for the adventures ahead. Accommodation: Fort Murchison
Day 12: Morning Game Drive & Boat Cruise
Start your day with an early breakfast before heading into the park for an exciting wildlife safari. As you explore, keep an eye out for iconic animals such as lions, elephants, giraffes, waterbucks, warthogs, buffaloes, and many more roaming the vast savannah.
Return to the lodge for lunch before embarking on a breathtaking afternoon boat cruise along the Nile. The journey takes you to the base of the legendary Murchison Falls, offering spectacular views of this natural wonder. Along the way, marvel at aquatic wildlife, including hippos and crocodiles, while spotting the brightly colored kingfishers and bee-eaters that frequent the riverbanks.
As the day comes to a close, retreat to your lodge for a peaceful and relaxing evening.Accommodation: Fort Murchison
Day 13: Morning Game Drive and Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
Begin your day with an early breakfast before heading out for another thrilling game drive. This is your chance to catch any wildlife sightings you may have missed the previous day as you journey toward the delta point, where a variety of animals can often be spotted.
After the drive, exit the park and start your journey to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Depending on your arrival time, you may either embark on an evening trek to observe the majestic rhinos or opt to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings before trekking in the morning. Accommodation: Ranch chalets
Day 14: Transfer to Jinja, the source of the Nile.
In the morning, have breakfast and drive to Jinja City in the eastern region of Uganda. On the way, you will be able to see the remnants of the Mabira rainforest. Enjoy lunch along the route and, upon arrival, visit the source of the Nile before unwinding for the evening. Accommodation: 2 Friends Hotel
Day 15: Drive to Entebbe.
Have your breakfast and embark on the journey to Entebbe. Enjoy lunch in Kampala, marking the final moments of your trip. The driver will then drop you off at either the airport or your hotel in Entebbe.
| What’s included | Excluded |
|---|---|
| Transport | Visa |
| 1 Gorilla Permit per person | Travel insurance |
| Park entrance fees | International flights |
| Accommodation (unless upgraded) | Tips /appreciations |
| Professional guide/driver | Soft & Alcoholic drinks |
| All activities (except for optionals) | Souvenirs |
| All Taxes/VAT | Extra nights |
| Meals (As indicated in the day-by-day section ) | Other meals not specified |
| Drinking water |