14 Days Around Uganda Safari

Journey time: 6 – 7 Hours

Have an early breakfast at the hotel and check-out. At 06:00AM; depart Kampala for Murchison Falls National Park. Lunch at a restaurant en route after rhino tracking.  

Optional Activity (50$ pp.): En route to Masindi 3 hour’ drive out of Kampala, make a stopover at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to track the Rhinos before proceeding to the Park.

After lunch continue with the rest of the journey to the park. Arrive and head to the lodge to check-in and refresh. Have an evening game drive or stay at leisure.

Overnight: Pakuba Safari Lodge – or similar

Meal Plan: Half Board 

After an early breakfast at the lodge; transfer to the park for the day’s adventures.
Start with a game drive covering the delta circuit, reputably known for high concentrations of wildlife. This 4-5-hour game drive includes stunning views of the savannah and other plant vegetation especially the borassus palm trees dominating the park, as propagated by elephants from the D. R. Congo. What to expect: elephants, hippos, buffaloes, and lions, several antelopes and patas monkeys and birds.

Return to the lodge for an early lunch followed by a boat cruise.

Enjoy an afternoon waterfall cruise and top of the falls hike: This is an excellent opportunity for an exclusive viewing of the large resident populations of hippos and crocodiles, as well as other wildlife and extensive birdlife, including a wide range of water birds, and a huge colony of cliff-nesting red throated bee eaters. What to expect; Nile crocodiles, Hippos in their hundreds, Small herds of buffalo, waterbuck, and Kobs as well as Elephants coming to water and cool off. Birds sighted: saddle-billed stork, African Jacana, Pied/malachite kingfishers, African skimmer, Piacpiac, rock pratincole kingfishers, and bee-eaters. On arrival at the bottom of the falls; disembark and take a scenic hike to the top of the falls. This is a generally easy hike compared to Rwenzori and other mountains. Hiking to the top of the falls is approximately 1 hour; this is the most adventurous way to experience Murchison Falls.

After exploring the top of the falls transfer to the lodge for dinner at leisure.  

Overnight: Pakuba Safari Lodge – or similar

Meal Plan: Full Board 

Journey Time: 6 – 7 Hours

Have an early breakfast at the lodge and depart for Kibale not later than 06:00AM. Arrive and have a traditional lunch at Tinka’s Homestead.

After lunch go for Bigodi Community Tour and birding – Planned activities include: Birding in Bigodi swamp, Bigodi coffee tasting, Taste banana beer and traditional vodka, purchase traditional arts and crafts, Cultural entertainment (songs and dances).

Proceed to the lodge thereafter and check-in to refresh for dinner at leisure.

Kibale National Park is home to the highest population of primates in Africa. Although the highlight of the park is the habituated chimpanzees, the treetops are alive with all manner of monkeys including: red-tailed monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, grey-cheeked Mangabey, red colobus with colobus monkeys sighted here. When you’re not searching for monkeys there are over 300 bird species and an incredible 250 species of butterfly.

Overnight: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge – or similar    

Meal Plan: Half Board

Pick-up time: 06:30AM. Early breakfast and check-out. You will then transfer to the start point for the hike. After briefing the nature experience starts.

Morning Activity: Top of the World Hike – The hike begins from Lake Nyabikere Crater “frogs”, with stunning views at sunrise! During the trek learn about the formation of crater lakes, traditional legends, and culture which makes your 2 – 3 hour trail more interesting and worthwhile. Hike across lush gardens, banana, and coffee with tea plantations as you gaze at the splendid views of crater lakes, Fort Portal City, Kibale Forest and the Rwenzori Ranges appearing just below you uphill.

After the hike depart to Queen Elizabeth N. Park. Lunch at Mweya Safari Lodge.

After lunch, go for Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise; this is the main activity after lunch where you will spot a number of birds like; the African fish eagle, pelicans, flamingos, Hammerkop, egrets, the African fin foot, pied kingfishers, marabou storks, vultures, kites and many more, together with animals like hippos, buffalos, warthogs, crocodiles, waterbucks and more as most of them visit to water and cool off.

From the boat transfer to the lodge and refresh for dinner at leisure.

Overnight: Twin Lakes Safari Lodge – or similar 

Meal Plan: Full Board

Early breakfast at the lodge, and depart for a game drive at 06:30AM.

Start with Guided Game Drive: Go explore the highlights of this wonderful national park. Expect to sight a variety of flora and fauna. Enjoy a scenic view of several crater lakes like Nyamunuka – medicinal to the animals and Munyanyange – frequented by flamingos. The safari is crowned with cool views at sunrise. Proceed to Lake Katwe to mingle with the locals, learn about traditional salt mining as well as local lifestyle.  

Return to the lodge for lunch and refreshment.

After lunch proceed to Kyambura Gorge, arriving not later than 01:30PM. Following park formalities, next is chimpanzee tracking in the gorge.  

Kyambura Gorge “Valley of Apes” is located on the far eastern corner of the park. The landscape here is among Uganda’s most impressive with a rich wildlife bio-diversity that comprises of primates, wild animals, and birds. Several bird species such as the African Fin foot, as well as falcons, are resident here. Forest hogs can be seen here as well as the three crater lakes which include Lake Africa. Go Chimpanzee tracking and experience the chimps in the gorge with more primates such as; Ugandan Mangabey, red-tailed monkeys, de brazza’s monkey, red colobus monkey, and more.

Return to the lodge late evening for dinner and relaxation.

Overnight: Twin Lakes Safari Lodge – or similar 

Meal Plan: Full Board

Journey time: 5 – 6 Hours

Early breakfast and check-out at 06/07:00AM. Then head to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest via Ishasha Sector. Stopover at the park’s Ishasha Sector: At Ishasha expect to spot the Tree climbing lions (the chances are limited as animals move to distant places searching for food); however, this is the highlight of this section, thus its popularity in the entire national park. Tree climbing lions are spotted hanging up in acacia and fig trees, trying to avoid tsetse fly and other ground insect bites, and preying in the trees. You will have a picnic lunch at Ishasha.

Continue to Bwindi, arriving in late in the evening for dinner at leisure.  

Overnight: Bweza Gorilla Lodge – or similar

Meal Plan: Half Board

After an early breakfast you will be handed a lunchbox and mineral water to put in your backpack and proceed to the visitor information centre.

Upon completing park formalities, you will embark on a once in a life time experience of tracking the elusive mountain gorillas. Once you meet the gorillas on a tracking adventure, you are allowed between 1 to 2 hours watching and photographing the gentle apes including the silverback. This is perhaps one of the most breath-taking wildlife experience on earth!!! You stare at each other blankly not knowing who to break the long silence first. These massive primates are extremely rare, with less than 700 living today, but you will get within meters and take your best camera shots. Gorilla tracking may be fairly strenuous lasting an hour at a relatively high altitude. During the trek, your ranger guide will identify a safe and scenic spot for your picnic lunch after which you will proceed with the trek or back to the lodge (Subject to change). Come in hiking boots, trousers, and gloves for protection against stinging nettles as well as sufficient water as the rain forest gets hot and humid during the day. 

Optional Activity: Batwa Cultural Trail – This 3 hour trail exhibits a mutual relationship between the Batwa and the jungle before their expulsion in the process of converting this forest into a protected reserve. In a bid to promote their unique heritage and traditions; the Batwa will walk you through their small pocket forests, showcasing a nomadic culture during their occupation of the rain forest. Approach the Batwa settlement and observe how the women go about cooking and serving a traditional meal. Continue to visit herbalists so as to explore the various herbs plus medicinal significance, and listening to ancient legends alongside traditional songs.

Return to the lodge late evening and for dinner with the rest of this time at leisure.  

Overnight: Bweza Gorilla Lodge – or similar

Meal Plan: Full Board

Journey time: 1 – 2 Hours

Have breakfast at the lodge and check-out; at 08:00AM depart Bwindi to Lake Bunyonyi. On arrival start off with a guided hike. Lunch and dinner at the lodge.  

Planned Activities:

• Bunyonyi “Top of the World” Hike: Enjoy a nature walk and hike through Lake Bunyonyi terraces to the scenery view point. Be rewarded with spectacular views of the 27+ Islands of Lake Bunyonyi. Best location for stunning photography.


• Afternoon Guided Canoe Ride: Explore the magical Islands of Lake Bunyonyi with this guided canoe ride. Cruise through the 29 Islands of Lake Bunyonyi plus sightseeing Islands such as; Akampene, Bwama and Njuyeera plus communities.

Later return to the lodge, check-in and refresh for dinner at leisure.

Overnight: Bunyonyi Rock Resort – or similar

Meal Plan: Full Board

Journey time: 1 – 2 Hours

Pick-up time: 06:00AM. Early breakfast and travel to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Arrive at the Park headquarters by 08:00am for briefing and the trek will commence immediately after. Hiking through the forests to reach the golden monkeys is less tedious as golden monkeys live in the lower bamboo areas. Spend an hour with the golden monkeys and take pictures while observing their behaviour. Come along with waterproof hiking boots, wear long sleeved shirt, long trousers, and carry a backpack for your lunch and documents and do not forget an insect repellent.

Thereafter transfer to Lake Mutanda and sail to Gahiza Island Retreat for lunch. After lunch enjoy a two-hour boat cruise on Lake Mutanda. 

Planned afternoon activity: Boat Cruise on Lake Mutanda – Enjoy a detailed 2-hour boat cruise on this scenic lake exploring its various islands. Accompanied by a local guide you will get to explore more about the surrounding communities, sight the birds, and otters with splendid views of the volcanoes sheltering the lake. Visit the lake’s only habituated island to meet the Abagesera (indigenous residents), and visit the Punishment Island to learn about its interesting history.

From Mutanda return to the lodge at Bunyonyi; and check-in to refresh for dinner.

Overnight: Bunyonyi Rock Resort – or similar

Meal Plan: Full Board

Journey time: 4 – 5 Hours

Today sleep-in a bit with no rush. At 10:00AM, have breakfast at the lodge followed by a check-out. Thereafter, set off to Lake Mburo National Park.

You will have lunch at a restaurant en-route to Lake Mburo. Arrival is in the evening to the lodge and check-in. Time permitting: Enjoy an Ankole Cattle farm visit.

Overnight: Mpogo Safari Lodge – or similar 

Meal Plan: Full Board

Journey time: Approx. 04 Hours  

Have an early breakfast at the lodge; and go for a guided walking safari in the park.

Lake Mburo Walking Safari experience: This foot safari kicks off at 07:00am lasting up to 2 hours – depending on your interest points. Unlike other Ugandan parks, Lake Mburo National Park is considered the safest since the only wild cat usually spotted here is the leopard and shy to humans. Accompanied by a ranger guide, walk starts from Rwonyo leading you all the way to the saltlicks; a spot frequented by grazers to supplement their diet on salty rocks and muddy clay. Expect sighting animals such as impalas, elands, zebras, buffaloes, Uganda kob and the recently introduced giraffes. You will be see more animals on the way such as hippos returning from the lake to graze as well as hyenas on their return to the dens. Hike to the hilltop view point from where you will spot 9 of the 14 magnificent lakes situated within the park; the view is splendid and worthwhile! Lake Mburo is notably endowed with over 315 bird species; some at Rwonyo (mosque swallow, black-bellied bustard, bare-faced-go-away-bird and more).

Optional activities at Mburo: Boat Cruise, Mountain Biking, Horseback Ride or Rubanga Forest Walk. Return to the lodge for an early lunch and refreshment.

After lunch board and depart Lake Mburo to Kampala (Stopover at the equator for a photo opportunity): Arriving to check-in and stay at leisure.

Overnight: Gazelle Hospitality Guesthouse

Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast

Journey time: 1 Hour

Early breakfast and check-out. Join your guide at 08:30am to kick off with the city tour.
Kampala City Tour: This excursion takes you to cultural and historical land marks together with exploring the lifestyle of Ugandans, and shopping for souvenirs. The highlights include: Nakasero market: Established in 1895 moving to its current location in 1905. Temples such as Shree Swaminarayan Mandir and Bahai Temple. It continues to Kabaka’s (king’s) palace; with Idd Amin torture chambers and sightseeing Buganda clan monuments. You will as well tour Gadhafi National Mosque for an insight into a Ugandan Islamic culture with a 360 degree birds’ eye view of Kampala City. Lastly at Uganda National Museum; oldest in East Africa, established by the British in 1908 to its current location in 1954.

Thereafter head to Entebbe Town; arrive and check-in at the hotel (Lunch at own cost).

Overnight: Airportlink Guesthouse – or similar  

Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast

Journey time: Less 30 Minutes

Pick-up Time: 07:30AM – if going to the shoebill. Have an early breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Nakiwogo Landing Site – gateway to Mabamba Swamp (This activity is on request basis).   

Optional Activity: Mabamba Swamp (best place to sight the shoebill stork); this is Ramsar listed wetland of international importance. The wetland can be accessed by a motorized canoe; located on the North West of Entebbe Peninsular, along the edge of Lake Victoria and got its name from the local fishermen due to a huge quantity of lungfish “Mamba”, the most sought-after fish by fishermen as well as a favourite food for the shoebill. It is home to endangered bird species like the Shoebill stork and the blue swallow, with over 260 bird species found here such as: Pallid harrier, Black kite, and Papyrus canary/Gonolek, Blue swallow plus more.

After this tour transfer to Entebbe Airport and check-in for departure.

Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast

End of Safari