Day 1 – Travel to Lake Mburo National Park
Depart from Kampala at 6:30 AM and drive to Lake Mburo National Park. The journey takes about 3–4 hours. Stop briefly at the Equator for photos and a fun demonstration. Continue through open savannah with local settlements, plantations, and herds of Ankole long-horned cattle. Arrive at the park in time for check-in and lunch. Optional short nature walks can be taken in the afternoon to explore nearby trails.
Day 2 – Game Drive and Boat Cruise
Start early with a morning game drive. Search for zebras, impalas, giraffes, kobs, elands, topis, and leopards. Bird watchers can enjoy spotting a variety of local and migratory birds. Return for lunch, then go on a 2-hour boat cruise on Lake Mburo. Here, you can see hippos, crocodiles, and many species of water birds. In the evening, relax at your lodge or take a short guided nature walk.
Day 3 – Return to Kampala
After breakfast, check out and drive back to Kampala, enjoying the scenic views of the savannah and local villages along the way. Arrive in Kampala by late afternoon.
Day 1 – Arrival in Uganda
You arrive at Entebbe International Airport, where your guide will welcome you. You will be transferred to a forest lodge near Entebbe to relax and recover from your journey. This is a great chance to enjoy the peaceful natural surroundings and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Day 2 – Murchison Falls Adventure
Drive north toward Murchison Falls, stopping in Masindi for lunch. En route, visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to see endangered rhinos in a safe environment. Upon arrival at Murchison Falls, take a short trek to the top of the falls to witness where the Nile squeezes through a narrow gorge, crashing powerfully below. Spend the night at Sambiya River Lodge, enjoying the serene riverside views.
Accommodation: Sambiya River Lodge
Day 3 – Nile River Boat Cruise and Game Drive
Begin the day with an early morning game drive, spotting lions, elephants, giraffes, buffalos, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, hippos, and occasionally leopards. After lunch, embark on a two-hour boat cruise along the Nile to the base of Murchison Falls. During the cruise, you will see large groups of hippos and an array of waterbirds. Return to Sambiya River Lodge for dinner and rest.
Accommodation: Sambiya River Lodge
Day 4 – Journey to Fort Portal and Queen Elizabeth National Park
Travel southwest through the beautiful Albertine Escarpment, stopping for lunch at Mountains of the Moon Hotel in Fort Portal, which overlooks stunning landscapes. Continue to the Mweya Peninsula in Queen Elizabeth National Park and enjoy an afternoon game drive in this wildlife-rich park. The scenery combines rolling savannah, wetlands, and crater lakes.
Accommodation: Ihamba Lakeside Resort
Day 5 – Wildlife and Birding in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Start the morning with a game drive to spot lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, warthogs, and waterbucks. Bird enthusiasts will be delighted by the Albertine Rift endemics and many other species. In the afternoon, take a relaxing two-hour boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, famous for its high concentration of hippos and Nile crocodiles, as well as numerous bird species.
Accommodation: Ihamba Lakeside Resort
Day 6 – Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge
Today, head to Kyambura Gorge for chimpanzee trekking. Observe these intelligent primates in their natural habitat, moving through the forest and interacting socially. Later, explore Maramagambo Forest with a guided evening walk to discover bat caves and possibly spot forest predators such as pythons. Return to Ihamba Lakeside Resort for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Ihamba Lakeside Resort
Day 7 – Ishasha Tree-Climbing Lions and Batwa Cultural Walk
Drive south through Ishasha, a region known for its tree-climbing lions, stopping for photographs and wildlife viewing. Continue to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, having lunch at Bwindi Gorilla Resort. In the evening, enjoy a community walk with the Batwa people, learning about their culture, traditions, and enjoying local entertainment.
Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Camp
Day 8 – Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
After breakfast, proceed to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla tracking. Accompanied by experienced guides, trek through the lush forest in search of the Bwindi mountain gorillas. Depending on their location, the trek may take a few hours. Spending time with these magnificent primates is an unforgettable experience. Return to Rushaga Gorilla Camp for lunch, dinner, and overnight.
Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Camp
Day 9 – Return to Kampala and Departure
Depart Bwindi and drive back to Kampala, stopping in Mbarara for lunch. Upon arrival, enjoy a city tour of Kampala, exploring the capital’s vibrant streets, markets, and landmarks. Finally, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight or to your accommodation if you are staying longer in Uganda.
Day 1 – Arrival in Uganda
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport. Your safari guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Kampala for overnight rest. This is a good day to relax and prepare for your adventure.
Day 2 – Birding Mabamba Swamp & Transfer to Masindi
After breakfast, you will drive to Mabamba Swamp, one of Uganda’s top birding spots. Take a canoe trip through the swamp and look for the elusive Shoebill. Other birds you may see include the Blue-breasted Bee-eater, Goliath Heron, Swamp Flycatcher, African Jacana, Lesser Jacana, and Common Moorhen. In the afternoon, you will drive to Masindi and check into Budongo Eco Lodge for your overnight stay.
Day 3 – Birding Budongo Forest
Budongo Forest Reserve protects the largest natural forest in East Africa and is home to over 350 bird species. Spend the day walking along the Royal Mile trail to spot birds like Nahan’s Francolin, Cassin’s Spinetail, Chestnut-capped Flycatcher, Xavier’s Greenbul, and many more. The forest also offers beautiful scenery, making it perfect for photography and nature walks. Overnight at Budongo Eco Lodge.
Day 4 – Game Drive & Afternoon Boat Cruise
Enjoy a morning game drive in the park where you may encounter elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes, primates, and mongoose. After lunch, take a boat cruise on the Nile River to see hippos, Nile crocodiles, and waterbirds such as the Shoebill, Secretary Bird, Abyssinian Roller, Pied Kingfisher, and Ground Hornbill.
Day 5 – Transfer to Kibale National Park
Drive to Fort Portal and then to Kibale Forest. Kibale is famous for chimpanzee tracking and is home to Uganda’s largest population of endangered chimpanzees, as well as L’hoest’s Monkey and Red Colobus Monkey. Bird enthusiasts can spot over 325 species, including Black-capped Apalis, Blue-headed Sunbird, Collared Apalis, Dusky Crimsonwing, African Pitta, Green-breasted Pitta, and the Crowned Eagle. Check in at Ndali Lodge for the night.
Day 6 – Chimpanzee Tracking & Bigodi Wetlands Birding
After breakfast, visit the Kibale visitor center for a briefing and track chimpanzees in their natural habitat. This trek lasts 2–3 hours and also offers chances to see Black-and-White Colobus, Red-tailed Monkeys, and Grey-cheeked Mangabeys. In the afternoon, explore Bigodi Wetlands for birding. Look for species such as Speckle-breasted Woodpecker, Cabanis’s Greenbul, Joyful Greenbul, White-spotted Flufftail, and Lesser Honeyguide. Overnight at Ndali Lodge.
Day 7 – Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most visited park. It hosts nearly 100 mammal species and over 600 bird species. Expect to see elephants, hippos, antelopes, and giant forest hogs along the Mweya Peninsula. Stay overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge.
Day 8 – Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Cruise
Start the day with a morning game drive, spotting lions, elephants, buffalos, warthogs, and other wildlife. After lunch, enjoy a scenic boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, connecting Lakes George and Edward. You will see hippos, elephants, buffaloes, and a variety of waterbirds, making it a perfect opportunity for photography. Overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge.
Day 9 – Transfer to Kampala
Depart the park and drive back to Kampala. Along the way, visit the Mpambire Royal Drum Makers and stop at the Equator for photos. Arrive in Kampala and check in at Metropole Hotel.
Day 1 – Kampala to Gulu (via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary)
Drive from Kampala to Gulu, stopping at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to see Uganda’s only wild rhinos. Enjoy the scenic view at Kaluma Falls and cross the Nile River. Overnight stay in Gulu to break the long drive to Kidepo.
Accommodation: Boma Hotel Gulu
Day 2 – Gulu to Kidepo Valley National Park
Continue the journey to Kidepo Valley National Park. Enjoy scenic views, traditional Manyatas, and cross seasonal rivers on the way. Arrive in time for lunch, then enjoy an evening game drive in Narus Valley to spot wildlife.
Accommodation:
Luxury: Apoka Safari Lodge
Mid-range: Ngamoru Wilderness Camp
Budget: Apoka Rest Camp
Day 3 – Game Drives in Narus Valley
Morning game drive in Narus Valley. Observe large buffalo herds, antelopes, and if lucky, cheetahs. Return for lunch, then go for an evening game drive in Narus Valley to see more wildlife.
Accommodation: Same as Day 2
Day 4 – Ik Tribe Visit & Hot Springs
Hike the Lomej Mountains and meet the endangered Ik tribe. Enjoy the panoramic views and bird watching. Return for lunch, then drive to visit Kidepo hot springs and the Uganda-Sudan border, spotting giant ostriches along the way. Overnight in Kidepo.
Accommodation: Same as Day 2
Day 5 – Kidepo Valley to Murchison Falls
After breakfast, drive to Murchison Falls National Park. Stop for an en-route game drive in the northern park (Paraa) to see mammals and possibly big cats. Cross the ferry and check into your lodge.
Accommodation:
Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge
Mid-range: Murchison River Lodge
Budget: Red Chilli Rest Camp
Day 6 – Morning Game Drive & Nile Boat Cruise
Morning game drive in Paraa (for those on the southern side). In the afternoon, take a boat cruise on the Nile to the bottom of Murchison Falls. Spot hippos, crocodiles, water birds, and other wildlife. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Same as Day 5
Day 7 – Murchison Falls to Entebbe Airport
Drive back to Entebbe Airport for your departure. Stop at the top of Murchison Falls to enjoy the breathtaking views. Lunch en route is included.
Day 1: Arrival in Kampala
You will be received at the airport by our guide and transferred to your hotel in Kampala. Take time to rest after your flight and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Day 2: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After an early breakfast, you will leave Kampala to avoid morning traffic. Stop briefly at the Uganda Equator for photos and souvenirs. Continue through scenic countryside, passing Mbarara town, and arrive at Queen Elizabeth National Park in the evening. Check in to your lodge and enjoy a short evening game drive before dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Game Drive & Boat Cruise
Begin the day early with a game drive to see wildlife and birds, including White Storks and Saddle-Billed Storks on the open grass plains. After lunch at the lodge, take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel to spot hippos, elephants, and a variety of water birds such as Grey-headed Gulls, African Skimmers, Pink-backed Pelicans, and Black Kites. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 4: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
After breakfast, depart for Lake Bunyonyi, known as the “Little Switzerland of Uganda.” Enjoy scenic views on the way and marvel at the lake’s beauty upon arrival. On clear days, you can see Mount Muhavura, a nearby volcano. Check in to your lodge and relax for the evening.
Day 5: Lake Islands & Nature Walk
Hire a local canoe to explore Lake Bunyonyi’s small islands, enjoying birdwatching on the water. After lunch, take a nature walk in Mukoni Village to observe up to 50 bird species, including Swamp Flycatchers, African Hobbies, Scarlet-chested Sunbirds, White-headed Saw-wings, and Red-chested Sunbirds. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 6: Return to Kampala
After breakfast, check out and begin your drive back to Kampala. Enjoy lunch en route and arrive in the afternoon. Check in at your hotel for your final night.
Day 7: Kampala City Tour & Departure
Start the day with breakfast before a brief city tour in Kampala. After lunch, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home.
Optional: You can include chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge (client pays extra). The trek involves hiking steep slopes to see chimpanzees in their natural habitat. After the trek, you will continue the transfer to Kampala.
Day 1: Kampala to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Start your day with an early breakfast in Kampala. At 6:30 AM, your tour guide will pick you up for the drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Along the way, stop at the Equator for photos and fun water experiments that show the split between the northern and southern hemispheres. You can also buy local souvenirs at craft centers.
Next, stop at Igongo Cultural Centre for lunch. Enjoy fresh, organic African dishes at the popular Kahwa Kanuzire restaurant. Continue the journey and arrive at the park in the evening. Relax, have dinner, and settle in at your lodge.
Accommodation: Park View Safari Lodge
Day 2: Afternoon Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel
After breakfast, spend the morning at leisure or enjoy optional activities at the lodge. Around 2:00–3:00 PM, board a boat at Mweya Jetty for a Kazinga Channel cruise. This two-hour cruise gives you close-up views of hippos, Nile crocodiles, and many bird species such as yellow-billed storks and kingfishers.
After the cruise, go on a short game drive along the channel, then return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation: Park View Safari Lodge
Day 3: Morning Game Drive & Optional Lake Katwe Visit
Start early at 7:00 AM for a morning game drive in the Kasenyi area. You may see elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards, hyenas, Uganda kobs, and waterbucks. Bird lovers can spot Palm-nut vultures, African white-backed vultures, Hooded vultures, Ruppell’s griffon vultures, Brown Snake Eagles, and Wahlberg’s Eagles.
Return to the lodge for lunch and relax in the afternoon. Optionally, you may visit Lake Katwe, famous for its salt mining. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation: Park View Safari Lodge
Day 4: Morning Game Drive / Optional Chimpanzee Trekking and Return to Kampala
After breakfast, enjoy a final morning game drive to see animals you may have missed. Then begin the journey back to Kampala.
Alternatively, take an optional chimpanzee trekking tour in Kyambura Gorge (client pays). Trek through steep forest slopes to encounter wild chimpanzees—a truly unforgettable experience. After 2–5 hours of trekking, return to Kampala.
Day 1 – Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary & Murchison Falls National Park
Start with an early breakfast, then drive to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for rhino tracking. Watch these magnificent animals in their natural environment. Continue to Masindi town for lunch before heading to Murchison Falls National Park. Visit the top of the falls for stunning views and photographs.
Accommodation: Bwana Tembo Safari Lodge
Day 2 – Morning Game Drive & Afternoon Boat Cruise
After breakfast, cross the ferry to the northern part of the park for a three-hour morning game drive. Spot lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, giraffes, and various antelopes. The river delta is home to hippos, crocodiles, and the rare shoebill stork. Return to the lodge for lunch, then enjoy an afternoon boat cruise to the base of the falls, where you will see water and land animals and many bird species.
Accommodation: Bwana Tembo Safari Lodge
Day 3 – Return to Kampala
Enjoy a relaxed morning, have breakfast, and drive back to Kampala, reflecting on your unforgettable safari experience.
Day 1 – Travel to Lake Mburo National Park
Depart from Kampala at 6:30 AM and drive to Lake Mburo National Park. The journey takes about 3–4 hours. Stop briefly at the Equator for photos and a fun demonstration. Continue through open savannah with local settlements, plantations, and herds of Ankole long-horned cattle. Arrive at the park in time for check-in and lunch. Optional short nature walks can be taken in the afternoon to explore nearby trails.
Day 2 – Game Drive and Boat Cruise
Start early with a morning game drive. Search for zebras, impalas, giraffes, kobs, elands, topis, and leopards. Bird watchers can enjoy spotting a variety of local and migratory birds. Return for lunch, then go on a 2-hour boat cruise on Lake Mburo. Here, you can see hippos, crocodiles, and many species of water birds. In the evening, relax at your lodge or take a short guided nature walk.
Day 3 – Return to Kampala
After breakfast, check out and drive back to Kampala, enjoying the scenic views of the savannah and local villages along the way. Arrive in Kampala by late afternoon.