13 Days Uganda Safari
Day 1: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to Murchison Falls National Park by road. En route, you can stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for rhino tracking on foot, an excellent introduction to Uganda’s conservation efforts. Arriving at the park, settle into your lodge with spectacular views of the Nile River as it makes its way through the park, before enjoying dinner and resting for the adventures ahead.
Day 2: Game Drive & Nile River Boat Cruise
Begin your day with a thrilling early morning game drive in Murchison Falls National Park. Expect sightings of elephants, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, and many antelopes. After lunch, embark on a boat cruise along the Nile to the base of Murchison Falls. This trip offers close views of hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birds, while experiencing the power of the Nile as it funnels through a narrow gorge to create the spectacular falls.
Day 3: Drive to Kibale Forest National Park
After breakfast, depart Murchison Falls and drive south to Fort Portal before continuing to Kibale National Park, the chimpanzee trekking capital of Uganda. Enjoy the scenic landscape along the way and check into your forest lodge, where the peaceful surroundings give a real sense of being immersed in nature.
Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Wetland Walk
Experience the excitement of trekking to locate wild chimpanzees in Kibale Forest with the help of expert trackers. Spend several hours observing these intelligent primates in their natural habitat. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided nature walk in the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, home to diverse bird species, butterflies, and other wildlife, as well as an opportunity to engage with local communities.
Day 5: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most popular and diverse wildlife reserve. Upon arrival, relax and prepare for the days of wildlife exploration ahead. The park is home to a wide variety of animals including elephants, lions, buffaloes, leopards, and numerous antelope species.
Day 6: Game Drive in Ishasha Sector & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Today’s adventures include a morning game drive in the Ishasha sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions. In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, one of Africa’s best waterways for spotting hippos, crocodiles, and prolific birdlife while watching elephants come to drink at the shore.
Day 7: Full-Day Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Spend a full day game driving in the park’s diverse habitats including savannah, forest, and wetlands. Look out for predators like lions and leopards and herbivores such as elephants, Uganda kob, and warthogs. This extensive drive maximizes your chances to see a variety of wildlife in their natural settings.
Day 8: Transfer to Bwindi National Park via Ishasha
Leaving Queen Elizabeth, travel to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, famed for its endangered mountain gorillas. Along the way, savor beautiful scenery and the transition from savannah landscapes to dense forest. Check into your lodge near Bwindi and prepare for the next day’s gorilla trekking experience.
Day 9: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
Wake early for a briefing at the park headquarters before setting out on a guided trek in search of mountain gorillas. The trek can last from a few hours to most of the day, depending on gorilla locations. Spending one hour observing these majestic creatures is a deeply moving experience. Return to your lodge for relaxation or take part in community walks.
Day 10: Community Visit & Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
After breakfast, visit a local Batwa community near Bwindi for insight into their rich culture and history. Later, transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, Africa’s second-deepest lake, where you can enjoy an afternoon boat cruise amidst stunning scenery and abundant birdlife.
Day 11: Drive to Lake Mburo National Park
Depart Lake Bunyonyi and head to Lake Mburo National Park, known for its zebra herds and diverse bird species. Relax at your lodge or enjoy a guided nature walk to acclimate to the park’s rolling hills and wooden savannah.
Day 12: Game Drive & Boat Cruise
Spend the morning on a game drive spotting zebras, impalas, waterbucks, and possibly hippos. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Mburo, watching birds, crocodiles, and animals coming for water at the lakeshore. The tranquil environment offers a fitting end to your safari.
Day 13: Return to Entebbe with Equator Stop
Drive back to Entebbe, stopping at the Uganda Equator for photos and to witness the unique water swirling experiments. Continue to Entebbe town or the airport for your departure, leaving Uganda with cherished memories of its wildlife, natural beauty, and warm people.
