15 Days Epic Uganda Wildlife & Gorilla Safari Adventure

Tour Highlights

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – airport pickup & hotel transfer
Day 2: Transfer to Gulu via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary (rhino tracking)
Day 3: Travel to Kidepo Valley National Park – afternoon game drive
Day 4: Full-day game drives in Kidepo Valley National Park
Day 5: Morning game drive & Karamojong cultural experience
Day 6: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
Day 7: Game drive & boat cruise to the base of the falls
Day 8: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
Day 9: Chimpanzee trekking & transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 10: Morning game drive (optional lion tracking) & Kazinga Channel boat cruise
Day 11: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 12: Gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Forest
Day 13: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi – boat ride & relaxation
Day 14: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park – evening game drive
Day 15: Walking safari & return to Kampala/Entebbe

Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport

Welcome to the Pearl of Africa!

Upon your arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our professional safari guide, who will brief you on your upcoming adventure before transferring you to your hotel in Entebbe.

Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to relax after your flight or enjoy a leisurely stroll around the hotel's gardens or the shores of Lake Victoria. Entebbe's relaxed atmosphere provides the perfect introduction to Uganda before your safari begins.

Take the evening to rest and prepare for the exciting journey ahead.

Day 2: Entebbe to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Gulu

After an early breakfast, begin your journey north through Uganda's beautiful countryside towards Gulu, the largest city in Northern Uganda.

Your first major stop is Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the country's only protected area where southern white rhinos roam freely in the wild. Accompanied by experienced rangers, you'll enjoy a guided walking safari that brings you remarkably close to these magnificent animals in their natural habitat. This memorable encounter completes the opportunity to see all members of Africa's famous Big Five during the course of your safari.

Following the rhino trek, continue north through vast savannah landscapes, rural communities, and traditional homesteads while learning about Uganda's diverse cultures from your guide. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to Gulu.

Arrive in the evening and settle into your lodge for dinner and a well-earned rest.

Day 3: Gulu to Kidepo Valley National Park & Afternoon Game Drive

Enjoy breakfast before embarking on one of Uganda's most scenic drives towards the spectacular Kidepo Valley National Park.

Located in Uganda's remote northeastern corner, Kidepo is widely regarded as one of Africa's finest wilderness areas. The dramatic mountain backdrops, open savannah plains and low visitor numbers create an authentic safari experience unlike anywhere else in East Africa.

Upon arrival, check into your lodge and enjoy lunch before heading out for your first game drive.

Explore the famous Narus Valley, where permanent water sources attract abundant wildlife throughout the year. Keep your camera ready for sightings of elephants, buffaloes, Rothschild's giraffes, zebras, Jackson's hartebeest, waterbucks, oribi and Uganda kob. Predators such as lions, cheetahs and spotted hyenas are also frequently encountered in this region.

As the afternoon sun casts golden light across the plains, enjoy breathtaking scenery before returning to your lodge for dinner.

Day 4: Full-Day Safari in Kidepo Valley National Park

Today is dedicated to exploring Uganda's most untouched national park.

Set out early while wildlife is most active. The cool morning hours offer excellent opportunities to spot predators returning from their night hunts, along with elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, elands, ostriches, reedbucks and numerous antelope species grazing across the open plains.

Continue exploring the diverse landscapes of the park, including the expansive Narus Valley and, where road conditions permit, the picturesque Kidepo Valley near the South Sudan border. Here you'll encounter seasonal riverbeds, dramatic mountain scenery and some of Uganda's most impressive panoramic views.

Enjoy a picnic or return to the lodge for lunch before continuing your wildlife exploration in the afternoon.

Bird enthusiasts will also appreciate Kidepo's exceptional birdlife, with over 470 recorded species, including several found nowhere else in Uganda.

Return to the lodge as the sun sets over the savannah for dinner and overnight.

Day 5: Morning Game Drive & Karamojong Cultural Experience

Rise early for one final game drive through Kidepo Valley National Park, giving you another opportunity to search for wildlife you may have missed during previous outings. Early mornings often provide excellent sightings of lions, hyenas, elephants, buffaloes and a variety of antelope species before temperatures begin to rise.

Return to the lodge for a relaxed lunch before visiting a traditional Karamojong Manyatta.

The Karamojong are among Uganda's most fascinating pastoral communities, renowned for preserving their centuries-old traditions and semi-nomadic lifestyle. During your visit, you'll gain insight into their unique customs, traditional homesteads, livestock practices and daily life. Meet local families, learn about their rich cultural heritage, watch traditional dances and songs, and browse locally crafted handmade souvenirs.

This cultural encounter provides a meaningful opportunity to experience one of Uganda's most authentic indigenous communities while supporting local tourism initiatives.

Return to the lodge in the evening to relax and enjoy dinner.

Day 6: Kidepo Valley National Park to Murchison Falls National Park

After breakfast, bid farewell to the rugged wilderness of Kidepo as you embark on a scenic drive to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda's largest and oldest conservation area. The journey takes you through the vast landscapes of Northern Uganda, where rolling grasslands, rural villages, and fertile farmland provide a glimpse into everyday life.

Enjoy a leisurely lunch en route before continuing towards the park. Upon arrival, visit the spectacular Top of Murchison Falls, where the mighty River Nile forces its way through a narrow 7-metre gorge before plunging approximately 43 metres into the Devil's Cauldron below. Feel the power of the roaring falls as mist rises into the air, creating rainbows on sunny days and providing one of Uganda's most iconic natural spectacles.

After taking in the breathtaking views and photographs, continue to your lodge for check-in, dinner, and overnight.

Day 7: Morning Game Drive, Nile Boat Cruise & Hike to the Top of the Falls

Rise early for a morning game drive on the northern bank of Murchison Falls National Park, where wildlife is most active during the cooler hours of the day.

Explore the expansive savannah in search of elephants, Rothschild's giraffes, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, hartebeests, waterbucks, oribi, warthogs, and bushbucks. Lucky visitors may also encounter lions, leopards, hyenas, or other predators before they retreat from the morning sun.

Return to the lodge for lunch before heading to Paraa Jetty for one of Uganda's most rewarding boat safaris.

Cruise upstream along the Victoria Nile towards the base of Murchison Falls. Along the riverbanks, watch for enormous pods of hippos, giant Nile crocodiles, elephants cooling off in the water, buffaloes grazing along the shores, and numerous bird species including African fish eagles, kingfishers, bee-eaters, cormorants, herons, and, if fortune smiles upon you, the elusive shoebill stork.

At the base of the falls, disembark for a guided hike to the Top of Murchison Falls. This short but rewarding walk offers spectacular viewpoints as the Nile squeezes through the narrow gorge before crashing into the river below.

After the hike, your driver-guide will meet you and transfer you back to the lodge.

Day 8: Murchison Falls National Park – Kibale Forest National Park

After breakfast, depart Murchison Falls National Park and begin your journey towards the lush forests of western Uganda.

The drive offers ever-changing scenery as open savannah gradually gives way to rolling hills, tea plantations, fertile farmland, and picturesque villages. As you approach Fort Portal, the landscape becomes increasingly dramatic, with views of the legendary Rwenzori Mountains, often referred to as the "Mountains of the Moon."

After lunch in Fort Portal, visit the fascinating Amabere ga Nyina Mwiru Caves, one of Uganda's most important cultural and geological landmarks. Learn the captivating Bachwezi legend surrounding these limestone formations before continuing to the nearby crater lake region, where a short guided walk rewards you with panoramic views over volcanic crater lakes and lush countryside.

Later, continue to Kibale Forest National Park and check in to your lodge.

Day 9: Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Wetland Walk

Following an early breakfast, transfer to the Kanyanchu Visitor Centre for a briefing before embarking on an unforgettable chimpanzee trekking experience in Kibale Forest National Park.

Accompanied by experienced Uganda Wildlife Authority guides, venture into the tropical rainforest in search of one of humanity's closest relatives. The trek may last anywhere between two and five hours, depending on the movement of the chimpanzees.

Once located, you'll spend one magical hour observing these intelligent primates as they feed, groom one another, communicate through loud calls, and swing effortlessly through the forest canopy.

Besides chimpanzees, Kibale is home to twelve other primate species, including black-and-white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, L'Hoest's monkeys, olive baboons, and numerous forest birds.

After lunch, continue to the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-managed conservation area renowned for its exceptional biodiversity. During the guided nature walk, keep an eye out for the colourful Great Blue Turaco, hornbills, butterflies, and, with a little luck, the elusive sitatunga antelope.

The walk also offers an opportunity to learn about local conservation efforts and visit community craft shops where handmade souvenirs are available.

Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 10: Kibale Forest to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, depart Kibale Forest and drive south to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda's most diverse protected area.

Along the way, make a cultural stop at Ruboni Community, located on the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains. Here you'll gain insight into the traditions of the Bakonzo people, learning about their farming practices, local crafts, music, dance, and way of life in one of Uganda's most scenic regions.

Continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park, arriving in time for lunch before heading out on an evening game drive.

Explore the Kasenyi Plains, renowned for their abundant wildlife. Watch for elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, warthogs, giant forest hogs, and predators such as lions and leopards. As the golden African sunset paints the savannah, enjoy exceptional photographic opportunities before returning to your lodge.

Day 11: Game Drive, Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise & Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Start the day with an early breakfast before setting out on a sunrise game drive across the Kasenyi Plains, one of the best wildlife-viewing areas in Queen Elizabeth National Park. During the drive, search for elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, warthogs, giant forest hogs, lions, and, with a bit of luck, the elusive leopard. The park is also home to over 600 bird species, making it an excellent destination for bird enthusiasts.

Return to the lodge for a late breakfast or early lunch before heading to Mweya Peninsula for an unforgettable boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. This natural waterway links Lake Edward and Lake George and supports one of Africa's highest concentrations of hippos. As you cruise along the channel, watch for large Nile crocodiles basking on the banks, elephants cooling off along the shoreline, buffaloes grazing, and a remarkable variety of water birds including African fish eagles, pelicans, kingfishers, herons, and cormorants.

After the boat safari, depart Queen Elizabeth National Park and travel through the scenic Ishasha Sector, renowned for its famous tree-climbing lions. Keep your eyes on the large fig trees where these remarkable cats are often seen resting on the branches. Continue through the rolling hills of southwestern Uganda before arriving at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the evening.

Check into your lodge, relax, and prepare for the next day's unforgettable gorilla trekking experience.

Day 12: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Today promises to be the highlight of your Ugandan adventure.

After an early breakfast, transfer to the Uganda Wildlife Authority headquarters for a briefing by experienced park rangers. You'll learn about gorilla trekking etiquette, safety procedures, and what to expect during your trek through the rainforest.

Following the briefing, you'll be assigned to one of the habituated mountain gorilla families and accompanied by knowledgeable ranger guides into the dense forest. The trek can last anywhere from two to eight hours depending on the gorillas' location, with the journey taking you through steep hills, thick vegetation, streams, and ancient rainforest.

Along the way, watch for colorful birds, butterflies, forest elephants, monkeys, and unique plant species that thrive within this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

When you finally encounter the gorillas, you'll spend one unforgettable hour observing them in their natural habitat. Witness family interactions as infants play, mothers care for their young, and the mighty silverback watches protectively over the group. This intimate wildlife encounter is widely regarded as one of Africa's greatest safari experiences.

After the trek, return to the park headquarters where you'll receive your gorilla trekking certificate before transferring back to the lodge for a well-deserved evening of relaxation.

Day 13: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to Lake Bunyonyi

After a relaxed breakfast, leave the mountain forests behind as you journey through the spectacular Kigezi Highlands towards the beautiful shores of Lake Bunyonyi.

Known as the "Place of Many Little Birds," Lake Bunyonyi is one of Africa's most scenic lakes, surrounded by lush terraced hills and dotted with 29 picturesque islands. The cool climate and tranquil atmosphere make it the perfect place to unwind after the physically demanding gorilla trek.

Upon arrival, enjoy lunch before embarking on a guided boat excursion across the lake. Cruise between the islands while learning about their fascinating history and local legends, including Punishment Island. Along the way, admire the breathtaking scenery, spot a variety of birdlife, and watch local fishermen paddling traditional dugout canoes.

Spend the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. You may relax by the lakeshore or choose from optional activities such as canoeing, nature walks, birdwatching, cultural visits, or ziplining across the lake.

Day 14: Lake Bunyonyi to Lake Mburo National Park

Enjoy breakfast overlooking the tranquil waters of Lake Bunyonyi before beginning your journey to Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda's smallest savannah national park but one of its most charming wildlife destinations.

Travel through the scenic countryside of southwestern Uganda, passing rolling hills, cattle ranches, and traditional Ankole homesteads. Stop for lunch at the renowned Igongo Cultural Centre, where you can enjoy authentic local cuisine and learn about the cultural heritage of western Uganda.

Continue to Lake Mburo National Park, arriving in the afternoon for an evening game drive. The park is famous for its thriving populations of zebras, impalas, giraffes, elands, buffaloes, topis, waterbucks, bushbucks, and warthogs. Unlike many other Ugandan parks, Lake Mburo is the country's best place to see large herds of impalas and Burchell's zebras.

As the sun begins to set, enjoy spectacular views across the acacia-dotted savannah before checking into your lodge.

Day 15: Guided Nature Walk & Return to Entebbe

Your final day begins with an early morning guided walking safari, one of Lake Mburo National Park's signature experiences.

Accompanied by an armed Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger, explore the park on foot and experience the African wilderness from a completely different perspective. Walk among zebras, giraffes, impalas, topis, elands, waterbucks, bushbucks, and buffaloes while learning about animal tracks, medicinal plants, birdlife, and the park's unique ecosystem.

Return to the lodge for breakfast before checking out and beginning the drive back to Entebbe.

Along the way, stop at the Uganda Equator crossing in Kayabwe for memorable photographs, demonstrations of the equatorial water experiment, and an opportunity to purchase locally made souvenirs and gifts.

Enjoy lunch en route before continuing to Entebbe, where your guide will transfer you to Entebbe International Airport for your onward flight or drop you off at your preferred location, bringing your unforgettable 15-day Uganda Safari Highlights to a memorable conclusion.