18 Days Best of Uganda Wildlife Safari and Cultural Tour

This 18-day Best of Uganda Wildlife Safari takes you to explore the main tourist destinations of Uganda. You will arrive at Entebbe Airport overnight. The actual 18 Days Best of Uganda Wildlife Safari begins with a visit to the source of the Nile, Sipi Falls, Pian Upe, and Kidepo Valley. From there, head to Murchison Falls for more wildlife viewing and connect to Kibale NP then Queen Elizabeth NP. Head to Bwindi, Lake Bunyonyi, and Lake Mburo NP before returning to Entebbe Airport to fly out.

Africa Gorilla Tours

18 Days Best of Uganda Wildlife Safari Highlights

Arrive at Entebbe Airport, pick up, and transfer to the accommodation.
Travel to Jinja and visit the source of the Nile, Continue to Sipi.
Sipi Falls walk/hiking experience, Afternoon coffee tour plus community encounter.
Travel to Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, Then overnight stay in Moroto.
Travel to Kidepo, Lunch, and then afternoon-to-evening game drive/safari.
Morning game drive/safari, Afternoon-evening Karamojong community encounter.
Full-day hiking of Morungole Mountains.
Travel to Murchison Falls NP, Late afternoon/evening game drive/safari.
Murchison game drive and afternoon boat trip to the base of the falls.
Transfer from Murchison to Kibale NP, check-in, and have good rest.
Chimp trekking (Morning) and, afternoon Bigodi wetlands excursion.
Transfer to Queen Elizabeth NP, Rest, and move out for a game drive.
Queen’s Morning game drive and an afternoon boat trip along the Kazinga Channel.
Travel to Ishasha in search of tree-climbing lions, Connect to Bwindi NP.
Gorilla trekking Bwindi Forest, Move out for Community & cultural tour.
Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, Canoe trek on the Lake, and then relax.
Drive to Lake Mburo NP and enjoy an afternoon (evening) game drive.
Morning walking safari in the park, return to Entebbe to catch a flight.

Detailed 18 Days Best of Uganda Wildlife Safari

Day 1 of 18 Days Best of Uganda Wildlife Safari: Arrive at Entebbe Airport, pick up and transfer to the accommodation

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, a Home to Africa assigned English-speaking Professional Tour Driver-guide will receive and welcome you to Uganda – the Pearl of Africa. Thereafter, you will transfer to the booked accommodation (Kampala). #Optional (extra cost): In case you have had an early landing into Uganda and you’re interested, you may consider a brief excursion to some touristic sites in/around Kampala City.

Main Destination: Entebbe International Airport (Airport/Airstrip)
Accommodation: Via Via Guest House – Budget hotel located in or near Kampala
Meals & Drinks: Dinner (Breakfast & lunch not included), Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 2 of 18 Days Best of Uganda Wildlife Safari: Travel to Jinja and visit the source of the Nile, Continue to Sipi

Have breakfast and then drive off to Jinja. En route, you will drive through Mabira Forest then head to Jinja where the Nile begins its flow to the Mediterranean Sea. Visit the Source of the Nile then proceed to Sipi where you will have an overnight stay. #Optional (extra cost): If interested, you may choose to go for white water rafting on the Nile. There is also the option for Kayaking on the Nile before departing Jinja.

Main Destination: Sipi Falls (Highlight)
Accommodation: Rafiki Lodge Sipi – Mid-range lodge located in or near Sipi Falls
Meals & Drinks: All meals included, Drinking water (Other drinks not included).

Day 3 of 18 Days Best of Uganda Wildlife Safari: Sipi Falls walk/hiking experience, Afternoon coffee tour plus community encounter

You will have breakfast and thereafter proceed out to explore the Sipi falls. The hiking (about 2½ – 3 hours) takes you to explore the nearby Sipi falls which is a set of 3 falls. The views are breathtaking and make for a great excursion while in Sipi. The (afternoon) coffee tour on the other hand will enable you to trace the story of coffee from seed to that in the cup and you don’t want to miss this informative experience. Later, just relax at the accommodation with a spectacular view of Sipi right in front of you.

Main Destination: Sipi Falls (Highlight)
Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah Lodge (Safari Tent) – Mid-range tented camp bordering Kidepo Valley NP without fences
Meals & Drinks: All meals included, Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 4 of 18 Days Best of Uganda Wildlife Safari: Travel to Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, Then overnight stay in Moroto

Have your breakfast and then drive to the pristine Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve. While there, you may decide to either; visit the Ngapedet Cave on a nature walk to gain some historical insights or go for game viewing in search of Pian Upe inhabitants such as; ostriches, common elands, plain zebras, the greater kudu, savanna monitor lizards and the only remaining numbers of roan antelope in the whole of Uganda.

It is also only in Pian Upe that you may have the chance to see cheetahs while on an Uganda safari. From Pian Upe, head to Moroto where you will have your dinner and the overnight stay at the booked accommodation.

Main Destination: Pian-Upe Wildlife Reserve
Accommodation: Kara-Tunga Safari Camp – Budget tented camp located outside Pian-Upe WR
Meals & Drinks: All meals included, Drinking water (Other drinks not included).

Day 5 of 18 Days Best of Uganda Wildlife Safari: Travel to Kidepo, Lunch, and then afternoon-to-evening game drive/safari

Have breakfast and drive off to Kidepo Valley National Park, arriving in time for some rest and lunch before going out for a game viewing. You will proceed for game viewing in the Narus Valley in the south sector of Kidepo. Narus is the sector of Kidepo that has savannah grasslands mixed with acacia woodland.

It is also the area of the park with permanent water sources throughout the year and for that matter, most of the animals are in this part of the park. Be on the look for large herds of Buffaloes, many Zebras, antelope species, and lions. You will return to the accommodation for dinner and an overnight stay.

Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah Lodge (Safari Tent) – Mid-range tented camp bordering Kidepo Valley NP without fences
Meals & Drinks: All meals included. Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 6 of 18 Days Best of Uganda Wildlife Safari: Morning game drive/safari, Afternoon-evening Karamojong community encounter

Enjoy your breakfast then embark on a sunrise game drive/safari where you will have the opportunity to encounter wildlife including; lions, herds of buffaloes, elephants, zebras, or the elusive leopard among others. Return to the lodge for lunch and afternoon relaxation.

After a good rest, move out for the Karamojong community, a cultural encounter where you will spend a wonderful afternoon (evening) with the Karamojong people and have an insight into their way of life and beliefs. Dinner and overnight at the booked accommodation.

Main Destination: Kidepo Valley National Park
Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah Lodge (Safari Tent) – Mid-range tented camp bordering Kidepo Valley NP without fences.
Meals & Drinks: All meals included, Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 7 of 18 Days Best of Uganda Wildlife Safari: Full day hiking Morungole Mountains

Be up early, have breakfast, and set off to hike Mount Morungole, located in the northern hills of Karamoja. You will find stunningly beautiful Scenery the higher your climb takes you, simply breathtaking scenes in the valleys below you and into the Eastern Rift Valley of Kenya and over to Southern Sudan. While in Morungole, Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Main Destination: Mount Morungole (Mountain)
Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah Lodge (Safari Tent) – Mid-range tented camp bordering Kidepo Valley NP without fences
Meals & Drinks: All meals included, Drinking water (Other drinks not included).

Day 8 of 18 Days Best of Uganda Wildlife Safari: Travel to Murchison Falls NP, Late afternoon/evening game drive/safari

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and embark on the journey to Murchison Falls National Park. The highlights of this park include the roaring rapids of the Murchison, and the rolling plains of Uganda’s largest National Park where you will have the chance of viewing lions, leopards, giraffes, hartebeest, buffalo, and elephants.

Then surely, the concentration of hippos and Nile crocodiles here will fascinate you. For birders, Murchison Falls boasts about 450 bird species including the grey parrot, dwarf kingfisher, and the Goliath heron among others. You will reach in time for lunch and some rest at the lodge. Later, move out for an afternoon-to-evening safari.

Main Destination: Murchison Falls National Park
Accommodation: Hornbill Bush Lodge – The budget lodge is located just outside Murchison Falls NP
Meals & Drinks: All meals included, Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 9 of 18 Days Best of Uganda Wildlife Safari: Murchison game drive and afternoon boat trip to the base of the falls

Have your breakfast, depart for an early morning game drive across the rolling plains of Uganda’s largest National Park, and be on the look for wildlife including lions, and leopards (though hard to spot) among others. For any birder, there are quite a number of birds to sight too during the drive. Return to the accommodation for some rest time and lunch.

After lunch, you will head out for the boat trip to the base of Murchison Falls where you will also be able to catch sight of more animals including Hippos, Crocodiles, and several water birds. #Optional (extra cost): If interested, continue with a hike to the top of the falls. The hike may be a strenuous one but the thrill of reaching the top is unforgettable. Return to your accommodation and relax.

Main Destination: Murchison Falls National Park
Accommodation: Hornbill Bush Lodge – The budget lodge is located just outside Murchison Falls NP
Meals & Drinks: All Meals Included, Drinking water (Other drinks not included).

Day 10 of 18 Days Best of Uganda Wildlife Safari: Transfer from Murchison to Kibale NP, check-in, and have good rest

Today, you will have breakfast and then, depart right away for Kibale Forest National Park – popular for its primates like the chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkey, Uganda Mangabey (Lophocebus Uganda).

The drive is quite long but incredibly scenic – passing through villages, lush green countryside, and hills dotted with tea plantations that characterize this part of Uganda. The beautiful scenery will amaze you all the way. Upon arrival at the accommodation, check-in and just relax.

Accommodation: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge
Meals & Drinks: All meals included, Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 11 of 18 Days Best of Uganda Wildlife Safari: Chimp trekking (Morning) and, afternoon Bigodi wetlands excursion

Have breakfast and head to the rangers’ post where you will receive some briefing on the dos and don’ts during chimp trekking. Thereafter, you will proceed to trek the chimps in the Kibale Forest. An experienced ranger guide will take you chimp tracking (Kibale Forest) and the presence of primates here will surely amaze you.

Once you locate the chimpanzees, you will have a full hour in their presence. Later (after lunch), move out for the Bigodi Wetland excursion. The Bigodi boasts of an extensive array of bio-diversity including a number of primates and birds. Thereafter, you will return to the accommodation and rest.

Main Destination: Kibale National Park (Chimps)
Accommodation: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge – Mid-range guest house located just outside Kibale NP
Meals & Drinks: All meals included, Drinking water (Other drinks not included).

Day 12 of 18 Days Best of Uganda Wildlife Safari: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth NP, Rest, and move out for a game drive

Have a relaxed breakfast at the accommodation and drive off to Queen Elizabeth NP. You will reach Queen early enough to relax, have lunch and in the afternoon proceed out for game viewing. During the game drive, look out for wild animals like reedbuck, bushbuck, Kob, warthogs, elephants, lions, and buffaloes to mention but a few. Alternatively, you could choose to go for the Queen’s breathtaking explosion crater drive (instead).

The drive is sightseeing with a very spectacular view of the breathtaking scenery in and around Queen. There is also some wildlife to see along the drive although the commonest are the sights of Cape Buffaloes plus Elephants. Return to the accommodation for relaxation, dinner, and an overnight stay.

Accommodation: Irungu Forest Safari Lodge – Mid-range lodge located just outside Queen Elizabeth NP
Meals & Drinks: All meals included, Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 13 of 18 Days Best of Uganda Wildlife Safari: Queen’s Morning game drive and afternoon boat trip along the Kazinga Channel

Be up early and have your breakfast. Proceed for a morning game drive in the Kasenyi plains and be on the look for Cape buffalos, herds of elephants plus lions, and leopards (though hard to spot) among others. Return to the accommodation for some rest time and lunch. After lunch, you will go for a 2-hour boat trip on the Kazinga Channel that connects Lakes George and Edward.

During the trip, the sight of wildlife including giant hippos, elephants, and crocodiles among others will fascinate you. You will also see many varieties of birds on the water shores. You will have dinner and overnight at your accommodation. #Optional (extra cost): If interested, you may go for twin lakes hike after the boat trip.

Main Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation: Irungu Forest Safari Lodge – Mid-range lodge located just outside Queen Elizabeth NP
Meals & Drinks: All meals included, Drinking water (Other drinks not included).

Day 14 of 18 Days Best of Uganda Wildlife Safari: Travel to Ishasha in search of tree-climbing lions, Connect to Bwindi NP

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and then travel to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park – famously known for its resident tree-climbing lions. The chance of spotting these lions is about 70% though sometimes they are hard to spot (most especially when they are down in the grassland looking for prey).

Should you get to spot them, the sight is picturesque and memorable. From Ishasha, you will continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. With a strenuous day ahead, you will do less on arrival but just check in your accommodation, and relax as you prepare for the Bwindi gorilla trekking experience the following day.

Accommodation: Ride 4 a Woman – Budget guest house located just outside Bwindi NP
Meals & Drinks: All meals included, Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 15 of 18 Days Best of Uganda Wildlife Safari: Gorilla trekking Bwindi Forest, Move out for Community & cultural tour

Have breakfast and move to the rangers’ post. You will receive some briefing on the dos and don’ts during trekking. Thereafter, you will enter the Bwindi Forest for your adventure. The area offers a dramatic steeply forested landscape and is incredibly dense but crisscrossed by numerous animal trails allowing access to tourists. The time taken and the terrain varies with the movements of these great primates. Once you have located a gorilla group, you will be allowed an hour in their presence.

The thrill of spending time observing these gentle but endangered giants is unforgettable. Return to the accommodation and have some rest before moving out for the late afternoon-to-evening local community and cultural encounter. This involves cultural dances from the local people of the community and also participating in some activities e.g. traditional cooking, and weaving among others. Return for dinner and overnight.

Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorillas)
Accommodation: Ride 4 a Woman – Budget guest house located just outside Bwindi NP
Meals & Drinks: All meals included, Drinking water (Other drinks not included).

Day 16 of 18 Days Best of Uganda Wildlife Safari: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, Canoe trek on the Lake, and then relax

Have a relaxed breakfast, check out, and transfer to Lake Bunyonyi. Lake Bunyonyi is framed by lush, green-terraced hills that reach a height of (2,200 – 2,478m) but it’s the 29 islands of various shapes and sizes scattered across the water that make it most magical you could admire them all day.

You will arrive and check in the rest. Later (after lunch), move out on a canoe trek that will introduce you to the lake’s various islands but also there will be some great time spent on a traditional dugout canoe. Thereafter, return for relaxation at the Resort.

Main Destination: Lake Bunyonyi (Lake)
Accommodation: Rwakobo Rock – Mid-range resort located in or near Lake Bunyonyi
Meals & Drinks: All meals included, Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 17 of 18 Days Best of Uganda Wildlife Safari: Transfer to Lake Mburo NP and enjoy an afternoon (evening) game drive

Have breakfast and set off to Lake Mburo NP via Mbarara City. #Optional (extra cost): If interested, you can visit Igongo Cultural Centre/Museum while in Mbarara City before heading to Lake Mburo. You will arrive at the accommodation in Lake Mburo in time and rest before moving for an afternoon-to-evening game drive.

On the game drive, expect to see the gigantic eland antelopes, zebras, topi, impalas, and Uganda Kob and Cape buffalos among others. Later, relax at the accommodation where you will spend the night. #Optional (extra cost): You may consider the Mburo night game drive to sight nocturnal creatures including snakes, hyenas, owls, and the elusive leopard (on a lucky day) among others

Accommodation: Hyena Lodge
Budget-tented bush camp bordering Lake Mburo NP without fences
Meals & Drinks: All meals included, Drinking water (Other drinks not included).

Day 18 of 18 Days Best of Uganda Wildlife Safari: Morning walking safari in the park, return to Entebbe to catch a flight

Enjoy your early breakfast and proceed for the Mburo morning park (bush) walk in the presence of an armed Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger guide. On this early morning guided walk, you will have the opportunity to encounter (at close range): Zebras, Giraffes and Eland, Topi and other antelope, and Cape buffaloes among others.

Take the Trail to the top of the hills and see Lake Mburo and beyond. From this vantage point, you will have a great view of 9 of the twelve lakes surrounding Lake Mburo NP. Thereafter, return to the accommodation for checkout and then hit the road to Entebbe airport to catch a flight (1800hrs or later).

Main Destination: Entebbe International Airport.
Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour)
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included), Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

End of 18 Days Best of Uganda Wildlife Safari

Important to Know
Rates are per person and exclude international flights from/to your home country.
This tour accepts children who are 15 years and older.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

18 Days Best of Uganda Wildlife Safari Inclusions and Exclusions

Package Include:

Park fees (For non-residents)
Gorilla permits (One per person, non-resident).
Chimp permits (One per person, non-resident)
All activities (Unless labelled as optional).
All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade).
All transportation (Unless labelled as optional).
Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section).
Drinking water (On all days)

Package Exclude:

International flights (From/to home).
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips (Tips)
Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees.