Fly into Entebbe International Airport, the main gateway into the country found along the shores of Lake Victoria, then spend some quality time exploring the Metropolitan City of Kampala prior to heading out to explore the countryside safari destinations.

The outstanding Murchison falls, Queen Elizabeth and Lake Mburo National Park are the top wildlife viewing safari destinations in Uganda.

Depending of the place you visit, a number of animals especially lions, leopards, Cape buffaloes, impalas, Jackson’s hartebeests, Roan antelopes, Klipspringers, Dik-diks, Oribis, African bush elephants, Hippos, Topis, warthogs, Nile crocodiles, Defassa waterbucks, Olive baboons, bushbucks, vervet monkeys, duikers, blue monkeys, and many others are likely to be sighted during guided game drives.

The amazing Kibale Forest National Park in western Uganda is Africa’s number one chimpanzee trekking destination with about 1450 of the country’s 5000 chimpanzee population. Here, about 5 chimpanzee communities/troops are fully habituated for trekking by persons of 12 years and above.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is famed for being the ultimate gorilla trekking destination with over 459 mountain gorillas sheltered in wits jungle. For the trekking tours, about 160 gorilla permits are available each day for the 20 habituated gorilla families.

Itinerary highlights of the 15 Days Best of Uganda Safari

• Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe, start of the 15 days Uganda Safari.
• Day 2: Mabamba Bay Wetland excursion and road trip to Kampala City.
• Day 3: Arrival in the spectacular Murchison falls National Park.
• Day 4: Murchison falls National Park excursion: Guided game drive & Boat riding experience.
• Day 5: Ride to the lush Primate Capital of the World; Kibale Forest National Park.
• Day 6: Kibale Forest excursion; Chimpanzee trek and guided walk through Bigodi wetland.
• Day 7: Kibale Forest Park to the stunning Queen Elizabeth National Park.
• Day 8: Queen Elizabeth National Park excursion: Game drive & Boat ride along Kazinga Channel.
• Day 9: Maramagambo Forest walks and Ishasha game drive.
• Day 10: Set off for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
• Day 11: Bwindi Impenetrable Park excursion: Gorilla trekking tour and optional community visit.
• Day 12: Continue to the magnificent Lake Bunyonyi.
• Day 13: Scenic drive to the beautiful Lake Mburo National Park; afternoon boat ride.
• Day 14: Early morning game drive and drive back to the remarkable Kampala
• Day 15: End of the 15 days Uganda safari: Departures or other safari plans

Detailed Itinerary of the 15 Days Best of Uganda Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe, start of the 15 Days Best of Uganda Safari

Karibu kwenye Safari! Welcome to Entebbe, the main gateway into Uganda and surprisingly the first Capital, located on the shores of Lake Victoria (Africa’s largest freshwater Lake and source of the Nile).

This Town is popular for its incredible history and is famed for sheltering Uganda Wildlife Education Center, Entebbe Botanical Gardens and many others.

Entebbe’s breezy location on the shores of Lake Victoria and warm Equatorial climate make it the ideal Town for relishing on-foot tours. Meals and rest for this day are based within the magnificent Town.

Accommodations in Entebbe;

• Boma Hotel

Meals: Lunch and Dinner.

Day 2: Mabamba Bay Wetland excursion and road trip to Kampala City

Your day of discovery begins early with pick-up from your Hotel in Entebbe, followed by the drive along the shores of Lake Victoria to the stunning Mabamba Bay wetland.

After getting there, meet the local guides then take a ride aboard a motorized boat to view the elusive shoebills storks and different wetland vegetation.

You will get the chance to see as many as 6 of these globally-threatened birds alongside the African jacana, cattle egrets, pied and giant kingfishers, saddle-billed storks and so much more. After the wetland tour, your drive heads to Kampala for an overnight in addition to dinner.

Accommodation;

• Serena Hotel Kampala or Sheraton Hotel Kampala (upmarket).
• Fairway Hotel or Protea Hotel Kampala (midrange).
• Yellow Haven Lodge or Buziga Country Resort (basic).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Activities of the day: Mabamba wetland birding tours.

Day 3: Arrival in the spectacular Murchison falls National Park

On this day you will transfer from your Hotel in Kampala to Murchison falls National Park. Along the way visit the amazing Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for the unrivalled rhino tracking tour, with chances of seeing the country’s only population of southern white Rhinos in the wild.

Get served lunch at Amuka Safari Lodge after your encounter with one of the big five animals and head to the National Park accommodation for dinner and overnight, after the hike to the top of the falls.

Accommodations in Murchison Falls;

• Paraa Safari Lodge or Chobe Safari Lodge (upmarket).
• Heritage Safari Lodge or Pakuba Game Lodge (midrange).
• Mama Washindi Lodge or Shoebill Campsite (basic).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Activities of the day: Rhino tracking and hike to the top of the falls.

Day 4: Murchison falls National Park excursion: Guided game drive & Boat riding experience

After breakfast, you will be met and picked-up from the Wilderness lodge/or Camp by your private safari driver. Depending on the location of the accommodation facility, the game drive begins immediately from the comfort of your place of stay or after getting to the Park entrance.

Murchison falls National Park is haven to Jackson’s hartebeests, Defassa waterbucks, spotted hyenas, serval cats, lions, Cape buffaloes, Uganda Kobs, leopards, Rothschild giraffes, bushbucks, Oribis, jackals, Olive baboons, African bush elephants, vervet monkeys, Dik-diks, Topis and many others, which are best sighted via game drives. This activity goes through the banks of the River and lasts 3-4 hours.

After mid-morning nap and lunch, head to the Paraa jetty to spot more animals especially Hippos and Crocodiles with Uganda Kobs, elephants and Cape buffaloes, wetland and aquatic bird species via the boat cruise to the bottom of the Murchison falls.

Sunset views should also be expected during the boat cruise before continuing to the place of lodging for dinner and rest.

Accommodations;

• Paraa Safari Lodge or Chobe Safari Lodge (upmarket).
• Heritage Safari Lodge or Pakuba Game Lodge (midrange).
• Mama Washindi Lodge or Shoebill Campsite (basic).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Activities of the day: game drives and boat ride.

Day 5: Ride to the lush Primate Capital of the World; Kibale Forest National Park

This morning you will set out for a road trip to the verdant Primate capital of the World, Kibale Forest National Park.

While on this 7-8 hour’s journey, enjoy views of the Lake Albert flats, stunning escarpments, snow-capped peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains, rural homesteads and farms until you take a break at Fort Portal Town for Lunch.

In the evening, you will tour a few of the Crater Lakes in the area and continue towards the accommodation facility for dinner and overnight at the outskirts or inside Kibale Forest National Park.

Accommodations at Kibale National Park;

• Ndali Lodge or Crater Safari Lodge (luxury).
• Kibale Forest Camp or Chimps Nest (standard).
• Rwenzori View Guesthouse or Lake Nkuruba Nature Reserve & Campsite.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Activities: Crater Lakes tour.

Day 6: Kibale Forest excursion; Chimpanzee trek and guided walk through Bigodi wetland

Begin the sixth day early with a hefty breakfast at your Safari Lodge in or around Kibale Forest National Park before setting off on a drive or walk to Kanyanchu Visitor Center.

It will take minutes to get there but once there, expect briefing and registration by the Park Rangers. This is followed by allocation into one of the habituated chimpanzee communities and start the trek by 8:00am.

As you walk through the jungles searching for the chimpanzee, keep an eye on the other Park residents especially the olive baboons, bird species, red-tailed monkeys, sometimes elephants and outstanding tree species.

At high elevations enjoy breathtaking views and thereafter, spend one hour observing and taking photos once the Great Apes are sighted. Next, descend to the Parking headquarters to say goodbyes to the trekking team and possibly tip them before returning for lunch at the Lodge.

After a wonderful lunch, ride on the 4X4 safari vehicle to Bigodi wetland Sanctuary, renowned for its numerous wetland bird species and a number of primates. This site stands out as a successful community-based tourism and from here, take a dip in the swimming pool, have dinner and overnight at the Lodge.

Accommodations;

• Ndali Lodge or Crater Safari Lodge (luxury).
• Kibale Forest Camp or Chimps Nest (standard).
• Rwenzori View Guesthouse or Lake Nkuruba Nature Reserve & Campsite.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Activities: Chimpanzee trekking and wetland walks.

Day 7: Kibale Forest Park to the stunning Queen Elizabeth National Park

Very early in the morning after breakfast, you will have to meet your safari drive and ride to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of the best destinations for wildlife safaris and home to the famed tree climbing lions that gracefully occupy the southern sector of Ishasha.

Once you get to any of the entrance gates of this medley of wonders, you can start your game drive while heading to the Lodge for lunch.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is situated 3-4 hours from Kibale Forest by car and you are guaranteed of jaw-dropping views. You can rest for the remainder of the day after arrival.

Accommodations at Queen Elizabeth National Park:

• Jacana Safari Lodge or the new Elephants Plains Lodge.
• Enganzi Lodge or Bush Lodge (standard).
• The Bush Lodge tents or Mweya hostels.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and Dinner.

Day 8: Queen Elizabeth National Park excursion: Game drive & Boat ride along Kazinga Channel

Be sure to properly fuel up at an early breakfast this morning, as the planned full-day Queen Elizabeth game viewing experience will last about 4-5 hours.

Your first stop during this game drive will be at Kasenyi Plains, one of the animals hot spots of this Park and during your drive through this area look-out for the Uganda Kobs, African bush elephants, Defassa waterbucks, Cape buffaloes, Oribis, Hippos, Olive baboons, Leopards, spotted hyenas and so much more.

After your drive through Kasenyi plains and other beautiful areas of Queen Elizabeth National Park, you will continue to lunch at the Safari Lodge.

In the afternoon, drive back into the wilderness, at the main dock of Kazinga Channel-Mweya jetty and board a boat to cruise through this natural channel connecting Lakes Edward and George.

Here, sights of Hippos, Crocodiles, elephants and buffaloes in addition to exotic birds are spotted. After this adventure, transfer back to the Lodge for dinner and rest.

Accommodations:

• Jacana Safari Lodge or the new Elephants Plains Lodge.
• Enganzi Lodge or Bush Lodge (standard).
• The Bush Lodge tents or Mweya hostels.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and Dinner.

Day’s activities: Game viewing and boat riding experiences.

Day 9: Maramagambo Forest walks and Ishasha game drive

Early in the morning, transfer from the Lodge to the awe-inspiring Maramagambo forest for a guided walk.

Sights of chimpanzees, Olive baboons, vervet monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys and birds like Papyrus gonolek, pink-backed pelicans, White-winged warblers and many others are expected during this guided walk.

End this tour around late morning when you will have a picnic lunch and continue to drive to Ishasha sector in the south of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Arrive on-time to see the mysterious tree-climbing lions lazily relaxing on big fig tree branches while eyeing the unsuspecting Uganda Kobs and other antelopes.

Other animals in the sector are Defassa waterbucks, Topis and Cape buffaloes. Spend the night and enjoy dinner in the southern send of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Accommodations;

• Ishasha Wilderness Camp (upmarket).
• Ishasha Jungle Lodge (standard).
• Enjojo Lodge (basic).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Activities of the day: Maramagambo forest walk and Ishasha game drive.

Day 10: Set off for the World renowned Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Arrive for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the afternoon after a morning game drive in Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Be treated to a sumptuous lunch and afterwards, head to the surrounding community to mingle with locals, stretch your legs and possibly purchase some souvenirs. Relax with a cup of tea/coffee as well as breathtaking views, provided at the Lodge.

Accommodations at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park;

• Mahogany Springs Lodge or Silverback Lodge.
• Lake Kitandara Bwindi Camp or Kigezi Forest Cottages (standard).
• Bwindi View Bandas or Eco Marvels Gorilla Resort (basic).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 11: Bwindi Impenetrable Park excursion: Gorilla trekking tour and optional community visit

This day’s tour begins earlier with breakfast at the Lodge and meeting at the Park Headquarters. Attend briefing and registration, provided by the Park Rangers to take you through the dos and don’ts of trekking these Giant Apes followed by allocation into habituated gorilla families.

Take 2-5 hours in the jungles and that includes the one hour of observation and taking photos of these endangered creatures. From here, walk back to the Park headquarters to receive a trekking certificate, after which drive or walk back to the Lodge for lunch.

From the gorilla trekking adventure, relax for the remainder of the evening or enjoy a cultural tour in the neighboring Batwa community. Catch a glimpse of their unique building designs, hunting and gathering skills, bamboo cup making, fire making with sticks, to mention but a few. After this adventurous day, dine and rest at the Lodge.

Accommodations;

• Mahogany Springs Lodge or Silverback Lodge.
• Lake Kitandara Bwindi Camp or Kigezi Forest Cottages (standard).
• Bwindi View Bandas or Eco Marvels Gorilla Resort (basic).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 12: Continue to the magnificent Lake Bunyonyi

You will leave the Hotel in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park around 8:00am for the scenic drive to the magical Lake Bunyonyi. During your visit, there will be numerous opportunities of stopping for photography as you pass terraced hilly slopes, awe-inspiring Mountain views.

On getting there, you will depart for the boat ride to the different spectacular Islands, which contain different animal and bird species.

Eat lunch at a local eatery and sample some of the local flavors as well as cooking procedures of local communities-plantain, sweet potatoes, Irish potatoes, vegetables and fresh fruits to make for a sumptuous and filling lunch. Return in the evening for dinner and overnight at the Lodge.

Accommodation

• Birdnest @Lake Bunyonyi (luxury).
• Bunyonyi Safari Lodge (standard).
• Bushara Island Camp (basic).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Activity of the day: Boat ride on Lake Bunyonyi.

Day 13: Scenic drive to the beautiful Lake Mburo National Park; afternoon boat ride

You’ll leave Lake Bunyonyi in south-western Uganda for a guided drive to Lake Mburo National Park, en-route relish breathtaking views of the terraced hills and arrive Igongo Cultural center in the afternoon for lunch.

Continue to the Park, arriving through Sanga Gate where your game drive officially begins as you go for check in at the Lodge.

A wide range of outstanding animals especially Cape buffaloes, zebras, Topis, Impalas, Rothschild giraffes, warthogs, Olive baboons, Defassa waterbucks, vervet monkeys, Oribis, bushbucks and others are common during this drive. Drive through the valleys and eat lunch at the Lakeside restaurant.

Immediately, walk to the Lake Mburo dock and board the boat for the ride where lots of Hippos and crocodiles will be seen at the backdrop of the water vegetation.

Also common are buffaloes and Impalas as well as birds and monitor lizards. In the evening, drive to the Safari Lodge for a well-deserved dinner and slumber.

Accommodations in Lake Mburo National Park;

• Mihingo Safari Lodge (upmarket).
• Rwakobo Rock Lodge (standard).
• Hyena Hill Lodge (budget).

Activities: Boat cruise

Day 14: Early morning game drive and drive back to the remarkable Kampala

Engage in an early morning game drive, after your breakfast and expect to see more of the Cape buffaloes, giraffes, warthogs, Hippos, Olive baboons, Defassa waterbucks, Topis, vervet monkeys, to mention but a few.

First partake of the Lodge’s lunch and leave for Kampala City. Drive through the savannah-fringed roads and banana plantations while gazing upon breathtaking views before arriving at the Hotel for the night.

Accommodations in Kampala;

• Serena Hotel Kampala or Sheraton Hotel Kampala (upmarket).
• Fairway Hotel or Protea Hotel Kampala (midrange).
• Yellow Haven Lodge or Buziga Country Resort (basic).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 15: End of the 15 days Best of Uganda safari: Departures or other safari plans

This is unfortunately your last day in Uganda. First, have breakfast and meeting with the driver at the Hotel before embarking on transfer to Entebbe International Airport.

From here, you will transfer for your scheduled International departure or extend your Uganda safari because there is still much to explore in the Pearl of Africa.