Uganda in Full

17 Days Ultimate Uganda Safari

Gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, classic game drives, cultural encounters, and scenic lakes wrapped into one private journey across Uganda.

17 Days From Entebbe to Lake Mburo
4 Parks Bwindi, Kibale, QENP, Murchison
2 Treks Mountain gorillas and chimpanzees
Tailor Made Accommodation tiers on request

Uganda's signature wildlife and culture circuit in one sweeping journey.

This 17-day Uganda safari combines gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest, game drives in Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Park, scenic lake regions, and meaningful cultural encounters. It is designed for travelers who want the full rhythm of Uganda: wildlife, landscapes, communities, and time to actually take it in.

Quick Day-by-Day

Day Route / Activity Sleep
1 Arrival in Entebbe, Uganda Entebbe
2 Jinja - Source of the Nile Jinja
3 Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park / en route via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Murchison
4-5 Explore Murchison Falls National Park Murchison
6-7 Transfer to Fort Portal City / Fort Portal Fort Portal
8 Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park Kibale / QENP corridor
9-11 Transfer & Explore Queen Elizabeth National Park QENP
12 Game drive & transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Bwindi
13 Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Bwindi
14 Batwa cultural experience & transfer to Bunyonyi Bunyonyi
15-16 Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park Mburo
17 Transfer to Kampala or Entebbe for departure Departure (Kampala/Entebbe)

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your private driver-guide and transferred to your charming boutique guesthouse in Entebbe.

Depending on your arrival time, optional experiences include visiting the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre(UWEC), Or a boat excursion to Mabamba Bay for a chance to see the famous Shoebill stork. For those interested in culture, a guided visit to Kampala can also be arranged.

Accommodation Options (Entebbe)

Estimated per room/night, subject to season and availability.

  • Budget ViaVia Entebbe - from USD 35-55
  • Mid-range 2 Friends Beach Hotel - from USD 95-140
  • Luxury Hotel No. 5 - from USD 220-320
Shoebill stork

Travel east to Jinja, East Africa’s adventure capital and home of the Source of the Nile.

Enjoy a relaxed boat cruise to the exact point where the Nile begins its 6,650 km journey north. Optional activities include white-water rafting, tubing, or quad biking for those seeking adrenaline.

  • Boat cruise to the Source of the Nile
  • Evening at leisure in Jinja town
Accommodation Options (Jinja)

Estimated per room/night, subject to season and availability.

  • Budget Nile River Explorers Camp - from USD 40-70
  • Mid-range 2 Friends Guest House - from USD 50-90
  • Luxury Wildwaters Lodge - from USD 280-450
Source of the Nile

En route to Murchison Falls National Park, stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided on-foot rhino tracking experience - Uganda's only place to see wild rhinos.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

This rhino reserve is a true success story of rhino conservation after the extreme poaching that wiped out Uganda's last rhino in 1982. This guided trek gets you "up close and personal" with these special animals, which are among Africa's Big Five.

Head up for briefing and safety instructions, then embark on a 2-3 hour walk through the sanctuary's bushland to track the rhinos. With luck, you may spot one of the sanctuary's rhinos in their natural habitat, along with other wildlife such as antelopes and various bird species.

Have lunch, then continue to Murchison Falls National Park,

Before checking in your lodge,Hike to the Top of the Falls. Watch the Nile explode violately through a 7-meter gorge before plunging 43 meters below - one of Africa's most dramatic natural spectacles.Arriving in the late evening for dinner and overnight at your lodge.

Accommodation Options (Murchison Area)

Estimated per room/night, subject to season and availability.

  • Budget Red Chilli Rest Camp - from USD 40-75
  • Mid-range Fort Murchison - from USD 60-110
  • Luxury Paraa Safari Lodge - from USD 240-380
ziwa rhino sanctuary

Indulge in the spectacular Murchison Falls activities.

  • Game drives
  • Boat cruise on the River Nile
  • Evening at leisure at your lodge

Morning game drives

An early game-drive through the park brings you eye-to-eye with the African animal kingdom: elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, lions, leopards, different species of antelope and many tropical birds. later, you can relax and have lunch at your lodge.

After lunch, a 3-hour boat cruise along the Victoria Nile will lead you to the base of the Murchison Falls. Along the way, you will be able to view a wide variety of birds and wildlife; numerous hippos, elephants and crocodiles, as well as breathtaking scenery. evening at leisure at your lodge.

The next day-5; you can choose to do a morning game drive, looking for any animals you may have missed, or simply relax and enjoy the stunning surroundings of Murchison Falls National Park. And a relaxed day.

Accommodation Options (Murchison Falls)

Estimated per room/night, subject to season and availability.

  • Budget Red Chilli Rest Camp - from USD 40-75
  • Mid-range Pakuba Safari Lodge - from USD 120-180
  • Luxury Nile Safari Lodge - from USD 420-700
murchison falls

Day 6: Explore Fort Portal City

After breakfast, drive to Fort Portal City, known as the "City of Seven Hills." Explore the local culture, visit the Tooro Kingdom Palace, and enjoy the scenic beauty of the surrounding crater lakes and tea plantations.

  • Drive to Fort Portal City
  • Explore the local culture
  • Visit the Tooro Kingdom Palace
  • Enjoy scenic beauty of surrounding crater lakes and tea plantations
  • Overnight at a lodge in Fort Portal

Day 7: Kibale National Park

Kibale National Park is Africa’s primate capital, home to 13 primate species including chimpanzees, red colobus monkeys, and L’Hoest’s monkeys.

In the afternoon, you can explore the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers. The sanctuary is home to a diverse array of bird species, primates, and other wildlife. Take a guided walk through the wetlands, where you may spot colorful birds, monkeys, and even elusive sitatunga antelopes. The sanctuary also offers cultural experiences with local communities, providing insight into their way of life and conservation efforts in the area.

  • Nature walks through lush rainforest trails
  • Spot other 12 primate species and rare birds
  • Explore Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary and its rich biodiversity
  • Interact with local communities around Kibale
Accommodation Options (Fort Portal / Kibale)

Estimated per room/night, subject to season and availability.

  • Budget Fort Motel / similar guest lodge - from USD 40-70
  • Mid-range Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse - from USD 65-110
  • Luxury Kyaninga Lodge - from USD 260-420
fort portal city

After breakfast, embark on a thrilling chimpanzee tracking adventure in Kibale Forest National Park. Guided by experienced local guides, you'll follow the trails of these intelligent primates through the lush forest canopy. The trek can last several hours, depending on the location of the chimpanzees that day. Once you find them, you'll have the incredible opportunity to observe their behavior, social interactions, and natural habitat up close. This unforgettable experience allows you to connect with one of our closest relatives in the animal kingdom while surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of Kibale's rainforest.

Later, transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park for a 2-day safari experience. Stop at the Equator line for beautiful photos in Kichwamba, and proceed to one of Uganda's most diverse and popular parks. As it is not far from Kibale, you can choose to do an evening game drive in the park if time allows or just relax at your lodge and prepare for the next day’s adventure.

Accommodation Options (Kibale / QENP Transfer)

Estimated per room/night, subject to season and availability.

  • Budget Pumba Safari Cottages - from USD 55-95
  • Mid-range Isunga Lodge - from USD 80-140
  • Luxury Ndali Lodge - from USD 240-380
chimpanzee tracking in kibale

Early morning game drive in the park: bringing you closer to nature, the park's diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife create a captivating safari experience. From the iconic tree-climbing lions of Ishasha to the vibrant birdlife along the Kazinga Channel, every moment in Queen Elizabeth National Park is a chance to witness the wonders of the African wilderness.

In the afternoon, embark on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. This 32 km waterway connects two lakes and is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, and over 600 bird species.

Conduct another game drive in the afternoon to maximize your wildlife viewing opportunities, for the species you may have missed in the morning. Overnight in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Day 10 - Lake Katwe saltwater excursion

Visit the Lake Katwe salt water excursion, this unique experience takes you to the shores of Lake Katwe, a saltwater lake located within Queen Elizabeth National Park. Here, you can witness the traditional salt mining process carried out by local communities. The lake's high salinity creates a surreal landscape, and you may have the opportunity to interact with the salt miners and learn about their way of life. It's a fascinating cultural and natural experience that adds depth to your safari adventure in Uganda.

Later, drive to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for tree-climbing lions. Overnight in Ishasha.

Day 11 - game drive in the Ishasha sector

In the remote southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park lies Ishasha, a wild and less-crowded wilderness famous for its rare tree-climbing lions. Unlike most lions across Africa, the prides here are often seen lounging lazily in the branches of large fig trees, escaping the midday heat and keeping watch over the open savannah below. Game drives in Ishasha offer exceptional chances to spot elephants, buffaloes, topis, and large herds of Uganda kob grazing across the plains. The atmosphere here feels raw and untouched - a true African safari experience away from the busier northern tracks of the park.

Evening relaxation at the lodge
Accommodation Options (Queen Elizabeth / Ishasha)

Estimated per room/night, subject to season and availability.

  • Budget Tembo Safari Lodge - from USD 50-90
  • Mid-range Buffalo Safari Lodge - from USD 110-180
  • Luxury Mweya Safari Lodge - from USD 240-380
ishasha tree climbing lions katwe salt lake
  • Morning game drive in Ishasha sector
  • Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
  • Evening at leisure at your lodge

Deep in the southwestern corner of Uganda lies Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, one of Africa's most ancient rainforests and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This mysterious forest is home to more than half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas, making it one of the most magical wildlife encounters on Earth. The park's lush terrain of steep ridges and tangled greenery creates a breathtaking backdrop for gorilla trekking, nature walks, and birding adventures. Beyond gorillas, Bwindi also hosts over 350 bird species, 200 butterfly types, and a variety of mammals - making it a paradise for nature lovers.

Accommodation Options (Bwindi)

Estimated per room/night, subject to season and availability.

  • Budget Buhoma Community Rest Camp - from USD 60-100
  • Mid-range Broadbill Forest Camp - from USD 70-130
  • Luxury Buhoma Lodge - from USD 360-600
bwindi impenetrable national park

Today is the big day. Prepare yourself for an encounter with Bwindi's gentle giants: the rare mountain gorilla. For most people, this is the absolute highlight of their tour in Uganda. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest boasts both mountain gorillas and chimpanzees - in fact, it is the only forest in Africa that can make this claim. The trek to find the gorillas can take anywhere from a couple of hours to most of the day, depending on where they are that day. Once you find them, you will spend a magical hour in their presence, observing their behavior, taking photographs, and simply enjoying the moment with these magnificent creatures. Relax and enjoy the rest of the day at your lodge, reflecting on this unforgettable experience.

Accommodation Options (Bwindi Gorilla Trek)

Estimated per room/night, subject to season and availability.

  • Budget Ride 4 a Woman Guesthouse - from USD 55-95
  • Mid-range Rushaga Gorilla Camp - from USD 90-150
  • Luxury Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge - from USD 900-1500
mountain gorilla trekking in bwindi

Batwa Pygmies in Bwindi

After breakfast, you will interact with and learn about the fascinating lifestyle of Uganda's unique Batwa people. The Batwa were the original inhabitants of Bwindi Forest, which is now part of the national park. This trail introduces you to the deeper history of the Batwa before 1990, when they were displaced after the forest became a protected conservation area. The Batwa Trail is unique because it showcases the authentic culture of the forest's original inhabitants, whose lives depended on this natural habitat. While exploring the trail, you experience the richly endowed forest through the perspective of the local people.

Drive to Lake Bunyonyi, known as the "Place of Many Little Birds." Enjoy a scenic boat ride on the lake, visit local islands, and relax in the tranquil surroundings. The area is famed for its 29 islands, terraced hills, and safe swimming, making it a popular relaxation spot after gorilla trekking. It is Africa's second-deepest lake and offers activities like canoeing, birdwatching, and island hopping amid breathtaking scenery.

  • Drive to Lake Bunyonyi
  • Scenic boat ride on the lake
  • Visit local islands
  • Relax in the tranquil surroundings
  • Overnight at a lakeside lodge
Accommodation Options (Lake Bunyonyi)

Estimated per room/night, subject to season and availability.

  • Budget Bunyonyi Overland Resort - from USD 45-80
  • Mid-range Byoona Amagara Island Retreat - from USD 50-100
  • Luxury Arcadia Cottages Bunyonyi - from USD 180-280
batwa pygmies in bwindi

After breakfast, drive to Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda's smallest savannah park, renowned for its diverse wildlife including zebras, impalas, and elands. Enjoy a morning game drive or horseback safari to spot animals like giraffes, buffaloes, and various bird species. In the afternoon, relax at your lodge or take a nature walk to explore the park's scenic beauty.

In the evening, you can enjoy a night game drive to spot nocturnal animals like leopards, hyenas, and bushbucks.

Day 16: Walking safari

A walking safari in the park brings you closer to the natural habitat and wildlife of Lake Mburo National Park. Spend the day exploring this scenic park, known for its diverse wildlife. Enjoy morning game drives to spot zebras, impalas, and giraffes, followed by an afternoon boat cruise on Lake Mburo to see hippos and crocodiles. In the evening, relax at your lodge or take a nature walk to experience the park's tranquility.

  • Drive to Lake Mburo National Park
  • Night game drive
  • Evening at leisure at your lodge
  • Optional cycling, horseback riding activities in the park.
Accommodation Options (Lake Mburo)

Estimated per room/night, subject to season and availability.

  • Budget Leopard Rest Camp - from USD 55-95
  • Mid-range Rwakobo Rock Lodge - from USD 95-160
  • Luxury Mihingo Lodge - from USD 320-520
zebra in Lake Mburo walking safari in Lake Mburo

After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive back to Entebbe with a stop at the Equator for photos and lunch before your airport transfer.

  • Drive back to Entebbe
  • Craft shopping
  • Airport drop-off
  • THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING OUR SERVICES
Accommodation Options (Entebbe / Kampala Final Night)

Estimated per room/night, subject to season and availability.

  • Budget Airport Guesthouse - from USD 35-60
  • Mid-range Papyrus Guest House - from USD 40-80
  • Luxury Protea Hotel Entebbe - from USD 220-340
kayabwe Equator

Traveler Essentials

Everything you need to know before booking this 17-day Uganda safari, from permits and fitness to inclusions and planning notes.

Important Notes

  • Accommodation is planned in mid-range lodges and camps, with budget and luxury upgrades available on request.
  • Gorilla permits should be secured well in advance because daily quotas are limited.
  • Some road transfers are long, so this itinerary suits travelers comfortable with overland safari pacing.
  • Gorilla and chimpanzee treks can be strenuous, so sturdy boots and rain gear are strongly recommended.
  • Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from your date of travel.
  • Visa and entry requirements depend on nationality, so confirm them before booking flights.

What's Included

  • Private 4x4 ground transport with a professional English-speaking driver-guide.
  • Airport transfers on arrival and departure.
  • Accommodation throughout the itinerary, subject to final availability.
  • Meals as confirmed in the final travel plan.
  • Park entry fees and ranger fees for the listed safari areas.
  • One gorilla trekking permit and one chimpanzee tracking permit per person.
  • Bottled drinking water in the vehicle during transfers and game drives.

What's Excluded

  • International or domestic flights not specifically listed in the package.
  • Visa fees, travel insurance, vaccinations, and personal medical costs.
  • Personal expenses such as laundry, souvenirs, drinks, and room service.
  • Optional activities, lodge upgrades, or extra excursions outside the program.
  • Tips and gratuities for guides, porters, and lodge staff.
  • Government tax increases or revised park fees introduced after confirmation.

Gamba Uganda Safaris

Tailor-Made Journeys Across Uganda