14 Days Complete Uganda Safari

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, a driver will be waiting to take you to your first accommodation in Entebbe (15 minutes). Here, you can enjoy a drink under the African starry sky and a well-deserved night's sleep.

Accommodation Options:

Simple: Airport Guesthouse (Breakfast)

Middle class: Via Via Entebbe (Breakfast)

Semi-luxury: Karibu Guesthouse (Breakfast)

Luxury: No. 5 Boutique Hotel (Breakfast)

In the morning, you will meet your guide for a short trip briefing. After that, you will drive through colorful markets and beautiful countryside to the historic town of Jinja. Just outside the town, you will find several lodges with amazing views of the Nile. This is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the scenery — but there is also plenty to do!

If you want to try more than one activity in Jinja — or go rafting (rafting takes a full day) — we recommend adding an extra night here. Rafting is also possible north of Bwindi Forest, which you will visit later in this trip (see Day 10 for more details).

Jinja

Jinja is a city in eastern Uganda, on the shores of Lake Victoria. Long ago, it was just a small fishing village. In the 19th century, explorers came here searching for the source of the Nile. It was John Hanning Speke who discovered it in Jinja. Today, Jinja is known for its tropical beauty and the many exciting activities you can enjoy here.

Jinja Excursions – (Optional)

From your accommodation, you can choose from many activities — perfect for both adventure seekers and those who prefer to take it easy. For adventure lovers, Jinja is famous for its Nile rapids, making it one of the best places in the world for rafting. Other active options include tubing, whitewater canoeing, mountain biking, or quad biking.

If you prefer something more relaxing, you can go on a peaceful horseback ride along the Nile, take a village walk, or simply sit back and enjoy the view from your lodge. All activities can be booked through your guide or accommodation.

Nile Rafting in Jinja – Full Day (Optional)

You will be picked up from your accommodation and taken to the starting point of one of the most exciting adventures of your trip — rafting on the Nile! Here, the river winds through lush green landscapes, and the rushing water shows the true power of nature. During this activity, you will ride over several rapids, with Rapid 5 being the most thrilling. You will travel in safe inflatable boats with a professional team. No experience is needed, but be ready to possibly fall out of the boat — it is all part of the fun! You will be wearing a life jacket, and safety kayakers will be nearby to help.

Rafting on the Nile is one of the most exciting experiences in Uganda and is suitable for travelers aged 16 and over.

Accommodation Options

Middle Class: 2 Friends Guest House (Breakfast)

Semi-luxury: The Haven Eco River Lodge (Breakfast)

Luxury: Wild Waters Lodge (Full Board)

Today you will drive through the green countryside of Uganda. You will travel from east to west, passing swamps, villages, and forests. If you are staying on the south bank of the Nile, the last hour of your drive will be inside the park. You can open the roof and watch for your first safari animals! In the late afternoon, you will arrive at your accommodation. Here, you can relax, listen to the sounds of the animals, and enjoy the amazing views.

Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest game park. The mighty Nile River flows right through it. The park has different landscapes: dense rainforest in the southwest and wide, flat savannas in the northwest. Because of the Nile, Murchison Falls is one of the greenest parks in Africa. The most impressive sight here is the Murchison Falls, where the Nile plunges with great power on its long journey from Lake Victoria to the Mediterranean Sea.

Bush Camping Murchison Falls – (Optional)

On this safari, you will go to the Lake Albert delta, deep in Murchison Falls National Park. Here, a special camp will be set up just for you in the middle of the wilderness. This “bush camp” lets you be as close to nature as possible. You will have a tent, cots, a barbecue, a table, chairs, and lights. You will be safe under the care of an armed ranger, your guide, and a cook. There are no toilets or running water, but the experience of sleeping in the wild makes up for it.

In the evening, sit by the campfire, listen to hyenas, and watch hippos come out of the water. This is the true “ultimate bush experience.”

Accommodation Options:

Simple: Fort Murchison – Lazy Camping (Half Board)

Middle class: Murchison River Lodge (Half Board)

Semi-luxury: Murchison River Lodge – Cottage (Half Board)

Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge (Full Board)

Exclusive: Nile Safari Lodge (Full board with drinks)

Today is all about wildlife and the natural beauty of Murchison Falls National Park. In the morning, you will go on a jeep safari, and in the afternoon, a boat safari on the Nile. You will search for hippos, crocodiles, water birds, and, if you are lucky, even bathing elephants! At the end of the day, you will return to your accommodation.

Murchison Falls Game Drive – Morning

The morning safari focuses on the area northwest of the Nile. The green, rolling landscape is dotted with Borassus palms, whose fruits are a favorite for savanna elephants. Besides elephants, you will look for Rothschild giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, lions, leopards, various antelopes, and many tropical birds. After an early breakfast, you will drive toward the delta region. The sun is rising, the air is fresh, and it’s the best time to explore the savanna. Along the way, you will stop at the Nile, where hundreds of hippos bask in the sun.

Boat Safari Murchison Falls – Afternoon

In the afternoon, you will take a slow boat ride down the Nile. Hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, and monkeys watch your approach. Water birds fish along the river, and elephants often come to the banks to drink. The boat ride ends at the foot of the famous 40-meter-high Murchison Falls. The journey takes about three hours. (Tip: sit on the left side of the boat for the best views along the left bank.)

Private Murchison Falls Boat Safari – Afternoon (Optional)

This private boat safari is similar to the standard boat ride but gives you a closer, more personal experience. You can move at your own pace and enjoy the wildlife without the crowds. The boat takes you along the Nile to the base of the 40-meter-high Murchison Falls. Monkeys, elephants, hippos, and crocodiles can all be seen along the way. Sharing this experience with just your group makes it extra special.

Accommodation Options:

Simple: Fort Murchison – Lazy Camping (Full Board)

Middle class: Murchison River Lodge (Full Board)

Semi-luxury: Murchison River Lodge – Cottage (Full Board)

Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge (Full Board)

Exclusive: Nile Safari Lodge (Full board with drinks)

Today is another day to enjoy Uganda’s wildlife-rich Murchison Falls National Park. In the morning, you will go on a jeep safari. The afternoon is free for you to relax at your accommodation, perhaps by the swimming pool. If you want more adventure, you can choose a second boat safari to the delta region. This safari shows a completely different landscape from the first one. If you pick the delta boat safari, it will be in the morning, and the jeep safari will take place in the afternoon instead.

Murchison Falls Game Drive – Second Morning

After breakfast, you will drive back to the delta for a safari. This safari focuses on different tracks and areas of the park, giving you the chance to see more wildlife. Your guide will also look for predators that may have been missed during the first safari.

Delta Lake Albert Boat Safari – Morning (Optional)’

In addition to the boat safari to Murchison Falls, you can take a boat ride through the park’s delta. The delta is where the Victoria Nile flows into Lake Albert and then into the Albert Nile. It looks like a smaller version of Botswana’s famous Okavango Delta. The delta is full of wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, and bathing elephants. It is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with amazing birds such as the saddle-billed stork, the African giant kingfisher, and the prehistoric-looking shoebill.

Accommodation Options:

Simple: Fort Murchison – Lazy Camping (Full Board)

Middle class: Murchison River Lodge (Full Board)

Semi-luxury: Murchison River Lodge – Cottage (Full Board)

Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge (Full Board)

Exclusive: Nile Safari Lodge (Full board with drinks)

After breakfast, you will drive to the top of Murchison Falls for a short walk and stunning views. Then, continue your journey to Kibale Forest. On the way, you will pass through villages, rainforests, tea plantations, and crater lakes. On a clear day, you may even see the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains. When you arrive at Kibale Forest, you enter a different world — a world full of monkeys!

Murchison Waterfall Walk – Morning

At the top of the falls, you will take a walk to see the natural spectacle from different viewpoints. Feel the power of the Nile as it crashes through a narrow seven-meter-wide chasm. If time allows, you can walk a short distance down to see the full waterfall — truly magnificent! Before leaving the park, there will be a short stop for photos at the top of the falls.

Kibale Forest National Park

Kibale Forest is one of Africa’s richest rainforests for primates. The forest is home to 13 different monkey species, including red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus, red colobus, diademed monkeys, mantled mangabeys, and bush babies. The forest sits at an average elevation of 1,300 meters and is surrounded by tea plantations to the north and papyrus swamps to the south. Besides primates, the nearby Bigodi swamp are home to many unique bird species, making this area a paradise for wildlife and bird lovers.

Accommodation Options:

Simple: Kibale Forest Camp (Half Board)

Middle class: Turaco Treetops – Standard Cottage (Half Board)

Semi-luxury: Turaco Treetops – Luxury Cottage (Half Board)

Luxury: Crater Safari Lodge (Full Board)

Exclusive: Kibale Lodge (Full Board with drinks)

Today is Today is all about the monkeys and other unique primates of this beautiful rainforest and nearby wetlands. In the morning, you will go on a chimpanzee trekking tour. In the afternoon, you will take a walk through the Bigodi Wetlands. Between activities, you will enjoy lunch and some time to rest at your accommodation.

The order of activities may change depending on chimpanzee permit availability. You might do the swamp walk in the morning and chimpanzee trekking in the afternoon.

Chimpanzee Trekking Kibale Forest – Morning

Join a ranger on a unique chimpanzee trekking adventure. You will follow signs like broken branches, droppings, food scraps, and sounds to find these playful and noisy primates. Every encounter is different, but seeing a chimpanzee up close — a great ape so similar to humans — is always an amazing experience. This trek usually takes place in the morning.

Bigodi Swamp Walk – Afternoon

In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing walk through the community-run Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. You will look for different monkey species and many unique birds, including the giant turaco, one of Uganda’s most beautiful birds. The cooler afternoon is the best time to see the monkeys foraging and the swamp alive with wildlife.

Accommodation Options:

Simple: Kibale Forest Camp (Half Board)

Middle class: Turaco Treetops – Standard Cottage (Half Board)

Semi-luxury: Turaco Treetops – Luxury Cottage (Half Board)

Luxury: Crater Safari Lodge (Full Board)

Exclusive: Kibale Lodge (Full Board with drinks)

After your stay in Kibale Forest, you will continue your journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Today’s drive takes you through rural Uganda, from green hills with tea plantations and crater lakes to the dry savannah of Queen Elizabeth. Along the way, you will pass through several Matoke markets. In the afternoon, you will enjoy one of Africa’s most spectacular boat safaris.

Please note: This trip includes one night in the northern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park (Kasenyi) and one night in the south (Ishasha). You can also add an extra night to enjoy more activities, or skip Ishasha and stay two nights in the north. Every trip is tailored to your needs.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park covers nearly 2,000 km² in the Rift Valley. To the north are the Rwenzori Mountains, and to the west lies Lake Edward. Central to the park is the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lakes Edward and George — perfect for boat safaris. West of the channel, you will find stunning volcanic craters. The Kyambura Gap is a deep chasm in the savannah, home to rainforest and chimpanzees. The park is full of wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards, hippos, and crocodiles. Over 600 bird species live here, making it a paradise for nature lovers.

Queen Elizabeth Boat Safari – Afternoon

A boat ride on the Kazinga Channel is one of the park’s highlights. You will see huge numbers of hippos, giant crocodiles, bathing buffalo, and a wide variety of birds. If you are lucky, you might see a herd of elephants spraying water — a truly unforgettable sight!

Private Queen Elizabeth Boat Safari – Afternoon (Optional)

This private boat safari gives you a closer, more personal experience. You can move at your own pace and enjoy wildlife without the crowds. Sharing this adventure with just your group makes it even more special.

Gorge Kyambura Trekking – (Optional)

You can also take a walk through the Kyambura Gorge, an 11-kilometer-long chasm cutting through the savannah. Along the banks of the Kyambura River is a beautiful stretch of tropical rainforest, home to snakes, chimpanzees, and other wildlife. Rangers will try to help you spot the chimpanzees, but sightings are only about 50% likely. Even if you don’t see them, the hike itself is breathtaking. It is adventurous, with some scrambling and climbing, and one of the most beautiful walks in Uganda.

Accommodation Options:

Simple: Bush Lodge – Banda (Half Board)

Middle class: Elephant Hab Lodge (Half Board)

Semi-luxury: Katara Lodge (Full Board)

Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge (Full Board)

Exclusive: Kyambura Gorge Lodge (Full Board)

Today is full of wildlife and adventure in Queen Elizabeth National Park. In the morning, you will go on a jeep safari in the northern part of the park (Kasenyi). You can also choose the optional “Lion Predator Tracking” for a unique experience with a park biologist. After the morning safari, you will drive about 2.5 hours to Ishasha, in the southern part of the park. Enjoy a well-deserved lunch at your lodge. In the afternoon, you will go on another safari to search for Ishasha’s famous tree-climbing lions.

Queen Elizabeth Jeep Safari – Morning

During your morning safari, you will look for large herds of buffalo, elephants, elegant Ugandan kobs, topi, lions, leopards, and hyenas. The landscape changes from open grasslands with candelabra euphorbias to crater lakes and dense forest patches. After an early breakfast, you will drive toward the rising sun. Morning mist still lingers over the savannah, and you can hear the sounds of the African wilderness — a perfect start to a day in nature!

Predator Tracking Queen Elizabeth – Morning (Optional)

For a special experience, join a park biologist to track lions and leopards. The biologist studies the movements of lion prides and some individual leopards, giving you a chance to see the king of the savannah in a unique way. The animals are tracked using radio collars, so you are almost guaranteed to see lions. Leopard sightings are less certain. Because you are with the biologist, you can venture off roads and trails. This activity also helps fund wildlife research.

Ishasha

The southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park is Ishasha. Its remote location near the Democratic Republic of Congo means fewer visitors, giving a true wilderness experience. The savannah is dotted with wild fig trees — favorite spots for tree-climbing lions. The Ntungwe River runs through the area, home to hippos and dense, green vegetation.

Game Drive Ishasha – Afternoon

In the afternoon, go on a safari to find the famous tree-climbing lions resting in the branches of ancient fig trees. You may also see buffalo, large herds of Ugandan kobs, and other antelope species. Hippos can often be spotted in the Ntungwe River.

As the sun sets, return to your accommodation for a refreshing drink and enjoy a campfire under the sounds of the African wilderness — a perfect end to a wildlife-filled day.

Accommodation Options

Simple: Enjojo Lodge (Full Board)

Middle class: Enjojo Lodge (Full Board)

Semi-luxury: Enjojo Lodge (Full Board)

Luxury: Ishasha Wilderness Camp (Full Board)

In the morning, you will leave the savannahs and travel to southern Uganda. The drive is truly beautiful and shows the country’s amazing diversity. You will pass rainforests, lakes, coffee plantations, mountains, and hills before reaching the enchanting Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The views along the way are unforgettable!

Optional: You can also choose to go rafting today on the Birira River, which flows through the jungle between Ishasha (south of Queen Elizabeth) and Bwindi Forest. If you do this, we recommend adding an extra night in Queen Elizabeth so you don’t have to drive to Bwindi right after rafting.

Gorilla Rafting – Full Day (Optional)

Uganda is perfect for jungle rafting! The Rwenzori Mountains feed many rivers in western Uganda, giving you the chance to raft through dense tropical rainforest. From Kambuga, you will float down the Birira River between Ishasha and Buhoma. This rafting trip is full of adventure and spectacular scenery. You will pass green hills, banana plantations, and lush forests filled with monkeys and birds. It is suitable for adventurers, nature lovers, and families with children aged 8 and up. A typical day runs from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and a traditional Ugandan lunch is included.

Safety: Your safety is a top priority. A trip leader will guide you, and two safety kayakers will navigate the river and watch over you. Whether you want to swim or accidentally fall in the water, the guides will be there to keep you safe.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi is a magical montane rainforest and, together with Rwanda’s Virunga Mountains, is the most important place for mountain gorilla trekking. This relatively small park is home to nearly half of all wild mountain gorillas. Besides gorillas, Bwindi hosts around 120 mammal species and 350 bird species. The dense forest and rich wildlife make it one of Uganda’s most extraordinary natural treasures.

 Accommodation: Orugano Bwindi Lodge (Full Board)

In the morning, you will travel to Bwindi or Mgahinga National Park for perhaps the highlight of your trip: gorilla trekking. In the afternoon, you will enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime encounter. Even if you are not going gorilla trekking, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy. These are described on Day 12.

Gorilla Trekking Bwindi Forest – (Optional)

During gorilla trekking, you will walk, crouch, and sometimes climb through the dense Bwindi forest. Experienced rangers from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) will guide you in search of a mountain gorilla family. You will follow signs like dung, nests, broken bamboo stems, and snapped branches to find them. And then, the moment comes — you come face to face with a silverback gorilla, calmly observing his family and you. It is an awe-inspiring, unforgettable experience that will stay with you forever.

Gorilla Habituation Day Bwindi Forest – (Optional)

For a truly unique experience, you can join a gorilla habituation day instead of trekking. You will accompany researchers as they spend time with a gorilla family, observing how they become accustomed to humans. During this excursion, you can spend up to four hours with the gorilla family, in a small group of just four people. This is a rare opportunity to see gorillas closely and learn about their behavior in a very personal way.

Accommodation: Orugano Bwindi Lodge (Full Board)

Today is your free day to rest, explore, or enjoy adventure — the choice is yours. Sleep in, relax, or take part in one of the many activities available. You can take a motorboat ride on Lake Mutanda, hike in the surrounding hills, or go on a more challenging trek across the volcanoes of Mgahinga National Park. You can also choose a Golden Monkey trek for a closer look at these playful primates.

Bwindi Excursions – (Optional)

Bwindi and the surrounding region offer something for everyone. In Mgahinga National Park, you can climb the Virunga volcanoes or go on a Golden Monkey trek. In Bwindi, besides gorilla trekking, there are several beautiful forest walks. You can also visit local communities, such as the Batwa pygmies, or take a village tour nearby. For longer walks, there is a scenic 10-kilometer trek from Nkuringo to Buhoma Sector of Bwindi. Let your travel specialist know your interests. They can help you decide what to book in advance and what to arrange on-site. All activities can be booked directly at Orugano Bwindi Lodge.

Sabinyo Volcano Climb, Mgahinga – (Optional)

For an adventurous day, climb the 3,669-meter-high Sabinyo Volcano, where at the summit, you are standing in three countries at once: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo! The climb can be muddy, but wooden ladders have been installed to help you reach the three peaks. The hike takes about eight hours, and the views from the summit are breathtaking. You will see lakes, gorges, and the surrounding landscapes of three countries — an unforgettable experience for adventure lovers.

Accommodation: Orugano Bwindi Lodge

Today you will leave Lake Mutanda, taking with you unforgettable memories. The experience with gorillas, made famous by Dian Fossey’s protégés in “Gorillas in the Mist”, will stay with you forever. The beauty, power, and unique aura of Central African nature will also remain in your mind.You will drive along the scenic road that connects Rwanda with Kampala and Kenya, heading to Lake Mburo National Park.

Lake Mburo National Park

lake Mburo is Uganda’s smallest safari park, but it is full of wildlife and beauty. It is the only park in Uganda where you can see impalas and elands. The park is centered around Lake Mburo, home to hippos, crocodiles, and a wide variety of birds, making it a great spot for nature lovers.

Lake Mburo Night Safari – (Optional)

Just before dinner, you can enjoy an exciting night safari. Search for galagos, hyenas, and, if you’re lucky, a leopard! Night safaris offer a very different perspective on African wildlife and are full of surprises.

Acommodation Options:

Simple: Eagles Nest (Breakfast)

Middle class:  Rwakobo Rock (Half Board)

Semi-Luxury: Kigambira Lodge (Half Board)

Luxury: Mihingo Lodge (Full Board)

This morning, you can choose how to explore Lake Mburo National Park. Options include a walking safari, a mountain bike safari, or a horseback safari (optional). Because there are no lions or elephants in the park, these activities are safe and offer a close-up view of the wildlife.

After your morning adventure and a late breakfast, you will cross the Equator and drive back to Entebbe. You will be dropped off at the airport in the early evening for your return flight home. This marks the end of your unforgettable Uganda trip!

Lake Mburo Walking Safari – Morning

Accompanied by a ranger, you will hike through the park in search of zebras, buffalo, elands, and giraffes. This is also perfect for bird lovers, as Lake Mburo has over 310 bird species, making it a great place for photography.

Mountain Bike Safari Lake Mburo – Morning (Optional)

Take a guided mountain bike tour through the lush greenery of Lake Mburo and its surroundings. Along the way, you may spot zebras, impalas, and various antelopes while enjoying the panoramic views. The park’s rolling hills make this a challenging and rewarding ride, a wonderful way to start your day.

Horseback Riding Safari Lake Mburo – Morning (Optional)

Explore Lake Mburo on horseback, an exciting adventure for both beginners and experienced riders. Please note: riders must weigh no more than 90 kg (200 lbs). This activity cannot be booked in advance and is subject to availability on-site. It is only possible for guests staying at Mihingo Lodge.