Highlights
- See the diverse wildlife and habitats of Uganda's national parks
- Take a boat trip to the breathtaking Murchison Falls
- Spot lions, elephants, giraffes, and crocodiles on safari in Queen Elizabeth
- Watch chimpanzees swing through the trees of Kalinzu
- Track mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Entebbe | Entebbe |
| Day 2 | Transfer to Kidepo National Park | Kidepo Valley National Park |
| Day 3 | Game Drive in Kidepo National Park | Kidepo Valley National Park |
| Day 4 | Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park | Murchison Falls National Park |
| Day 5 | Morning Game Drive & Afternoon Boat Trip | Murchison Falls National Park |
| Day 6 | Transfer to Buddo in Kampala | Kampala |
| Day 7 | Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park | Queen Elizabeth National Park |
| Day 8 | Land & Water Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park | Queen Elizabeth National Park |
| Day 9 | Chimpanzee Tracking in Kalinzu Forest | Queen Elizabeth National Park |
| Day 10 | Transfer to Rwenzori National Park | Rwenzori National Park |
| Day 11 | Transfer to Bwindi National Park | Bwindi Impenetrable National Park |
| Day 12 | Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi National Park | Bwindi Impenetrable National Park |
| Day 13 | Transfer Back to Queen Elizabeth National Park | Queen Elizabeth National Park |
| Day 14 | Return to Entebbe, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Entebbe
Welcome to Uganda! Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you'll be welcomed by your guide and transferred to your evening's accommodation. The rest of the day is free for you to rest up and prepare for tomorrow's adventures.
Day 2: Transfer to Kidepo National Park
After breakfast, you'll set out toward Kidepo National Park. Along the full day's scenic drive, you'll stop for lunch in Gulu, one of Uganda's fastest-growing towns. Continue to the next small town of Kitgum before reaching your destination of Kidepo National Park. Here you'll get settled in and enjoy a relaxed dinner, allowing time for rest before tomorrow's safari.
Day 3: Game Drive in Kidepo National Park
Early this morning, you'll embark on an unforgettable game drive through the Kidepo National Park. Following the park's many tracks and circuits, you'll have the opportunity to see a vast array of wildlife at a close range—from elephants to zebra and lions. Return to the lodge for lunch and some time to relax, then head back out onto the plains in the evening for another safari in the southern part of the park.
Day 4: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
This morning, you'll meet your guide and transfer southwest across the country to Murchison Falls National Park. Murchison lies at the northern end of the Albertine Rift Valley, where the sweeping Bunyoro Escarpment tumbles into vast, palm-dotted savanna. First protected as a game reserve in 1926, it is Uganda's largest and oldest conservation area, hosting over 76 species of mammals and 451 birds.
Day 5: Morning Game Drive & Afternoon Boat Trip
Rise early today for a sunrise game drive through the park. You'll have the chance to see an endless parade of wildlife like lions, buffalo, giraffes, elephants, antelopes, waterbucks, and many unique birds. Return to the lodge for lunch, then set out again on an afternoon boat cruise to the foot of Murchison Falls. You'll observe more wildlife and birds along the banks of the Nile River before returning to the lodge for dinner.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 6: Transfer to Buddo in Kampala
This morning you'll leave Murchison Falls behind and transfer to Buddo in Kampala. The traditional capital of the Buganda Kingdom, Kampala, was famously built on seven hills. Today, the capital of modern Uganda sprawls haphazardly over more than 20 hills and is still expanding rapidly. Viewed from a distance, the skyline features glassy skyscrapers interspersed with thick green vegetation, dusty red roads, clustered roofs, and imposing cathedrals and mosques. There is no more authentic way to tour this friendly city than on a boda boda (motorbike taxi), which takes you through every nook and cranny, saving you the task of climbing the numerous hills to see the city from various vantage points.
Day 7: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Start your day early with a transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Set on the vast Rift Valley floor, the park's diverse ecosystems include sprawling savanna, shady, humid forests, sparkling lakes, and fertile wetlands, making it the ideal habitat for big game, 10 primate species, and over 600 species of birds. The landscape of northern Queen Elizabeth comprises dozens of ancient craters carved into rolling hills against a backdrop of the majestic Rwenzori Mountains.
Day 8: Land & Water Safari at Queen Elizabeth National Park
This morning, you'll enjoy an exciting game drive in Queen Elizabeth. A popular route is the Kasenyi Sector, known for its numerous lions that prey on the large population of Uganda kob (antelope). If you are very lucky, you may spot a giant forest hog—Africa's largest pig—or an elusive leopard!
In the afternoon, hop on a boat for a water safari on the Kazinga Channel, which connects Edward and George Lakes. The Uganda Wildlife Authority guides leading the trip will identify many of the channel's 100 bird species. You'll likely see African skimmers, great white pelicans, spoonbills, and several bee-eaters. Hippos wallow at the water's edge, huge Nile crocodiles bask in the sun, and elephants often come for a refreshing drink.
Day 9: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kalinzu Forest
Another early start takes you toward the Kalinzu Central Nature Reserve, a tropical forest known for its biodiversity. Here you'll find over 400 tree and shrub species, 379 bird species, including great blue turaco, cuckoos, sunbirds, and a dizzying array of rare butterflies and moths. The forest is also home to six primate species, including blue, velvet, and colobus monkeys.
Today you will be tracking one of the forest's most remarkable residents and our closest relatives: chimpanzees. These great apes are incredibly fun to watch as they play and fight in the trees. Your experienced guides will introduce you to the members of the chimp families that inhabit the forest. There will also be plenty of opportunities to see different species of birds and plants along the way.
In the afternoon, you'll embark on a walk through a nearby village, where you can meet the locals and learn about the way of life here. The evening takes you back to your lodge for dinner and some downtime.
Day 10: Transfer to Rwenzori National Park
Today takes you to the Rwenzori National Park for an unforgettable nature walk. The Rwenzoris—known as the fabled "Mountains of the Moon"— lie along the Uganda-Congo border in western Uganda. Their equatorial snow peaks include the third highest point in Africa, while the lower slopes are blanketed in moorland, bamboo, and rich montane forest. Huge tree heathers and colorful mosses are draped across the mountainside with giant lobelias and flowers, creating an enchanting scene. In the afternoon, you'll walk to a local village before retiring to your accommodations for the night.
Day 11: Transfer to Bwindi National Park
Get ready for the start of your gorilla adventure! This morning, you'll depart for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. This UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site is considered one of the richest biological and botanical regions in the entire world. Its rainforest is over 25,000 years old and contains almost 400 species of plants.
Only about 800 wild mountain gorillas are left worldwide, and Bwindi is home to about half of that number. A visit to the national park—especially one focused on meeting these great apes—helps conservation efforts by incentivizing ecological preservation as a part of the local economy. Besides gorillas, the region provides shelter for another 120 species of mammals, including several primates such as baboons and chimpanzees, as well as elephants and antelopes.
Day 12: Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi National Park
Rise bright and early today for a gorilla-tracking adventure. Before beginning the trek, park rangers will brief the group to ensure your safety and that of the great apes. The trek usually takes three to six hours, so bring along a good pair of walking boots or shoes. The rangers will guide you through the village gardens and into the jungle-like forest. Follow them through the thick bush as they hack through the dense undergrowth with a machete as you search for gorillas. As part of anti-poaching efforts, the apes are under 24-hour monitoring, so you're almost guaranteed to see them!
Once you have located a gorilla family, you will be asked to leave all your belongings on the side and approach the gentle giants with only your camera. It is advised that you keep a distance of 23 feet (7 m) from the apes to reduce the risk of transmitting human diseases to them. This also helps the guides interpret the animals' behavior and quickly retreat if danger is perceived. Settle in and watch the gorilla families in their natural environment: feeding, playing, interacting with each other, or just sleeping. The gorillas are usually quite curious to see humans as well!
Day 13: Transfer Back to Queen Elizabeth National Park
A transfer takes you back to Queen Elizabeth National Park today, passing through the endless Ishasha Plains, whose fig trees hide lions lying in wait for the herds of unsuspecting antelope. After a scenic drive filled with stunning landscapes and plentiful wildlife, you'll head back to your accommodations for the evening.
Day 14: Return to Entebbe, Depart
After breakfast, you'll begin the journey back to Entebbe International Airport. Stop for a delicious picnic lunch and have a fun photo opportunity at the Equator before arriving at the airport and catching your departing flight. Safe travels!
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