14 Days Ultimate Uganda Wildlife Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Uganda, Entebbe and Kampala City Experience

Your 14 Days Ultimate Uganda Wildlife Safari begins when you arrive at Entebbe International Airport, where a representative from Verdant Safaris will meet you and transfer you to your accommodation. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a relaxed introduction to Uganda with a visit to some of Kampala’s notable attractions, local markets or cultural sites. You will have an opportunity to experience the lively atmosphere of Uganda’s capital while learning about the country’s history, traditions and contemporary way of life. If you arrive later in the day, the programme can instead be kept relaxed so that you have time to rest and prepare for the safari ahead. Your guide will brief you about the journey, the destinations you will visit and the activities planned for the following days. This first day provides a comfortable beginning before you embark on the long journey into Uganda’s wildlife areas.

Accommodation Options: Hotel Africana, Speke Hotel, Latitude 0 Degrees Kampala.

Meals: (Dinner)

Day 2: Kampala to Murchison Falls National Park via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

After an early breakfast, you will leave Kampala and travel northwards towards Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest national park. Along the way, you will stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where you can participate in a guided rhino tracking experience and learn about Uganda’s rhinoceros conservation efforts. The sanctuary provides an opportunity to observe rhinos in a protected natural environment before continuing towards Murchison Falls. You will then proceed through the countryside, passing rural communities, farms and changing landscapes as you approach northern Uganda. After entering the Murchison Falls area, you will continue towards your lodge, with time to relax and enjoy the surrounding wilderness. Depending on your arrival time, an optional short nature experience or scenic activity may be arranged. Murchison Falls National Park is particularly known for elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, lions, leopards, Uganda kobs and other antelopes, as well as its spectacular Nile scenery.

Accommodation Options: Paraa Safari Lodge, Pakuba Safari Lodge, Nile Safari Lodge.

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3: Murchison Falls Game Drive and Nile Boat Safari

You will wake up early for breakfast before heading into the northern sector of Murchison Falls National Park for a rewarding morning game drive. The open savannah provides excellent opportunities to search for elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, Uganda kobs, hartebeests, warthogs and other wildlife. Your experienced guide will help you understand the behaviour of the animals and identify different species as you explore the park’s game tracks. After the morning game drive, you will return to the lodge for lunch and some relaxation before embarking on an afternoon boat cruise along the Victoria Nile. The boat journey takes you towards the base of Murchison Falls, passing large concentrations of hippos, crocodiles and waterbirds along the riverbanks. You will then have the opportunity to appreciate the dramatic scenery created as the Nile approaches the narrow gorge of the falls. The combination of a savannah game drive and Nile boat safari makes this one of the defining days of your Uganda wildlife adventure.

Accommodation Options: Paraa Safari Lodge, Pakuba Safari Lodge, Nile Safari Lodge.

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4: Murchison Falls to Fort Portal

After breakfast, you will leave Murchison Falls National Park and begin a scenic journey southwards towards Fort Portal. This is a longer travel day, allowing you to see the changing landscapes of Uganda as the northern savannah gradually gives way to greener western highlands. You will pass through rural settlements and agricultural areas while your guide shares information about local communities, farming and the regions through which you travel. Upon reaching Fort Portal, you will check into your accommodation and have time to relax after the journey. Depending on your arrival time, you may take a short excursion around the town or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the lodge. Fort Portal is an excellent base for exploring the forests, crater lakes and wildlife attractions of western Uganda. The area also provides a convenient gateway to Kibale Forest National Park, one of Uganda’s principal destinations for chimpanzee tracking.

Accommodation Options: Turaco Treetops, Kyaninga Lodge, Papaya Lake Lodge.

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest and Bigodi Wetland Experience

Today you will travel into Kibale Forest National Park for one of the highlights of your safari, chimpanzee tracking. After an early breakfast, you will meet the forest guides and receive a briefing before entering the forest in search of habituated chimpanzee communities. As you walk through the lush forest, you may encounter other primates and a wide variety of birds, trees and plant species. Chimpanzee tracking can involve walking along forest trails while following signs and calls that help the guides locate the primates. After the forest experience, you will proceed to the nearby Bigodi Wetland area for a guided community and nature walk, where you can observe birds, monkeys, vegetation and local village life. The experience gives you a different perspective on Uganda’s biodiversity by combining forest wildlife with community-based conservation and cultural interaction. You will return to your accommodation later in the day for relaxation and dinner. Kibale is officially recognised among Uganda’s national parks and is one of the country’s major primate destinations.

Accommodation Options: Turaco Treetops, Primate Lodge Kibale, Kyaninga Lodge.

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6: Kibale Crater Lakes and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, you will leave Kibale for Queen Elizabeth National Park, travelling through the scenic landscapes of western Uganda. Along the way, you will explore some of the area’s beautiful crater lakes, with opportunities for photography and enjoying views of the surrounding countryside. The crater lake region is characterised by rolling hills, tea plantations, forested areas and agricultural communities, creating a particularly scenic part of the journey. You will continue towards Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s famous savannah destination situated between Lake Edward and Lake George. After checking into your lodge, you may have time for an afternoon game drive depending on your arrival schedule. The park is home to elephants, buffaloes, hippos, Uganda kobs and numerous bird species, while the Ishasha sector is known for its tree-climbing lions. You will spend the evening relaxing at your lodge and preparing for a full day of wildlife exploration.

Accommodation Options: Mweya Safari Lodge, Elephant Plains Lodge, Twin Lakes Safari Lodge.

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7: Queen Elizabeth National Park Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Your day begins with an early morning game drive across the savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The cooler morning conditions provide a good opportunity to search for wildlife as you explore the park’s tracks with your guide. You may encounter elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, warthogs and other antelopes, while predators such as lions may also be encountered. After the game drive, you will return to the lodge for lunch and some relaxation before heading to the Kazinga Channel for an afternoon boat cruise. The channel connects Lake Edward and Lake George and is renowned for its concentration of hippos, crocodiles, elephants and numerous waterbirds along its shores. As you cruise along the water, you will have excellent opportunities for photography and wildlife observation from a different perspective. After the boat experience, you will return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay surrounded by the natural environment of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The park is recognised for its diverse wildlife and more than 500 recorded bird species.

Accommodation Options: Mweya Safari Lodge, Elephant Plains Lodge, Twin Lakes Safari Lodge.

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 8: Ishasha Sector Wildlife Drive and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After breakfast, you will travel towards the southern Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park before continuing to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The Ishasha area is famous for its distinctive tree-climbing lions, although sightings are never guaranteed because wildlife moves freely through the natural environment. You will enjoy a game drive through the sector while looking for lions, elephants, buffaloes, topis and other wildlife. The landscape gradually changes as you leave the savannah and approach the mountainous region of southwestern Uganda. You will continue through winding roads, terraced hills and rural communities before reaching the Bwindi area. Upon arrival, you will check into your lodge and have time to relax. Your guide will also brief you about the following day’s gorilla trekking experience, including what to expect during the forest walk and the importance of following the instructions of the park guides and rangers.

Accommodation Options: Buhoma Lodge, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Four Gorillas Lodge.

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 9: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Today is dedicated to one of the most memorable experiences on your Uganda safari, mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. After an early breakfast, you will travel to the appropriate park headquarters for registration and a briefing before entering the forest with experienced trackers and park guides. The duration of the trek varies depending on the location of the gorilla family you are visiting and the terrain you encounter. As you walk through the dense forest, you will experience the remarkable biodiversity of Bwindi while searching for signs of the gorillas. Once the gorilla family is located, you will spend the permitted viewing period observing their natural behaviour from the required distance under the guidance of the rangers. After the experience, you will return from the forest and receive your trekking certificate before heading back to your lodge. The remainder of the day will be dedicated to rest and reflection after this extraordinary wildlife encounter. Bwindi is one of the Ugandan parks managed by UWA and is renowned for its mountain gorillas.

Accommodation Options: Buhoma Lodge, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Four Gorillas Lodge.

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 10: Bwindi to Lake Bunyonyi, Scenic Highlands and Canoe Experience

After breakfast, you will leave Bwindi and travel towards Lake Bunyonyi, one of the most scenic lakes in southwestern Uganda. The journey takes you through mountainous countryside characterised by steep hills, terraced farms and small rural settlements. Along the way, you will have opportunities to stop at scenic viewpoints and appreciate the remarkable landscapes of the Kigezi Highlands. Upon arrival at Lake Bunyonyi, you will check into your lodge and enjoy lunch before spending the afternoon beside the lake. Depending on your preference, you may take a traditional canoe excursion, visit some of the lake’s islands or simply relax while enjoying the surrounding hills. The peaceful atmosphere provides a welcome change after the demanding gorilla trekking experience. In the evening, you will enjoy dinner overlooking the lake before spending the night in this beautiful highland environment.

Accommodation Options: BirdNest Resort Lake Bunyonyi, Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort, Bunyonyi Overland Resort.

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 11: Lake Bunyonyi to Lake Mburo National Park

You will enjoy breakfast overlooking Lake Bunyonyi before beginning your journey towards Lake Mburo National Park. The drive takes you through southwestern Uganda, passing cultivated hills, villages and changing landscapes as you move towards the savannah country around Lake Mburo. Along the way, you may stop for photographs and brief interactions with local communities. After arriving in the Lake Mburo area, you will enter the park and begin looking out for wildlife as you make your way towards your accommodation. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy an afternoon game drive or a guided nature activity. Lake Mburo is notable for wildlife such as zebras, impalas, buffaloes and giraffes, and it offers a different safari environment from the larger savannah parks. You will spend the evening relaxing at your lodge and enjoying the sounds of the surrounding wilderness.

Accommodation Options: Mihingo Lodge, Rwakobo Rock, Mburo Safari Lodge.

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 12: Lake Mburo Wildlife Safari and Walking Experience

You will begin the day with an early breakfast before exploring Lake Mburo National Park on a morning game drive. The park’s mixture of open grasslands, woodland and wetland habitats provides opportunities to see zebras, impalas, buffaloes, giraffes, warthogs and other wildlife. Your guide will take you along selected game tracks while explaining the behaviour of the animals and the ecological importance of the park. Depending on park conditions and your interests, you may also participate in a guided nature or walking safari, allowing you to experience the environment from a different perspective. Lake Mburo is particularly suitable for walking experiences compared with many other Ugandan savannah parks, giving you an opportunity to appreciate smaller plants, insects, birds and tracks. After your activities, you will return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. You will spend your final full safari evening enjoying the peaceful surroundings and reflecting on the wildlife experiences gathered throughout your journey. Lake Mburo is the only Ugandan national park particularly associated with species such as Burchell’s zebra and impala.

Accommodation Options: Mihingo Lodge, Rwakobo Rock, Mburo Safari Lodge.

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 13: Lake Mburo to Kampala or Entebbe, Equator Experience

After breakfast, you will leave Lake Mburo National Park and begin the final road journey towards Kampala or Entebbe. Before continuing, you may enjoy a final short wildlife drive or scenic stop around the park, depending on your departure schedule. You will then travel towards the Equator crossing at Kayabwe, where you can stop for photographs, browse local craft shops and experience the geographical significance of crossing the Equator. The journey continues through Uganda’s countryside as you approach Kampala, with opportunities to observe farms, villages and roadside markets. On arrival in Kampala or Entebbe, you will check into your accommodation and have the evening free to relax after the long safari journey. This evening also provides an opportunity to enjoy a final Ugandan dinner or make any last-minute purchases before your international departure. Your guide will confirm the following day’s airport transfer arrangements with you.

Accommodation Options: Hotel Africana, Speke Hotel, Latitude 0 Degrees Kampala.

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 14: Departure

Your final day is reserved for departure from Uganda. After breakfast, you will have some free time depending on your flight schedule, allowing you to rest, organise your luggage or enjoy a final short activity in Kampala or Entebbe if time permits. Verdant Safaris will arrange your transfer to Entebbe International Airport in good time for your flight. Your guide will assist with the transfer and ensure that you arrive at the airport according to your scheduled departure time. As you leave Uganda, you will carry memories of the savannahs of Murchison Falls, the forests of Kibale and Bwindi, the wildlife of Queen Elizabeth and Lake Mburo, and the beautiful landscapes of southwestern Uganda. The safari concludes at the airport, marking the end of your 14 Days Ultimate Uganda Wildlife Safari with Verdant Safaris.

Meals: (Breakfast)