Embark on the ultimate 16-day Uganda safari, an unforgettable expedition across the ‘Pearl of Africa.’ This comprehensive journey immerses you in a myriad of experiences, from thrilling wildlife encounters to intimate primate tracking and authentic cultural immersion.
Your two-week-plus adventure begins as you delve into Uganda’s most outstanding destinations. You will track chimpanzees in both Budongo Forest and Kibale National Park, later exploring the diverse ecosystems of Bigodi Wetland.
Furthermore, you will witness the raw power of nature at Murchison Falls National Park before traveling to the vast plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park for spectacular game viewing. Crucially, the trip culminates with an iconic experience: gorilla trekking in the UNESCO-listed Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Throughout this expedition, you will do more than just observe; you will actively engage with the unique cultures and traditions of local communities. Best of all, an experienced local expert will accompany you, ensuring you gain the deepest possible insights into everything Uganda offers the world.”
Safari Highlights
Chimpanzee tracking
Gorilla trekking
Game drive
Nature walk
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer to Budongo Forest
After a delicious breakfast, you’ll kick off your adventure, leaving Kampala and heading north on the Kampala-Gulu highway toward Budongo Forest (a scenic 4-5 hour drive).
Crucially, your journey includes a significant stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Here, you’ll immediately engage in a thrilling, two-hour rhino trekking experience, actively tracking these magnificent animals in their natural habitat—a unique highlight of the drive!
Next, you’ll refuel with a satisfying lunch at a local restaurant or hotel in Masindi. Following this, your cultural experience begins. You will continue to Bomu where you’ll meet and interact with the inspiring Boomu Women’s Group. This is your chance to explore their valuable community projects and learn firsthand about their unique culture, rich traditions, and traditional lifestyles. Finally, you’ll cap the day by enjoying a delicious traditional meal and settling in for an authentic overnight stay at the Boomu Bandas.
Day 2: Transfer to Boomu
After a hearty breakfast, your day immediately shifts to an exciting birding expedition in the dense Budongo Forest.
This forest is a true ornithological paradise, home to over 360 bird species, including numerous unique Guinea-Congo forest species. Your morning trek allows you to actively seek out rarities such as the elusive Puvel’s Illadopsis, Cassin’s Spinetail, African Dwarf Kingfisher, and the vividly colored Chocolate-backed Kingfisher. You’ll also search for the Yellow-footed Flycatcher, Blue-breasted Kingfisher, Grey-headed Sunbird, Brown Twin Spot, Olive-breasted Greenbul, Crowned Eagle, Plain Greenbul, and the Ituri Batis.
Following this rewarding morning session, you will depart Budongo and head directly to the spectacular “Top of the Falls.” Here, you’ll witness the incredible force of the Nile River as it squeezes through a narrow gorge. Finally, you’ll transfer to your comfortable safari lodge where you can relax and unwind for a tranquil evening.
Day 3: Game Drive & Iconic boat cruise
our day springs to life with an early morning game drive, led by your experienced guide, traversing the rich Northern game tracks of Murchison Falls National Park.
Immediately, you’ll begin actively scouting for a remarkable diversity of animals. Keep your camera ready to capture sightings of Cape Buffaloes, towering Giraffes, elegant Hartebeests, Oribis, and numerous Uganda Kobs. Your guide will also diligently search for the resident predators, including mighty Lions and—on a truly lucky day—elusive Leopards, alongside various unique bird species.
Following this thrilling drive, you’ll return for a refreshing lunch and a brief moment to relax. Afterward, you’ll transfer to the Paraa Jetty to embark on the iconic Victoria Nile launch cruise. This scenic journey takes you directly to the dramatic base of Murchison Falls, offering fantastic photographic opportunities. En route, you will spot huge pods of Hippos, massive Crocodiles, and an array of colorful water birds along the riverbanks.
Day 4: Cultural Trip To Hoima
Today, you depart Murchison Falls National Park and head south to Hoima, Uganda’s beautiful oil city (a roughly 3-hour drive).
For a truly scenic experience, we highly recommend taking the Lake Albert route. This route instantly rewards you with breathtaking views of the stunning Western Rift Valley escarpment.
Upon early arrival in Hoima, you will quickly check into your chosen accommodation. Afterward, the main event begins: an immersive, all-day cultural tour. You will actively interact with locals—specifically the Banyoro people—exploring their unique cultures, ancient traditions, and enjoying vibrant cultural entertainment.
Finally, you’ll settle in for a restful night at one of the following overnight options:
Overnight Stay Option:
- Hoima Cultural Lodge
- Kontik Hotel
Day 5: Scenic Drive Via Fortportal
Today, you set off from Hoima, beginning your scenic transfer to Kibale National Park via the charming Fort Portal City.
First, you’ll drive through beautiful landscapes, arriving in Fort Portal, where you’ll enjoy a well-deserved lunch. Following this refresh break, you will continue directly to your accommodation, checking into your lodge near Kibale.
Finally, you’ll settle in, preparing for the incredible primate tracking experiences that await you in the “Primate Capital of the World.”
Day 6: Chimpanzee tracking & Bigodi wetland
Kibale National Park, the “Primate Capital of the World,” dominates your day, which you’ll spend tracking its most famous residents. The park is home to over 1,500 chimpanzees, and you will spend the better part of the morning trekking through the forest.
The adventure begins at the Kanyanchu Visitor Centre. Here you’ll join an experienced guide to explore one of the habituated chimpanzee communities. Today’s unforgettable trek will last between 2 to 4 hours. This culminates in a precious, one-hour, close-up encounter with the chimpanzees as they feed and socialize.
Furthermore, keep your eyes peeled for the park’s many other primates, including L’Hoest’s Monkeys, Colobus Monkeys, Vervet Monkeys, and Baboons.
After your trek, you’ll walk back and transfer to Tinka’s Homestead for a truly special, unforgettable lunch shared with local community members.
Later that afternoon, the exploration continues with the engaging Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary walk. This guided nature walk allows you to actively spot a variety of primates, diverse bird species, and other small mammals. Moreover, the Bigodi walk often includes a rewarding visit to local community initiatives, led by a knowledgeable local expert.
Day 7: Visit Queen Elizabeth
Enjoy a delicious, early morning breakfast; then, immediately begin your scenic 3 to 4-hour drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP).
En route, you will actively soak in the beautiful landscapes, including stunning views of the region’s famous volcanic craters and vast, emerald banana plantations.
Upon early arrival in QENP, you will head directly to explore the fascinating Kasonga Community Experience. While here, you have the option to actively engage in local activities such as a tranquil canoe ride, hands-on fishing experiences, and more, gaining a deeper understanding of local life before settling into your lodge.
Day 8: Kasenyi Plains & Kazinga channel cruise
Today, you leave your lodge early to embark on an exhilarating game drive across the famous Kasenyi Plains.
Immediately, you’ll actively search for both the park’s large and small mammals. The Kasenyi sector is known for delivering incredible sightings, including huge herds of Cape Buffaloes and Antelopes, magnificent Bush Elephants, and the iconic Lions.
Following this successful drive, you will return to the lodge for a delicious and much-needed lunch. Afterward, the adventure continues! You will transfer to the channel to engage in a spectacular boat/launch cruise on the renowned Kazinga Channel. This cruise offers one of the world’s highest concentrations of hippos and a fantastic opportunity for bird-watching and spotting crocodiles.
Day 9: Community Engagement & Twin Lake Visit
Today, you leave your lodge and travel to Rubirizi for a meaningful direct engagement with the Kichwamba Orphanage Foundation.
This visit allows you to actively support a vital non-government organization dedicated to elevating orphans, vulnerable children, and the elderly. While here, you will immerse yourself in several rich experiences, including a hands-on coffee experience, authentic local food tasting, and vibrant cultural dance performances.
Later in the afternoon, your exploration continues as you visit the stunning geological formations known as the Twin Lakes. Finally, you will return to the lodge for a restful evening.
Day 10: Transfer To Bwindi Impenetrable
Today, you depart Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP) in your comfortable 4×4 tourist vehicle, heading toward the iconic Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
En route, you will make a special stop in the Ishasha sector. Crucially, you’ll dedicate time here to actively search for the famous tree-climbing lions—a unique and rare spectacle found in this region.
Following this thrilling observation, you will enjoy a relaxed picnic lunch. Afterward, the journey continues as you proceed directly to Bwindi, where you will check into your lodge, preparing for the unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure ahead.
Day 11: Iconic Gorilla Trekking
After breakfast, your incredible gorilla adventure begins.
First, the dedicated team at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park will thoroughly brief you on the essential guidelines for gorilla trekking. Subsequently, the park assigns you to one of the gorilla families, with trekking groups strictly limited to eight tourists.
You will then join your Bwindi Forest guide to embark on the main event: a life-changing gorilla trekking adventure. This trek can last anywhere from 2 to 6 hours as you actively search for the magnificent Mountain Gorillas. Bwindi is located near Kabale in southwestern Uganda. The park protects over 20 habituated families distributed across four key regions: Ruhija, Rushaga, Nkuringo, and Buhoma. Crucially, once you find your assigned family, you will spend one awe-inspiring hour up close with these gentle giants.
Finally, you will return to your lodge to enjoy a relaxed evening, a leisurely dinner, and a well-deserved overnight stay, reflecting on the day’s profound experience.
Day 12: Batwa Cultural Experience & Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
After enjoying a delicious breakfast, you will immediately embark on a fascinating community walk, led by an insightful local guide.
This long day focuses entirely on the Batwa Pygmy community, offering deep cultural immersion. You will actively explore the unique traditions, rich cultures, and historical practices of the Batwa people—a truly special encounter. Furthermore, the Batwa will entertain you with captivating performances, sharing their heritage through song and dance.
Afterward, you will set off for the stunning Lake Bunyonyi, known as Uganda’s deepest freshwater lake. Upon arrival, you can choose to relax and chill at your lodge, spend time swimming, or simply enjoy the spectacular scenery.
Finally, you’ll indulge in a leisurely dinner at your chosen lodge or camp.
Overnight Stay Options:
Birdnest Resort
Bunyonyi Safari Lodge
Day 13: Canoe Ride & Bakiga community tour
After a delicious breakfast, you will immediately set off to embark on a tranquil morning canoe ride across Lake Bunyonyi.
Accompanied by experienced local guides, you will actively explore one of the lake’s incredible 29 islands. During the ride, be sure to soak in the spectacular surrounding views of terraced hillsides and the other scattered islands.
Following your island visit, you will return to the mainland where a satisfying lunch will be provided.
Later in the afternoon, your cultural immersion continues as you visit the local Bakiga community. Here, you will learn firsthand about the unique cultures and strong traditions of the Bakiga people, even witnessing (and tasting!) their traditional local brew making process.
Overnight Stay Options:
Birdnest Resort
Bunyonyi Safari Lodge
Day 14: Drive To Igongo Cultural Center
Today, a comfortable vehicle picks you up from your lodge, immediately beginning your journey to the renowned Igongo Cultural Centre.
Upon arrival, you will immerse yourself in the rich heritage of the Ankole people, gaining a deep understanding of their unique traditions, cultural practices, and historical lifestyle. Furthermore, you will enjoy a delicious, authentic traditional meal prepared with local ingredients.
Finally, you will comfortably retire for the night directly at the center, ensuring a complete cultural experience.
Day 15: Equator stop and Transfer To Kampala
After a hearty breakfast, you will check out of the Igongo Cultural Centre and begin your final journey back toward Uganda’s capital, Kampala.
You will drive along the scenic Mbarara-Masaka-Kampala route. Crucially, you will make an exciting stopover directly at the Uganda Equator. This offers the perfect chance to take memorable photos and actively participate in the fun water demonstrations that prove you are standing in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres simultaneously!
Finally, you will continue to Kampala, where you will check into your final accommodation for a relaxing evening and a leisurely final dinner, celebrating the completion of your epic two-week safari.
Day 16: Departure
Enjoy your final breakfast in Uganda. You will then transfer directly to Entebbe International Airport (EBB) in plenty of time to catch your outbound flight, carrying with you the unforgettable memories of your 16-day expedition across the Pearl of Africa.
