Categories
- Accommodation
- Accommodation at Kibale Forest
- Active Tour Lodges
- Best Lodges
- Birding Guides
- Budget accommodation at Kibale
- Budget accommodation in Uganda
- Budget Hotels in Entebbe
- Budget Murchison Falls Accommodation
- Bwindi Guides
- Bwindi Lodges
- Bwindi National Park Guides
- Culture & Nature
- Entebbe Hotels
- Exclusive Lodges In Bwindi
- Exclusive Lodges In Murchison Falls National Park
- Exclusive Lodges in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Family Friendly Lodges
- Gorilla Trekking
- Gorilla trekking guides
- great blogs
- Guides
- High End Accommodation At Kibale
- Jinja Accommodation
- Kampala Hotels
- Kibale
- Lodges in Mgahinga
- Luxury accommodation at Kibale
- Luxury Accommodation in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Luxury Accommodation Options
- Luxury Hotels In Entebbe
- Luxury Lodges In Bwindi
- Luxury Murchison Falls Accommodation
- Midrange accommodation at Kibale
- Midrange Hotels In Entebbe
- Midrange Lodges In bwindi
- Midrange Murchison Falls Accommodation
- Murchison Falls Guides
- Murchison Falls Lodges
- Murchison Lodges
- News
- Popular
- Primate Lodges
- Queen Elizabeth Guide
- Queen Elizabeth National Park Accommodation
- Semi Luxury Lodges In Bwindi
- Semi-Luxury Entebbe Hotels
- Travel Guide
- Uganda Honeymoon Lodges
- Uncategorized
14 Day Semi-Luxury Safari in Uganda
From
US $4703 Per Person
14-Day Uganda Safari Adventure
When people think of Uganda, they often picture massive silverback gorillas in thick mountain rainforest. This image is true. Gorilla trekking is one of the country’s greatest highlights. But Uganda, the Pearl of Africa, offers much more. This beautiful East African country has excellent tourism infrastructure, rich birdlife, a pleasant tropical climate, and welcoming people. Wildlife viewing is outstanding, with many primate species and Africa’s famous Big Five. Uganda is also a diversity hotspot, with over 1,080 bird species and hundreds of mammals, plants, and butterflies.
This 14-day semi-luxury safari in Uganda explores Uganda’s top destinations, including Kampala City, Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Mutanda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and Lake Mburo National Park, plus some fantastic surprises thrown into the mix. Let’s go on safari in the country that boasts Africa’s tallest mountain range and largest lake!
Your Itinerary In Summary
- Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport – Transfer to Kampala
- Day 2: Guided Kampala City Tour
- Day 3: Ziwa Rhino Ranch Visit – Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
- Day 4: Morning Game Drive – Nile Boat Cruise to the Base of the Falls
- Day 5: Another day to enjoy Uganda’s most game-rich park
- Day 6: Scenic Drive via Tea Plantations & Crater Lakes to Kibale Forest
- Day 7: Chimpanzee Tracking Experience in Kibale Forest
- Day 8: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
- Day 9: Morning Game Drive in Kasenyi Plains – Afternoon Game Drive in Ishasha (Tree-Climbing Lions)
- Day 10: Transfer to Lake Mutanda near Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Day 11: Gorilla Trekking Experience
- Day 12: Leisure Day at beautiful Lake Mutanda
- Day 13: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park
- Day 14: Walking Safari or Mountain Biking in Lake Mburo National Park
Your itinerary Detail
Day 1: Welcome to the pearl of Africa!
Your 14-day safari begins on arrival at Entebbe International Airport. You will be warmly met by your Choose Uganda Safaris guide. After loading your luggage into a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, you will drive about 45 km to Kampala. Kampala is Uganda’s capital city. It is busy, colorful, and full of life. The city is growing fast, yet its many neighborhoods still feel village-like. Here, modern life blends with tradition. It is a great place to experience local culture, daily life, and city energy before heading into the wild.
Semi-Luxury Accommodation:
Latitude 0º Hotel Kampala (Bed & Breakfast)
Day 2: Guided Kampala City Tour
After breakfast, your guide will pick you up from the hotel. Today is all about discovering Kampala. The city is lively, historic, and full of stories. Start at the Uganda National Museum. Here, you will learn about Uganda’s history and culture. See traditional tools, musical instruments, and fascinating artifacts from different regions of the country.
Next, visit the Uganda National Mosque. Learn about the history of Islam in Uganda. Climb the minaret for a stunning 360-degree view over Kampala’s hills and busy streets. Enjoy lunch at a popular local restaurant. Taste authentic Ugandan dishes and experience the country’s rich food culture. In the afternoon, visit the Kasubi Tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This sacred place is the burial ground of Buganda kings. Learn about royal traditions and admire the unique architecture.
Continue to the Kabaka’s Palace. Walk through the former residence of the Buganda king and visit Idi Amin’s torture chambers. This visit offers a powerful insight into Uganda’s difficult past. Return to your hotel for a restful evening.
Semi-Luxury Accommodation:
Latitude 0º Hotel Kampala (Bed & Breakfast)
Day 3: Travel to Murchison Falls National Park
Start your day with an early breakfast at the hotel. After packing your bags and checking out, set off north toward your first park of the trip: Murchison Falls National Park. The drive takes about 5–6 hours, with several stops along the way to stretch and refresh. Mid-morning, enjoy a special stop at Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch. This 70 km² sanctuary is the only place in Uganda to see the near-threatened White Rhinoceros in the wild. Accompanied by an expert guide, you will do a 2-hour rhino tracking walk. Seeing these magnificent animals up close on foot is an unforgettable experience.
After the rhino visit, stop for lunch at nearby Kabalega. This is your first real chance to taste authentic Ugandan cuisine, which combines English, Arab, and Indian influences. Enjoy stews with peanuts, beans, or meat, served with ugali or banana leaves. Fish and vegetarian dishes are also popular.
After lunch, continue your journey to Murchison Falls National Park. You will drive through the southern section of the park in the late afternoon and get your first glimpse of its impressive landscapes. The park covers 3,893 km² and is home to 76 mammal species, including four of the Big Five, and 450 bird species. Its spectacular scenery is breathtaking.
The park is named after the dramatic Murchison Falls, christened by explorer Sir Samuel Baker in honor of geologist Roderick Murchison. Over the years, the park has welcomed notable visitors such as Winston Churchill, Theodore Roosevelt, Ernest Hemingway, and several British royals. Even the classic film The African Queen was filmed on Lake Albert and the Nile here.
Arrive at your lodge in the early evening. Murchison River Lodge is set on the southern bank of the Victoria Nile, offering panoramic views of the park. Freshen up, enjoy a dip in the pool if you like, and gather for a sumptuous three-course dinner. End the day relaxing under the stars.
Semi-Luxury: Murchison River Lodge – Cottage (Full Board)
Day 4: Morning Game Drive – Nile Boat Cruise
Today is all about wildlife and nature in Murchison Falls National Park. Start the day early with a thrilling morning game drive, followed by a boat safari on the Nile in the afternoon. Keep your camera ready—hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and colorful birds await! You will return to your lodge in the evening for a relaxing night.
Morning Game Drive
After an early breakfast, set off for your first safari in the park. The area northwest of the Nile features rolling green plains dotted with Borassus palms, whose fruits elephants love. Along the way, you may spot elephants, Rothschild giraffes, buffalo, lions, leopards, and many antelope species. Tropical birds fill the skies, adding color and sound to the morning safari. A stop by the Nile gives you the chance to see hundreds of basking hippos in the sun. The early morning chill and rising sun make this the perfect time for wildlife spotting.
Nile Boat Safari
In the afternoon, board a boat for a three-hour cruise along the Nile. The river teems with wildlife—hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, monkeys, and water birds are everywhere. Watch as elephants come down to drink at the river’s edge, while monkeys chatter from the trees. Your journey ends at the foot of the famous 40-meter-high Murchison Falls, a spectacular natural wonder. For the best view, sit on the left side of the boat, along the left bank of the river.
Private Boat Safari (Optional)
If you booked a private boat, enjoy a more intimate experience. Smaller boats allow you to get closer to the wildlife and set your own pace. It’s a fantastic way to share the magic of the Nile exclusively with your group. Return to Murchison River Lodge in the evening. Enjoy the lodge’s comforts, a delicious full-board dinner, and relax under the African stars.
Semi-luxury: Murchison River Lodge – Cottage (Full Board)
Day 5: Another day in Uganda's most game-rich park
Today you will enjoy another day Murchison Falls National Park. You will start with a morning jeep safari. The afternoon is free. You can relax at the lodge or swim in the pool. If you want, you can do a second boat safari through the delta region. This offers a different view of the park. If you choose the boat safari, it will be in the morning, and the jeep safari will move to the afternoon.
Murchison Falls Jeep Safari – Morning
After breakfast, go on a morning game drive. Your guide will take you to new tracks to see animals you may have missed. Watch for lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, buffalo, and antelopes. The safari is a great way to see the park’s savanna plains, riverbanks, and wildlife.
Delta Boat Safari on Lake Albert (Optional)
For something different, take a boat safari in the delta. The delta is where the Victoria Nile flows into Lake Albert. The area is full of waterways and islands. You may see hippos, crocodiles, and elephants. Birdwatchers can spot the saddle-billed stork, African giant kingfisher, and shoebill. The safari is great for photos and wildlife watching. Return to Murchison River Lodge in the late afternoon. Enjoy dinner and rest after a full day of wildlife.
Semi-Luxury: Murchison River Lodge – Cottage (Full Board)
Day 6: Along crater lakes and villages to Kibale Forest
Today you will travel to Kibale Forest National Park. The drive is beautiful and full of sights. You will pass villages, rainforests, tea plantations, and crater lakes. On a clear day, the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains can be seen in the distance. When you arrive, you will enter a different world – a world full of monkeys!
Kibale Forest National Park
Kibale Forest is one of Africa’s most primate-rich rainforests. It is home to 13 different primate 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, surrounded by tea plantations to the north and papyrus swamps to the south. Bigodi forest and swamp are also great for birdwatching.
Semi-Luxury: Turaco Treetops – Luxury Cottage (Full Board)
Day 7: Looking for chimpanzees and other special primates
Today is all about primates and the rainforest. In the morning, you will go chimpanzee trekking, and in the afternoon, explore the Bigodi Wetlands. Lunch and a short rest will be in between. The order may change depending on chimpanzee permit availability.
Chimpanzee Trekking – Morning
You will go on a chimpanzee trekking tour with a ranger. Using footprints, droppings, broken branches, and sounds, your guide will lead you to these fascinating primates. You never know exactly where you will find them. Seeing a chimpanzee up close, so similar to humans, is a truly unforgettable experience.
Bigodi Swamp Walk – Afternoon
In the afternoon, enjoy a walk through Bigodi Swamp, a community-run wetland sanctuary rich in wildlife. Look for monkeys, butterflies, and colorful birds. The swamp is home to the giant turaco, one of Uganda’s most beautiful birds. On a guided walk, you may even spot the great blue turaco. Afterward, return to your lodge and relax, maybe enjoy a drink and reflect on the day’s adventures.
Semi-Luxury: Turaco Treetops – Luxury Cottage (Full Board)
Day 8: Travel to Queen Elizabeth NP & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
After your stay in the rainforest, you will drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The journey takes you through rural Uganda, passing green hills, tea plantations, crater lakes, and local villages. Along the way, you may see several roadside markets and get a glimpse of daily Ugandan life. Queen Elizabeth NP spans nearly 2,000 km² in the Rift Valley. It is bordered by the Rwenzori Mountains in the north and Lake Edward in the west. Central to the park is the Kazinga Channel, linking Lake Edward and Lake George. The park is home to elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, and more than 600 bird species.
Queen Elizabeth Boat Safari – Afternoon
In the afternoon, enjoy a 2 hour boat safari on the Kazinga Channel, one of Africa’s most scenic wildlife experiences. See hundreds of hippos, large crocodiles, bathing buffalo, and flocks of colorful birds. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a herd of elephants spraying each other along the banks. It is a perfect way to enjoy the park’s wildlife in comfort and safety.
Private Queen Elizabeth Boat Safari – Optional
A private boat safari offers a closer view of the wildlife and more flexibility. You set the pace and enjoy the experience with only your group, making the encounter even more special.
Kyambura Gorge Trekking – Optional
For the adventurous, explore the Kyambura Gorge, an 11 km chasm cutting through the savannah. A rainforest runs along the Kyambura River, home to snakes, birds, and chimpanzees. Rangers try to spot the chimpanzees, though sightings are about 50%. Even without chimpanzees, the walk is breathtaking, with unique plants, wildlife, and scenic views.
Semi-Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge – Safari Tent (Full Board)
Day 9: Queen Elizabeth National Park activities
In the morning, you will enjoy a jeep safari in the northern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park (Kasenyi). You can also choose the optional Lion Predator Tracking for a unique wildlife experience.
After the morning safari, you will drive for about 2.5 hours to Ishasha, the southern part of the park. On arrival, enjoy a well-deserved lunch at your lodge. In the afternoon, embark on another safari to search for Ishasha’s famous tree-climbing lions.
Queen Elizabeth Jeep Safari – Morning
Early in the morning, drive through the savannah and look for elephants, buffalo, Ugandan kobs, topi, lions, leopards, and hyenas. The landscape varies from grasslands and crater lakes to forested areas, giving you the full diversity of the park. Mist still hangs over the savannah, and the sounds of wildlife make this a magical start to the day.
Predator Tracking – Morning (Optional)
Join a park biologist to track lion prides and individual leopards. You may even venture off the roads and trails to follow the lions. Leopard sightings are not guaranteed, but lions are almost always spotted thanks to radio collars. This activity also supports wildlife research in the park.
Ishasha
Ishasha is the southern, remote part of the park, near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. Its low visitor numbers make it feel wild and untouched. The savannah is dotted with wild fig trees, which the tree-climbing lions love. The Ntungwe River runs through Ishasha, home to hippos and lush vegetation.
Jeep Safari – Ishasha Afternoon
In the afternoon, explore Ishasha and search for tree-climbing lions. Also watch for buffalo, Ugandan kobs, and other wildlife. Hippos are often seen in the Ntungwe River. Return to your lodge at sunset for a refreshing drink and enjoy a campfire under the stars, surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness.
Semi-Luxury: Enjojo Lodge (Full Board)
Day 10: On to the fairytale lake of Mutanda near Bwindi
In the morning, you will leave the savannahs and head towards the volcanoes of southern Uganda. The drive is beautiful, passing through rainforests, crater lakes, coffee plantations, mountains, and hills. Your destination is the stunning Lake Mutanda, set among the Virunga Volcanoes.
The views here are unforgettable. You will stay in a luxury cottage at Mutanda Lake Resort. The room is spacious, comfortable, and well-furnished. It is not a high-end lodge, but it has a beautiful location, excellent service, and great food. More luxurious options are available on request.
Gorilla Rafting – Full Day (Optional)
For adventure lovers, try rafting on the Birira River. This river runs through lush rainforest between Ishasha and Bwindi Forest. The rafting trip lasts from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with a typical Ugandan lunch included. You will float past green hills, banana plantations, and dense jungle filled with monkeys and birds. Safety is a top priority: a trip leader and two kayak guides are with you at all times. Children aged 8 and above can join, making it perfect for families and nature enthusiasts.
Lake Mutanda
Lake Mutanda lies in southwest Uganda at the foot of the Virunga Volcanoes, where Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo meet. The area is rich in rainforests and wildlife, including endangered mountain gorillas in nearby Mgahinga and Bwindi Forests. The lake and its surroundings are also home to kingfishers, gray crowned cranes, otters, chameleons, frogs, and lizards, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers and photographers.
Semi-Luxury: Mutanda Lake Resort – Luxury Cottage (Half Board)
Day 11: The great gorilla trekking!
In the morning, you will travel to Bwindi or Mgahinga National Park for one of the most unforgettable experiences of your trip: gorilla trekking. In the afternoon, enjoy this close encounter with one of Africa’s most amazing animals. Even if you are not trekking, there are other activities to enjoy nearby, which we describe on Day 12.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Bwindi Forest is a dense montane rainforest and one of the most important areas for gorilla trekking in the world. It is home to nearly half of all wild mountain gorillas, as well as 120 mammal species and 350 bird species.
Gorilla Trekking Bwindi Forest
During gorilla trekking, you will walk through dense forest, guided by experienced rangers from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Look for gorilla signs like dung, nests, broken bamboo, and tracks. When you finally see a silverback with his family, quietly watching you, it is a magical moment you will never forget.
Gorilla Habituation Day Bwindi Forest (Optional)
For a more intimate experience, you can join a gorilla habituation day. Spend up to four hours with a gorilla family, guided by researchers. This is done in a small group of just four people, offering a rare glimpse into how gorillas are habituated to human presence.
Semi-Luxury: Mutanda Lake Resort – Luxury Cottage (Half Board)
Day 12: Free day at the picturesque Lake Mutanda
Today is a relaxing and flexible day. Sleep in, enjoy the views, and choose from a variety of activities. You can swim in the lake, paddleboard, kayak, sail, or take a motorboat ride. Hike in the surrounding hills or tackle the Mgahinga Volcanoes. Wildlife lovers can go on a Golden Monkey trek.
Bwindi & Lake Mutanda Excursions – Optional
This area is full of options. Besides gorilla trekking, you can explore scenic walks in Bwindi, visit Batwa Pygmy villages, or tour local communities. At Lake Mutanda, enjoy a sunset boat ride, water sports, or birdwatching. Let your guide help you plan the activities that suit you best.
Watersports at Lake Mutanda – Optional
The lake is safe for swimming. Paddleboards, kayaks, sailboats, and motorboats are available. For a more local experience, try dugout canoeing. Take in the serene scenery, spot birds, and relax with a drink as the sun sets.
Sabinyo Volcano Climb, Mgahinga – Optional
Adventurers can climb the 3,669-meter Sabinyo Volcano, where three countries meet. Wooden ladders make the climb easier through muddy terrain. The hike takes about eight hours and rewards you with stunning views of Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo.
Semi-luxury: Mutanda Lake Resort – Luxury Cottage (Half Board)
Day 13: On to Lake Mburo National Park
Leave Lake Mutanda with unforgettable memories of gorillas, monkeys, volcanoes, and stunning scenery. Today, you drive to Lake Mburo National Park, passing through beautiful landscapes that connect Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya.
Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo is Uganda’s smallest safari park. It is the only park in the country with impalas and elands. The park’s centerpiece is Lake Mburo, home to hippos, crocodiles, and many bird species.
Lake Mburo Night Safari – Optional
Before dinner, take an exciting night safari. Search for galagos, hyenas, and maybe even a leopard. Experience the thrill of the African wilderness after dark.
Luxury: Mihingo Lodge (Full Board)
Day 14: Walking or mountain bike safari in Lake Mburo
Start your final day with a morning activity in Lake Mburo National Park. You can choose a walking safari or a mountain bike safari. The park has no lions or elephants, so it is completely safe. Both options let you enjoy the wildlife and scenery up close. You can also (optional) take a horseback safari, available only for guests staying at Mihingo Lodge. After your morning activity and a late breakfast, you will drive back to Entebbe via the Equator. This gives you one last chance to take photos and enjoy the novelty of crossing the famous line. You will then arrive at Entebbe International Airport in the early evening for your departure flight.
Lake Mburo Walking Safari – Morning
Hike through the park with a ranger. Spot zebras, buffalo, eland, and giraffes. Bird lovers will enjoy photographing over 310 bird species.
Mountain Bike Safari – Morning (Optional)
Cycle through lush trails and rolling hills. See zebras, impalas, and antelopes along the way. The ride is challenging but rewarding, with panoramic views of the park and surrounding landscape.
Horseback Safari – Morning (Optional)
Explore Lake Mburo on horseback. Suitable for beginners and experienced riders. Maximum weight 90 kg (200 lbs). Book on-site only at Mihingo Lodge, depending on availability.
Safari Prices
- 1 Person: USD 8868
- 2 People: USD 6265
- 3 People: USD 5636
- 4 People: USD 5142
- 5 People: USD 4989
- 6 People: USD 4768
- 7 People: USD 4703
Includes: Gorilla trekking permit, All airport transfers to and from Entebbe International Airport; Transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned safari vehicle; Services of a professional English-speaking safari guide/driver; Accommodation as listed in the itinerary (semi-luxury and luxury options); Meals as indicated (Bed & Breakfast, Half Board, Full Board); Guided Kampala City tour; Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary visit and guided rhino tracking;
Game drives in Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, and Lake Mburo National Parks; Morning and afternoon activities as specified (jeep safaris, boat cruises, swamp walks); Nile River boat safari to the base of Murchison Falls; Kazinga Channel boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park; Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest (permit included); Bigodi Wetlands guided walk; Entrance fees to all national parks and reserves visited; Activities and excursions explicitly mentioned as included in the itinerary; Bottled water during game drives
Excludes: International flights to and from Uganda; Uganda visa fee; Travel and health insurance; Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, and lodge staff; Optional activities; Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, phone/internet charges; Drinks (alcoholic and soft drinks not included unless specified); Any items not specifically mentioned under inclusions
Please note: This safari is priced based on semi-luxury accommodation options. However, it can be fully customized to suit your interests and budget. For example, the safari can be costed using budget, mid-range, luxury, or exclusive lodge accommodations. Please let us know if you would like a customized safari package tailored to your preferences.
