15-Day authentic Safari through the heart of Uganda's wilderness

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From 6,865 per person for 2 people

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable 15-day authentic Uganda Safari through the heart of Uganda’s wilderness. The private tour is crafted for nature lovers, adventurers, and photography enthusiasts. Discover the heart of Africa’s natural beauty as you encounter diverse wildlife on foot, on game drives and by boat- including the endangered Mountain Gorillas and Chimpanzees, Lions, Ugandan Kobs, elephants, and a special visit to the best place in Uganda to see the Rhino and the best place in Uganda to spot the Shoebill. Admire attractive landscapes, and have authentic cultural experiences. You stay in comfortable mid-range accommodation inclusive of three meals per day. Our accommodations are selected with care, based on unique features like their wonderful views or prime location. We travel with purpose and support sustainable tourism initiatives to give back to nature and the communities. If you are a photography enthusiast, this tour is full of photogenic moments to return home with beautiful cultural, wildlife and landscape images.

Key Highlights of this safari

  • Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
  • Explore Queen Elizabeth National Park's diverse ecosystems on game drives.
  • Cruise along the Kazinga Channel amidst hippos, crocodiles and elephant
  • Together with a local fisherman, you traverse the waters of Mabamba Swamp to spot the elusive Shoebill Stork.
  • Embark on an adventure to encounter chimpanzees in Kibale rainforest.
  • Witness the power of the Nile River on a boat trip to the bottom of the Murchison falls
  • Enjoy game drives spotting elephants, lions, giraffes and other wildlife in Murchison Falls NP.
  • Track white rhinos on foot with a ranger, the only place to see rhinos in Uganda.
  • Walk among wildlife in Lake Mburo National Park
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Itinerary IN dETAIL

Discover your route below. This itinerary is the starting point, tailor your adventure with the specific experiences.

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be met by our driver guide who will take you to your first accommodation in Entebbe. Here, you can enjoy a drink under the African starry sky and a well-deserved night’s rest. Located near Kampala on the shores of Lake Victoria, Entebbe has a relaxed and local feel. If you arrive early, maybe stretch your legs with a stroll through Entebbe Botanical Garden or shop for souvenirs at Entebbe Craft Village.

Midrange: The Boma Hotel Entebbe

Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast

After a good night of sleep and a lovely breakfast, you leave for a boat safari in Mabamba Swamp (on the shore of Lake Victoria) in search of the elusive pre-historic looking Shoebill Stork; the best place in Uganda to see the Shoebill. The shoebill is one of the most extraordinary and rare birds in all of Africa. It is a bird unlike any other species. They have an intimidating, prehistoric appearance. And they are enormous: about 1.60 meters tall. 

You will board a small boat with your guide and a local fisherman. You sail over shallow water and pass through navigation channels. You will be surrounded by tall grass and water lilies. Along the way, you will also encounter other special birds, such as the kingfisher. Your guide will tell you everything about the surroundings and the marsh. 

Once you have found the shoebill, the fisherman and the guide will ensure the boat gets as close as possible, about 30 to 40 meters away. So, a good pair of binoculars is important. If you are lucky, you will see the shoebill in action. You will see it hunting and eating its prey. That can be fish, but also reptiles. You will be near the shoebill for about an hour, so you have plenty of time to admire them. After the experience, you will return to the lodge for a relaxation, dinner and overnight.

Midrange: The Boma Hotel Entebbe

Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast

After breakfast, you embark on a drive northwest to Ziwa Rhino & Wildlife Ranch; the best place in Uganda to see the rhino in the wild! First, you will enter the reserve by car. Then, you walk the final stretch to a group of rhinos – that makes the experience at Ziwa extra special. And don’t worry: you will have a ranger with you. They know the animals inside out.

 Rhinos are enormous; an adult male weighs more than 2,000 kilos. When you spot them up close during your walk, that is when you truly see how big they are. Despite their size, rhinos are seen by most people as very likeable animals. If you look closely into their eyes, there is something moving about them. You see a very strong, large animal. But also, a super vulnerable animal.

Ziwa is a reserve. This means that the rhinos are monitored day and night. For study purposes. But also, to protect them. The reserve is exclusively designated for the reintroduction of the rhino to Uganda. The area where the rhinos live is very large (70km2). You see no fences. It is a natural habitat where rhinos have plenty of room to develop, to adapt to the environment, and to move around.

After this walking safari, you will enjoy lunch at the sanctuary and then transfer to Murchison Falls National Park for 4 days for several exiting activities. Murchison Falls is the largest Ugandan wildlife park and is split in two by the mighty River Nile. The landscape varies from dense rainforest in the hilly southwestern part to flat savannas in the northwest. Due to its location on the Nile, Murchison Falls is one of the greenest parks in Africa. Perhaps the most impressive thing the Nile encounters on its long journey from Lake Victoria to the Mediterranean Sea is the Murchison Falls.

Midrange: Murchison River Lodge – Thatched Cottages

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner

Today is dedicated to all the natural beauty that Murchison Falls National Park has to offer. In the morning, you will go on a game drive in the park. In the afternoon, you will take a beautiful boat safari on the Nile, in search of hippos, crocodiles, and bathing elephants.

Game Drive – Morning

The safaris in Murchison Falls focus on the area northwest of the Nile. The green, rolling landscape is dominated by the characteristic Borassus palms, whose fruits are a delicacy for the savannah elephant. In addition to elephants, you will look for Rothschild giraffes, hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards, various types of antelopes, and many tropical bird species. You will drive towards the delta area. The sun is rising and it is still cool, the best time for a safari across the savannah plains. Along the way, you make a stop at the Nile, where hundreds of hippos lie basking in the sun. 

Boat safari Murchison waterfall – Afternoon

Under the watchful eyes of crocodiles, hippos, buffaloes, and monkeys, you sail slowly along the Nile. Monkeys betray your approach, and waterbirds are busy fishing. Elephants and other wildlife are regularly spotted coming to quench their thirst along the banks of the mighty Nile. The trip eventually takes you to the foot of the 40-meter-high and famous waterfall (Murchison Falls). The trip takes approximately three hours. (We recommend sitting on the left side of the boat, as you sail along the left bank.)

Midrange: Murchison River Lodge – Thatched Cottages

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner

This morning is once again dedicated to all the natural beauty that Murchison Falls National Park has to offer, and you will take one very last safari through the park. There is nothing on the program for the afternoon, because sometimes it is also nice to just relax by the lodge’s pool. Can’t sit still? You can choose to go on another boat safari, this time to the delta area (optional). This boat trip is only available in the early morning, so it replaces the game drive. The game drive will then be moved to the afternoon.

Game Drive – Morning

After an early breakfast, you drive towards the delta region for the safari. The sun is rising and it is still cool, the best time for a safari across the savannah plains. Along the way, you make a stop at the Nile, where hundreds of hippos are basking in the sun.

Boat Safari Delta Lake Albert – Afternoon (optional)

In addition to the regular boat safari to the waterfall, it is also possible to take a boat safari through the delta area in this park. The delta area is located where the Victoria Nile flows into Lake Albert and subsequently into the Albert Nile. This delta area looks like a smaller version of the famous Okavango Delta (Botswana) and is teeming with wildlife, such as hippos, crocodiles, and bathing elephants. This boat safari is also a dream for bird lovers. Special birds such as the Saddle-billed Stork, the African Giant Kingfisher, and the prehistoric-looking Shoebill are regularly spotted.

Midrange: Murchison River Lodge – Thatched Cottages

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner

You begin the day with a visit to the impressive summit of Murchison Falls. Here, the mighty Nile is forced through a narrow gorge with immense force, after which the water plunges down with a thunderous roar, creating a spectacular spectacle.

After this natural wonder, you travel south in Uganda, towards Kibale Forest National Park. The day will be filled with a magnificent drive! You will drive past villages, rainforests, tea plantations, and crater lakes towards Fort Portal. On a clear day, you can see the Rwenzori Mountains with their snow-capped peaks. Upon arrival in Kibale Forest, you enter a completely different world; a world of monkeys!  

Murchison Waterfall Walk – Morning

At the top of Murchison Falls, you take a walk to view this natural spectacle from various vantage points. You see the waterfalls up close and feel the power of the Nile plunging with immense force through a gorge barely seven meters wide into the depths. If time permits, you can walk a little further down to see the entire waterfall—a magnificent sight! Before leaving the park this morning, make a short photo stop at the top of the waterfall.

Kibale Forest National Park

Kibale Forest is one of the most primate-rich rainforests in Africa. Thirteen different primate species live in the forest, including the red-tailed monkey, black-and-white colobus monkey, red colobus monkey, diademed monkey, black-mantled mangabey, and the galago. The protected nature reserve is situated at an average altitude of 1,300 meters and is surrounded by tea plantations to the north and papyrus swamps to the south. In addition to the primate species, many special bird species can also be found in the forest and the Bigodi swamp.

Midrange: Turaco Treetops – Standard Cottage

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Led by expert trackers, you will set off into the dense rainforest of Kibale in search of chimpanzees. This hike can be challenging at times, with muddy paths and thick vegetation, but the reward is well worth it – the chance to observe these amazing creatures in their natural habitat. Watch as they play, feed and communicate with each other in the trees high above. 

In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walk through the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary – a community-run initiative rich in birdlife, monkeys and different butterfly species. If you’re lucky, you might spot the great blue turaco, the bird this wetland is best known for. 

Later, return to your accommodation for a free evening.

Midrange: Turaco Treetops – Standard Cottage

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After your stay in the first rainforest of this trip, you continue today towards Queen Elizabeth National Park. Today you travel through rural life, from the green hills full of tea plantations and crater lakes to the dry savannah of Queen Elizabeth National Park. 

Along the way, you will make a stop at the Kikorongo Equator Monument. Along the way, you will stop at the Kikorongo Equator Monument, where you can stand with one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and the other in the Southern Hemisphere. 

The Equator is an imaginary line that circles the Earth and divides it into two halves. It is a fun and memorable stop, and of course, a great place to take a few photos. You will have time to stretch your legs, take in the surroundings and enjoy this unique moment before continuing towards Queen Elizabeth National Park. In the afternoon, you will take your first game drive through this park.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

The Queen Elizabeth National Park, spanning nearly 2,000 km², lies in the Rift Valley and borders the Rwenzori Mountains to the north and Lake Edward to the west. Central to this nature reserve lies the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake Edward and Lake George. You can take amazing boat safaris here. To the west of the Kazinga Channel lies a landscape of beautiful volcanic craters. The Kyambura Gorge is a massive rift in the savannah landscape, home to a rainforest and the habitat of chimpanzees. Elephants, buffaloes, topi, lions, leopards, hippos, crocodiles, and many more live in Queen Elizabeth NP. More than 600 bird species live there.

Queen Elizabeth Jeep Safari – Afternoon

As the sun slowly sets, you will search for wildlife during the safari and enjoy the panoramic views of the volcanic craters and the Kazinga Channel. In the evening, you will enjoy a delicious dinner under the African starry sky.

Midrange: The Bush Lodge Banda

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today is dedicated to nature in Queen Elizabeth National Park. 

In the morning, you will go on a game drive through the park, and in the afternoon, you will take one of the most spectacular boat safaris the African continent has to offer. Between activities, you will enjoy lunch and a moment of rest at your accommodation.

There are also several great optional activities that can be booked. See options below. To schedule this, you will either need to book an extra day at this park or replace one of the planned activities.

Game Drive – Morning

During the safari in Queen Elizabeth, you will go in search of large herds of buffalo, elephants, elegant Ugandan kobs, topis, lions, leopards, and hyenas. The landscape varies from grasslands with candelabra euphorbias, crater lakes, and denser forested areas. After an early breakfast, you will drive towards the rising sun during the safari. In the morning, mist still hangs over the savannas, and you will hear the typical sounds of the African wilderness. An ideal start to a day in nature!

Boat Safari – Afternoon

Queen Elizabeth National Park is surrounded by Lake Edward and Lake George. These lakes are connected by the natural Kazinga Channel, which is teeming with wildlife! A boat trip along this channel is therefore one of the absolute highlights of your visit to the park. You will really see so many hippos in a single day! In addition to the hippos, you can spot enormous crocodiles, bathing buffaloes, and a huge variety of birds. When you also see a group of elephants spraying each other with water, you know your day has been a complete success!

Predator Tracking Queen Elizabeth – Morning (optional)

This excursion takes place in the morning.

Private Boat Safari Queen Elizabeth – Afternoon (optional)

You can book your boat cruise on a private boat. This offers enormous added value compared to the large general boat, as a small boat allows you to get much closer to the wildlife. You also set the pace yourself, and it is wonderful to share this experience exclusively with your own group.

Gorge Kyambura trekking (optional)

Today you will take a truly magnificent hike through the Kyambura Gorge! The gorge is an 11 km long fissure running straight through the savannah of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Hidden within the gorge lies a beautiful stretch of tropical rainforest, situated along the banks of the Kyambura River. This rainforest is home to snakes, chimpanzees, and other animal species. Rangers make it a sport to spot the chimpanzees, but the chance of seeing them is about 50%. Therefore, above all, enjoy the hike itself, as it is one of the most beautiful hikes you can take in this country. It is an adventurous hike involving scrambling and climbing.

Midrange: The Bush Lodge Banda

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today is a slower day. After breakfast, you take a walk to the beautiful Twin Lakes Craters. The walk takes you through the green countryside around Queen Elizabeth National Park, with beautiful views of the crater lakes and surrounding hills.

Along the way, you get a glimpse of everyday life in Uganda. You pass small farms, local homes and gardens, while people go about their daily work. It is a simple but special way to experience the area beyond the wildlife and national parks. Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the living examples of UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserves or conservation areas in the world where man harmoniously co-exists with wildlife. When the national park was established in 1952, its dozen or so villages remained, their residents scratching a living by growing bananas, tending smallholdings and fishing. After the walk, return to your lodge and enjoy a relaxed afternoon.

Midrange: The Bush Lodge – Banda

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner

In the morning, you will drive to the southern part of the park, Ishasha. Here, you will go on safari again, searching for the famous tree-climbing lions. Afte that, you leave the savannas and travel Bwindi Impenetrable National Park southern Uganda. This drive of about 3 hours’ drive is truly beautiful and typifies Uganda’s diversity. You drive past rainforests, crater lakes, coffee plantations, and over mountains and hills until you reach the volcanoes at picturesque Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. What a view! 

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

The mountain rainforest of Bwindi, together with the Virunga Mountains in Rwanda, is the most important area for gorilla trekking. This relatively small nature reserve is home to nearly half of all mountain gorillas living in the wild. In addition to the mountain gorillas, a total of 120 species of mammals and 350 species of birds live there.

Midrange: Mahogany Springs – Superior Room

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

In the morning, you travel to Bwindi National Park for perhaps the absolute highlight of your trip: the gorilla trekking. In the afternoon, you reflect on this special encounter. If you do not go on a gorilla trekking trip, there are plenty of other activities to do. You can take a visit to the Batwa community to learn about their forest heritage or go for natural walk.

Gorilla trekking Bwindi Forest

During the gorilla trekking, you will walk and crouch through the dense forest of Bwindi. Accompanied by the most experienced rangers of the Ugandan Wildlife Authority (UWA), you will search for traces of a family of mountain gorillas. Droppings, nests, gnawed bamboo stalks, and broken twigs reveal that we are getting closer. When the moment arrives that you come face to face with a silverback protecting his family, observing you seemingly without hesitation, you know that this will be an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime. You will spend one hour with the gorillas after which you will return to the park headquarters. Here you will be rewarded with a gorilla trekking certificate and then return to the lodge.

Midrange: Mahogany Springs – Superior Room

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

It is with very intense memories that you leave Bwindi behind. Not only is the experience with Dian Fossy’s protégés (‘Gorillas in the Mist’) etched in your memory for a lifetime, but also the beauty, the power, and the unique allure of Central African nature. Via the road connecting Rwanda with Kampala and Kenya, you drive to the lovely Lake Mburo National Park.  

On our way to Lake Mburo, you will stop at the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi (“the Switzerland of Africa”) for a light snack and photos. Tonight you can enjoy your beautiful lodge and the stunning surroundings. You can also (optionally) choose to go on a night safari in Lake Mburo National Park. 

Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park is the smallest safari area in Uganda and the only nature reserve where the impala and the eland live. Located centrally in the park is Lake Mburo, home to hippos, crocodiles, and many bird species.

Night Safari Lake Mburo – (optional)

Just before dinner, you will go on an exciting night safari where you search for galagos and hyenas, and also stand a good chance of spotting a leopard!

Midrange: Rwakobo Rock Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

In the morning, you can choose between a walking (included) or mountain biking safari through the park. Because there are no lions or elephants living in this park, this can be done safely. Both activities are a great way to explore this park and its wildlife in an intimate setting.  You can also (optionally) choose to go on a horseback safari through the park. This can only be booked if you are staying at Mihingo Lodge. After your activity, you will return to the lodge and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Walking Safari Lake Mburo – Morning

Accompanied by a ranger, you will walk through the park in search of zebras, buffaloes, eland antelopes, and giraffes. This is also an excellent way for bird lovers to take beautiful photos, as there are no fewer than 310 species of birds found in Lake Mburo National Park!

Mountain Bike Safari Lake Mburo – Morning (optional)

You will take a wonderful mountain bike tour through the lush green nature of Lake Mburo National Park and the surrounding area. Along the way, you will encounter zebras, impalas, and lier antelopes, while also enjoying the panoramic views. Due to the elevation changes in Lake Mburo National Park, the mountain bike safari is a challenging ride, making it a wonderful start to your day! 

Horseback riding safari Lake Mburo – Morning (optional)

During the horseback safari in Lake Mburo National Park, you will explore the region on horseback. It is an exciting adventure for both experienced and beginner riders. Please note: You must not weigh more than 90 kilograms and we cannot book this in advance, so availability must be checked on site. You can only book this activity if you are staying at Mihingo Lodge.

Midrange: Rwakobo Rock Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After a relaxed breakfast, you drive back to Entebbe across the equator. You will be dropped off at the airport in the early evening for your return flight home. This is the end of your trip through Uganda. We hope you had a fantastic time!

Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

Tour Price

Number of People

Price per Person

1 Person

USD 8,839

2 People

USD 6372

3 People

USD 5,675

4 People

USD 5,233

5 People

USD 5,042

6 People

USD 4,853

Inclusions

  • Airport meet and greet on arrival
  • All meals on safari (breakfast, lunch, diner): 3 meals/day that can cater to most dietary restrictions
  • Water on board our Toyota Land Cruiser Safari Vehicle with pop-up roof
  • Free Wi-Fi on Board the vehicle to stay connected
  • All Park Entrance Fees
  • All Game drives, Walking Safaris, Boat Tours and other activities
  • Uganda Gorilla Trekking Permit
  • Uganda Chimpanzee Trekking Permit
  • Local Ugandan English-speaking expert driver/guide that knows the area very well
  • Drinking water in the safari vehicle

Exclusions

  • International flights to/from Uganda
  • Optional excursions or activities not pre-booked
  • Uganda visa costs (USD 50)
  • Travel Insurance
  • Tips and gratuities

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About Us

We founded Choose Uganda Safaris with a dream in hand: to organize the most beautiful trips for people who want to discover Uganda. Since then, we have built a passionate local team with one goal: to make your Uganda trip an unforgettable experience. 

© Choose Uganda 2026
Crafted By Ssonko Rashidu

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15-Day authentic Safari through the heart of Uganda’s wilderness