15-Day Pearl of Africa Tour

From
USD 3864 Per Person

Tour Overview

Discover the wonders of Uganda over 15 days: spot majestic wildlife in stunning national parks and stay in hand-picked, atmospheric lodges. Set out on thrilling game drives in search of the Big Five, including elusive leopards and the legendary tree-climbing lions of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Cruise past elephants, hippos, and crocodiles on a breathtaking boat safari. Venture deep into the rainforest for an unforgettable chimpanzee trek, and find yourself face-to-face with mountain gorillas in the dense Bwindi Forest. Begin your journey with an authentic taste of local life, and crown your adventure with a swim in Lake Bunyonyi or a guided walking safari through Lake Mburo.

Highlights

Itinerary IN dETAIL

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

Welcome to Uganda! Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport (EBB), you will be warmly welcomed by your professional safari guide from Choose Uganda Safaris. After a short introduction, you will begin your transfer to your hotel in Entebbe, where you can relax after your international journey. This first day is designed to help you settle in comfortably before your safari begins. Read more about Entebbe city.

Today's Plan
  • Meet your safari guide at the airport.
  • Private transfer to your hotel.
  • Check in and relax.
  • Optional visit to the Entebbe Botanical Gardens or Craft Village if time allows.
  • Safari briefing with your guide.

Transfer Time: Approximately 15 to 20 minutes’ drive

Good To Know
  • Your guide will be waiting in the arrivals hall with a sign displaying your name.
  • If your flight is delayed, there is no need to worry. We monitor your arrival time and adjust your pickup accordingly.
  • Currency exchange and ATMs are available at the airport.
  • Local SIM cards can be purchased at the airport if you wish to stay connected during your trip.
  • Bottled drinking water will be available throughout your safari.

Overnight Stay: The Boma Hotel (or similar)

Meal Plan Bed & Breakfast

Departure: After breakfast (around 8:30 AM)

After a relaxing night in Entebbe, your safari adventure continues to Jinja, Uganda’s adventure capital and home to the legendary Source of the Nile. 

Your driver guide will meet you at your accommodation for a short safari briefing before beginning the journey. The drive takes you through beautiful countryside landscapes, with views of local villages, farms, and everyday Ugandan life. Upon arrival in Jinja, you will check in at your lodge and have time to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings along the River Nile. 

Depending on your arrival time, you may explore the town, visit local markets, or simply unwind at your lodge before tomorrow’s activities.

Jinja

Jinja is a city in eastern Uganda, situated on the eastern shore of Lake Victoria. Before the arrival of the Europeans, Jinja was a small fishing village. In the 19th century, various explorers went in search of the source of the Nile. It was eventually John Hannington Speke who found it in Jinja. Today, Jinja attracts travelers who enjoy the beautiful tropical nature and the many available activitiesRead more about Jinja.

Today at a Glance
  • Destination: Jinja
  • Distance: 99 km
  • Driving Time: Approximately 2 to 3 hours
  • Departure Time: Around 8:30 AM
  • Main Experience: Scenic drive and arrival in Uganda’s adventure capital
  • Accommodation: The Haven Eco-River Lodge (or similar)
  • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included.
Good to Know
  • Your safari guide stays with you throughout the journey.
  • The drive is comfortable and mostly on paved roads.
  • Keep your camera ready for beautiful countryside views along the way.
  • You will have stops along the way
  • Adventure activities in Jinja can be arranged for the following day.

After breakfast, you will have a full day to explore Jinja, Uganda’s adventure capital. From your accommodation, you have many options to choose from. Whether you are looking for adventure or prefer a more relaxed experience, Jinja has something for everyone. The Nile and its surroundings offer a wide range of activities. 

Adventure seekers can enjoy activities such as white-water rafting, tubing, white-water kayaking, mountain biking, or quad biking. If you prefer a slower pace, you can enjoy a boat cruise to the Source of the Nile, take a beautiful horseback ride along the river, walk through a local village, or simply relax at the lodge while enjoying the views of the Nile. All activities can be arranged through your guide or accommodation.

White-Water Rafting on the Nile (Optional)

For those looking for adventure, white-water rafting on the Nile is one of the highlights of Jinja. You will be picked up from your accommodation and taken to the starting point, where the professional rafting team will prepare you for this unforgettable experience. 

In Jinja, the Nile (the longest river on Earth) flows through a beautiful tropical landscape with powerful rapids, green riverbanks, and stunning scenery. The combination of adventure, nature, and warm tropical waters makes rafting here a truly unique experience.

You can choose a route that matches your level of adventure. Families and travelers who prefer a more relaxed experience can enjoy an easier rafting option, focusing on fun and enjoying the beauty of the Nile. For those seeking more excitement, the more challenging routes include bigger waves and stronger rapids, with Grade 5 being the highest and most adventurous level. 

No previous rafting experience is required. Before starting, you will receive a safety briefing and be provided with a helmet and life jacket. Professional guides and safety kayakers accompany the group throughout the activity to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Rafting is optional and should be booked in advance.

Go To Know
  • Activities are optional and can be selected according to your interests.
  • Some activities require advance booking
  • Comfortable clothing and suitable footwear are recommended for outdoor activities.
  • For rafting, bring swimwear, a towel, and a change of clothes.

Accommodation: The Haven Eco-River Lodge (or similar)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included.

After an early breakfast at around 7 am, you will depart Jinja and begin a long drive of about 6 hours to 7 hours heading northwest. You will travel through the famous Luwero Triangle where you will have a stop to stretch your legs or enjoy some fresh Uganda fruits. 

Also a long the way, you can make an (optional) stop at Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch, the best place in Uganda to track the white rhino on foot. This will give an opportunity to see all the Big Five animals on this tour.  You continue your journey via the town of Masindi, en route to the impressive Murchison Falls National Park. The final stop of the day is at the top of the falls, where you can witness the sheer power of the Nile. Here, the river forces its way through a narrow 8-meter gorge before plunging 43 meters down with a thunderous roar to form the Murchison Falls – the world’s strongest waterfall.

Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls is Uganda’s largest and oldest national park. It is one of the most diverse parks in Uganda, featuring grassy savannah landscape, the Nile River, swampland, Lake Albert, and a tropical rainforest. This park is also known for its large, healthy wildlife population. There are leopards, hyenas, and lions. 

Furthermore, there are elephants, antelopes, buffaloes, and giraffes – including the Rothschild giraffe, a unique, endangered giraffe species. In the park, you will find enormous Nile crocodiles that can grow up to 7 meters long. There are hippos in abundance. There are also over 450 bird species, including the rare shoebill stork.

Read more about Murchison Falls National Park.

Today at a Glance
  • Destination: Murchison Falls National Park
  • Departure: Around 7:00 AM
  • Distance: 360 km
  • Driving Time: Approximately 6–7 hours
  • Optional Activity: Rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Ranch
  • Today’s Highlight: Visit the Top of Murchison Falls

Accommodation:  Murchison River Lodge – Cottage (or similar)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today is dedicated to discovering the incredible wildlife of Murchison Falls National Park. Start the day with an early morning game drive across the savannah, when wildlife is most active. In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing boat safari on the Nile, one of the best ways to see the park from a different perspective.

Morning Game Drive

After an early breakfast, you will head towards the northern savannah and the Nile Delta, one of the best wildlife-viewing areas in the park. The cool morning hours are the perfect time to search for lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, antelopes, and many other animals. Along the way, you will also stop at the Nile, where large pods of hippos can often be seen resting in the water.

Boat Safari to the Bottom of Murchison Falls – Afternoon

In the afternoon, you will enjoy a scenic boat safari along the Nile to the base of Murchison Falls. As you cruise upstream, keep an eye out for hippos, Nile crocodiles, buffaloes, elephants, monkeys, and a variety of waterbirds along the riverbanks. The journey ends at the foot of the falls, where the Nile crashes through the narrow gorge above before continuing downstream. The boat safari takes approximately three hours.

Tip: We recommend sitting on the left-hand side of the boat for the best views as you cruise towards the falls.

Private Boat Safari (Optional)

For a more exclusive experience, you can choose a private boat safari. A smaller boat allows you to get closer to the wildlife and enjoy the cruise at your own pace. It is a wonderful option for photographers, families, or anyone looking for a more personal experience on the Nile.

Today at a Glance
  • Destination: Murchison Falls National Park
  • Morning Activity: Game drive (3–5 hours)
  • Afternoon Activity: Boat safari on the Nile (approximately 3 hours)
  • Optional Activity: Private boat safari
  • Today’s Highlight: Wildlife viewing on land and along the Nile

Accommodation:  Murchison River Lodge – Cottage (or similar)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, you will leave Murchison Falls NP and begin your journey south to Kibale Forest. The drive takes around 7 hours and follows one of Uganda’s most scenic routes. Travel through Hoima (Uganda’s oil city) and along the Albertine Escarpment of the Great Rift Valley, with beautiful views of the countryside along the way. If you wish, you can stop to enjoy a freshly made Rolex, one of Uganda’s most popular local snacks. 

In Hoima, you may also visit the colourful local market and experience everyday life in this vibrant town. Continue to Fort Portal, a lively town at the foot of the Rwenzori Mountains. Here, you can stretch your legs, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, and take in the relaxed atmosphere before continuing through rolling tea plantations to Kibale Forest National Park.

Kibale Forest National Park

Kibale Forest is one of Africa’s best places to see primates in the wild. The rainforest is home to 13 primate species, including over 1500 chimpanzees. The park lies at an average altitude of about 1,300 metres and is surrounded by tea plantations and papyrus wetlands. Besides its remarkable primates, Kibale is also a paradise for bird lovers, with hundreds of bird species found in the forest and nearby community-run Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. 

Read more about Kibale Forest National Park.

Today at a Glance
  • Destination: Kibale Forest National Park
  • Distance: 370 km
  • Driving Time: Approximately 7 hours
  • Route: Murchison Falls – Hoima – Fort Portal – Kibale Forest
  • Today’s Highlight: Scenic drive through the Great Rift Valley and tea plantations

Accommodation: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge – Cottage (or similar)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After an early breakfast, you will head to the Kanyanchu Visitor Centre for your chimpanzee trekking experience. After checking in, the Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers will give a short briefing and explain what to expect before you set off into the forest. At around 8:30 AM, you will begin your trek with a small group and one or two experienced rangers. Since chimpanzees are wild animals, every trek is different. Sometimes they are found quickly, while other times it may take up to 4 hours to locate them. Once you find the chimpanzees, you will spend one hour with them in their natural habitat. It is a special experience to watch them feed, play, groom each other, and move through the forest. Your ranger will also share interesting facts about their family life, behaviour, diet, and the important work being done to protect them.

If you decide not to join the chimpanzee trek, there is still plenty to enjoy around Kibale. You can visit the beautiful crater lakes, explore the lively town of Fort Portal, or spend time with local communities and experience everyday life in this part of western Uganda.

Good to Know
  • Chimpanzee trekking is generally less demanding than gorilla trekking, as the terrain in Kibale is mostly flat.
  • The minimum age for chimpanzee trekking is 12 years.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes and long trousers.
  • Long socks, insect repellent, and sunscreen are highly recommended.
  • Carry a refillable water bottle and a light snack to enjoy before or after the trek.
  • Food is not allowed in the presence of the chimpanzees.
  • If you would like extra support while walking, an extendable walking stick can be helpful.
Today At A Glance
  • Destination: Kibale Forest National Park
  • Main Activity: Chimpanzee trekking
  • Start: Around 8:30 AM (after the ranger briefing)
  • Chimpanzee Viewing Time: Up to 1 hour
  • Minimum Age: 12 years

Accommodation: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge – Cottage (or similar)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After a relaxed breakfast, you will leave Kibale Forest and continue your journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Although today’s drive is short, it is full of beautiful scenery. On the way, you will pass through Kasese Town at the foot of the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains. Here, you can stretch your legs or enjoy a cup of freshly brewed Ugandan coffee. You will also stop at the Equator crossing, where you can stand in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres and take a memorable photo. 

As you continue, the landscape slowly changes from lush rainforest to open savannah. Before long, you will arrive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most popular safari destination. You will spend the night on the banks of the beautiful Kazinga Channel, where wildlife is often seen close to the lodge. If time allows, you can join an optional evening game drive for your first chance to spot the park’s incredible wildlife.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park covers nearly 2,000 km² and is Uganda’s most visited national park. It is also one of the country’s most diverse wildlife areas. The park lies in the Great Rift Valley between the Rwenzori Mountains and Lake Edward. The famous Kazinga Channel runs through the heart of the park, connecting Lake George and Lake Edward. It attracts large numbers of elephants, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, and many waterbirds, making it one of the best places in Uganda for a boat safari. The park is also known for its beautiful crater lakes, the Kyambura Gorge rainforest, and the famous tree-climbing lions of the Ishasha sector. It is home to more than 95 mammal species and over 600 bird species. 

Read more about Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Today At A Glance
  • Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • Distance: 100 km
  • Driving Time: Approximately 2–3 hours
  • Optional Activity: Evening game drive
  • Today’s Highlight: Arrive at the Kazinga Channel

Accommodation: The Bush Lodge – Banda (or similar)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today is all about discovering the incredible wildlife of Queen Elizabeth NP. Start the day with an early morning game drive across the savannah, then enjoy a relaxing boat safari on the famous Kazinga Channel in the afternoon. Between the two activities, you will return to your lodge for lunch and some time to relax.

If you would like to add more experiences, several optional activities are available. These may require an extra night in the park or replacing one of the planned activities.

Morning Game Drive

After an early breakfast, you will head into the park as the sun begins to rise. The cool morning hours are the best time to explore the savannah, when wildlife is most active. As the morning mist lifts, keep an eye out for elephants, buffaloes, lions, antelopes, warthogs, and, with a bit of luck, the elusive leopard.

Boat Safari on the Kazinga Channel

In the afternoon, you will enjoy a 2-hour boat safari on the Kazinga Channel, one of the highlights of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This natural channel connects Lake George and Lake Edward and is famous for its incredible concentration of wildlife. As you cruise along the channel, you may see large pods of hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and a remarkable variety of waterbirds. It is one of the best places in Uganda to watch wildlife from the water and offers excellent opportunities for photography.

Predator Tracking (Morning) - Optional

Join a specialised research team as they track lions and other predators using radio telemetry. This is a unique opportunity to learn more about predator behaviour and conservation in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Kyambura Gorge Trek (Optional)

Today you can 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.

Private Boat Safari (Optional)

For a more exclusive experience, you can upgrade to a private boat safari. A smaller boat allows you to get closer to the wildlife, spend more time where animals are active, and enjoy the cruise at your own pace with only your group on board.

Today At A Glance
  • Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • Morning Activity: Game drive
  • Afternoon Activity: Boat safari on the Kazinga Channel
  • Optional Activities: Predator tracking, Kyambura Gorge trek, private boat safari
  • Today’s Highlight: Wildlife viewing on land and water

Accommodation: The Bush Lodge – Banda (or similar)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today, you have an exciting drive to the southern Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This region is known for its vast savannas and the chance to spot wildlife such as topis, oribis, and buffaloes. With a bit of luck, you might even see the famous tree-climbing lions, who often rest in fig trees during the hottest hours of the day.

Along the way, you’ll stop in a charming local village for a simple “on-the-go” lunch and get a glimpse of everyday life in the community. After Ishasha, the road winds further south toward the hilly region of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. You’ll pass rolling tea plantations, misty valleys, and picturesque villages, a perfect preview of the unique and mysterious landscape that awaits you in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most remarkable rainforests in Africa. It is home to almost half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, making it one of the best places on Earth for gorilla trekking. The forest is also rich in biodiversity, with more than 120 mammal species and over 350 bird species recorded. Its dense vegetation, ancient trees, and mist-covered hills create a truly unforgettable setting for your gorilla trekking adventure. Read more about Bwindi.

Today At A Glance
  • Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
  • Distance: 230 km
  • Driving Time: Approximately 5–6 hours
  • Route Highlight: Ishasha Sector, local villages, tea plantations, and rolling hills
  • Today’s Highlight: Search for the famous tree-climbing lions

Accommodation: The Haven Community Lodge (or similar)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today is the highlight of your Uganda safari. After an early breakfast at around 6.00 am, you will head to the Uganda Wildlife Authority headquarters for a briefing before setting off on your gorilla trekking adventure

Accompanied by experienced rangers, you will walk through the ancient rainforest in search of one of Bwindi’s habituated mountain gorilla families. Since the gorillas move freely through the forest, every trek is different. Some groups are found within an hour, while others may take several hours to reach. 

Once the gorillas are found, you will spend one hour observing them in their natural habitat. Watch them feed, play, groom one another, and care for their young while your ranger shares fascinating insights into their behaviour and family life. It is a rare wildlife encounter that few people in the world will ever experience. If you prefer not to take part in the trek, you can spend the day relaxing at the lodge and enjoying the peaceful surroundings of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Good To Know
  • Gorilla trekking is available for guests aged 15 years and above.
  • A gorilla trekking permit  should be booked well in advance.
  • The trek can last anywhere from 1 to 6 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family.
  • The terrain can be steep, muddy, and uneven, so a reasonable level of fitness is recommended.
  • A local porter can be hired to carry your daypack and provide support on steeper sections. Hiring a porter also supports the local community.
What to Bring
  • Sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots
  • Long trousers and a long-sleeved shirt
  • A lightweight rain jacket
  • Gardening or trekking gloves
  • Drinking water

Accommodation: The Haven Community Lodge (or similar)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After your unforgettable gorilla trekking experience, you will leave the misty forests of Bwindi behind and continue your journey to the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi. The drive takes you through the scenic hills of southwestern Uganda, with winding roads, green landscapes, and small villages along the way. This region is known for its stunning scenery, often called the “Switzerland of Uganda” because of its rolling hills and peaceful atmosphere. 

Upon arrival at Lake Bunyonyi, you can slow down and enjoy a relaxing afternoon by the water. After the excitement of the gorilla trek, this is the perfect place to rest, enjoy the beautiful surroundings, and take in the peaceful views of one of Africa’s most beautiful lakes.

Today at a Glance
  • Destination: Lake Bunyonyi
  • Distance: 50 km
  • Driving Time: Approximately 2 hours
  • Today’s Highlight: Scenic drive through the hills and relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi

Accommodation: Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort (or similar)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After the adventures of the past days, today is a perfect opportunity to slow down and enjoy the peaceful beauty of Lake Bunyonyi. Surrounded by green hills and small islands, this is one of Uganda’s most beautiful places to relax and take in the scenery. You can spend the day exactly how you like. Take a canoe trip across the calm waters, enjoy a refreshing swim, go for a walk around the hills, or simply relax at the lodge while enjoying the views of the lake. For those interested in local life, Lake Bunyonyi also offers opportunities to connect with the surrounding communities. You can visit a local health centre and gain a deeper understanding of everyday life in this part of Uganda.

Today at a Glance
  • Destination: Lake Bunyonyi
  • Optional Activities: Canoeing, swimming, nature walks, cultural experiences
  • Today’s Highlight: Relaxing at one of Africa’s most beautiful lakes

Accommodation: Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort (or similar)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After a relaxing morning by the tranquil Lake Bunyonyi, your journey continues to Lake Mburo National Park. The route takes you through the heart of southwestern Uganda, past a beautiful landscape of terraced hills, wide-open fields, and small villages where daily life unfolds at a gentle pace. Along the way, you can stop in the lively town of Mbarara, the largest city in the region, perfect for a lunch break or a short exploration. Here, you’ll get a taste of modern city life in contrast with the surrounding countryside. Another fun stop is a local roadside market, where you can pick up fresh pineapples, bananas, or handcrafted souvenirs.

Upon arrival in Lake Mburo National Park, the scenery changes noticeably: open savannas, acacia woodlands, and wetlands set the stage for surprisingly rich wildlife. This compact park is an ideal place to see zebras, impalas, and warthogs up close, and for those who love adventure, it can even be explored by bicycle or on foot.

Today at a Glance
  • Destination: Lake Mburo National Park
  • Distance: 207 km
  • Driving Time: Approximately 5–6 hours
  • Route Highlight: Mbarara Town and the changing landscapes of southwestern Uganda
  • Today’s Highlight: Arrive in the savannah and discover Lake Mburo’s unique wildlife

Accommodation: Rwakobo Rock (or similar)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

If time allows, you can enjoy one last safari experience in Lake Mburo National Park before starting your journey back to Entebbe. This final game drive is a wonderful opportunity to spot some of the animals you may have missed, such as zebras, giraffes, impalas, buffaloes, and other wildlife that call this beautiful park home. After your safari, you will begin the drive to Entebbe. The journey takes approximately 3 to 4 hours and follows the Kampala–Masaka–Mbarara Highway, one of Uganda’s main roads. Along the way, you will see the landscape changing once again, from open savannah and countryside to the busy surroundings of Kampala and Entebbe. You will arrive at Entebbe International Airport in time for your departure flight, bringing your Uganda adventure to an end. We hope you leave with unforgettable memories.

Today at a Glance
  • Destination: Entebbe International Airport
  • Distance: 248 km
  • Driving Time: Approximately 3–4 hours (excluding safari time)
  • Morning Activity: Optional final game drive in Lake Mburo National Park
  • End of Tour: Drop-off at Entebbe International Airport

Accommodation: Not included (end of tour)

Included Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

PRICES AND LEVELS FOR THIS PRIVATE TRIP

The tour is costed basing on season and comfortable midrange accommodation in beautiful locations. We would be happy to discuss whether the accommodations align well with your wishes and combine different levels where desirable. The prices are per person in USD. The low season price apply for the months of April, May and November.

Number of Travellers

High Season Price

Low Season Price

1 Person

USD 8,201

USD 7,431

2 People

USD 5,757

USD 5,235

3 People

USD 5,036

USD 4,596

4 People

USD 4,606

USD 4,207

5 People

USD 4,403

USD 4,029

6 People

USD 4,222

USD 3,864

Tour Inclusions

Exclusions

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15-Day Pearl of Africa Tour