16-Day Uganda Safari – Gorillas, Wildlife & Shoebills

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From $6669 per person sharing

Tour Overview

This 16-day Uganda Safari is designed for adventurers, nature lovers and photography enthusiasts. Immerse yourself in the heart of Uganda’s untamed beauty as you encounter diverse wildlife on foot, by boat and on game drives- including the endangered Mountain Gorillas and Chimpanzees, Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Buffaloes, Giraffes, Zebras, Ugandan Kobs and a special visit to the best place in Uganda to see the Rhinos and the best place in Uganda to spot the Shoebills. Admire captivating landscapes, and participate in authentic cultural experiences. You will stay in comfortable accommodation inclusive of three meals per day. Our accommodations are selected with care, based on unique features like their wonderful views or prime location. You travel with purpose and support sustainable tourism initiatives to give back to nature and the communities. If you are photography enthusiasts, this tour is full of photogenic moments to return home with beautiful cultural, wildlife and landscape images.

Highlights

  • Guided private safari with your own driver-guide
  • Boat trip to search for shoebills in the Mabamba swamp on Lake Victoria
  • Exciting bush walk to see the white rhinos in Ziwa
  • Boat tour to Murchison Falls and exclusive bush breakfast on the Nile
  • Intensive game drives by day and night in the wildlife-rich Nile Delta
  • Chimpanzee trekking in the deep in the less visited Bugoma rainforest
  • Authentic cultural encounters with local village communities
  • Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale rainforest
  • Boat trip on the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest 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.

Welcome to Uganda! As soon as you step off the plane at Entebbe International Airport (EBB), you will be enveloped by the pleasant, tropical warmth of Uganda. Right outside the exit, the gateway to your adventure opens: your personal English-speaking Ugandan guide will be waiting for you with a beaming smile and your name sign. “The Pearl of Africa”—that’s what Winston Churchill once called this captivating country, deeply impressed by its lush nature and unparalleled diversity. A name that stands like a promise over your journey. After the warm welcome, your driver will take you to your charming hotel in Entebbe. Here you will have time to relax after your flight, soak up your first African impressions, and settle in completely before your safari adventure begins.

Accommodation: The Boma Hotel Entebbe

Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast

Boma

After a delicious breakfast, your driver guide will pick you up and take you to the famous Mabamba Wetlands on the shores of Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake. Here, you will exchange your car for a small boat. 

Accompanied by a local bird expert from the community, you will glide through the narrow channels of the dense papyrus swamp. The ultimate goal is to encounter with the legendary shoebill stork. This prehistoric-looking bird, with its huge, eponymous beak, is one of the most iconic symbols of Uganda. Keep your camera ready – besides the shoebill, countless other exotic Uganda bird species will cross your path. Around 11:00 AM, you will leave the swamp behind and continue your journey north to the Ziwa Rhino Ranch, the best place in Uganda to see rhinos in the wild. 

On arrival, you can relax after the drive and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of your accommodation. With a bit of luck, you might even spot some of the rhinos, which occasionally venture close to the lodge, creating unforgettable safari moments right on your doorstep.

Accommodation: Ziwa Rhino Ranch – Luxury Chalets

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner

Early in the morning, you set out for one of the highlights of your 16-day Uganda Safari. In the company of an experienced ranger guide, you will embark on a guided walk to see the white rhinos of Ziwa Rhino Ranch.

Walking through the bush, you will approach these magnificent animals on foot and observe them from a safe distance in their natural surroundings. It is a very different way to experience wildlife and a rare opportunity to get so close to rhinos outside a traditional game drive. Ziwa Rhino Ranch was established to help bring rhinos back to Uganda after they were wiped out in the country by poaching. Today, the ranch provides a safe home for the rhinos, as well as many bird species and other wildlife.

After this special encounter, you continue towards Murchison Falls National Park. At the jetty in Paraa, you board a boat and begin your first safari on the Nile. As you cruise upstream towards the famous Murchison Falls, the riverbanks are already alive with wildlife. Elephants, buffaloes, waterbucks and numerous water birds can often be seen along the shore. Hippos gather in the water, while Nile crocodiles lie quietly on the banks, waiting for their next meal. The closer you get to the falls, the more dramatic the scenery becomes. The mighty Nile is forced through a narrow gorge before plunging 43 metres into the rocks below. The power of the water, the rising spray and the sound of the falls create an incredible finale to your boat safari.

At the end of the boat trip, you disembark and take a short 20-minute walk through the bush to Hemingway Camp. Your luggage will be taken directly to the camp, so you can simply enjoy the walk and the beautiful surroundings. Once you arrive, take a moment to relax and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Nile. After such an eventful day, there is no better place to slow down and take in the beauty of Murchison Falls.

Accommodation: Hemingway Camp – Murchison River Camps

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Early in the morning, you set off on foot through the forest towards the spectacular viewpoints overlooking Murchison Falls and Uhuru Falls. The sound of the Nile grows louder as you approach, and the views become more impressive with every step. At the viewpoint, the camp team will have prepared a hearty bush breakfast for you. Enjoy your meal surrounded by the sights and sounds of the African wilderness before beginning your return walk.

After checking out of your accommodation, a short walk takes you back to the boat. From here, you cruise down the Nile to Paraa, taking a more direct route back to the jetty. Once you arrive in Paraa, you continue towards Tangi Elephant Camp. After crossing the bridge, you leave the paved road behind and drive deeper into the bush. The journey itself becomes part of the safari. Keep your eyes open for elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, antelopes and, with a little luck, even lions or other predators. The landscape changes as you drive through the park, creating plenty of opportunities to stop and watch wildlife along the way.

In the afternoon, you arrive at Tangi Elephant Camp, beautifully situated on the banks of the Tangi River. This peaceful camp will be your home for the next two nights. As evening approaches, find a comfortable spot and watch the sun slowly disappear over the wilderness. Listen to the sounds of nature around you and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the African bush.

Accommodation: Tangi Elephant Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Enjoy the sunrise over the Nile. Afterwards, embark on a game drive towards the Nile Delta, where you can observe wildlife along the riverbanks. This area is home to a large variety of animals and, with its water, shrubs and trees, offers a stunning panorama.

Enjoy a picnic lunch right by the Nile Delta. In the afternoon, continue with another game drive through the delta. After dinner, an exciting night drive awaits you. With a bit of luck, you may spot nocturnal animals that are rarely seen during the day. Relax and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Nile as the day slowly draws to a close.

Accommodation: Tangi Elephant Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner

In the morning, you will enjoy your final game drive in Murchison Falls National Park. Lunch will be a packed lunch. In the late morning, you will leave the park and continue to your next destination – Bugoma Central Forest Reserve, a tropical rainforest in western Uganda.

The forest reserve is best known as an important habitat for chimpanzees and numerous endangered bird species. It is home to around 600 chimpanzees, as well as rare primates such as the Ugandan mangabey.

Nestled on the edge of Bugoma Forest, Bugoma Jungle Lodge is more than just accommodation – it is part of a conservation project. Surrounded by 12 hectares of private rainforest, this eco-lodge offers an intimate retreat amidst the wild beauty of Uganda, where rare primates move through the trees and birdsong welcomes you at dawn.

You will arrive at the lodge in the late afternoon. After checking in, you will embark on a guided nature walk through the lodge’s private forest. Along the way, you will learn about the diverse flora and search for birds, butterflies and the first primates of the rainforest.

Afterwards, you will have time to soak up the unique atmosphere of this natural paradise. From your private veranda, you will have views of the lush forest – the perfect place to listen to the sounds of the rainforest and watch nature unfold around you.

Accommodation: Bugoma Jungle Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner

Spend another day immersed in this wonderful natural landscape. After breakfast, you will embark on a chimpanzee trek. Follow the calls of the wild as you venture deep into Bugoma Forest in search of its most famous inhabitants – the chimpanzees. Guided by experienced trackers, you will make your way through the dense vegetation, listening to the rustling branches and the calls echoing through the forest. 

Watching a chimpanzee family in its natural habitat – playing, grooming and communicating – is a truly special experience. The trek lasts approximately 3 hours and not only offers an exciting adventure, but also supports conservation projects dedicated to protecting these endangered primates and their fragile habitat.

In the afternoon, you will immerse yourself in the daily life of the communities surrounding Bugoma Forest. This guided walk takes you through the villages of Nyakafunjo and Kyamujogo, where you will meet local families, discover traditional farming methods, see handicrafts and food preparation, and experience Uganda’s warm hospitality. It is a wonderful cultural exchange that connects you with the people who share their home with the forest. In the evening, return to your accommodation, enjoy a delicious dinner and relax with a refreshing drink.

Accommodation: Bugoma Jungle Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After a leisurely breakfast, it is time to say goodbye to Bugoma Forest. Enjoy its peaceful atmosphere and the sounds of nature one last time before continuing towards Fort Portal and Kibale Forest. The drive takes you through Uganda’s beautiful countryside, passing small villages, local markets, plantations and rolling green hills. 

Along the way, you will get a glimpse of everyday life in rural Uganda. Fort Portal lies in the “shadow of the Mountains of the Moon”, as the impressive snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains are known. You will arrive at your accommodation in the afternoon, where you can enjoy magnificent views of the tropical forest. Later, you will take a relaxing nature walk along the edge of Kibale Forest. Enjoy the beautiful surroundings, breathe in the fresh forest air and let the day slowly come to a peaceful end.

Accommodation: Turaco Treetops Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

In the morning, you will venture into the rainforest in search of chimpanzees. The chances of spotting them are excellent, with a sighting rate of around 95%. However, they sometimes hide high in the trees and can be surprisingly difficult to find.

Kibale Forest is also home to many other primate species. Besides chimpanzees, you may encounter colobus monkeys, red colobus monkeys, diademed monkeys, black-cheeked white-nosed monkeys and many more. More than 300 bird species and numerous butterflies add even more colour to this remarkable rainforest.

The chimpanzee trek lasts approximately 2–4 hours and covers around 3–5 kilometres. Depending on permit availability, it may take place in the morning or early afternoon.

In the afternoon, you will explore the community-run Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. A network of wooden boardwalks leads through this enchanting wetland, which is home to an impressive variety of birds and wildlife. Keep your eyes open for giant turacos, hornbills and colourful sunbirds as you walk through the marsh with your local guide.

The wetland is also home to several monkey species, including red colobus monkeys, baboons, black-and-white colobus monkeys, sooty mangabeys, vervet monkeys, red-tailed monkeys and L’Hoest’s monkeys. It is a wonderful way to experience the rich biodiversity of the Kibale region. Afterwards, you will return to your accommodation and have the rest of the day to relax.

Accommodation: Turaco Treetops Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

In the morning, your journey continues towards Queen Elizabeth National Park, with the mighty Rwenzori Mountains providing a spectacular backdrop along the way.

You will make a stop at the iconic Equator Sign, where you can stand with one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and the other in the Southern Hemisphere. It is a fun photo opportunity and a wonderful way to mark your journey through Uganda. The Equator stop is more than just a place for a photo. It is a chance to learn about the imaginary line that divides the Earth into two hemispheres and discover some fascinating facts about our planet.

Afterwards, you continue towards Queen Elizabeth National Park. Your first game drive takes you towards the famous Kazinga Channel, where you may already encounter some of the park’s wildlife. After lunch, you set off on another game drive, exploring more of the savanna and keeping your eyes open for elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs and, with a little luck, lions.

Later, you return to your accommodation and have time to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings as the day comes to an end.

Accommodation: Elephant Hab Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

In the soft light of early morning, the savanna slowly comes alive. You will take advantage of the cool morning hours with an extensive game drive through the park. Large herds of Uganda kob graze across the plains, attracting predators such as lions that patiently wait for the right opportunity. With a little luck, you may also spot a shy leopard hidden in the dense vegetation.

After a hearty lunch, it is time for a change of perspective. In the afternoon, you will embark on a boat safari along the famous Kazinga Channel. As you glide slowly along the banks, you can watch hippos gathered in the water and Nile crocodiles resting along the shore. Keep your eyes open for elephants too, as large herds often come down to the water to drink and cool off.

It is a wonderful way to experience Queen Elizabeth National Park from the water, with wildlife all around you. In the evening, you will return to your lodge. Relax, enjoy dinner and reflect on another day filled with wildlife beneath the vast African sky.

Accommodation: Elephant Hab Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Have your camera ready! Your day begins with another morning game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park. As the savanna awakens, you may have one more chance to spot elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs and perhaps even a lion before saying goodbye to the park.

Afterwards, you leave the savanna behind and travel through the rolling hills of Kigezi, often known as the “Switzerland of Africa.” The landscape changes with every kilometre as the wide plains give way to green hills, terraced slopes and winding roads.

By afternoon, you reach Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The name already hints at what awaits you: a dense, ancient mountain rainforest rising across the steep hillsides. This remarkable forest is home to approximately half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, as well as several other primate species and countless birds.

As you approach Rushaga, the excitement begins to build. Tomorrow, you will enter this extraordinary rainforest in search of its most famous residents.

You will arrive at Four Gorillas Lodge in the afternoon. Use the remaining hours to settle in and take a deep breath. Enjoy the beautiful views of the rainforest, relax and let the excitement grow. Tomorrow, one of the greatest highlights of your Uganda safari awaits: gorilla trekking in Bwindi.

Accommodation: Four Gorillas Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, it is just a short drive to the park offices, where you will receive a briefing on the important rules for gorilla trekking. Then, the moment you have been waiting for begins. Accompanied by your ranger, you will enter the mountain rainforest in search of your gorilla family. The trackers have already gone ahead. They follow the trail of the gorillas from where they were last seen the previous day and keep track of their movements through the forest.

And then, suddenly, you see them.

You carefully approach the gorilla family and its silverback. Standing face to face with these magnificent animals in their natural forest home is a truly special moment. You will have one precious hour to observe the family as they go about their daily lives. Watch the young ones play, see the adults feed and rest, and simply take in the rare experience of being so close to them.

The trek itself can be strenuous, depending on where the gorillas are that day. The duration varies from one trek to another, so a reasonable level of fitness is recommended. Good footwear, gaiters and rain gear are essential, while gloves are highly recommended when moving through thorny vegetation. You should also be in good health, as even a simple cold can prevent you from visiting the gorillas to protect them from human illnesses.

Once you finally encounter the gorillas, however, the effort is quickly forgotten. This is much more than “just” wildlife viewing. It is a rare opportunity to observe these remarkable animals in the peaceful surroundings of their natural home.

After your trek, a late lunch awaits you at your accommodation. Afterwards, you can relax at the lodge for the rest of the afternoon and let the experience slowly sink in.

Accommodation: Four Gorillas Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After an early breakfast, you will depart for Lake Mburo National Park. Located on the way back towards Kampala, this park is far too often overlooked by travelers – quite undeservedly! It awaits you with picturesque scenery and a wealth of activities. Although it’s Uganda’s smallest savannah national park, it conceals a true natural paradise. Birdwatchers, in particular, will be in their element. More than 350 different species, such as the rare Papyrus Shrike, the Black-headed Lapwing, and the Mirror Warbler, call this park home.

In the afternoon, you will head out into nature for an extended game drive. Keep an eye out for topi, oribi, buffalo, eland, and many other animals. Besides the remote Kidepo National Park, Lake Mburo National Park is one of the only places in the entire country where you can see zebras in their natural habitat!

Accommodation: Mihingo Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

This morning, you have on an early morning game walk. A ranger will accompany you, sharing insights into the local flora and fauna. During the walk, you’ll have the opportunity to encounter the animals at eye level. The rising sun offers particularly stunning photo opportunities. The lodge offers a variety of activities (not included), such as mountain biking and horseback riding, which you can book on-site. 

Afterward, enjoy a leisurely breakfast followed by an extended game drive. In the evening, you will set off on a night drive, where you will have the chance to see animals that remain hidden during the day. It’s like an exclusive glimpse behind the scenes of nature. Relax and unwind at the lodge for the rest of the evening.

Accommodation: Mihingo Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

To conclude your journey, you’ll venture out into the wilderness one last time in the morning. Enjoy a final game drive amidst the fascinating wildlife. After a leisurely late breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to this beautiful corner of Africa.

On your way back to Entebbe, you will make a stop at the equator, providing the perfect opportunity to browse for souvenirs. Upon arrival in Entebbe, you will be transferred to the airport in time for your departure flight back to home. We wish you a pleasant flight and many unforgettable memories of this trip.

Tour Price

Number of People

Price per Person

1 Person

USD 8564

2 People

USD 6669

3 People

USD 6286

4 People

USD 5908

5 People

USD 5830

6 People

USD 5654

Inclusions

  • All park entrance fees
  • Transport in a safari-equipped off-road vehicle
  • Experienced English-speaking driver/guide
  • All meals as indicated in the itinerary
  • Game drives as indicated in the itinerary
  • Drinking water in the vehicle
  • Airport transfers on arrival and departure
  • 1 night at The Boma Hotel Entebbe
  • 1 overnight stay at the Ziwa Rhino Ranch
  • 1 night at Hemingways Luxury Tented Camp
  • 2 nights at Tangi Elephant Camp
  • 2 nights at Bugoma Jungle Lodge
  • 2 nights at Turaco Treetops
  • 2 nights at Elephant Hab Lodge
  • 2 nights at Four Gorillas Lodge
  • 2 nights at Mihingo Lodge
  • Mabamba Shoebill Tour by dugout canoe
  • Visit to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary including a hike to see the rhinos
  • Boat trip at Murchison Falls
  • Waterfall hike Uhuru / Murchison
  • Night game drive in Murchison National Park
  • Bush Breakfast Murchison
  • Nature walk in Bugoma
  • Chimpanzee trekking in Bugoma (permit included)
  • Village Walk in Bugoma
  • Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale (permit included)
  • Bigodi Swamp hike
  • Gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park (permit included)
  • Boat trip on the Kazinga Canal in Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • Game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • Guided hike + night game drive in Lake Mburo National Park

Exclusions

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

Frequently Asked Questions

We have compiled frequently asked and important questions for you and answered them carefully and in the most up-to-date way. If you still have any questions, please write to us or call us!

Even in the heart of the African wilderness, you won’t have to forgo any comforts! Whether you choose a tented camp or a lodge, your accommodation will come standard with large, comfortable beds and a private bathroom en-suite. Most rooms also offer a small private veranda, perfect for observing the surrounding nature. The main area of ​​the accommodations typically features a cozy restaurant, an inviting lounge, and a well-stocked bar. The absolute centerpiece, almost everywhere, is the traditional campfire (the “boma”) for gathering in the evenings.

Drinking water is provided on all your game drives in the vehicle – this is included in the price. However, water ordered at the bar or restaurant of the accommodation is subject to a charge.

You can leave your worries at home – even in the heart of the African wilderness, you’re in the best hands. We and our local partners are watching over you and are available 24/7. Trained first responders will look after you at your accommodations, and should you require a doctor, mobile medical personnel will provide assistance, or your driver will take you to a doctor. In an emergency, we rely on reputable air ambulance services that ensure immediate evacuation by plane. Enjoy your trip with complete peace of mind: your safety is our top priority, supported by a network of experts who are always available to you.

Many hotels, lodges, and camps now offer free Wi-Fi. Internet speeds can vary considerably. For basic tasks like sending emails, WhatsApp messages, and browsing the web, the speed is usually sufficient. However, it’s generally not fast enough for streaming.

On a safari, you’ll sleep in a variety of accommodations – from stylish lodges and cozy cottages to tented camps. The choice of accommodation depends on the destination and the desired level of comfort.

All Frequently Asked Questions

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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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16-Day Uganda Safari – Gorillas, Wildlife & Shoebills