14 Days Uganda highlights safari

Day 1: Arrival in Uganda

You will be met at the airport by our safari guide who will transfer you to Kampala, where you can relax and prepare for the adventure ahead.

Day 2: Travel to Murchison Falls National Park

The safari begins with an early breakfast and a drive to Murchison Falls National Park via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where you will have the opportunity to track white rhinos on foot as part of Uganda’s Rhino Reintroduction Project. After the rhino trek, continue through Masindi Town before arriving at Murchison Falls National Park, enjoying the scenic countryside along the way.

Day 3: Game Drive and Boat Cruise on the Nile

Start the day with an early morning game drive on the Nyamsika Plateau, where you may encounter Cape buffaloes, Rothschild’s giraffes, Uganda kob, hartebeest, waterbucks, lions, leopards, spotted hyenas, and a variety of other wildlife. Later, enjoy a boat cruise on the Victoria Nile to the base of Murchison Falls, where you will see hippos, crocodiles, waterbirds, and spectacular views of the falls from close range.

Day 4: Visit the Top of the Falls and Travel to Kibale Forest National Park

After breakfast, visit the top of Murchison Falls to witness the Nile River forcing its way through a narrow gorge before plunging dramatically below. You will then embark on a scenic journey to Kibale Forest National Park, passing through traditional villages, rolling countryside, and the towns of Hoima and Fort Portal beneath the Rwenzori Mountains.

Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi Nature Walk

Following a briefing at Kanyanchu Tourist Centre, venture into Kibale Forest for chimpanzee tracking, where you may also encounter other primates, birds, butterflies, and forest wildlife. In the afternoon, take a guided walk through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a rich ecosystem known for its birdlife and monkey species.

Day 6: Game Drive and Boat Cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park and enjoy a game drive in search of lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, giant forest hogs, Uganda kob, topi, and other wildlife. Later, take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, famous for its dense populations of hippos, diverse birdlife, and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

Day 7: Game Drive and Travel to Lake Bunyonyi

Begin the day with another game drive before departing for Lake Bunyonyi, one of Uganda’s most beautiful and deepest lakes. The journey takes you through stunning landscapes and rural communities before arriving at the lake, renowned for its terraced hills, islands, and peaceful atmosphere.

Day 8: Canoeing and Hiking at Lake Bunyonyi

Spend the morning exploring Lake Bunyonyi either by canoe or on a guided walk through the surrounding hills, enjoying breathtaking scenery, birdlife, local communities, and views of distant volcanoes. In the afternoon, continue to Kisoro through a region often referred to as the “Switzerland of Africa,” known for its dramatic landscapes and bamboo forests.

Day 9: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

After an early briefing by park rangers, set off into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in search of mountain gorillas. Trekking through dense vegetation and rugged terrain can take several hours, but the reward is a memorable hour spent observing these remarkable primates in their natural habitat.

Day 10: Cultural Village Walk

Today offers an opportunity to experience the culture and traditions of the Bakiga and Bafumbira communities through a guided village walk. Visit local farms, meet traditional herbalists, learn about indigenous brewing methods, and enjoy cultural performances featuring traditional music and dance.

Day 11: Lake Mburo National Park

Travel to Lake Mburo National Park, a beautiful landscape of acacia woodland, wetlands, and rolling hills inhabited by zebras, impalas, elands, warthogs, and numerous bird species. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Mburo, providing close views of hippos, crocodiles, and aquatic birdlife.

Day 12: Return to Kampala

Begin the day with a guided nature walk led by an experienced ranger who will explain animal tracks, signs, and behavior. Afterwards, journey back to Kampala with a stop at the Equator for photographs and another visit to the Mpigi Royal Drum Makers Centre, where traditional drum-making techniques have been preserved for generations.

Day 13: Transfer to Jinja

Depart for Jinja, home of the Source of the Nile and Uganda’s adventure capital. Along the way, enjoy the scenic drive before arriving to explore a variety of optional activities, including white-water rafting, jet boating, horse riding, mountain biking, quad biking, and bungee jumping.

Day 14: White-Water Rafting on the Nile and Departure

Conclude your safari with an exciting white-water rafting experience on the Nile River, beginning at the Source of the Nile. Following a safety briefing and equipment fitting, navigate a series of rapids along an 18-kilometre stretch of river suitable for both beginners and experienced rafters. After the adventure, return to Kampala for your onward journey, bringing an unforgettable Ugandan safari experience to a close.