15-Day Uganda Safari Adventure: Gorillas, Chimps, Big 5, & Kidepo Valley
Day 1: Rhino Trekking on Foot at Ziwa Sanctuary
Your journey begins with a pickup from your hotel or the airport by your private guide.
You’ll arrive at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda where you can see rhinos — and one of the few places in the world where you can approach them on foot. Accompanied by expert rangers, you’ll take part in rhino trekking, a truly unique and unforgettable wildlife encounter that brings you face to face with these magnificent giants.
After this incredible wildlife encounter, we’ll continue to Gulu City, where we’ll spend the night.
Driving Time: 6 hours
Day 2: Kidepo National Park
Start the day by arriving in Kidepo National Park, the most remote part of Uganda — a true hidden gem where few vehicles venture, offering an authentic and untouched safari experience. You’ll be immediately captivated by the park’s stunning scenery and breathtaking landscapes that stretch endlessly across the savannah.
After checking in and enjoying lunch, we’ll head out for an evening game drive to explore the park’s diverse wildlife and experience the raw beauty of Kidepo as the sun sets over the rugged hills.
Transfer time: 4-5 hours
Day 3: Morning Game Drive & Karamojong Cultural Visit
Start your day with a morning game drive through the vast savannahs of Kidepo National Park, a hidden gem where wildlife thrives undisturbed. The park is famous for hosting one of the largest buffalo populations in Africa, and it’s not uncommon to see hundreds of them spread across the plains. Keep your eyes open for lions resting on rocky outcrops, hyenas patrolling the grasslands, and ostriches gracefully striding through the open terrain.
In the afternoon, we’ll visit Karamojong people, one of Uganda’s most traditional communities known for their rich culture, colorful attire, and deep connection to their cattle and land. You’ll get a glimpse into their way of life and learn about their customs and traditions that have been preserved for generations.
Day 4: Murchison Falls National Park
Today, we’ll start the day early and begin our journey to Murchison Falls National Park — Uganda’s oldest and largest national park.
The drive takes around seven hours and leads through changing landscapes, from rolling hills to open savannahs, with glimpses of rural life along the way. It’s a long but rewarding journey that offers a real sense of Uganda’s beauty and diversity.
We expect to arrive in the late afternoon. If you still have some energy, we can head out for an evening game drive; otherwise, take the evening to relax at your lodge and prepare for the adventures ahead.
Transfer time: 7 hours
Day 5: Morning Game Drive and Nile Safari Cruise
Start your day with a morning game drive in Uganda’s largest and oldest national park — Murchison Falls. It is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife, offering great opportunities to spot elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, and many other species that make up the famed Big Five.
In the afternoon, embark on a boat safari along the Nile, the longest river in the world, heading upstream to the base of Murchison Falls. Along the way, enjoy excellent wildlife viewing, spotting hippos, Nile crocodiles, and elephants along the riverbanks.
In the evening, we’ll continue our adventure with a game drive through the golden light of dusk, a magical time for wildlife sightings and stunning views.
Day 6: Game Drive and Top of The Falls
Begin the day with a morning game drive, taking in the beauty of Murchison Falls once more as wildlife roams freely across the savannah in the soft morning light.
In the afternoon, we’ll take you to the best viewpoint, where you can witness not just one, but two magnificent waterfalls — a truly breathtaking sight.
In the evening, continue with a game drive to experience more of Uganda’s incredible wildlife as the sun sets over the savannah.
Day 7: Scenic Drive to the Forests of Kibale
Start the day with a final drive through Murchison Falls National Park. The early morning hours offer some of the best chances to spot wildlife like hyenas and other elusive animals — so keep your eyes (and camera) ready.
From there, head south toward Kibale Forest, with the scenery shifting dramatically along the way. The open savannah gradually gives way to vibrant green hills and lush tea plantations, painting a picture of Uganda’s diverse beauty.
Check in at your lodge and relax in the peaceful surroundings
Transfer time: 6 hours
Day 8: Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest NP
You’ll start the day with chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park, home to the highest concentration of primates in Africa. The park shelters over 1,500 chimpanzees, as well as several other species such as red colobus and L’Hoest’s monkeys.
Later in the day, you will visit a local vanilla plantation, where you will learn how vanilla is grown, harvested, and cured in one of Uganda’s key agricultural regions.
Day 9: High Altitude Coffee & Game Drive
Today, we’ll head to one of the most picturesque regions of Uganda — the slopes of the Rwenzori Mountains, known for producing some of the country’s finest high-altitude coffee. Visit a local coffee roaster to learn every step of the journey — from planting the seed to drying, roasting, and finally savoring a fresh cup.
Later, take a short hike through the hills to see how coffee grows in its natural setting, passing through local communities along the way for a glimpse into everyday life in this beautiful mountain region.
After the experience, we’ll transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most diverse wildlife destinations. Upon arrival, check in to your lodge and head out for an afternoon/sunset game drive.
Transfer time: 2 hours
Day 10: Game Drive and Boat Safari at Kazinga Channel
Start your morning with a game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s premier wildlife destinations. The park is home to an incredible variety of animals, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, and elusive leopards often seen lounging in the shade.
In the afternoon, set off on a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, home to one of the world’s largest hippo populations. You’ll glide past massive pods of hippos, crocodiles basking on the banks, and large herds of animals coming to drink. Few places in Africa offer such consistent and close-up encounters with wildlife.
In the evening, rest in your lodge or continue with a sunset game drive.
Day 11: To the land of Gorillas
Today, we’ll begin our journey to the land of mountain gorillas. Along the way, we’ll pass through the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park — one of the best places to spot the famous tree-climbing lions and other wildlife.
After arriving in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and checking in to your accommodation, you can choose to visit Pangolin center or Batwa experience.
Transfer time: 4-5 hours
Day 12: Gorilla Trekking at Bwindi Forest
Today you’ll trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. After a short briefing, set off with your guide into the forest to track one of the habituated gorilla families. Once located, you’ll spend one unforgettable hour observing them up close — playing, moving through the trees, and interacting with each other in their natural environment.
After the trek, continue your adventure to Lake Bunyonyi, one of the most breathtaking and peaceful places in Uganda.
Transfer time: 5-6 hours
Day 13: Islands of Lake Bunyonyi
Start your day at Lake Bunyonyi, one of the most beautiful and serene spots in Uganda. Surrounded by terraced hills and dotted with 29 small islands, this lake is Africa’s second deepest — and completely free of crocodiles and hippos, making it ideal for a peaceful experience. If interested you can go on a canoe/boat trek where you’ll embark on an adventure to explore some of these islands, taking in the stunning scenery and getting a glimpse of local life along the lakeshore.
After, head to Lake Mburo National Park.
Transfer time: 3-4 hours
Day 14: Walking Safari at Lake Mburo National Park
Begin the day with a guided walking safari, led by an armed ranger — a unique way to get closer to the animals in Lake Mburo National Park. The park is one of the best places in Uganda to see large herds of zebras and the striking Rothschild’s giraffe. You may also encounter topis, elands, and other antelope species, along with a wide variety of birdlife.
After the walk, you’ll begin the drive back to Entebbe. Along the way, you’ll stop at the Equator for photos and a chance to pick up some local crafts. You’re expected to arrive in Entebbe by early evening.
Transfer time: 5 hours
Day 15: Search for Shoebills at Mabamba Swamp
Begin your final day in Uganda with a morning boat trip on Lake Victoria — the largest lake in Africa. You’ll head out as the sun rises, passing early-morning fishermen before reaching the Mabamba Swamps, one of the best places in the world to see the elusive shoebills.
From here, you’ll switch to a traditional canoe and glide deeper into the swamp channels.
Spotting a shoebill in the wild is a special moment — this rare bird, with its massive beak and prehistoric look, is often described as “something out of the dinosaur age.”
After the track, return to Entebbe.
Interested? Contact us
The price of each safari depends on the number of travelers, trip duration, and accommodation type. To get an accurate quote, please fill out the form below or message us on WhatsApp at +256 775 024 729 — we’ll get back to you with a personalized offer.
