This 14 Days Uganda Safari combines wildlife, primates, mountain gorillas, hot springs, lakes, islands, culture and adventure. The route moves from northern Uganda to the west then south towards Lake Victoria before ending in Jinja. The itinerary includes Murchison Falls, Semliki, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi, Lake Mburo, Ssese Islands and Jinja. Each destination offers a different landscape and activity with Africa Adventure Safaris
Trip Highlights
Day 1: Travel from Kampala to Murchison Falls
Day 2: Game Drives and Launch Cruise
Day 3: Semliki National Park
Day 4: “Sempaya hot springs” and travel to Kibale National Park
Day 5: Chimp Tracking in Kibale National Park and Transfer to Queen
Day 6: Game drive and afternoon boat cruise
Day 7: Bwindi Impenetrabvle National park and en-route Ishasha sector
Day 8: Gorilla trekking and Batwa Visit or Nature walk
Day 9: Transfer to Lake Mburo National park and boat ride
Day 10: Walking safari and transfer to Masaka
Day 11 & 12: Sesse Island
Day 13: Transfer to Jinja
Day 14: White water rafting
Detailed 14 days Uganda safari
Day 1: Kampala to Murchison Falls National Park
Start the 14 days Uganda Safari early from Kampala. The journey to Murchison Falls takes around 5–6 hours depending on traffic and stops. Travel through the Luwero area you will see the legendary Luwero triangle, today which has turned out into a small town with a trading center known for its agonizing history of the Baganda massacre. Later continue towards northern Uganda with a stopover at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. If time permits, you can take a guided rhino walk before continuing towards Murchison Falls. This adds another wildlife experience before entering the national park.
Have lunch along the route at Masindi Hotel before continuing to the park. You will pass through Budongo forest and Kaniyo Pabidi. After entering Murchison Falls, continue towards the lodge. If you arrive early enough, visit the Top of the Falls. The Nile is forced through a narrow rocky gorge before continuing downstream. Several viewpoints provide different views of the falls and surrounding landscape.
Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest national park. The Victoria Nile crosses the park and passes through the narrow Murchison Falls gorge. The park has open savannah, woodland, wetlands, and river habitats. Common animals include elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, lions, Uganda kobs, hartebeests and hippos. The main activities are game drives and boat cruises on the Nile. The Top of the Falls is another important attraction. Accommodation options include Paraa Safari Lodge (luxury), Pakuba Safari Lodge or Murchison River Lodge (mid-range), Red Chilli Rest Camp (budget).
Day 2: Game drive and launch cruise on the Nile
Go for an early game view drive on the North of the Nile. Lions, buffaloes, waterbuck, Jackson’s hartebeest, oribi and baboons are some of the animals you will spot. In the afternoon a launch cruise to the bottom of the fallson is a fantastic wildlife experience itself. Spot schools of hippos, large crocodiles, small herds of buffalo. There’s rich birdlife on the papyrus banks, watch out for the shoebill stork, the most sought after bird in Africa. Go to the Top of the falls; such a lovely scene for viewing the fall, park as well taking lunch or relaxing. Overnight stay at Paraa Safari Lodge / Pakuba Lodge (FB).
Day 3: Murchison Falls to Semliki National Park
Depart for Semliki all the way down to Bundibugyo. The journey takes about 6 to 8 hours. Sit back and enjoy this scenic drive as you will see Lake Albert and Mt. Rwenzori ranges. The park is found in Bundibugyo district western border of Uganda and Congo Republic next to Lake Albert. The park has a strategic location in the western Albertine rift valley region of Uganda and takes up the eastern part of the Ituri forest joining Uganda and Congo River separated by the Semliki River. Semliki is an ornithologist’s haven having about 400 bird species mostly forest birds. There are 300 tree species recorded nowhere else in East Africa and 53 mammal species with 11 diurnal species. During the night go for a spot lit night game drive, only one of its kind in Uganda and check out the slender and white- tailed mongoose, serval cats and diminutive nightjars. Dine and rest at Semliki Safari Lodge.
Day 4: Sempaya Hot Springs and Transfer to Kibale
Sempaya hotsprings
Start the morning with a visit to the Sempaya Hot Springs. A guided trail takes you through the forest towards the springs. There are two main springs including the larger female spring and the smaller male spring. These are natural springs with a geyser shooting up from an 8m-wide hole at a hot temperature. It’s the largest of its kind in the country. The trail also provides opportunities to see birds, monkeys, butterflies and forest vegetation. The hot water and surrounding vegetation make Sempaya different from most attractions on this safari. After the walk, leave Semliki and drive towards Kibale National Park. The journey usually takes about 2 to 3 hours. Along the way visit the King’s Palace, the stalagmites and crater lakes. Arrive in the Kibale area in the afternoon. If time permits, visit a nearby crater lake or take a short community walk. Kibale is one of Uganda’s main destinations for chimpanzee tracking. Its rainforest also supports several monkey species and many forest birds. Accommodation options include Primate Lodge Kibale or Crater Safari Lodge (luxury), Turaco Treetops or Kibale Forest Camp (mid-range), Kibale Forest Guest House or community accommodation around Bigodi (budget).
Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
chimpanzees
Wake up early for chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest. After the briefing, enter the rainforest with trained guides and trackers. Chimpanzees are usually active during the morning. The forest also supports red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys and many bird species. The walk can take several hours depending on the location of the chimpanzees.
After the activity, return for lunch. Visit the Bigodi Wetland if time allows. The community-run wetland provides another chance to see monkeys, birds, butterflies and local plant species. Later, drive towards Queen Elizabeth National Park. The journey takes about 2 to 3 hours. The landscape changes from thick forest to open savannah and crater lakes.
Queen Elizabeth National Park has savannah, forests, wetlands, lakes and the Kazinga Channel. The park supports elephants, buffaloes, lions, Uganda kobs, hippos, leopards and many bird species.The Kazinga Channel boat cruise is one of the main activities. Accommodation options include Kyambura Gorge Lodge or Mweya Safari Lodge (luxury), Enganzi Lodge or Buffalo Safari Lodge (mid-range), Tembo Safari Lodge or Pumba Safari Cottages (budget)
Day 6: Queen Elizabeth Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Cruise
Start the day with a game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Explore the Kasenyi Plains and nearby savannah areas. Look for Uganda kobs, lions, elephants, buffaloes, warthogs and antelopes. If conditions are suitable, you may also encounter leopards. Return to your lodge for lunch.
In the afternoon, take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. The channel connects Lake Edward and Lake George. Hippos are common along the water while crocodiles often rest on the banks. The cruise also provides good opportunities for bird watching. Look for fishing communities around the channel and Lake Edward area. These communities provide an interesting contrast to the protected wildlife areas.
Day 7: Ishasha Sector and Transfer to Bwindi
Leave early and travel towards the Ishasha Sector in southern Queen Elizabeth National Park. The drive takes around 2 to 3 hours, depending on your lodge and road conditions. Take a game drive through Ishasha before leaving the park. The sector is known for its tree-climbing lions. You may also see elephants, buffaloes, topis, Uganda kobs and other animals. After the game drive, continue towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The journey from Ishasha to the Bwindi area can take about 2 to 4 hours depending on your final sector. Arrive at your lodge.
Bwindi is a montane rainforest in southwestern Uganda. It is home to mountain gorillas and supports many other forest species. Gorilla trekking takes visitors into the forest to search for a habituated gorilla family. Accommodation options include Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp (luxury), Four Gorillas Lodge or Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge (mid-range) and Buhoma Community Rest Camp (budget).
Day 8: Gorilla trekking and Batwa visit or Nature walk
Wake up early and have breakfast before travelling to the gorilla trekking briefing point. Rangers will explain the trekking rules and assign you to a habituated gorilla family. The trek takes place in Bwindi’s dense rainforest. The terrain can be steep, muddy and slippery. The duration depends on where the gorillas have moved. Once you find the group, follow the ranger’s instructions and observe their behaviour. You may see adults feeding, resting, grooming, and moving through the forest. Young gorillas may play near the adults. After returning from the trek, have lunch and rest.
In the afternoon, choose between a Batwa cultural experience and a guided nature walk. The Batwa experience introduces traditional forest knowledge, medicinal plants, food gathering and cultural practices. A nature walk is better for visitors who want more time in the forest. Accommodation options include Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp (luxury), Four Gorillas Lodge or Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge (mid-range) and Buhoma Community Rest Camp (budget).
Day 9: Bwindi to Lake Mburo National Park and Boat Ride
After breakfast, leave Bwindi and travel towards Lake Mburo National Park. This is another long driving day. Allow around 5–7 hours, depending on the Bwindi sector, road conditions and stops. The journey passes through the Kigezi highlands before reaching the more open landscapes around Lake Mburo. Stop at a viewpoint to see the steep cultivated hills.
You can stop in Mbarara for lunch. Continue towards Lake Mburo National Park. Look for long-horned Ankole cattle grazing around homesteads. In the afternoon, take a boat ride on Lake Mburo if you arrive in time. The lake attracts hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes and many water birds. The surrounding vegetation also provides opportunities to see antelopes near the shoreline. Lake Mburo is a small savannah park in western Uganda. It is known for zebras, impalas, elands, buffaloes, hippos and several bird species. Walking safaris are one of its main differences from larger Ugandan parks. Accommodation options include Mihingo Lodge (luxury), Rwakobo Rock or Mburo Safari Lodge (mid-range), Eagles Nest Camp or a community campsite (budget)
Day 10: Walking safari and transfer to Bukakata for Ssese Islands
Nubian giraffes
Start the morning with a guided walking safari in Lake Mburo National Park. Walking allows you to experience the park at ground level. A ranger explains animal tracks, plants, insects, birds and other small details. You may encounter zebras, impalas, topis, buffaloes, warthogs and other wildlife. Return to the lodge for breakfast.
Afterward, leave the park and drive towards Bukakata in Masaka. Allow around 3 to 4 hours for the journey. From Bukakata, take the ferry across Lake Victoria to Bugala Island, the largest of the Ssese Islands.
The ferry crossing takes about 30 minutes on the Bukakata–Bugoma route, subject to the day’s operating schedule. Arrive on Bugala Island and transfer to your lodge. The Ssese Islands are an archipelago in Lake Victoria. Bugala Island is the largest and most visited island. The islands have beaches, forests, fishing communities, wetlands and quiet villages. Accommodation options include Brovad Sands Lodge (luxury), Victoria Forest Resort (mid-range), Ssese Habitat Resort or local island guesthouses (budget).
Day 11: Ssese Island Forest and beach activities
Spend the day exploring Bugala Island. Start with a nature walk through the island’s forest areas. Look for monkeys, butterflies, birds and different tree species. Later, visit one of the island’s beaches. You can swim where conditions are safe or relax beside the lake. Take a walk through a nearby fishing village. The island’s fishing communities depend heavily on Lake Victoria. You can learn about fishing methods and the daily movement of boats. Accommodation options include Brovad Sands Lodge (luxury), Victoria Forest Resort (mid-range), Ssese Habitat Resort or local island guesthouses (budget).
Day 12: Ssese Island boat trip and Local experience
Spend another day on the islands. Take a guided boat trip around the lake and nearby islands. The trip provides opportunities for bird watching and views of fishing communities. You can also visit local craft makers and learn about products made on the island. Another option is a cycling or walking tour through the villages. These communities provide a more local view of life around Lake Victoria. Keep the afternoon relaxed. Accommodation options include Brovad Sands Lodge (luxury), Victoria Forest Resort (mid-range), Ssese Habitat Resort or local island guesthouses (budget)
Day 13: Ssese Islands to Jinja
After breakfast, prepare for the journey from Bugala Island to mainland Uganda. Use the Bukakata–Bugoma ferry route where the operating schedule suits your itinerary. The ferry crossing takes about 30 minutes. After reaching Bukakata, continue by road towards Jinja. Allow roughly 5–6 hours of driving depending on traffic and stops. This is another long transfer, so leave the island early. You can stop for lunch along the route. Continue towards Jinja and check into your hotel. If you arrive early, take an evening walk around Jinja town.
Jinja lies along the River Nile and is known for water-based adventure activities. The city offers white-water rafting, boat trips, cultural sites and access to the Nile. The city has old colonial-era buildings, local markets, craft shops and views towards the Nile. Accommodation options include Wildwaters Lodge or Nile Porch (luxury), 2 Friends Guest House Jinja or Kingfisher Resort (mid-range), Nile River Explorers Camp or local guesthouses (budget).
Day 14: White-water rafting on the Nile
End your 14 Days Uganda Safari with a full day of adventure on the River Nile. After breakfast, meet your rafting crew for a safety briefing. The team explains how to paddle, sit safely in the raft and respond to different river instructions. The rafting route passes through several rapids. Between the rapids, there are calmer sections where you can enjoy the scenery. The experience combines river landscapes, forested banks, islands and small communities along the Nile. You normally stop for lunch during the activity. Visit the Busowoko Falls or another nearby natural attraction if your rafting schedule allows.
If you prefer a quieter option, consider a Nile boat cruise or kayaking instead. After rafting, return to Jinja and freshen up. Depending on your departure plans, you can spend another night in Jinja or transfer towards Entebbe.
End of the Safari
Included in this tour package;
- Transportation in a 4X4WD safari vehicle
- All activity fees
- Park Ranger Fees
- Relevant Government Taxes.
- Full Board Accommodation and en-route meals as indicated in the itinerary.
- Full time English speaking Driver/Guide
- Airport transfer, as long as your flight is on the same day on which the safari ends.
Exclusions:
- Airfares
- Visa Fees
- Personal Insurance
- Expenses of personal nature such as; drinks, tips, laundry, telephone, cigarettes, accommodation & meals not indicated in the itinerary and optional activities.
[/tab]
[/tabs]
