This 18-day safari offers the ultimate Ugandan adventure, combining thrilling wildlife safaris, unforgettable gorilla encounters, stunning lakes, and authentic cultural experiences. Travelers will journey through Uganda’s premier national parks, including Lake Mburo, Lake Bunyonyi, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Queen Elizabeth, Kibale, Murchison Falls, and Kidepo Valley. Along the way, visitors will witness the Big Five, rare primates, beautiful landscapes, and interact with local communities, including Batwa pygmies in Bwindi and Mgahinga and Karamojong herders in Kidepo. This safari is ideal for those seeking adventure, nature, and cultural immersion in one seamless itinerary.
| DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION | Entebbe International airport, Kampala Uganda | ||||
| DEPARTURE TIME | Please arrive by 8:15 AM for a prompt departure at 8:30 AM. | ||||
| WEAR | Comfortable athletic clothing, hiking boots, hat, jacket and sunscreen. | ||||
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This safari promises unforgettable wildlife encounters, stunning landscapes, and thrilling activities, offering a truly immersive Ugandan experience.
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Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be greeted by your professional safari guide and transferred to a comfortable lakeside hotel. Guests can unwind while enjoying panoramic views of Lake Victoria, taking in the vibrant birdlife or strolling along the serene shores. The afternoon is free to relax after your journey, with dinner served at the hotel accompanied by the tranquil sounds of the lake, setting the stage for your Ugandan adventure.
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Day 2: Entebbe to Lake Mburo National Park
After an early breakfast, depart for Lake Mburo National Park, passing rolling hills, farmland, and traditional villages that showcase rural Ugandan life. Upon arrival, check into your lodge before embarking on a combined afternoon game drive and boat cruise. Drive through the park’s open savannah and wooded areas to spot zebras, impalas, warthogs, and buffalo. Then, board a boat on Lake Mburo, gliding past hippos wallowing in the water and watching countless birds along the shore. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight, surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness.
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Day 3: Lake Mburo to Lake Bunyonyi
Begin the day with an early morning game drive in Lake Mburo, when wildlife is most active and predators may be seen stalking through the grasslands. After breakfast, drive southwest to the serene Lake Bunyonyi, renowned for its emerald waters and 29 tranquil islands. Upon arrival, check into a lakeside lodge and spend the afternoon canoeing among the islands, visiting local communities, and observing traditional island life. Sunset views over the lake provide a magical backdrop for dinner at the lodge.
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Day 4: Lake Bunyonyi Exploration
Spend a full day at leisure exploring Lake Bunyonyi’s beauty. Hike the surrounding hills for panoramic views, visit local villages to meet the communities, and enjoy a canoe trip on the calm waters while spotting water birds and kingfishers. The peaceful environment allows for relaxation, photography, and appreciation of the lush scenery. Return to the lodge for an evening of reflection and dinner amid the tranquil setting.
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Day 5: Lake Bunyonyi to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
After breakfast, drive to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, nestled in the Virunga volcanic mountains. The journey passes tea plantations, terraced hills, and villages rich in culture. Upon arrival, check into the lodge and prepare for an afternoon activity. Visit a nearby Batwa community to learn about their traditional forest-based lifestyle and cultural practices. Dinner at the lodge is served against the dramatic backdrop of volcanic peaks.
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Day 6: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Spend the day trekking golden monkeys. The morning hike through lush montane forest offers sightings of endemic birds, primates, and the rare golden monkeys. Trekking the trails provides breathtaking views over the Virunga mountains and the surrounding national parks. Return to the lodge in the afternoon for relaxation, enjoying the cool mountain air and stunning scenery, followed by a hearty dinner.
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Day 7: Mgahinga to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Travel through verdant hills and tea plantations en route to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Check into your lodge upon arrival and spend the afternoon exploring nearby Batwa villages and learning about the forest-dependent culture. The dense forest surrounding the lodge hints at the gorilla encounters to come, while dinner at the lodge offers a quiet evening preparing for the next day’s adventure.
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Day 8: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
Rise early for the life-changing gorilla trek, guided by expert trackers who navigate the dense forest to locate a gorilla family. The trek is both challenging and exhilarating, with lush vegetation, vibrant birdlife, and the anticipation of meeting the gentle giants. Once located, spend an hour observing the gorillas’ social behaviors, including play, feeding, and family interactions. Return to the lodge for lunch and an afternoon of relaxation, reflecting on this unforgettable experience, followed by dinner.
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Day 9: Bwindi to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Depart Bwindi for Queen Elizabeth National Park, passing scenic tea plantations, terraced hills, and local villages along the way. Upon arrival, check into your lodge and head out for an afternoon game drive. Spot elephants grazing, lions lounging in the shade, Uganda kobs leaping across the plains, and buffalo roaming the savannah. Dinner at the lodge provides a relaxing end to a day full of wildlife adventure.
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Day 10: Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Boat cruise on Kazinga Channel
The morning begins with a game drive, seeking lions, elephants, warthogs, and various antelope species. Return to the lodge for lunch, then embark on an afternoon boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. From the boat, witness large pods of hippos, crocodiles basking along the banks, and a dazzling array of bird species, including herons and kingfishers. The setting sun casts golden hues over the water, creating perfect photography opportunities before returning to the lodge for dinner.
Drive to Kibale Forest, home to chimpanzees and other primates. Upon arrival, check into your lodge and enjoy a guided walk in the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, observing birds, butterflies, and small monkeys. The walk through this rich ecosystem allows for closer appreciation of Uganda’s diverse wildlife and tranquil natural environment. Dinner at the lodge concludes the day.
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Day 12: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale
Embark on a morning chimpanzee trek through dense forest trails. Under the guidance of expert trackers, observe chimpanzees interacting naturally, feeding, playing, and vocalizing with each other. The forest is alive with birdcalls, insects, and the sound of running streams. Return to the lodge for lunch and enjoy the afternoon at leisure, optionally exploring nearby villages and learning about local culture before dinner.
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Day 13: Kibale to Murchison Falls National Park
After breakfast, begin a scenic drive north to Murchison Falls National Park, passing through Uganda’s diverse landscapes of forests, wetlands, and savannahs. Upon arrival, check into your lodge and head out on an evening game drive to spot giraffes, elephants, lions, and buffalo grazing in the vast savannah. Return to the lodge for dinner, savoring the tranquility of Africa’s wilderness.
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Day 14: Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Cruise to the Bottom of the Falls
Start with a morning game drive in search of lions, leopards, elephants, and other wildlife. After lunch, take a Nile boat cruise to the base of the spectacular Murchison Falls. Witness the thundering waters up close and enjoy sightings of crocodiles, hippos, and birdlife along the riverbanks. End the day with a hike to the top of the falls for panoramic views of the Nile as it squeezes through a narrow gorge, before returning to the lodge for dinner.
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Day 15: Murchison Falls to Kidepo Valley National Park
Embark on a long scenic drive to Kidepo Valley National Park, Uganda’s most remote and untouched wilderness. Upon arrival, check into your lodge and relax before an evening game drive. The park’s open plains and hills make for excellent wildlife viewing, including lions, giraffes, elephants, and a variety of antelopes. Dinner at the lodge concludes a full day of travel and exploration.
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Day 16: Kidepo Cultural Immersion
Spend the morning visiting Karamojong communities, including a Manyatta village, learning about their pastoralist traditions, traditional crafts, and daily life. Witness ceremonies, crafts, and the intricate cultural practices that have survived generations. In the afternoon, enjoy a light game drive in the park, spotting wildlife unique to northern Uganda before returning to the lodge for dinner.
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Day 17: Kidepo Game Drive & Leisure
Enjoy a full day of wildlife exploration in Kidepo Valley National Park. Early morning and late afternoon game drives maximize opportunities to see predators, giraffes, elephants, and rare antelopes. Midday offers relaxation at the lodge, allowing guests to enjoy the scenic views and tranquility of this remote wilderness. Dinner at the lodge concludes the day.
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Day 18: Kidepo to Kampala
Begin the scenic drive back to Kampala, passing through northern Uganda’s rolling landscapes and rural communities. Arrive in the evening for drop-off at the airport or hotel, marking the end of a comprehensive 18-day safari filled with wildlife, gorillas, lakes, mountains, and cultural experiences.
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