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5 Star Hotels
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Guided
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English
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Breakfast and Dinner
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Available
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Available
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12
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65
Trip Overview
This 11-Day Uganda Wildlife Safari takes you through Uganda’s most spectacular national parks, combining thrilling game drives, exceptional birdwatching, guided nature walks, and breathtaking scenery. From the thunderous Murchison Falls National Park and its iconic waterfall to the wildlife-rich plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park, the lush tropical rainforest of Kibale National Park, and the tranquil landscapes of Lake Mburo National Park, this safari offers unforgettable encounters with Uganda’s incredible biodiversity.
Designed for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers, the journey provides opportunities to spot the Big Five, observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat, discover hundreds of bird species, and experience Uganda’s diverse ecosystems. With a balance of guided activities and leisurely exploration, this safari promises an immersive and flexible adventure through the Pearl of Africa.
Tour Highlights
- Experience unforgettable game drives in Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, and Lake Mburo National Parks.
- Discover Uganda's incredible birdlife at some of East Africa's premier birdwatching destinations.
- Track chimpanzees and enjoy guided nature walks in the lush forests of Kibale National Park.
- Witness the spectacular Murchison Falls, where the Nile crashes through a narrow gorge before flowing into the savannah.
Itinerary
DETAILED TRAVEL ITINERARY
Upon your arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional safari guide, who will brief you on your upcoming adventure before transferring you to Via Via Hotel.
Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy an optional visit to the beautiful Entebbe Botanical Gardens, a peaceful sanctuary on the shores of Lake Victoria known for its diverse birdlife, towering tropical trees, and scenic walking trails. It's the perfect introduction to Uganda's natural beauty and an excellent place to unwind after your journey.
After the excursion, return to the hotel for dinner and a restful overnight stay as you prepare for the exciting safari ahead.
Accommodation: Via Via Hotel
After an early breakfast, depart for Mabamba Swamp, one of Uganda's premier birdwatching destinations and home to the iconic Shoebill Stork, one of Africa's most sought-after bird species. Enjoy a guided canoe excursion through the papyrus channels, where you'll have the opportunity to spot the elusive Shoebill alongside a variety of other wetland birds, including kingfishers, herons, egrets, and African jacanas.
After the birding experience, begin your scenic drive north towards Budongo Forest, located on the southern edge of Murchison Falls National Park. Along the way, enjoy views of Uganda's rural countryside before arriving at your lodge in the evening. Relax, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the exciting wildlife experiences that await in the days ahead.
Accommodation: Pabidi Safari Lodge
After an early breakfast, enjoy a guided nature walk along the renowned Royal Mile in Budongo Forest, one of East Africa's finest birdwatching trails. This pristine tropical forest is home to an incredible diversity of bird species, butterflies, and primates, offering excellent opportunities to spot forest birds such as the Puvel's Illadopsis, Chocolate-backed Kingfisher, and numerous hornbill species. The peaceful walk also provides a chance to appreciate the rich flora and unique ecosystem of Budongo Forest.
In the afternoon, drive to the Top of Murchison Falls, where the mighty River Nile forces its way through a narrow 7-metre-wide gorge before plunging 43 metres into the Devil's Cauldron below. Enjoy a picnic lunch while taking in the spectacular views, the thunderous roar of the falls, and the refreshing mist rising from one of Uganda's most iconic natural landmarks.
Later, continue to your lodge for check-in, dinner, and a relaxing overnight stay.
Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge
Rise early for a morning game drive through the vast savannah plains of Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda's largest and oldest national park. As the wildlife is most active in the cool morning hours, you'll have excellent opportunities to spot elephants, Rothschild's giraffes, lions, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, hartebeests, oribis, warthogs, and an impressive variety of bird species in their natural habitat.
In the afternoon, you may choose to join an optional boat cruise along the River Nile to the base of the spectacular Murchison Falls. This scenic excursion offers close-up views of hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and numerous waterbirds gathering along the riverbanks.
Later in the evening, embark on another game drive to maximize your chances of encountering wildlife as the sun sets over the park's breathtaking landscapes. Return to the lodge for dinner and a restful overnight stay.
Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge
After breakfast, depart from Murchison Falls National Park and embark on a scenic journey to Kibale National Park, renowned as the primate capital of East Africa. The drive takes you through Uganda's picturesque countryside, passing rolling hills, expansive tea plantations, traditional villages, and the breathtaking crater lake region.
En route, stop in Fort Portal, a charming tourism city nestled beneath the Rwenzori Mountains, where you'll enjoy a guided tea plantation experience. Learn about the cultivation and processing of Uganda's world-class tea while taking in the stunning views of the lush estates.
Continue to Kibale National Park and arrive at your lodge in the evening. Check in, relax, and enjoy dinner as you prepare for the exciting chimpanzee and birding adventures awaiting you the following day.
Accommodation: Chimpanzee Capital Safari Lodge
After an early breakfast, set out for a guided nature walk in Kibale National Park, one of Africa's richest tropical forests and home to an incredible diversity of wildlife. The forest is renowned for its 13 species of primates, over 375 bird species, and a variety of butterflies and indigenous tree species. As you explore the lush trails, keep an eye out for black-and-white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, L'Hoest's monkeys, and, with a bit of luck, wild chimpanzees.
In the afternoon, visit the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-managed conservation area celebrated for its exceptional biodiversity. Enjoy a guided walk through the wetland while spotting a variety of bird species and primates. You'll also experience authentic banana and coffee tours, where local guides demonstrate traditional cultivation, processing, and preparation methods, offering insight into the daily lives and culture of the surrounding communities.
Return to the lodge in the evening for dinner and a relaxing overnight stay.
Accommodation: Chimpanzee Capital Safari Lodge
After breakfast, depart Kibale National Park and enjoy a scenic drive south to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda's most popular savannah park, renowned for its incredible wildlife diversity and spectacular landscapes. Along the way, take in views of rolling hills, rural communities, and the magnificent Rwenzori Mountains, also known as the "Mountains of the Moon."
Upon arrival, embark on an exciting evening game drive across the park's expansive savannah plains. Keep an eye out for elephants, lions, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, warthogs, reptiles, and a wide variety of bird species as the wildlife becomes more active during the cooler hours of the day.
Alternatively, you may choose to enjoy an optional boat cruise along the famous Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway connecting Lakes Edward and George. The cruise offers exceptional opportunities to observe large pods of hippos, Nile crocodiles, monitor lizards, elephants, buffaloes, and numerous waterbirds gathering along the shoreline.
After the day's activities, proceed to your lodge for dinner and a relaxing overnight stay.
Accommodation: Buffalo Safari Lodge
Start your day with an early morning game drive across the wildlife-rich Kasenyi Plains, one of the best areas in Queen Elizabeth National Park for spotting predators and grazing wildlife. As the sun rises over the savannah, look out for lions, elephants, large herds of buffaloes, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, warthogs, hyenas, and a variety of bird species that thrive in the park's diverse ecosystems.
After the morning safari, return to the lodge for a leisurely afternoon. Relax and take in the peaceful surroundings while enjoying panoramic views of the park. The lodge offers excellent opportunities to observe birds and other wildlife that frequently visit the nearby area, making it a perfect place to unwind. As evening approaches, admire the breathtaking sunset over the savannah before enjoying dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation: Buffalo Safari Lodge
After breakfast, depart Queen Elizabeth National Park and enjoy a scenic drive to Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda's smallest savannah national park and the closest wildlife park to Kampala. The journey offers beautiful views of rolling hills, traditional villages, and lush countryside before arriving at the park in the afternoon.
Later, set out for an evening game drive through the park's acacia woodlands and open grasslands. Lake Mburo National Park is famous for its thriving populations of zebras, impalas, Rothschild's giraffes, eland antelopes, topis, buffaloes, warthogs, and an impressive variety of bird species. The evening hours provide excellent opportunities to observe wildlife as animals become more active before sunset.
After the game drive, proceed to your lodge for dinner and a relaxing overnight stay.
Accommodation: Mihingo Lodge
After an early breakfast, embark on a guided nature walk in Lake Mburo National Park, one of the few parks in Uganda where visitors can safely explore the wilderness on foot. Accompanied by an experienced ranger, you'll have the unique opportunity to walk alongside wildlife, including zebras, Rothschild's giraffes, impalas, eland antelopes, and other herbivores, while learning about the park's diverse flora, fauna, and ecosystems.
Following the nature walk, begin your journey back to Entebbe, passing through Uganda's scenic countryside. En route, stop at the Uganda Equator Monument for lunch, memorable photographs, and the chance to purchase locally made souvenirs and handicrafts. Continue to Entebbe, arriving in the evening for check-in at your hotel near the airport. Relax and enjoy your final night in Uganda before your departure the following morning.
Accommodation: The Boma Hotel
Your safari concludes with an early morning transfer to Entebbe International Airport. Your driver-guide will pick you up from the hotel at approximately 3:30 AM to ensure you arrive in good time for your 5:00 AM international flight.
As you bid farewell to the Pearl of Africa, you will leave with unforgettable memories of Uganda's spectacular wildlife, diverse birdlife, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality.
End of Safari
Includes/Excludes
Tour Includes
- Airport pick-up and drop-off at Entebbe International Airport.
- Accommodation for 10 nights in carefully selected lodges and hotels.
- Full-board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) throughout the safari.
- Transportation in a comfortable 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for excellent game viewing and photography.
- Guided birdwatching excursions at Mabamba Swamp and Budongo Forest (Royal Mile).
- Guided nature walks in Budongo Forest, Kibale National Park, Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, and Lake Mburo National Park.
- Tea plantation experience in Fort Portal.
- Banana and coffee cultural experiences at Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary.
- Visit to the Top of Murchison Falls.
- Morning and evening game drives in Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, and Lake Mburo National Parks.
Tour Excludes
- International and domestic flights.
- Uganda visa fees and any other applicable entry or exit visa charges.
- Travel and medical insurance.
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages not provided with meals.
- Personal expenses, including laundry, telephone calls, internet, and souvenirs.
- Tips and gratuities for the driver-guide, rangers, lodge staff, and porters.
- Personal items and equipment, such as binoculars, cameras, batteries, and hiking gear.
- Expenses arising from flight delays, cancellations, natural disasters, medical emergencies, or any circumstances beyond the tour operator's control.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tour Planning
This safari is available throughout the year. However, the dry seasons from June to September and December to February offer the best conditions for wildlife viewing, birdwatching, and nature walks.
The safari begins with airport pick-up at Entebbe International Airport and concludes with drop-off at the same airport on the final day.
Yes. This itinerary is ideal for first-time visitors, offering a comprehensive introduction to Uganda's wildlife, birdlife, landscapes, and cultural experiences.
Absolutely. The itinerary can be tailored to suit your travel dates, accommodation preferences, interests, and budget. Additional destinations and activities can also be added upon request.
Wildlife & Birdwatching
Depending on the season and wildlife movements, you may encounter elephants, lions, buffaloes, Rothschild's giraffes, zebras, impalas, elands, Uganda kobs, hippos, Nile crocodiles, warthogs, and numerous primate species.
Yes. Uganda is one of Africa's top birding destinations, with over 1,000 recorded bird species. Highlights include Mabamba Swamp, Budongo Forest, Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Lake Mburo National Park.
Yes. Mabamba Swamp is one of the best places in Uganda to search for the iconic Shoebill Stork during a guided canoe excursion.
Yes. All game drives are led by professional safari guides who are knowledgeable about Uganda's wildlife, birdlife, and ecosystems.
Activities & Experiences
The safari includes game drives, birdwatching excursions, guided forest and nature walks, visits to the Top of Murchison Falls, the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, tea plantation, banana and coffee experiences, and a stop at the Uganda Equator Monument.
The itinerary offers these boat cruises as optional activities unless otherwise stated in your booking confirmation.
Yes. Guided nature walks are conducted with an experienced ranger who ensures your safety while sharing fascinating insights about the park's wildlife and environment.
Travel Preparation
We recommend lightweight clothing in neutral colours, comfortable walking shoes, a light waterproof jacket, binoculars, sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, sunglasses, a camera, personal medications, and your travel documents.
Yes. The safari includes accommodation and full-board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) throughout the tour as specified in the itinerary.
Travel is provided in a comfortable 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof, allowing excellent wildlife viewing and photography opportunities.
Booking & Practical Information
Most international visitors require a valid visa to enter Uganda. We recommend checking the latest visa requirements based on your nationality before travelling.
Yes. Comprehensive travel and medical insurance is highly recommended for all travellers to cover unexpected events during the safari.
To secure your preferred accommodation, we recommend booking at least 2–3 months in advance, particularly during the peak travel seasons.
Yes. This itinerary is suitable for families, couples, solo travellers, photographers, birdwatchers, and senior travellers with a reasonable level of mobility. The pace can also be adjusted to meet individual needs.















