This 18 Days Uganda Safari Holiday, meticulously designed for those seeking to deeply explore and uncover the treasures of ‘The Pearl of Africa.’ This immersive adventure invites you to traverse Uganda’s diverse landscapes, from the northeastern Kidepo Valley National Park to the southwestern beauty of Lake Bunyonyi. Indulge in the splendors of Uganda’s four Savannah parks: Kidepo Valley National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Lake Mburo National Park. Immerse yourself in thrilling game drives and serene boat cruises, each revealing a unique facet of the country’s abundant wildlife..
Yet the true highlight lies in encountering the Great Apes. Traverse the verdant landscapes of Budongo Forest, delve into the depths of Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and explore the lush haven of Kibale Forest National Park, where you will have the opportunity to trek the chimpanzees thrice. The pinnacle of this journey is undoubtedly gorilla trekking in the mystical Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. To deepen your connection with the land and its people, our safari offers immersive village and community walks, allowing you to engage with the local cultures and traditions.
Day 1: Arrive and Transfer from Entebbe Airport
Upon your arrival, a warm welcome awaits you as we meet and greet you. You will then be transferred to the charming town of Entebbe, where your overnight stay awaits, offering a comfortable and restful night’s sleep along with a hearty breakfast the next morning.
For those who arrive early and wish to make the most of their time, optional activities beckon. Stroll through the inviting streets of Entebbe on a leisurely walking tour, immersing yourself in the local atmosphere. Alternatively, explore the lush Botanic Gardens, a haven of diverse plant species that showcases Uganda’s rich biodiversity, a boat excursion to Ngamba Island or Uganda Wildlife Education Center, where you can learn about the country’s unique animal inhabitants and their conservation.
Location: Kampala
Accommodations
Silver: Latitude 0 Degrees
Gold: Latitude 0 Degrees
Platinum: Latitude 0 Degrees
Meals Plan: Breakfast and Lunch as well as Dinner
Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey
Day 2: Exploring Jinja – The Source of the Nile
As the sun rises on your adventure, get ready for an exhilarating journey to Jinja town, fondly known as the ‘adventure capital of Uganda.’ Your route will take you via Kampala, through a tapestry of small towns, and the enchanting Mabira Forest, a haven of tropical rainforests. Along the way, you’ll pass vibrant roadside markets, tea plantations, and sugar farms, immersing you in Uganda’s diverse landscapes.
Arriving in Jinja, the adventure hub, you’ll be treated to a well-deserved lunch break before diving into your next experience. A boat ride to the Source of the River Nile awaits an experience that must not be missed during your Uganda journey.
Location: Jinja
Accommodation Options:
Silver: The Haven – Eco River Lodge
Gold: The Haven – Eco River Lodge
Platinum: Wild water Lodge
Meals Plan: Breakfast and Lunch as well as Dinner
Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey
Day 3: Jinja to Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary – A Journey of Conservation
Today, your journey continues as you depart from Jinja and head towards Nakasongola, a path that leads you through Kampala and further north. Your destination is the remarkable Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary, a place of hope, conservation, and the chance to witness the incredible white rhinos in their natural habitat.
Location: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Accommodation Options:
Silver: Pabidi Lodge Budongo
Gold: Pabidi Lodge Budongo
Platinum: Pabidi Lodge Budongo
Meals Plan: Breakfast and Lunch as well as Dinner
Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey
Day 4: Budongo Chimpanzee Trekking and continue to the Top of Falls Murchison
After breakfast, you will walk to the forest headquarters for briefing about Chimpanzee trekking Dos and Don’ts. Thereafter, start your primate walk in the Budongo Forest guided by well-trained and experienced ranger guides. Your walk will expose you to other primates, birds and different plant species in the forest. Once you get into close proximity with the Chimps or one community/party of habituated chimpanzees, you will be allowed one hour of observations and photography before you return back to the Lodge.
You may carry packed lunch or order for hot lunch which you can have when you return to the lodge. In the afternoon, you will drive to Murchison Falls National Park for a brief game drive via the top of the falls to see how the Nile waters squeeze through a narrow gorge only later to explode into what has been referred to as one of the strongest and most powerful waterfalls on planet Earth.
Location: Murchison Falls National Park
Accommodation Options:
Silver: Pakuba Safari Lodge
Gold: Pakuba Safari Lodge
Platinum: Paraa Safari Lodge
Meals Plan: Breakfast and Lunch as well as Dinner
Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey
Day 5: Game Drive and Boat Cruise to the Bottom of the Falls
After breakfast, you will set off with your guide to catch some of the nocturnal animals before they return to their hide-outs. Make your way down to the Nile Delta where you may spot giraffe, elephant, different varieties of antelope, buffalo, a wide range of birds and if you are lucky, you may spot lions and leopards. You will return to the lodge for lunch. After lunch, you will go for a boat cruise to the bottom of the magnificent Murchison Falls.
From the jetty point, as you head towards the bottom of the Falls, you will spot several herds of buffaloes, crocodiles, hippos, different species of water birds and many other animals as they flock the banks of the River Nile to drink water. You will continue upstream to the bottom of the falls to observe how water squeezes through a narrow gorge only later to explode in what has been referred to as the strongest and most powerful falls on planet earth. Return to the Lodge for overnight.
Location: Murchison Falls National Park
Accommodation Options:
Silver: Pakuba Safari Lodge
Gold: Pakuba Safari Lodge
Platinum: Paraa Safari Lodge
Meals Plan: Breakfast and Lunch as well as Dinner
Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey
Day 6: Another Morning Game Drive and Late Afternoon Boat Cruise
After an early breakfast you will return to the northern bank of the River Nile for yet another game drive in search of some of the wild animals that you could have missed seeing during your previous game drives. Return to the lodge for lunch and thereafter go for a late afternoon boat cruise to the Albert delta. Depending on how lucky you are, there are chances that you may find elephants, buffaloes and hippos crossing the delta while crocodiles are also taking opportunity of this crossing to catch the vulnerable animals. There are also high chances that you will spot the rare Shoebill stock. Return back to the lodge for overnight:
Location: Murchison Falls National Park
Accommodation Options:
Silver: Pakuba Safari Lodge
Gold: Pakuba Safari Lodge
Platinum: Paraa Safari Lodge
Meals Plan: Breakfast and Lunch as well as Dinner
Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey
Day 7: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park.
As part of your 18 Days Safari, you will drive to Kibale Forest National Park via Fort Portal town. You will have a stop in Fort portal town for Lunch before proceeding to check-in at Chimpanzee Forest Guest House. No major activity on this day but if time allows, you may drive around Fort Portal town for sightseeing.
Location: Kibale Forest National Park
Accommodation Options:
Silver: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge
Gold: Turraco Treetops
Platinum: Chimpundu Lodge
Meals Plan: Breakfast and Lunch as well as Dinner
Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey
Day 8: Chimpanzee trekking and Bigodi Wetland Walk
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kibale National Park headquarters located at Kanyanchu. Here, you will join other trekkers for briefing before you proceed into the forest for chimpanzee trekking. You will be led by a well-trained and experienced ranger/guide who will take you for a guided primate walk inside Kibale Forest National Park. This forest provides an opportunity to visit one of the habituated communities of chimpanzees. You are allowed to spend an hour with these Great Apes while observing their behaviour. You are allowed to take photographs. So make sure your cameras are nearby. Kibale National Park is also home to other 13 primate species which can also be spotted while trekking the Chimpanzees. Of course there are also numerous species of forest birds. In fact, this is another haven for bird lovers.
Location: Kibale Forest National Park
Accommodation Options:
Silver: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge
Gold: Turraco Treetops
Platinum: Chimpundu Lodge
Meals Plan: Breakfast and Lunch as well as Dinner
Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey
Day 9: Travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, your will drive for 3-4 hours from Kibale National Park to Queen Elizabeth National Park. You will have an opportunity of passing through small towns while seeing several foothills of the magnificent Rwenzori Mountain. As well as cross the Equator at Kikorongo.Of course you will also see several small rivers that originate from the Rwennzori mountain ranges. You may head to the lodge for lunch or drive directly to Mweya jetty for an afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. This two hour boat cruise is one of the highlights of Queen Elizabeth National Park. It provides you with an opportunity to view over 300 out of the about 600 water bird species recorded here. There are also antelopes, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes and hippos which can be sighted while on the boat.
Location: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation Options:
Silver: Twin Lake Safari Lodge
Gold: Buffalo Safari Lodge
Platinum: Mweya Safari Lodge
Meals Plan: Breakfast and Lunch as well as Dinner
Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey
Day 10: Game Drive and Boat Cruise Along Kazinga Channel
After an early morning cup of coffee, you will drive back to the Kasenyi plains for a game drive to catch up with what you could have missed out on your earlier game drive. It is at this time of the morning that big cats are out hunting for their prey and as such chances of spotting lions and or leopards are slightly high. Never the less, you will be guaranteed to see buffaloes, hippos, several species of antelopes, and many others. You may return to the lodge for lunch or drive directly to Mweya jetty for an afternoon boat cruise on Kazinga Channel. This two hour boat cruise is one of the highlights in Queen Elizabeth National Park. It provides you an opportunity to view over 300 out of the 600 water bird species recorded here, antelopes, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes and hippos. Return to the lodge for overnight.
Location: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation Options:
Silver: Twin Lake Safari Lodge
Gold: Buffalo Safari Lodge
Platinum: Mweya Safari Lodge
Meals Plan: Breakfast and Lunch as well as Dinner
Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey
Day 11: Another Full-Day Crater Drive Experience in Queen Elizabeth National Park
The crater drive is typically done in the northern sector of the park, around the Katwe-Kikorongo area. This region is dotted with dozens of volcanic craters—some filled with water forming beautiful lakes, while others are dry and covered with lush vegetation. The drive combines game viewing, photography, sightseeing, and optional cultural visits.
Early Morning: Pickup & Game Drive (6:30 AM – 10:00 AM)
Your day begins with an early breakfast at your lodge, followed by a pickup by your safari guide. You will head out for a morning game drive in the Kasenyi plains—one of the best wildlife viewing areas in the park.
Expect to see:
- Elephants grazing in the open savannah
- Herds of Uganda kobs and buffaloes
- Lions (often spotted hunting or resting)
- Warthogs and waterbucks
- A variety of bird species
The cool morning hours are perfect for spotting predators and active wildlife.
Mid-Morning: Transfer to Crater Lakes Region (10:00 AM – 12:30 PM)
After the game drive, you will proceed towards the crater lakes region near Katwe. The drive itself is incredibly scenic, with rolling hills, dramatic landscapes, and panoramic viewpoints.
Highlights include:
- Stunning views of crater lakes like Lake Nyamunuka (also known as the “Lake of Death” due to its high salt concentration)
- Views of Lake Edward and the distant Rwenzori Mountains
- Photo stops at various viewpoints overlooking multiple craters
Your guide will stop at key vantage points to allow you to fully appreciate the landscape and take photos.
Lunch Break (12:30 PM – 1:30 PM)
You will enjoy a packed lunch at a scenic viewpoint or return to your lodge (depending on your location). Some lodges also offer bush lunch setups upon request.
Relax and take in the quiet beauty of the crater region.
Afternoon: Crater Drive & Exploration (1:30 PM – 4:30 PM)
In the afternoon, you will continue exploring the crater fields with a more relaxed pace.
Activities include:
- Driving around different crater rims
- Short guided walks (optional) at designated safe points
- Birdwatching—this area is rich in birdlife
- Viewing unique vegetation around crater lakes
You may also visit:
- Lake Katwe — where traditional salt mining takes place
- Katwe Salt Lake for a cultural experience with local communities
Late Afternoon: Scenic Drive & Return (4:30 PM – 6:00 PM)
As the day winds down, you will enjoy a relaxed drive back to your lodge or proceed for an optional evening game drive.
Expect:
- Golden-hour photography opportunities
- Possible sightings of elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes
- Beautiful sunset views over the savannah and crater landscapes
Location: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation Options:
Silver: Twin Lake Safari Lodge
Gold: Buffalo Safari Lodge
Platinum: Mweya Safari Lodge
Meals Plan: Breakfast and Lunch as well as Dinner
Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey
Day 12: To Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, you will drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, located in southwestern Uganda and shared between three districts of Kabale, Kanungu and Kisoro. Your journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park will take you through the rolling hills with terraced gardens of Irish potatoes and sometimes tea. You will arrive late afternoon for overnight at the Lodge. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to almost half of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas and the only National Park where wild chimpanzees co-exist with mountain gorillas.
Location: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Accommodation Options:
Silver: Agandi Lodge
Gold: Buhoma Lodge
Platinum: Buhoma Lodge
Meals Plan: Breakfast and Lunch as well as Dinner
Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey
Day 13: Gorilla tracking and Village walk
After breakfast, you will transfer to the park headquarters to join other trekkers to be allocated a Gorilla family that you will trek. Of course the park staff will first give you a full briefing concerning the Dos and Don’ts while with the gorillas. After that, you will be driven to the starting point of your allocated gorilla family to start your trek into the beautiful Impenetrable Bwindi Forest. This trek may take between 30 minutes to three quarters of the day, depending on where the Mountain Gorillas will be found. Please noted that gorilla trekking can be strenuous and as such a certain level of fitness is required. Once you find the gorillas, you will be allowed to spend one hour to observe them and take photographs.
Although this time may seem too short a time, the experience you get will be worth it. Thereafter, you will return to the park headquarters where you will be awarded a certificate in recognition of your effort in contributing to the conservation of these endangered mountain gorillas. Return to the lodge for relaxation followed by a village walk in the evening to learn more about the local people living around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This walk will enable you appreciate the effort of these people in conserving the forest and the gorillas. You can choose to support them through donation in kind. Please note that this is a voluntary act.
Location: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Accommodation Options:
Silver: Agandi Lodge
Gold: Buhoma Lodge
Platinum: Buhoma Lodge
Meals Plan: Breakfast and Lunch as well as Dinner
Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey
Day 14: Transfer from Bwindi to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
After an early breakfast at your lodge in Bwindi, you will check out and begin your scenic transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located in the southwestern corner of Uganda near the borders of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The journey takes approximately 3–4 hours, depending on which sector of Bwindi you are coming from (Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors are closest). Along the way, you will enjoy breathtaking views of the Virunga Volcanoes, rolling hills, terraced farmlands, and rural communities—perfect opportunities for photography.
Location: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Accommodation Options:
Silver: Travellers Rest Hotel
Gold: Travellers Rest Hotel
Platinum: Chameleon Hill Lodge
Meals Plan: Breakfast and Lunch as well as Dinner
Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey
Day 15: Golden Monkey Trekking & Departure to Lake Bunyonyi
After an early breakfast, you will head to the park headquarters for a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers about the golden monkey trekking experience.
You will then enter the forest for your golden monkey trek, which typically lasts 4–5 hours depending on the location of the monkeys. The trek takes you through the beautiful bamboo forests at the foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes. Once you locate the golden monkeys, you will spend one magical hour observing them as they:
Jump playfully between bamboo branches, Feed on shoots, fruits, and insects: Interact within their lively social groups. Golden monkeys are known for their bright golden-orange fur and energetic behavior, making them one of the most photogenic primates in Africa. After the trek, you will return to the lodge for lunch (depending on your travel plans), then proceed with your departure to Lake Bunyonyi.
Location: Lake Bunyonyi
Accommodation Options:
Silver: Birdnest @ Bunyonyi Resort
Gold: Birdnest @ Bunyonyi Resort
Platinum: Birdnest @ Bunyonyi Resort
Meals Plan: Breakfast and Lunch as well as Dinner
Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey
Day 16: To Lake Mburo National Park
After breakfast, drive to Lake Mburo National Park via the Great Lakes Museum or Igongo Cultural center to learn more about the cultures of the ethnic groups in western Uganda. Lunch will be served en route. You will arrive at Lake Mburo National Park just in time for an evening game drive. Lake Mburo National Park is popular for animals such as Impalas, Giraffes, Zebras and so much more. Return to the Lodge for overnight.
Location: Lake Mburo National Park
Accommodation Options:
Silver: Rwakobo Rock
Gold: Rwakobo Rock
Platinum: Mihingo Lodge
Meals Plan: Breakfast and Lunch as well as Dinner
Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey
Day 17: Lake Mburo National Park – Morning Nature Walk, Afternoon Leisure, Evening to Night Game Drive
After an early breakfast, you will set out for a guided morning nature walk in Lake Mburo National Park with a knowledgeable Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger guide. This is one of the best ways to experience the park up close, as you walk through the open savannah, acacia woodland, and rocky hills while listening to the sounds of nature coming alive. During the walk, you may encounter zebras, impalas, buffaloes, topis, warthogs, elands, and a variety of bird species. The nature walk gives you a rare opportunity to observe animals at a relaxed pace, take photographs, and learn more about the park’s ecosystem, plant life, and animal behavior from your guide.
After the walk, you will return to the lodge for lunch and a short relaxation period. This afternoon is ideal for unwinding, enjoying the scenic views around the park, and preparing for the next adventure. You may choose to relax at the lodge, enjoy the surroundings, or take in the peaceful atmosphere of the park as the heat of the day reduces and wildlife activity gradually picks up again.
In the evening, you will head out for a game drive across the park in search of more wildlife as the sun begins to set. This is one of the most rewarding times to explore Lake Mburo National Park because animals become more active in the cooler hours. You may spot zebras grazing in large numbers, graceful giraffes, antelopes, buffaloes, and other animals emerging from their hiding places. The golden sunset over the savannah also creates beautiful scenery and excellent photography moments.
Later at night, you will continue with a night game drive with a spotlight and a professional guide to search for nocturnal animals that are not easily seen during the day. This thrilling experience gives you a chance to spot species such as leopards, bush babies, hyenas, genets, civets, and other night hunters and creatures of the dark. The night game drive offers a completely different safari atmosphere, with the sounds of the bush, the cool night air, and the excitement of seeing wildlife after dark making it a memorable experience. After the night game drive, you will return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Location: Lake Mburo National Park
Accommodation Options:
Silver: Rwakobo Rock
Gold: Rwakobo Rock
Platinum: Mihingo Lodge
Meals Plan: Breakfast and Lunch as well as Dinner
Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey
Day 18: Drive to Entebbe International Airport
Today marks the end of your 18 Days Safari Tours and Holidays. But, depending on your flight time, you can have an optional morning walking Safari or just embark on your journey to Entebbe International Airport. Of course you will have a stop at the Equator crossing in Kayabwe for photography and stretching.
Location: Lake Mburo
Accommodation Options: No
Meals Plan: Breakfast and Lunch as well as Dinner
Drinking Water and Fruits Throughout the journey
Cost Includes
- Return airport transfers (pick up and drop off)
- Private transport for 18 days in a well-modified safari Extended land-cruiser (4WD,air-conditioned and pop-up roof)
- Rhino Tracking in Ziwa rhino Sanctuary
- Flue for 18 days
- English safari driver guide for 18 days
- Mid-range accommodation for 17 night on full board (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
- All en-route meals and bottled mineral water throughout your tour
- All park entrance and activities feel and all applicable government taxes
- Night game in Lake Mburo National Park
- Bigodi sanctuary swamp and community safari
- 1 Chimpanzee Trekking permit per person (Kibale forest national park and Bugondo Forest)
- 1 Mountain gorilla trekking permit in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park (Buhoma sector )
- A visit to the Equator land mark
- Batwa Community Encounter
Cost Excludes on 18 Days Uganda Safari Tours and Vacation:
- International and domestic flights
- Country entry visa
- Personal travel insurance
- Items of personal nature/laundry/telephone charges
- Souvenirs and gifts, Tips
- Alcoholic and other soft drinks (sodas, special juice order at the lodge and wines)
Special Deals on African Safari 2024-2025 (Rates Per Person in USD)
| Mid-range Safari | 2 People 1 room |
4 People 2 rooms |
6 People 3 rooms |
7 People+ |
| Price Per Person | $000 | $000 | $000 | GET A QUOTE |