Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 16-day journey through Uganda’s most iconic wildlife and primate habitats, combining thrilling safari drives, immersive forest treks, and serene lake experiences. This tour takes you from the powerful Murchison Falls National Park, with its abundant savannah wildlife and spectacular waterfall, to the primate-rich forests of Kibale and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where you will encounter chimpanzees and the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Experience the rare spectacle of tree-climbing lions in Ishasha and the abundant wildlife of Queen Elizabeth National Park, including hippos, elephants, buffaloes, and over 600 bird species along the Kazinga Channel. Enjoy unique cultural encounters with the Batwa community, explore wetlands and birdlife at Bigodi Swamp, and relax at the scenic Lake Bunyonyi. The safari concludes with a full-day Kampala city tour and a rare chance to track the prehistoric shoebill stork, combining adventure, photography, and cultural immersion for a comprehensive Ugandan experience.
Safari Highlights:
- Murchison Falls National Park: Early morning and evening game drives, boat cruise to the base of the falls, and Top of the Falls visit
- Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: On-foot rhino tracking experience
- Kibale Forest National Park: Chimpanzee trekking and Bigodi Wetland nature walk
- Queen Elizabeth National Park: Morning and evening game drives, Kasenyi plains wildlife, and Kazinga Channel boat cruise
- Ishasha Sector: Tree-climbing lions and wildlife spotting
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Mountain gorilla trekking and Batwa cultural experience
- Lake Bunyonyi: Relaxing boat cruise and lakeside scenery
- Lake Mburo National Park: Walking or cycling safari and afternoon boat cruise
- Kampala City Tour: Kasubi Tombs, Kabaka’s Palace, local food markets, Bahá’í Temple, Gaddafi National Mosque, Old Taxi Park, Rubaga Cathedral, and craft shops
- Shoebill Tracking: Rare birdwatching experience in Mabamba Swamp or other wetlands
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival, Airport Pick-up & Transfer to Murchison falls via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by a professional guide from Openbill Safaris Uganda and begin your scenic drive northwards to Murchison Falls National Park. En route, you will stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided on-foot rhino tracking experience, the only place in Uganda where endangered white rhinos can be seen in the wild, offering a unique conservation encounter. After lunch, continue through Uganda’s picturesque countryside and rural communities before entering Murchison Falls National Park in the late afternoon, with chances of spotting wildlife along the way. You will then proceed to your lodge for check-in, dinner, and an overnight stay surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness, marking a perfect start to your safari adventure.
Day 2: Early Morning and Evening sunset game drives in Murchison
Begin your day with an early morning game drive across the open savannah plains of Murchison Falls National Park, the best time to spot predators and other wildlife as they emerge at sunrise, including lions, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, antelopes, and a variety of bird species. Return to the lodge for breakfast and relaxation during the midday heat before enjoying lunch and some leisure time. In the late afternoon, head out again for an evening sunset game drive, when animals become active once more and the golden light creates excellent photography opportunities. As the sun sets over the Nile and rolling landscapes, continue searching for wildlife before returning to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay in the heart of the park.
Day 3: Morning Game Drive, Boat Cruise & Top of the Falls Visit
After an early breakfast, set out for a morning game drive in Murchison Falls National Park, offering another chance to spot abundant wildlife such as lions, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and various antelope species in the cool hours of the day. Later, return to the lodge for lunch before heading to the Nile for a scenic afternoon boat cruise to the base of the mighty Murchison Falls, where you will enjoy close-up views of hippos, crocodiles, water birds, and animals drinking along the riverbanks. After the cruise, proceed to the Top of the Falls, where the Nile is forced through a narrow gorge, creating a powerful and breathtaking spectacle. Enjoy panoramic views and photo opportunities before returning to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 4: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park and Evening Bigodi swamp nature walk
After breakfast, depart Murchison Falls National Park and enjoy a scenic drive southwest through Uganda’s beautiful countryside, passing tea plantations, crater lakes, and rural communities en route to Kibale Forest National Park, renowned for its rich primate diversity. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and have lunch before heading out in the late afternoon for an enriching nature walk in the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. Guided by knowledgeable local guides, explore this community-run wetland known for its rich birdlife, monkeys, and unique flora, offering excellent opportunities for birdwatching and cultural interaction. Return to the lodge in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay near the forest.
Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking & Evening Community Experience
After an early breakfast, head to Kibale Forest National Park headquarters for a briefing before embarking on an exciting chimpanzee tracking experience through the lush tropical rainforest, where you will search for habituated chimpanzee families and encounter other primates, forest birds, and unique flora along the way. Spend an unforgettable hour observing chimpanzees in their natural habitat as they feed, play, and interact. After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the late afternoon or evening, enjoy a rewarding community experience, visiting a nearby local village to interact with residents, learn about traditional lifestyles, cultural practices, and local initiatives, before returning to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park & Evening Game Drive
After breakfast, depart Kibale Forest National Park and drive south toward Queen Elizabeth National Park, enjoying a scenic journey through the beautiful landscapes of western Uganda, including crater lakes, rolling hills, and tea plantations. Arrive in the park around midday, check in at your lodge, and enjoy lunch with views of the surrounding wilderness. In the late afternoon, set out for an evening game drive across the Kasenyi plains, one of the park’s prime wildlife areas, where you may spot elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kob, warthogs, and predators such as lions and leopards as they become active toward sunset. Return to the lodge after the game drive for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 7: Morning Game Drive & Evening sunset game drives in Queen
Start the day with an early morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, exploring the Kasenyi plains and surrounding savannah when wildlife is most active, offering excellent chances to spot lions, elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kob, hyenas, and a wide variety of bird species. Return to the lodge for breakfast and relaxation during the hotter hours of the day, followed by lunch and leisure time. In the late afternoon, head out again for an evening sunset game drive, as the park comes alive with wildlife activity and the golden light creates spectacular scenery and photography opportunities. After the drive, return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay in the park.
Day 8: Morning Game Drive & Afternoon Boat Cruise
After an early breakfast, enjoy a morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, exploring the savannah plains and wildlife-rich areas as animals emerge at sunrise, with chances of spotting elephants, lions, buffaloes, antelopes, and diverse birdlife. Return to the lodge for breakfast and relaxation, followed by lunch. In the afternoon, embark on a scenic boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway linking Lake George and Lake Edward, renowned for its high concentration of hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and abundant water birds along the banks. After the cruise, return to the lodge to relax, enjoy dinner, and spend the night surrounded by the park’s rich wildlife.
Day 9: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park via Ishasha sector
After breakfast, depart Queen Elizabeth National Park and drive south through the famous Ishasha sector, renowned for its unique tree-climbing lions that are often seen resting in fig trees along the savannah. Enjoy a game drive en route as you search for these rare lions, as well as elephants, buffaloes, topis, and other wildlife. Continue the journey through scenic highlands, rolling hills, and rural communities toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the endangered mountain gorillas. Arrive in the late afternoon or early evening, check in at your lodge, and relax with dinner and an overnight stay on the edge of the forest, preparing for the unforgettable gorilla trekking experience the next day.
Day 10: Gorilla Tracking & Batwa Cultural Experience
Wake up early for breakfast before heading to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest headquarters for a briefing from park rangers on gorilla trekking. Embark on an unforgettable gorilla tracking adventure, trekking through dense forest and rugged terrain in search of a habituated gorilla family. Spend an hour observing these magnificent creatures up close as they feed, play, and interact in their natural habitat—a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, engage in a Batwa cultural experience, visiting the Batwa community to learn about their traditional forest-based lifestyle, music, dances, and crafts, gaining insights into their unique heritage and conservation efforts. Return to the lodge in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay near Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Day 11: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi & Afternoon Boat Cruise
After breakfast, depart Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and drive to the serene Lake Bunyonyi, often called the “Switzerland of Africa” for its stunning scenery of terraced hills and calm waters dotted with islands. Arrive at your lakeside lodge and enjoy lunch while taking in the spectacular views. In the afternoon, embark on a relaxing boat cruise across the lake, exploring some of its islands, learning about local legends, and observing birdlife and traditional fishing activities. After the cruise, return to the lodge to unwind, enjoy dinner, and spend the night in this peaceful lakeside setting.
Day 12: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park & Evening Game Drive
After breakfast, depart Lake Bunyonyi and drive northeast to Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda’s smallest savannah park, known for its scenic rolling hills, acacia woodlands, and diverse wildlife. Arrive at the park in the early afternoon, check in at your lodge, and enjoy lunch while taking in the peaceful surroundings. In the late afternoon, embark on an evening game drive, exploring the park’s open landscapes to spot zebras, impalas, hippos, buffaloes, elands, and giraffes, as well as predators such as leopards and hyenas that may be active at dusk. Return to the lodge after the game drive for dinner and an overnight stay within or near the park.
Day 13: Walking safari or Cycling safari and Afternoon Boat cruise in Lake Mburo
After breakfast, choose between an exciting walking safari or a cycling safari in Lake Mburo National Park, guided by experienced rangers. The walking safari allows you to explore the park intimately, tracking wildlife on foot while learning about animal behavior, plants, and conservation. Alternatively, a cycling safari offers a more active adventure across the park’s scenic trails and rolling hills, providing opportunities to spot zebras, impalas, giraffes, and other wildlife. After the morning activity, return to the lodge for lunch and some relaxation. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Mburo, gliding along the calm waters to observe hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife while taking in the tranquil beauty of the park from a different perspective. Return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 14: Transfer from Lake Mburo to Kampala via Equator
After breakfast, depart Lake Mburo National Park and begin your scenic drive back to Kampala, Uganda’s bustling capital. En route, stop at the Equator line for a fun and memorable photo opportunity, where you can learn about the unique geographical significance and take part in interactive demonstrations showing the Coriolis effect. Continue the journey through picturesque countryside, passing small towns, farms, and rural communities, arriving in Kampala in the afternoon. Upon arrival, you will be dropped off at your hotel.
Day 15: Full-Day Kampala City Experience and Transfer to Entebbe
After breakfast, enjoy a full-day Kampala city tour, exploring the city’s rich culture, history, and vibrant life. Visit the Kasubi Tombs, the royal burial site of Buganda kings, and the historic Kabaka’s Palace, gaining insight into Uganda’s royal heritage. Explore the bustling local food markets and craft shops, where you can sample fresh produce and purchase traditional Ugandan crafts. Continue to the stunning Bahá’í Temple and the impressive Gaddafi National Mosque, offering panoramic city views from its minaret. Stop at the iconic Old Taxi Park to witness everyday city life and visit Rubaga Cathedral, one of Uganda’s oldest and most beautiful churches. After a rich day of sightseeing, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before transferring to Entebbe
Day 16: Morning shoebill tracking and Transfer to Airport for departure
Start your day early with a morning shoebill tracking adventure at one of Uganda’s prime wetlands, such as Lake Victoria, Mabamba Swamp, or a local reserve, guided by experienced birding guides. Glide quietly by boat through papyrus channels and shallow waters in search of the rare and prehistoric-looking shoebill stork, along with other wetland birds, offering incredible photography and wildlife observation opportunities. After this memorable experience, return to Entebbe, enjoy a brief refreshment or early lunch if time allows, and then proceed to Entebbe International Airport for your onward flight, marking the conclusion of your extraordinary Uganda safari adventure.
