From tracking rhinos on foot to the remote wilderness of Kidepo, from the Nile at Murchison Falls to chimpanzees in Kibale and mountain gorillas in Bwindi, this is an immersive journey through some of Uganda’s most distinctive landscapes and experiences. Meet the people and culture of Karamoja, follow the Nile through Murchison Falls, explore Queen Elizabeth’s wildlife-rich plains and finish walking through the savannah of Lake Mburo. This is Uganda at its most diverse.
Day 1: Entebbe to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Your Uganda adventure begins. Meet your representative at Entebbe International Airport and travel north towards Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, settling into your lodge ahead of tomorrow’s rhino experience.
Day 2: Rhino Tracking & Journey to Kidepo
Start the morning on foot with a guided rhino tracking experience – an intimate encounter and a different perspective from a game drive. Afterwards, continue north towards Kidepo Valley National Park; the drive is long, but the changing landscapes and rural communities are part of the experience.
Day 3: Kidepo Wildlife & Karamoja Culture
Spend the morning exploring Kidepo’s vast wilderness, home to elephants, lions, giraffes, buffalo, antelope and more, set against a dramatic backdrop of mountains and open valleys. In the afternoon, meet members of a Karamojong community to learn about their traditions and way of life, ending with a traditional cultural performance.
Day 4: A Full Day in Kidepo
A day dedicated to Kidepo. Drive through the Narus Valley, one of the park’s key wildlife areas, before continuing towards the Kidepo Valley and its seasonal river. Depending on conditions, the day can include the hot springs, wildlife viewing and a guided nature walk with a ranger, with a picnic lunch in the wilderness keeping things unhurried.
Day 5: Kidepo to Murchison Falls
Leave Kidepo after breakfast and journey south towards Murchison Falls National Park, travelling through northern Uganda’s changing landscapes before reaching the Albert Nile. Settle in and enjoy the evening overlooking the river.
Day 6: Murchison Falls – Wildlife & the Nile
A morning game drive through the park in search of elephants, buffalo, giraffes, antelope and, with luck, lions. Later, take a boat cruise along the Nile towards the base of Murchison Falls, watching hippos and crocodiles, then continue to the top of the falls for a close view of the Nile forcing its way through the gorge.
Day 7: Murchison Falls to Kibale Forest
Travel south through Masindi and Hoima towards Fort Portal and Kibale Forest, the landscape gradually changing from northern savannah to the lush tea-growing country of western Uganda. Arrive at your forest camp and relax ahead of tomorrow’s chimpanzee experience.
Day 8: Chimpanzees & Bigodi Wetland
Enter Kibale Forest in search of chimpanzees, walking with experienced trackers while watching for other primates and forest wildlife. After lunch, explore Bigodi Wetland on a guided community walk through its rich papyrus habitat, with opportunities to see birds and primates while learning about the local community.
Day 9: Kibale to Queen Elizabeth
Continue south towards Queen Elizabeth National Park through the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains. After lunch, head to the Kazinga Channel for a boat safari between Lakes Edward and George, watching for hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffalo and an abundance of birdlife.
Day 10: Ishasha & Bwindi
Travel through the Ishasha sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions, enjoying a game drive before continuing towards Bwindi. The landscape changes from open savannah to the forested mountains of southwestern Uganda as you approach Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Arrive and prepare for tomorrow’s gorilla trek.
Day 11: Gorilla Trekking & Journey to Lake Mburo
The highlight of your safari. After an early breakfast, head to the Buhoma sector for your briefing, then enter the forest with rangers and trackers to find a habituated gorilla family and spend up to one hour with them. After the trek and lunch, visit Ride 4 a Woman in Buhoma before continuing towards Lake Mburo National Park.
Day 12: Lake Mburo Nature Walk & Entebbe
End your safari on foot with an early morning guided nature walk through Lake Mburo National Park, observing wildlife at a slower pace. Afterwards, begin the journey towards Entebbe, stopping at the Equator along the way, with a direct transfer to the airport in line with your flight schedule.
Gorilla trekking takes place in mountainous rainforest and can be physically demanding; trekking time varies with the location of the gorilla family. Permits are subject to availability and should be secured well in advance. Porters are available for travellers who would like assistance during the trek.
This itinerary covers a large part of Uganda and includes some long driving days, particularly between Kidepo and Murchison Falls and between Murchison and Kibale. For travellers who prefer less time on the road, domestic flights can be considered for selected sections. We can shape the journey around your interests, time and preferred style of travel.
