14 Days Uganda Adventure Safari and Gorilla Tour

This 14 days Uganda adventure safari is designed for travellers who want to experience the country’s best wildlife, primates, and scenic landscapes in one well-planned journey. The trip combines major national parks, chimpanzee trekking, gorilla trekking, classic game drives, boat cruises, and relaxing lake stops, making it one of the most complete safari circuits in Uganda. From the River Nile and Murchison Falls to Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Lake Bunyonyi, and Lake Mburo, the route gives you a strong mix of wildlife viewing and varied scenery. It is ideal for travellers who want a longer Uganda safari that balances adventure, comfort, and depth

Safari Highlights

• Ngamba Island chimpanzee visit and Kampala city tour
• Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary stop en route to Murchison Falls
• Game drive and Nile boat cruise in Murchison Falls National Park
• Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest
• Big game viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Tree-climbing lions in Ishasha
• Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Canoe ride on Lake Bunyonyi
• Walking safari and boat ride in Lake Mburo National Park

Detailed itinerary

Day 1, Arrival at Entebbe International Airport, transfer to Kampala or Entebbe

Meet and greet on arrival at Entebbe International Airport, then transfer to your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe for rest after your flight. Overnight stay at Central Inn Entebbe [budget], 2 Friends Hotel Entebbe [mid-range], or Protea Hotel Entebbe [luxury].

Day 2, Ngamba Island chimpanzee sanctuary and Kampala city tour

After breakfast, transfer to the landing site for your boat trip to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary. The boat ride takes about 1.5 hours, allowing you to arrive in time for chimpanzee viewing and to learn more about the island sanctuary before returning to the mainland. Later in the afternoon, go for a Kampala city tour with visits to the Kasubi Tombs, Uganda Museum, and the Baha’i Temple. If time allows, you will also visit the Martyrs Shrine in Namugongo. Overnight stay at Holiday Express Hotel [budget], Imperial Royale Hotel or Cassia Lodge [mid-range], or Kampala Serena Hotel [luxury].

Day 3, Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park, visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and Top of the Falls

At 7 am, you will be picked up from your hotel and begin the journey to Murchison Falls National Park. The drive takes about 6 hours, with lunch en route. On the way, stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for rhino tracking before continuing to the park. Later in the afternoon, visit the Top of the Falls for a dramatic view of the Nile as it forces itself through a narrow gorge. Optional activity: Hike to the Top of the Falls, USD 30 per person. Overnight stay at Red Chilli Bandas [budget], Fort Murchison or Murchison River Lodge [mid-range], or Paraa Safari Lodge or Chobe Safari Lodge [luxury].

Day 4, Game drive and Nile boat cruise in Murchison Falls National Park

Set out early for a morning game drive in Murchison Falls National Park. Some of the animals you may see include giraffes, antelopes, bushbucks, waterbucks, and many other savannah species. Return to the lodge for breakfast and later have lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on the Nile to the bottom of the falls. During the cruise, you may see large schools of hippos, crocodiles, waterbirds, and wildlife along the riverbanks. Return to your lodge for an overnight stay

Day 5, Transfer to Fort Portal, overnight near Kibale

After breakfast, drive south to Fort Portal, with lunch en route. This is a long transfer day linking Murchison Falls to Uganda’s western primate region. Flight option available, USD 470 per person per way. Dinner and overnight stay at Rwenzori View Guest House or Kibale Forest Camp [budget], Mountains of the Moon Hotel or Crater Safari Lodge [mid-range], or Ndali Lodge or Kyaninga Lodge [luxury]

Day 6, Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest, Bigodi Wetland Walk

At 6:30 am, after breakfast, transfer to Kanyanchu Visitor Centre for a briefing before chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest. Kibale is home to around 13 primate species, including grey-cheeked mangabeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, red colobus monkeys, baboons, blue monkeys, bush babies, and black-and-white colobus monkeys. The forest also offers rewarding scenery for botanists, butterfly lovers, and birders. Return to the lodge for lunch, then go for a nature walk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight stay at the same lodge.

Day 7, Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, depart at 10 am and transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, arriving in the afternoon. Check in at your lodge, have lunch, and relax for the rest of the day. Overnight stay at Kazinga Channel View Hotel or Simba Safari Camp [budget], or Ihamba Safari Lodge or Marafiki Safari Lodge [mid-range]. Optional activities: Lion tracking, USD 50 per person, Visit to the Katwe salt mines, USD 20 per person

Day 8, Game drive and Kazinga Channel boat cruise

Go for a game drive in the Kasenyi area of Queen Elizabeth National Park for chances to see lions, hyenas, elephants, buffaloes, and other wildlife. Later in the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, well known for its rich birdlife and wildlife along the shores. The boat ride takes about 3 hours, and you should return in time to watch the sunset. Overnight stay at your previous lodge.

Day 9, Ishasha game drive, transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After breakfast, travel through the Ishasha sector for a game drive with a chance to see the famous tree-climbing lions. After the game drive, continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The full journey takes about 6 hours. Dinner and overnight stay at Buhoma Community Bandas, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge budget rooms, or Rushaga Gorilla Camp [budget], Gorilla Safari Lodge, Gorilla Mist Camp, or Nkuringo Cottages [mid-range], or Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp or Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge [luxury].

Day 10, Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After an early breakfast, transfer to the briefing point for registration and gorilla family allocation. The trek begins at 8 am and may take between 2 and 8 hours, depending on the location of the gorillas. We recommend carrying drinking water and a packed lunch in case the trek is longer. Once you find the gorillas, you will be allowed to spend 1 hour with them while observing their behaviour and taking photographs. After the trek, return to your lodge for an overnight stay.

Day 11, Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, canoe ride

At 8 am, after breakfast, drive for about 3 hours to Lake Bunyonyi near Kabale. Arrive in the afternoon and have lunch. Later, enjoy a canoe ride on one of Uganda’s most scenic lakes. Overnight stay at Bunyonyi Overland Resort [budget], or Birdnest Resort Bunyonyi [mid-range or luxury]—optional activity: Batwa experience, USD 80 per person.

Day 12, Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park, afternoon game drive

At 7 am, begin the 4 to 5-hour journey to Lake Mburo National Park, known for its zebras and acacia woodland landscapes in western Uganda. Arrive in time for lunch, then relax before heading out for an afternoon or evening game drive in search of wildlife, including leopards. Overnight stay at Rwonyo Bandas or Eagles Nest [budget], Lake Mburo Safari Lodge [mid-range], or Mihingo Lodge [luxury].

Day 13, Guided nature walk and boat ride in Lake Mburo National Park

Go for a guided nature walk in the park this morning, then later in the afternoon, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Mburo. Return to your lodge for an overnight stay

Day 14, Return to Kampala or Entebbe, Botanical Gardens visit, departure

At 7 am, depart Lake Mburo National Park and begin the drive back to Kampala. The drive takes about 3 hours. Continue to Entebbe and, if time allows, go for a nature walk in the Botanical Gardens before transferring to the airport for your onward flight.

Inclusions and exclusions

Inclusions

• Airport pick-up and drop-off
• Private safari vehicle and driver guide
• Accommodation for 13 nights
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary
• Park entry fees
• Ngamba Island visit
• Chimpanzee trekking permit
• Gorilla trekking permit
• Bottled drinking water during road transfers

Exclusions

• International flights
• Uganda visa
• Personal travel insurance
• Porter fees during gorilla trekking
• Tips and gratuities
• Alcoholic drinks and extra beverages
• Optional activities not listed as included