Ultimate Uganda Wildlife Tour: National Parks & Cultural Highlights - 14 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Entebbe, Welcome Dinner

Welcome to Uganda and the bustling city of Entebbe, nestled along the shores of Lake Victoria. Meet your driver outside Entebbe International Airport to transfer to your hotel. You can stay in to relax and fight off jet lag or venture out to explore the city on your own before dinner. If you're up for it, head to the Entebbe Botanical Gardens for a stroll through the peaceful oasis. Walk among the collection of exotic trees and flowers, looking out for the many birds who call this haven home. 

Continue on to Entebbe Pier for another stroll, this time along the shores of Lake Victoria. This is the perfect spot to see the sunset, so try to time your visit right to watch as the lake, dotted with fishing boats, transforms in the fading light. In the evening, meet your guide for a welcome dinner, where you can enjoy a delicious meal, discuss the trip's itinerary, and ask any questions you may have before returning to the hotel for the night.

Day 2: Transfer to Kampala, Guided Tour of the Ugandan Capital 

After just one night in Entebbe, you'll continue to the capital, Kampala, which is only an hour's drive away. Once you settle into your new hotel, venture back out for a guided tour of the city, starting at the Uganda Museum to browse the treasure trove of artifacts and exhibits showcasing the country's traditions, history, and biodiversity. After this educational visit, hop in a boda-boda, a bicycle or motorcycle taxi ideal for weaving in and out of the city's chaotic traffic.

Day 3: Transfer to Jinja, Cruise to the Source of the Nile

Say goodbye to the capital this morning as you transfer three hours east to Jinja, known as the "source of the Nile." When you arrive, check into your hotel, then head to the pier to start your cruise toward the Nile River. Hop in a boat and float past small villages and locals going about their daily lives. When you reach the Nile, you can sample water from both the lake and the river to really immerse yourself in the experience of cruising from one life-sustaining water source to another.

Keep an eye out for birds flying above, crocodiles basking in the sun, or even partially submerged hippos. After the peaceful journey, return to Jinja to explore an arts and crafts center along the main street. Browse the handmade goods made by local artists to find the perfect souvenirs to take home. Once you've worked up an appetite, walk along the street dotted with cafés, restaurants, and street food vendors to find a delicious meal before returning to your hotel for the night. 

Day 4: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

This morning, you get to visit the first of five national parks on your itinerary, as a six-hour transfer takes you north to Murchison Falls National Park. First protected as a game reserve in 1926, it's Uganda's largest and oldest conservation area and home to over 76 species of mammals and 451 birds.

When you arrive, settle into your lodge to unwind. If you're looking to start exploring right away, opt for a quick 45-minute hike to nearby Murchison Falls. Follow the Winston Churchill Trail to the top of the falls, where you can watch the thunderous waters cascade into the Nile, then return to the lodge to rest up for tomorrow's early start.

Day 5: Boat Cruise to Murchison Falls, Evening Game Drive

Start your morning with a three-hour cruise down the Nile to Murchison Falls. You may be able to see semiaquatic animals from the boat, like hippos or crocodiles, and don't forget to look to the skies—the rare shoebill stork is known to frequent these shores. When you arrive at the base of the falls, you'll have time to admire your surroundings and take plenty of photos before cruising back to your lodge. 

In the evening, embark on a game drive along the southern banks of the Victoria Nile, passing through various habitats as you try to see some (or all) of the Big Five (lions, elephants, rhinoceros, buffalo, and leopards). You might also spot giraffes, hyenas, and Ugandan kobs, while your guide teaches you about their behaviors and habitats before returning to your lodge for the night.

Day 6: Transfer to Kibale National Park, Bigodi Wetlands Walk

Trade one national park for another this morning as you transfer 4.5 hours southwest to Kibale National Park, nestled in the lush landscapes of western Uganda. Check into your new lodge, then venture back out on a 2.7-mile (4.5 km) walk through the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary. As you navigate the well-maintained trails, you'll hear a symphony of bird calls as over 200 species of birds reside here. You may also hear the shriek of primates since the sanctuary is home to eight species, including the red-tailed monkey and olive baboon.

Day 7: Track Chimpanzees Through the Forest, Lunch at Tinka's 

Wake up early this morning for a day spent tracking chimpanzees through the forests of Kibale. Meet your guide at the ranger headquarters at 8 am, then follow them through dense foliage and rugged trails to find the primates. You'll have to be quiet, so your guide can listen for the unmistakable hoots and calls of the chimpanzees echoing through the trees. When you finally come across a troop, watch as they swing effortlessly from tree to tree and groom each other on the forest floor. You may also see the elusive forest elephant on this trek, recognizable by its short stature and hairy skin.

Keep a look out above the trees as well, as there are over 335 bird species in the park. After spotting the chimpanzees and learning about their habits and familial roles, head to Tinka's Homestead for a traditional Kitooro lunch. The Tinka family will welcome you into their home and teach you about the ingredients and cooking methods they use to create authentic meals. When the food is ready, sit down with the family to eat and learn about more culinary traditions. Thank them for their hospitality, then return to your lodge to relax for the rest of the day.

Day 8: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park 

After breakfast at the lodge, hit the road heading southwest for a 1.5-hour transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, nestled between Lake Edward and Lake George. Upon arrival, you'll venture out to visit the local Kataara women and learn about their poverty alleviation group. The group was started to help the community, as many women in the tribe were widowed and couldn't create a livelihood for themselves. Since elephants were always trampling their gardens, the women decided to use the dung these gentle giants left to make paper, jewelry, and more handmade goods you can find in their shop.

After an educational morning, stretch your legs on a 4.3-mile (7 km) hike to the twin lakes of Mirambi and Katinda. Walk through lush forests surrounded by diverse flora and fauna as you ascend to a higher vantage point. When you reach the top, enjoy panoramic views of the shimmering crater lakes reflecting the Rwenzori Mountains. Enjoy a refreshing soft drink or beer while the sun sets around you, then trek down the same path before it gets too dark and return to your lodge for the night. 

Day 9: Morning Game Drive, Safari Cruise on the Kazinga Channel

Start your exploration of Queen Elizabeth National Park this morning with a game drive in the wildlife-heavy Kasenyi sector. Drive across the vast savanna and over rolling hills, keeping your eyes peeled for the famous Big Five. You're most likely to see lions here, as they often stalk the abundant Ugandan kob population. Don't forget to look out for some of the over 600 bird species throughout the park, such as the iconic African fish eagle.

In the afternoon, explore the park's waterways with a boat cruise down the tranquil Kazinga Channel. The channel is teeming with life, so keep an eye out for herds of elephants cooling off by the water's edge, hippos wallowing in the shallows, and crocodiles basking in the sun. Listen to the calls of exotic birds and try to spot them flying over the mountainous backdrop. After a full day discovering the park's lush landscapes and abundant wildlife, return to the lodge to rest for the night. 

Day 10: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Leave the savannas of Queen Elizabeth National Park behind to discover a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The five-hour drive will take you south over rolling hills, past small villages, and through tea plantations. Make quick stops along the way to take pictures or grab something to eat. As the journey progresses, the terrain evolves, leading into the dense forests and misty hills surrounding the "impenetrable forest." When you arrive, check into your lodge, then enjoy dinner on-site before you settle in for the night. 

Day 11: Gorilla Trek, Meet the Batwa People

Wake up early to explore the national park on foot, silently tracking one of its most famous residents—the gorilla. After breakfast, meet your guide at the park's head office at 8 am to start your trek. As you navigate the dense foliage surrounded by mist-shrouded hills, you'll come across distinct gorilla footprints to follow. When you finally reach the curious animals, approach them with caution, and always maintain a distance of 22 feet (7 m). You get to spend an hour with these gentle animals in their natural habitat, so get your cameras ready to document this memorable experience.

In the afternoon, trek back into the forest to meet the Batwa people, who have lived here for over 300 years and are known as the "keepers of the forest." As you approach the village, you'll be greeted by grass-thatched houses and the welcoming Batwa community. Follow them on a short walk through the village to learn about their traditional way of life. Gain insight into their unique customs, ancient rituals, and profound knowledge of the forest while sharing a local meal of plants and goat stew. End the day with traditional dances and storytelling to truly appreciate the Batwa's rich cultural heritage. 

Day 12: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park, Evening Game Drive 

It's time to set off toward your last national park and the smallest in the country, Mburo National Park. Leave Bwindi behind as you start the six-hour drive east through rural communities and dense forests. Once you arrive, check into your lodge and relax before this evening's game drive.

When it's time, head out to explore the park's acacia-dotted plains and glassy lakes, keeping an eye out for wildlife, especially the over 350 birds that inhabit this diverse ecosystem. Look out for impalas prancing through the grasslands, zebras grazing peacefully on the plains, or the world's largest antelope, elands. Following the game drive, return to your lodge for the night.

Day 13: Morning Game Drive, Visit a Cattle Farm, Horseback Safari

Set an early alarm so you don't miss your morning game drive across the park. Enjoy a packed breakfast, then jump into your vehicle and set off over the grasslands. Watch as the park comes alive around you with towering giraffes navigating the landscape and impalas grazing on the plains. Listen as your expert guide shares their knowledge and points out flora and fauna unique to this area.

After an action-packed morning, follow your guide to a local cattle farm to get a glimpse of Ugandan rural life. Meet the farmers, learn about their traditional milking methods, and try your hand at milking the cattle yourself before sitting down to enjoy a meal with the locals. Once you're rejuvenated, return to the park for a horseback safari. This quieter mode of transportation won't scare off wildlife, so you're likely to ride alongside zebras, impalas, and elands—truly immersing yourself in nature. Following this perfect final experience, return to your lodge to relax for the rest of the day.

Day 14: Final Game Drive, Transfer to Entebbe, Depart

Start your last day in Uganda off right with a final game drive after breakfast. Look out for animals you may have missed before, such as the elusive leopard and scavenging hyenas, while the sun slowly rises around you. Then it's time to grab your bags and jump in a private car to transfer four hours back to Entebbe. Stop along the way at the equator to stand on the symbolic line and grab lunch, then continue to Entebbe International Airport for your flight home. Safe travels!

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