13-Day Best of Uganda safari vacation with gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest National Park.
Book this safari with Katland Safaris for expertly planned trips led by experienced local guides. Each safari is personalised, responsibly run, and focused on authentic wildlife encounters. Seamless planning ensures a smooth and unforgettable journey.
Overview
The 13-day Best of Uganda safari combines Uganda’s most iconic wildlife and cultural experiences with unforgettable primate encounters. This safari is designed for travelers seeking a complete immersion into Uganda’s national parks, featuring gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest, classic game drives in Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks, and scenic relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Mburo. The journey begins and ends in Entebbe or Kampala, offering a seamless and comprehensive Ugandan adventure.
Tour Highlights
- Day 1: Transfer from Entebbe or Kampala to Murchison Falls National Park with a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for rhino tracking and a visit to the top of the falls.
- Day 2: Game Drive and Boat Safari in Murchison Falls National Park to view savannah wildlife and Nile River scenery.
- Day 3: Extended Wildlife Exploration in Murchison Falls National Park with morning and afternoon game drives.
- Day 4: Transfer from Murchison Falls National Park to Kibale Forest National Park through scenic rural landscapes.
- Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Wetland Community Walk in Kibale Forest National Park.
- Day 6: Transfer from Kibale Forest to Queen Elizabeth National Park with scenic crater lake views.
- Day 7: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Safari exploring wildlife and aquatic species.
- Day 8: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park via Ishasha Sector with chances to spot tree-climbing lions.
- Day 9: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for a close encounter with mountain gorillas.
- Day 10: Additional Gorilla or Nature Experience in Bwindi with community visit or forest walk.
- Day 11: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi for relaxation and lake-based activities.
- Day 12: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park with guided nature walk and wildlife viewing.
- Day 13: Early Morning Nature Walk in Lake Mburo National Park and Return to Entebbe or Kampala concluding the safari.
Detailed Itinerary: 13-Day Best of Uganda safari vacation with gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest National Park.
Day 1: Transfer from Entebbe or Kampala to Murchison Falls National Park
Start your 13-day Best of Uganda safari with an early morning pickup from Entebbe or Kampala. After a safari briefing, travel north to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for guided rhino tracking, Uganda’s only chance to see rhinos in the wild.
Continue to Murchison Falls National Park and visit the top of the falls, where the Nile squeezes through a narrow gorge. Transfer to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay. Accommodation options include Red Chilli Rest Camp or Parkside Safari Lodge for budget, Murchison River Lodge or Pakuba Safari Lodge for mid-range, and Paraa Safari Lodge or Nile Safari Lodge for luxury.
Day 2: Game Drive and Boat Safari in Murchison Falls National Park
Begin with an early morning game drive on the northern bank of the Nile, spotting elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, Uganda kob, lions, hyenas, and occasionally leopards.
After lunch, enjoy a boat safari along the Nile to the base of Murchison Falls to see hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, and abundant birdlife. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Extended Wildlife Exploration in Murchison Falls National Park
Spend another day in Murchison Falls National Park to maximize wildlife encounters. Morning and afternoon game drives increase your chances to see predators and plains game, with time to relax at the lodge between excursions. Dinner and overnight stay remain at the lodge.
Day 4: Transfer from Murchison Falls National Park to Kibale Forest National Park
After breakfast, travel southwest to Kibale Forest National Park. The scenic journey passes through rural villages, rolling hills, and tea plantations at the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains.
Arrive in the late afternoon, check in at your lodge, and enjoy dinner and overnight stay. Accommodation options include Chimpanzee Forest Guest House for budget, Kibale Forest Camp for mid-range, and Primate Lodge Kibale for luxury.
Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Wetland Community Walk
Begin the day with a chimpanzee trekking adventure. After breakfast, attend a briefing before heading into Kibale Forest with ranger guides to track chimpanzees.
In the afternoon, enjoy a Bigodi Wetland community walk, observing monkeys, birds, and learning about local conservation initiatives. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 6: Transfer from Kibale Forest to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The route features crater lakes, open plains, and rural village scenery.
Upon arrival, check in at your lodge, enjoy lunch, and spend the afternoon at leisure. Dinner and overnight stay are at Bush Lodge for budget, Twin Lakes Safari Lodge for mid-range, or Mweya Safari Lodge for luxury.
Day 7: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Safari
Start with an early morning game drive in the Kasenyi plains, spotting lions, elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and birds.
After lunch, embark on a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel to see hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, and abundant water birds. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 8: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park via Ishasha Sector
Travel south through the Ishasha sector, known for its tree-climbing lions. Game viewing is included if sightings occur along the way.
After lunch, continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, check in at your lodge, and enjoy dinner and overnight stay. Accommodation options include Broadbill Forest Camp for budget and Chameleon Hill Lodge or similar luxury lodges.
Day 9: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
This is the highlight of the safari. After an early breakfast, attend a briefing before entering the forest with ranger guides to track a habituated gorilla family.
Spend one hour observing these magnificent primates, then return to the lodge for lunch, relaxation, dinner, and overnight stay.
Day 10: Additional Gorilla or Nature Experience in Bwindi
Enjoy a second day in Bwindi. You may opt for another gorilla trek if permits are available or take a guided nature walk exploring the forest trails. A Batwa community visit can also be included to learn about local culture. Dinner and overnight stay remain at the lodge.
Day 11: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
Depart Bwindi after breakfast for Lake Bunyonyi, one of Uganda’s most scenic lakes. Lunch is included upon arrival, and optional activities such as canoeing, birdwatching, or a community walk are available. Dinner and overnight stay are at a lakeside lodge.
Day 12: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park
After breakfast, travel to Lake Mburo National Park. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided nature walk and observe zebras, impalas, giraffes, and other wildlife. Lunch is included en route.
Check in at your lodge, relax, and enjoy dinner and overnight stay. Accommodation options include Mihingo Lodge for luxury, Lake Mburo Safari Lodge for mid-range, or Eagle Nest Camp for budget.
Day 13: Early Morning Nature Walk in Lake Mburo National Park and Return to Entebbe or Kampala
Conclude the safari with an early morning nature walk in Lake Mburo National Park. Afterward, begin the journey back to Entebbe or Kampala, with a stop at the Equator for photographs and lunch.
Arrive in Kampala or Entebbe and be dropped at your hotel or Entebbe International Airport, marking the end of your 13-day Best of Uganda safari with gorilla trekking.
Safari Includes
- Safari Park fees
- All Tour activities
- All Tour accommodation
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation ( To & From )
- All Taxes/VAT
- Everyday Meals ( As specified )
- Drinking water ( On all days )
Safari Excludes
- International flights ( From / to home )
- Additional Accommodation
- Tips
- Personal items(Souvenirs
- etc.)
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Gov increase of taxes and/or park fees
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13-Day Best of Uganda safari vacation with gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest National Park.
Choose Your Location & Safari Type
Decide where you want to go, how long you will stay, and the kind of safari you want, such as game drives or gorilla trekking. This helps define your budget, travel dates, and overall plan.
Confirm the Safari Itinerary
Select a trusted safari operator and review the itinerary, including parks, accommodation, activities, and what is included. Confirm availability for lodges and permits before proceeding.
Make Payment and Prepare to Travel
Pay the required deposit to secure your safari bookings and confirm all arrangements. After confirmation, review the travel advice provided and prepare for your safari trip.
First-Time Safari Guide To Get Ready For Your Holiday
This East Africa Safari 101 guide explains everything a first-time safari traveler needs to know, from wildlife and game drives to costs, safety, and the best time to visit. It helps beginners understand what to expect on safari and how to plan a smooth, rewarding experience in East Africa.
