18 Days Pearl of Africa Safari Experience
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
This extended 18-day Pearl of Africa Safari Experience is crafted for travelers who want to explore Uganda in depth, without rushing between destinations. The itinerary combines Uganda’s most iconic wildlife parks, primate tracking forests, dramatic landscapes, lakeside retreats, and adventure hubs, creating a seamless journey through the country’s ecological and cultural diversity. Each region is given adequate time to appreciate wildlife behavior, scenery, and local life, making this safari ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and first-time visitors seeking a complete Ugandan experience.
Tour Highlights
- Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Welcome to Uganda
- Day 2: Entebbe to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
- Day 3: Murchison Falls National Park – Morning Game Drive and Nile Boat Safari
- Day 4: Murchison Falls National Park – Top of the Falls and Extended Exploration
- Day 5: Murchison Falls to Kibale Forest National Park
- Day 6: Kibale Forest – Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi Community Walk
- Day 7: Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Day 8: Queen Elizabeth National Park – Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Cruise
- Day 9: Queen Elizabeth to Ishasha Sector – Tree-Climbing Lions
- Day 10: Ishasha to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Day 11: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – Gorilla Trekking Experience
- Day 12: Bwindi to Lake Bunyonyi – Scenic Drive and Relaxation
- Day 13: Lake Bunyonyi to Lake Mburo National Park
- Day 14: Lake Mburo National Park – Walking Safari and Afternoon Game Drive
- Day 15: Lake Mburo to Jinja – Journey to the Source of the Nile
- Day 16: Jinja – Nile Adventure and Leisure Activities
- Day 17: Jinja to Entebbe – Cultural Encounters and Countryside Views
- Day 18: Departure from Entebbe International Airport
Detailed Itinerary: 18 Days Pearl of Africa Safari Experience
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Welcome to Uganda
Your arrival marks the beginning of an immersive Ugandan journey as you land at Entebbe International Airport, set along the shores of Lake Victoria. After meeting your safari guide, you transfer to your hotel where the evening is reserved for rest, acclimatization, and a relaxed introduction to Uganda’s warm hospitality.
Day 2: Entebbe to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
The journey north introduces Uganda’s conservation success stories with a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for guided rhino tracking on foot. Observing southern white rhinos in an open savannah environment provides a rare and meaningful wildlife encounter. The drive continues to Murchison Falls National Park, where savannah plains meet the Nile River.
Day 3: Murchison Falls National Park – Morning Game Drive and Nile Boat Safari
A classic safari rhythm begins with an early morning game drive across the northern sector of the park. This area supports large populations of elephants, giraffes, buffalo, antelope, and predators. In the afternoon, a boat safari along the Nile offers close-range viewing of hippos, crocodiles, and water birds, ending near the base of the powerful Murchison Falls.
Day 4: Murchison Falls National Park – Top of the Falls and Extended Exploration
This day emphasizes landscapes and natural drama with a visit to the Top of the Falls, where the Nile squeezes through a narrow rock gorge before plunging into the river below. The remainder of the day allows for relaxed exploration, scenic viewpoints, and photography within the park’s varied ecosystems.
Day 5: Murchison Falls to Kibale Forest National Park
A full-day scenic transfer reveals Uganda’s geographic diversity as you travel southwest through rural communities, farmlands, and tea plantations. The changing scenery prepares you for the lush rainforest environment of Kibale Forest National Park, renowned for its high concentration of primates.
Day 6: Kibale Forest – Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi Community Walk
Primate tracking takes priority with a guided chimpanzee trek through Kibale Forest. Watching chimpanzees forage, communicate, and move through the canopy offers an intimate wildlife experience. In the afternoon, a guided walk through Bigodi Wetland highlights community-led conservation, traditional livelihoods, and rare bird species.
Day 7: Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park
The transition from forest to open savannah is marked by a drive south toward Queen Elizabeth National Park. Volcanic crater lakes and wide plains dominate the scenery, and wildlife sightings often begin before reaching your lodge.
Day 8: Queen Elizabeth National Park – Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Cruise
One of Uganda’s most rewarding safari days unfolds with a morning game drive searching for lions, elephants, buffalo, and leopards. The afternoon Kazinga Channel boat cruise provides exceptional wildlife density, offering close encounters with hippos, Nile crocodiles, and an impressive variety of birdlife.
Day 9: Queen Elizabeth to Ishasha Sector – Tree-Climbing Lions
The remote Ishasha sector offers a slower-paced safari experience focused on tracking the region’s famous tree-climbing lions. The open fig trees and quiet plains create ideal conditions for patient wildlife observation and photography.
Day 10: Ishasha to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
A dramatic change in scenery marks this journey as you ascend into the forested highlands of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The afternoon is spent resting and preparing for the following day’s physically demanding but deeply rewarding gorilla trekking experience.
Day 11: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – Gorilla Trekking Experience
This unforgettable day centers on mountain gorilla trekking as you hike through dense rainforest in search of a habituated gorilla family. The one hour spent observing gorillas at close range offers profound insight into their social structure and behavior, creating a powerful and emotional wildlife encounter.
Day 12: Bwindi to Lake Bunyonyi – Scenic Drive and Relaxation
After the intensity of gorilla trekking, you travel to Lake Bunyonyi, a peaceful highland lake surrounded by terraced hills and small islands. The afternoon allows time for relaxation, scenic walks, and optional canoeing on calm waters.
Day 13: Lake Bunyonyi to Lake Mburo National Park
The journey continues through rural southwestern Uganda toward Lake Mburo National Park. This lesser-known park offers a more intimate safari experience, characterized by rolling hills, acacia woodland, and abundant plains wildlife.
Day 14: Lake Mburo National Park – Walking Safari and Afternoon Game Drive
Unique safari activities define Lake Mburo with a guided walking safari that allows close, ground-level encounters with zebras, giraffes, and antelope. An afternoon game drive further explores the park’s lakes, woodlands, and open grasslands.
Day 15: Lake Mburo to Jinja – Journey to the Source of the Nile
A long but rewarding drive leads eastward toward Jinja, Uganda’s adventure capital. Along the way, the scenery shifts to central Uganda’s farmlands and towns, culminating in arrival near the legendary Source of the Nile.
Day 16: Jinja – Nile Adventure and Leisure Activities
Adventure and relaxation balance the day with opportunities for white-water rafting on the Nile, boat cruises, cycling, or simply enjoying the riverside atmosphere. This day provides a refreshing contrast to traditional wildlife safaris.
Day 17: Jinja to Entebbe – Cultural Encounters and Countryside Views
The return to Entebbe offers cultural insights through optional stops at local markets and craft centers. The scenic drive allows reflection on the journey while enjoying Uganda’s vibrant rural landscapes.
Day 18: Departure from Entebbe International Airport
Your Pearl of Africa Safari Experience concludes with a timely transfer to Entebbe International Airport for departure, carrying with you a deep appreciation of Uganda’s wildlife, landscapes, and cultural richness.
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
Request A Quote For this;
18 Days Pearl of Africa Safari Experience
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.
