13 Days Savannahs, Falls & Gorillas: The Grand Uganda Expedition

(EntebbeArrival, Lake Mburo, Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth N.Park, Kibale, Murchison Falls, Entebbe/Depart)

Safari Itinerary

Tour Overview: This 13-day expedition through Uganda’s diverse landscapes offers a comprehensive experience of the country’s wildlife and primates. From the savannahs of Lake Mburo and Queen Elizabeth National Park to the jungles of Bwindi and Kibale, and the powerful Murchison Falls, this safari provides exceptional opportunities to witness Uganda’s natural beauty and rich biodiversity.

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe

Accommodation: Protea Hotel by Marriott Entebbe (or similar)

Meals: Dinner

Arrive at Entebbe International Airport, where your guide will meet and transfer you to your hotel. Relax after your journey and prepare for the exciting days ahead.

Day 2: Entebbe to Lake Mburo National Park

Travel Distance: 240 km (approximately 4-5 hours)

Accommodation: Mihingo Lodge (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, drive to Lake Mburo National Park. This small but scenic park is known for its rolling hills, acacia woodlands, and rich wildlife, including zebras, giraffes, and antelopes. After lunch at the lodge, enjoy an afternoon game drive or a boat cruise on Lake Mburo, where you might spot hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species.

Day 3: Lake Mburo to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Travel Distance: 260 km (approximately 5-6 hours)

Accommodation: Mahogany Springs Lodge (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, depart for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, passing through the beautiful Kigezi Highlands, often referred to as the “Switzerland of Africa.” Arrive at your lodge in the afternoon and spend the rest of the day relaxing and preparing for the gorilla trek the next day.

Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Accommodation: Mahogany Springs Lodge (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Begin the day with an early breakfast before heading to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking. Venture into the dense forest to track one of Bwindi’s gorilla families. The trek can be challenging but is rewarded with an hour spent observing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Return to your lodge to relax after the trek.

Day 5: Bwindi to Queen Elizabeth National Park (Ishasha Sector)

Travel Distance: 160 km (approximately 3-4 hours)

Accommodation: Ishasha Wilderness Camp (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, drive to the Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions. Enjoy an afternoon game drive in search of these unique lions, as well as elephants, buffalo, and other wildlife. Overnight at a lodge within the park, surrounded by nature.

Day 6: Game Drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Spend the day exploring Queen Elizabeth National Park. Start with an early morning game drive in the savannah plains, where you might spot lions, leopards, and large herds of elephants. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, which is famous for its high concentration of hippos and birdlife.

Day 7: Queen Elizabeth to Kibale National Park

Travel Distance: 180 km (approximately 3-4 hours)

Accommodation: Primate Lodge Kibale (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, drive to Kibale National Park, home to the largest population of chimpanzees in Uganda. The scenic drive takes you through beautiful countryside and small villages. Arrive at your lodge in the afternoon, where you can relax or explore the area with a guided nature walk.

Day 8: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale National Park

Accommodation: Primate Lodge Kibale (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After an early breakfast, embark on a thrilling chimpanzee tracking adventure. Follow experienced guides through the forest to observe the energetic chimpanzees in their natural habitat. In the afternoon, you can visit the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for bird watching or take a cultural tour to visit local communities.

Day 9: Kibale to Murchison Falls National Park

Travel Distance: 370 km (approximately 7-8 hours)

Accommodation: Paraa Safari Lodge (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Depart Kibale early in the morning and drive to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest national park. The journey takes you through rolling hills, tea plantations, and rural landscapes. Arrive at your lodge in the evening, with time to rest before exploring the park.

Day 10: Game Drive & Nile River Cruise in Murchison Falls National Park

Accommodation: Paraa Safari Lodge (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Start the day with an early morning game drive on the northern bank of the Nile, where you can spot lions, elephants, giraffes, and other wildlife. In the afternoon, take a boat cruise to the base of the falls, where you’ll see hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species. Optionally, hike to the top of Murchison Falls for spectacular views.

Day 11: Delta Game Drive & Visit to the Top of Murchison Falls

Accommodation: Paraa Safari Lodge (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Embark on a morning game drive to the Nile Delta, an area known for its birdlife, including the rare shoebill stork. In the afternoon, visit the top of Murchison Falls, where the Nile River is forced through a narrow gorge, creating a powerful waterfall. The views are breathtaking, and you can feel the power of the water as it crashes down the falls.

Day 12: Murchison Falls to Entebbe

Travel Distance: 305 km (approximately 5-6 hours)

Accommodation: Protea Hotel by Marriott Entebbe (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, drive back to Entebbe. Along the way, you can stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to track rhinos on foot. This stop gives you the chance to see all of the “Big Five” (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino) during your safari. Arrive in Entebbe in the late afternoon for a relaxing evening at your hotel.

Day 13: Departure from Entebbe

Meals: Breakfast

Depending on your flight time, enjoy a leisurely morning in Entebbe. You might visit the Entebbe Botanical Gardens or the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre before transferring to the airport for your departure flight.

This 13-day itinerary provides a well-rounded experience of Uganda’s wildlife and primates, covering a variety of landscapes and ecosystems.