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15 Days From Falls to Forests: Uganda’s Premier Safari Circuit

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

Safari Itinerary

Tour Overview: This 15-day safari offers an immersive experience across Uganda’s most iconic landscapes. From the thundering Murchison Falls to the dense forests of Kibale and Bwindi, this itinerary takes you through savannahs, riverine environments, and jungles teeming with wildlife and primates, including chimpanzees and the majestic mountain gorillas.

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 and prepare for your journey through Uganda’s wild landscapes.

Day 2: Entebbe to Murchison Falls National Park

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

Accommodation: Paraa Safari Lodge (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, drive to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area. En route, visit the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to track rhinos on foot, providing an opportunity to see all of the “Big Five” animals during your safari. Continue to Murchison Falls, arriving in time to relax at your lodge.

Day 3: Game Drive & Nile River Cruise in Murchison Falls National Park

Accommodation: Paraa Safari Lodge (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Embark on an early morning game drive on the northern bank of the Nile, where you might spot lions, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and other wildlife. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls. The river is home to hippos, crocodiles, and diverse bird species. Optionally, hike to the top of the falls for stunning views.

Day 4: Delta Game Drive & Top of the Falls Visit

Accommodation: Paraa Safari Lodge (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Start the day with a game drive to the Nile Delta, an area renowned for birdwatching, including the elusive shoebill stork. Later, visit the top of Murchison Falls, where the Nile River is forced through a narrow gorge, creating a powerful waterfall. The view from the top is breathtaking and offers great photo opportunities.

Day 5: Murchison Falls to Kibale National Park

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

Accommodation: Primate Lodge Kibale (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Depart Murchison Falls and drive to Kibale National Park, famous for its high population of chimpanzees. The journey will take you through Uganda’s scenic countryside, arriving at your lodge in the evening. Spend the night at your lodge, surrounded by the sounds of the forest.

Day 6: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale National Park

Accommodation: Primate Lodge Kibale (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After an early breakfast, join a guided chimpanzee tracking adventure. Track the energetic chimpanzees through the forest, observing their behavior and interactions. In the afternoon, explore the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a chance to see other primates and bird species, or visit a local community for a cultural experience.

Day 7: Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park

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

Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, which lies at the base of the Rwenzori Mountains. Arrive at your lodge in time for lunch, followed by an afternoon game drive through the park’s varied landscapes, including savannahs, wetlands, and crater lakes. Look out for lions, elephants, and other wildlife.

Day 8: Game Drives & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Begin the day with a sunrise game drive to catch the predators and herbivores at their most active. After lunch, take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, which is famous for its large populations of hippos, crocodiles, and diverse birdlife. The cruise offers excellent opportunities for photography.

Day 9: Queen Elizabeth to Ishasha Sector

Travel Distance: 120 km (approximately 2-3 hours)

Accommodation: Ishasha Wilderness Camp (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Drive to the Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, known for its tree-climbing lions. Enjoy an afternoon game drive focused on finding these unique lions resting in fig trees. The sector is also home to large herds of elephants, buffaloes, and various antelope species.

Day 10: Ishasha to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Travel Distance: 60 km (approximately 2-3 hours)

Accommodation: Mahogany Springs Lodge (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, take a final game drive in Ishasha before continuing to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas. Arrive at your lodge in the afternoon and relax in preparation for the next day’s gorilla trekking adventure.

Day 11: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Accommodation: Mahogany Springs Lodge (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking. Set off into the dense forest, where experienced guides will lead you to one of the habituated gorilla families. Spend an unforgettable hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat before returning to your lodge for relaxation.

Day 12: Optional Activities in Bwindi

Accommodation: Mahogany Springs Lodge (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy a day of optional activities in Bwindi. You can choose to take a second gorilla trek, visit the local Batwa community for a cultural experience, or go for a guided forest walk to discover the park’s incredible biodiversity, including birds, butterflies, and unique plant species.

Day 13: Bwindi to Lake Bunyonyi

Travel Distance: 65 km (approximately 2-3 hours)

Accommodation: Birdnest Resort (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, drive to Lake Bunyonyi, one of Uganda’s most scenic lakes, known for its many islands and terraced hillsides. Upon arrival, enjoy the serene environment and stunning views. In the afternoon, take a boat tour on the lake, visiting some of the islands and learning about their unique histories.

Day 14: Lake Bunyonyi to Entebbe

Travel Distance: 430 km (approximately 7-8 hours)

Accommodation: Protea Hotel by Marriott Entebbe (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, depart for the long drive back to Entebbe, passing through beautiful landscapes and traditional villages. Arrive in Entebbe in the late afternoon, where you’ll have time to relax and reflect on your journey through Uganda.

Day 15: Departure from Entebbe

Meals: Breakfast

Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time to explore Entebbe before your transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Optional activities include visiting the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, or shopping for souvenirs.

Safari InclusionsSafari Exclusions
Airport Transfer ServicesInternational and local flights
Transport in a spacious 4 x 4 WD safari land cruiserTips and gratuities
Full board accommodation in your preferred luxury lodge/campExcursions
All park fees and government taxes
Game drives
Visa
Schedule Flights as specified on itineraryTravel & Medical Insurance
Mineral waterAll expenses of personal nature (e.g. telephone, drinks, laundry, optional activities, souvenirs etc.)
Services of a professional English speaking driver guidePremium Drinks

This 15-day itinerary is designed for those who wish to fully immerse themselves in Uganda’s diverse ecosystems, experiencing the best of its wildlife and primate encounters.

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We take pride in being among the best and most ethically-responsible tour operators/ travel agents in East Africa. We believe it is essential to connect as many elements that make a memorable safari adventure to our clients as possible to support that vision.