Safari Overview
This 15-day Grand Uganda Wildlife Safari is the ultimate Pearl of Africa odyssey. It masterfully balances high-octane adrenaline activities with deep-wilderness encounters. From white-water rafting on the River Nile to tracking Mountain Gorillas in the ancient Bwindi rainforest, this journey covers the full spectrum of Uganda’s natural and cultural wonders.
Explore eight distinct destinations, including the powerful Murchison Falls, the primate-rich Kibale Forest, and the Switzerland of Africa highlands. Whether you are tracking rhinos on foot or enjoying a horseback safari in Lake Mburo, this 15-day Grand Uganda Wildlife Safari itinerary is designed to provide an immersive, slow-paced, and comprehensive Ugandan experience.
Safari Highlights
- Adrenaline & Culture: Rafting in Jinja and a deep dive into the Tooro and Buganda Kingdoms.
- The Big Five + Primates: Rhino tracking at Ziwa, lions in Murchison, and the legendary tree-climbing lions of Ishasha.
- Primate Encounters: Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale and Gorilla trekking in Bwindi.
- Water Safaris: Launch cruises on the Nile, the Kazinga Channel, and Lake Mburo.
- Landscape & Relaxation: The explosion craters of Fort Portal and the tranquil islands of Lake Bunyonyi.
Detailed Safari Itinerary
Day 1–2: Arrival & White-Water Rafting in Jinja
Upon arrival at Entebbe, you will be transferred to Kampala. The next day, head to Jinja, the source of the Nile, for a world-class white-water rafting adventure (Grade 5 rapids). Enjoy a riverside BBQ before returning to Kampala.
- Accommodation: Serena Hotel Entebbe (Luxury) / Cassia Lodge (Comfort)
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3–4: Ziwa Rhinos & Murchison Falls National Park
Drive north to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided foot safari to see Uganda’s only wild rhinos. Continue to Murchison Falls to witness the Nile explode through a 7-meter gorge. On Day 4, enjoy a sunrise game drive followed by a boat cruise to the Devil’s Cauldron to spot hippos, crocodiles, and the rare Shoebill stork.
- Accommodation: Paraa Safari Lodge (Luxury) / Murchison River Lodge (Comfort)
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5–6: Primate Capital – Kibale Forest National Park
Travel to the lush tea-growing region of Fort Portal. On Day 6, enter the Kibale Rainforest for chimpanzee tracking. Kibale holds the highest density of primates in Africa. In the afternoon, explore the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a birdwatcher’s paradise.
- Accommodation: Papaya Lake Lodge (Luxury) / Mountains of the Moon Hotel (Comfort)
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7–8: Craters, Kingdoms & Queen Elizabeth National Park
Visit the Amabere Ga Nyina Mwiru caves and hike the surrounding explosion craters. After a visit to the Tooro Kingdom Palace, drive to Queen Elizabeth Park. Day 8 features a game drive across the Kasenyi plains and a sunset boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel.
- Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge (Luxury) / Kasenyi Safari Camp (Comfort)
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9–11: Ishasha Lions & Bwindi Gorilla Trekking
Search for the famous tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector before driving to Bwindi. Day 11 is the tour highlight: Mountain Gorilla Trekking. Spend an unforgettable hour with a gorilla family in their natural habitat.
- Accommodation: Silverback Lodge (Luxury) / Rushaga Gorilla Camp (Comfort)
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 12–13: Lake Bunyonyi & Lake Mburo National Park
Relax at Lake Bunyonyi, Africa’s second deepest lake. Enjoy canoeing or swimming in its bilharzia-free waters. On Day 13, head to Lake Mburo, the only park in Western Uganda where you can see Zebras and Giraffes together.
- Accommodation: Mihingo Lodge (Luxury) / Mburo Safari Lodge (Comfort)
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 14–15: Safari Walk, Equator & Kampala City Tour
Engage in a guided nature walk to see hyenas and elands on foot. Return to Kampala with a stop at the Uganda Equator and the Mpigi Royal Drum Makers. On the final day, explore Kampala’s history at the Uganda Museum and the Gadhafi Mosque before your flight home.
- Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
Tour Inclusions & Exclusions
| Category | Inclusions (What is Included) | Exclusions (What is NOT Included) |
| Permits | 1 Gorilla Permit & 1 Chimpanzee Permit | International Airfares |
| Transport | 4×4 Safari Vehicle (Pop-up roof) & Fuel | Uganda Entry Visa |
| Activities | Rafting, Rhino Tracking, Boat Cruises, City Tour | Bungee Jumping or optional extras |
| Accommodation | 14 Nights Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) | Porter for Gorilla Trekking |
| Entrance Fees | All National Park & Sanctuary entrance fees | Tips and Gratuities |
| Staff | Professional English-speaking Driver/Guide | Personal Insurance (Health/Travel) |
| Refreshments | Bottled water throughout the safari | Alcoholic drinks & laundry services |
Safari Quotation (Indicative)
| Tier | Accommodation Level | Avg. Price Per Person (Group of 2+) |
| Luxury | 5-Star Boutique Lodges | $7,200 |
| Comfort | 4-Star Mid-range Lodges | $5,100 |
| Standard | 3-Star Safari Camps | $3,950 |
Quick Facts
- Duration: 15 Days / 14 Nights.
- Top Wildlife: Rhinos, Lions (Tree-climbing), Gorillas, Chimpanzees, Elephants, Leopards.
- Adventure Factor: High (Rafting, Hiking, Tracking).
- Best Time: December to February (Dry season) for the best trekking conditions.
