13-Day Best of Uganda Wildlife Safari

13-Day Best of Uganda Wildlife Safari

This 13-day Best of Uganda Wildlife Safari by Wild Planet offers a comprehensive journey through Uganda’s most iconic national parks, combining classic wildlife safaris, primate encounters, scenic landscapes, and rich cultural experiences.

• Murchison Falls National Park
• Kibale Forest National Park
• Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
• Lake Mburo National Park

Safari Overview

This 13-day Best of Uganda Wildlife Safari by Wild Planet offers a comprehensive journey through Uganda’s most iconic national parks, combining classic wildlife safaris, primate encounters, scenic landscapes, and rich cultural experiences.

The safari begins in Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest protected area and one of its most dramatic. Here, the mighty Nile River forces its way through a narrow 7-meter gorge before plunging 40 meters into the Devil’s Cauldron, creating a breathtaking spectacle. You will enjoy thrilling game drives, a scenic boat safari on the Nile, and panoramic views of the falls.

The journey continues to Kibale Forest National Park, home to the highest concentration of primates in East Africa. This ancient rainforest shelters chimpanzees and numerous other primate species thriving in both lowland and montane forest habitats. Kibale also protects one of the last significant expanses of pre-montane forest in the region.

From Kibale, Wild Planet takes you south to Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector and its vast savanna plains set against the Rwenzori Mountains. A boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel reveals dense populations of hippos, elephants, and diverse birdlife.

The highlight of the safari unfolds in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, where you will embark on an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience. Guided by expert trackers, you will hike through misty rainforest terrain to spend a magical hour with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

The safari concludes at Lake Mburo National Park, a peaceful landscape of acacia woodlands and lakes, offering walking safaris, game drives, and a relaxing boat cruise before returning to Kampala.

Safari Highlights

• Rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
• Boat safari on the Nile River
• Spectacular views of Murchison Falls
• Game drives in Murchison Falls National Park
• Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest
• Guided nature walk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
• Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel
• Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
• Nature walk and game drive in Lake Mburo National Park
• Boat cruise on Lake Mburo
• Equator crossing experience
• Visit to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Detailed Travel Schedule

Day 1: Arrival in Uganda

Wild Planet’s safari guide meets you at Entebbe International Airport and transfers you to your hotel. You receive a safari briefing, followed by dinner and overnight stay in Entebbe.

Day 2: Entebbe – Murchison Falls National Park

After breakfast, drive north to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for an on-foot rhino tracking experience. Continue to Masindi for lunch, then proceed to Murchison Falls National Park. Arrive in the evening for dinner and overnight at your lodge.

Day 3: Game Drive & Nile Boat Safari

Enjoy an early morning game drive on the Nyamsika Plateau, spotting giraffes, buffaloes, elephants, lions, and other wildlife. After lunch and rest, take an afternoon boat safari on the Victoria Nile to the base of Murchison Falls, passing hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife.

Day 4: Top of the Falls & Transfer to Kibale Forest

Visit the top of Murchison Falls for dramatic views of the Nile squeezing through the gorge. Later, drive through scenic countryside to Kibale Forest National Park, arriving in the late afternoon.

Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Wetland Walk

Track chimpanzees in Kibale Forest after a morning briefing at Kanyanchu Visitor Centre. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided nature walk through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, known for birdlife and primates.

Day 6: Queen Elizabeth National Park – Game Drive & Boat Cruise

Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park for a morning game drive. In the afternoon, cruise along the Kazinga Channel, one of Africa’s best wildlife viewing waterways.

Day 7: Ishasha Sector & Transfer to Bwindi

Travel through the Ishasha sector in search of tree-climbing lions. Continue south to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, enjoying scenic views of the Western Rift Valley en route.

Day 8: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

After an early briefing, trek through dense forest to find a gorilla family. Spend one unforgettable hour observing these gentle giants before returning to your lodge to relax.

Day 9: Optional Second Gorilla Trek or Relaxation

Choose between a second gorilla trekking experience or a relaxed day in Bwindi. Later, transfer toward Kisoro as part of your onward journey.

Day 10: Bwindi – Lake Mburo National Park via Igongo Cultural Centre

Drive to Lake Mburo National Park, stopping at Igongo Cultural Centre for lunch and cultural experiences highlighting Ankole traditions and cattle culture.

Day 11: Walking Safari, Game Drive & Boat Cruise

Explore Lake Mburo on foot with a ranger, followed by a game drive. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Mburo, viewing hippos, crocodiles, and water birds.

Day 12: Lake Mburo – Kampala

Travel back to Kampala with a stop at the Equator for photos and souvenirs. Arrive in the late afternoon for dinner and overnight.

Day 13: Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary & Departure

Cruise across Lake Victoria to Ngamba Island to visit rescued chimpanzees. After the visit, return to Entebbe and transfer to the airport or hotel depending on your flight schedule.

Plan This Safari with Wild Planet

This 13-day Best of Uganda Wildlife Safari showcases the very best of Uganda’s wildlife, primates, landscapes, and culture. Wild Planet expertly designs this itinerary to balance adventure, comfort, and meaningful encounters.

Contact Wild Planet today to customize this safari, confirm availability, or learn more about extending or tailoring your Uganda wildlife adventure.