14 Days Uganda Vacation – The People, wild & Gorillas

After breakfast, we leave Entebbe and travel north towards Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary in central Uganda, an important conservation project created to help restore Uganda’s rhino population. On arrival, you will meet the assigned ranger-guide and begin an up-close rhino tracking experience. Walking through the sanctuary gives you the chance to see these powerful animals in a natural setting while learning more about their protection and conservation. Take time to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and fresh air before returning for lunch. After lunch, we continue our journey to Gulu City in northern Uganda. Gulu is a lively and growing city with a strong sense of community and a fascinating recent history. As you explore the area, you will see everyday life unfolding through the streets and local communities. Later, check in at your hotel, enjoy dinner, and relax after the day’s journey as you prepare for the wilderness of Kidepo tomorrow.

Accommodation: Boma Hotel Gulu – Budget Level
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer Time: Approx. 6 hours

After breakfast, we set off for Kidepo Valley National Park in the far northeast of Uganda. The journey takes you into a remote and beautiful part of the country, where wide valleys, open plains, rugged landscapes, and untouched wilderness create a true African safari feeling. We aim to arrive in time for lunch and a short rest before heading out for an afternoon-to-evening game drive in the Narus Valley. This part of Kidepo has open savannah mixed with acacia woodland and permanent water sources, attracting many animals throughout the year. Keep your eyes open for large buffalo herds, elephants, zebras, antelopes, lions, and possibly the elusive leopard. The quiet wilderness and beautiful scenery make every moment special, whether you are watching animals or simply enjoying the landscape. After the game drive, return to the lodge for dinner, relax, and enjoy a peaceful night surrounded by the atmosphere of the wild.

Accommodation: Namoni lodge – Midrange Level
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer Time: Approx. 5 ½ hours

Today begins with breakfast before heading into the Narus Valley for another exciting game drive. With open plains and permanent water sources, this area offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. The drive lasts about three to four hours, giving you time to search for lions, elephants, large herds of buffaloes, leopards, and other wildlife. After the morning adventure, return to the lodge for lunch and some rest. In the afternoon, we set out for a cultural encounter with the Karamojong people. This experience offers a closer look at their way of life, traditions, beliefs, and strong connection to cattle and community. The Karamojong share cultural links with the Maasai of Kenya, and their traditions have been shaped by generations of living in this region. Spend a meaningful afternoon learning and connecting with the community. Later, return to the lodge, freshen up, enjoy dinner, and relax after another day in Kidepo.

Accommodation: Namoni lodge  –Midrange Level
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer Time: N/A

After breakfast, we head out on foot to experience Kidepo’s wilderness from a different perspective. Accompanied by an armed ranger-guide, you will walk through the savannah, following dry river beds, rocky areas, and bushland while observing the smaller details of the landscape. The walk gives you a chance to learn about animal tracks, plants, and the natural surroundings in a more personal way. If the route takes you towards the Kidepo River Valley, you may enjoy the wide white-sand riverbed and the beautiful Borassus palm forest, which creates a striking oasis-like scene. After the morning walk, return to the lodge for lunch and time to relax. In the afternoon, we head back towards the Narus Valley for another game drive and more wildlife viewing. Keep watching for elephants, buffaloes, zebras, antelopes, lions, and other animals. Later, return to the lodge for dinner and your final night in Kidepo National Park.

Accommodation: Namoni lodge – Midrange Level
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer Time: N/A

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before leaving Kidepo and travelling towards Murchison Falls National Park. The journey takes you from the remote wilderness of northeastern Uganda towards one of Uganda’s most famous safari destinations. The scenery makes the drive interesting. Murchison Falls is known for its powerful waterfall, wide savannah plains, and rich wildlife. The park offers chances to see lions, leopards, giraffes, hartebeests, buffaloes, elephants, hippos, and Nile crocodiles. We aim to arrive with some time to rest before heading out for a late afternoon-to-evening game drive, usually beginning around 3:00 or 4:00pm and continuing until about 6:30 or 7:00pm. As the day cools, wildlife becomes active across the plains, creating a wonderful start to your Murchison experience. After the game drive, return to the lodge, freshen up, enjoy dinner, and settle in for the night. Tomorrow brings a full day of exploring this remarkable national park and its wildlife.

Accommodation: Ikorom Safari Lodge – Budget Level
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer Time: 6–7 hours

Today is dedicated to exploring Murchison Falls National Park with morning and afternoon game drives. After breakfast, we head into the savannah to search for the park’s many wildlife species. Keep your eyes open for buffaloes, Jackson’s hartebeests, elephants, lions, giraffes, leopards, hyenas, and other animals spread across the open grasslands. The scenery and wildlife make this a rewarding day. To avoid a long drive back to the lodge at midday, we may stop at Red Chilli for a hot lunch before returning to the park for the afternoon game drive. This gives you more time in the wilderness and less time on the road. If you would like another experience, an optional boat trip upstream towards the falls can be arranged at an extra cost. Along the riverbanks, you may see hippos, crocodiles, and birds. After the activities, return to the lodge for dinner and a relaxing overnight stay.

Accommodation: Ikorom Safari Lodge – Budget Level
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer Time: Approx. 25–30 minutes to/from the park gate

After breakfast, we drive to the top of Murchison Falls, where you can appreciate the power and beauty of the Nile as it forces its way through the narrow gorge. Take time to enjoy the views and experience one of Uganda’s most memorable natural attractions before continuing our journey south towards the edge of Kibale Forest National Park. Today involves a long drive, but the changing scenery makes it enjoyable. The views change along the way. Along the way, you will pass through villages, green countryside, rolling hills, and areas known for tea plantations. These views offer a different side of Uganda. We aim to reach the accommodation later in the day, check in, and rest after the long journey today. If you would like to stretch your legs, an optional stop in Hoima may be considered, including a short visit to the local market. Later, enjoy dinner and relax.

Accommodation: Kibale Forest camp – Budget Level
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer Time: Approx. 7 hours

After breakfast, we head out for the Bigodi Wetlands excursion, a guided community experience lasting about two to three hours. The walk takes you through a beautiful conservation area near Kibale Forest, where nature and community meet. Along the way, you may spot primates such as red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and L’Hoest’s monkeys. Bird lovers can also look out for species such as the Great Blue Turaco and Papyrus Gonolek. After the walk, return to the lodge, freshen up, and enjoy an early lunch before continuing to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The drive takes about two hours. Depending on time, you may have a chance for a game drive on arrival, looking for lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and other wildlife. If you prefer chimpanzee tracking, this can be chosen instead of Bigodi at an additional cost. The chimpanzee permit must be secured in advance because daily places are limited.

Accommodation: Irungu Forest Lodge – Budget Level
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer Time: Approx. 2 hours

Start the day early with breakfast before heading into the Kasenyi Plains for a morning game drive. This wide savannah area is known for good wildlife viewing, and you will have opportunities to look for lions, elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, and possibly leopards. The open landscape also makes it a wonderful place for bird watching and photography. After the morning drive, return to the accommodation for lunch and some time to relax. In the afternoon, we continue to the Kazinga Channel for a two-hour boat trip connecting Lakes George and Edward. From the water, you will enjoy close views of large hippo groups, Nile crocodiles, buffaloes, elephants, and many bird species along the shoreline, including the African Skimmer. The boat trip offers another way to experience Queen Elizabeth’s wildlife. After the cruise, return to the lodge, freshen up, and enjoy the rest of the evening before dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Irungu Forest Lodge – Budget Level
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer Time: N/A

After breakfast, we set out for one more game drive across the Kasenyi Plains. Keep watching for Cape buffaloes, elephants, lions, leopards, and other wildlife as we enjoy the morning in the savannah. We then continue towards the Ishasha sector, a part of Queen Elizabeth National Park known for tree-climbing lions. Seeing these lions resting in the branches is never guaranteed, but when they are in the trees, the sight can be unforgettable. Even when the lions are not visible, Ishasha offers opportunities to see elephants, buffaloes, topis, and Uganda kobs. After exploring the area, we continue towards the edge of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The journey takes hours, so the evening is quietly relaxed. Upon arrival, check in and settle into your accommodation. With the gorilla trekking experience ahead, take time to rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare yourself for an exciting and physically demanding day in the forest tomorrow.

Accommodation: Ride 4 a Woman – Budget Level
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer Time: Approx. 5–6 hours

Today is the highlight of your Uganda adventure: gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. After breakfast, collect your packed lunch and head to the ranger post for a briefing from the park authorities. You will learn the rules for staying safe and protecting the gorillas before being assigned to a trekking group. The trek begins around 8:00am with your ranger-guide. The forest terrain can be steep, rugged, muddy, and physically demanding, so the walk may take between three and eight hours depending on where the gorilla group is located. Once you find the gorillas, you will have one hour to observe them in the forest. Watching these gentle and endangered animals at close range is a powerful experience you are likely to remember for years. After the trek, you will receive a certificate of completion. Return to the accommodation, rest, and enjoy a well-earned evening after your forest adventure.

Accommodation: Ride 4 a Woman – Budget Level
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer Time: N/A

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before leaving Bwindi and travelling to Lake Mburo National Park. The journey takes you towards Lake Mburo National Park, conveniently located along the route between western Uganda and Entebbe. Although compact, Lake Mburo is rich in wildlife, with opportunities to see giraffes, zebras, impalas, elands, buffaloes, and possibly leopards. We aim to arrive in time to check in and have some rest before heading out for a late afternoon-to-evening game drive. As the day becomes cooler, we explore the park in search of wildlife moving across the grasslands and woodland. The light can also create beautiful views for photography. If you would like to experience the park after dark, an optional night game drive can be arranged. This offers a chance to look for nocturnal animals rarely seen during daytime drives. After the evening activity, return to the lodge for dinner, relaxation, and a peaceful overnight.

Accommodation: Hyena Hill Lodge – Budget Level
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer Time: Approx. 5 hours

Start your final morning with a quick breakfast before heading to the Lake Mburo Visitors’ Centre. Here, you will meet your ranger-guide for a walking safari through the park. Walking offers a closer way to experience the Ugandan wilderness, allowing you to notice details missed from a safari vehicle. The walk usually starts around 7:00am and lasts about two to three hours. With an armed ranger accompanying you, you may see zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, antelopes, birds, butterflies, insects, and animal tracks along the way. After this final wildlife experience, return to the accommodation for checkout and begin the journey to Entebbe International Airport. Along the way, we will stop at the Equator crossing in Kayabwe, where you can enjoy lunch, take photos, and buy souvenirs. We recommend booking a flight departing at 7:00pm or later to allow enough time for the journey. This marks the end of your Uganda adventure.

Accommodation: Recommended on request
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Transfer Time: Approx. 4 hours