18 Days Uganda Safari Tour – Overview

The 18 Days Uganda safari tour offers you gorilla trekking in Uganda, wildlife viewing, chimpanzee tracking & community tours. This Uganda safari itinerary is an 18 days safari in Uganda tour that gives you a detailed encounter of Uganda stretching from the northeast to the southwest.

The safari features the Sipi falls in the east, Kidepo Valley National Park in the northeast, Murchison Falls National Park in the North West, Kibale National Park in the west, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and Lake Mburo National Park in the southwest.

The main Uganda safari activities of this safari tour include Uganda gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, wildlife viewing safaris in Uganda, boat cruise, and adventure volcano climbing not forgetting touring amazing cultural landscapes.

18 Days Uganda Safari Tour – Highlights

• Day 1: Arrive In Uganda (Entebbe International Airport) & Transfer To The Lodge
• Day 2: Drive To Sipi Area. Visit The Sipi Falls
• Day 3:  Drive To Kidepo Valley National Park. Do Game Drive In Pian Upe Game Reserve En Route
• Day 4: Do A Morning Game Drive And Afternoon Karimojong Community Tour
• Day 5: Drive To Murchison Falls National Park. Traverse The Northern Uganda Landscapes Of Gulu And Kitgum
• Day 6: Undertake A Game Drive In The Morning, Nile Launch Cruise In The Afternoon & Hike To The Top Of The Falls
• Day 7: Drive To Hoima. Visit Kibiro Salt Gardens En Route
• Day 8: Drive To Fort Portal Area. Hike The Fort Portal Crater Lake Field And Visit The Amabere G’ Nyinamwiru Caves
• Day 9: Do Morning Chimpanzee Trekking And Bigodi Wetland Walk In The Afternoon
• Day 10: Drive To Queen Elizabeth NP, Explore The Rwenzori Art Foundation En-Route & Afternoon Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise On Arrival
• Day 11: Undertake Morning Game Drive And Afternoon Chimpanzee Trekking In Kyambura Gorge
• Day 12: Drive To Bwindi Impenetrable Park. Do A Game Drive En Route In Ishasha In Search Of Tree Climbing Lions
• Day 13: Undertake Gorilla Trekking Encounter & Drive To Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
• Day 14: Undertake Volcano Climbing In Mgahinga And Transfer To Lake Bunyonyi
• Day 15: Do Island Hopping
• Day 16: Drive To Lake Mburo NP & Undertake An Evening Game Drive On Arrival
• Day 17: Morning Game Walking Safari, Transfer To Kampala With A Stop At Uganda Equator Crossing Kayabwe
• Day 18: Departure

18 Days Uganda Safari Tour – Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Uganda (Entebbe International Airport) & Transfer to Your Lodge

Depart from your country of origin and board a flight to Uganda landing at Entebbe International Airport which is apparently the main gateway to the country.

You will find a company representative who will offer you a courteous welcome and transfer you to the lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.

Accommodation: Sheraton Kampala Hotel (Upmarket / Luxury), Cassia Lodge (Midrange / Standard) or Buziga Country Resort (Budget / Basic).

Day 2: Drive to Sipi Area. Visit the Sipi Falls

After breakfast at your hotel, embark on the transfer to Sipi Area. The drive will take you through Jinja which is one of the most cosmopolitan towns in the country and remarkably known for the source of the Nile River before proceeding to encounter extensive Rice and sugar can plantations of eastern Uganda and the natural wetland ecosystem that stretch to as adjoin Lake Kyoga which is the largest freshwater lake in the whole of Uganda.

You arrive in Sipi for lunch after which you will embark on the hike to the falls to explore the impressive views of Sipi falls.

Hiking through amidst the roaring sounds of the water as it plunges down the rock is very interesting. The hike also offers impressive views of the agricultural farmlands of the Bagisu and the Elgon Mountain. Retreat from the activity and return to the lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.

Accommodation: Sipi River Lodge (Upmarket / Luxury), Lacam Lodge (Midrange / Standard) or Crowns Nest Camp site (Budget / Basic)

Day 3: Drive to Kidepo Valley National Park. Do Game Drive in Pian Upe Game Reserve En-Route

Transfer to Kidepo Valley National Park after breakfast to the northeast of the country. You undertake a game drive in Pian Upe Game Reserve en route to one of the impressive wildlife-diverse habitats in the country.

The drive-in Pian Upe offers you possibilities of encountering Civets, Jackals,    Spotted hyenas, Leopards, Servals, Wildcats, Patas monkeys, Vervet monkeys, Olive baboons, Topi, Cape buffalo, blue and common duiker, Common eland,  Günther’s dik-dik, Klipspringer, Ugandan Kob, Waterbuck and Bohor and mountain reedbuck among others.

After this activity, embark on the transfer to Kidepo Valley National Park arriving in the evening for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.

Accommodation: Apoka Safari Lodge (Upmarket / Luxury), Nga’ moru Wilderness (Midrange / Standard) or Apoka Rest Camp (Budget / Basic)

Day 4: Do a Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Karimojong Community Tour

After breakfast, embark on the drive through impressive savannah landscapes of the park dotted with counts of wild game.

Wild game viewing is always encountered in the Narus Valley where they tend to congregate around the water points which are found along this valley.

The counts of cheetah, lions, elephants, buffaloes, Rothschild giraffes, Burchell’s Zebra, and elands among other species might be encountered on this drive.

The stretch to the Kidepo Valley offers impressive views of the Ostrich which is only found in Kidepo in the whole of Uganda.

You retreat from the 3 – 4 hour game drive to relax at the lodge and have lunch. In the afternoon, you embark on the Karamojong community tour exploring the Manyattas and the traditions of the Karamojong.

You attend to their impressive performances and experience their art and craft. Retreat for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Apoka Safari Lodge (Upmarket / Luxury), Nga’ moru Wilderness (Midrange / Standard) or Apoka Rest Camp (Budget / Basic)

Day 5: Drive to Murchison Falls National Park. Traverse the Northern Uganda Landscapes of Gulu and Kitgum

After breakfast, embark on the transfer to Murchison Falls National Park driving through impressive countryside landscapes of northern Uganda with their flat stretches that are marked by rolling savannah grassland.

The area is also well known as a former dwelling ground for the infamous Lords Resistance Army Chief Jose Kony who committed several atrocities in the area.

You arrive in Murchison Falls National Park in the evening for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.

Accommodation: Paraa Safari Lodge (Upmarket / Luxury), Pakuba Safari Lodge (Midrange / Standard) or Heritage Safari Lodge (Budget / Basic)

Day 6: Undertake a Game Drive in the Morning, Nile Launch Cruise in the Afternoon & Hike To The Top of Murchison Falls

Drive to the park’s northern section for a morning game drive offering impressive wild game viewing encounters.

The 3 – 4 activity takes you through the designated park tracks including Buligi, Queen, Albert, and the entire delta area with possibilities of encountering the lions, elephants, Rothschild giraffes, Leopards, Jackson’s Hartebeest, waterbucks, Oribis, Kobs among others.

The open savannah grassland intercepted with scattered Borassus palms also presents a unique landscape worth viewing.

Retreat from the activity and return to the lodge for relaxation and lunch after which you gather at Paraa jetty for an afternoon boat cruise to the bottom of the falls.

The 3-hour boat encounter opens you to the thrilling Nile waters in their relaxed flow as they join the Albert delta.

The views of Hippos, Nile crocodiles, and shoebill stork might impress you along the adventure. Upon arriving at the bottom of the falls, you will embark on the hike to the top of the world’s powerful waterfall.

The Nile River which is the longest in the world forces itself to pass through a less than 8m ravine before falling 43m below to what has been termed the devil’s cauldron forming a plume of spray marked by a thunderous roar and trademark rainbow.

During the hike, you will enjoy the sounds of the Nile as it splashes its head on the impermeable rocks that have stood in its way for centuries past. Retreat from the activity and connect to the lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.

Accommodation: Paraa Safari Lodge (Upmarket / Luxury), Pakuba Safari Lodge (Midrange / Standard) or Heritage Safari Lodge (Budget / Basic).

Day 7: Drive to Hoima. Visit Kibiro Salt Gardens En-route

Transfer to Hoima after breakfast passing through the impressive scenic landscapes of the Albertine Rift.

You make a stop at Kibiro Salt Gardens a site that has sustained the lives of the local people for 800 – 900 years back.

The salt gardens are accessed by a narrow footpath which presents a challenging hiking experience.

The shores of Lake Albert offer impressive views of the lake and the Blue Mountains of the Democratic Republic of Congo. After the activity, continue on the drive to Hoima for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.

Accommodation:  Kontiki Hotel

Day 8: Drive to Fort Portal Area. Hike the Fort Portal Crater Lake Field and Visit The Amabere Ga’ Nyinamwiru Caves

Transfer to Fort portal after breakfasts driving through impressive county side landscapes of Kagadi and Kyenjojo.

You will arrive in Fort portal town in time for lunch after which you will connect to Fort Portal crater lake field and Amabere Ga’ Nnyinamwiru caves for a culture and adventure encounter.

Exploring the Amabere caves which are beastlike features dating back to the ancient Chwezi era allows you to encounter the great history attached to them.

You also hike the famous Kyeganywa hill gaining impressive views of the crater lakes and crater hollows in the area not forgetting the views of the Rwenzori Mountains at a distance. Retreat from the activity and transfer to your respective lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.

Accommodation: Ndali Lodge (Luxury / Upmarket), Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse (Midrange / Standard) or Rwenzori View Guest house (Budget / Basic).

Day 9: Do A Morning Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Wetland Walk in The Afternoon

Gather at Kanyanchu Tourism Center at 8 am for a briefing about the chimpanzee trekking conduct.

You head to the forest of Kibale which provides shelter to 13 primate Species including the chimpanzees.

The hike through impressive forested landscapes of Kibale with lush forest cover filled with counts of birds and primates.

The chimp trekking activity tends to last 2 – 5 hours with one hour of direct encounter with the chimps. You marvel at these species as they munch fruit, socialize, mate, patrol, hunt, and make their pant hooting calls.

You take as many photos for lasting memories and retreat from the activity and get back to the starting point for a short relaxation where you can also take your packed lunch.

After this encounter, you transfer to Bigodi wetland sanctuary for an afternoon wetland walk. The walk through this eco-community initiative exposes you to the impressive wetland ecosystem with swamp-dwelling animals like Sitatunga and impressive bird species like the Great Blue Turaco.  The encounter tends to last about 2 hours.

Accommodation: Ndali Lodge (Luxury / Upmarket), Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse (Midrange / Standard) or Rwenzori View Guest house (Budget / Basic).

Day 10: Drive to Queen Elizabeth NP, Explore the Rwenzori Art Foundation En-route & Afternoon Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise on Arrival

Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park 157km about 3 hours’ drive excluding stops en route.

You make a stop at Rwenzori art foundation which is the only bronze casting center in Africa with remarkable sculptures aligned in the gallery ad offering you an opportunity to participate in the casting experience.

Retreat from the activity and continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park to catch up with an afternoon boat cruise along the Paradise of Hippos.

The boat cruise along the Kazinga channel offers you the possibility of encountering Nile Crocodiles and Hippos not forgetting water birds and a range of wild game That tend to draw close to shores to quench their thirst.

Retreat from the 2-hour boat encounter and do a game drive along the channel track as you connect to the lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.

Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge (Upmarket / Luxury), Enganzi Game Lodge (Midrange / Standard) or Pumba Safari Cottages (Budget / Basic).

Day 11: Undertake Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Chimpanzee Trekking in Kyambura Gorge  

Drive to the rolling plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park with its extensive savannah grassland for an amazing game viewing experience after breakfast.

The drive through the Kasenyi tracks enables you to explore a range of wildlife including elephants, lions, buffaloes, leopards, waterbucks, and side stripped jackals among other species.

The activity tends to last 3 – hours after which you will return to the lodge for relaxation and lunch. In the afternoon, connect to Kyambura gorge for a thrilling chimpanzee trekking experience.

The chimp trek in the valley of Apes as it is popularly referred lasts about 2 – 5 hours inclusive of a one-hour direct encounter with these apes.

You hike the impressive gorge slopes with lush forest cover that surprisingly thrive below sea level. In fact, the Kyambura gorge is 100m deep. Coming across the chimpanzees as they forage, munch fruit, make pant hooting calls, and socialize is very rewarding.

Retreat from the activity and embark on the transfer to the lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.

Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge (Upmarket / Luxury), Enganzi Game Lodge (Midrange / Standard) or Pumba Safari Cottages (Budget / Basic).

Day 12: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Do a Game Drive En-route in Ishasha in Search of Tree Climbing Lions

Embark on the drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the south of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

You undertake a game drive in the Ishasha sector in search of tree climbing lions that tend to lie on fig tree branches overlooking their prey in the plains. Continue on the drive to Bwindi for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.

Accommodation: Chameleon Hill Lodge (Upmarket / Luxury), Gorilla Mist Camp (Midrange / Standard) or Broadbill Forest Camp (Budget / Basic)

Day 13: Undertake Gorilla Trekking Encounter & Drive to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park  

Gather at the respective park headquarters for briefing at 8 am after which you will head to the mist in search of the critically endangered mountain gorillas.

The hills of Bwindi and its deep saddles are soaked by dense forest cover with mature trees and thick undergrowth that have earned it the Impenetrable name.  Hiking through these landscapes is very impressive too and a rewarding experience of its own.

The activity tends to last between 2 – 8 hours inclusive of a one-hour direct encounter with these ancient apes.

You marvel at them as they forage and socialize. Your pictures are the memorabilia that you can always look at to refresh the memories of this unforgettable experience.

Retreat from the activity and transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.

Accommodation: Mount Gahinga Lodge (Upmarket / Luxury), Mucha Hotel (Midrange / Standard) or Amajambere iwacu Community Camp (Budget / Basic).

Day 14: Undertake Volcano Climbing in Mgahinga and Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

Embark on an adventurous hike to any of the three Virunga Volcanoes that stretch to the Ugandan side.

The three Volcanoes include; Gahinga (3,474m)  followed by Sabyinyo (3,669m) and Muhabura (4,127m) which is the tallest of all.

Since all these mountains can be summited on a round trip in one day, you select the most suitable and explore the beauty of the area.

The peaks offer impressive views of the entire Virunga mountain chain with eight (8) Volcanoes spread in Uganda, Rwanda ad Congo.

Retreat from the activity and transfer to Lake Bunyonyi driving through impressive scenic landscapes of Kigezi highlands and the Kisoro – Kabale Road which has the most scenic road section in the whole of Uganda., Arrive in Bunyonyi in the evening for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.

Accommodation: Birdnest @Lake Bunyonyi Resort (Upmarket / Luxury), Lake Bunyonyi Eco-resort (Mid-range / Standard) or Byoona Amagara Island Retreat (Budget / Basic).

Day 15:  Do Island Hopping on Lake Bunyonyi

Embark on the lake exploration after breakfast. Lake Bunyonyi has 29 Islands that have inspired its naming as the lake of a thousand islands.

The Island hopping encounter allows you to explore some of the main Islands including Sharps Island, Bucuranuka, Bushara, Kyahugye, and Akampene all with impressive traditions and history while connecting to them using a local wooden engine boat. Retreat from the day’s activity to relax at the lodge, dinner, and overnight.

Accommodation: Bird nest @Lake Bunyonyi Resort (Upmarket / Luxury), Lake Bunyonyi Eco-resort (Midrange / Standard) or Byoona Amagara Island Retreat (Budget / Basic).

Day 16: Drive to Lake Mburo NP & Undertake an Evening Game Drive on Arrival

Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park 199km about 4 – 5 hour’s drive passing through impressive south western countryside landscapes before approaching Mbarara town and eventually Igongo Cultural Center 1km past Mbarara for traditional lunch after which you will proceed for 33km to Lake Mburo National Park for an evening game drive.

You drive through impressive park landscapes dotted with impressive acacia woodland and a range of grazers before retiring for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.

Accommodation: Mihingo Safari Lodge (Upmarket / Luxury), Arcadia Cottages (Midrange / Standard) or Eagles Nest (Budget / Basic).

Day 17: Undertake a Game Walking safari in the Morning & Transfer to Kampala. Make a Stop at Uganda Equator Crossing Kayabwe  

Walk to the park for a thrilling game walking safari exploring the park landscapes that feature rolling savannah combretum in the open plains, acacia vegetation on the rolling hills, and the rock Kopjes on most of the hilltops.

The ancient Precambrian rocks that date back to 500 million years ago present impressive views and act as a habitat for rock-dwelling animals like Klipspringer.

The walk offers you the possibility of encountering Impala antelope which only exists in Lake Mburo NP, Rothschild Giraffes, Burchell’s Zebra Topis, warthogs, and waterbucks among other wildlife.

The activity tends to last 3 – 4 hours after which you will embark on the transfer back to Kampala 240km approximately 3 – 4 hours’ drive. You make a stop at the Equator crossing Kayabwe for amazing photo shoots and then you continue to Kampala.

Accommodation: Sheraton Kampala Hotel (Upmarket / Luxury), Humura Resorts (Midrange / Standard) or Buziga Country Resort (Budget / Basic).

Day 18: Departure to Kampala/Entebbe

This is set for your flight departure back home. If the flight is in the afternoon, you can take a short city tour of Kampala to encounter its impressive heritage.

End of The 18 Days Uganda Safari Tour

Getting There

Safari Inclusions

• Chimpanzee Permit (for chimpanzee trekking safaris)
• Gorilla Permit (for gorilla trekking safaris)
• Full Board Accommodation on Safari
• Transportation in either 4X4 Safari Van or 4X4 Safari Land Cruiser all with Pop up roof & AC
• Fuel
• Professional English Speaking driver guide. Any other foreign language speaking guide can be arranged on request.
• Entrance fees to the tourist sites including Protected areas mentioned
• Activity fees of the tourist activities mentioned
• Bottled water while on safari
• Border crossing fees (for cross border safaris)

Safari Exclusions

• General tips for the driver guide, site guides and service staff at the lodges
• Laundry Services
• Other Beverages / drinks of personal nature like Alcohol
• International Flights (Arranged on request)
• Domestic Flights (Arranged on request)
• Visas
• Optional Activity fees
• Other extras not mentioned in the Itinerary
• Airport Transfer (Arranged on request)
• Accommodation in Kampala or Kigali unless it is part of the Itinerary (Arranged on request)