14-Day Uganda Classic Safari
Tour Overview
Uganda, the oft-cited “Pearl of Africa,” is one of the most fascinating and diverse countries on the entire continent. Its lush, dense rainforests and wildlife-rich savannas have given rise to such incredible biodiversity. Uganda is wild and pristine; it is a land of great lakes, mysterious cloud forests, primates, and big cats. On this 14-Day Uganda Classic Safari, you will experience spectacular wilderness and wildlife viewing on a perfectly coordinated round trip. The absolute highlight of our trip awaits us in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: the encounter with the rare mountain gorillas. Sitting eye to eye with these gentle giants in the dense rainforest guarantees truly goosebump-inducing moments.
- Mountain gorillas up close in the cloud forest
- Murchison Falls – untamed torrents and vast savannah
- Night game drive in Murchison Falls National Park
- The prehistoric shoebill in the Mabamba Swamps
- Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest
- Tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Walking safari to see rhinos in Ziwa
- Boat trip on the Kazinga Channel
- Idyllic Lake Mburo
Your Itinerary In Details
Day 1: Arrive in Entebbe, meet and greet
Welcome to Uganda! You will arrive at Entebbe International Airport (EBB). After completing immigration formalities, you will be greeted and welcomed in the arrivals hall by a guide from Greenway Nature Tours Africa. Look for a sign with your name or Greenway Nature Tours. “The Pearl of Africa”—that is what Winston Churchill once called Uganda, deeply impressed by its lush nature and unparalleled diversity. A name that stands like a promise over your journey. After the warm welcome, your driver will take you to your accommodation in Entebbe. Use the rest of the day to relax after your flight and prepare yourself for the days ahead.
Accommodation: The Boma Entebbe
Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast
Day 2: Entebbe – Mabamba – Ziwa Rhino Ranch (travel time approx. 4 hours)
Today after breakfast, our driver guide shall pick you up from your hotel in Entebbe at 7:00 AM and take you to the Mabamba Swamp on shores of Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa. There, you will board a small wooden canoe boat with a local bird expert and travel through the narrow channels of the dense papyrus swamp. While searching for the legendary shoebill stork, you will discover many different bird species of Uganda. Named for its huge powerful beak, this bird is one of Uganda’s iconic symbols. Afterwards, you will embark on the drive northwest, passing villages and through a captivating landscape, to the Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch. In the afternoon, you will bark on a walking safari to see the rhinos.
Covering over 70 square kilometers, Ziwa is a project of Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) aimed at reintroducing rhinos to Uganda, as they were eradicated by poaching many years ago. Accompanied by a ranger, you WILL embark on a guided hike to see the rhinos and other animals that inhabit the reserve. Besides the rhinos, the birdlife is also impressive. Over 300 bird species have been recorded here. With a bit of luck, the rhinos might even visit your accommodation,
Accommodation: Ziwa Rhino Ranch
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3: Ziwa– Murchison Falls National Park (travel time approx. 3 hours)
After breakfast, you head to Murchison Falls National Park to see the Murchison Falls, the world’s strongest waterfalls. Here, the Nile River (the longest river on Earth) which is approximately 50 meters plunges approximately 43 meters through a narrow gorge only 8 meters wide. The water droplets explode, creating a spray. Next, you head to the Top of the Falls. There, you can feel the power of the water through the rising spray. On hot days, the mist offers welcome refreshment. Enjoy the view and let it all sink in. Later, in the southern part of the park, you will take a game drive along the Honeymoon Track before continuing north region of the park. There, vast savannah landscapes await, along with another extended game drive until evening.
Accommodation: Pakuba Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4: Murchison Falls National Park – Game Drives
In the morning and afternoon, you will embark on extensive game drives in Murchison Falls National Park. Murchison Falls is the largest national park in Uganda. It covers an area of approximately 3,893 square kilometers. The national park is home to over 450 bird and 70 animal species, including the vividly colored Rothschild’s giraffes, African bush elephants, Nile crocodiles, Hippos, Uganda kob, hartebeest, waterbuck, oribi, lions, leopards, and hyenas, as well as the rare shoebill stork. The Nile River divides park in two. The northern section is characterized by savannah, dominated by rolling grasslands and papyrus swamps. This side of Murchison Falls National Park is richer in wildlife and is ideal for game drives.
On this day you will also go on a night game drive, which we have planned for you.
Accommodation: Pakuba Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5 Murchison Falls National Park – Boat trip
Today, you can decide to have another early morning game drive. You can as well decide to have a leisurely breakfast and go out for a game drive slightly late. The open savannahs of Murchison Falls National Park offer excellent opportunities to observe elephants, giraffes, Uganda kob, various antelope species, lions, and hyenas. In afternoon, you will take a boat trip upstream the Nile River to the base of the Murchison Falls. This offers wonderful opportunities to observe hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, elephants, and other animals near the riverbank. Upon arriving at the waterfall, you will get your first impression of the immense volume of water – a truly impressive natural spectacle. On hot days, the fine spray provides welcome refreshment. The trip takes approximately three hours. (We recommend sitting on the left side of the boat, as you sail along the left bank.) Relax and enjoy the fantastic view of the Nile at the end of the day.
Accommodation: Pakuba Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6: Murchison Falls – Kibale Forest (travel time approx. 6 hours)
After breakfast, your journey continues to Fort Portal and Kibale Forest National Park. Along the way, you drive past mall villages with markets, rainforests, tea plantations, and crater lakes. Fort Portal lies in the “shadow of the Mountains of the Moon,” as the impressive snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains are known. Upon arrival in Kibale Forest, you enter a completely different world: a world of monkeys! Kibale Forest is one of the most primate-rich rainforests in Africa. It is home to 13 species of primates, including chimpanzees, red-tailed monkey, red-colobus monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkey, blues monkey, black-mantled mangabey, and the galago.
The protected nature reserve is situated at an average altitude of 1,300m and is surrounded by tea plantations to the north and papyrus swamps to the south. In addition to the primate species, many special bird species can also be found in the forest and the Bigodi swamp. Your accommodation today boasts a magnificent view of the tropical forest. Here, you can embark on a relaxing nature walk along the forest edge, experiencing the sounds, scents, and perhaps even your first encounters with wildlife in the rainforest.
Accommodation: Turaco Treetops Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 7: Kibale Forest – Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Village Walk
In the morning, you will head into the rainforest on your chimpanzee trek. Kibale is home to over 1500 wild chimpanzees. The probability of actually spotting the chimpanzee here is around 95%, higher than any place that offer chimpanzee trekking in Africa. However, they sometimes hide high up in the trees, making them not always easy to find. Kibale Forest is also home to numerous other primate species. Over 300 bird species and 140 butterfly species make the forest a true oasis for nature lovers. Chimpanzee trekking takes approximately 2–4 hours and covers a distance of 3–5 kilometers. After the trek, you will return to the lodge for lodge and some time to rest. In afternoon, you will go out for community guided walk through the atmospheric village of Bigodi. You have an opportunity to visit a traditional healer who will happily share his knowledge about spirits, herbs, plants and local medicines. You will also have a chance to visit the homes of elderly men and women who tell interesting stories about birth, marriage, ceremonies, clans and their traditional life. Learn more about the history and issues that they face as a developing community of rural Uganda. Along the way, you will also be given the chance to tour Bigodi’s trading centre, a hub of rural life and activity. The field-guides will be ready to answer any questions during the walk.
In case you are not interested in the village walk, you can opt for a nature walk in the community-run Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. A 5 km long, branching network of wooden boardwalks leads through an enchanting wetland habitat that is a breeding ground for many exotic birds. Attentive observers will spot giant turacos, hornbills or sunbirds during their walk and will be accompanied by local guides. The exceptionally high biodiversity of the wetland includes not only birds, but also many monkey species, such as the red colobus monkey, baboon, black-and-white colobus monkey, sooty mangabey, green monkey, red-tailed monkey, and L’Hoest’s monkey. The hike is a wonderful experience.
Accommodation: Turaco Treetops Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 8: Kibale - Queen Elizabeth National Park (travel time approx. 3 hours)
After breakfast, you will leave Kibale Forest and travel to the scenically stunning Queen Elizabeth National Park. The route takes you along the majestic Rwenzori Mountains. Along the way, you will have a stop at the Equator line Monument a perfect place to take beautiful photos.
Upon arrival at your accommodation, you will enjoy a relaxed lunch and have time to settle into the lodge. In the afternoon, you will embark on your first game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park. The diverse savannah landscape, combined with crater lakes and wide plains, offers ideal conditions for wildlife viewing and impressive photo opportunities – especially in the warm light of the late afternoon.
Accommodation: The Bush Lodge – Banda
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 9: Queen Elizabeth National Park Game Drive & Boat Trip
Today is dedicated to intensive wildlife viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park. After breakfast, you’ll embark on another game drive. With a bit of luck, you might spot elephants, buffalo, antelope, or even predators. The soft light of the morning creates ideal conditions for atmospheric and high-contrast photographs, perfect if you enjoy taking beautiful photos.
In afternoon after lunch, you enjoy a leisurely boat safari on the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake George to Lake Edward. This unique ecosystem is one of the most wildlife-rich regions in Uganda. The proximity to the animals is particularly impressive: large groups of hippos, Nile crocodiles, and numerous waterbirds. In fact, the Kazinga Channel is home to densest concentration of hippos on Earth.
Accommodation: The Bush Lodge – Banda
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 10: Queen – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Rushaga) (Travel time approx. 5.5 hours)
Very early in the morning, you go on another game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Afterwards, you will travel through the so-called “Switzerland of Africa,” the hilly Kigezi region, to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. It is home to almost half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Nine other primate species also inhabit the rainforest. The very name Bwindi Impenetrable Forest hints at the landscape’s impenetrable nature. The dense mountain rainforest has developed since the Ice Age, and the shrub and bush vegetation provides an ideal habitat for the primates. You will reach your accommodation in the afternoon. Enjoy the beautiful view of the rainforest and relax for the rest of the day, so you are refreshed and ready for the gorilla trekking adventure.
Accommodation: Four Gorillas Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 11: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Gorilla Trekking
After breakfast early in the morning, you will take a short walk to the park headquarters in Rushaga. There, you will receive a briefing on gorilla trekking rules. You will then set off with the ranger into the montane rainforest of Bwindi. The ranger guide from Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) will follow the instructions and routes of the trackers who started their trek at sunrise. The trackers first walked to the spot where they had encountered the gorilla families the previous day and are now following their movements since then.
As soon as they see the mountain gorillas, they inform the guide. They carefully approach the gorilla family and the silverback. It’s a wonderful moment to stand face to face with these gentle giants of the rainforest. You must limit your visit to the gorilla family to one hour to minimize disruption to their natural rhythms. The hike to the gorillas can be strenuous, depending on the gorilla family being visited. This is quickly forgotten when you see these majestic apes, but a certain level of fitness is recommended.
It is also important to be in perfect health. Even a simple cold can result in being denied entry to the gorillas to prevent any risk to the animals. The length of the trek varies depending on the gorilla family. Proper equipment is also essential. Good footwear, gaiters, and rain gear are standard. Gloves are also highly recommended, especially when dealing with thorny plants.
Enjoy your time with the gorillas. This visit is so much more than “just” observing animals. When you look into the eyes of these gentle giants, you see so much of ourselves as humans. Over 98% of our genes are identical to those of gorillas, and you get a truly sublime feeling when you stand close to these magnificent creatures. The young ones are playful and frolic within the gorilla family. A late lunch awaits you at your accommodation. After you’ve eaten, you can spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing at the lodge or perhaps taking a walk around the village.
Accommodation: Four Gorillas Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 12: Bwindi – Lake Mburo (travel time approx. 5 hours)
After breakfast, you will Bwindi and travel to Lake Mburo National Park. Located on the way to Kampala/Entebbe, it is often overlooked by travelers but offers stunning scenery and a wide variety of activities. It is the smallest national park in Uganda, and birdwatchers will also find plenty to enjoy. More than 350 different species, such as the papyrus shrike, black-headed lapwing, and mirror warbler, can be found in the national park. In the afternoon, a game drive awaits. Buffalo, eland, oribi, topi, and many other animals can be spotted. It is also the only national park besides Kidepo where zebras can be observed in Uganda. After the game drive, you will return to your accommodation.
Accommodation: Mihingo Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 13: Lake Mburo National Park – Game Walk
This morning, you will embark on an early morning game walk. Accompanied by an experienced ranger guide from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), you will set off on foot through the bushland, where he will be happy to share his knowledge of the local flora and fauna. Savor the special moment when you come face to face with zebras or antelopes. The first rays of the rising sun will bathe the savanna in a mystical, golden light – the perfect backdrop for unforgettable photos. Afterwards, enjoy a leisurely breakfast before embarking on an extended game drive.
The lodge offers a variety of activities (not included), such as mountain biking and horseback riding, which can be booked on-site. The accommodation boasts magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Grab a refreshing drink, relax, and enjoy an African sunset that paints the sky in the most spectacular shades of red and orange.
Accommodation: Mihingo Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 14: Lake Mburu – Entebbe (travel time approx. 4 hours)
Today you are going on another game drive early in the morning. After breakfast, you bid farewell to this beautiful part of Africa. Following a brief stop at the equator line monument at Kayabwe, you will return towards Entebbe, arriving in the late afternoon. Your driver will take you to the airport for your flight back to home. We wish you an exciting and memorable tour, a pleasant flight, and hope to return from this trip with many unforgettable memories and spectacular photos.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Tour Price
|
Number of People |
Price per Person |
|
1 Person |
USD 9094 |
|
2 People |
USD6560 |
|
3 People |
USD5904 |
|
4 People |
USD 5434 |
|
5 People |
USD 5266 |
|
6 People |
USD 5059 |
Inclusions
- All park entrance fees
- Transport in a safari-equipped off-road vehicle
- Experienced English-speaking driver/guide
- All meals as indicated in the itinerary
- All game drives take place during park opening hours
- 1 night at The Boma
- 1 night at the Ziwa Rhino Ranch Lodge
- 3 nights at the Pakuba Safari Lodge
- 2 nights at the Turaco Treetops Lodge
- 2 nights at the Bush Lodge
- 2 nights at the Four Gorilla Lodge
- 2 nights at Mihingo Lodge
- Shoebill tour in Mabamba
- Rhino tracking in the Ziwa Ranch
- Visit Top of the Falls
- Boat trip at Murchison Falls
- Bigodi Swamp hike in Kibale Forest
- Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale (permit included)
- Boat trip on the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- 1 x Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi National Park (Rushaga) (Permit included)
- Airport transfers in Entebbe (2x)
- Drinking water in the vehicle
Exclusions
- International flights to/from Uganda
- Optional excursions or activities not pre-booked
- Uganda visa costs (USD 50)
- Travel Insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Drinks
Greenway nature tours
We are a fully licensed tour company accredited by the Uganda Tourism Board. We design and operate safaris in Uganda and East Africa. Our operations are based in Kampala, Uganda, the heart of our safari planning and coordination. Though our company was officially established in 2025, our team brings deep, hands-on knowledge of East Africa.
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