14-Day Best of Uganda Luxury Safari
14-Day Best of Uganda – Luxury Safari
Tour Overview
Experience Uganda in ultimate luxury on this luxury 14-day safari across some of Uganda’s most spectacular landscapes. This journey blends wild savannah, dense rainforest, and tranquil lakes, while offering stays in carefully selected luxury accommodations with personalised service throughout.
You will explore Uganda’s most iconic national parks, including Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and Lake Mburo National Park.
Each day delivers a different highlight. You track wild rhinos on at Ziwa Rhino Ranch, search for shoebills in Mabamba swamp, watch elephants and lions on the open plains, cruise along hippo-filled rivers, and encounter chimpanzees in ancient forests. The journey culminates with the unforgettable moment of meeting mountain gorillas in the wild.
Your Itinerary In Details
Day 1 | Arrival in Entebbe, transfer to luxury lodge
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, located on the shores of Lake Victoria, you will be met by your private driver-guide from Greenway Nature Tours and transferred to No.5 Boutique Hotel Entebbe. The drive takes about 10 minutes. The hotel is set in a quiet residential area with landscaped gardens, offering a calm and elegant start to your safari.
No.5 Boutique Hotel is owned by Uganda Exclusive Camps & Lodges, known for high-quality accommodation across Uganda’s top safari destinations. The property is designed as a refined stopover before or after safari travel, with excellent service and attention to detail. During your stay, you can relax in comfort or explore Entebbe town and the nearby shores of Lake Victoria. Your accommodation is on a bed and breakfast basis.
Accommodation: No.5 Boutique Hotel or similar
Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast
Day 2 | Rhino tracking at Ziwa, drive to Murchison Falls NP
Your day begins early with breakfast at the hotel. After check-out, you set off northwest towards Murchison Falls National Park. The drive takes about 5 to 6 hours, with a few relaxed stops along the way.
Late in the morning, you leave the main road at Nakitooma and visit Ziwa Rhino Ranch. This is the only place in Uganda where you can track rhinos on foot. You join expert rangers for a guided walk of about two hours. Seeing white rhinos at close range is a powerful experience. The sanctuary is home to around 48 individuals, so sightings are very reliable.
Afterwards, you continue to Kabalega for lunch, with the option to try local Ugandan dishes or lighter alternatives. In the afternoon, you proceed into Murchison Falls National Park. The scale of the park becomes clear as you enter. It is Uganda’s largest park, home to a wide range of wildlife and over 450 bird species. The park is named after the dramatic Murchison Falls, where the Nile forces its way through a narrow gorge before crashing below.
You arrive at Papa’s Camp in the early evening. Set along the southern bank of the Nile under large fig trees, the camp offers a quiet and exclusive atmosphere. With only a few tents, it feels remote and private. Wildlife moves freely through the area, and sightings of lions, giraffes, buffalo, and antelope are common.
Accommodation: Papa’s Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board with drinks
Day 3 | Game drive & Nile boat trip to base of Murchison Falls
Today is fully dedicated to the wildlife and landscapes of Murchison Falls National Park. You begin with an early morning game drive, followed by a relaxed afternoon boat safari on the Nile. By evening, you return to camp having experienced one of Uganda’s richest wildlife areas.
Morning game drive – Morning
Game drives focus on the northern sector of the Nile, where open savannah stretches beneath scattered Borassus palms. This is prime wildlife territory. After an early breakfast, you head out as the sun rises, when temperatures are cool and animals are most active. You search for elephants, Rothschild’s giraffes, buffaloes, lions, and, with luck, leopards. Antelope species such as Uganda kob and hartebeest are common, along with a wide variety of birds. Along the way, you pause near the Nile, where large pods of hippos gather along the banks.
Afternoon Boat Safari
In the afternoon, you explore the Nile by boat. The pace is slow and quiet. Crocodiles rest along the shores, hippos fill the water, and elephants often come down to drink. Birdlife is constant and varied. The journey leads to the base of Murchison Falls, where the river narrows and crashes through a dramatic gorge. The trip takes three hours.
Private boat safari Murchison Falls – Morning (optional)
A private boat safari offers a more exclusive experience. You move closer to wildlife and avoid larger crowds. The pace is flexible, allowing more time for photography and quiet observation. The route follows the same stretch of river to the base of the falls, but the experience feels more personal and immersive.
Accommodation: Papa’s Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board with drinks
Day 4 | Another day in Uganda’s most game rich national park
Today offers more time to explore Murchison Falls National Park at a relaxed pace. You begin with a morning game drive, followed by a free afternoon to enjoy the camp. If you prefer, you can choose an optional boat safari to the delta area. In that case, the boat safari is done in the morning, and the game drive shifts to the afternoon.
Game Drive – Second Morning
After breakfast, you return to the savannah for another game drive. This time, you explore different tracks, giving you access to new areas of the park. Your guide focuses on locating species not yet seen, especially predators such as lions and leopards. The changing light and routes often reveal new wildlife activity, making each drive unique.
Boat Safari – Delta to Lake Albert (optional)
This optional boat safari explores the delta where the Victoria Nile flows into Lake Albert. The landscape here is very different; lush, open, and rich in wildlife. The area is often compared to a smaller version of the Okavango Delta. Hippos, crocodiles, and elephants are commonly seen along the water’s edge. The delta is also exceptional for birdlife. Species such as the saddle-billed stork, African giant kingfisher, and the rare shoebill are regularly spotted. It is one of the most rewarding birding areas in Uganda.
Accommodation: Papa’s Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board with drinks
Day 5 | Visit the top of the falls and transfer to Kibale Forest
After breakfast, you meet your guide and set out for the top of Murchison Falls. After your visit, you begin the scenic drive to Kibale National Park. The journey takes you through changing landscapes, rural villages, rolling hills, tea plantations, crater lakes, and pockets of rainforest. On a clear day, you may catch views of the Rwenzori Mountains, known for their snow-capped peaks.
Murchison Waterfall Walk
At the top of the falls, you take a guided walk to several viewpoints. Here, the Nile forces itself through a narrow seven-meter gorge before crashing down with immense power. The sound, mist, and energy are intense. If time allows, you can walk further along the trail for wider views of the falls and the river below. It is one of the most dramatic natural sights in Uganda.
Kibale Forest National Park
Arrival in Kibale feels like entering a different world. Dense forest replaces open savannah. This park is one of Africa’s richest primate habitats. It is home to 13 species, including red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus, red colobus, L’Hoest’s monkeys, mangabeys, and bushbabies. Kibale sits at about 1,300 meters above sea level. It is surrounded by tea estates in the north and wetlands such as Bigodi in the south. The forest also supports a wide range of birdlife, making it an important destination for both primate tracking and birding.
Accommodation: Primate Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 6 | Chimp tracking and Bigodi Wetlands walk
Today is dedicated to the primates and birdlife of Kibale National Park and the nearby wetlands. You will track chimpanzees in the forest and explore the Bigodi swamp on foot. Between activities, you return to your lodge for lunch and time to relax. The order of activities depends on permit availability. Your chimpanzee trek may take place in the morning or afternoon.
Chimpanzee Trekking – Kibale Forest
You set out with an experienced ranger to track wild chimpanzees. The search follows fresh signs; calls, broken branches, footprints, and feeding remains. The forest is alive with sound. When the chimpanzees are located, you spend time observing them as they move, feed, and interact. Encounters are dynamic and often energetic. Watching them up close is both exciting and deeply engaging.
Bigodi Swamp Walk – Afternoon
Later, you visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. This guided walk takes you through a rich wetland ecosystem. You may see several monkey species, including colobus and red-tailed monkeys, along with a wide range of birds. Bigodi is especially known for the great blue turaco, one of Uganda’s most striking birds. The afternoon is ideal, as wildlife becomes more active and the light is softer for viewing and photography.
Accommodation: Primate Lodge or similar
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 7 | Transfer to Queen Elizabeth NP, game drive
After your time in the rainforest, you continue your journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The drive is scenic and varied. You pass through green highlands, tea plantations, crater lakes, and local villages before the landscape gradually opens into dry savannah. Along the way, you may stop at Equator monument for photoshoots.
In the afternoon, you head out for your first game drive in the park.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park covers nearly 2,000 km² within the Great Rift Valley. It stretches from the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains to the shores of Lake Edward. At its center lies the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway linking Lake Edward and Lake George, known for its high concentration of wildlife. The park’s landscapes are diverse. Open plains, volcanic craters, wetlands, and forested gorges all exist within a relatively small area. The Kyambura Gorge cuts deep into the savannah and shelters a population of chimpanzees. The park is home to elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards, hippos, crocodiles, and over 600 bird species.
Queen Elizabeth Game Drive – Afternoon
Your afternoon game drive introduces you to the park’s rich wildlife. You search for elephants, buffalo herds, Uganda kob, topi, and predators such as lions and leopards. The scenery shifts as you drive; grasslands dotted with candelabra euphorbia, crater lakes, and patches of woodland. As the light softens toward evening, the park becomes especially beautiful. Wildlife is active, and views over the craters and Kazinga Channel are at their best. You return to your lodge in time for dinner under the African night sky.
Accommodation: Honey Bear Bush Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 8 | Lion tracking & Kazinga Channel boat safari
Today is dedicated to the wildlife and landscapes of Queen Elizabeth National Park. In the morning, you take part in a lion tracking experience. In the afternoon, you enjoy one of Africa’s most rewarding boat safaris along the Kazinga Channel. Between activities, you return to your lodge for lunch and time to relax. A number of optional activities are also available and can be added with an extra night or by adjusting your schedule.
Lion Tracking Queen Elizabeth – Morning
In the morning, you head out with a park biologist for a specialised lion tracking experience. This is not a standard game drive. You follow researchers who monitor lion prides and individual leopards as part of ongoing conservation work. Using radio tracking, you are able to locate lions with a high level of accuracy. Leopard sightings are possible but not guaranteed. Because you are with a research team, you are allowed to go off-road when necessary. This provides a more direct and insightful encounter. You also gain a deeper understanding of lion behaviour, territory, and conservation challenges. The activity directly supports research in the park.
Queen Elizabeth Boat Safari – Afternoon
In the afternoon, you explore the Kazinga Channel, which links Lake Edward and Lake George. This stretch of water is one of the most wildlife-rich areas in Uganda. Hippos gather in large numbers, crocodiles line the banks, and buffaloes and elephants regularly come down to drink. Birdlife is exceptional, with constant movement along the shoreline. The slow pace of the boat allows for close and uninterrupted viewing. It is one of the highlights of any visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Private Boat Safari Queen Elizabeth – Afternoon (Optional)
A private boat safari offers a more exclusive and flexible experience. You avoid the larger groups and move at your own pace. This allows for closer approaches to wildlife and more time for photography. The route remains the same, but the experience is quieter, more personal, and highly rewarding.
Queen Elizabeth Game Drive – Morning (Optional)
An early morning game drive offers a different perspective of the park. The air is cool, and mist often lingers over the plains. Wildlife is active at this time, and the atmosphere is calm and immersive. It is an excellent way to start the day for those who want more time in the field.
Kyambura Gorge Trekking (Optional)
This optional hike takes you into Kyambura Gorge, a dramatic 11 km rift cutting through the savannah. At the base lies a lush tropical forest along the Kyambura River. The area is home to chimpanzees, though sightings are not guaranteed. The walk itself is the highlight. It is scenic, adventurous, and physically engaging, with sections that involve steep descents and climbs. Along the way, you may also encounter birds, monkeys, and other forest wildlife.
Accommodation: Honey Bear Bush Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 9 | Transfer to Ishasha, afternoon game drive
In the morning, you explore the Kasenyi plains in Queen Elizabeth National Park. This area is known for open grasslands and strong predator activity. You may also choose to upgrade to a guided lion tracking experience for a more in-depth encounter. After the morning safari, you drive about 2.5 hours south to the remote Ishasha sector. On arrival, you enjoy lunch at Ishasha Wilderness Camp. In the afternoon, you head out again in search of the famous tree-climbing lions.
Queen Elizabeth Game Drive – Morning
After an early breakfast, you set out as the sun rises over the savannah. The morning light is soft, and wildlife is active. You search for elephants, buffalo herds, Uganda kob, topi, lions, leopards, and hyenas. The landscape is varied, with open plains, crater lakes, and scattered candelabra euphorbia trees. It is a classic East African safari setting.
Ishasha
Ishasha lies in the southern part of the park, close to the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is remote and less visited, which gives it a true wilderness feel. The area is defined by open savannah dotted with large fig trees, where lions are often seen resting in the branches. The Ntungwe River runs through the region, attracting hippos and other wildlife.
Game Drive Ishasha – Afternoon
In the afternoon, you explore Ishasha in search of its tree-climbing lions. These lions are often found resting in fig trees, especially in the warmer hours of the day. You may also see buffaloes, Uganda kob, topi, and other antelope species. Along the Ntungwe River, hippos are commonly spotted. As the day ends, the light softens across the plains. You return to camp for a drink and a relaxed evening by the fire, surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness.
Accommodation: Ishasha Wilderness Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 10 | Morning game drive, transfer to Bwindi
In the morning, you have a game drive and then leave the open savannah. Your destination is Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Lodge, located inside Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The drive is one of the most scenic in Uganda. You pass through rolling hills, crater lakes, coffee plantations, and small rural communities. The landscape becomes greener and more dramatic as you approach Bwindi. The final stretch climbs into dense rainforest. The views are exceptional. You also have the option to add a unique rafting experience along the way.
Gorilla Rafting – Full Day (Optional)
For those seeking adventure, rafting on the Birira River offers a different perspective of western Uganda. The river flows from the Rwenzori Mountains through lush jungle between Ishasha and Bwindi. The experience combines gentle rapids with beautiful scenery. You pass rainforest, farmland, and local villages, with opportunities to spot birds and monkeys along the riverbanks. The activity is suitable for both adventure travellers and families (from 8 years and above). The day runs from approximately 09:00 to 15:00 and includes a local lunch. Safety is well managed, with a lead guide on the raft and support kayakers accompanying the group throughout.
Gorilla Forest Lodge
Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Lodge is one of the most exclusive lodges in Bwindi. It is set within the forest itself, just a short walk from the Uganda Wildlife Authority briefing point where gorilla treks begin. The lodge sits on a hillside, often surrounded by morning mist. As it clears, it reveals one of the most biologically rich forests in Africa. Bwindi is home to more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The lodge has been fully redesigned with a strong focus on comfort and sustainability. With only a small number of suites, it offers privacy, space, and a deep connection to nature. On rare occasions, gorillas have even been seen moving through the grounds. Staying here also supports conservation. A portion of your stay contributes to community and wildlife projects that help protect the forest and its gorillas.
Accommodation: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 11 | Gorilla trekking in Bwindi
Fuel up with an early breakfast before joining your gorilla guide, who leads you into the forest to find the forest’s most famous residents. The trekking may be strenuous — four hours or longer is not unheard of – but the reward is worth it: the chance to observe wild mountain gorillas from just yards away, with no bars or barriers. Spend an hour in the company of these magnificent creatures as they forage, play or simply lounge amid the greenery, their affinity to humans apparent in every interaction and glance. Return to the lodge and relax or, if time allows, go on a forest or community walk with your guides.
Accommodation: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 12 | Optional Community tour, transfer to Lake Mburo
Today, you may opt to join a tour of nearby Bwindi communities that have launched health, enterprise and education initiatives together with A&K Philanthropy. Experience firsthand the strong relationships we have forged with local residents, such as at the Bwindi Women’s Bicycle Enterprise and Beadmaking Workshop; on a visit to the Bwindi Community Hospital (built with the assistance of AKP support); and with members of the Batwa community – the indigenous inhabitants of the region and traditional guardians of the forest.
After that, you leave Bwindi behind. Not only is the experience with Dian Fossy’s protégés (‘Gorillas in the Mist’) etched in your memory for a lifetime, but also the beauty, the power, and the unique allure of Central African nature. Via the road connecting Rwanda with Kampala and Kenya, you drive to the lovely Lake Mburo National Park.
Lake Mburo National Park is the smallest safari area in Uganda and the only nature reserve where the impala and the eland live. Located centrally in the park is Lake Mburo, home to hippos, crocodiles, and many bird species.
Night Safari Lake Mburo – (optional)
Just before dinner, you will go on an exciting night safari where you search for galagos and hyenas, and also stand a good chance of spotting a leopard!
Accommodation: Mihingo Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 13 | Game walk or mountain biking, transfer to Entebbe
In the morning, you can choose between a mountain bike safari or a walking safari through the park. Since there are no lions or elephants living in this park, this can be done safely. Both activities are a great way to explore this park and its wildlife in an intimate setting.
You can also (optionally) choose to go on a horseback safari through the park. This can only be booked if you are staying at Mihingo Lodge.
After your morning activity and a (late) breakfast, you drive back to Entebbe across the equator. You will be dropped off at the airport in the early evening for your return flight home.
This is the end of your trip through Uganda. We hope you had a fantastic time!
Walking Safari Lake Mburo – Morning
Accompanied by a ranger, you will walk through the park in search of zebras, buffaloes, eland antelopes, and giraffes. This is also an excellent way for bird lovers to take beautiful photos, as there are no fewer than 310 species of birds found in Lake Mburo National Park!
Mountain Bike Safari Lake Mburo – Morning (optional)
You will take a wonderful mountain bike tour through the lush green nature of Lake Mburo National Park and the surrounding area. Along the way, you will encounter zebras, impalas, and lier antelopes, while also enjoying the panoramic views. Due to the elevation changes in Lake Mburo National Park, the mountain bike safari is a challenging ride, making it a wonderful start to your day!
Horseback riding safari Lake Mburo – Morning (optional)
During the horseback safari in Lake Mburo National Park, you will explore the region on horseback. It is an exciting adventure for both experienced and beginner riders. Please note: You must not weigh more than 90 kilograms and we cannot book this in advance, so availability must be checked on site.
Accommodation: No.5 Boutique Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast and Lunch.
Day 14 | Canoe trip to see the Shoebill, transfer to airport
You begin your final day with an early breakfast at the hotel. After check-out, you drive for about one hour to Mabamba Swamp, a vast wetland on the shores of Lake Victoria. It is a Ramsar Site of international importance and one of Uganda’s leading birding destinations.
The main highlight here is the endangered Shoebill, Uganda’s most famous and iconic avian resident. This prehistoric-looking bird is very high on most world birders’ wish list and nature lovers’ wish list, and for good reason. It is just so different, with huge, yellow, human-like eyes and that massive, clog-like bill.
You explore the swamp by traditional canoe, paddled by an expert local bird guide. The narrow papyrus channels offer excellent opportunities to observe the Shoebill in its natural habitat. Along the way, you may also see species such as the Papyrus Gonolek, African Fish Eagle, herons, kingfishers, egrets, and many other wetland birds. After the excursion, you return for lunch before transferring to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight home.
Accommodation: Not Included
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
Prices for this private trip
This tour is costed basing on luxury accommodation and seasons. We would be happy to discuss in person whether the accommodations meet your needs. The price is per person and is in USD. The low season price apply for the months of April, May, and November.
High Season price
- 1 Pax: USD 17418
- 2 Pax: USD 12754 per person
- 3 Pax: USD 12372 per person
- 4 Pax: USD 11323 per person
- 5 Pax: USD 11245 Per Person
- 6 Pax: USD 10846 Per Person
Low Season Price
- 1 Pax: USD 13121
- 2 Pax: USD 9890 per person
- 3 Pax: USD 9130 per person
- 4 Pax: USD 8534 per person
- 5 Pax: USD 8527 Per Person
- 6 Pax: USD 8082 Per Person
Inclusions
- Airport meet and greet on arrival
- All transfers as per the itinerary in a 4x4 safari landcruiser
- Luxurious accommodation for 13 nights
- Meals as indicated
- Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls NP
- Rhino tracking in Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch
- Boat cruises in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Park
- Lion tracking in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Nature walk in the community-run Bugodi Wetland Sanctuary
- Canoeing in Mabamba Swamp in search of shoebills
- Game walk in Lake Mburo National Park
- One gorilla trekking permit per person
- One chimpanzee trekking permit per person
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Bottled drinking water in the vehicle
- Park entry fees for included activities
- All activities unless labeled as option
exclusions
- International flights to and from Uganda.
- Uganda visa fees
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Optional activities not listed as included
- Alcoholic drinks
- Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, and souvenirs
- Tips and gratuities for driver-guides, lodge staff, and park rangers
- Extra accommodation before or after the safari
- Any services not mentioned under safari inclusions
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