Join us on the Uganda Wildlife Tour!
13 Day, 12 Night
This tour starts from Entebbe and ventures to 4 National Parks – Bwindi, Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, and Kibale. From gorilla and chimp trekking to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, this trip is packed with incredible wildlife experiences. While here, you’ll see Uganda’s beauty and understand why it’s called the “Pearl of Africa.”
Go beyond these amazing wildlife adventures and experience the authentic Ugandan village lifestyle. Participate in cultural activities like rural farming, basket weaving, preparing local cuisine, and watching traditional dances. You’ll also have the opportunity to give back and contribute to a sustainable community project benefiting these local people and villages.
Our itineraries are entirely customizable to meet your travel style, needs, and interests. Let’s explore Uganda together!
Day 1
Welcome to Uganda! Upon arrival, you will be met by an Off Season Adventures representative who will escort you to your safari vehicle and introduce you to your driver and guide. You will have the afternoon to relax and contemplate the amazing Uganda Safari ahead!
- Arrive at Entebbe International Airport (EBB) and meet a representative of the Off Season Adventures team
- Transfer to accommodation
- Afternoon at your leisure
- Overnight and dinner at Four Vins Lodge (Boutique) / K Hotels (Luxury)
Day 2
After an early breakfast, you will begin the journey to Uganda’s largest national park Murchison Falls. On your way pass through the Luwero region and stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary where you’ll have the opportunity to view both black and white Rhinos. After lunch proceed to the park for a game drive ending at the top where you’ll have an amazing view of the falls crashing down to the Nile River below.
- Breakfast at your hotel
- Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
- Visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
- Lunch
- Game drive and a visit to the top of the falls
- Overnight and dinner at Ziwa Sanctuary Lodge (Boutique) / Paraa Safari Lodge (Luxury)
Day 3
Early this morning head out on a game drive in the park. You’ll have the opportunity to view elephants, giraffes, baboons, lions, hyenas, leopards, and hundreds of species of birds. In the afternoon, take a boat cruise along Africa’s longest river, the Nile. View crocodiles, hippos, buffaloes, and several species of birds including kingfishers and shoe billed stork. You’ll have the opportunity to view the base of the mighty Murchison Falls before heading back to your lodge for dinner.
- Breakfast at your hotel
- Game drive in Murchison Falls National Park
- Lunch
- Boat cruise along the River Nile
- Overnight and dinner at Ziwa Sanctuary Lodge (Boutique) / Paraa Safari Lodge (Luxury)
Day 4
Today you will head to Kibale Forest National Park which is home to a total of 70 mammal species and most famously 13 species of primates including the chimpanzee. Upon arrival in the afternoon proceed to the Top of the World Hike which takes you to villages, craters, lakes, tea plantations and incredible views. The hike begins at Lake Nyabikere (meaning lake of frogs) and continues through grasslands and local communities. Expect to be greeted by locals with enthusiastic waves and to observe 3 or 4 species of primates during the walk.
- Breakfast at your hotel
- Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
- Lunch
- Top of the world hike and crater lakes viewing
- Overnight and dinner at Home Bliss Resort Hotel (Boutique) / Nyaika Hotel (Luxury)
Day 5
This morning embark on a chimp trekking adventure in Kibale National Forest. An experienced Uganda wildlife ranger will escort you through this experience which lasts an average of three hours and gives you the opportunity to view thirteen other species of primates in addition to the chimps. After lunch, you will visit sustainable community projects to learn about critical conservation issues from the local people. Understand in-depth how ethical and fair trade tourism works by visiting these projects funded by tourists that provide clean water, education, primary health care, and women and youth empowerment for rural communities.
- Breakfast at your hotel
- Chimp trekking in Kibale National Forest
- Lunch
- Visit sustainable tourism projects in Kahangi Village
- Overnight and dinner at Home Bliss Resort Hotel (Boutique) / Nyaika Hotel (Luxury)
Day 6
After breakfast, you will have a full day to experience community life in rural Uganda. Start the day with a visit to a local plantation where you will pick tea with the locals. Then head to the heart of the village, the kitchen, to learn how to prepare tasty local delicacies and indulge in your efforts. After your meal, take a guided tour of the village’s handicraft workshop. You’ll observe how these traditional crafts are created by the local women and even get to try weaving yourself. To finish this day of culture and community, you will be treated to a performance of traditional Ugandan music and dance.
- Breakfast at your hotel
- Visit a tea plantation and tasting
- Cooking class with local women
- Lunch prepared during class
- Visit and demonstration of women’s weaving cooperative
- Traditional dance and musical performance
- Overnight and dinner at Home Bliss Resort Hotel (Boutique) / Nyaika Hotel (Luxury)
Day 7
On this day you will be transferred to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s second-largest. The park has a diverse ecosystem of grassy plains, tropical forests, rivers, swamps, lakes and volcanic craters and is home to an incredible abundance of wildlife.
- Breakfast at your hotel
- Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Lunch
- Overnight and dinner at Irungu Resort Hotel (Boutique) / Elephant Plains Lodges (Luxury)
Day 8
After an early morning breakfast, you will depart on a game drive in the northern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. With the massive Ruwenzori Mountains as a backdrop, this part of the park provides excellent opportunities to observe tree-climbing lions, leopards, giant forest hogs, cape buffalo, elephants, Defassa waterbuck, Uganda kobs, topi, and bushbuck. In the afternoon we will embark on a 3-hour boat ride of the 32-kilometer Kazinga Channel which is home to hippos, Nile crocodiles, buffalo, elephants, and 600 resident species of birds.
- Breakfast at your hotel
- Early morning game drive in the northern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Lunch at your lodge
- Boat ride on Kazinga Channel
- Overnight and dinner at Irungu Resort Hotel (Boutique) / Elephant Plains Lodges (Luxury)
Day 9
Today make your way to Bwindi National Park which lies on the edge of the Rift Valley. The park is most famous for the rare mountain gorillas and the drive to the park is incredibly scenic, passing through various local villages and lush green countryside. On your way, stop at the Equator where you can take photos with one foot in each hemisphere and witness the Coriolis Effect in real-time! You will stop for lunch at the Ngongo Cultural Center for some authentic Ugandan cuisine and a cultural tour.
- Breakfast at your hotel
- Transfer to Bwindi National Park
- Stop at Equator Crossing for photos
- Lunch and tour at Ngongo Cultural Center
- Overnight and dinner at Cepha’s Inn (Boutique) / Arcadia Lodges (Luxury)
Day 10
Early this morning wake up with full excitement about the gorilla trekking experience that lies ahead. You will be transferred to Bwindi National Park headquarters for a briefing with an Uganda Wildlife Authority guide who will accompany your group into the forest. Locating the gorillas can take a few hours or the whole day depending on how far they have moved. For conservation purposes, the time allowed to view the gorillas is one hour so make use of that time and appreciate every moment with these amazing creatures! Once you have completed the trek you will return to the lodge for a well-earned rest. If you have the time and energy there are several optional activities you can participate in at the hotel.
- Breakfast at your hotel
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park
- Lunch within in the park
- Overnight and dinner at Cepha’s Inn (Boutique) / Arcadia Lodges (Luxury)
Day 11
After breakfast, leave the countryside for the city of Kampala, the capital of Uganda. Kampala is bordered by Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake. The city offers a multitude of historical and cultural attractions for visitors to explore. Upon arrival, you will embark on a city tour that will include such sites as the Gadaffi Mosque, Kabaka’s Palace, Idi Amin’s torture chambers, the Ba’hai Temple, and local restaurants and craft markets. End the day with a local meal and a traditional music and dance performance at the Ndere Cultural Center.
- Breakfast at your hotel
- Transfer to Kampala
- City tour
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- Dinner and performance at the Ndere Cultural Center
- Overnight and dinner at Four Vins Lodge (Boutique) / K Hotels (Luxury)
Day 12
On this day you will journey to Ssezibwa Falls just east of Kampala. A trip to the falls will give you insight into the Buganda Kingdom. This location is part of their culture, history and traditional belief system. After this magical trip head back to Kampala and end your day at the Ndere Cultural Center. Here you will be treated to a multi-cultural performance and a dinner consisting of local dishes.
- Breakfast at your hotel
- Nature walk and a visit to Sezibwa Falls
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- Dinner and performance at the Ndere Cultural Center
- Overnight and dinner at Four Vins Lodge (Boutique) / K Hotels (Luxury)
Day 13
Today marks the end of our Uganda adventure. After breakfast, you will be transferred to Entebbe International Airport for your flight home.
- Breakfast at your hotel
- Transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your trip home
We are happy to customize additional day excursions before or after this tour if you want to get more out of your journey. Possible additions include Bulago Island, Lake Victoria, Murchison Falls National Park, and so much more.
What’s Included?
- Your local, experienced driver with many years of guiding tours in Uganda
- Lodging in Uganda on a full room and board basis
- Entrance fees for all National Parks and Conservation Areas
- Gorilla & chimp trekking permits (1 per person per activity)
- Ranger guides for the gorilla & chimp trekking
- All cultural activities and excursions on the itinerary
- Contribution to the 501(c)(3) organization Second Look Worldwide
- Beverages while in transit, excluding while in the airports
- Driver transfers to and from airports
- Wire Transfer and other banking fees
What’s Not Included?
- International flights to & from Uganda
- Tips for your drivers, tour guides, and lodges, highly encouraged
- Alcoholic beverages
- Traveler’s insurance, highly encouraged
- Souvenirs and gifts
- Baggage weight overages, if applicable
- Any incidental expenses
- Anything from room service or the hotel minibar
- Any visas required for entry into Uganda
- Any Covid-19 tests required for entry into Uganda
Boutique Accommodations
Banana Eco Village- 3 nights, Bed & Breakfast Basis
Murchison River Lodge- 2 nights, Full Room & Board Basis
Fort Motel- 3 nights, Full Room & Board Basis
Kyangabi Crater Resort- 2 nights, Full Room & Board Basis
Lake Bunyonyi Safari Resort Hotel- 2 nights, Bed & Breakfast Basis
Luxury Accommodations
K Hotels- 3 nights, Bed & Breakfast Basis
Kabalega Wilderness Lodge- 2 nights, Full Room & Board Basis
Mountain of the Moon Hotel- 3 nights, Full Room & Board Basis
Elephant Plains Lodges- 2 nights, Full Room & Board Basis
Arcadia Lodges- 2 nights, Bed & Breakfast Basis