12 Days Uganda: Exploring the Wild West
*price p.p. incl. guide, safari jeep, hotel and park entrance fees, excl. international flight (based on six persons)
Wild and adventurous – this is our, or rather your, 12-day journey through Uganda’s Wild West!
The western part of Uganda is home to all the big and famous parks, which you’ll all get to see! Look forward to meeting fascinating animals such as rhinos, elephants, lions, mountain gorillas AND chimps. Furthermore, you’ll not only sit in your car but also head into emerald and ochre paradises by boat or on foot.
The first few days start with a blast when you’ll pass by rhinos and float by impressive waterfalls in the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and Murchison Falls National Park. In Kibale National Park you’re then in for a treat: a superb encounter with our closest relatives in the wild, the chimps! A royal safari experience in Queen Elizabeth National Park is next on the list, followed by an adventurous meet and greet with Bwindi’s gentle giants, the mountain gorillas. We can imagine that this much excitement can be a lot to take in… so you’ll end your trip in a nice and grounding way by discovering Lake Mburo National Park on foot. Phew!
Important to know: gorilla trekking is an extremely popular activity (understandably) and requires both a guide and a permit. That’s why it needs to be planned and booked in advance and separately. Of course, we’re happy to help you with that.
Uganda is a safe country to visit (yay!). Especially if you want to join organised game drives with private guides, as you will do with us. There are, of course, some places to avoid in big cities like Kampala or Entebbe. But – as with everywhere else in the world – you’ll be fine by taking some precautions. Just some examples to be on the safe side (pun intended): don’t explore the city at night without a driver or guide, keep your valuables close to you, avoid wearing big and visible jewellery and leave some things like passports in the hotel safe.
This is an exclusive, private safari that allows you to travel at your own pace. This trip is made just for you, exactly as you want it! Our experienced travel consultants will make sure that your wishes come true. There are numerous advantages to such a trip. First, you can cruise around in a private safari vehicle and have a personal guide. It’s completely up to you what time you leave in the morning and when you come back (taking into account your guide’s advice, of course). Secondly, once you’re in a national park, you can observe specific animals or herds for as long as you like. No one will push you to move along. And lastly, knowing your wishes, your personal guide will give you the right tips, turning your trip into an unforgettable experience.
At Africa Safari Trips, we’re all about co-creating your perfect journey. When you plan your African adventures with us, you’re not just booking a trip; you’re embarking on a personalised experience. We start by understanding your wishes and preferences, and we won’t stop until every aspect of your journey aligns perfectly with your vision. Our team works closely with you to ensure that your entire trip is tailor-made to your satisfaction. And for added convenience, we offer a selection of our most popular African tours and safaris as a starting point for your consideration.
Yes, yes, yes! And not only the Big Five pose for your pictures, but also hyenas, hippos, zebras or the unique Ugandan kob, and more than 1,000 bird species of all kinds and colours. And if you love primates, Uganda clearly is your place to be: the diverse jungles are home to as many as 24 species of monkeys, from the nocturnal galagos to the beautifully colored blue monkeys and the breathtaking mountain gorillas.
* Indicative costs per person, excluding international airline tickets
24/7 service 12 days All accommodations Drinking water in our safari jeeps Full board Game drives Luxurious private 4×4 Safari Jeep Park Fees Private guide speaking fluently English Reservation costs Fully accredited under SGR Excluded Visas Travel insurance International flights (can be booked for you on request) Make your dream trip come true with Africa Safari Trips At Africa Safari Trips, you can customize your trip. Our sample itineraries are adjustable to your preferences. Our specialists work together with you to create your dream journey!
Day 1 Arrival at Entebbe International Airport Arrival at Entebbe International Airport Silver Karibu Guesthouse Entebbe Gold Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa Platinum Protea Hotel Entebbe You arrive at Entebbe International Airport, your gateway to the diverse beauty of Uganda! This is the country of adventurous mountain gorilla and chimp trekking, stunning wildlife safaris, amazing road trips and wilderness adventures by boat, bike, horse or foot. Experience the warm hospitality of the Ugandan people and be amazed by the cultural encounters with the different indigenous tribes. With us, you’ll experience it all! Our driver awaits you in the airport, carrying a sign with your name on it. Welcome to Uganda!
Karibu Guesthouse Entebbe Gold Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa Platinum Protea Hotel Entebbe Silver Karibu Guesthouse Entebbe Gold Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa Platinum Protea Hotel Entebbe Day 2 Drive to Murchison Falls National Park with rhino trekking Rhino trekking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Silver Bamboo Village Safari Lodge Gold Paraa Safari Lodge Platinum Paraa Safari Lodge From Entebbe you make your way to the country’s oldest national park: Murchison Falls. On the way you take a break visiting the rhinos of the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and once arrived in Murchison, you can start looking forward to a jeep safari of the unique kind.
Nested in the middle of the country, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a 70 square kilometer wide paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and a safe haven for white rhinos. In fact, this is the only place where you can see white rhinos in Uganda. During a rhino trekking tour, you can not only meet these majestic animals in their natural habitat but also support the sanctuary’s conservation efforts. With a professional guide, you’ll head out searching for the grey giants. Once found, you only need to do the following: take a deep breath, say “wooooow”, take some pictures, and savour the moment. Drive from Entebbe / Kampala to Murchison Falls National Park Today, you drive from Entebbe/Kampala to Murchison Falls National Park. The drive is a 345-kilometre journey where you see the real and rural countryside of Uganda – roughly six hours of bumpy tarmac roads, busy marketplaces, beautiful views of green hills and outstretched savannah along the way. Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest park and home to lions, zebras, Ugandan kobs, impala, leopards, over 500 bird species and many African elephants – just to mention a few. Be sure to keep your eyes open even when driving to the park – you might just spot your first monkey or zebra! Murchison Falls National Park Murchison Falls National Park is the largest and oldest national park in the country, spanning an impressive 3,840 square kilometres. The park is mostly known for its vast open savannahs, where you can go on classic game drives and spot lions, elephants, giraffes, and many other animals between the long grasses. The mighty Nile River cuts through the whole park, creating dramatic whitewater rapids, a breathtaking gorge AND areas for easy-going boat safaris to see hippos, crocodiles and birds. Last but not least, the famous Murchison Falls plunge an impressive 43 meters and are a major highlight of the park (and can be seen from the boat!). Please note that all excursions mentioned must be booked separately. Accommodations: Silver Bamboo Village Safari Lodge Gold Paraa Safari Lodge Platinum Paraa Safari Lodge Silver Bamboo Village Safari Lodge Gold Paraa Safari Lodge Platinum Paraa Safari Lodge Day 3 Two safaris and a hike in Murchison Falls Boat Safari to the Murchison Falls Silver Bamboo Village Safari Lodge Gold Paraa Safari Lodge Platinum Paraa Safari Lodge In a jeep, with a boat and on foot – this is how you discover the best Murchison Falls National Park has to offer. Get ready to be wowed by African animals, Ugandan landscapes and captivating waterfalls.
Board a double-decker boat for an old-style River Nile cruise in Murchison Falls National Park! Sail up the river for two hours (and one hour back) while spotting hippos and crocodiles in the water, and several other animals on the shores. The boat eventually leads you to the bottom of the impressive 43-meter-high Murchison Falls, where you can feel the fresh water droplets on your face while seeing the water cascading down. The falls are so powerful that it’s impossible to get very close, but trust us – you’ll be impressed nevertheless!
Follow in the footsteps of famous people like Winston Churchill and climb to the top of Murchison Falls! This 45-minute hike is relatively easy as the path is paved with steps and footbridges. With some luck, you might spot baboons while enjoying the feel of the cool mist of the waterfalls on your skin during the walk. Once at the top, you marvel at the mighty, churning masses of Nile water squeeze through a narrow gorge before plunging into the depths and taking in the view over the Nile and the vast savannah landscape below you.
During a jeep safari, our guide takes you in your private jeep on an unlimited game drive in the park. Make sure to share your expectations for this day with him, and let yourself be surprised by the suggestions he might have. Once on the road, ask any question that comes to mind and most of all: enjoy the amazing ride and sights! Accommodations: Silver Bamboo Village Safari Lodge Gold Paraa Safari Lodge Platinum Paraa Safari Lodge Silver Bamboo Village Safari Lodge Gold Paraa Safari Lodge Platinum Paraa Safari Lodge Day 4 Drive from Murchison Falls National Park to Kibale National Park Drive from Murchison Falls National Park to Kibale National Park Silver Kibale Forest Camp Gold Kibale Tourist Safari Lodge Platinum Primate Lodge Kibale Today you drive from Murchison Falls to Kibale National Park. This 6-hour drive leads you past welcoming villages, rainforests, charming tea plantations and mesmerizing crater lakes towards Fort Portal – a friendly and hospitable gateway city to Uganda’s adventures. If the weather is clear, you can see the Rwenzori Mountains with their snow-capped peaks. And then, get ready for Kibale Forest, the primate capital of the world with no less than 13 different species of monkeys!
Kibale Forest Camp Gold Kibale Tourist Safari Lodge Platinum Primate Lodge Kibale Silver Kibale Forest Camp Gold Kibale Tourist Safari Lodge Platinum Primate Lodge Kibale Day 5 Chimpanzee trekking and swamp walk in Kibale Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale National Park Silver Kibale Forest Camp Gold Kibale Tourist Safari Lodge Platinum Primate Lodge Kibale In the depths of the rainforest you get to observe our closest relatives play, eat and groom each other – an experience which will make everyone’s eyes sparkle! And since the jungle holds many more treasures, you go on the hunt for them afterwards during a swamp walk (not literally!).
Uganda’s Kibale National Park has the highest concentration of chimpanzees on the African continent, with approximately 1,500 chimps in several groups, offering you a high chance of seeing them in the wild. Expert guides lead you through the lush rainforest, where you can observe chimps leaping through trees, playing, eating, and grooming each other. Please note that the minimum age for this 2 to 4 hour trek is 12 years, requires proper hiking shoes, and groups are limited to 6 people. Also, since this is a very popular activity which needs both a permit and a guide, it has to be booked separately and well in advance.
The swamp walk through the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary at Kibale National Park is a must-do if you love birds, monkeys, rare animals, plants and flowers. This magical place, also called “home of the great blue turaco”, is the home of over 200 bird species. During your walk, you can spot eight primate species in the trees above you, as well as other Ugandan animals such as sitatungas, bushbucks and otters (yes, otters!). Lose yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of this pristine wetland; this is a true gem which only waits to be discovered… by you! Accommodations: Silver Kibale Forest Camp Gold Kibale Tourist Safari Lodge Platinum Primate Lodge Kibale Silver Kibale Forest Camp Gold Kibale Tourist Safari Lodge Platinum Primate Lodge Kibale Day 6 Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park and jeep safari Silver Elephant Hab Lodge Gold Aardvark Safari Lodge Platinum Buffalo Safari Lodge The drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park is like a trailer for the big movie – your safari, which happens on the very same day! The superstars of the most royal of all parks cannot wait to pose for your pictures.
As you drive 2 hours from Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park today, you can enjoy the sights while passing through the crater lake area around Kasenda and seeing the snow-capped peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains on your right a bit further down the road. With this amazing landscape as your ‘bush-tv’, you reach the most royal of Uganda’s national parks before you know it. Keep your eyes peeled for the Big Five! Jeep safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park During a jeep safari, our guide takes you in your private jeep on an unlimited game drive in the park. Make sure to share your expectations for this day with him, and let yourself be surprised by the suggestions he might have. Once on the road, ask any question that comes to mind and most of all: enjoy the amazing ride and sights! Queen Elizabeth National Park Queen Elizabeth National Park is not only royal by its name but also by its diversity. Celebrating the majesty of the animal kingdom, it is home to four of the Big Five, to tree-climbing lions and has the largest number of hippos in East Africa. Many more animals roam in its diverse landscape including savannah grasslands, dense forests, volcanic features and meandering rivers. Enjoy a large array of activities whilst supporting conservation efforts, all with the snow-capped Rwenzori mountains as a background. Accommodations: Silver Elephant Hab Lodge Gold Aardvark Safari Lodge Platinum Buffalo Safari Lodge Silver Elephant Hab Lodge Gold Aardvark Safari Lodge Platinum Buffalo Safari Lodge Day 7 Discover Queen Elizabeth National Park in a jeep and a boat Jeep safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park Silver Elephant Hab Lodge Gold Aardvark Safari Lodge Platinum Buffalo Safari Lodge After discovering countless gems of Queen Elizabeth National Park on land, it’s time to hop into a comfy boat and do the same on the Kazinga channel – the home of hippos, crocodiles and colourful birds.
During a jeep safari, our guide takes you in your private jeep on an unlimited game drive in the park. Make sure to share your expectations for this day with him, and let yourself be surprised by the suggestions he might have. Once on the road, ask any question that comes to mind and most of all: enjoy the amazing ride and sights! Boat safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park Last call for those wishing to explore the Kazinga Channel! Go aboard a boat that can accommodate up to twenty people and explore this beautiful and biodiverse place for 2-3 hours. The Kazinga Channel in the Queen Elizabeth National Park stretches 40 kilometres long, linking Lake George to Lake Edward. Keep a keen eye out at all times, as you may spot hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, elephants, and a variety of other animals. Two daily departure times are offered for this boat trip: in the morning, at 11:00 AM, and in the afternoon, at 2:00 PM.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is not only royal by its name but also by its diversity. Celebrating the majesty of the animal kingdom, it is home to four of the Big Five, to tree-climbing lions and has the largest number of hippos in East Africa. Many more animals roam in its diverse landscape including savannah grasslands, dense forests, volcanic features and meandering rivers. Enjoy a large array of activities whilst supporting conservation efforts, all with the snow-capped Rwenzori mountains as a background. Accommodations: Silver Elephant Hab Lodge Gold Aardvark Safari Lodge Platinum Buffalo Safari Lodge Silver Elephant Hab Lodge Gold Aardvark Safari Lodge Platinum Buffalo Safari Lodge Day 8 Drive from Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Drive from Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Silver Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge (Rushaga Sector) Gold Gorilla Leisure Lodge (Rushaga Sector) Platinum Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge (Nkuringo Sector) Enjoy the beauty of Uganda on a 5 to 6-hour drive from Queen Elizabeth National Park to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Observe the landscape gradually transforming from open savannah plains to thick and lush green forests. A memorable drive!
Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge (Rushaga Sector) Gold Gorilla Leisure Lodge (Rushaga Sector) Platinum Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge (Nkuringo Sector) Silver Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge (Rushaga Sector) Gold Gorilla Leisure Lodge (Rushaga Sector) Platinum Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge (Nkuringo Sector) Day 9 Mountain gorilla trekking in Rushaga (southern sector) Mountain gorilla trekking in Rushaga (southern sector) Silver Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge (Rushaga Sector) Gold Gorilla Leisure Lodge (Rushaga Sector) Platinum Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge (Nkuringo Sector) The Rushaga sector in the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to eight gorilla families, some of which are still unaccustomed to human presence. During a mountain gorilla trekking tour, you can hike along challenging trails, spending either an hour with the habituated groups or, at an extra cost, up to four hours observing the less familiar giants in their natural habitat. This once-in-a-lifetime experience, where you can watch the gorillas eat, play, and be guarded by the silverback, will leave you in awe and may even bring tears of joy to your eyes. Please note that gorilla trekking is conducted in groups of up to 8 people, requires proper hiking shoes, and typically lasts 2 to 4 hours. Also, since this is a very popular activity which needs both a permit and a guide, it has to be booked separately and well in advance.
Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge (Rushaga Sector) Gold Gorilla Leisure Lodge (Rushaga Sector) Platinum Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge (Nkuringo Sector) Silver Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge (Rushaga Sector) Gold Gorilla Leisure Lodge (Rushaga Sector) Platinum Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge (Nkuringo Sector) Day 10 Drive from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to Lake Mburo National Park Drive from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to Lake Mburo National Park Silver Kigarama Wilderness Lodge Gold Kigarama Wilderness Lodge Platinum Mihingo Lodge After your amazing gorilla trekking experience, you drive from Bwindi Impenetrable to Lake Mburo National Park. During this 7-hour road trip, you see the forest-like landscape gradually transform into soft verdant hills and open savannah. Lake Mburo is packed with wildlife seeking green vegetation and refreshment, so grab your binoculars and be sure to stay on the lookout for zebras, giraffes and many different bird species!
Kigarama Wilderness Lodge Gold Kigarama Wilderness Lodge Platinum Mihingo Lodge Silver Kigarama Wilderness Lodge Gold Kigarama Wilderness Lodge Platinum Mihingo Lodge Day 11 Two safaris in Lake Mburo National Park Walking safari in Lake Mburo National Park Silver Kigarama Wilderness Lodge Gold Kigarama Wilderness Lodge Platinum Mihingo Lodge Marvel at African wildlife from up close (like really close!) during a walking safari in Lake Mburo National Park and step into your private jeep to dive even deeper into the unique landscape around the glistening Lake Mburo.
Get out of the safari jeep, lace up your hiking boots and off you go on safari… literally! During your walking safari in Lake Mburo National Park, you can explore this wonderful spot of land from a completely different point of view. Hike through savannahs, woodlands and lakeshores and learn more about the flora and fauna from your experienced guide. Here, you can come close to animals like zebras, impala and giraffes and watch the park’s famous hippos from a safe distance. Discovering Uganda’s untamed wilderness like this is an experience that will stay with you for many years to come. Jeep safari in Lake Mburo National Park During a jeep safari, our guide takes you in your private jeep on an unlimited game drive in the park. Make sure to share your expectations for this day with him, and let yourself be surprised by the suggestions he might have. Once on the road, ask any question that comes to mind and most of all: enjoy the amazing ride and sights! Lake Mburo National Park Lake Mburo National Park in southwestern Uganda is one of the smaller parks of the country, but rich in biodiversity. The park is home to animals such as zebras, elands, buffalos, impala and over 350 species of birds. The lake is an important water source and home to hippos, crocodiles, and various fish species. The park has a rocky history of poaching, encroachment and people being chased off their lands, but nowadays, its main goal is to offer visitors amazing game drives, boat trips, and walking safaris. Accommodations: Silver Kigarama Wilderness Lodge Gold Kigarama Wilderness Lodge Platinum Mihingo Lodge Silver Kigarama Wilderness Lodge Gold Kigarama Wilderness Lodge Platinum Mihingo Lodge Day 12 Return to Entebbe for your flight home Drive back to Entebbe/ Kampala After some exhiliarating days, the end of your adventure is near. Enjoy the ride back to where it all started, take in the stunning views once more and take off with new memories that last forever. Or simply stay a little longer.
As you drive back to Entebbe, you again pass through the villages with their lively marketplaces and the outstretched countryside with tea and coffee plantations, smooth green hills and the occasional wildlife waving you goodbye. After several days of sheer adventure, even the ride back to Entebbe is an experience to enjoy!
This is your last day! Unfortunately, it’s time to catch your flight home from Entebbe International Airport. Sad to leave…? Not to worry! We can easily add a few days of safari to your holiday, or extend it with a few days on the shores of Lake Victoria for some whitewater rafting or other exhilarating activities! Make your dream trip come true with Africa Safari Trips At Africa Safari Trips, you can customize your trip. Our sample itineraries are adjustable to your preferences. Our specialists work together with you to create your dream journey!
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