Uganda 19‑Day Safari — Gorilla Trekking & Wildlife Highlights with Adventure Uganda Safaris
Discover Uganda’s best wildlife, primate encounters and cultural experiences on this expertly planned 19‑day Uganda safari, starting and ending in Kampala/Entebbe.
This extended itinerary combines high‑impact wildlife destinations — from rhino tracking and Nile adventures to chimpanzee tracking and two gorilla treks in Bwindi — with comfortable lodges, authentic community visits and flexible transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle with an experienced local guide from Adventure Uganda Safaris.
Intro — Why choose this 19‑day Uganda safari
Begin your journey in Uganda — a compact, wildlife‑rich destination where dramatic river landscapes, dense rainforest and open savanna sit within easy driving distances.
This 19‑day Uganda safari with Adventure Uganda Safaris delivers unforgettable encounters: chimpanzee and gorilla trekking, white water rafting at the Source of the Nile, boat safaris, birding in ancient forests and cultural exchanges with local communities.
Designed for wildlife lovers, photographers and active travelers, the itinerary balances adventure days with restful lodge stays and expert logistics (permits, park fees, local guides).
A brief itinerary of 19 Days Uganda Safari
- Day 1: Airport pick up and transfer to Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary
- Day 2: Drive to Jinja
- Day 3: White water rafting
- Day 4: Travel to Murchison Falls National Park
- Day 5: Game viewing and boat cruise
- Day 6: Drive to Semuliki Valley National Park
- Day 7: Bird watching and Lake Albert boat ride
- Day 8: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
- Day 9: Chimpanzee tracking and nature walk in Bigodi wetland
- Day 10: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Day 11: Game drive and chimpanzee tracking
- Day 12: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
- Day 13: First gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park and community visit
- Day 14: Second gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park
- Day 15: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park
- Day 16: Drive to Kampala
- Day 17: Kampala city tour
- Day 18: Drive to Entebbe
- Day 19: Departure
Detailed 19 Days Uganda tour
Day 1: Arrival, Entebbe airport pickup and transfer to Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary.
On arrival at Entebbe International Airport, your Adventure Uganda Safaris guide will welcome you and transfer you by boat to Ngamba Island for a guided visit and chimpanzee feeding session; this sanctuary visit is ideal for families and primate lovers and introduces Uganda’s conservation work.
Accommodation: Ngamba Island Tented Camp.
Day 2: Drive to Jinja via Mabira Forest.
After an early breakfast, drive east to Jinja, stopping at Mabira Forest Reserve for birding and short walks; Mabira is home to over 300 bird species and striking forest mammals, making it a great warm-up for Kibale and Semuliki.
Overnight: 2 Friends Guesthouse (midrange) or Jinja Nile Resort (luxury).
Day 3: White water rafting and Nile source.
After breakfast head to Bujagali Falls for a full‑day white water rafting experience on the Nile, followed by a relaxed visit to the exact point where the Nile leaves Lake Victoria. This adrenaline day suits active travelers; photographers should bring waterproof cases.
Overnight in Jinja.
Day 4: Transfer to Murchison Falls — via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
Drive northwest to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for rhino tracking, then continue to Murchison Falls National Park.
The park’s dramatic falls and riverine game are great for large mammal sightings and landscape photography.
Overnight options range from budget to luxury.
Day 5: Murchison Falls game drive and afternoon boat cruise.
An early morning game drive in the northern sector (Kichwamba/Kyawanga) increases chances of seeing elephants, lions and leopards; after lunch, take a boat trip to the base of Murchison Falls, where hippos, crocodiles and abundant birdlife concentrate.
Boat time is prime for photos and wildlife watching.
Day 6: Drive to Semuliki Valley National Park.
Head west toward the Albertine Rift’s rich lowland forests; Semuliki offers a unique mix of forest species and nocturnal wildlife. Plan an evening or night drive to spot nocturnal mammals and listen to dense forest soundscapes.
Day 7: Birdwatching and Lake Albert boat ride.
An early morning birdwalk in Semuliki yields rare forest endemics; later, take a Lake Albert boat ride for shoreline birding and scenic picnic stops. These birding activities target birdwatchers searching terms like best birding in Uganda’ and ‘Semuliki birds’.
Overnight at local lodge.
Day 8: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park.
Drive south to Kibale — the primate capital — in time for an afternoon nature walk or community visit around Fort Portal. Kibale’s primate diversity is a magnet for wildlife tourists.
Accommodation: Ndali Lodge or Primate Lodge.
Day 9: Chimpanzee tracking and Bigodi Wetland walk.
Participate in a chimp-tracking session from Kanyanchu Visitor Centre; trackers and rangers will accompany your group for a 2–4 hour search culminating in a one-hour viewing. In the afternoon take a guided Bigodi wetland walk to spot forest birds and smaller primates.
Day 10: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Drive to Queen Elizabeth, with scenic stops en route, and relax at your lodge before an afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. These water safaris spotlight hippos, Nile crocodiles and huge waterbird concentrations.
Day 11: Morning game drive and afternoon Kyambura Gorge chimp trek.
A morning Kasenyi game drive yields sightings of elephants, buffalo and predators; later trek Kyambura Gorge for chimpanzees in a forested gorge habitat — a different chimp experience from Kibale.
Day 12: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest via Ishasha.
Travel southwest toward Bwindi, driving through the Ishasha sector, famed for its tree‑climbing lions. Expect rougher roads and prepare for elevated altitudes and cool evenings.
Overnight near Bwindi in the Buhoma or Nkuringo region.
Day 13: First gorilla trek in Bwindi + community visit.
After briefings at the park HQ, track mountain gorillas with experienced rangers; trekking time varies, but the one‑hour viewing permits direct encounters for photography and conservation learning. Later visit a Batwa community or Bakiga cultural programme to support local livelihoods.
Mountain Gorillas in Uganda
Day 14: Second gorilla trek in Bwindi.
Enjoy a second gorilla family encounter to increase chances of different behaviours and lighting for photography; use this day for relaxation or an additional community activity if permits are limited.
Day 15: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park.
Drive to Lake Mburo with an afternoon boat ride or guided game walk — Mburo’s habituated zebras and small savannah species are ideal for relaxed game viewing and walking safaris.
Day 16: Game drive at Lake Mburo and return to Kampala.
Early morning game drive, then drive east to Kampala; arrive early evening and relax at city hotels.
Day 17: Kampala city tour.
Explore Uganda’s capital: cultural sites, markets and historical landmarks (Kasubi Tombs, Namirembe Cathedral and the National Museum). This urban day is great for travellers wanting a cultural contrast.
Day 18: Entebbe and Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC).
Visit UWEC for close views of rescued wildlife and conservation education — a convenient pre‑flight wildlife stop.
Overnight in Entebbe.
Day 19: Departure from Entebbe International Airport.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your outbound flight.
End of 19 Days Uganda safari
Safari inclusions
- Chimpanzee and gorilla permit
- Community visit
- White water rafting
- Gorilla trekking
- Chimpanzee tracking
- All activities in the itinerary
- Visit Bigodi
- Stopovers
- Bottled water
- Airport transfer
- Transport in a 4WD safari vehicle and full-time English speaking driver guide
- Accommodation and meals
Safari exclusions
- Visa fees
- Insurance
- Personal expenses like laundry services, Airfares, beverages, telephone, tips for staff, cigarettes, accommodation and meals, activities outside the travel plan.