18 Days Uganda Safari – Adventure Uganda Safaris

18 Days Uganda Safari. This 18 Days comprehensive Uganda safari includes gorilla trekking in Bwindi, chimp tracking in Kibale, wildlife viewing, and more.

On this extensive Uganda vacation trip, expect to explore all top safari destinations from east to west and northwest.

It is an adventure safari package taking you through primate treks, big game viewing, and adrenaline adventures.

Overall, this unforgettable 18 days Uganda safari will begin and end in Entebbe.

Expect to spend 17 nights and 18 days of exploring the Pearl of Africa.

Detailed 18 Days Uganda Safari

Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe international airport

Once you arrive at Entebbe International Airport, the main gateway to Uganda, you will meet and get greeted by our Maranatha Tour and Travel guide, who will later drive you to Kampala for your dinner and overnight.

However, in case you arrive a bit in time, you will enjoy the Kampala city tour and visit places like Kasubi tombs, the Bahai temple, and Namugongo shrine, among others, if time allows.

Dinner and overnight at The Lodge (budget), Cassia Lodge, Boma Guest House (midrange), Hotel Africana, Serena Hotel (luxury)

Day 2: Depart to Jinja – the Source of the Nile River

After breakfast, our safari guide will meet you and brief you about the whole safari, and later he will drive you to the eastern side of Uganda, to Jinja, which is a drive of about 2 hours (80 km) from Kampala, Uganda’s capital and largest city.

You will pass via the Mabira Forest, Uganda’s largest forest, sugarcane plantation, and people’s home before you finally arrive in Jinja for striking white-water rafting at the source of the Nile, the world’s longest river.

This experience will be guided by expert guides who are at your rescue in case the waters push you off the raft.

The rafting experience will go for an hour. After coming back to the lodge for lunch and relaxing, you will go for a boat cruise on the source of the Nile.

At the boat cruise, you will be gifted with chances of seeing various species of birds, like beautiful kingfishers.

You will also have a chance to stop at the point where John Speke stood as the first European to discover the source of the River Nile. After the activity, drive back to Kampala.

• Dinner and overnight at the retreat from Jinja and settle in Kampala for an overnight.
• The Lodge (budget), Cassia Lodge, Boma Guest House (midrange), Hotel Africana, Serena Hotel (luxury)

Day 3: Depart to Murchison Falls National Park

This day early in the morning after breakfast, our safari guide will meet you and drive you towards the northeastern part of Uganda, passing through the Luweero Triangle and Nakasongola.

In case you are interested in tracking rhinos, you will branch off at Nakitoma and head to the Zwia rhino sanctuary and track these rare animals; you will be charged USD 40 per person.

It marks the beginning of your moments with the big 5 of land animals.

After lunch at the Kolping Hotel Masindi, you will embark on a drive up to the top of the falls, which offers a magnificent view.

Here the Nile River, the longest river in the world, is forced through a narrow gap in the rock (only 7 metres wide) before brutally plunging down 43 metres.

After this wonderful site, you will be transferred to your booked accommodation.

Dinner and an overnight stay at Paraa Safari Lodge, Pakuba Game Lodge, Nile Safari Lodge, Sambiya River Lodge, Bwana Temba Safari Lodge, or Red Chill Rest Camp.

Day 4: Game drive and Launch cruise – 18 days Uganda safari

Morning breakfast is followed by a transfer to the northern part of the park for a game drive to catch up with a wide variety of games that live at the park.

Games expected to see include elephants, buffaloes, bushbucks, lions, warthogs, giraffes, and a variety of bird species. After, take a slow drive back to the lodge for lunch.

Proceed for a two-hour launch cruise on the Nile River up to the substructure of the mighty Murchison Falls for more opportunities to view various amazing species of wildlife, like schools of hippos, crocodiles, and water birds along the riverbank; lucky visitors can spot the rare shoebills.

After the activity drive back to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay at Paraa Safari Lodge, Pakuba Game Lodge (luxury), Nile Safari Lodge, Sambiya River Lodge, Bwana Temba Safari Lodge (mid-range), or Red Chill Rest Camp (budget)

Day 5: Top of the Murchison Falls and transfer to Hoima.

From here after breakfast, you will cross to the southern sector of the park to the top of the falls to explore the famous Murchison Falls.

Here the Nile, the longest river in the world, is forced through a narrow gap in the rock only 7 metres wide before ferociously plunging down 43 metres to the devil’s cauldron.

Take as many photos as you can.

Retire from the site and embark on the transfer to Hoima, with a stopover en route at Kabiro Salt Gardens to meet the heritage of this significant site.

At the site, you will be fed with informative information from the guide at the site. The Kibiro Salt Gardens have supported the livelihoods of the surrounding community dating far back to 900 years ago, far before the coming of Europeans.

The locals extract fine salt which they then exchange with the other communities for food and other items.

Continue with your journey to Hoima; you will arrive in the afternoon for relaxation as you wait for your dinner and overnight at Kontiki Hotel.

Day 6: Proceed to Fort Portal Area and then after transfer to Kibale National Park

This morning after breakfast, you will embark on the drive to the Fort Portal area; this will take you about 5 hours’ drive through the exciting countryside landscape of Kagadi and Kyenjojo with views of people’s homesteads and farmland.

Have lunch in Fort Portal, and after go and visit the Amabere g’s Nyinamwiru Caves and hike the Fort Portal Crater Lake field. The guide at the place will give you a more informative and educative history about the place.

You visit the Amabere g’ Nnyinamwiru caves, the breast-like features believed to have belonged to Nyinamwiru, the daughter of Bukuku, who was a self-enthroned king of the Bachwezi.

Retire back to the lodge; if you still have time, hike to the Fort Portal Crater Lake field where you traverse the challenging slopes of Kyeganywa Hill surrounded by a range of crater lakes and crater caves, presenting one of the beautiful scenic sites in Uganda.

From here you will depart to Kibale Forest National Park for relaxation, dinner, and overnight Kyaninga lodge, Primate Lodge Kibale, Ndali Lodge, Chimps Nest Lodge, Chimpanzee Forest Guest House

Day 7: Chimp tracking and Bigodi nature walk

After breakfast, report to the ranger station in Kibale Forest National Park before 8:00 am.

Here you will first receive a short briefing about chimp tracking from the respective park rangers who will be your guides through the activity, detailing the conduct of the exercise.

After heading to the forest following the ranger guide to begin the most sought-after activity at the park, chimp tracking.

The dense forests of Kibale comprise lush flora with mature trees marked with huge buttresses and climbers and impressive bird species, including the African pitta, Afep pigeon, and green-breasted pitta; however, chimps are the most common dwellers of the forest.

These delightful apes, more closely related to humans than to any other living creature, are magnificent to watch as they squabble and play in fruitful trees or on tree branches.

Tracking time is unpredictable; however, it can be from 1 to 6 hours, as meeting them depends on where they spent their last night. Therefore, some physical fitness is needed.

Once they are met, you are strictly allowed only one hour with them, taking photography as well as studying their behaviours.

While in the process of tracking chimps, other primate species can be seen, such as the red colobus monkey, the rare L’Hoest, the blue monkey, the grey mangabey, pottos, the black-faced vervet monkey, and baboons.

You will also find many other species, like butterflies, birds, buffaloes, and giant forest hogs, among the forest dwellers that are found in the forest.

After lunch, you will go for a guided walk in the Bigodi wetland sanctuary to look for more species of primates and birds like the shining blue kingfisher and blue-throated roller and see various species of trees among many other species plant.

Dinner and an overnight at Kyaninga Lodge, Primate Lodge Kibale, Ndali Lodge, Chimps Nest Lodge, and Chimpanzee Forest Guest House.

Day 8: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – 18 Days Uganda safari

After breakfast, we will depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most diversified park with an incredible variety of wildlife species, from the open savannah to rainforest, dense swamps, and beautiful crater lakes to the immensity of Lake Edward.

The transfer to the QENP will take about 3-4 hours. We will enter the park via the northern crater area, which complies with beautiful lakes and rich grasslands which are set deep in the crater valley; this is one of the most breathtaking sceneries at the park.

You will arrive at the park in time for lunch.

In the evening you will go for a game drive for an opportunity to spot various species of wildlife.

Games expected to be seen include lions, buffaloes, elephants, leopards, giant forest hogs, Uganda kobs, spotted hyenas, various species of birds like the black-rumped buttonquail, Verreaux’s, and African skimmers, among many others, after taking a slow drive back to the lodge.

Dinner and overnight at Mweya safari lodge, Katara Lodge, Jacana safari lodge, Kyambura game lodge, Ihamba lakeside lodge, Simba safari lodge, Engazi lodge,

Day 9: Chimpanzee tracking and launch cruise

Wake up early for a morning breakfast, and then after you will have a short briefing from the park warden about the dos and don’ts while you are with the chimps.

After, leave for the 8:00 am chimp trek in the Kyambura Gorge. The ranger guide will take you deep into the forest to track our close relatives; chimps are tremendous fun to watch as they squabble and play in fruitful trees or tree branches.

Tracking may go from 1 to 6 hours since meeting them depending on where they spent their last night; once they are met, only one hour is allowed to stay with them. We will return back to the lodge for lunch.

After lunch embarks on a 2-hour launch cruise on the Kazinga Channel that connects Lakes Edward and George; the launch cruise gives you the opportunity to view wildlife up close, like schools of hippos just feet away from the boat. Buffaloes linger in the shallows as well as elephants.

The shores are also home to various species of birds, including pink-backed pelicans, pied and malachite kingfishers, saddle-billed storks, and many others.

Dinner and overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge, Katara Lodge, Jacana Safari Lodge, Kyambura Game Lodge, Ihamba Lakeside Lodge, Simba Safari Lodge, and Engazi Lodge.

Day 10: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

This morning after breakfast embark on a 4-hour transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a home to the endangered mountain gorillas, birdlife, and primate life, and it’s home to very many incredible varieties of flora.

Depending on the nature of the road, we will drive through the famous part of the park to the south known as the Ishasha sector; it’s known for its rare tree-climbing lions.

If lucky, you can spot them sited on fig trees or tree branches. Have lunch by the Ishasha River camp before continuing to Bwindi with a spectacular view throughout.

Arrive in the evening for leisure as you’re waiting for tomorrow’s wonderful activity, which is gorilla tracking.

Dinner and overnight at Buhoma Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Mahogany Lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Gorilla Mist Camp, Engazi Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Friend Camp, Buhoma Community Campground, and Wagtail Safari Lodge.

Day 11: Gorilla tracking and nature walk

Wake up relatively early for a hearty breakfast to give you the energy needed for gorilla tracking. The guide will drive you to the park headquarters for registration and also receive short briefings about the dos and don’ts while with these giants.

After, set deep into the forest, following the ranger guide to begin the gorilla tracking experience. This trek can take from half an hour to 8 hours, so a reasonable degree of fitness is needed as well as tracking gear like a sturdy pair of walking shoes, long-sleeved shirts, and blouses.

Sit in the forest among the gorillas, listening to them grumble to each other; it’s really a breathtaking moment sitting in the dense rainforest knowing you are with the few remaining mountain gorillas in the world.

You are strictly allowed only one hour with them once you meet these giants while taking photography as well as studying their behaviours. After this delightful activity, get back to the lodge for late lunch.

If you still have the energy this evening, go for a guided village walk to see how Ugandans live.

Buhoma Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Mahogany Lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Gorilla Mist Camp, Engazi Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Friend Camp, Buhoma Community Campground, and Wagtail Safari Lodge.

Day 12: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

This morning after breakfast, embark on the transfer to Lake Bunyonyi; the drive will go for about 4 hours. Lake Bunyonyi is one of the deepest lakes in Africa, and it’s known as a home to very many small birds which feed and leave on the lake.

We will arrive in time at the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon we will take a boat ride around the lake; the canoe ride offers a fantastic view of various species of birds, like the egrets and kingfishers, among many others. Spend the evening at leisure at the lodge.

Meals and overnight at Luxury: Birdnest at Lake Bunyonyi Resort. Midrange/midrange: Lake Bunyonyi Eco-resort Budget: Byoona Amagara Island Retreat or Wild Camping

Day 13: Depart to Semuliki National Park

From Lake Bunyonyi, we will make a transfer to Semuliki National Park; the drive to the park will take about 5-6 hours with a fantastic view throughout, and we will arrive in time at the lodge for a late lunch.

In the evening we will visit the hot springs during the Sempaya nature walk, one of the most interesting activities done at the park.

Explore the hot springs, both the female and the male hot springs.

The male hot spring, also known as Bitente, has a wider pool, while the female hot spring, Nyansimbi, features a hot boiling geyser that sprouts up to 2m high and boils to more than 100 degrees Celsius.

Eggs and matooke (green plantation) can be cooked in this boiling water and enjoyed by hungry hikers. Dinner and overnight at Semulik lodge

Day 14: Game drive and bird watching

Early morning breakfast after, we will drive to the Toro Semuliki wildlife reserve for a chance to catch up with early species that rush from their hideouts. Games to see include the smaller and larger savannah elephants.

You will also spot the cape buffaloes, waterbuck, crocodiles, warthogs, and Uganda kob, just to mention but a few; with luck, you may even see pygmy hippopotami, leopards, and elusive bushbabies.

After, we will get back to the lodge for lunch. In the late afternoon, we will visit Sempaya and Ntandi, rewarding places for birders.

Here you will spot various species of birds, including the white-crested hornbill, red-billed dwarf hornbill, piping hornbill, and yellow-throated nicator, among many others.

The shoebill stork is regularly seen at close quarters on Lake Albert, and primate species can be seen, including the black and white colobus monkeys.

If you still have energy, you can connect to Ntandi and visit the Batwa pygmies, who are initially forest dwellers that were evicted to pave the way for conservation.

They will entertain you through their cultural music and dance, and they also narrate to you their history of existence. Dinner and overnight at Semulik lodge

Day 15: Semuliki to Lake Mburo National Park

After breakfast at the lodge, embark on a drive of about 3-4 hours up to Lake Mburo National Park with good sights along the way.

Arrive at the park in time for lunch, and then after lunch, go for a boat trip on Lake Mburo.

The boat trip provides a good chance to spot hippos and crocodiles just metres from the boat, many bird species that live and feed on the lake, buffaloes, and elephants, which can also be spotted along the shoreline.

Dinner and an overnight at Lake View Hotel, Rwenyo Tented Camp, Arcadia Cottages, Montana and Mihingo safari lodge

Day 16: Game drive and natural walk (18 Days Uganda safari)

Wake up for breakfast; after, we will go for a game drive in the Savannah part of the park to catch up with various species of animals.

Games expected to be seen include zebras, elephants, warthogs, eland, impala, Uganda kobs, waterbuck, and buffalo, just to mention but a few.

Come back to the lodge for lunch; after lunch, we will enjoy the nature walk through flora and fauna, culminating in a “salt lake” where you will be fortunate to see a minimum of 4 different species of animals while they lick the salty soil.

Dinner and overnight at Lake View Hotel, Rwenyo Tented Camp, Arcadia Cottages, Montana, and Mihingo.

Day 17: Cultural tour to the Banyankole community at Enyemebwa center

This morning after breakfast, do a morning game drive for more opportunity to view various species of animals. After, take a slow drive back to the lodge for lunch; then you will embark on another cultural tour to the Banyankole.

Your cultural tour in the Ankole community in Enyemebwa Centre involves exploring the Ankole long-horned cattle, participating in some of the local activities like milking the Ankole long-horned cattle, and participating in treating a sick animal.

You will also actively engage in caring for cows, like brushing their bodies using the locally made fibre.

Later, set back to the lodge and later depart back to Kampala with stopovers at the Equator Crossing in Kayabwe for informative talks and snacks.

Continue to arrive in Kampala in the evening for relaxation, dinner, and an overnight stay at The Lodge (budget), Cassia Lodge, Boma Guest House (midrange), Hotel Africana, Serena Hotel (luxury)

Day 18: Departure.

After breakfast, do last-minute shopping and later transfer to Entebbe International Airport to meet your departure flight back home if scheduled on this day.

End of 18 Days Uganda safari

18 Days Uganda Safari Inclusions

• Valid gorilla & chimp permits
• Park entrance fees
• Accommodation
• Meals as per the itinerary
• Park guide services
• Driver guide services
• Ground travel

18 Days Uganda Safari Exclusions

• Insurance
• Visas
• Passport
• Laundry
• Tipping