An Unforgettable 14-Day Safari Journey Through Southwest and Central Uganda

Embark on an exhilarating 14-Day Uganda Safari journey across the breathtaking landscapes of Southwest and Central Uganda, where the thrill of nature meets rich cultural heritage. This 14-Day Uganda Safari offers a diverse experience, from encounters with mountain gorillas in the impenetrable forests of Bwindi to the scenic beauty of Lake Albert and the roar of wildlife in Uganda’s national parks. Whether you’re a seasoned safari enthusiast or a first-time adventurer, this tour will immerse you in Uganda’s wild heart, introducing you to the Big Five, rare primates, and the tranquil beauty of Uganda’s lakes and mountains. Let this be your ultimate African adventure.

14-Day Uganda Safari Highlights

• Day 1: Departure from Amsterdam to Entebbe, Uganda
• Day 2: Exploring Entebbe’s Botanical Gardens and Lake Victoria
• Day 3: Journey to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
• Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
• Day 5: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Day 6: Game Drives and a Boat Cruise on the Kazinga Channel
• Day 7: Drive to Fort Portal with Views of the Rwenzori Mountains
• Day 8: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest National Park
• Day 9: Journey to Hoima and Visit Lake Albert
• Day 10: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
• Day 11: Safari in Murchison Falls National Park and Boat Ride on the Nile
• Day 12: Visit to the Top of Murchison Falls and the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
• Day 13: Relaxation and Souvenir Shopping in Kampala
• Day 14: Return to Entebbe and Departure for Amsterdam

 

Detailed 14-Day Uganda Safari Journey

Day 1: Departure from Amsterdam to Entebbe, Uganda

Your 14-Day Uganda Safari Journey adventure begins with a flight from Amsterdam Schiphol to Entebbe International Airport. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by the warm tropical breeze of Uganda. Entebbe, a charming town located on the shores of Lake Victoria, offers the perfect start to your journey. After clearing customs, you’ll transfer to your hotel for a restful night, recovering from your flight and preparing for the upcoming adventure.

What to Expect:

• Arrival in Entebbe and warm Ugandan hospitality
• Transfer to your hotel with dinner provided
• Overnight stay in the Entebbe area

Day 2: Exploring Entebbe’s Botanical Gardens and Lake Victoria

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel, and venture into the lush greenery of the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, home to a variety of bird species and monkeys. You’ll walk through this serene landscape, surrounded by tall trees and beautiful flowers. The gardens sit along the shores of Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa, where you’ll enjoy stunning lakeside views and take in the cool breeze.

In the afternoon, relax at one of the small beaches along Lake Victoria, where local restaurants serve fresh fish and other delicacies. Take the time to explore Uganda’s lakeside lifestyle, dipping your toes in the cool water or enjoying a drink at a waterfront bar.

What to See and Do?

• Entebbe Botanical Gardens: Birdwatching and walking among tropical plants
• Lake Victoria: Scenic views, local beaches, and waterfront dining

Day 3: Journey to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Today, after breakfast, you’ll embark on a scenic eight-hour drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, located in southwestern Uganda. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the last strongholds of the endangered mountain gorillas, and it is renowned for its dense, misty forests and dramatic landscapes.

The long drive provides a glimpse into rural Ugandan life, passing through lush countryside, terraced hillsides, and small towns. You’ll arrive at your accommodation near Bwindi in the late afternoon, where you’ll settle in and prepare for tomorrow’s once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience.

What to See and Do?

• Scenic drive through western Uganda’s countryside
• Arrival in Bwindi, an iconic rainforest

Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Prepare for an awe-inspiring day. After an early breakfast, you will be briefed by park rangers before heading into the forest to track a family of mountain gorillas. Bwindi is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, and your trek will lead you deep into their natural habitat.

Guided by expert trackers, you will follow trails through the dense undergrowth until you encounter a gorilla family. The moment you see these majestic creatures in the wild is an experience that defies description. Watch them feed, play, and interact with each other as you stand just a few meters away. After your gorilla trek, return to your lodge for a well-deserved rest.

What to See and Do?

• Guided trek through Bwindi’s Forest in search of gorillas
• Close encounters with a gorilla family in their natural habitat
• Take incredible photographs of these endangered primates

Day 5: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, you will depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most renowned wildlife reserves. This drive will take you through scenic hills and valleys until you arrive at the savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth, home to diverse wildlife including lions, elephants, and buffaloes.

In the late afternoon, relax at your lodge or explore the surrounding area. You can look forward to tomorrow’s thrilling game drives that will bring you face-to-face with Africa’s iconic wildlife.

What to See and Do?

• Scenic drive from Bwindi to Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Leisurely afternoon settling into the park area

Day 6: Game Drives and a Boat Cruise on the Kazinga Channel

Your day begins early with a game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park. As the sun rises over the savannah, you’ll embark on a guided safari through the park’s diverse landscapes, keeping an eye out for lions, leopards, elephants, and other wildlife. Bird lovers will delight in the park’s rich avian population, including African fish eagles and flamingos.

In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, which teems with hippos, crocodiles, and elephants coming to the water’s edge. The boat ride offers an incredible perspective of the park and its inhabitants, providing fantastic photo opportunities.

What to See and Do?

• Morning game drive: Lions, elephants, buffalo, and other wildlife
• Afternoon boat cruise: Hippos, crocodiles, and elephants along the water

Day 7: Drive to Fort Portal with Views of the Rwenzori Mountains

After breakfast, depart Queen Elizabeth National Park and make your way to Fort Portal, a charming town known for its views of the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains. The drive will take you through tea plantations and rolling hills, with stunning views of the “Mountains of the Moon” in the distance.

Once in Fort Portal, you’ll settle into your accommodation, a guesthouse run by a Dutch owner, and spend the evening enjoying the peaceful surroundings. Fort Portal is the perfect base for your next day’s exploration of the Kibale Forest, home to Uganda’s largest population of chimpanzees.

What to See and Do?

• Scenic drive through the western Ugandan highlands
• Arrival in Fort Portal with views of the Rwenzori Mountains

Day 8: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest National Park

Today, you’ll explore Kibale Forest National Park, home to an impressive 1,500 chimpanzees, the largest population in Uganda. After a morning briefing, embark on a guided trek into the tropical rainforest, where you’ll follow the calls of the chimpanzees to locate a troop. Watching these intelligent primates interact in the wild is an unforgettable experience.

In addition to chimpanzees, Kibale Forest is home to 12 other primate species, including red colobus monkeys and grey-cheeked mangabeys. After your trek, return to Fort Portal for a relaxed evening at the guesthouse.

What to See and Do?

• Morning chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest
• Encounter various other primate species

Day 9: Journey to Hoima and Visit Lake Albert

After breakfast, depart for Hoima, a vibrant town situated near the shores of Lake Albert, one of Africa’s Great Lakes. En route, you’ll pass through rural villages and rolling landscapes, gaining a deeper appreciation for Uganda’s varied geography.

Once in Hoima, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the scenic Lake Albert, which forms the natural border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The lake’s tranquil waters and surrounding scenery offer a peaceful retreat before your next 14-Day Uganda Safari Journey.

What to See and Do?

• Scenic drive from Fort Portal to Hoima
• Visit to Lake Albert and the Congo-Uganda border

Day 10: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

Today’s journey takes you to Murchison Falls National Park, one of Uganda’s premier safari destinations. The park is known for its dramatic landscapes and powerful waterfalls. After a scenic drive through the northern Ugandan countryside, you’ll arrive at your lodge inside the park.

In the afternoon, you’ll have time to relax and enjoy the stunning views before embarking on tomorrow’s exciting game drives and wildlife experiences.

What to See and Do?

• Drive through northern Uganda to Murchison Falls National Park
• Leisure time at the lodge

Day 11: Safari in Murchison Falls National Park and Boat Ride on the Nile

Begin your 14-Day Uganda Safari Journey day with a thrilling game drive in Murchison Falls National Park, where you’ll have the chance to spot elephants, giraffes, lions, and antelopes. The park is home to the highest population of giraffes in Uganda, and its diverse ecosystems support a wide range of wildlife.

In the afternoon, take a boat ride along the Nile River, heading towards Murchison Falls. Here, the river narrows dramatically, forcing water through a rocky gorge to create one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world. The sight of the thunderous falls is sure to leave you in awe.

What to See and Do?

• Morning game drive: Lions, giraffes, elephants, and antelopes
• Afternoon boat ride to Murchison Falls

Day 12: Visit to the Top of Murchison Falls and the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

After breakfast, visit the top of Murchison Falls, where you can witness the sheer force of the Nile as it crashes through the narrow gorge. The view from the top is breathtaking and provides a unique perspective of this natural wonder.

In the afternoon, head to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda where rhinos can still be seen in the wild. The sanctuary is dedicated to the conservation and breeding of white rhinos, and a guided walking safari will give you the chance to observe these endangered animals up close.

What to See and Do?

• Morning visit to the top of Murchison Falls
• Afternoon walking safari at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Day 13: Relaxation and Souvenir Shopping in Kampala

Today is a day to relax and explore Uganda’s bustling capital city, Kampala. In the morning, you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel or visit some of the city’s landmarks, such as the Uganda Museum or Kasubi Tombs. In the afternoon, visit Kampala’s famous souvenir markets, where you can pick up handcrafted items, art, and other mementos of your 14-Day Uganda Safari Journey.

What to See and Do?

• Relax in Kampala or explore city landmarks
• Afternoon visit to local markets for souvenir shopping

Day 14: Return to Entebbe and Departure for Amsterdam

Your last day in Uganda will be spent in Entebbe, where you can relax at one of the local beaches along Lake Victoria. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon soaking in the sun or exploring the town before your evening flight back to Amsterdam. Reflect on the incredible experiences you’ve had over the past two weeks as you prepare to return home.

What to See and Do?

• Relax at the beach in Entebbe
• Evening flight back to Amsterdam

14-Day Uganda Safari Journey Inclusions and Exclusions

Inclusions:

• Accommodation as listed above
• All meals and bottled water
• Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
• Professional English-speaking guide
• Park entrance fees and permits (gorilla and chimpanzee trekking)
• All game drives, boat cruises, and guided walks
• Rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Exclusions:

• International flights
• Visa fees
• Travel insurance
• Alcoholic beverages and personal expenses
• Tips for guides and lodge staff

End of 14-Day Uganda Safari Journey