18 Days Best of Uganda Wildlife Safari and Cultural Tour
This 18-day Best of Uganda Wildlife Safari takes you to explore the main tourist destinations in Uganda. You will arrive at Entebbe Airport overnight. The actual 18 Days Best of Uganda Wildlife Safari begins with a visit to the source of the Nile, Sipi Falls, Pian Upe, and Kidepo Valley. From there, head to Murchison Falls for more wildlife viewing and connect to Kibale NP then Queen Elizabeth NP. Head to Bwindi, Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Mburo NP before returning to Entebbe Airport to fly out.
Day 1: Arrive at Entebbe Airport, pick up and transfer to the accommodation
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, a Lusso Safari Expeditions assigned English-speaking Professional Tour Driver-guide will receive and welcome you to Uganda the Pearl of Africa. Thereafter, you will transfer to the booked accommodation in Kampala or Entebbe.
In case you have had an early landing into Uganda and you’re interested, you may consider a brief excursion to some touristic sites in/around Kampala City.
- Main Destination: Entebbe International Airport (Airport/Airstrip)
- Accommodation: Hotel No 5 – Luxury hotel located in Entebbe or Karen Bixen a mid range in Kampala
- Meals & Drinks: HB (Dinner and Breakfast)
Day 2: Travel to Jinja and visit the source of the Nile, Continue to Sipi
Have breakfast and then drive off to Jinja. En route, you will drive through Mabira Safaris then head to Jinja where the Nile begins its flow to the Mediterranean Sea. Visit the Source of the Nile,If interested, you may choose to go for white water rafting on the Nile. There is also the option for Kayaking on the Nile before departing Jinja.
Then proceed to Sipi where you will have an overnight stay.
- Main Destination: Jinja &Sipi Falls (Highlight)
- Accommodation: Rafiki Lodge Sipi – Mid-range lodge located in or near Sipi Falls
- Meals & Drinks: All meals included, Drinking water (Other drinks not included).
Day 3: Sipi Falls walk/hiking experience, Afternoon coffee tour plus community encounter
You will have breakfast and thereafter proceed out to explore Sipi Falls. The hiking is about 2– 3 hours which is a set of 3 falls. The views are breathtaking and make for a great excursion while in Sipi. You can aswell do an optional abseiling activty.
After Lunch, go for an afternoon coffee tour on the other hand will enable you to trace the story of coffee from seed to that in the cup and you don’t want to miss this informative experience. Later, just relax at the accommodation with a spectacular view of Sipi right in front of you.
Main Destination: Sipi Falls (Highlight)
Accommodation: Rafiki Lodge
Meals & Drinks: All meals included, Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 4: Travel to Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, Then overnight stay in Moroto
Have your breakfast and then drive to the pristine Pian Upe. While there, you may decide to either; visit the Ngapedet Cave on a nature walk to gain some historical insights or go for game viewing in search of Pian Upe inhabitants such as; ostriches, common elands, plain zebras, the greater kudu, savanna monitor lizards and the only remaining numbers of roan antelope in the whole of Uganda.
It is also only in Pian Upe that you may have the chance to see cheetahs while on an Uganda Safari. From Pian Upe, head to Moroto where you will have your dinner and the overnight stay at the booked accommodation.
- Main Destination: Pian-Upe Wildlife Reserve
- Accommodation: Kumi Hotel
- Meals & Drinks: All meals included, Drinking water (Other drinks not included).
Day 5: Travel to Kidepo, Lunch, and then afternoon-to-evening game drive/safari
Have breakfast and drive off to Kidepo National Park, arriving in time for some rest and lunch before going out for a game viewing. You will proceed for game viewing in the Narus Valley in the south sector of Kidepo. Narus is the sector of Kidepo that has savannah grasslands mixed with acacia woodland.
It is also the area of the park with permanent water sources throughout the year and for that matter, most of the animals are in this part of the park. Be on the look for large herds of Buffaloes, many Zebras, antelope species, and lions. You will return to the accommodation for dinner and an overnight stay.
- Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah Lodge (Safari Tent) – Mid-range tented camp bordering Kidepo Valley NP without fences
- Meals & Drinks: All meals included. Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 6: Morning game drive/safari, Afternoon-evening Karamojong community encounter
Enjoy your breakfast then embark on a sunrise game drive/safari where you will have the opportunity to encounter wildlife including; lions, herds of buffaloes, elephants, zebras, or the elusive leopard among others. Return to the lodge for lunch and afternoon relaxation.
After a good rest, move out for the Karamojong Community, a cultural encounter where you will spend a wonderful afternoon with the Karamojong People and have an insight into their way of life and beliefs. Dinner and overnight at the booked accommodation.
- Main Destination: Kidepo Valley National Park
- Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah Lodge (Safari Tent) – Mid-range tented camp bordering Kidepo Valley NP without fences.
- Meals & Drinks: All meals included, Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 7: Full day hiking Morungole Mountains
Wake up early, enjoy a hearty breakfast, and begin your hike up Mount Morungole, nestled in the northern hills of Karamoja. As you ascend, the scenery becomes more and more spectacular, offering stunning views of the valleys below, stretching into the Eastern Rift Valley of Kenya and across to Southern Sudan. After your adventure, return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
- Main Destination: Mount Morungole (Mountain)
- Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah Lodge (Safari Tent) – Mid-range tented camp bordering Kidepo Valley NP without fences
- Meals & Drinks: All meals included, Drinking water (Other drinks not included).
Day 8: Travel to Murchison Falls NP, Late afternoon/evening game drive/safari
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast before setting off for Murchison Falls National Park. This park is known for the thunderous Murchison Falls and the expansive plains of Uganda’s largest national park, where you might spot lions, leopards, giraffes, hartebeest, buffalo, and elephants. You’ll also be captivated by the large populations of hippos and Nile crocodiles. For bird enthusiasts, Murchison Falls is home to around 450 species, including the grey parrot, dwarf kingfisher, and Goliath heron. Arriving in time for lunch and some rest at the lodge, you’ll later head out for a thrilling afternoon safari that stretches into the evening.
- Main Destination: Murchison Falls National Park
- Accommodation: Hornbill Bush Lodge – The budget lodge is located just outside Murchison Falls NP
- Meals & Drinks: All meals included, Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 9: Murchison game drive and afternoon boat trip to the base of the falls
Enjoy your breakfast, then set off early for a game drive across the vast plains of Uganda’s largest national park. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, including lions and elusive leopards, among others. Birdwatchers will also be in for a treat, as there’s an array of bird species to spot along the way. After the drive, return to your accommodation for some relaxation and a delicious lunch.
In the afternoon, embark on a boat trip to the base of Murchison Falls, where you can observe more wildlife such as hippos, crocodiles, and various water birds. For those feeling adventurous, consider hiking to the top of the falls. It’s a challenging trek, but the rewarding view at the summit makes it all worthwhile. Afterward, return to your lodge to unwind and relax.
- Main Destination: Murchison Falls National Park
- Accommodation: Hornbill Bush Lodge – The budget lodge is located just outside Murchison Falls NP
- Meals & Drinks: All Meals Included, Drinking water (Other drinks not included).
Day 10: Transfer from Murchison to Kibale NP, check-in, and have good rest
After breakfast, you’ll depart for Kibale Forest National Park, renowned for its diverse primates, including chimpanzees, black-and-white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkey, and Uganda Mangabey (Lophocebus Uganda).
The drive is long but incredibly scenic, taking you through charming villages, lush green landscapes, and rolling hills dotted with tea plantations that are typical of this region of Uganda. The stunning views will keep you captivated throughout the journey. Once you arrive at your accommodation, check in and take some time to unwind and relax.
- Accommodation: Kibale Tourist Lodge or Chimpanzee Forest Lodge
- Meals & Drinks: All meals included, Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 11: Chimp trekking (Morning) and, afternoon Bigodi wetlands excursion
Start your day with breakfast before heading to the rangers’ post for a briefing on the dos and don’ts of chimp trekking. Afterward, you’ll begin your trek through Kibale Forest in search of chimpanzees. An experienced ranger guide will lead you, and you’ll be amazed by the variety of primates you’ll encounter along the way.
Once you locate the chimpanzees, you’ll have a full hour to observe them in their natural habitat. After lunch, you’ll set off for the Bigodi Wetland excursion, known for its rich biodiversity, including a variety of primates and bird species. Finally, you’ll return to your accommodation to relax and unwind.
- Main Destination: Kibale National Park (Chimps)
- Accommodation: Kibale Tourist Lodge or Chimpanzee Forest Lodge – Mid-range guest house located just outside Kibale NP
- Meals & Drinks: All meals included, Drinking water (Other drinks not included).
Day 12: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth NP, Rest, and move out for a game drive
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your accommodation before heading off to Queen Elizabeth National Park. You’ll arrive early enough to relax, have lunch, and in the afternoon, head out for a game drive. During your safari, keep an eye out for wildlife such as reedbuck, bushbuck, kob, warthogs, elephants, lions, and buffaloes, among others.
Alternatively, you can opt for the scenic explosion crater drive, which offers stunning views of the park’s breathtaking landscapes. You’ll likely spot some wildlife along the way, with Cape buffaloes and elephants being the most common. Afterward, return to your accommodation to relax, enjoy dinner, and spend the night.
- Accommodation: Buffalo Safari Lodge / Elephant plains
- Meals & Drinks: All meals included, Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 13: Queen’s Morning game drive and afternoon boat trip along the Kazinga Channel
Wake up early and enjoy your breakfast before heading out for a morning game drive in the Kasenyi plains. Keep an eye out for Cape buffaloes, herds of elephants, lions, and elusive leopards, among other wildlife. After the drive, return to your accommodation to relax and have lunch.
In the afternoon, embark on a 2-hour boat trip along the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lakes George and Edward. As you cruise, you’ll be captivated by the sight of wildlife such as giant hippos, elephants, and crocodiles, along with a variety of bird species along the water’s edge. Afterward, return to your accommodation for dinner and an overnight stay.
Optional (extra cost): If you’re interested, you may choose to go for a hike around the twin lakes after the boat trip.
- Main Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Accommodation: Buffalo Safari Lodge / Elephant Plains.
- Meals & Drinks: All meals included, Drinking water (Other drinks not included).
Day 14: Travel to Ishasha in search of tree-climbing lions, Connect to Bwindi NP
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before heading to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, renowned for its tree-climbing lions. While there’s about a 70% chance of spotting them, they can sometimes be tricky to find, especially when they’re down in the grasslands hunting for prey. If you’re lucky enough to spot them, the sight is truly picturesque and unforgettable.
After your visit to Ishasha, continue your journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Given the long day ahead, there’s not much planned upon arrival—simply check in to your accommodation, unwind, and prepare for the exciting gorilla trekking experience the following day.
- Accommodation: Buhoma Lodge, Mahogany Lodge,Four Gorillas
- Meals & Drinks: All meals included, Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 15: Gorilla trekking Bwindi Forest, Move out for Community & cultural tour
After your early breakfast, carry light lunch and move to the rangers’ post were you will be briefed on the dos and don’ts during Gorilla trekking. Thereafter, you will enter the forest for your adventure. The area offers a dramatic steeply forested landscape and is incredibly dense but crisscrossed by numerous animal trails allowing access to tourists. The time taken and the terrain varies with the movements of these great primates. Once you have located a gorilla group, you will be allowed an hour in their presence.
The thrill of spending time observing these gentle but endangered giants is unforgettable. Return to the accommodation and have some rest before moving out for the late afternoon-to-evening local community and cultural encounter. This involves cultural dances from the local people of the community and also participating in some activities e.g. traditional cooking, and weaving among others. Return for dinner and overnight.
- Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park(Gorillas)
- Accommodation: Buhoma Lodge or Mahongany Lodge or SGFC
- Meals & Drinks: All meals included, Drinking water (Other drinks not included).
Day 16: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, Canoe trek on the Lake, and then relax
After breakfast, transfer to Lake Bunyonyi. Lake Bunyonyi is framed by lush, green-terraced hills that reach a height of (2,200 – 2,478m) but it’s the 29 islands of various shapes and sizes scattered across the water that make it most magical you could admire them all day.
You will arrive and check in the rest. Later (after lunch), move out on a canoe trek that will introduce you to the lake’s various islands but also there will be some great time spent on a traditional dugout canoe. Thereafter, return for relaxation at the Resort.
- Main Destination: Lake Bunyonyi (Lake)
- Accommodation: Arcadia Lodge.
- Meals & Drinks: All meals included, Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 17: Transfer to Lake Mburo NP and enjoy an afternoon (evening) game drive
Have breakfast and set off to Lake Mburo NP via Mbarara City. If interested, you can visit Igongo Culture centre/Museum while in Mbarara City before heading to Lake Mburo. You will arrive at the accommodation in Lake Mburo in time and rest before moving for an afternoon-to-evening game drive.
On the game drive, expect to see the gigantic eland antelopes, zebras, topi, impalas, and Uganda Kob and Cape buffalos among others. Later, relax at the accommodation where you will spend the night.
- Accommodation: Muhingo Lodge or Mantana Tented camp.
- Meals & Drinks: All meals included, Drinking water (Other drinks not included).
Day 18: Morning walking safari in the park, return to Entebbe to catch a flight
Enjoy your early breakfast and proceed to the Mburo Park for morning walk or Horse riding in the presence of an armed Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger guide. On this early morning guided walk, you will have the opportunity to encounter (at close range): Zebras, Giraffes and Eland, Topi and other antelope, and Cape buffaloes among others.
Take the Trail to the top of the hills and see Lake Mburo and beyond. From this vantage point, you will have a great view of 9 of the twelve lakes surrounding Lake Mburo NP. Thereafter, return to the accommodation for checkout and then hit the road to Entebbe airport to catch your evening flight
- Main Destination: Entebbe International Airport.
- Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks: Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included), Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Tour Includes
- Daily breakfast
- Meal plan as listed in the itinerary (BB in Kampala/Entebbe, FB on tour)
- Accommodation on a shared basis, as listed in the itinerary
- All game drives
- Day hike on Rwenzori
- 1 Gorilla permit, quoted separately
- 1 Chimpanzee permit, quoted separately
- Boat trip in Kazinga Channels, QE park
- Boat trip in Lake Mburo park
- All fees for parks, and entrances
- Safari walk in Lake Mburo
- Bigodi wetland area, Kibale forest
- Mineral/bottled water in vehicle
- All transfers, fuel with 4×4 vehicle
- English speaking driver-guide all along the tour
- Cultural visits where available
Tour Excludes
- Meals in Kampala/Entebbe
- Visa fees for Uganda ($50); Rwanda ($30)
- Extra drinks at lunches and dinners
- Air tickets
- Personal Expenditures; phone calls, laundry


