Day 1: Arrival in the Pearl of Africa
Your epic 15-day Grand Uganda Safari begins upon your arrival at Entebbe International Airport. You will be warmly welcomed by our representative, who will assist you and transfer you to your accommodation in Entebbe. This first evening is for you to unwind, acclimatize to the Ugandan air, and anticipate the incredible journey ahead, resting well after your long international flight.
Day 2: To the Mighty Nile and Murchison Falls
After an early breakfast, we embark on our drive northwards. The journey itself is a cultural experience, passing through lush countryside, traditional homesteads, and bustling towns. We stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a memorable trek on foot to observe the only wild rhinos in Uganda. After this encounter, we continue to the park, crossing the Nile by ferry to reach our lodge, perched on the banks of the river, with the distant roar of the falls setting the scene.
Day 3: Wildlife and the Thundering Falls
An early morning game drive on the northern bank of the Nile reveals the savannah landscape of Murchison Falls Conservation Area. Expect to see elephants, giraffes, buffalo, lions, and a variety of antelope. In the afternoon, we take to the water for a breathtaking boat safari upstream to the base of the falls. Hippos wallow in pods, crocodiles bask on the banks, and waterbirds fill the air. The climax is the spectacular view of the Nile being forced through a mere 7-meter gap, creating a thunderous, rainbow-adorned explosion of water.
Day 4: Top of the Falls and Journey to Kibale
Before departing, we take a short hike to the Top of the Falls for a different, equally powerful perspective. Feeling the spray and witnessing the Nile plunge into the abyss is a humbling experience. We then begin our scenic journey south, traversing the Albertine Rift Valley with its dramatic escarpments. The drive is long but rewarding, offering a cross-section of Ugandan rural life. We arrive in Fort Portal, the gateway to Kibale, in the evening.
Day 5: Primate Capital of the World
Today is dedicated to primates. Kibale National Park boasts the highest concentration of primates in Africa. After a briefing, we enter the forest for our chimpanzee trekking adventure. The forest is alive with sounds; you may see black-and-white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabeys along the way. Finding the chimpanzees is a moment of pure magic—watching them feed, play, and interact in their natural habitat is unforgettable. The afternoon offers a serene contrast with a walk through the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community project rich in birdlife and monkeys.
Day 6: To the Ishasha Wilderness
We drive south, entering the greater Queen Elizabeth National Park ecosystem. Our destination is the remote and wild Ishasha sector, famously known for its unique tree-climbing lions. An afternoon game drive through this vast savannah, dotted with fig trees, is our first opportunity to search for these majestic cats lounging on the branches, as well as topi, buffalo, and other plains game.
Day 7: Lions and the Kazinga Channel
A final morning game drive in Ishasha offers another chance to find the tree-climbing lions before we journey north to the main sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. In the afternoon, we embark on a legendary boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, a natural channel linking Lakes George and Edward. This is arguably the best aquatic safari in Africa, with massive concentrations of hippos, buffalo, and elephants on the shore, and an astounding array of birds, from kingfishers to eagles.
Day 8: Kyambura Gorge and to Bwindi
An early morning game drive in the Kasenyi plains provides opportunities to see lions on the hunt, Uganda kob, and other wildlife. Later, we have the option to explore the mystical Kyambura Gorge on a chimp habituation experience (optional extra) or simply enjoy the landscape. After lunch, we begin the drive into the highlands, the air growing cooler as we approach the legendary Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and sanctuary to the mountain gorillas.
Day 9: The Apex Experience – Gorilla Trekking
This is the pinnacle of the 15-day Grand Uganda Safari. After an early breakfast and briefing, we enter the ancient, mist-shrouded forest with our guides. The trek can be physically challenging but is immensely rewarding. The moment you come across a gorilla family is profoundly emotional. You will spend one hour observing them—a silverback grooming, infants tumbling playfully, a mother nursing her baby—an experience of quiet awe and privilege that will stay with you forever.
Day 10: Community and Culture
After the intensity of the previous day, we enjoy a more relaxed morning. We participate in a meaningful cultural experience, such as a visit to the Batwa community, the former forest dwellers who share their ancient heritage, or a vibrant local village walk organized by the Boomu Women’s Group. This interaction provides deep insight into the lives and traditions of the people who call this beautiful region home. In the afternoon, we drive to Lake Bunyonyi, a stunningly beautiful lake dotted with islands, for rest and reflection.
Day 11: Serenity at Lake Bunyonyi
A full day to decompress and absorb the memories of your journey. You can choose to relax at your lodge with its breathtaking views, take a canoe trip to explore the islands, go for a swim in the bilharzia-free waters, or simply enjoy the tranquility of one of Africa’s most beautiful locations. This day of rest is a crucial and delightful part of the itinerary's rhythm.
Day 12: To the Acacia-Dotted Lake Mburo
We say goodbye to the highlands and journey towards Lake Mburo National Park. The landscape transforms into the classic dry acacia woodland of the Ankole region. This smaller park offers an intimate safari experience. An afternoon boat trip on the lake reveals hippos, crocodiles, and incredible birdlife, including the iconic African fish eagle. An optional guided night game drive (at an extra cost) offers a chance to see nocturnal creatures like genets, bushbabies, and perhaps a leopard.
Day 13: A Walking Safari and Return to Entebbe
We embark on a unique guided nature walk—an activity not possible in most major parks. Walking among zebras, impalas, warthogs, and elands provides a completely different, more immediate connection to the African bush. After this refreshing experience, we begin our journey back to Entebbe, arriving in the late afternoon. We check into our hotel, perhaps enjoying a final dinner overlooking Lake Victoria.
Day 14: Optional Entebbe Explorations or Departure
This day is built as a buffer to accommodate any potential changes in gorilla trekking dates or flight schedules. It can be used for relaxation, exploring the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, visiting the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, or souvenir shopping at the craft markets. For those whose flights depart today, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward journey, filled with unforgettable memories.
Day 15: Final Departure
If you utilize the buffer day, you will enjoy a leisurely breakfast before your transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your departure, marking the end of your magnificent 15-day Grand Uganda Safari.
