Connect with Africa's most majestic wildlife on this 9-day guided safari adventure
Reconnect with the natural world on this fully customizable safari tour that will take you to some of the best game parks in all of Uganda.
The Best of Uganda Safari explores the Western Circuit of the Albertine Rift Valley, where you’ll spend your days immersed in the savannah keeping eyes peeled for lions, elephants, rhinos and the elusive leopard.
Spend nine days on this incredible safari to discover the hidden world of Africa’s primates, exploring the Bundongo Forest and Bugoma Forest to spot chimpanzees and gorillas in their natural habitat. Spend time in Queen Elizabeth National Park to enjoy unique crater lakes and stunning landscapes. Hop aboard a river boat to explore along the Nile, home to hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird’s species. Then, trek to the top of the Murchison Falls for an unforgettable view as the water topples down into the Alberine Rift Valley.
Kick up your feet each night at a plush African lodge, offering comfortable amenities, along with stunning views overlooking national parks. Sleep under the stars listening to the soothing sounds of the jungle—chances are you’ll never want to leave!
Make a memory that will last a lifetime and reserve your spot on this fantastic safari today!
Highlights of the Best of Uganda Safari Tour
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Best of Uganda Safari Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Entebbe
Kick off the tour by flying into Entebbe International Airport. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by a guide and transported to your hotel for the evening
Overnight Location: Hotel in Kampala
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Nature Walk at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Enjoy a delicious traditional African breakfast before departing for Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Here, you’ll enjoy a nature walk, getting up close to endangered white rhinos, while learning about the breeding project run on-site. Indulge in a delicious meal at the sanctuary restaurant. Then, depart for Murchison Falls National Park where you’ll lodge for the evening.
Overnight Location: Lodge in Murchison Falls National Park
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 Game Drive & Murchison Falls
After a delicious breakfast, head out on an early morning game drive along Lake Albert, where you’ll get your first sight of the magical savannah. Keep your binoculars on the lookout for animals roaming in the wild, like lions, buffalos, elephants, giraffes, bushbucks, waterbucks and the elusive leopards. Kick up your feet back at the lodge, where lunch is served. Then, head out on a boat safari along the Nile, home to crocodiles, hippos and magnificent birds. Back on land, trek to the top of Murchison Falls to get a view below into the Albertine Rift Valley.
Overnight Location: Lodge in Murchison Falls National Park
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 Chimpanzees in Budongo Forest
Indulge in breakfast, then prepare for a long drive to Budongo Forest, where you’ll trek through the tropical forest in search of the Great Apes, spotting chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Bundongo is home to many primates, keeping eyes peeled to the treetops to spot the red-tailed monkey, vervet monkey, blue monkey, black and white colobus monkey and even baboons. Enjoy a packed lunch, then enjoy a cultural village tour with the Boomu Women Group eco-tourist site, who will introduce you to the locals and their culture and customs.
Overnight Location: Lodge in Kabwoya
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 Nature Walk in Bugoma Forest
After breakfast, head out on a nature walk exploring the Bugoma Forest—home to chimpanzees and Ugandan mangabeys. You’ll also learn about the conservation efforts of Destination Jungle to help support the park and the local people. Depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park, enjoying stunning views on your drive of Lake Albert and the beautiful Rift Valley escarpment.
Overnight Location: Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 Queen Elizabeth National Park & Boat Safari
Hop aboard the 4x4 safari vehicle for an early morning game drive to discover Lake George and Kasenyi village within the park. Observe the local watering hole to spot African wildlife, then take in the breathtaking landscape of the park and its unique crater lakes. Next, explore the Mweya peninsula along the Kazinga channel by boat, home to the largest concentration of wildlife in Uganda and a trip highlight. Spot buffaloes, elephants and hippos stopping for a drink or a swim in the channel and be sure to snap a photo. Depart from here for the Ishasha sector of the park, where you’ll lodge for the night.
Overnight Location: Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 Ishasha Safari
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, then grab your camera for a photographic safari in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Search for the “tree climbing lions,” known to be spotted resting in the branches of fig trees. Chances are high for spotting herds of antelopes, buffaloes and elephants—the friendly giants of the savannah. Stop for a lunch break on route to Bwindi Forest.
Overnight Location: Lodge in Bwindi Forest National Park
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 Trek Bwindi Forest & Mountain Gorillas
Set out to the tropical rain forest of Bwindi in search of mountain gorilla families. The Bwindi Forests is home to half of the world population of gorillas, meaning chances are high you’ll spot a few on your trek. Stop to enjoy a packed lunch before heading back to the lodge to unwind and relax.
Overnight Location: Lodge in Bwindi Forest National Park
Distance: Flexible
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 Depart from Entebbe
Enjoy your last breakfast in Uganda, then prepare for the drive to Entebbe International Airport. Lunch will be provided en-route.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Best of Uganda Safari Tour Price and Dates
Pricing for this guided hiking tour to Uganda depends on whether you choose to join an existing group on a specific date or if you prefer a private tour for your group only. If you choose to go on a private tour, the price will also be affected by the size of your group, as well as weather you are choosing to stay in premium or simple accommodations during your tour (please check Accommodation for the list of lodges and hotels).
Prices below are per person:
Prices staying in Economy accommodation:
- Guided Groups of 2: $4,090 USD per person
- Guided Groups of 3: $3,695 USD per person
- Guided Groups of 4-5: $3,375 USD per person
- Guided Groups of 6: $3,275 USD per person
Prices staying in Comfort type accommodation:
- Guided Groups of 2: $4,500 USD per person
- Guided Groups of 3: $4,150 USD per person
- Guided Groups of 4-5: $3,795 USD per person
- Guided Groups of 6: $3,740 USD per person
Accommodation on the Best of Uganda Safari Tour
This tour is based in hotels and lodges. Note that one is picked for the entirety of the trip, not day by day.
Hotels and lodges on this trip are 2 and 3-star hotels, and offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant. Rooms may have fireplaces or access to amenities such as hot tubs, steam rooms, or private decks to lounge on. Rooms are double occupancy, and single travelers will pay a supplement.
In some cases, accommodations listed below may need to be substituted for other, comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel. Contact us to find the exact price out.
Hotels on Economy Package
2Friends Beach Hotel in Entebbe ★★★★
Located right on the beachfront of Lake Victoria, this tasteful hotel offers private terraces overlooking the water or comfy chairs to kick back on the pristine beach.
Pakuba Lodge in Murchison Falls National Park
Nestled in North West of Uganda on the Eastern Bank of the Albert Nile, this lodge has stunning views over the Nile and being located within Murchison Falls National Park, it’s not unusual to spot wildlife.
Bugoma Jungle Lodge in Hoima
Unwind at this ecolodge built on the fringes of the tropical rainforest of Bugoma. Enjoy delicious meals harvested from their on-site garden, then relax back in the comforts of your room.
Ihamba Lakeside Safari Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park ★★★
Tucked away inside Queen Elizabeth National Park, this lodge offers panoramic views over Ihamba Lake and the Rwenzori Mountains. Here, enjoy the peace and quiet in an African styled cottage.
Ishasha Jungle Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park ★★★
This secluded lodge is surrounded by riparian forest vegetation and acacias savannah. Providing an eco-friendly experience, the lodge is made entirely of local materials and African art.
Ichumbi Lodge Bwindi Impenetrable National Park ★★★
Just a quick 10-minute walk from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, enjoy spectacular jungle views from the comfort of your room. Indulge in high-end comfort while surrounded by nature.
Hotels on Comfort Package
2Friends Beach Hotel in Entebbe ★★★★
Located right on the beachfront of Lake Victoria, this tasteful hotel offers private terraces overlooking the water or comfy chairs to kick back on the pristine beach.
Murchison River Lodge in Murchison Falls
Take a dip in the gorgeous pool at this eco-lodge, located on the south bank of the River Nile, with stunning views over Murchison Falls National Park.
Bugoma Jungle Lodge in Hoima
Unwind at this ecolodge built on the fringes of the tropical rainforest of Bugoma. Enjoy delicious meals harvested from their on-site garden, then relax back in the comforts of your room.
Mweya Safari Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park
This luxury lodge is located right in the heart of rich game land, offering plenty of wildlife sighting opportunities and a gorgeous pool to unwind.
Ishasha Jungle Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park ★★★
This secluded lodge is surrounded by riparian forest vegetation and acacias savannah. Providing an eco-friendly experience, the lodge is made entirely of local materials and African art.
Gorilla Safari Lodge in Bwindi
Tucked away on the edge of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, this hotel offers luxe services from in-suite fireplaces, turn down service and home water bottles on chilly nights.
What’s included in the Best of Uganda Safari Tour?
Meals
8 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 7 dinners.
Accommodations
Accommodations for all 8 nights along the tour.
Transportation during the Tour
Transport for you and your luggage for the entirety of the trip, including pick-up and drop-off from the airport.
Also Included
- English speaking Driver/Guide
- Gorilla permit in Uganda
- Activities during the tour:
- Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest
- Boat excursions
- Safari game drives
- Ziwa Rhino sanctuary
- Entrance fees, taxes
Not included
- Flights to get to get in and out of Entebbe
- Breakfast on day 1, lunch on day 1, dinner on day 1 and day 8
- Tour guide gratuity
- Tourist insurance/local health insurance
- Entrance visa to Uganda
- Alcoholic drinks are not included in evening meals
Optional Extras
- Extension packages:
- Extension to Lake Mburo National Park (2 days / 1 night)
- Extension to Mgahinga National Park / Echuya Forest (2 days/ 1 night)
- Extension to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary (2 days/ 1 night)
- Extension for community experience in Buhoma (2 days/ 2 nights)
- Extra night in Etenbbe before or after the tour
Frequently Asked Questions about Best of Uganda Safari Tour
Destination Jungle is a tour operator in East Africa, focusing on trips that create connections between participants and the colourful culture, habitats, and species in Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi. They offer sustainable tours that align with the World Tourism Organization of the United Nations, resulting in eco-friendly trips.
The tour guides for Destination Jungle provide a hospitable, welcoming environment, making it easy to start an exploration in a brand new country, but tough to leave. They lead you to wildlife viewings and other stunning attractions in an environmentally friendly way.
Destination Jungle recognizes the importance of clear communication with clients by providing detailed information before your trip, learning clients' needs, and implementing feedback into future endeavours.
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Dickson graduated with a Travel and Tourism Management degree from Makerere University four years ago and has spent the time since touring people around Uganda. The knowledgeable, experienced guide is passionate about sharing his love for his country through tours, no matter which region since all offer something unique and spectacular to that particular area.
- Q: What are guests most surprised about in visiting your country?
- A: When most clients come to Africa and Uganda at large, some have a perception of a continent infested with sickness, poverty, civil wars, among others. I have received testimonies of life-changing experiences after clients have travelled with us. This is because of the welcoming nature of Ugandans, the unique culture of the people, and the green covering the land throughout the country, and the food here tastes different.
- Q: What is the most challenging adventure you've ever done?
- A: My very first time of hiking Mt Muhavura was so hectic—I actually thought I would not make it to the top. I eventually did, but one of our colleagues twisted her ankle, and we had to carry her down the mountain for over four hours which made it worse. However, I did it again a year later, and it was fun.
- Q: What is one local dish or drink that tourists must try on a visit to your country and why?
- A: Steamed banana, which is locally known as Matooke. It's one of the local favourites!