18 days Ultimate Uganda Safari
The 18 Days Ultimate Uganda Safari is the perfect expedition for travelers seeking the most complete and immersive exploration of the Pearl of Africa. Uganda stands among Africa’s most diverse safari destinations—alive with lush rainforests, expansive savannahs, thundering waterfalls, vibrant cultures, and some of the world’s rarest wildlife. This remarkable journey brings together the very best the country has to offer: gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, big game encounters, rich birdlife, waterfall adventures, canoe excursions, and unforgettable cultural and scenic experiences.
From the shoebill-filled wetlands of Mabamba to the wide, untouched plains of Kidepo, and from the thunderous might of Murchison Falls to the tranquil island-dotted waters of Lake Bunyonyi, this itinerary masterfully blends adventure with relaxation. It is an extraordinary 18-day safari designed for travelers who desire a deep, authentic, and beautifully varied Ugandan experience.
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18 days Ultimate Uganda Safari Highlights
Arrival in Entebbe and relaxation along Lake Victoria
Shoebill tracking in Mabamba Wetlands
Source of the Nile tour in Jinja
Sipi Falls hiking and coffee experiences
Cultural immersion with the Karamojong in Moroto
Stunning game drives in Kidepo Valley National Park
Visit to traditional Manyatta villages
Big game safaris in Murchison Falls National Park
Nile Boat Cruise to the base of the falls
Hike to the Top of the Falls
Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest
Bigodi Wetland & community encounters
Queen Elizabeth National Park game drives
Kazinga Channel Boat Safari
Tree-climbing lions of Ishasha
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Canoeing & relaxation in Lake Bunyonyi
Lake Mburo walking safari & wildlife viewing
Scenic countryside travel and cultural interaction
18 days Ultimate Uganda Safari Details
Day 1: Welcome to Uganda – Arrival in Entebbe
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you are warmly welcomed by your safari guide and transferred to your hotel. This day is reserved for rest after your flight. Enjoy the evening breeze from Lake Victoria, stroll through your lodge gardens, or simply relax as you prepare for the adventure to come. Tomorrow your grand journey through Uganda begins.
Day 2: Shoebill Tracking – Transfer to Jinja & Source of the Nile
Start early with a visit to the Mabamba Wetlands, one of the most important bird habitats in East Africa. Glide through papyrus reeds in a wooden canoe as you search for the majestic shoebill stork, one of the world’s rarest birds. Mabamba is also rich with herons, kingfishers, and African jacanas—perfect for bird lovers.
After the wetlands, drive to Jinja, Uganda’s adventure capital. Explore the Source of the Nile, where Lake Victoria spills into the world’s longest river. Enjoy a relaxing boat ride, photography, and scenic views before settling into your lodge along the Nile.
Day 3: Jinja to Sipi Falls – Afternoon Hike
After breakfast, depart for the cool slopes of Mount Elgon, arriving at Sipi Falls by early afternoon. After checking in, begin your guided hike to one or two of the three famous waterfalls. The trails wind through villages, banana farms, and stunning viewpoints overlooking the Karamoja plains. Expect cool breezes, dramatic cliffs, and spectacular scenery.
In the evening, relax at your lodge with breathtaking views of the valley
Day 4: Drive from Sipi Falls to Moroto – Cultural Heartland
Today you travel deeper into northeastern Uganda toward Moroto, home of the pastoral Karamojong people. The landscapes change dramatically—semi-arid plains, rocky hills, and wide-open horizons. Upon arrival, visit a traditional homestead (Manyatta) to learn about their cattle culture, warrior traditions, crafts, and dances. This is one of Uganda’s most authentic cultural encounters.
Day 5: Moroto to Kidepo Valley National Park
After breakfast, drive to Kidepo Valley National Park, widely regarded as Uganda’s most beautiful and untouched savannah wilderness. As you approach the park, expect extraordinary views of rugged mountains, golden grasslands, and wildlife roaming freely.
Check into your lodge and prepare for a sunset game drive where you may spot elephants, zebras, buffaloes, ostriches, hartebeest, and lions.
Day 6: Full-Day Game Viewing in Kidepo
Spend the entire day exploring the Narus and Kidepo valleys. This park offers excellent chances of spotting predators including lions, cheetahs, and hyenas. The open savannahs provide dramatic photography opportunities, and the low tourist numbers create an intimate wilderness experience. Picnic lunch is enjoyed in the wild before continuing your safari through one of Africa’s most scenic national parks.
Day 7: Morning Game Drive & Karamojong Village Visit
Begin with another rewarding game drive, searching for wildlife missed earlier. Later in the day, visit a nearby Karamojong village, where you can learn about their traditions, cattle kraals, dances, and unique architecture. These community interactions provide deeper insights into the region’s history and lifestyle.
Return to the lodge for dinner under the stars
Day 8: Kidepo to Murchison Falls National Park
Today you journey west toward Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area. Enjoy scenic stops along the way, including small markets and traditional villages. Arrive in the evening, check in, and relax as wildlife roams nearby.
Day 9: Full Day in Murchison – Game Drive & Nile Boat Safari
Start with a sunrise game drive across the northern savannah. Expect sightings of giraffes, elephants, hartebeest, lions, leopards, and abundant birdlife.
In the afternoon, embark on the famous boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls. This three-hour journey offers close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and spectacular riverine scenery. At the base of the falls, watch the Nile thunder through a narrow 7-meter gorge—one of Africa’s most dramatic sights.
Day 10: Top of the Falls – Transfer to Kibale Forest
Begin with a hike or drive to the Top of Murchison Falls, where the Nile explodes through a rocky cleft. The power and mist are incredible.
Continue your journey south to Kibale Forest National Park, traveling through tea plantations, hills, and small trading towns. Arrive at your lodge in time for dinner and relaxation.
Day 11: Kibale Chimpanzees & Bigodi Community Experience
Morning is dedicated to chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest, home to the highest concentration of chimps in East Africa. Observe them feeding, grooming, and calling in the trees. The trek also reveals other primates including red colobus, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabeys.
In the afternoon, take a guided walk through the Bigodi Wetland & community, famous for birds, butterflies, crafts, and cultural storytelling.
Day 12: Kibale to Queen Elizabeth NP – Afternoon Boat Safari & Game Drive
Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, enjoying scenic views of crater lakes and the Rwenzori Mountains. After checking in, head to the Kazinga Channel for an afternoon boat cruise. This waterway hosts the world’s highest concentration of hippos, plus buffaloes, elephants, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife.
End the day with a short evening game drive on the Kasenyi plains.
Day 13: Morning Game Drive – Transfer to Ishasha – Evening Safari
Start with another morning game drive in the northern sector of Queen Elizabeth NP, searching for lions, elephants, hyenas, and antelopes. Later, drive to the Ishasha sector, famous for its rare tree-climbing lions.
Check into your lodge and enjoy an evening game drive looking for lions draped across fig tree branches
Day 14: Ishasha to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
After breakfast, continue further south to Bwindi, home of the endangered mountain gorillas. The landscape becomes more mountainous and forested as you approach the park. Arrive at your lodge surrounded by lush jungle and prepare for the unforgettable gorilla trekking experience.
Day 15: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi – A Lifetime Experience
After a briefing from ranger guides, begin your trek into Bwindi’s ancient rainforest. The journey can take 1–4 hours depending on the gorilla family’s movement, but the reward is extraordinary.
Once you find your assigned mountain gorilla family, spend one magical hour observing them feed, play, groom, and interact. This intimate wildlife encounter is often described as spiritual and life-changing.
Return to your lodge to celebrate this incredible achievement.
Day 16: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi – Island Adventure
Depart Bwindi for Lake Bunyonyi, one of Africa’s most beautiful lakes. Surrounded by terraced hills and dotted with 29 islands, the lake offers a peaceful break after trekking.
Activities include canoeing, boat rides, island visits, hiking, swimming, or simply relaxing with a panoramic view.
Day 17: Bunyonyi to Lake Mburo – Evening Game Drive
After a relaxed morning, drive toward Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda’s smallest savannah park but rich with zebras, elands, impalas, giraffes, and stunning acacia landscapes. Enjoy an evening game drive as the sun sets over the rolling hills
Day 18: Morning Walking Safari – Transfer to Entebbe
Begin your day with a walking safari, one of the park’s highlights, offering close-up encounters with zebras, impalas, giraffes, and bird species. After breakfast, start your journey back to Entebbe, arriving in time for your evening flight or overnight stay.
This marks the end of your 18 Days Ultimate Uganda Safari—a journey filled with adventure, wildlife, cultural immersion, and unforgettable scenery.
18 days Ultimate Uganda Safari Includes and Excludes
Cost Includes
- Meet and greet services
- All airport transfers
- Bwindi Gorilla permit Kibale Chimpanzee permit
- Budongo chimp permit
- Chambura Chimpanzee permit
- Visit to the source of the Nile
- Transport in a 4×4 Safari vehicle
- Services of an English speaking local guide
- Fuel for this round trip
- Drinking water in the vehicle
- Boat cruises in Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Mburo National Parks
- Game drives as mentioned in the itinerary
- Community and village walks
- Park entry fees
Price Excludes:
- International flights (From/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour.
- Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day).
- Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- The government imposed increases in taxes and/or park fees.