18 Days Best Uganda Adventure Safaris – Big Five, Gorilla Trekking & Primate Tours
This 18 Days Best Uganda Adventure Safaris is the perfect way to explore Uganda’s top travel destinations and enjoy all the country’s most exciting safari activities. This all-inclusive Uganda safari takes you across iconic parks and reserves, giving you a chance to see the famous Big Five, trek endangered mountain gorillas, and enjoy unforgettable wildlife encounters.
On this journey, you will visit Uganda’s most remarkable safari parks, including Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Kibale National Park, and the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Each location offers unique experiences from breathtaking savanna landscapes to lush rainforests teeming with primates.
This 18 Days Best Uganda Adventure Safaris blends the thrill of savanna wildlife safaris with the magic of primate trekking. You’ll track chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, enjoy exciting game drives in Kidepo Valley and Murchison Falls, and spot diverse wildlife in their natural habitats. Before heading north, you’ll stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to track endangered white rhinos, then continue to Gulu for an overnight stay.
Whether you’re a passionate wildlife enthusiast or a nature lover seeking adventure, this package offers a complete and unforgettable Ugandan safari. Book your 18 Days Best Uganda Adventure Safaris with Giant Holiday Safaris and create memories that will last a lifetime.
18 Days Best Uganda Adventure Safaris Highlights
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Touch down at Entebbe International Airport and begin your journey into the Pearl of Africa.
Day 2: Rhino Tracking in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary & Drive to Gulu – Spot the rare white rhinos up close before traveling to northern Uganda.
Day 3: Kidepo Valley National Park Game Drives – Discover Africa’s most remote safari park with spectacular wildlife and scenery.
Day 4: Ike Cultural Experience – Immerse yourself in the traditions and lifestyle of the Ike people in Kidepo Valley.
Day 5: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park – Journey to Uganda’s largest national park.
Day 6: Game Drives & Nile River Launch Cruise – Spot elephants, lions, giraffes, and hippos, and marvel at the thunderous Murchison Falls.
Day 7: Fort Portal & Rwenzori Mountain Views – Enjoy the charming town of Fort Portal, set against the backdrop of the Mountains of the Moon.
Day 8: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest – Track playful chimpanzees in one of Africa’s top primate destinations.
Day 9: Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari – Explore the park’s diverse wildlife and stunning savannahs.
Day 10: Boat Cruise on the Kazinga Channel – Watch elephants, buffaloes, and countless birds along the water.
Day 11: Tree-Climbing Lions of Ishasha & Transfer to Buhoma – See the famous lions lounging in fig trees before heading to Bwindi.
Day 12: Hike Across Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – Trek through dense jungle in search of rare wildlife.
Day 13: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi & Overnight in Kisoro – Have a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with endangered mountain gorillas.
Day 14: Golden Monkey Tracking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park – Meet these lively primates in a beautiful volcanic setting.
Day 15: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi – Relax by Uganda’s most scenic lake, surrounded by rolling hills.
Day 16: From Lake Bunyonyi to Lake Mburo National Park – Enjoy the peaceful landscapes and wildlife of Lake Mburo.
Day 17: Lake Mburo Game Drives & Return to Kampala – Spot zebras, antelopes, and more before heading back to the capital.
Day 18: Kampala City Tour & Departure – Explore Uganda’s vibrant capital before your flight home.
Detailed 18 Days Best Uganda Adventure Safaris Tour
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
Upon arrival at the airport, a friendly Giant Holiday Safaris representative will be waiting to welcome you and drive you to your hotel for an overnight stay
Accommodation: Airport Guest Hose
Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast
Day 2 of 18 Days Best Uganda Adventure Safaris Tour: Rhino Tracking and Drive to Gulu
Start your day with an early breakfast at the guesthouse before heading north to Gulu, in Northern Uganda. Along the way, you will make a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, located about 180 km from Kampala, for an exciting rhino tracking experience. This is the only place in Uganda where you can see the southern white rhinos up close in their natural habitat. After this unforgettable encounter, continue your journey to Gulu town, where you will spend the night. While Gulu itself has limited tourist attractions, this stop helps break up the long drive to Kidepo Valley National Park and ensures a more comfortable travel experience.
Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah Lodge
Meal Plan: Full board
Day 3 of 18 Days Best Uganda Adventure Safaris Tour: Game drives in Kidepo Valley National Park
After breakfast, set off for Kidepo Valley National Park and check into your lodge. If time allows, enjoy an evening game drive in the scenic Narus River Valley, a prime spot for wildlife viewing and photography. Look out for elephants, large herds of buffalo, jackals, Jackson’s hartebeest, klipspringers, and, with luck, majestic lions roaming the plains.
Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah Lodge
Meal Plan: Full board
Day 4 of 18 Days Best Uganda Adventure Safaris Tour: Game drives and cultural Visit
Start your day with an exciting morning game drive to the scenic Kanangorok Hot Springs. Along the way, you’ll spot a variety of wildlife, including the striking ostrich, as they roam freely in the open wilderness.
In the afternoon, enjoy a rich cultural encounter with the Karamojong people at Karenna and Kapedo. Meet local elders and engage in fascinating conversations about their traditional way of life. You’ll get to see unique cultural sites such as kraals (traditional livestock enclosures), ancient grinding stones, and other remarkable artifacts that reflect their heritage. After this immersive experience, head back to your lodge and relax as you enjoy a delicious dinner.
Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah Lodge
Meal Plan: Full board
Day 5 of 18 Days Best Uganda Adventure Safaris Tour: Transfer to Murchison Falls National park
Start your day with an early breakfast before setting off for Murchison Falls National Park. Upon arrival, check into your lodge and settle in. In the evening, relax as you watch the sun set over the park’s beautiful landscapes, then enjoy a delicious dinner at the lodge.
Accommodation: Fort Murchison Lodge
Meal Plan: Full board
Day 6 of 18 Days Best Uganda Adventure Safaris Tour: Game Drives, Launch Cruise in Murchison Falls
After enjoying an early breakfast at your lodge, set out for an exciting game drive along the famous Buligi Tracks in Murchison Falls National Park. These savannah plains are home to an incredible variety of wildlife. Keep your eyes open for giraffes, Ugandan kob, oribi, waterbucks, hartebeest, sitatunga, bushbuck, warthogs, bush pigs, as well as predators like lions and leopards. You may also spot mongoose, genets, hyenas, jackals, and the unique bat-eared fox.
In the afternoon, after a delicious lunch, embark on a scenic three-hour boat cruise on the Nile River. This journey offers breathtaking views of the mighty Murchison Falls from the base, where the roaring waters crash through a narrow gorge. Along the riverbanks, you’re likely to encounter hippos basking in the water, Nile crocodiles, antelopes grazing nearby, and a variety of colorful aquatic birds. As the sun sets, return to your lodge to relax before enjoying a hearty dinner.
Accommodation: Fort Murchison Lodge
Meal Plan: Full board
Day 7 of 18 Days Best Uganda Adventure Safaris Tour: Transfer to Fort Portal on the shadow of the Mountains of the Moon
Start your day with a hearty breakfast, then set off for Fort Portal, a vibrant and scenic town in western Uganda. Known as the capital of the Tooro Kingdom, Fort Portal sits in the shadow of the legendary Rwenzori Mountains, also called the “Mountains of the Moon.” This charming town is the perfect gateway to adventures in and around Kibale Forest National Park.
After enjoying lunch, we’ll head out for a guided nature walk through the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a haven for wildlife and birdlife.
Accommodation: Kibale Forest Camp
Meal Plan: Full board
Day 8 of 18 Days Best Uganda Adventure Safaris Tour: Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park
Your adventure starts with a short briefing at the Kanyanchu trailhead. Then, you will spend half a day tracking and observing chimpanzees in their natural habitat. The chimpanzee trek begins promptly at 8:00 AM, giving you a thrilling half-day wildlife experience.
Accommodation: Kibale Forest Camp
Meal Plan: Full board
Day 9 of 18 Days Best Uganda Adventure Safaris Tour: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park, passing by the stunning Rwenzori Mountain Range. You’ll arrive in time to enjoy a delicious lunch. After lunch, take a special two-hour boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. This cruise is famous for spotting many animals and birds gathering by the water.
The boat trip is perfect for taking photos, watching birds, and seeing wildlife up close. The area is home to over 550 types of colorful birds, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise. Later, you will explore the amazing Crater Lake area by vehicle. The day ends with dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation: Enshama Game Lodge
Meal Plan: Full board
Day 10 of 18 Days Best Uganda Adventure Safaris Tour: The boat cruise on Kazinga Channel
After breakfast, embark on an exciting game drive in the Kasenyi area. Keep an eye out for special Albert endemic birds, as well as wildlife like Cape buffalos, elephants, waterbucks, leopards, spotted hyenas, and many types of antelope. Afterward, enjoy lunch at the lodge. In the afternoon, experience a one-of-a-kind 2-hour boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, stretching into Lake Edward.
This 18-days Best Uganda Adventure Safari takes you through one of the largest hippo populations in the region. You will often see animals drinking along the water’s edge. The boat cruise is perfect for photography, bird watching, and spotting wildlife. With over 550 colorful bird species living here, the birdlife is truly amazing and unforgettable.
Accommodation: Enshama Game Lodge
Meal Plan: Full board
Day 11 of 18 Days Best Uganda Adventure Safaris Tour: The tree climbing lions of Ishasha sector, and Transfer to Bwindi Forest
Start your day early with a transfer to Bwindi, passing through the Ishasha sector of the park and the beautiful Maramagambo Forest. Around midday, enjoy an exciting game drive to spot the rare tree-climbing lions, a special sight found only in this part of Uganda.
These lions like to rest on fig trees when the sun is hot, making them truly unique. The area features open savannah land dotted with different types of acacia trees. You will have lunch along the way before continuing to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Havens
Meal Plan: Full board
Day 12 of 18 Days Best Uganda Adventure Safaris Tour: Hiking Across Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
After breakfast, a walking safari guide will meet you to give a full briefing before your trek. You will hike along old trails deep in the magical Bwindi forest. Your local guide will share fascinating stories and teach you about the forest’s secrets, helping you connect closely with nature. If luck is on your side, you may spot wild animals like chimpanzees, forest elephants, duikers, forest buffalo, and other amazing creatures living in the jungle.
Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Havens
Meal Plan: Full board
Day 13 of 18 Days Best Uganda Adventure Safaris Tour: The encounter with mountains gorillas in Bwindi Forest
Early in the morning, you will be transferred to the park headquarters for a briefing before entering the Bwindi Forest gorilla sanctuary. The rainforest here is stunning, filled with thick trees and a rich, green landscape. Many animal trails cross through the forest, making it easier for visitors to explore.
Bwindi is famous for its amazing mountain gorillas. The time and difficulty of the trek depend on where the gorillas are that day. Spending time watching these gentle giants is a rare and unforgettable adventure. The gorillas are shy and calm, and seeing them up close as they interact is an exciting experience you will never forget. It’s a perfect chance to take amazing photos and create lifelong memories.
Accommodation: Mondi Lodge Kisoro
Meal Plan: Full board
Day 14 of 18 Days Best Uganda Adventure Safaris Tour: Transfer to Mgahinga National Park
After an early breakfast, we begin our journey to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for an exciting Golden Monkey tracking experience. Golden Monkeys are a special type of primate, closely related to the more common blue monkey. They live only in the Albertine Rift region. These monkeys stand out with their bright orange-gold fur on their body, cheeks, and tail, which contrasts beautifully with their black arms, head, and tail tips.
The Golden Monkey group is now used to visitors, which gives us a chance to watch their daily activities up close. These curious monkeys lead the way, making every tracking day unique and full of surprises in the forest.
Accommodation: Mondi Lodge Kisoro
Meal Plan: Full board
Day 15 of 18 Days Best Uganda Adventure Safaris Tour: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
After an early breakfast, we begin our journey to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for an exciting Golden Monkey tracking experience. Golden Monkeys are a special type of primate, closely related to the more common blue monkey. They live only in the Albertine Rift region. These monkeys stand out with their bright orange-gold fur on their body, cheeks, and tail, which contrasts beautifully with their black arms, head, and tail tips.
The Golden Monkey group is now used to visitors, which gives us a chance to watch their daily activities up close. These curious monkeys lead the way, making every tracking day unique and full of surprises in the forest.
Accommodation: Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort
Meal Plan: Full board
Day 17 of 18 Days Best Uganda Adventure Safaris Tour: Game Drives and Transfer to Kampala
Start your day with an early morning game drive at Lake Mburo National Park, then continue your journey with a transfer to Kampala.
Accommodation: Lake Point Villa
Meal Plan: Full board
Day 18 of 18 Days Best Uganda Adventure Safaris Tour: Kampala City Tour and Departure
Explore the heart of Kampala City Centre with a knowledgeable guide who will take you on a journey through the rich culture and history of the Buganda Kingdom. Your tour includes a visit to the Uganda Museum and the Royal Palace in Mengo, home to the Buganda Parliament. Next, you will see the Kasubi Tombs, the sacred burial site of the Buganda kings, featuring a traditional Ugandan hut that is one of the largest in Africa and full of fascinating history.
You will also visit Uganda’s two main cathedrals: Namirembe Saint Paul Cathedral and Saint Mary’s Cathedral Rubaga. Both offer stunning views overlooking Kampala City Centre. If time allows, your guide will take you to the Uganda National Mosque (formerly Gadaffi Mosque), one of the largest mosques in Sub-Saharan Africa. The city tour will end here, and you will be safely returned to your hotel
Accommodation: None
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch