16 Days Uganda Safari; Gorilla Trekking, Culture & Wildlife

Be part of this 16 Days Uganda safari  to explore the hidden gem in the Pearl of Africa guided by Silverback Gorilla Tour. The 16 Days Uganda safari takes you to explore the popular tourism destinations in the country such as Murchison Falls, Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi Impenetrable and Lake Mburo National park. On this 16 Days Uganda safari, you will take part in different travel experiences such as game viewing, chimpanzee tracking, boat cruising, mountain gorilla tracking, and cultural tours among others.

The 16 Days Uganda safari is undeniably  a roller coaster ride and so far one of the best long Uganda safaris  giving  you chance to visit at least 5 of Uganda’s 10 National Parks to trek the mountain gorillas of Bwindi, spend some time with the chimpanzees of Kibale Forest, hike to one of the most beautiful waterfalls, undertake a number of adrenaline activities in Jinja, encounter several wildlife species including the big five, Nile crocodiles, zebras, antelopes and giraffes among other.

Gorilla lying down, Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo

Mountain Gorilla

What to expect for the 16 Days Uganda safari

  • A chance to see numerous wildlife species such as the big five, giraffes, warthogs, and hippos among others.
  • Chimpanzee trek in Kibale Forest National Park.
  • The exhilarating Bigodi wetland walk.
  • A chance to see the tree-climbing lions.
  • One hour with the Mountain gorillas of Bwindi.
  • Nature walks.
  • Cultural tours.
  • Adrenaline-packed activities at Jinja.

Brief itinerary of the 16 days Uganda safari

  • Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport.
  • Day 2: Transfer from Kampala to Murchison falls National Park.
  • Day 3: Game drive and boat cruise.
  • Day 4: Transfer from Murchison Falls to Kibale Forest National Park.
  • Day 5: Chimpanzee trek and afternoon walk at Bigodi wetland Sanctuary.
  • Day 6: Drive from Kibale Forest National Park to Semliki National Park.
  • Day 7: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
  • Day 8: Game viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
  • Day 9: Tour the Lake Katwe mining area and transfer to Bwindi.
  • Day 10: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi.
  • Day 11: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi.
  • Day 12: Drive to Lake Mburo National Park.
  • Day 13: Transfer to Kampala.
  • Day 14: Source of the Nile.
  • Day 15: Transfer to the Sipi falls.
  • Day 16: Return to Kampala.

Detailed itinerary of the 16 days Uganda safari

Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, get welcomed and picked by our company driver to check-in at a Hotel. If you arrive at night, you will book for a Hotel in Entebbe but if early (morning or afternoon), accommodation will be within Kampala City. This will give ample time for resting and preparing for endless excitement.

Meal plan: Depends on the arrival time.
Accommodation options

  • Luxury: Sheraton Hotel Kampala.
  • Midrange: Cassia Lodge.
  • Budget: Yellow Haven Lodge.

Day 2: Transfer from Kampala to Murchison falls National Park

After enjoying your delicious breakfast, prepare yourself for your journey then will be picked by the same driver (as the precious day) for a 5-6 hours’ drive to Uganda’s largest and oldest National Park. This journey involves driving through the northern route to Luwero, Nakasongola where you will stop shortly for a chance to see the Rhinos.

Proceed with your journey until Masindi Town and this prepares you for the excitement you are about to experience. Some of the residents of the Park-Olive baboons and vervet monkeys will welcome you and be driven straight to the Lodge for lunch, dinner, relaxation and overnight.

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Accommodation options:

  • Luxury: Paraa safari Lodge
  • Midrange: Pakuba Safari Lodge
  • Budget: Heritage Safari Lodge

Day 3: Game viewing and boat cruise in Murchison falls National Park

A cup of freshly brewed Ugandan coffee or tea is a perfect way to begin the day in Murchison falls National Park. If you are staying in the southern banks, there will be a ferry crossing to the northern banks where numerous wildlife species can be spotted across the vast savannah plains. Slowly drive through the Park where a cocktail of wildlife and birds will be encountered.

After 3-4 hours of the drive, return to the Lodge to rest and have lunch as you prepare for the next activity in the itinerary. Your next activity will be a boat cruise to the base of Murchison falls where giant Nile crocodiles, Hippos, antelopes, buffaloes and elephants as well as aquatic bird species can be spotted. Return to the Lodge for dinner and overnight.

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Accommodation options:

  • Luxury: Paraa safari Lodge
  • Midrange: Pakuba Safari Lodge
  • Budget: Heritage Safari Lodge.

Day 4: Transfer from Murchison Falls to Kibale Forest National Park

Check out of the Lodge after breakfast for a transfer to Kibale Forest National Park, the home to over 13 species of primates. Transverse the Lake Albert area through the jaw-dropping Escarpment area to relish the breathtaking view of the Rift Valley to Hoima Town where you will have your lunch (at Kolping Hotel). The views of the countryside as you head to Kibale is what you should expect and arrive the Park in the evening.

Check-in at:

  • Budget: Rwenzori View Guesthouse
  • Midrange: Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse
  • Luxury: Primate Lodge

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 5: Chimpanzee trek and afternoon walk at Bigodi wetland Sanctuary

Breakfast will be served early to allow you get to the Park Headquarters on-time for the Chimpanzee trek. Briefing begins at 7:00am and the trek at 8:00am where a cocktail of primates, birds, reptiles and Amphibians will be spotted but the trek culminates with one hour encounter with mankind’s closest relatives. After your one hour with the chimpanzees, return to the Lodge for lunch.

In the afternoon head for the walk at Bigodi wetland Sanctuary where you are likely to see at least four species of primates such as the grey-cheeked mangabey, blue monkeys, olive baboons as well as wetland bird species. Head back to the Lodge for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation options;

  • Budget: Rwenzori View Guesthouse.
  • Midrange: Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse.
  • Luxury: Primate Lodge.

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 6: Drive from Kibale Forest National Park to Semliki National Park

Have breakfast and be transferred to Semliki National Park. The 2-3 hours’ journey will usher you at Semliki in the afternoon for lunch and later afternoon game drive where elephants, buffaloes and antelopes can be spotted. Also undertake a nature walk to the famous Sempaya hot springs to learn more about its history and formation.

Check-in at:

  • Budget: Kirimia Guesthouse
  • Midrange: Mountains of the Moon.
  • Luxury: Semliki Safari Lodge or Ntoroko Game Lodge.

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 7: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Start your day with breakfast and check-out of the Lodge for a transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park where you will be rewarded with the jaw-dropping views of the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains and pass through the Town of Kasese. Lunch will be at the Lodge.

Accommodation options;

  • Budget: Simba Safari Lodge.
  • Midrange: Ihamba Safari Lodge or Kasenyi Safari Camp.
  • Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge or Katara Lodge.

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner.

Day 8: Game viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Wake up early for the morning game drive where lots of wildlife especially elephants, buffaloes, Topis, Oribis, spotted hyenas, lions and leopards (if lucky) will be spotted. After this 3-4 hours’ activity, you will return to the Lodge for breakfast, lunch and relaxation.

Meal plan: Full board.
Accommodation options:

  • Budget: Simba Safari Lodge.
  • Midrange: Ihamba Safari Lodge or Kasenyi Safari Camp.
  • Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge or Katara Lodge.

Day 9: Tour of the Lake Katwe mining area and transfer to Bwindi.

On this day, you will have breakfast first as usual, pop-in to a vehicle and be driven to the Lake Katwe Mining area where you will see how salt is traditionally mined. This visit also leads you to other crater Lakes of the Park including Lakes Nyamunuka and Munyanyange known for migratory bird species especially the flamingos.

Return to the Lodge after the visit then check-out of the Lodge for a transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park through the southern Ishasha sector where you will see the rare tree climbing lions. En-route lunch will be at Savannah Resort Hotel and arrival at Bwindi is in the afternoon.

Accommodation options;

  • Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp.
  • Midrange: Silverback Lodge or Lake Kitandara Bwindi Camp.
  • Luxury: Buhoma Lodge or Mahogany Springs Camp.

Meal plan: Full board.

Day 10: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi is the climax of your 16 days Uganda safari as your name enters the book of World’s luckiest people to trek the Mountain gorillas. Start the morning with breakfast, preparation and meeting at the Park headquarters for briefing, which usually happens before any trek takes place. Start your trek at 8:00am in the company of a ranger, porters and fellow trekkers and this will last between one hour and three hours, culminating into a one hour encounter with the giant apes.

Retreat to your lodge for lunch and relaxation.
Accommodation options;

  • Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp.
  • Midrange: Silverback Lodge or Lake Kitandara Bwindi Camp.
  • Luxury: Buhoma Lodge or Mahogany Springs Camp.

Meal plan: Full board.

Day 11: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

After a delicious breakfast, check-out of the Lodge and hit the road for a journey to Lake Bunyonyi, one of the deepest Lakes in Africa and ideal relaxation spot after the hectic gorilla trek. While here, you will undertake a canoe ride to explore some of the numerous bird species of the area.

Meal plan: Full board.
Dinner and overnight at:

  • Budget: Bunyonyi Overland Resort or Bushara Island Camp.v
  • Midrange: Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort, Bunyonyi Safari Resort or Arcadia Cottages
  • Luxury: Birdnest @Lake Bunyonyi Resort

Day 12: Drive to Lake Mburo National Park

After your breakfast, transfer to Lake Mburo National Park, the smallest savannah Park in Uganda. Have lunch at Igongo Cultural Center then continue to the Park for a game drive to see unique wildlife species not spotted in other Parks such as zebras, impalas, Rothschild giraffes and Topis among others in addition to extraordinary species of birds. Later return to the Lodge for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation options

  • Budget: Leopard Rest Camp or Eagle’s Nest Lodge.
  • Midrange: Lake Mburo Safari Lodge, Mpogo Safari Lodge or Rwakobo Rock Lodge.
  • Luxury: Mihingo Safari Lodge or Mantana Tented Camp

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 13: Transfer to Kampala

Take your breakfast and head for a morning nature walk to see other interesting attractions not seen during the game drive. Start your journey to Kampala and stop at the Uganda Equator for 30 minutes then arrive Kampala in the afternoon.

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Accommodation options

  • Budget: Yellow Haven Lodge.
  • Midrange: Cassia Lodge.
  • Luxury: Sheraton Hotel Kampala.

Day 14: Source of the Nile

After breakfast at Yellow Haven Lodge, Cassia Lodge or Sheraton Hotel (depending on where you spent the night), start your journey to Jinja at 6:30am to avoid traffic and go through the busy streets with a stopover at the mysterious Ssezibwa falls and Mabira Forest for a nature walk. Your visit at Jinja involves a visit to Bujagali falls, adrenaline-packed activities such as bungee jumping and whitewater rafting, a city tour and relaxation at the source of the Nile.

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Dinner and overnight;

  • Budget: Nile Front Cottages
  • Midrange: Surgio Guesthouse Jinja.
  • Luxury: Jinja Nile Resort

Day 15: Transfer to the Sipi falls

Wake up for breakfast and continue to Mbale/Kapchorwa for a walk to the magnificent three waterfalls of Sipi.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Dinner and overnight at:

  • Budget: Lacam Lodge or Crowns Nest Rest Camp.
  • Midrange: Sipi falls Resort
  • Luxury: Sipi River Lodge.

Day 16: Return to Kampala

Breakfast early in the morning and transfer to Kampala with a lunch break at Rain Forest Lodge in the pristine Mabira Forest. Arrive Entebbe Airport in the afternoon for your return flight.

End of the 16 Days Uganda safari

Includes;

  • Gorilla permit.
  • Chimpanzee trekking permit.
  • Ferry crossing fees.
  • Boat cruise.
  • Visit to Lake Bunyonyi.
  • Uganda Equator experience.
  • Cultural tour.
  • A full-time English-speaking guide.
  • Park entrance fees.
  • 15 Nights’ accommodation in the different destinations.
  • Bottled water.
  • Bigodi wetland walks.
  • Relevant Government taxes.
  • Lake Mburo Bush walks.
  • All activities are included in the itinerary.

Excludes;

  • Personal expenses like gratuities, souvenirs and laundry fees.
  • Personal insurance.
  • International fares.
  • Ugandan visa.
  • Optional activities not included on the itinerary.

What to pack/carry

  • Travel documents-passport, e-tickets, and insurance
  • Rainproof backpack.
  • Gardening gloves.
  • Long-sleeved shirts.
  • Safari pants.
  • Strong waterproof hiking boots.
  • Cotton socks.
  • Rain jacket/ or poncho.
  • Warm sweater.
  • Hat.
  • Sunglasses.
  • Water bottle.
  • Camera with enough batteries and memory space.
  • Pair of binoculars.
  • Energy-giving snacks.
  • Toiletries-toothbrush, toothpaste, lotion, hair gel, and face wipes.
  • First aid kit.
  • Sandals.
  • Pair of shorts.
  • Swimsuit.
  • Prescription medicines.
  • Gadgets-Ipad, tablets, smartphones, and laptops.