15-Day Safari: Murchison Falls, Semuliki, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi, Lake Bunyonyi & Lake Mburo
This 15-day Uganda safari offers a sweeping adventure through the country's most iconic landscapes and wildlife havens — beginning at Murchison Falls with its thunderous Nile cascades and abundant game,...
• • Overview
This 15-day Uganda safari offers a sweeping adventure through the country's most iconic landscapes and wildlife havens — beginning at Murchison Falls with its thunderous Nile cascades and abundant game, moving through the geothermal wonders of Semuliki, then into Kibale Forest (home of primates including chimpanzee) and the bird-rich Bigodi Swamp; continuing to Queen Elizabeth National Park for classic savannah drives, Kazinga Channel cruises, and tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector; then on to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for gorilla trekking; followed by serene days at Lake Bunyonyi; and concluding at Lake Mburo National Park with walking safaris and zebra herds before returning to Kampala or Entebbe.
• • Itinerary
Day 1: Day 1 – Arrival in Kampala
You will be welcomed by a representative of DIAL-US Tours and Travel who will transfer you to your hotel in Kampala. Depending on the time of arrival, our guide will take you on a city tour — visiting the Namugongo Martyrs Shrine, the Uganda Museum, Kabaka's Palace and the African Craft Village. We also advise you to have money changed today. Overnight at Hotel Africana / Hotel Triangle.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Africana / Hotel Triangle, Kampala
Day 2: Day 2 – Kampala to Murchison Falls National Park
Depart for the most beautiful protected area in Uganda. Drive through the greater Luwero Triangle and stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a rhino experience before heading to Murchison Falls National Park. Enjoy a lunch stop in Masindi before entering the park. Visit the magnificent falls where the mighty Nile is forced into a seven-metre crevice, thundering 45 metres below. Dinner and overnight at Paraa Safari Lodge / Parkside River Lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Paraa Safari Lodge / Parkside River Lodge
Day 3: Day 3 – Game Drive and Boat Cruise at Murchison Falls
Wake up early and head for a game drive on the northern bank of the Nile, escorted by a ranger. Game in this part includes giant elephants, Rothschild giraffes, Jackson hartebeest, lions, oribis, waterbucks and a variety of savannah woodland birds. After lunch, go on a Nile cruise for game viewing at close quarters — watch hippos bathe, elephants come to drink and crocodiles bask at the shores. Dinner and overnight at Paraa Safari Lodge / Parkside River Lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Paraa Safari Lodge / Parkside River Lodge
Day 4: Day 4 – Semliki National Park
After breakfast, drive towards Semliki National Park. The scenic, winding road leads through green mountains with magnificent views of the River Semliki and Congo. A ranger will accompany you on a beautiful nature walk through the Ituri Rainforest. Enjoy the peacefulness of the forest, look out for the rich birdlife at the swamp and boil an egg in the famous hot springs. Picnic lunch provided by the guide. Later in the afternoon, return towards Kibale Forest. Dinner and overnight at the cottages of Primate Lodge Kibale.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Primate Lodge Kibale (cottages)
Day 5: Day 5 – Semliki to Kibale Forest National Park
Depart Semliki and head to Kibale National Park — the home of primates — driving for about eight hours through small African villages, banana plantations, and the beautiful town of Fort Portal which rests in the shadow of the Mountains of the Moon and is famous for its tea plantations. Dinner and overnight at Primate Lodge Kibale / Kibale Forest Lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Primate Lodge Kibale / Kibale Forest Lodge
Day 6: Day 6 – Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi Swamp Walk
Today the forest opens for sensational chimpanzee tracking. Kibale Forest has the greatest variety and highest concentration of primates in East Africa. Enjoy a guided nature walk in the tropical rainforest in search of wild chimpanzees, red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys and many others. After lunch, transfer to the Bigodi Swamp for a community-led nature walk — approximately two hours — known for its rich diversity of birds and primates. Dinner and overnight at Primate Lodge Kibale / Kibale Forest Lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Primate Lodge Kibale / Kibale Forest Lodge
Day 7: Day 7 – Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park via Kasese, with the Rwenzori Mountains on your right and the green valley on the left. A game drive en route gives a chance to spot waterbucks, warthogs and other wildlife. After lunch, take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel — a natural channel between Lake Edward and Lake George — where elephants, buffaloes and hundreds of hippos make for an unforgettable experience. Dinner and overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge / Simba Safari Camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge / Simba Safari Camp
Day 8: Day 8 – Queen Elizabeth National Park
Wake up early around 6am for a game drive along the Kasenyi mating ground of Uganda kobs — where lions and leopards wait for prey. See giant elephants, herds of buffaloes, waterbucks, warthogs and other wild animals. After lunch, visit the Crater Lakes including Nyamunuka Lake and Katwe Salt Lake, then explore the Maramagambo Forest and the famous Bat and Hunters Cave for a chance to see bats, rock pythons and forest cobras. Dinner and overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge / Simba Safari Camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge / Simba Safari Camp
Day 9: Day 9 – Queen Elizabeth NP to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
After breakfast you may choose the optional activity of exploring Kyambura Wildlife Reserve (gorge with chimpanzees — not included). Then drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park — the home of Gorillas. The scenic route runs through a verdant countryside while you pass traditional homesteads and farms. Dinner and overnight at Silver Back Lodge / Haven Lodge Buhoma.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Silver Back Lodge / Haven Lodge Buhoma
Day 10: Day 10 – Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
Another highlight of your safari — a meeting with the gentle giants of Bwindi! It is difficult to foresee how many hours you will hike; it may take two to eight hours. Expect to walk a long distance in steep and muddy conditions, sometimes with rain overhead, before you encounter any gorillas. But it will definitely be worthwhile as you observe them closely while they eat, play and rest. For conservation purposes, time spent with the gorillas is limited to one hour. The ranger guide always briefs you on how to behave with these giant apes. Dinner and overnight at Silver Back Lodge / Haven Lodge Buhoma. Upgrade available at Mahogany Springs.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Silver Back Lodge / Haven Lodge Buhoma (upgrade: Mahogany Springs)
Day 11: Day 11 – Bwindi to Lake Bunyonyi
After breakfast, optionally take a guided village walk for a closer meeting with the local community — walk through coffee, tea and banana plantations. Afterwards, depart to Lake Bunyonyi, the deepest lake in Uganda, often called the "Little Switzerland of Uganda". Relax or go for a canoe trip while you watch a beautiful sunset. Dinner and overnight at Arcadia Cottages (upgrade: Bird Nest Resort).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Arcadia Cottages (upgrade: Bird Nest Resort)
Day 12: Day 12 – Lake Bunyonyi (Relaxation Day)
After the challenging hike in Bwindi, some relaxing moments on the shores of this peaceful lake are most welcome. Options here are birding, nature walks, swimming or canoeing (not included). Dinner and overnight at Arcadia Cottages (upgrade: Bird Nest Resort).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Arcadia Cottages (upgrade: Bird Nest Resort)
Day 13: Day 13 – Lake Bunyonyi to Lake Mburo National Park
After breakfast, drive to Lake Mburo National Park — about four hours with lunch en route. As you enter the park and head towards the accommodation it is likely you will see impalas, topis, warthogs, zebras and buffaloes. After checking in, go on a boat ride on the lake and enjoy the rich birdlife and the hippos that are cooling off. Dinner and overnight at Rwakobo Safari Lodge (upgrade: Mihingo Lodge).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Rwakobo Safari Lodge (upgrade: Mihingo Lodge)
Day 14: Day 14 – Lake Mburo National Park to Kampala
Early start for a nature walk guided by a ranger. Lake Mburo is the only national park where you can experience a safari on foot. After breakfast, transfer to Kampala with a stop at the Equator for photos or shopping. Arrive late in the afternoon in Kampala. Overnight at Orchidea Guesthouse (upgrade: Le Petit Village).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Orchidea Guesthouse, Kampala (upgrade: Le Petit Village)
Day 15: Day 15 – Departure
Enriched with an experience of a lifetime and unforgettable memories you will say goodbye to the Pearl of Africa. Depending on the time of departure you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home. We look forward to seeing you again!
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Airport transfer
• • What's Included
Inclusions
- Airport transfer to the hotel
- Ground transport per private 4WD vehicle
- English-speaking driver/guide
- Accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary
- Meals as described in the itinerary
- Bottled mineral water in the vehicle
- Entrance fees and ranger fees for national parks
- Activities and excursions mentioned in the programme
Exclusions
- Air tickets
- Visa of any nature
- Insurance of any nature
- Luxury drinks
- Tips, laundry, snacks, cigarettes and personal items
- Anything not mentioned in inclusions
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