14 Day Uganda Wildlife Safari with Big Five and Lake Bunyonyi

Arrival at Entebbe Airport and Transfer to Kampala

On arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be welcomed by your safari driver guide, who will accompany you throughout the journey. After introductions, begin the transfer to your hotel in Kampala. The drive generally takes about 1 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and your arrival time.

Check in and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure after your international flight. Your guide will explain the route ahead, the long journey to Kidepo Valley National Park and what to expect during the wildlife activities. If you arrive early, you may have time to relax at the hotel or explore the surrounding area.

Dinner and overnight in Kampala.

Accommodation options: Budget: Forest Cottages · Mid-range: Fairway Hotel and Spa · Luxury: Protea Hotel Kampala Skyz

Drive from Kampala to Kidepo Valley National Park

After an early breakfast, depart Kampala for Kidepo Valley National Park in northeastern Uganda. This is one of the longest driving days of the safari, so an early departure is essential. Allow approximately 10 to 12 hours or longer, depending on the chosen route, traffic, road conditions and stops for lunch and refreshments.

As you travel north, the scenery changes from busy towns and agricultural countryside to the more open landscapes of northern Uganda. Approaching Kidepo, you begin to see the rugged hills, wide valleys and dry savannah that make this park so different from Uganda's western wildlife destinations.

Arrive at your lodge in the evening, check in and relax after the journey. Dinner and overnight near Kidepo Valley National Park. Wildlife viewing begins properly the following morning.

Accommodation options: Budget: Apoka Rest Camp · Mid-range: Kidepo Savannah Lodge · Luxury: Apoka Safari Lodge or Adere Safari Lodge

Narus Valley Game Drive and Karamojong Cultural Visit

Rise early for breakfast before setting out on a game drive through the Narus Valley, one of Kidepo Valley National Park's most productive wildlife-viewing areas. Water sources in this valley attract animals throughout much of the year, making it an excellent place to look for elephants, large buffalo herds, Rothschild's giraffes, zebras, elands and Jackson's hartebeests.

Your guide will also search for lions, which are frequently associated with the Narus plains and rocky outcrops. Leopards and cheetahs are harder to find, but they are among the predators that make Kidepo particularly exciting. Allow about 2 to 3 hours for the morning drive, with stops whenever wildlife is encountered.

Return to the lodge for lunch and some relaxation. In the afternoon, visit a nearby Karamojong community, where a local guide will introduce you to traditional homesteads, cattle kraals, pastoral customs and locally made crafts. Learn about the importance of cattle in daily life and see items such as traditional jewellery, stools, spears and household utensils.

If time permits, finish the afternoon with a short sunset game drive before returning to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Same lodge as Day 2

Explore Kidepo Valley and Visit Kanangorok Hot Springs

After breakfast, set out to explore the northern section of Kidepo Valley National Park, travelling towards the wide Kidepo Valley and Kanangorok Hot Springs near the South Sudan border. This is a quieter part of the park, known for its sweeping landscapes, sandy riverbeds, Borassus palms and mountain views.

Along the way, watch for ostriches, which are among Kidepo's distinctive bird species, as well as buffaloes, giraffes and other wildlife moving through the open plains. Game sightings here are less concentrated than in Narus Valley, but the scenery makes the drive rewarding.

Visit the Kanangorok Hot Springs, where naturally heated water emerges from the ground. Your guide will show you the designated viewing area and explain the surrounding landscape. Keep a safe distance from the hot water and follow park guidance.

After exploring the valley, return to your lodge for lunch or an afternoon of relaxation. Dinner and overnight in Kidepo.

Accommodation: Same lodge as Days 2 and 3

Transfer from Kidepo to Murchison Falls National Park

Have breakfast, check out and begin the journey southwest towards Murchison Falls National Park. The drive takes you away from Kidepo's remote plains towards the greener countryside of northern Uganda, generally passing through the Gulu area, where you can stop for lunch.

Allow approximately 7 to 9 hours or longer for this transfer, depending on the road route and your lodge location. Continue towards the northern section of Murchison Falls National Park, entering through Tangi Gate where appropriate for your accommodation.

As you travel through the park towards the lodge, you may begin to see elephants, giraffes, buffaloes and antelopes along the road. Arrive in the late afternoon or evening, check in and relax before dinner.

Accommodation options: Budget: Heritage Safari Lodge or Red Chilli Rest Camp · Mid-range: Pakuba Safari Lodge, Fort Murchison Lodge or Murchison River Lodge · Luxury: Nile Safari Lodge or Paraa Safari Lodge

Murchison Falls Game Drive and River Nile Boat Cruise

After an early breakfast, head into the northern savannah of Murchison Falls National Park for a morning game drive. Your guide will follow productive wildlife routes, possibly extending towards the delta area depending on time and current conditions. This is one of Uganda's rewarding parks for large mammals, with chances to see elephants, Rothschild's giraffes, Cape buffaloes, Uganda kobs, Jackson's hartebeests, waterbucks, oribis and lions.

The morning drive generally takes about 3 to 4 hours, allowing time for photographs and watching the animals. Return to your lodge for lunch and a short rest before heading to the river for the afternoon boat cruise.

The Nile cruise towards the base of Murchison Falls commonly departs around 2 pm, subject to the operator's schedule. Along the riverbanks, watch for hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants coming to drink and a variety of waterbirds, including African fish eagles, kingfishers, cormorants and bee-eaters.

As the boat approaches the falls, you will see the Nile being forced through a narrow rocky gorge before plunging into the river below. After enjoying the views and taking photographs, return by boat and drive back to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Same lodge as Day 5

Visit the Top of Murchison Falls and Track Rhinos at Ziwa

After breakfast, check out and drive to the top of Murchison Falls. From the designated viewpoints, watch the Victoria Nile squeeze through a narrow gorge before plunging approximately 43 metres into the river below. The spray, rushing water and deep roar of the waterfall make this one of the most memorable scenic stops of the journey.

Continue out of the park towards Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Nakasongola, stopping for lunch along the way. Ziwa is home to southern white rhinos and offers an opportunity to observe these endangered animals on foot with experienced sanctuary rangers.

After a safety briefing, join your ranger for the rhino tracking activity. The walk generally takes about 1.5 to 2.5 hours, although the duration depends on the animals' location. You will approach the rhinos at a safe viewing distance while learning about their behaviour and the conservation work taking place at the sanctuary.

After the experience, transfer to your lodge for dinner and overnight near Ziwa.

Accommodation options: Budget: Ziwa Rhino Guesthouse · Mid-range and upgraded option: Amuka Safari Lodge

Drive from Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to Lake Mburo National Park

Have an early breakfast and begin the transfer to Lake Mburo National Park in western Uganda. The journey takes you through central Uganda before joining the main road towards Masaka and Mbarara. Allow approximately 7 to 9 hours or longer, depending on traffic, road conditions and stops.

Along the way, stop at the Uganda Equator at Kayabwe for photographs and a chance to browse local craft shops. Continue west, with lunch arranged en route, before reaching Lake Mburo National Park.

Lake Mburo is particularly known for its zebras, impalas, elands, topis, buffaloes and varied birdlife. If you arrive with enough daylight, enjoy a short introductory game drive along the route to your accommodation.

Check in and spend the evening relaxing at the lodge before dinner and overnight.

Accommodation options: Budget: Eagle's Nest Lodge · Mid-range: Arcadia Safari Cottages · Luxury: Mihingo Lodge

Guided Walking Safari and Boat Cruise on Lake Mburo

After breakfast, meet your ranger guide for a walking safari in Lake Mburo National Park. Exploring the savannah on foot gives you a completely different perspective from a vehicle. You can pay closer attention to animal tracks, bird calls, vegetation and smaller details while moving quietly through the landscape.

Depending on the chosen route and wildlife movements, you may encounter zebras, impalas, topis, elands, waterbucks, buffaloes and other plains animals. Your ranger will explain animal behaviour and ensure safe viewing distances throughout the walk, which generally takes about 2 to 3 hours.

Return to the lodge for refreshments, lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, head to Lake Mburo for a boat cruise, looking out for hippos, Nile crocodiles, African fish eagles, kingfishers, herons and other waterbirds along the shoreline.

After the boat cruise, return to your lodge for dinner and a second overnight in Lake Mburo National Park.

Accommodation: Same lodge as Day 8

Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park and Evening Game Drive

After breakfast, check out and drive towards Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda's best-known savannah wildlife destinations. The journey normally takes around 5 to 6 hours, depending on road conditions, stops and your lodge location.

On arrival, check into your lodge and enjoy lunch before heading out for an afternoon game drive across the Kasenyi plains. These open grasslands are home to Uganda kobs, buffaloes, elephants, warthogs and several predator species. Your guide will search for lions, which are often found around areas where Uganda kobs gather, although sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Depending on the time available and the route to your lodge, you may also enjoy views of Queen Elizabeth's volcanic crater lakes and the surrounding landscape. Return to your accommodation for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation options: Budget: Pumba Safari Cottages · Mid-range: Parkview Safari Lodge · Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge or Kyambura Gorge Lodge

Lion Tracking in Kasenyi and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

After an early breakfast, return to the Kasenyi plains for a lion tracking experience, arranged in advance with the relevant park and research team. This activity focuses on locating lions and learning about their behaviour, movements and conservation monitoring.

The experience generally lasts around 2 to 3 hours and can offer a better opportunity to locate monitored lions than an ordinary game drive. However, sightings depend on the animals' movements and cannot be guaranteed. The activity must be confirmed in advance and is subject to availability. Along the way, you may also encounter elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs and other savannah wildlife.

Return to your lodge for lunch before heading to the Mweya area for an afternoon boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, the natural waterway linking Lake George and Lake Edward.

The cruise usually lasts about 2 hours and offers excellent opportunities to observe hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants and buffaloes near the water. Birdlife is particularly rich, with pelicans, African fish eagles, cormorants, herons and kingfishers among the species to watch for.

After the boat cruise, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Same lodge as Day 10

Transfer from Queen Elizabeth National Park to Lake Bunyonyi

After breakfast, check out and begin the journey south towards Lake Bunyonyi in the Kigezi Highlands. The drive generally takes approximately 5 to 6 hours or longer, depending on your lodge location, road conditions and stops. As you travel towards Kabale, the landscape becomes increasingly mountainous, with terraced farms, green valleys and villages scattered across the hillsides.

Lake Bunyonyi is one of southwestern Uganda's most beautiful lakes, surrounded by steep cultivated hills and dotted with numerous islands. Its name is associated with the small birds found around the lake, and its peaceful setting makes it a welcome change after the long game drives and road transfers.

Arrive at your lakeside lodge, check in and enjoy lunch either at the property or along the way, depending on arrival time. Spend the afternoon relaxing, admiring the island views or taking a gentle walk around the lodge grounds.

Dinner and overnight overlooking Lake Bunyonyi.

Accommodation options: Budget: Bunyonyi Overland Resort · Mid-range: Bunyonyi Eco Resort or Bunyonyi Rock Resort · Luxury: BirdNest Resort Bunyonyi

Canoeing, Island Exploration and Relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi

Wake up to the quiet atmosphere of Lake Bunyonyi, with mist sometimes resting over the water and the surrounding hills reflected in the lake. After breakfast, enjoy a guided canoe excursion to explore some of its islands and learn about their history, local communities and birdlife.

Depending on your interests and the route arranged with your guide, you may visit islands such as Kyahugye, known for its scenic views, or Akampeine, commonly called Punishment Island, which has a difficult history connected to traditional treatment of unmarried pregnant women. The canoe trip also gives you opportunities to observe waterbirds, lakeside vegetation and everyday activity along the shores.

Return to the lodge for lunch. Spend the afternoon relaxing or choose an optional guided walk to one of the surrounding viewpoints for panoramic views of the lake and its islands. Swimming may be possible at suitable lodge facilities or designated locations, but you should follow current local safety advice and consider the lake's depth and freshwater health risks.

Enjoy a peaceful final evening beside Lake Bunyonyi before dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Same lodge as Day 12

Return from Lake Bunyonyi to Kampala or Entebbe

After an early breakfast, check out and begin the return journey to Kampala or Entebbe. This is a long road transfer from southwestern Uganda, so allow approximately 8 to 10 hours or longer depending on traffic, road conditions, meal stops and your final destination.

Travel through the Kigezi Highlands and continue towards Mbarara and central Uganda, with a lunch stop along the way. Your driver guide will arrange the journey around your confirmed departure plans and allow time for refreshments and rest stops.

On arrival, you will be dropped at your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe, or at Entebbe International Airport for your onward flight. If you are flying internationally on this day, an evening or night departure is generally the more practical option because of the long drive.

This marks the end of your 14 Day Uganda Wildlife Safari, taking with you memories of Kidepo's remote plains, Murchison Falls, encounters with rhinos and big game, and the peaceful scenery of Lake Bunyonyi.