From Lake Victoria to the Gorillas of Bwindi
From the savanna of Murchison to the impenetrable forests of Bwindi, following the tracks of Africa's greatest primates
Duration
14 days
Ideal seasons
Jan, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Dec
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
Experience the best of Ouganda on a 2-week circuit that will take you closest to the exceptional wildlife of this wonderful African country.
This expedition will take you to the Murchison National Park, the jewel of Ouganda, with its cliffs overlooking the Rift Valley, its African savanna protected by the mighty Nile River, and its splendid waterfalls. You will encounter great African mammals on safaris that will also accompany you in the magnificent Queen Elizabeth Park.
Then you will experience unique and emotionally powerful encounters, first with the Chimpanzees of Kibale, then with the gentle Mountain Gorillas of the Bwindi forest.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival in Entebbe, on the shores of Lake Victoria
Aéroport De Kampala-Entebbe → Entebbe
Upon your arrival in Entebbe, you discover from the air Lake Victoria and the small islands dotting its waters.
Your driver will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel.
The rest of the day is free, for you to settle in and enjoy this first stage in Ouganda.
In Search of the Shoebill
In the morning, you join the Mabamba marshes. You set off by canoe through the marshes in search of the shoebill stork, accompanied by guides from the local community.
As you navigate, you will also be able to observe various bird species, including the Marsh Harrier, White-winged Black Tern, Yellow-billed Duck, herons and kingfishers.
Marais de Mabamba → Sanctuaire de Ziwa
You then head back on the road to the Ziwa sanctuary passing through Kampala. Further north, the landscapes gradually evolve between banana plantations, yams, cassava and corn.
You finally arrive at the Ziwa private reserve, made up of wetlands and wooded savanna.
Meeting the White Rhinoceros
Sanctuaire de Ziwa → Chutes de Murchison
After breakfast, you depart with a naturalist guide and trackers in search of the white rhinoceros of the Ziwa sanctuary. You observe them in their natural environment during a photo safari. The sanctuary was created to promote their reintroduction into protected areas.
After lunch, you head towards the Murchison Falls National Park.
You make a first stop at the Murchison Falls, where the White Nile plunges through a narrow passage before cascading 40 meters below into the Rift Valley.
You then proceed to your accommodation for dinner.
On land & on water
You start the day with a safari in the Murchison Falls National Park, crossed by the White Nile. You set out to discover its wildlife and will be able to observe elephants, buffalo, warthogs, lions, hippopotamuses and crocodiles, as well as numerous bird species.
In the afternoon, you embark on a boat excursion on the White Nile heading towards the foot of the Murchison Falls. As you navigate, you will be able to observe the birds present on the banks, as well as buffalo and crocodiles in and around the river.
Nile Falls & Lake Albert
In the morning, you leave for a walk to the Nile Falls, before taking the road towards the Lake Albert.
You join Butiaba, a fishing village established on the shores of the lake. You discover fishing scenes and can observe hippopotamuses as well as Alour herders leading their herds across the lakeside fringe.
Hoïma → Réserve naturelle de Kabwoya
You then continue your itinerary towards Hoïma, then turn in the direction of the Kabwoya nature reserve, located further south of Lake Albert.
Discovery of Kabwoya Reserve
You spend the morning discovering the Kabwoya Reserve, located between Murchison and Kibale. You will be able to observe buffalo, hippopotamuses, Uganda kobs, warthogs and various species of monkeys, as well as many birds.
You then continue on the road through western Ouganda towards the Kibale National Park. The laterite track crosses numerous villages and allows you to observe, along the way, the daily life of the inhabitants.
You arrive at the Kibale National Park at the end of the day.
Meeting the Chimpanzees of Kibale
In the morning, you set off to discover the Kibale Forest, which is home to a significant primate population. During your forest walk, you will be able to observe several species of monkeys, including the chimpanzee, red colobus and blue monkey.
Parc national de Kibale → Parc national Queen Elizabeth
After this immersion in the forest, you head towards the Queen Elizabeth National Park
Avifauna Discovery on the Kazinga Channel
You continue your route towards south-western Ouganda in the direction of the Queen Elizabeth national park. Along the way, you cross several villages and enjoy views of the Ruwenzori range, before crossing the equator line.
You then reach the Queen Elizabeth national park, whose landscapes alternate between extinct volcanoes, crater lakes, marshes and grassy plains. The park includes notably the Edward and George lakes, connected by the Kazinga canal.
You set off for a boat excursion on the Kazinga canal, which is 36 km long, in order to observe the fauna and birdlife present on its banks. More than 500 bird species are recorded in the region.
Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park
This day is dedicated to a safari by Jeep in the This day is dedicated to a safari by Jeep in Queen Elizabeth National Park, discovering its wildlife. During the safari, you will be able to observe Ugandan kobs, lions, elephants, buffalo and hippopotamuses in particular. The park is also home to particularly diverse birdlife, with more than 500 species of birds recorded., discovering its wildlife.
During the safari, you will be able to observe Ugandan kobs, lions, elephants, buffalo and hippopotamuses in particular. The park is also home to particularly diverse birdlife, with more than 500 species of birds recorded.
In the Ugandan savanna
You continue your exploration of the Queen Elizabeth National Park heading towards its southern section.
In the morning, you explore the Kasenyi plains, covered with candelabra euphorbia. You will be able to observe lions, as well as herds of Uganda kob, topi and buffalo, not to mention numerous bird species.
In the afternoon, you reach the Ishasha region, known for its tree-climbing lions. The landscape gradually evolves into a vast savanna dotted with acacias.
Route to Bwindi Forest
You leave the Ishasha region and take the road towards the Bwindi National Park.
Along the way, you travel through lush landscapes where eucalyptus, cypress and rice paddies nestled in the valley bottoms succeed one another.
You then reach the Bwindi Forest, where your encounter with the mountain gorillas awaits you.
Note: gorilla permits are allocated for different sectors of Bwindi Park. The sector and group visited being determined on the morning of the trek, accommodation and travel times may vary depending on permit availability.
Meeting with the Mountain Gorillas
Early in the morning, you join the Bwindi National Park to meet the mountain gorillas. Accompanied by trackers and your specialized guide, you venture deep into the forest in search of the group assigned to you.
Groups can consist of 8 to 20 individuals, including the dominant male with a silver back, adult females and teenagers. You observe these primates moving about in their forest environment, between movement and foraging.
This encounter is one of the highlights of your trip to Uganda and allows you to approach the gorillas in their natural habitat.
Safari in Lake Mburo National Park
Parc national de Bwindi → Lac Bunyonyi
You leave the Bwindi forest heading towards the Lake Bunyonyi. You discover its terraced hillside landscapes and its 29 islands and islets, at nearly 2,000 meters altitude.
You enjoy a walk around the lake, where nearly 200 bird species are recorded. You can also swim in the lake.
Lac Bunyonyi → Parc national du lac Mburo
You then head back on the road to the Lake Mburo National Park. You set off for a safari in the park, in search of zebras, buffalo, impalas, Cape elands and other ruminants. The papyrus-covered wetlands also allow you to observe local birdlife.
Last moments in Uganda
Parc national du lac Mburo → Entebbe
In the morning, you enjoy one last time the Ugandan nature during a guided walk in the Mburo Lake reserve.
You then resume the road towards Entebbe. Allow approximately 230 km and 4h30 of travel.
Upon your arrival, you head to Entebbe airport to board your return flight and end your trip to Uganda.
Price per person
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International flights
- Meals not mentioned in the program above
- Alcoholic or recreational beverages
- Tips
Included
- The accommodations as indicated in the itinerary
- Meals from breakfast day 2 to lunch day 14
- 4x4 transfers in a land cruiser 4x4 vehicle with an open roof or in a MiniBus depending on the option chosen
- Experienced English-Speaking Driver Guide
- Boat on the Kazinga Channel
- Boat on the Nile to the foot of the waterfalls
- Mineral water in the car and during trekking
- The entrances and activities in the following parks:
- Gorilla permits: $700
- Chimpanzee Permit: $200
- Rhinoceros Trekking: 50$
- Bigodi Swamp: 35$
- Queen Elisabeth NP + Ishasha: 120$
- Lake Mburo National Park: 40$
- Murchison National Park: 80$
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to Uganda for a tourist stay. As entry requirements may change, we recommend verifying this information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Uganda, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the date of entry into the country and must contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and Canada must obtain a visa to enter Uganda. This visa can be obtained in two ways:
online, before departure, via the official East African Visa portal or the Uganda online visa (e-Visa),
on arrival, at the border post or Entebbe International Airport (visa on arrival), subject to availability and current conditions.
The standard tourist visa permits a stay of up to 90 days. An extension can be requested from the Ugandan immigration services before the visa expires.
The authorities may also request:
a departure ticket from the country (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
a confirmation of accommodation reservation.
East African Tourist Visa
There is also an East African tourist visa allowing you to visit Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda with a single visa. This multiple-entry visa is valid for 90 days and can be particularly advantageous for travelers wishing to explore several countries in the region.
This visa must be requested online before departure and entry into the designated zone must be made through one of the designated entry points.
Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate
Presentation of an international yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow booklet) is mandatory to enter Uganda. This certificate must be obtained at least 10 days before entry into the country and is valid for life.
Without this document, the Ugandan authorities may refuse entry into the country or impose vaccination on arrival.
Health
In addition to yellow fever, several health precautions are recommended before traveling to Uganda:
malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended, as malaria is present throughout the country,
updating routine vaccinations (tetanus, diphtheria, poliomyelitis, hepatitis A and B, typhoid) is advised,
it is recommended to consult a doctor or international vaccination center at least four to six weeks before departure.
Traveling with Children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay and a valid visa.
In some European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to leave the country may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Other Nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire with the embassy or consulate of Uganda in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to have evacuation assistance and medical expense coverage abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partners CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to one of these.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claim procedures is available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with claim notification procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
An e-visa is required and must be applied for online before departure. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date, and a yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory. Processing takes 72 hours. Before booking, check with the consular authorities of your destination for specific conditions applicable to your nationality.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a quality tailored trip, budget between €200 and €350 per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transfers, permits and activities. International flights (€800-1,200 return) are additional. The gorilla permit at Bwindi (USD 800) is the major expense.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each itinerary to match travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, engaging and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to captivate children with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, your budget and your dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until you reach the perfect version. You confirm and depart with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST guarantee (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on site throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Wild North
English-speaking advisor in the heart of Lake District Africa, based in Entebbe
Uganda often surprises travelers. You come for the big wildlife, then you leave remembering mostly the landscapes, the smiles, and the energy of the country.
— Charles
