15 Days in Uganda: Track gorillas and golden monkeys, embrace Batwa culture, and unwind by Lake Bunyonyi and Mburo on this adventure-packed safari.
Embark on a transformative journey across Uganda with this immersive 15 Days in Uganda – Gorillas, Golden Monkeys & Cultural Wonders safari. Over two weeks, you’ll encounter rare primates in lush forests, connect deeply with indigenous Batwa communities, and explore vibrant national parks teeming with wildlife.
From gorilla trekking in Bwindi and golden monkey tracking in Mgahinga to lakeside tranquility at Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Mburo, this itinerary blends the thrill of discovery with the warmth of culture and the peace of nature.
Designed for curious explorers and passionate travelers, this midrange, full-board tour invites you to experience Uganda’s soul in motion — a story written across misty mountains, savannahs, and crater lakes.
15-Day Safari Highlights at a Glance
Day 1: Arrive in Entebbe and unwind as your Ugandan adventure begins.
Day 2: Drive to Jinja and visit the source of the Nile.
Day 3: Choose rafting or horseback riding, then track rhinos at Ziwa Sanctuary.
Day 4: Cruise to Murchison Falls and enjoy a game drive at sunset.
Day 5: Morning safari and optional hike to the top of Murchison Falls.
Day 6: Scenic drive to Kibale through rural Uganda and crater lakes.
Day 7: Track chimpanzees in Kibale Forest and visit Bigodi Wetland.
Day 8: Travel south to Queen Elizabeth National Park for a relaxed evening.
Day 9: Safari and boat cruise on the wildlife-rich Kazinga Channel.
Day 10: Spot Ishasha’s tree-climbing lions and head to Bwindi Forest.
Day 11: Trek through Bwindi for a life-changing mountain gorilla encounter.
Day 12: Connect with Batwa heritage and forest traditions.
Day 13: Relax or canoe on the island-dotted Lake Bunyonyi.
Day 14: Enjoy Lake Mburo’s walking safari and game viewing.
Day 15: Return to Entebbe with memories that last a lifetime.
Your 15 Days in Uganda Safari in detail:
Day 1 – Arrival in Entebbe
Your 15 Days in Uganda – Gorillas, Golden Monkeys & Cultural Wonders safari officially begins on arrival at Entebbe International Airport. Here, you’re received by your safari guide and transferred to ViaVia Guesthouse, a reliable budget lodge offering garden-style rooms, friendly service, and a relaxed atmosphere near Lake Victoria.
Depending on flight time, guests may enjoy a brief visit to the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, a lakeside walk, or simply unwind at the lodge. Dinner is served on-site as you settle in and receive a detailed orientation for your 15-day Uganda adventure — spanning primate tracking, cultural experiences, wildlife encounters, and scenic retreats — all delivered with comfort and affordability.
Day 2 – Mabamba Shoebill Adventure & Transfer to Jinja for Nile Cruise
Kick off your morning with an exciting birding excursion to the Mabamba Wetland, a Ramsar-listed site famed for the elusive and prehistoric-looking Shoebill Stork. Glide through the narrow papyrus channels in a traditional canoe, scanning for this iconic bird alongside kingfishers, herons, and jacanas. Mabamba offers an unforgettable introduction to Uganda’s rich avian biodiversity.
After lunch, begin your transfer eastward to Jinja, the adventure capital located at the source of the mighty River Nile. The drive takes you through lively trading centers and sugarcane plantations, offering a glimpse into rural Ugandan life.
By late afternoon, check into Nile Village Hotel & Spa, a charming mid-range option with tranquil gardens and views of the Nile. Then embark on a relaxing sunset cruise on the Nile, watching the river shimmer under golden skies as hippos grunt from the banks and birds soar overhead.
This serene yet thrilling day forms a perfect contrast to the primate trekking to come — all part of your immersive 15 Days in Uganda – Gorillas, Golden Monkeys & Cultural Wonders adventure.
Day 3 – Jinja Adventure & Transfer to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Start your morning in Jinja with a hearty breakfast before diving into the adrenaline of Uganda’s adventure capital. Choose between a peaceful horseback ride along the Nile’s lush banks or an exhilarating white-water rafting experience that plunges you into Africa’s longest river with expert guides and roaring rapids.
After a riverside lunch, set off northward to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Along the way, soak up the changing landscapes—from bustling roadside stalls to vast savannahs. At the sanctuary, track Southern White Rhinos on foot in their natural habitat—a rare and awe-inspiring moment.
Settle into Amuka Lodge, a cozy retreat with full-board service and a crackling campfire under starry skies. Enjoy a bush dinner as you reflect on the day’s blend of adventure and conservation—another unforgettable chapter of your 15 Days in Uganda – Gorillas, Golden Monkeys & Cultural Wonders safari.
Day 5 – Sunrise Safari in Murchison & Transfer to Kibale Forest
Begin Day 5 with an early morning game drive through the sweeping savannahs of Murchison Falls National Park, where predators stir at dawn and the golden light reveals elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and more in their natural habitat. This tranquil window is perfect for photography and wildlife sightings before the park warms with mid-morning buzz.
After breakfast back at Parkside Safari Lodge, check out and set off for the scenic cross-country transfer to Kibale Forest National Park, Uganda’s primate capital. The route passes through verdant tea estates, roadside trading centers, and lush countryside as you descend into the crater-lake-dotted Fort Portal region.
Arrive in the late afternoon and settle into Ruwenzori View Guesthouse, a cozy budget accommodation offering full-board comfort on the forest’s edge. The surrounding area is rich with birdlife and panoramic views — a peaceful resting place ahead of tomorrow’s thrilling chimpanzee tracking.
From wildlife-packed plains to misty rainforest trails, this transition day deepens the diversity of your 15 Days in Uganda – Gorillas, Golden Monkeys & Cultural Wonders safari.
Day 6 – Chimpanzee Tracking & Bigodi Wetland Community Tour
Day 6 begins with an early breakfast at Ruwenzori View Guesthouse, fueling up for an extraordinary encounter in the heart of Kibale Forest National Park. Your morning is dedicated to chimpanzee tracking, led by professional rangers through thick tropical rainforest.
Listen for rustling in the canopy and excited calls echoing through the trees — moments later, you may lock eyes with a wild chimpanzee swinging above or foraging nearby. Kibale’s biodiversity also means sightings of red colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and colorful birds along the trail.
After lunch, shift gears into cultural and ecological discovery with a guided walk through the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-run conservation project known for its rich birdlife and local engagement.
As you explore the swampy trails on foot, look out for the great blue turaco, sitatunga antelopes, and vibrant butterfly colonies. You’ll also meet local guides who share stories about traditional herbal medicine, village life, and the conservation successes of Bigodi.
Return to your lodge for dinner, reflecting on a day of intimate wildlife encounters and inspiring community efforts — all integral to your 15 Days in Uganda – Gorillas, Golden Monkeys & Cultural Wonders experience.
Day 7 – Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park & Crater Lake Views
Begin your morning with breakfast at Ruwenzori View Guesthouse, then embark on a scenic drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most biodiverse wildlife reserve. The journey winds through the crater lake region, offering breathtaking vistas of volcanic landscapes, tea plantations, and rural villages — a photographer’s dream.
Stop briefly at the picturesque Lake Nyinambuga or Lake Kyaninga to stretch and soak in panoramic views.
Arrive in the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth, where the air grows warmer and the landscape opens into vast savannah dotted with acacia trees and wildlife trails. Check into the comfortable and eco-conscious Pumba Safari Cottages, set on a hillside overlooking the park, and enjoy your full-board welcome meal.
Spend the late afternoon on a relaxed drive around the crater lake circuit, spotting warthogs, antelope, and playful baboons against the backdrop of dramatic escarpments and ancient calderas. This tranquil introduction to the park sets the stage for tomorrow’s more intense wildlife encounters.
As the sun dips, gather for dinner and listen to the distant calls of hyenas and bush sounds — another immersive entry in your 15 Days in Uganda – Gorillas, Golden Monkeys & Cultural Wonders safari adventure.
Day 8 – Boat Safari on Kazinga Channel & Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth
Day 8 begins with breakfast at Pumba Safari Cottages, followed by a short transfer to Mweya Peninsula — gateway to one of Uganda’s greatest wildlife spectacles: the Kazinga Channel. This natural waterway links Lake Edward and Lake George and is famed for its dense concentrations of hippos, crocodiles, and aquatic birds.
By midmorning, board a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, gliding past elephants drinking at the banks, water buffalo submerged in mud pools, and fish eagles soaring overhead.
The calm waters allow for close-up wildlife viewing and stunning photography. This experience is one of the highlights of your 15 Days in Uganda – Gorillas, Golden Monkeys & Cultural Wonders safari.
After lunch and a short break, venture out on an evening game drive through the Kasenyi plains, where lions often patrol the hunting grounds and Uganda kobs gather in large herds. As the sun sets across the savannah, the day closes with rich sightings and unforgettable scenery.
Return to the lodge for dinner and relaxation, reflecting on a full day of Uganda’s wild elegance — where land and water converge in perfect harmony.
Day 9 – Ishasha Safari & Sundowner
Spend the full day in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, a remote wilderness famed for its tree-climbing lions, herds of topis, and sweeping savannah. Begin with a morning game drive, followed by a bush breakfast in the wild.
After lunch and rest at Topi Lodge, a trusted budget accommodation just minutes from the park gate, head out for an evening game drive. End the day with a scenic sundowner by the Ntungwe River — a golden-hour moment in your 15 Days in Uganda – Gorillas, Golden Monkeys & Cultural Wonders safari.
Day 10 – Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
Begin with an early breakfast at Ride 4 a Woman, a respected budget accommodation in the Buhoma sector of Bwindi. Proceed to the park headquarters for a mandatory briefing before setting off into the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest — home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.
Led by expert trackers, guests hike through dense jungle terrain until they locate a habituated gorilla family. The experience is intimate and unforgettable: one hour spent observing gorillas in their natural habitat, a rare privilege and the highlight of the 15 Days in Uganda – Gorillas, Golden Monkeys & Cultural Wonders safari.
After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and rest. Optional afternoon activities include a community walk, craft workshop, or simply relaxing with views of the forest canopy. Dinner is served with fresh local ingredients, and the evening closes with storytelling around the fire.
Day 11 – Golden Monkey Trekking in Mgahinga
Depart Bwindi after breakfast and drive to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda’s smallest but most scenic park, nestled in the Virunga Mountains. Check in at Traveler’s Rest Hotel in Kisoro — a historic budget accommodation favored by primatologists and trekkers on the 15 Days in Uganda – Gorillas, Golden Monkeys & Cultural Wonders safari.
After lunch, head to the park headquarters for a briefing, then begin your golden monkey trekking experience. These endangered primates are fast, playful, and strikingly beautiful with golden-orange fur and expressive faces. The trek winds through bamboo forests and volcanic slopes, offering stunning views and rich biodiversity.
Return to the lodge in the late afternoon for relaxation. Optional evening activities include a walk through Kisoro town or a visit to a local craft market. Dinner is served at the lodge, closing a day of rare encounters and mountain air.
Day 12 – Lake Bunyonyi Exploration
After breakfast, transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, one of Africa’s deepest and most scenic lakes, dotted with 29 islands and surrounded by terraced hills. Check in at Crater Bay Cottages, a peaceful budget accommodation offering lakefront views and easy access to activities.
Spend the day exploring the lake by canoe or motorboat, visiting islands like Punishment Island and Bushara Island, each with its own story. Enjoy birdwatching, swimming in bilharzia-free waters, or relaxing on the deck with fresh juice and panoramic views.
This tranquil retreat offers a refreshing pause in your 15 Days in Uganda – Gorillas, Golden Monkeys & Cultural Wonders safari, blending nature, culture, and quiet reflection.
Day 13 – Lake Mburo Safari & Cultural Stop
Depart Lake Bunyonyi after breakfast and head to Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda’s smallest savannah park and a haven for zebras, impalas, and elands. En route, stop at the Igongo Cultural Centre for lunch and a brief tour showcasing Ankole heritage — a cultural highlight of the 15 Days in Uganda – Gorillas, Golden Monkeys & Cultural Wonders safari.
Arrive in Lake Mburo for an afternoon game drive, spotting wildlife across rolling hills and acacia woodland. Check in at Eagle’s Nest, a scenic hilltop budget accommodation with panoramic views of the park. Enjoy dinner as the sun sets over the savannah, with the sounds of nature all around.
Day 14 – Nature Walk & Boat Safari in Lake Mburo
Start the day with a guided nature walk in Lake Mburo National Park, offering close-up encounters with zebras, impalas, and warthogs on foot — a unique contrast to vehicle safaris. After breakfast, relax at Eagle’s Nest, a scenic budget accommodation perched above the park.
In the afternoon, enjoy a boat safari on Lake Mburo, spotting hippos, crocodiles, and vibrant birdlife like the African fish eagle and kingfishers. This peaceful day blends adventure and serenity, rounding out the wild beauty of your 15 Days in Uganda – Gorillas, Golden Monkeys & Cultural Wonders safari.
Day 15 – Return to Entebbe & Departure
After breakfast at Eagle’s Nest, begin the journey back to Entebbe, marking the final leg of your 15 Days in Uganda – Gorillas, Golden Monkeys & Cultural Wonders safari. Enjoy a scenic drive through central Uganda with a stop at the Equator monument for photos, souvenirs, and a brief demonstration of the Coriolis effect.
Arrive in Entebbe in time for your international flight, carrying unforgettable memories of Uganda’s wildlife, landscapes, and vibrant cultures. Safari complete — but the stories will last a lifetime.
From $ 5200 Per Person. Book your Safari Now