17 Days Uganda Safari Experience

An Ultimate Uganda Safaris Holiday Journey

This 17 Days Uganda Safari Experience presents the most complete and rewarding Uganda safaris holiday. It combines wildlife, primates, culture, landscapes, and relaxation. Throughout the journey, travelers explore Uganda’s most iconic national parks and hidden gems. Each day introduces a new ecosystem, a fresh adventure, and a deeper connection to nature.

Uganda stands as one of Africa’s most diverse safari destinations. Therefore, these 17 Days Uganda Safari Experience balances game viewing, primate encounters, scenic lakes, and cultural experiences. From the mighty River Nile to ancient rainforests, every moment feels immersive and authentic. In addition, the journey flows at a relaxed pace. This approach allows guests to enjoy each destination fully.

Moreover, the safari includes rare experiences. Guests track white rhinos on foot, spend extended time with chimpanzees, and join mountain gorilla habituation. These activities create meaningful wildlife connections. At the same time, comfortable lodges offer privacy, scenic views, and personalized service.

Furthermore, the safari suits nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers. It also suits travelers who value comfort and depth. Road transfers reveal rural Uganda, rolling hills, and local life. Short internal flights add convenience toward the end.

Overall, this 17 Days Uganda Safari Experience itinerary reflects Uganda’s true spirit. It blends conservation, culture, and luxury. With expert planning by Deks Safaris and Tours, guests enjoy a seamless and unforgettable safari experience.

17 Days Uganda Safari Experience

Tour Quotation Based on 2 Travelers and Mid-Range Safari

• Rate Per Person: US$10,824
• Total for Two People: US$21,648

Detailed 17 Days Uganda Safari Experience

Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport and Relaxation by Lake Victoria

• Accommodation: Lake Victoria Hotel Entebbe

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, guests receive a warm Ugandan welcome. A professional safari guide meets them immediately. After introductions, guests transfer to Lake Victoria Hotel. The drive remains short and scenic. Therefore, travelers settle in quickly after the flight.

Lake Victoria Hotel sits on a peaceful hill overlooking Africa’s largest lake. The setting offers calm views and fresh air. After check-in, guests enjoy time to relax. Some choose a gentle walk around the gardens. Others prefer resting by the pool.

Meanwhile, the evening remains free. Guests enjoy dinner at the hotel restaurant. The meals feature both international and local flavors. This relaxed first day helps travelers recover from long flights. It also prepares them for the long safari ahead.

Day 2: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

• Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge

After breakfast, the safari begins with a road transfer north. The 17 Days Uganda Safari Experience journey leads to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. This drive takes about four hours. Along the way, guests observe local villages and farmlands.

At Ziwa, guests join a guided white rhino tracking experience. Rangers lead the walk on foot. Therefore, guests experience wildlife at ground level. The encounter feels thrilling and educational. Uganda’s only wild rhinos roam freely here.

Later, lunch follows before continuing to Murchison Falls National Park. In the afternoon, guests hike to the top of Murchison Falls. Here, the Nile forces through a narrow gorge. The power and sound impress every visitor.

Finally, guests transfer to Pakuba Safari Lodge. The lodge overlooks the Nile. Evening relaxation follows with sunset views and dinner.

Day 3: Full Day Adventure in Murchison Falls National Park

• Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge

This day focuses entirely on wildlife and scenery. After an early breakfast, guests enjoy a morning game drive. The northern sector hosts abundant wildlife. Sightings often include elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and lions.

The savannah stretches wide. Therefore, photography opportunities remain excellent. The guide shares insights about animal behavior and conservation.

Later, guests return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, a boat cruise takes place on the Victoria Nile. The cruise moves slowly toward the base of Murchison Falls. Along the banks, guests spot hippos and crocodiles. Many bird species appear as well.

This boat experience feels peaceful and scenic. Afterward, guests return to the lodge for relaxation. Evening hours include dinner and storytelling under the African sky.

Day 4: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

• Accommodation: Turaco Treetops Lodge

Following breakfast, guests begin a road journey southward. The drive leads to Kibale Forest National Park. This 17 Days Uganda Safari Experience journey takes around five hours. Along the way, the scenery changes dramatically.

Rolling hills, tea plantations, and crater lakes dominate the landscape. Therefore, the drive feels scenic rather than long. Upon arrival, guests check in at Turaco Treetops Lodge.

The lodge sits near the forest edge. It offers forest views and bird sounds. The afternoon remains free for rest. Guests may enjoy the lodge terrace or forest walks nearby.

This day allows the body to recover from travel. It also builds excitement for upcoming primate experiences.

Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest National Park

• Accommodation: Turaco Treetops Lodge

After breakfast, guests head to the park headquarters. Trained guides brief them before the trek. The forest feels dense and alive. Soon, chimpanzee calls echo through the trees.

Tracking may take some time. However, the reward feels unforgettable. Guests spend one full hour observing chimpanzees. They watch them feed, groom, and interact.

This 17 Days Uganda Safari Experience feels emotional and close. The intelligence of chimpanzees becomes very clear. After the trek, guests return to the lodge for lunch.

The afternoon remains free. Guests relax while listening to forest sounds. Some enjoy birdwatching or spa treatments.

Big Five and Chimpanzee Tracking

Day 6: Bigodi Swamp Walk and Tea Plantation Visit

• Accommodation: Turaco Treetops Lodge

This morning begins with a guided walk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. The swamp hosts rich biodiversity. Guides explain medicinal plants and bird species. Several primates appear during the walk.

Bigodi also supports community conservation. Therefore, the walk benefits local people directly. Guests later visit tea plantations in Fort Portal and Kyenjojo. The green hills stretch endlessly.

Here, guests learn about tea production. They observe picking and processing. The visit offers cultural insight and scenic views.

In the afternoon, guests return to the lodge. The rest of the day remains free. Relaxation continues before the next major 17 Days Uganda Safari Experience adventure.

Day 7: Chimpanzee Habituation and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

• Accommodation: Buffalo Safari Lodge

This day starts early. Guests join the chimpanzee habituation experience. Unlike standard tracking, this activity lasts four hours. Guests follow chimpanzees from morning routines onward.

Researchers guide the experience. They explain behavior and conservation efforts. The extended time allows deeper understanding.

After the trek, guests enjoy lunch. Then, a short drive leads to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The drive takes about three hours.

Upon arrival, guests check in at Buffalo Safari Lodge. The lodge overlooks the park’s vast plains. Evening relaxation follows with sunset views.

Day 8: Game Drives and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

• Accommodation: Buffalo Safari Lodge

This day highlights the rich wildlife diversity of Queen Elizabeth National Park. After an early breakfast, guests head out for a morning game drive. The open savannah stretches widely across the park. Therefore, wildlife viewing remains excellent during the morning hours. Lions often rest near tracks. Elephants move slowly across grasslands. Uganda kobs graze in large numbers. Buffalo herds also dominate the plains. Meanwhile, the 17 Days Uganda Safari Experience guide interprets animal behavior clearly. This guidance improves every sighting.

As the sun rises higher, the game drive continues toward scenic viewpoints. Crater lakes dot the landscape. Volcanic features add beauty to the terrain. In addition, birdlife appears everywhere. Eagles soar above. Hornbills perch on fig trees. This balance of wildlife and scenery creates a rewarding safari morning. Later, guests return to the lodge for a relaxed lunch. The lodge setting allows uninterrupted views of the park.

How is a Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel Like?

In the afternoon, guests enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. This natural waterway connects Lake Edward and Lake George. The cruise moves at a gentle pace. Therefore, photography becomes easy and enjoyable. Hippos line the banks in large groups. Nile crocodiles bask under the sun. Elephants often drink at the shoreline. Moreover, water birds appear in great variety. Pelicans, kingfishers, and fish eagles dominate the skies.

As the cruise ends, guests return to Buffalo Safari Lodge. The evening remains calm and refreshing. Guests enjoy dinner while reflecting on the day’s sightings. This day blends adventure, comfort, and nature perfectly.

Day 9: Ishasha Sector and Tree-Climbing Lions

• Accommodation: Buffalo Safari Lodge

After breakfast, guests begin a scenic drive south toward the Ishasha Sector. This area sits in the remote southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Therefore, it feels quieter and more exclusive. The landscape changes gradually. Open savannahs mix with fig trees and riverine forests. This environment supports unique wildlife behavior.

The Ishasha Sector remains famous for tree-climbing lions. These lions rest high in fig trees during the day. The branches provide shade and safety from insects. Game drives focus on locating these rare lions. The search adds excitement to the safari. When spotted, the sight feels extraordinary. Lions stretch lazily across branches. Cubs sometimes rest beside them. This behavior offers rare photography opportunities.

Besides lions, Ishasha hosts large mammals. Elephants move through open grasslands. Buffalo herds cross dirt tracks slowly. Topis and antelopes graze peacefully. Meanwhile, the guide shares insights about lion behavior and territory. This explanation adds depth to every sighting.

Later, guests enjoy lunch in a scenic setting. Afterward, the afternoon remains relaxed. Some guests choose to rest at the lodge. Others enjoy short walks around the property. This slower pace restores energy after several active days. As evening approaches, guests return to Buffalo Safari Lodge. Dinner follows under the African night sky. This day balances rare wildlife encounters with restful moments.

Day 10: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

• Accommodation: Arcadia Lodge Bunyonyi

After breakfast, guests depart Queen Elizabeth National Park. The journey leads south toward Lake Bunyonyi. This drive takes about four hours. However, the scenery keeps the journey engaging. Rolling hills replace flat plains. Terraced farmlands appear across the landscape. Small villages line the road. Therefore, guests observe daily Ugandan life.

As the altitude increases, the air becomes cooler. The vegetation turns greener and denser. This transition marks entry into southwestern Uganda. Upon arrival at Lake Bunyonyi, guests check in at Arcadia Lodge. The lodge sits on a hillside overlooking the lake. The views feel peaceful and refreshing.

After lunch, guests enjoy a guided boat cruise on Lake Bunyonyi. The lake hosts many small islands. Each island carries local stories and legends. The water remains calm and clear. Therefore, the cruise feels smooth and relaxing. Birds fly low over the water. Fishermen paddle traditional canoes quietly.

Moreover, the surrounding hills reflect beautifully on the lake surface. This creates perfect photography moments. After the cruise, guests return to the lodge. The afternoon remains free for relaxation. Some guests enjoy reading on balconies. Others prefer nature walks within the lodge grounds.

As evening approaches, the sun sets behind the hills. The sky glows with warm colors. Dinner follows in a calm atmosphere. This day offers a peaceful break between wildlife adventures.

Uganda Safari Adventure from Entebbe

Day 11: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

• Accommodation: Four Gorillas Lodge

The morning begins slowly at Lake Bunyonyi. Guests enjoy breakfast with lake views. The calm environment sets a relaxed mood. Afterward, guests depart for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The drive takes about three hours. The road winds through highland terrain and rural communities.

As the journey continues, dense forests begin to appear. Bwindi stands as one of Africa’s oldest rainforests. Therefore, anticipation builds steadily. Upon arrival, guests check in at Four Gorillas Lodge. The lodge sits near the Rushaga sector entrance. This location offers convenience and comfort.

The lodge blends naturally with the forest environment. Wooden structures and forest views dominate the setting. After check-in, guests enjoy lunch. The afternoon remains free for rest. This rest remains important before gorilla activities.

Some guests choose light walks around the lodge. Others enjoy forest sounds from their rooms. Birds call continuously from nearby trees. Mist often drifts through the forest canopy. This atmosphere creates a sense of mystery and excitement.

Later, the safari guide briefs guests about upcoming gorilla experiences. Information includes trekking rules and safety tips. This preparation builds confidence and comfort. Dinner follows in the evening. Guests retire early, ready for the next day’s adventure.

Day 12: Mountain Gorilla Habituation Experience

• Accommodation: Four Gorillas Lodge

This day delivers one of Uganda’s most exclusive wildlife experiences. Guests wake up early and enjoy breakfast. Afterward, they transfer to the park headquarters. Rangers conduct a detailed briefing. Safety guidelines and expectations receive clear explanation.

Guests then enter Bwindi Forest with researchers and trackers. The gorilla habituation experience allows four hours with a semi-habituated family. Unlike standard trekking, this experience offers deeper interaction. Guests follow gorillas as they move, feed, and rest. Researchers explain behavior and social structure clearly.

The forest terrain feels challenging yet rewarding. Thick vegetation surrounds the trail. However, porters assist when needed. Once gorillas appear, time slows down. Observing them closely creates strong emotional connections. Young gorillas play freely. Silverbacks monitor the group calmly.

This extended time allows better photography and observation. Guests witness feeding habits and communication patterns. The experience feels educational and intimate. After four hours, guests exit the forest slowly.

Later, guests return to Four Gorillas Lodge for lunch. The afternoon remains free for rest and reflection. Many guests feel deeply moved by the experience. Evening hours remain calm and quiet. Dinner follows in a peaceful setting, surrounded by forest sounds.

Day 13: Batwa Pygmies Experience and Transfer to Kisoro

• Accommodation: Mutanda Lake Resort

After breakfast, guests drive to Ichuya Forest. This forest holds cultural significance for the Batwa people. The Batwa lived here for generations before conservation efforts. Today, they share their heritage with visitors respectfully.

During the experience, Batwa guides demonstrate traditional skills. Guests learn hunting techniques and plant uses. Storytelling explains their history and displacement. Traditional songs and dances add cultural richness. This experience feels educational and authentic. It also supports community livelihoods.

Afterward, guests continue the journey to Kisoro. The drive passes through dramatic volcanic landscapes. The Virunga Mountains dominate the horizon. Terraced farms cover the hillsides. This scenery feels striking and unique.

Upon arrival, guests check in at Mutanda Lake Resort. The resort overlooks Lake Mutanda. The setting feels serene and luxurious. After lunch, guests relax at the lodge. Some enjoy canoeing on the lake. Others rest on private verandas.

As evening approaches, the lake reflects surrounding volcanoes. The atmosphere remains peaceful. Dinner follows with fresh local cuisine. This day blends culture, scenery, and relaxation seamlessly.

Day 14: Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

• Accommodation: Mutanda Lake Resort

Guests wake early for another unforgettable primate experience. After breakfast, they transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The Park lies at the base of volcanic mountains. Therefore, the scenery feels dramatic and beautiful.

At the headquarters, rangers’ brief guests before trekking. The trek moves through bamboo forests and open slopes. Compared to Bwindi, Mgahinga offers clearer trails. This makes trekking smoother for many guests.

Once gorillas appear, the moment feels powerful. Guests spend one hour observing the family. The gorillas interact calmly and naturally. Silverbacks sit confidently while juveniles play nearby. Photography remains excellent due to open terrain.

After the trek, guests return to Mutanda Lake Resort for lunch. The afternoon remains relaxed. Later, guests enjoy a sunset boat cruise on Lake Mutanda. Canoes glide quietly across the water. The volcanoes reflect beautifully on the lake surface.

As the sun sets, the sky changes color dramatically. This peaceful cruise concludes an emotional day. Dinner follows at the lodge. Guests reflect on their second gorilla encounter.

Day 15: Full Day Relaxation at Lake Mutanda

• Accommodation: Mutanda Lake Resort

This day focuses entirely on rest and reflection. Guests wake without alarms. Breakfast unfolds slowly with lake views. The calm environment encourages relaxation.

Throughout the day, guests choose activities freely. Some enjoy guided nature walks. These walks explore nearby villages and forests. Community visits offer cultural insight. Guests interact with locals and learn daily routines.

Others prefer water activities. Canoeing and swimming remain popular options. The lake stays calm and safe. Birdlife surrounds the resort throughout the day. Kingfishers and herons appear frequently.

Lunch takes place at the lodge. The afternoon remains unstructured. Guests read, write, or rest. This slow pace allows memories to settle deeply.

As evening arrives, guests gather for dinner. Stories and laughter fill the dining area. This rest day balances the intense wildlife experiences earlier in the safari.

Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari

Day 16: Golden Monkey Tracking

• Accommodation: Mutanda Lake Resort

The day begins early with breakfast. Guests then transfer to Mgahinga National Park. Golden monkey tracking offers a lighter and playful experience. These monkeys move quickly through bamboo forests.

Rangers lead the tracking carefully. Once located, guests observe their energetic behavior. Golden monkeys leap between branches and feed on bamboo shoots. Their bright fur creates beautiful contrast against green vegetation.

The experience feels lively and entertaining. Photography remains challenging yet rewarding. After the tracking, guests return to the lodge for lunch.

The afternoon remains free for relaxation. Guests enjoy final moments at Lake Mutanda. This marks a gentle close to the safari adventures before departure.

Day 17: End of the Safari

What to Pack for This 17 Days Uganda Safari?

• Light safari clothing
• Long-sleeved shirts
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Hiking boots
• Rain jacket
• Hat and sunglasses
• Insect repellent
• Sunscreen
• Reusable water bottle
• Camera and binoculars
• Small backpack
• Gloves for gorilla trekking

Safari Inclusions

• Airport pick-up and drop-off
• All ground transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
• Services of a professional English-speaking safari guide
• Fuel for the entire safari
• All accommodation as per the itinerary
• All meals as specified in the itinerary
• Bottled drinking water during the safari
• All Park entry fees
• Game drives as per the itinerary
• Boat cruises as per the itinerary
• White rhino tracking permit at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
• Chimpanzee tracking permit in Kibale Forest National Park
• Chimpanzee habituation permit in Kibale Forest
• Bigodi swamp guided walk
• Mountain gorilla habituation permit in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
• Mountain gorilla trekking permit in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
• Golden monkey tracking permit in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
• Batwa pygmies cultural experience
• Community visits as per the itinerary
• Ranger and guide fees
• Domestic flight from Kisoro to Entebbe
• All government taxes and levies

Safari Exclusions

• International flights
• Uganda visa fees
• Travel and medical insurance
• Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
• Personal expenses
• Laundry services
• Alcoholic and soft drinks
• Tips and gratuities
• Souvenirs and gifts
• Telephone calls
• Any expenses of a personal nature

Tour Quotation Based on 2 Travelers and Mid-Range Safari

• Rate Per Person: US$10,824
• Total for Two People: US$21,648

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