14 Days & 13 Nights
Daily Tour
100 people
Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Spanish
This tour is ideal for travelers seeking a deep dive into Uganda’s major ecological zones, this two-week journey covers all the celebrated parks and diverse landscapes – a true “greatest hits” itinerary.
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport and meet your professional safari guide. Transfer to your hotel for check-in and relaxation. Optional: Short sunset walk along Lake Victoria or visit the Entebbe Botanical Gardens. Overnight: Imperial Resort Beach Hotel Entebbe Meals: Dinner
Depart early for Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for on-foot rhino tracking, an intimate conservation experience. Enjoy a picnic lunch en route. Continue north to Murchison Falls National Park, arriving in time for a sunset game drive. Overnight: Sambiya River Lodge in Murchison Falls National Park Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Morning game drive across the savannah, look out for elephants, lions, giraffes, and antelopes. Afternoon boat cruise to the base of the thunderous Murchison Falls. Optional: Hike to the top of the falls or enjoy a sundowner by the river. Overnight: Sambiya River Lodge in Murchison Falls National Park Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart Murchison and journey south through Fort Portal’s lush countryside. Optional stop at tea plantations for a guided walk and cultural exchange. Arrive at your forest lodge near Kibale National Park. Overnight: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Early morning chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest, observe these intelligent primates in their natural habitat. Afternoon guided walk in Bigodi Wetlands, rich in birdlife, monkeys, and community stories. Overnight: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive to Queen Elizabeth NP via the crater lakes region. Arrive in time for an evening game drive in the Kasenyi plains. Overnight: Irungu Forest Safari Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Morning boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, spot hippos, buffaloes, and vibrant birdlife. Afternoon game drive in the Ishasha sector, famous for tree-climbing lions. Overnight: Irungu Forest Safari Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart for Bwindi via scenic hills and tea plantations. Optional stops for photography and market visits. Arrive at your forest lodge and prepare for gorilla trekking. Overnight: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge/ Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Early morning briefing and gorilla trekking, spend up to one hour with a habituated gorilla family. Afternoon at leisure or optional Batwa cultural experience. Overnight: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge/ Camp Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Scenic drive to Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda’s deepest and most picturesque lake. Arrive in time for sunset over the water. Overnight: Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort at Lake Bunyonyi Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional activities: Canoeing to explore the lake’s islands Village visits to meet local communities Birdwatching or nature walks Afternoon at leisure, perfect for journaling, reading, or relaxing. Overnight: Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort at Lake Bunyonyi Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart for Lake Mburo NP, arriving by midday. Afternoon walking safari with a ranger, spot zebras, impalas, and elands. Cycling in the evening. Optional: Evening game drive or boat ride. Overnight: Rwakobo Rock Resort in Lake Mburo National Park Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Morning drive back to Entebbe. Stop at the Equator for photos, souvenirs, and a brief Coriolis demonstration. Optional farewell dinner or overnight stay depending on flight schedule. Overnight: 2Friends Beach Hotel in Entebbe (if needed) Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your flight home. Farewell from your guide and the Nile Abenteuer Safaris team. Meals: Breakfast, lunch
The best time to visit Uganda for a safari is generally during the two main dry seasons: June to August and December to February. These months offer the most favorable conditions for wildlife viewing, gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, and game drives across Uganda’s iconic national parks such as Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, and Kibale Forest National Park. During the dry seasons, the vegetation is less dense, and wildlife tends to congregate around water sources, making animals (elephants, lions, giraffes, buffalo, hippos, and more) easier to spot. The dry weather means park roads and forest trekking trails are more accessible and less muddy, a crucial consideration for gorilla trekking in Bwindi and Mgahinga, where steep slopes and thick undergrowth present a challenge in the wet. August is especially popular as it falls at the peak of the long dry season; skies are clear, temperatures are pleasant, and sightings are frequent. Shoulder (rainy) seasons in Uganda occur from March to May and September to November. While these months bring lush, green landscapes and are favored by birding enthusiasts (with migratory birds peaking between November and April), they’re also associated with heavier rainfall, muddier trails, and sometimes impassable roads in remote regions. However, the “green season” offers lower rates on accommodation and discounted gorilla permits, plus fewer tourists and a more private experience. Altitude and region also influence Uganda’s weather. The highlands (Bwindi, Rwenzori) are cooler, while parks like Murchison Falls and Kidepo Valley are warmer year-round. Nights, especially in forested or mountainous areas, can be chilly; layering is advised. Summary Table: Best Safari Timing in Uganda Season Months Highlights Considerations Long Dry Season June–August Peak wildlife, prime gorilla trekking, easy access Higher demand, book early Short Dry Season December–February Great for game drives, less crowded than June–August Warm; best for photographers Long Rains March–May Lush scenery, birdwatching, low prices Slippery trails, heavier rain Short Rains September–November Birdwatching, newborn animals Fewer crowds, some road/trail challenges Visiting during the dry months is ideal for most classic safari activities and gorilla trekking, but Uganda is a year-round destination, some travelers even prefer the dramatic green landscapes of the wet season, and budget-friendly safaris can be planned year-round with careful consideration
Gorilla trekking is Uganda’s most sought-after primate adventure, and a permit is mandatory to visit the endangered mountain gorillas of Bwindi or Mgahinga. How to Secure a Gorilla Permit: Booking Source: All official gorilla permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), you can book directly via UWA’s headquarters in Kampala, but most international travelers book through a UWA-registered, local tour operator (Nile Abenteuer Safaris), for convenience. International operators partner with local agencies for seamless logistics. Advance Booking: High demand during the dry (peak) seasons - June to September, December to February, means permits often sell out 6–12 months in advance. Even in the low season, booking 3–6 months ahead is wise. Permit Prices (2025): USD 800 per trek for foreign non-residents (Per person) USD 700 for foreign residents (Per person) UGX 300,000 for East African citizens (Per person) The permit includes one hour with a designated gorilla family, park entry, and a ranger guide. Booking Process: Confirm your travel dates with your tour operator who will check permit availability in real time via UWA’s online system. Full payment (often by bank transfer) secures your spot; you’ll get a confirmation/receipt, and the actual permit is collected closer to your trek date. Permit Validity: Only valid for a specified date and park sector (Buhoma, Nkuringo, Rushaga, Ruhija for Bwindi or Nyakagezi for Mgahinga). Permits are non-refundable except for illness or exceptional situations. On the Day: Arrive by 7:30–8:00 a.m. at park headquarters for briefing and group assignment. Groups are limited to 8 trekkers per gorilla family per day. Pro Tips: Shoulder (wet) seasons (March–May, October–November) offer better permit availability and sometimes lower prices or shoulder-season discounts for other services. Booking an all-inclusive tour through a trusted operator can ensure permits, accommodation, and local transport are secured at once. Summary Table: Uganda Gorilla Permit Facts Item Details Price (2025) $800 non-resident; $700 resident; UGX 300,000 EAC Where to buy Uganda Wildlife Authority or registered operators Required for Bwindi, Mgahinga National Parks Advance booking 3–12 months (peak times sell out fast) Seasonality Peak: June–August, Dec–Feb; Wet: March–May, Oct–Nov Validity For one trek, pre-assigned family/sector/date Inclusions 1 hour with gorillas + ranger + park entry Secure your permit well in advance, especially if you’re on a fixed schedule, to guarantee this bucket-list adventure.
Most travelers to Uganda need a visa, with a few exceptions for some African and Caribbean nations. How to Apply: All eligible travelers MUST apply for a tourist visa online before arrival via the official Uganda Immigration portal: https://visas.immigration.go.ug Visa on arrival is no longer available. Submit your application, upload required documents, and pay the fee online. Visa Types & Fees (2025): Type Validity Fee (USD) Details Single-Entry Tourist Visa Up to 90 days $50 For leisure, family visit Multiple-Entry Visa 6/12/24 months $100–200 For repeated entries East Africa Tourist Visa 90 days $100 Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda (multiple entry) Transit Visa 7 days $50 For stopovers/transit Required Documents: Minimum 6 months passport validity Recent passport-size photo (digital upload) Travel itinerary and proof of accommodation Return/onward ticket (often requested) Proof of yellow fever vaccination Visa approval letter (print and present on arrival) Visa approval is usually processed within 2–5 working days, though applying at least 10–14 days in advance is advised. The approval letter must be shown to airline/immigration officers upon entry. East Africa Tourist Visa, ideal for multi-country travel (Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda), must be obtained from the country of first entry. Extensions: Possible via immigration office in Kampala for valid reasons; not automatic.