5 Days
Daily Tour
100 people
Dutch, English, French, German, Spanish
Destinations: Queen Elizabeth National Park • Lake Mburo National Park
Safari Style: Midrange lodges with scenic views, personalized service, and authentic safari experiences
Ideal for: Private travelers, couples, families, and small groups seeking wildlife, nature, and cultural immersion
This 5-day safari takes you through the heart of Uganda’s western savannahs, from the expansive plains and crater lakes of Queen Elizabeth National Park to the rolling acacia woodlands and lakeshores of Lake Mburo. Expect thrilling game drives, boat cruises, and walking safaris, all while staying in comfortable lodges that offer warm hospitality and stunning views.
Whether you’re tracking lions in Kasenyi or watching zebras graze near Lake Mburo, this itinerary offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
Activities: Scenic Transfer via Fort Portal or Mbarara Depart early and enjoy views of tea plantations, crater lakes, and the Rwenzori Mountains. Duration: ~6 hours with lunch stop Evening Crater Lake Drive or Lodge Relaxation Optional drive to explore the Katwe explosion craters or unwind at the lodge with sunset views. Duration: 1.5 hours Accommodation: Midrange Option: Bush Lodge (Enganzi Lodge) Amenities: En-suite rooms, panoramic views, restaurant & bar, Wi-Fi, solar power
Activities: Morning Game Drive in Kasenyi Plains Spot lions, elephants, buffaloes, warthogs, and antelopes in the savannah. Duration: 2.5–3 hours Afternoon Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel Cruise past hippos, crocodiles, and water birds. Great for photography and relaxation. Duration: 2 hours Accommodation: Same as Day 1
Activities: Scenic Transfer to Lake Mburo via Mbarara Stop for lunch and visit a local community or museum en route. Duration: ~4 hours with cultural stop Evening Nature Walk or Lodge Leisure Optional guided walk near the lodge to spot impalas, bushbucks, and birds. Duration: 1 hour Accommodation: Midrange Option: Rwakobo Rock Amenities: En-suite cottages, hilltop views, restaurant, solar lighting, Wi-Fi (limited)
Activities: Morning Walking Safari with Ranger Explore the park on foot, spotting zebras, elands, topis, and birdlife. Duration: 2 hours Afternoon Boat Ride on Lake Mburo Glide across the lake to see hippos, crocodiles, and water birds. Duration: 1.5 hours Accommodation: Same as Day 3
Activities: Optional Sunrise Game Drive or Horseback Safari Enjoy a final game drive or optional horseback safari (advance booking required). Duration: 1.5–2 hours Scenic Drive Back to Kampala Depart mid-morning with lunch en route and optional stop at the equator monument. Duration: ~3.5 hours
Uganda is celebrated for delivering some of Africa’s best-value safari experiences. Your safari budget will depend on several key factors: season, length of stay, type of accommodation, chosen activities (especially gorilla trekking), group size, transport mode, and operator services. Key Cost Elements: Gorilla Permit: Largest single expense for most; see FAQ 3 (USD 800 per person for non-residents). Safari Packages: Budget safaris: Start from USD 150–350 per person/day; basic accommodation, group tours, limited extras. Mid-range safaris: Usually USD 400–600 per person/day; private transport, comfortable lodges, activities included. Luxury safaris: USD 650–1,500+ per person/day; luxury lodges, fine dining, exclusive experiences, and private guides. Park Entry Fees: ~USD 40–45/day for most parks. Included in some tour packages. Chimpanzee Trekking Permit: USD 150–250 per person. Accommodation: Ranges from hostels (~USD 25–60/night), mid-range lodges (USD 80–200/night), to luxury eco-lodges (USD 300–1,000+/night). Transport: Private 4x4 with guide (~USD 150–200/day); shared safari vans for groups (USD 60–100/day per person); or fly-in safaris for higher-end travelers. Extra Activities: Boat safaris, guided walks, community/cultural visits (USD 10–50/activity). Food and Drinks: Most safari packages are “full board” (all meals included); budget for extras if self-catering or eating at tourist restaurants (USD 10–25/meal). Tipping and Miscellaneous: Guides/trackers typically tipped USD 10–15/person/day; tips not always included. International Flights, Visas, Vaccinations: Not usually included in safaris; see FAQs 5 and 6. Sample Safari Budgets (excluding flights): Safari Type Duration Estimated Budget per Person Inclusions Budget 3–7 days $700–$1,500 Group tour, dorm or hostel, meals, park fees Mid-Range 7 days $2,000–$3,500 Private guide, mid-range lodge, permits, meals Luxury 10 days $5,000–$10,000+ Luxury accommodation, domestic flights, private tours Cost-Saving Tips: Travel in green/low season (March–May, Oct–Nov) for reduced rates and potential permit discounts. Join group tours to split transportation and guide costs. Book with local tour operators for better value. Select fewer parks for shorter, cost-effective routes. Uganda safaris range from budget camping to ultra-luxury wilderness retreats, plan for your style, but always book gorilla permits and accommodation well in advance for peak months.
Uganda is renowned for a remarkable diversity of safari destinations that cater to both adventure seekers and wildlife lovers. The country boasts ten national parks, each offering unique experiences, from close encounters with endangered primates to classic big game viewing on scenic savannahs. Top National Parks and Safari Destinations: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – World-famous for gorilla trekking, home to nearly half the world’s mountain gorilla population. Activities: gorilla tracking, birdwatching, forest hikes. Queen Elizabeth National Park – Uganda’s most visited park, celebrated for its diverse landscapes (savannah, wetlands, crater lakes), tree-climbing lions (Ishasha sector), Kazinga Channel boat cruises, and over 600 bird species. Murchison Falls National Park – Uganda’s largest park; famed for its thunderous waterfall where the Nile squeezes through a 7-meter gorge. Excellent for game drives, Nile boat cruises, and sightings of elephants, lions, giraffes, crocodiles, and hippos. Kibale National Park – The “primate capital” of East Africa, renowned for chimpanzee tracking, 13 primate species, and vibrant birdlife. Kidepo Valley National Park – Remote and rugged, offering a true wilderness experience with rare wildlife (cheetahs, ostriches, bat-eared foxes) and interactions with the Karamojong culture. Lake Mburo National Park – Smaller, easily accessible, excellent for walking and horseback safaris, with abundant zebras, impalas, and bird species. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park – Gorilla and golden monkey trekking, volcanic landscapes, Batwa pygmy culture. Rwenzori Mountains National Park – Iconic for mountaineering (“Mountains of the Moon”), glaciers, and alpine flora. Jinja – Source of the Nile – East Africa’s adrenaline capital with white-water rafting, kayaking, bungee jumping, and cultural experiences. Other notable sites: Semuliki National Park (hot springs, rare forest wildlife), Lake Bunyonyi (scenic crater lakes, relaxation), Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary (for rhino tracking and Big Five completion), Mount Elgon (hiking, caves), and Entebbe/Kampala for urban adventures and nearby wildlife. Uganda’s blend of savannah plains, rainforest jungles, snow-capped peaks, and rich tribal culture creates a uniquely varied safari circuit. Most itineraries combine several parks for the full experience of gorilla treks, classic game drives, birding, and local culture.
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.
Member Since 2025
Member Since 2025
