Uganda Cultural & Wildlife Safari
Uganda is a place where culture and wildlife meet in perfect harmony. Over seven days, you’ll explore some of Uganda’s best national parks. Journey from the vibrant streets of Kampala to the thundering Murchison Falls, across the Rift Valley to the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains, and into the wildlife-rich savannahs of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Expect encounters with the Big Five alongside elephants, hippos, and countless other wildlife, all balanced with authentic cultural visits that bring Uganda’s history and traditions to life.
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HIGHLIGHTS
Where the Nile Roars and Lions Roam
This safari takes you deep into Uganda’s iconic landscapes. At Murchison Falls, watch the Nile crash through a 7-meter gorge, then slow its pace into hippo-filled pools. Open plains and crater lakes set the stage for game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park, where elephants roam and lions patrol the savannah. The Kazinga Channel offers a front-row seat to aquatic life, while the Ishasha sector is famous for its unique spectacle of lions resting high in giant fig trees.
Guided Every Step, Rested Every Night
Your journey is led by an expert safari guide who knows where culture and wildlife intersect. Lodges have been chosen to reflect comfort and atmosphere — from the riverside Paraa Safari Lodge to Mweya Safari Lodge overlooking the Kazinga Channel. Long driving days are broken up with meaningful stops and breathtaking scenery, ensuring a balanced rhythm between exploration and relaxation.
If you are curious about gorilla trekking, don’t miss our Gorilla, Chimpanzee & Wildlife Safari in Uganda. For even more safari inspiration, explore our best-selling Big Five Safari in Tanzania. With World Adventure Tours, you always have the freedom to create a customized journey — tailored exactly to how you imagine it!
| Day 1 |
Arrival in EntebbeYour Ugandan adventure begins at Entebbe International Airport where your guide greets you with a warm welcome. After a short transfer to your hotel, take time to relax after your flight. Depending on your arrival time, you might explore Entebbe’s leafy avenues or simply unwind by the pool as you prepare for the days ahead. 🍽️ Meals: Dinner |
| Day 2 |
Kampala Cultural City Tour | Drive to Murchison FallsStart the day with a journey through Uganda’s cultural heart. Visit the Kasubi Tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage site of the Buganda Kingdom, then continue to the Uganda Museum to trace the country’s story through artifacts and exhibits. At Kabaka’s Palace, history blends with royal tradition, while Kabaka’s Lake offers a serene glimpse into past ingenuity. After lunch, embark on the scenic 282 km drive north to Murchison Falls National Park. In the evening, enjoy a magical boat cruise along the Nile, gliding past pods of hippos and crocodiles toward the base of the thunderous falls. 🍽️ Meals: Dinner |
| Day 3 |
Murchison Falls | Scenic Transfer to Fort PortalAfter breakfast, set off on a long but rewarding drive toward Fort Portal, a charming town set against the backdrop of the Rwenzori Mountains. The journey takes you along the Rift Valley escarpment with views that stretch for miles. Pause for lunch en route, and watch the scenery shift from savannah to lush highlands. By evening you arrive at your lodge, where cool forest air and birdsong welcome you. 🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
| Day 4 |
Fort Portal | Queen Elizabeth National ParkEnjoy a relaxed breakfast before making the short drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Arrive in time for lunch and later board a boat for an unforgettable cruise along the Kazinga Channel. This natural waterway linking Lake Edward and Lake George is a hotspot for elephants, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, and countless bird species. Sunset over the channel paints the water in gold, making it the perfect introduction to the park. 🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
| Day 5 |
Game Drives & Katwe Community VisitWake up early for a game drive across the park’s Kasenyi plains, home to Uganda kob, lions, and herds of elephants. Later, step into Uganda’s cultural traditions at Katwe Salt Lake. Here, villagers have been mining salt since the 16th century, using techniques passed down for generations. Meeting the community offers a rare chance to connect with daily life and understand the resilience of those living beside the park. Return to your lodge for a relaxed evening. 🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
| Day 6 |
Ishasha Tree-Climbing Lions | Drive to KampalaEnjoy another game drive in the northern section of the park, then head south toward the famous Ishasha sector. This area is known worldwide for its population of lions that climb fig trees — a truly unique sight in Africa. After lunch en route, begin the return drive to Kampala. Arrive by evening and check back into your city lodge for your final night. 🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Dinner |
| Day 7 |
Departure from EntebbeAfter breakfast, your guide will transfer you to Entebbe International Airport. Take with you the memories of roaring waterfalls, wide savannahs, and warm Ugandan hospitality. 🍽️ Meals: Breakfast |
Wildlife, Culture, and a Positive Footprint
- Experience Uganda’s top wildlife parks in one week
- Unique blend of cultural depth and thrilling game drives
- Comfortable lodges with great locations and views
This safari offers more than wildlife sightings. It gives you the chance to step inside Uganda’s heritage, meet local communities, and discover landscapes that transform with every drive. Carefully chosen lodges and experiences support local conservation and community initiatives, making your journey not only memorable but also meaningful. It’s a trip designed for travelers who value variety, cultural depth, and a safari experience that leaves a positive footprint.
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What is gorilla trekking?
Gorilla trekking is a once-in-a-lifetime activity that involves hiking through the forest to observe and interact with wild mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
Where can I go gorilla trekking in Uganda?
Gorilla trekking is conducted in two national parks in Uganda – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. This travel plan takes you to Mgahinga National Park.
How many gorilla families can I visit in Uganda?
There are currently 18 gorilla families available for trekking in Uganda.
How difficult is gorilla trekking in Uganda?
Gorilla trekking in Uganda can be physically demanding, as it involves hiking through dense forests and steep terrain. The difficulty level of the trek can vary depending on the specific gorilla family visited, as some require longer hikes than others.
Can I get close to Gorillas?
You are required to keep a 7-meter distance from the gorillas.
How many hours can we spend with the Gorillas?
Visitors are required to spend a maximum of 1 hour in the presence of mountain gorillas while viewing to minimize disease transmission.
Is the mountain Gorillas dangerous?
Habituated Mountain Gorillas are not dangerous or prone to be angered by tourists if not disturbed because they have been trained to be in the presence of humans completely, but they’re a couple of rules that should be followed. One should not get between a mother and a baby or tease animals, use a flash, make distracting noises, or move quickly.
Is there any age limit to Gorilla trekking in Uganda?
The minimum age limit for gorilla trekking in Uganda is 15 years. Any person of this age and above can apply for a gorilla permit to visit Mountain Gorillas. The Mountain Gorillas in the wild reside only in the Bwindi forest and the volcanic mountain ranges along the borders of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Congo.
Am I guaranteed to see the gorillas?
There is a 99% chance of seeing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat in Uganda and Rwanda. Part of the gorilla permit fees is used to hire gorilla trackers who go into the forest to keep monitoring the movements of the mountain gorillas. These trackers keep track of where the gorillas laid their nests the day before and follow them the next day from there. The trackers provide information to the park guides about the location of the gorillas. Therefore, the visitors are guaranteed that they will see gorillas.
What are golden monkeys?
Golden monkeys are a species of Old World monkeys found in the Virunga Mountains of Central Africa. They are known for their distinctive bright orange fur.
Where can I go golden monkey trekking in Uganda?
Golden monkey trekking is conducted in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, which is located in southwestern Uganda.
How long does a golden monkey trek last?
Golden monkey treks in Uganda typically last between 2-4 hours, depending on the monkeys’ location and the trek’s pace.
What is Queen Elizabeth National Park?
Queen Elizabeth National Park is a national park located in southwestern Uganda. It is known for its diverse wildlife, including elephants, lions, hippos, and various bird species.
What are the highlights of a visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park?
The highlights of a Queen Elizabeth National Park visit include game drives to see elephants, lions, and other wildlife, boat safaris on the Kazinga Channel to see hippos and crocodiles, and birdwatching opportunities.
How long should I plan to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park?
The recommended duration of a visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park is 2-3 days, depending on the specific activities planned. This travel plan gives you 2 days in this amazing park.
What is the best time to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park?
The best time to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park is during the dry season from June to September and from December to January, when wildlife is more concentrated around water sources, and the weather is generally dry and sunny.
What is the tipping etiquette for safari guides and mountain crews on trips like this?
Tipping is highly appreciated at the end of safari/mountain climb. The size of tips will vary depending on the length and complexity of the trip, the number of staff on the trip and the number of clients on the trip. Generally, groups like to meet together before the end of the trek to discuss how much they would like to tip each staff member based on their individual trek experience. You should prepare an envelope after your trek for your tip money at the Hotel. You can use US dollars, Euros, TZ Shillings or a combination of these. Please ask the Safari/Climbing coordinator at the Hotel for advice.
RECOMMENDED TIP:
Mountain Climbs: $25-50 USD per Day per Climber to be shared between guides, chefs and porters.
Safaris: Driver/Guide: $35-50 USD per Day per Car. If it is a camping safari there will be a tip for the cook $10 USD per Day.
These are general guidelines. You’re welcome to give tips to the safari staff or mountain crew based on the service you receive.
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Accommodation
Turaco Treetops
Next to Kibale National Park – this lodge is perfect for chimpanzee tracking and offers comfort with eco-conscious values, including solar power, forest restoration, and plastic-free operations. Enjoy forest-view cottages, a pool set in lush gardens, and inviting common areas with panoramic views of the Rwenzori Mountains.
It’s family-friendly with a kids’ playground, indoor playroom, and shallow pool area. A portion of every stay supports a local conservation foundation protecting nearby wildlife habitats.
Latitude Hotel
Located in Kampala, Latitude Hotel blends modern design with warm African character. The hotel offers stylish en-suite rooms equipped with WiFi, air-conditioning and contemporary amenities.
Guests can enjoy two outdoor pools, a spa and wellness center, gym, and several bars and restaurants with panoramic city views. It’s the perfect stop to relax in comfort either before or after safari.
Mweya Safari Lodge
One of the best locations in Queen Elizabeth National Park, with sweeping views of the Kazinga Channel and backed by the Rwenzori Mountains. Rooms, tents, and cottages all offer beautiful views, with options ranging from fan-cooled to fully air-conditioned.
The lodge also serves a mix of continental, Indian, and international cuisine. Mweya combines scenic beauty, comfort, and adventure in one of Uganda’s most iconic settings.
Paraa Safari Lodge
Set on the banks of the Nile in Murchison Falls National Park, Paraa Safari Lodge combines a classic safari atmosphere with modern convenience. The lodge offers 54 rooms and suites, each with en-suite bathrooms and private balconies or terraces overlooking the river.
Facilities include a pool with sweeping Nile views, a restaurant and bar, WiFi in public areas, and plenty of space to unwind between game drives and boat cruises.
Included in the Price:
- Accommodation
- Cultural City tour
- Meals as described in itinerary
- Full time driver/guide
- Park Entrance fees
- Boat cruises
- Game drives
- Drinking water
- Transportation
- Airport transfers
- Travel Guarantee with the Swedish Kammarkollegiet »
Price Does Not Cover:
- International Flights
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Any additional/extra tours or park fees
- Tips and Gratuities for Guide, Driver, local guides and service providers
- Extras at hotels (telephone calls, room service, porterage, laundry, alcoholic drinks, etc.)
- Personal and/or medical expenses
- Gratuities to your guide, hotel staff, and driver – Find guidelines in the Help Center
Rest assured, we’re here to assist with anything not covered in the price.
Your convenience is our priority.
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