16-Day Uganda Grand Expedition (Murchison Falls, Kibale, Bwindi & Culture Tour)

Q: Do I need a visa to travel to Uganda?

Yes. Most travelers require a Uganda e-Visa, which can be easily applied for online at https://visas.immigration.go.ug/. You will need a valid passport (minimum 6 months validity) and a yellow fever vaccination certificate.

Q: How fit do I need to be for gorilla trekking?

Moderate fitness is required. Trekking can take 2–6 hours, depending on the gorilla group’s location. Walking through uneven terrain, forests, and hills is expected. Porters are available for hire to assist with your backpack or camera gear.

Q: Is the trip private or group-based?

This safari is typically conducted as a private guided trip, ensuring flexibility, comfort, and personalized attention. However, small group options can be arranged upon request.

Q: What type of accommodation is provided?

You will stay in carefully selected mid-range or luxury lodges offering comfort, safety, and scenic locations close to the national parks and cultural sites. All accommodations are on Full Board basis (B, L, D).

Transportation
4x4 Safari Vehicle with English-speaking Professional Driver/Guide
Accomodation
Mid-range / Luxury (As stated per night)
Departure from
Entebbe International Airport
Tour type
Guided Wildlife, Primate & Cultural Adventure
Meals
Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Language
English
Fitness level
Easy to Moderate
Minimum Age
12
Maximum Age
65

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Overview

This 16-day expedition gives you the complete Uganda experience — from the thundering Murchison Falls to the misty jungles of Bwindi, to the cultural warmth of Kampala’s heritage and local communities. Expect wildlife, adventure, cultural immersion, and wellness moments all combined into one unforgettable journey through the Pearl of Africa.

Highlights

Day 1: Arrival and Check-in at the Hotel for Relaxation or City Tour
Day 2: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park with Stopover at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary & Night Game Drive
Day 3: Morning Water Safari on the Nile & Mubako Community Experience
Day 4: Hike to the Top of Murchison Falls & Bush Sundowner
Day 5: Morning Game Drive & Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
Day 6: Chimpanzee Tracking & Relaxation with Spa and Wellness
Day 7: Scenic Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 8: Gorilla Trekking & Evening Cultural Entertainment
Day 9: Transfer to Lake Mutanda & Afternoon Canoeing
Day 10: Golden Monkey Tracking & Batwa Cultural Experience
Day 11: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
Day 12: Transfer to Mbarara & Igongo Cultural Centre Experience
Day 13: Drive to Kampala via the Equator & Cultural Night at Ndere Centre
Day 14: Full-Day Cultural Immersion at Ewaffe Cultural Village
Day 15: Kampala City & Cultural Heritage Tour
Day 16: Departure

Day 1 :

Day 1: Arrival and Check-in at the Hotel for Relaxation or City Tour

When you arrive at Entebbe International Airport, our tour guide will greet you and take you to your hotel in either Entebbe or Kampala. After your flight, you can relax at the hotel. If you have some free time, you might join a short guided city tour to see local markets, the Botanical Gardens, or the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre.
The hotel staff will serve your meals and make sure you are comfortable, helping you start your Ugandan adventure smoothly.

Meal Plan: All Meals | Accommodation: Mid-range | Transfer Distance: 60 km | Transfer Time: 1 hour

Day 2 :

Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park with Stopover at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary & Night Game Drive

After breakfast, start your trip to Murchison Falls National Park and stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for an exciting rhino tracking experience. After lunch, travel through scenic savannah woodlands to the park. In the evening, take a night game drive for a rare chance to see nocturnal wildlife such as lions, hyenas, leopards, and rock pythons in action.

Meal Plan: All Meals | Accommodation: Mid-range | Transfer Distance: 310 km | Transfer Time: 4–5 hours

Day 3 :

Morning Water Safari on the Nile & Mubako Community Experience

After breakfast, you’ll set out on a boat safari along the Victoria Nile, heading to the base of the powerful Murchison Falls. Watch for elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and many kinds of birds along the way. Afterward, return to the lodge for lunch and some time to relax. In the evening, visit the Mubako Community to enjoy cultural performances by the Mubako Women Group, featuring traditional music, dance, and storytelling.

Meal Plan: All Meals | Accommodation: Mid-range | Transfer Distance: 0 km | Transfer Time: 0 hours

Day 4 :

Hike to the Top of Murchison Falls & Bush Sundowner

After breakfast, set out on a hike to the top of Murchison Falls. Here, the Nile rushes through a narrow 7-meter gorge, filling the air with the sound of rushing water and a cool mist. Have lunch at a local restaurant, then head back to the lodge to relax with a sundowner while you take in views of the savannah.

Meal Plan: All Meals | Accommodation: Mid-range | Transfer Distance: 38 km | Transfer Time: 1 hour

Day 5 :

Morning Game Drive & Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

Begin your day with a morning game drive to see predators coming back from their night hunts. After breakfast, head to Kibale Forest National Park and stop in Hoima for lunch. When you arrive, check in to your lodge and visit either Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary or Bigodi Community for birdwatching and cultural activities.

Meal Plan: All Meals | Accommodation: Mid-range | Transfer Distance: 345 km | Transfer Time: 4–5 hours

Day 6 :

Chimpanzee Tracking & Relaxation with Spa and Wellness

Start your day with an early breakfast, then meet the park rangers for a briefing before heading into the forest to track chimpanzees. Watch these intelligent primates in their natural environment. Afterward, return to the lodge for lunch and relax with spa and wellness treatments.

Meal Plan: All Meals | Accommodation: Mid-range | Transfer Distance: 0 km | Transfer Time: 0 hours

Day 7 :

Scenic Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After breakfast, check out and take a scenic drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. You’ll pass through the terraced hills of the Kigezi region. Stop for lunch along the way, then check in at your lodge to relax and get ready for the gorilla trek.

Meal Plan: All Meals | Accommodation: Mid-range | Transfer Distance: 375 km | Transfer Time: 5–6 hours

Day 08 :

Gorilla Trekking & Evening Cultural Entertainment

Start your day with an early breakfast, then join a ranger for a briefing before heading into the misty forests of Bwindi for your gorilla trek. You'll spend an hour watching a gorilla family in their natural home. In the evening, enjoy cultural performances from the Kigezi region, including traditional dances and local storytelling.
Meal Plan: All Meals | Accommodation: Mid-range | Transfer Distance: 0 km | Transfer Time: 0 hours

Day 09 :

Transfer to Lake Mutanda & Afternoon Canoeing

After breakfast, head to Lake Mutanda Resort for lunch and some time to relax. Later in the afternoon, take a canoe trip on Lake Mutanda. You’ll paddle around the beautiful islands and hear stories about their cultural legends.
Meal Plan: All Meals | Accommodation: Mid-range | Transfer Distance: 25 km | Transfer Time: 1 hour

Day 10 :

Golden Monkey Tracking & Batwa Cultural Experience

Start your day with an early breakfast, then head into the forest to track golden monkeys on the slopes of the Virunga Volcanoes. After lunch, you'll visit the Batwa community, where local forest dwellers will share stories about their ancient lifestyle and traditions. In the evening, return to the lodge to enjoy dinner and relax.
Meal Plan: All Meals | Accommodation: Mid-range | Transfer Distance: 28 km | Transfer Time: 1 hour

Day 11 :

Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

After breakfast, you will head to Lake Bunyonyi, often called “The Switzerland of Africa.” You can relax at the lodge, swim in the calm lake, or take a boat cruise to visit its 29 islands and meet local communities.
Meal Plan: All Meals | Accommodation: Mid-range | Transfer Distance: 60 km | Transfer Time: 2 hours

Day 12 :

Transfer to Mbarara & Igongo Cultural Centre Experience

Start your day with breakfast, then drive to Mbarara to visit the Igongo Cultural Centre. Here, you can learn about Banyankole traditions, see museum exhibits, and tour traditional huts. After lunch, take a hike to the Eclipse Monument. In the evening, relax and enjoy the cultural and nightlife activities at your hotel.
Meal Plan: All Meals | Accommodation: Mid-range | Transfer Distance: 260 km | Transfer Time: 4–5 hours

Day 13 :

Drive to Kampala via the Equator & Cultural Night at Ndere Centre

Start your day with breakfast, then take a short morning hike up Biharwe Hill to see the views of Mbarara. Afterward, head to Kampala, stopping at the Kayabwe Equator Line for coffee, crafts, and photos. In the evening, enjoy dinner and lively performances from Uganda’s tribes at the Ndere Centre.
Meal Plan: All Meals | Accommodation: Mid-range/Luxury | Transfer Distance: 260 km | Transfer Time: 4–5 hours

Day 14 :

Full-Day Cultural Immersion at Ewaffe Cultural Village

Visit Ewaffe Cultural Village for a day and experience traditional Buganda life through a range of activities. You can tour the farm, try bark cloth making, help prepare food, learn about local brewing, go fishing, and enjoy a traditional Luwombo lunch.
Meal Plan: All Meals | Accommodation: Mid-range | Transfer Distance: 40 km | Transfer Time: 1 hour

Day 15 :

Kampala City & Cultural Heritage Tour

Visit some of Kampala’s top historical, cultural, and religious sites, including Nakasero Market, Kabaka’s Palace, Bulange Mengo, the Kasubi Tombs (a UNESCO site), Rubaga and Namirembe Cathedrals, Gaddafi Mosque with its panoramic city views, the Bahá’í Temple, and the Independence Monument. After sightseeing, have a local Ugandan meal at 2K Restaurant before heading back to your hotel.
Meal Plan: All Meals | Accommodation: Mid-range | Transfer Distance: 40–80 km | Transfer Time: 1 hour

Day 16 :

Departure

After breakfast, your driver will take you to Entebbe International Airport for your flight home. They will make sure you arrive in time for check-in and departure.
Meal Plan: Breakfast | Accommodation: None | Transfer Distance: 50 km | Transfer Time: 1 hour

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Expand all

What is the best time to visit Uganda for this trip?

Uganda can be visited year-round, but the best time for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking is during the dry seasons (June–September and December–February). Roads are easier to navigate, and trekking trails are less slippery.

Do I need a visa to travel to Uganda?

Yes. Most travelers require a Uganda e-Visa, which can be easily applied for online at https://visas.immigration.go.ug/. You will need a valid passport (minimum 6 months validity) and a yellow fever vaccination certificate.

How fit do I need to be for gorilla trekking?

Moderate fitness is required. Trekking can take 2–6 hours, depending on the gorilla group’s location. Walking through uneven terrain, forests, and hills is expected. Porters are available for hire to assist with your backpack or camera gear.

What should I pack for this safari?

Lightweight long-sleeved shirts and trousers
Waterproof hiking boots
Insect repellent & sunscreen
Hat and sunglasses
Rain jacket or poncho
A good camera and binoculars
Refillable water bottle

Are gorilla and chimpanzee permits included in the package price?

Yes. Both permits are included and pre-arranged by our team. Each permit allows one trek per person.

Is the trip private or group-based?

This safari is typically conducted as a private guided trip, ensuring flexibility, comfort, and personalized attention. However, small group options can be arranged upon request.

What type of accommodation is provided?

You will stay in carefully selected mid-range or luxury lodges offering comfort, safety, and scenic locations close to the national parks and cultural sites. All accommodations are on Full Board basis (B, L, D).

Can I customize this itinerary?

Absolutely! The itinerary can be tailored to your preferences — whether you wish to add more cultural activities, shorten the trip, or upgrade to luxury lodges.

16-Day Uganda Grand Expedition (Murchison Falls, Kibale, Bwindi & Culture Tour)

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Overview

Highlights

Itinerary

Cost

The Cost Includes

The Cost Excludes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Map

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

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