20-Day Packed Adventure Wildlife Trekking Safari

Safari Overview

This 20-day safari is designed for the adventurous traveler seeking an immersive Ugandan experience. From the prehistoric shoebill stork in Mabamba Swamps to the thunderous Murchison Falls, from chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest to the ultimate mountain gorilla encounter in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, this journey covers Uganda’s most iconic wildlife destinations. Birdwatchers will delight in over 600 species recorded across diverse habitats, while wildlife enthusiasts will track rhinos, elephants, lions, and primates. This is Uganda at its most wild, authentic, and unforgettable.

Safari Highlights

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
Day 2: Mabamba Swamps – Shoebill trekking
Day 3: Entebbe to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Day 4: Ziwa Ranch to Murchison Falls
Day 5: Wildlife and birds of Murchison Falls National Park
Day 6: Drive Murchison to Hoima
Day 7: Birding in Budongo Forest to Kibale Forest
Day 8: Chimpanzee trekking and birds of Kibale Forest
Day 9: Kihingami Wetland to Semuliki National Park
Day 10: Bird watching in Semuliki National Park
Day 11: Semuliki to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 12: Game drives and bird watching in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 13: Ishasha sector – Tree lions and birds
Day 14: Ishasha to Buhoma (Northern Bwindi)
Day 15: Buhoma to Nkuringo trail across Bwindi
Day 16: Rushaga sector and Buniga Forest
Day 17: Gorilla trekking or forest walking trail
Day 18: Bwindi to Echuya Forest to Lake Mburo
Day 19: Lake Mburo National Park
Day 20: Lake Mburo to Entebbe and departure

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe

Arrive at Entebbe International Airport where you will be warmly welcomed by your Usoke Explorers guide. Transfer to your accommodation for relaxation after your journey. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner and briefing about the adventure ahead.

Day 2: Mabamba Swamps – Shoebill Trekking

After an early breakfast, drive to Mabamba Wetlands for a boat safari in search of the prehistoric shoebill stork, one of Africa’s most sought-after bird species. Your guide will navigate through the papyrus channels, offering close encounters with this ancient-looking bird. Other species you may spot include pink-backed pelicans, long-tailed cormorants, African fish eagles, and various herons. Return to Entebbe for dinner and overnight.

Day 3: Entebbe to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

After breakfast, depart Entebbe and drive north to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Upon arrival, embark on a rhino tracking experience on foot, accompanied by armed rangers. Ziwa is the only place in Uganda where you can see wild rhinos, home to over 40 white rhinos. You may also spot bushbucks, warthogs, monkeys, and numerous bird species. Dinner and overnight at the sanctuary.

Day 4: Ziwa Ranch to Murchison Falls

Enjoy a morning rhino tracking session and bird watching before departing for Murchison Falls National Park. Upon arrival, hike to the top of Murchison Falls, where the Nile River squeezes through a narrow 7-metre gorge before plunging 43 metres down. The thunderous roar and rising mist create a spectacular scene. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 5: Wildlife and Birds of Murchison Falls National Park

Wake early for a morning game drive across the rolling savannah plains. Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest protected area, home to 76 mammal species including elephants, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, and numerous antelopes. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise along the Nile River to the base of the falls, where you’ll encounter large pods of hippos, Nile crocodiles, and spectacular water birds including fish eagles, kingfishers, and herons.

Day 6: Drive Murchison to Hoima

After breakfast, depart Murchison Falls and drive south to Hoima, with bird watching stops along the way. The drive takes you through the Albertine Rift escarpments, offering stunning views and opportunities to spot birds along the way. If time permits, visit Busingiro Forest Centre for additional bird watching before checking into your accommodation in Hoima.

Day 7: Birding in Budongo Forest to Kibale Forest

Drive to Budongo Forest for bird watching at the Royal Mile, one of Uganda’s premier birding hotspots. Here you may spot the Uganda woodland warbler, ruinous-crowned eremomela, and numerous other forest species. After lunch, continue to Kibale Forest National Park, arriving in the evening for dinner and overnight.

Day 8: Chimpanzee Trekking and Birds of Kibale Forest

After breakfast, head into Kibale Forest for chimpanzee trekking. Kibale is home to the highest concentration of primates in Africa, with 13 species including the habituated chimpanzee troops. Spend up to one hour observing these intelligent primates in their natural habitat. In the afternoon, visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for bird watching, home to the great blue turaco and numerous other species.

Day 9: Kihingami Wetland to Semuliki National Park

Visit Kihingami Wetland for bird watching, where you may spot the white-spotted fluff tail and other wetland birds. After lunch, proceed to Semuliki National Park, a small but incredibly diverse park known for its birdlife. Enjoy an afternoon nature walk for bird watching before settling into your lodge.

Day 10: Bird Watching in Semuliki National Park

Spend a full day exploring the bird-rich forests of Semuliki National Park. The park is home to over 440 bird species, including many Central African species found nowhere else in Uganda. Highlights include the shoebill, Congo serpent eagle, and yellow-throated cuckoo. Visit the Sempaya Hot Springs and the local Pygmy community for cultural encounters.

Day 11: Semuliki to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Drive south to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most popular savannah reserve. Bird watching en route may include species such as the yellow-billed bar bet. Arrive in the afternoon and check into your lodge with views over the park.

Day 12: Game Drives and Bird Watching in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Start your day with a game drive across the Kasenyi Plains, home to lions, elephants, buffaloes, and Uganda kob. Queen Elizabeth is famous for its biodiversity, hosting over 95 mammal species and 610 bird species. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, where large pods of hippos, crocodiles, and water birds gather along the shores.

Day 13: Ishasha Sector – Tree Lions and Birds

Drive to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions. These unique lions spend their days lounging in fig trees, a behaviour rarely seen elsewhere in Africa. Enjoy game drives to spot them, along with elephants, buffaloes, and various antelope species. Bird watching opportunities are also excellent in this area.

Day 14: Ishasha to Buhoma (Northern Bwindi)

Depart Ishasha and drive to Buhoma in the northern sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The drive takes you through scenic countryside with bird watching stops along the way. Arrive in the evening and prepare for the gorilla trekking experience ahead.

Day 15: Buhoma to Nkuringo Trail Across Bwindi

Today you’ll traverse the Nkuringo Trail, a spectacular hike that crosses Bwindi from north to south. This challenging but rewarding trail takes you through one of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems, with opportunities to spot primates, birds, and stunning forest views. Species you may encounter include the African green broadbill, bar-tailed trogon, and black bee-eater.

Day 16: Rushaga Sector and Buniga Forest

Drive to the Rushaga sector, famous for its gorilla trekking opportunities and birding. Explore the Buniga and Nombe Forests, where you can experience the diverse flora and fauna of this incredible ecosystem.

Day 17: Gorilla Trekking or Forest Walking Trail

This is the highlight of your safari. After an early breakfast and briefing, set out to track a habituated gorilla family. The trek can last anywhere from 2 to 8 hours, depending on the location of the gorillas. Once located, you will spend one unforgettable hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Alternatively, if you prefer not to trek, enjoy a scenic forest walking trail exploring Bwindi’s diverse flora and fauna.

Day 18: Bwindi to Echuya Forest to Lake Mburo

Depart Bwindi and drive to Lake Mburo National Park, stopping at Echuya Forest for bird watching. Echuya is home to several unique bird species including the white-headed wood hoopoe and African hobby. Continue to Lake Mburo, where you’ll enjoy a boat ride on the lake, spotting hippos, crocodiles, and bird species along the shores.

Day 19: Lake Mburo National Park

Spend a full day exploring Lake Mburo National Park. This small but beautiful park is known for its large population of zebras and is one of the best places in Uganda to spot elands. Enjoy game drives to spot antelope, buffaloes, giraffes, and various bird species. Bird watching opportunities are plentiful with species such as the shoebill, papyrus gonolek, and African fish eagle.

Day 20: Lake Mburo to Entebbe and Departure

Enjoy a final morning game drive to catch a last glimpse of Lake Mburo’s wildlife. After breakfast, drive back to Entebbe, with lunch en route. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight, carrying with you memories of Uganda’s incredible wildlife and landscapes.

Safari Inclusions

Airport pick-up and drop-off
All park entry fees
Rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Chimpanzee trekking permit
Gorilla trekking permit
Boat cruises on the Nile, Kazinga Channel, and Lake Mburo
All game drives as mentioned in the itinerary
Bird watching activities as mentioned
Professional English-speaking driver-guide
Private 4×4 safari vehicle
Bottled drinking water during the safari

Safari Exclusions

International flights and visas
Travel insurance (mandatory)
Tips and gratuities for guides and staff
Personal expenses (drinks, laundry, souvenirs)
Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Porter fees during treks (recommended)