This 19-day Uganda Grand Explorer Safari is a deep and comprehensive journey across the Pearl of Africa. From the remote wilderness of Kidepo Valley in the far northeast to the mountain gorillas of Bwindi, the Virunga volcanoes of Kisoro and the peaceful savannah of Lake Mburo, this itinerary covers Uganda from north to south.
You will experience classic game drives, boat safaris on the Nile and Kazinga Channel, chimpanzee trekking, gorilla tracking, cultural encounters with the Karamojong people, volcano hiking opportunities and breathtaking Rift Valley landscapes.
Travel is in a comfortable 4WD vehicle with pop-up roof, guided by experienced English-speaking Ugandan professionals. Accommodation ranges from comfortable lodges to well-equipped safari camps, depending on your preference.
This safari is ideal for travelers who want to see Uganda in depth, combining wildlife, adventure, culture and scenic beauty in one extraordinary expedition.
Remote wilderness experience in Kidepo Valley National Park
Cultural visit to the Karamojong tribe
Game drives in multiple national parks
Boat cruise to the bottom of Murchison Falls
Nile Delta boat safari (shoebill stork opportunity)
Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest
Queen Elizabeth National Park game drives
Kazinga Channel boat cruise
Katwe Salt Mines visit
Ishasha tree-climbing lions
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Optional volcano hikes in Mgahinga National Park
Canoe trip on Lake Mutanda
Walking safari in Lake Mburo National Park
Equator stop
Optional Kampala & Entebbe tours
Arrival at Entebbe International Airport. Meet your driver/guide and transfer to your hotel. Short safari briefing.
Overnight: Entebbe
Early breakfast and departure via Luwero, Gulu and Kitgum. Lunch in Gulu before continuing to Kidepo.
Kidepo Valley National Park ranks among Africa’s finest wilderness areas. Vast savannah landscapes stretch toward distant mountain ranges.
Drive time: ± 10 hours
Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah Lodge (shared or private facilities)
Morning game drive in Kidepo, home to over 80 mammal species including cheetah, striped hyena and caracal, plus over 465 bird species.
Afternoon cultural visit to a Karamojong village, known for its cattle culture, traditional dress and beadwork.
Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah Lodge
Full day exploring Kidepo Valley including wildlife viewing and visit to the hot springs.
Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah Lodge
Drive via Fort Portal to Queen Elizabeth NP. Arrival at Mweya with stunning views over the Kazinga Channel. Afternoon game drive.
Drive time: ± 5.5 hours
Accommodation: Queen Elizabeth Bush Camp
Morning game drive in search of lions, giraffes, elephants, leopards and Uganda kobs.
Afternoon boat trip toward the Falls, viewing hippos, crocodiles and birds.
Budget accommodation: Fort Murchison
Morning 5–6 hour boat safari downstream to the Nile Delta where the river enters Lake Albert. Excellent birdwatching, including possible shoebill sightings.
Afternoon visit to the Top of Murchison Falls.
Accommodation: Fort Murchison
Drive toward Kibale via Lake Albert and the Albert Rift Valley.
Drive time: ± 8 hours
Accommodation: Kibale Forest Camp
Morning 4-hour chimpanzee trek in Kibale Forest. Possibility to see up to 13 primate species.
Afternoon walk in Bigodi Swamp, a community conservation project.
Accommodation: Kibale Forest Camp
Drive via Fort Portal to Queen Elizabeth NP. Afternoon game drive.
Drive time: ± 5.5 hours
Accommodation: Pumba Safari Lodge
Morning game drive across the plains.
Afternoon 2-hour boat cruise on Kazinga Channel.
Accommodation: Pumba Safari Lodge
Visit Katwe Salt Mines to observe traditional salt extraction.
Continue to Ishasha sector for evening game drive in search of tree-climbing lions.
Accommodation: Topi Lodge
Drive through the scenic “Switzerland of Africa” toward Kisoro, with views of the Virunga volcanoes.
Accommodation: Travellers Rest Hotel Kisoro
Drive 1 hour to Bwindi headquarters (Nkuringo/Nshongi/Mishaya/Kahungye groups).
7:45 AM briefing
8:30 AM start trek
Maximum 1 hour with gorillas after locating them
Return by 7:00 PM
Physical fitness recommended.
Accommodation: Travellers Rest Hotel Kisoro
Free day with optional activities:
Climb Muhavura Volcano (4127m)
Climb Gahinga Volcano
Sabinyo Gorge walk
Climb Sabinyo Volcano (three peaks)
Garama Cave visit (pygmy cave)
Bird walk in Mgahinga
Mountain biking (25–50 km routes)
Cultural village walk (Bufumbira tribe)
Visit Lake Mutanda & canoe trip
Relax at Travellers Rest garden
Accommodation: Travellers Rest Hotel Kisoro
Drive to Lake Mburo via Mbarara (lunch stop).
Lake Mburo is known for zebras, impalas and scenic savannah.
Drive time: ± 5.5 hours
Accommodation: Eagle’s Nest Camp
Morning walking safari.
Afternoon boat cruise on Lake Mburo followed by evening game drive.
Wildlife includes 68 mammal species and 315 bird species including shoebill, African fish eagle, pelicans and kingfishers.
Accommodation: Eagle’s Nest Camp
Drive back via Mbarara and Masaka.
Stop at the Equator for photos and shopping.
Transfer to Entebbe hotel or airport.
Drive time: ± 5.5 hours
Depending on departure time:
Optional Kampala City Tour (USD $120 per vehicle)
Entebbe tour: Ngamba Island chimp sanctuary (USD $88 pp)
Uganda Wildlife Education Centre & Botanical Gardens (USD $10 pp)
Airport transfer for onward flight.
👉 This safari is fully customizable
👉 Contact us for pricing and availability