2-Week Uganda Itinerary & Costs (Safari & Gorilla Trekking)

Top Tip:

A potential compromise solution is to book game drives through a safari company while using the lodge for accommodation. This approach can provide a more private safari experience and potentially secure preferential lodge rates.

Conclusion on Private Safaris

I highly recommend choosing a private safari, if your budget allows. They almost always deliver a more flexible and enjoyable experience, making them excellent value for money.

Conclusion on Group Shared Safaris

For solo travellers on a tight budget, group safaris can be a practical option. However, if you prefer a more personalised and relaxed experience, the limited flexibility and shared vehicle can be a major drawback.

Jump more information on each of the seasons using the links below.

The southern region has two dry seasons:

• June – August
• December – February

And two wet seasons:

• September – November (light rain)
• March – May (heavier rain)

You may still experience the occasional rainfall during the dry seasons. 

The northern region has one distinct dry season:

•  December – February

And one long, continuous wet season:

• March – end-October (When you jump to this section you’ll notice the title says March – May. This is because the long rainy season for the rest of Uganda is March – May. However, the conditions described in this section are relevant to the northern region from March – September.)

There is far less chance of rain during the dry season in the north than there is in the south, but it’s definitely not unheard of.

Let’s dig a little deeper into what you can expect to experience during each season in the different regions.

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Quick Facts

Weather: The central and southern parks enjoy consistent, warm, dry weather. Overlaps with the wet season in the north. Average temperatures in the north range from 20°C- 30°C (68°F to 86°F), and in the south from 18°C- 28°C (64°F to 82°F).

Wildlife: This is an excellent time for both game viewing and gorilla tracking. Forest and mountain trails are mostly dry and free from mud.

Prices: Prices are at their highest during these peak months.

Birding: Birdlife is impressive year-round, with over 1,000 species recorded in Uganda.

Unique features: The semi-arid climate in Kidepo Valley National Park allows for year-round game viewing and fewer crowds.

Quick Facts

Weather: Dry and sunny in both the north and south, though some rainfall may still occur in the southern parks. Average temperatures range from 24°C to 33°C (75°F to 91°F), with the north sometimes reaching up to 40°C (104°F).

Wildlife: Wildlife viewing is excellent everywhere during this period.

Prices: Tourism is at its peak, so prices are higher.

Birding: Over 1,000 resident bird species can be seen, along with many migrant species from the Northern Hemisphere. This is also the main breeding season.

Unique features: Like the Serengeti in Tanzania, this is calving season for many herbivores, which also attracts predators.

Quick Facts

Weather: Expect mostly light rain, with occasional heavy showers. The south is generally wetter, while the north remains a bit drier. Average temperatures in the north range from 18°C – 32°C (64°F – 90°F). In the south, temperatures are around 16°C – 29°C (61°F – 84°F). Rain and mud can make some trails difficult to use.

Wildlife: Most Ugandan parks stay open, with plenty of wildlife to see. Queen Elizabeth National Park offers sightings of tree-climbing lions, and in Bwindi Forest, gorillas are easier to spot at lower elevations.

Prices: As this is the shoulder season, accommodation prices are often lower. Park entry fees and gorilla tracking permits remain the same year-round.

Birding: These months are excellent for birdwatching, with migratory species arriving and the start of the nesting season. Many displays of colorful plumage and courtship dances.

Unique features: Highlights include tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth Park and gorillas at lower elevations in Bwindi Forest. The beginning of calving season also draws big cats and other predators to open areas.

Quick Facts

Weather: Mild days with temperatures from 16 to 28°C (61 to 82°F). Nights can be cold. Heavy rain falls throughout the country.

Wildlife: Wildlife is abundant, but watching animals and getting around can be tough, as many roads become waterlogged. Several lodges and parks may close during this period.

Prices: High-end lodges often offer significant discounts (but many close down for this period).

Birding: Birdlife remains prolific, with many migrant species still present.

Unique features: Stunning waterfalls such as Murchison Falls, Sipi and Sezibwa Falls, and Kisiizi Falls.

Quick Facts:

Average driving time per day: 2.5 hours excluding game drives.
Best times of year: During the dry months or shoulder season. For more on the different seasons, visit the Best Time to Visit Uganda section of this article.

Day 2: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Drive Time (Excluding Game Drives): 3.5 hours to Ziwa followed by an extra 3 hours to Murchison Falls.

Your 2-week Uganda safari adventure officially starts today! You’ll begin with an early morning departure to reach Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, located 176 km (110 miles) north of Kampala. 

This sanctuary houses Uganda’s entire rhino population. Visiting is a unique opportunity not to be missed.

Ziwa is home to white rhinos. The term “white” comes from the German word “weit,” which means wide, and describes their broad mouths that are perfectly designed for grazing.

Itinerary

You’ll head out early, ensuring you’re out of Kampala no later than 7am. After that, the daily traffic becomes heavy and can add hours to your trip. 

You’ll set out on a walking safari to encounter these magnificent creatures up close. With the sanctuary spanning just 70 km² (27 mi²), rhino sightings are virtually guaranteed during your visit.

Following your time with the rhinos, you’ll continue driving for around 3 hours towards Murchison Falls. 

Near the end of your journey, you’ll step out of your vehicle to see the falls firsthand. Standing in the refreshing mist provides an excellent way to cool off after your day of travel.

Your overnight accommodation will be close to Murchison Falls.

About Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Founded in 2005, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary was established to bring rhinos back to Uganda following their extinction in the wild. The sanctuary has achieved some success in breeding, with rhino populations increasing consistently each year.

The project started with just 6 rhinos – 4 from Kenya and 2 from Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Florida. Currently, the population exceeds 50 individuals, with plans underway to relocate some back into Uganda’s national parks.

Armed rangers provide round-the-clock protection for the rhinos, supported by a 2-meter (6.6 ft) electric fence surrounding the sanctuary.

Ziwa’s terrain consists of open grasslands, dense forests, and wetland areas, creating ideal conditions for the rhinos, alongside approximately 40 other mammal and reptile species. 

While there are no lions or leopards, visitors can see giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, hartebeest, diverse antelope species, monkeys, and over 300 bird species.

The sanctuary offers several exciting activities in addition to guided walks, including canoe excursions to spot the remarkable shoebill stork and other aquatic birds, guided day and night walks, and specialized birding expeditions.

Tips for Visiting Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

• Wear light, earth-toned clothing and comfortable walking shoes for your visit.
• Pack sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat – all essential items for outdoor activities in Africa.
• Optimal rhino viewing times are in the mornings (8-10 am) and late afternoon (4-6 pm), when the animals are most active.
• Use mosquito repellent even in dry seasons, particularly during evenings, nighttime, and early morning hours.

Where to Spend the Night

You’ll arrive at your lodge or tented camp just outside Murchison Falls National Park in time for dinner and a good night’s rest. I recommend choosing accommodation north of the Nile River, as this area provides easiest access to wildlife viewing areas.

While staying within the park can be convenient, there are only a few lodges in the Northern Region, and, besides, many of the lodges just outside the park boundaries actually have better online reviews. 

I stayed at Tilenga Safari Lodge near the Northern Gate (also known as Tangi), which is one of the area’s highest-rated accommodations.

Given the region’s hot climate, I advise choosing accommodation with air conditioning. Lodge stays are preferable to tented camps or campsites, as the latter don’t have air conditioning.

Day 4: Journey to Kibale (Bigodi Swamp Tour)

Drive Time (Excluding Game Drives): 5-7 hours

Today you will leave Murchison and head southwards to Kibale National Park, which famously has the highest diversity of primate species in the whole of Africa. This is where you’ll have the chance to see chimpanzees in the wild.

Itinerary

Following breakfast, you’ll head out on a long drive of approximately 5 hours through Uganda’s beautiful countryside. Your route winds past charming rural villages and agricultural landscapes before reaching your lodge or tented camp near Kibale National Park.

Upon arrival, you’ll embark on a guided walking expedition through Bigodi Swamp, a lush rainforest area that absolutely teems with wildlife. 

A number of monkey species and birds await you, along with the possibility of spotting forest elephants! This marsh trek is good preparation for tomorrow morning’s chimpanzee tracking adventure.

About Bigodi Swamp

Bigodi Swamp is more of a wetland environment than traditional open-water swampland. The vegetation includes thick, dense undergrowth, woody trees, and towering papyrus reeds that reach well above head height. Meandering paths and basic boardwalks wind through the marsh, making it possible to explore this otherwise waterlogged terrain. Your 2-3 hour expedition will be hot, humid, and moderately challenging.

Despite covering less than 4 km² (1.5 mi²), this compact area is home to an abundance of primate species. 

You can expect to find red colobus and black-and-white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, olive baboons, grey-cheeked mangabeys, L’Hoest monkeys, and vervet monkeys. Chimpanzees sometimes visit the swamp as well. Other residents include otters, bush pigs, mongooses, and, of course, numerous bird species.

This wetland is an extraordinary bird sanctuary, attracting nearly 200 species. The local guides have remarkable bird identification skills, and will highlight sightings as you navigate the densely forested, marshy landscape. 

Aside from common water birds such as pied kingfishers, cranes, parrots, hornbills, and woodpeckers, you might spot rarer species including the brilliantly coloured papyrus gonolek, blue kingfisher, yellow-billed barbet, and great blue turaco.

This wetland is an absolute haven for birds, attracting close to 200 species. Guides have an exceptional eye for spotting birds and will point them out as you trudge through the densely forested, marshy terrain. Apart from commonly found water birds like pied kingfishers, cranes, parrots, hornbills and woodpeckers, you may also catch a glimpse of some rarer species like the vibrant coloured papyrus gonolek, blue kingfisher, yellow-billed barbet and the great blue turaco. 

Tips for Visiting Bigodi Swamp

• Wear long trousers since you’ll be navigating through thick forest vegetation.
• Pack a rain jacket and sturdy hiking boots, or even wellington boots, for the many muddy areas.
• Bring drinking water, as it’s humid and the walk can be demanding.
• Quality binoculars will prove useful for spotting birds amongst the dense forest canopy.
• While Bigodi Swamp is permanently wet, optimal visiting periods are during dry seasons (December to February and June-July) and in the October “shoulder season”, when the amount of mud is slightly less and trails become more manageable.

Where to Spend the Night

After your swamp adventure, you’ll return to your lodge or tented camp outside Kibale National Park to spend the night.

Day 6: Journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Drive Time (Excluding Game Drives): 3 hours

Today you set off on a 3 hour drive southwards to Uganda’s flagship and most visited reserve –  the famous Queen Elizabeth National Park. This is the home of Africa’s tree-climbing lions.

Four of the Big Five reside in Queen Elizabeth National Park, as well as a tremendous diversity of wildlife and landscapes. Particularly spectacular is the renowned Kazinga Channel. This is a 32 km (20 mi) waterway connecting Lake Edward and Lake George, and is home to massive populations of hippos, crocodiles and a vast number of bird species.

Map of Queen Elizabeth National Park

Itinerary

Following breakfast at Kibale National Park, you’ll enjoy a beautiful drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, arriving in time for lunch. In the afternoon you’ll embark on your first game drive through this wildlife-rich reserve.

Prepare for an action-packed safari experience, as Queen Elizabeth National Park boasts an incredible diversity and concentration of animals. You’re likely to encounter lions, elephants, and buffalos, and possibly even an elusive leopard, along with hyenas, warthogs, waterbuck, impalas, the native Ugandan kob, and numerous other antelope and primate species.

About Queen Elizabeth National Park

Nestled at the foot of the majestic Rwenzori Mountains and bordered by Lake Edward on its western edge, Queen Elizabeth National Park spans an impressive 1,978 km² (764 square miles). 

The landscape is remarkably varies, with expansive savannahs and gentle hills rolling into thick forests, pristine lakes, and wetland areas.

Beyond its abundant wildlife and breathtaking scenery, the park features fascinating volcanic formations which include towering cones, deep craters, and crater lakes that serve as the primary salt source for local communities.

The park’s natural beauty alone makes it a worthwhile destination for any traveller.

The park’s southern Ishasha region features vast savannahs and undulating green landscapes punctuated by enormous ficus and acacia trees. These massive trees are the perfect resting places for Uganda’s famous tree-climbing lions. 

Unlike other parts of Africa where lions only very occasionally climb trees, here it’s their regular behaviour! You might easily spot an entire pride lounging high in the branches of these giant trees.

The Serengeti National Park in Tanzania offers the next best opportunity to observe tree-climbing lions.

While experts can’t definitively explain why lions in these locations climb trees, the prevailing theory is that they do so to escape bothersome insects, find relief from intense heat, and get a better vantage point for spotting prey. 

This behaviour also appears to be passed down through generations within particular prides.

Tips for Visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park

• While Queen Elizabeth National Park can be visited year-round, the optimal visiting periods are during dry seasons from June to September and December to February, as well as in the “shoulder season” in October. Although you might still experience the occasional rainfall during these times, roads and trails are much more accessible than in other parts of the year. The shorter grass during dry periods also creates excellent wildlife viewing conditions. Keep in mind that these are also peak tourist seasons, though, meaning busier lodges and parks with higher prices.
• The region experiences its heaviest rainfall during the long wet season from March to May, which is generally best avoided because flooding sometimes occurs. Roads and trails often become difficult to navigate, and some accommodations close entirely during this time. However, photographers will appreciate the dramatic storm clouds and atmospheric skies that come with the rains.
• The best game drive times are early morning and late afternoon, when the wildlife tends to be more active and visible. During the midday heat, most animals retreat to dense vegetation and forest cover, making them more difficult to spot. They typically reemerge in the early evening as temperatures cool down.

Where to Spend the Night

At the end of your afternoon game drive you will be taken to your selected lodge inside or near the park, where you will spend the night.

Day 8: Ishasha Sector (Queen Elizabeth National Park)

Drive Time (Excluding Game Drives): 2 hours

Today you get to spend another full day in the Queen Elizabeth National Park, mainly in the southern region in the Ishsha Sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions.

Itinerary

Your day starts early with a game drive, staying close to the shores of Lake Edward and gradually making your way southwards towards the Ishasha Sector. 

By the time you reach this famous part of the reserve, the lions should already be escaping the heat of the day high up in the large acacias or wild fig trees that dominate the grassy and wooded landscapes. 

This area really feels like authentic African wilderness, with loads of wildlife and very few other safari trucks about to disturb the peace.

In addition to the tree-climbing lions, leopards and other cats also thrive here. Since they are mainly nocturnal hunters, they are only sometimes spotted during the day. But keep your eyes up – if you’re lucky you’ll spot a leopard taking a nap on a branch.

Where to Spend the Night

At the end of the day, you will spend the night at a different lodge in or near the southern sector of the park. This will ensure you’re closer to your next destination tomorrow morning – the remarkable Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park! 

My Experience Visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth is a large park with several distinct areas. During my visit, I first stayed at Enshama Game Lodge & Campsite in the northern sector, which offered a fantastic location just steps from the Kazinga Channel. I quickly learned it’s also popular with elephants when one casually wandered through our camp during breakfast!

One of my trip’s highlights was an evening boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. These cruises can be shared group experiences or private charters. 

I was originally scheduled for a shared cruise, but our delayed arrival from Kibale meant missing the departure. Fortunately, my excellent local tour operator quickly arranged a private boat cruise instead!

The Kazinga Channel is absolutely captivating, with its palm-lined waterways and colourful bird population. The cruise’s main highlight came when we encountered three bull elephants splashing through the water. Two elephants engaged in playful sparring while the third grew slightly irritated with our presence and performed a mock charge in our direction.

My most memorable Queen Elizabeth sighting was of a pair of lions, one male and one female. They weren’t quite a mated couple, as the female clearly wasn’t interested in the male’s romantic efforts and kept growling at his advances. She had a radio collar around her neck (typically used for research and monitoring purposes).

The following morning we went on a game drive in the northern part of Queen Elizabeth, entering the park via the Main Kasenyi Gate. 

We witnessed a spectacular sunrise from behind the distant mountains, with pink and orange clouds streaking the early morning sky, and the mountains silhouetted against this scene. On the game drive we saw Ugandan kobs, waterbucks and warthogs. We also encountered several large families of elephants.

Day 10: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Drive Time (Excluding Game Drives): 0 hours

Prepare yourself for an incredible experience! This could turn out to be the most exciting day of your Ugandan journey: your highly anticipated gorilla safari has finally arrived. 

Picture yourself hiking through the dense, richly green African rainforest, with untamed natural beauty all around you, while you seek out rare mountain gorillas. 

This extraordinary wildlife experience is something you’ll share stories about for many years ahead!

Itinerary

Your thrilling adventure starts bright and early, with arrival at the briefing location required by 7:30am. At this meeting point, your guide will share essential guidelines to ensure safety for both you and the gorillas throughout the day. 

You’ll join a small group of no more than 8 people, and with the help of your guide, you’ll begin your search for a particular gorilla family.

Finding the gorillas typically takes between 2 and 6 hours of hiking, since their location varies daily. After your group discovers them, you’ll have approximately one hour to observe and appreciate these magnificent creatures up close. 

Your guide will brief you on proper behaviour and safe distances before the encounter begins. Generally, you must maintain a distance of at least 7 metres (23 ft) between you and the gorillas so as not to make them feel crowded. 

Be aware that this trek demands a reasonable fitness level and can be quite strenuous. Expect warm, humid conditions with muddy sections and mostly uphill paths through dense forest vegetation – come ready for a real adventure!

Following your unforgettable hour with the gorillas, you’ll return to the starting point.

If you complete your trek early and feel energetic, you might want to try a cultural visit to a Batwa village in the afternoon. 

The Batwa people, sometimes called the Twa, are Indigenous inhabitants who called Bwindi Forest home for millennia until relocating when the park was established in 1991. Various Batwa communities now offer cultural programs to teach visitors about their heritage and traditions, with income from these tours benefiting their villages.

For those captivated by the gorilla experience and wanting more, you can consider participating in a gorilla habituation session. 

This unique program allows you to accompany rangers and researchers who are working to acclimatise wild gorillas to human presence. These sessions support ongoing conservation efforts that enable better monitoring and protection of gorilla populations. 

This activity happens only during scheduled training periods and costs $1,500 per person for a full day, offering an exceptional chance to contribute to vital conservation efforts.

About Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest sits at elevations between 1,190 metres (3,904 ft) and 2,607 metres (8,553 ft), with extremely steep terrain covered in thick forest. Having a reasonable level of fitness is essential to keep pace with your group during the trek.

Gorilla tracking occurs in four distinct areas: Ruhija, Rushaga, Buhoma, and Nkuringo. Those who are after gentler trails should consider the northern sectors of Buhoma and Ruhija, with Buhoma offering the most accessible routes. 

Nkuringo has the toughest terrain, with the result that fewer tourists visit this area. Rushaga boasts the most gorilla families (10 in total) and is the only place that offers gorilla habituation experiences.

Once you’ve located a gorilla family, following your guide’s directions precisely is crucial. This ensures the gorillas remain calm and everyone stays safe throughout the encounter.

Remarkably, gorillas and humans share approximately 98% of their genetic material, making gorillas vulnerable to many human airborne diseases. Face masks are required for all visitors to minimise health risks for the gorillas. You can bring your own mask or purchase a disposable one at the briefing location.

Tips for Gorilla tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Follow the advice of your guide, which will include the following points:

• Speak quietly or even better, remain silent when near gorilla groups.
• Avoid touching them, regardless of whether they attempt to touch you.
• Never make direct eye contact with a gorilla. They view this as threatening behavior and might respond aggressively.
• If they look directly at you, lower your gaze and stay relaxed.
• Stay still if they move toward you or appear to charge. Never run!
• Don’t eat or drink when with the gorillas. 
• Photography is welcome but you must not use the flash, as it will startle them.
• Wear clothing that will protect you from the dense bush and hot sun, including a hat, long pants, and sturdy hiking boots.
• Pack a warm, waterproof outer layer for chilly, high altitude conditions.
• Choose neutral coloured clothing that harmonizes with natural surroundings rather than bright colours. 

Here are some more tips of my own:

• Pack some nutritious snacks and ample water for the potentially long and strenuous journey.
• While gorilla tracking operates year round in Bwindi, optimal conditions are during dry periods (June – September and December – February). These months offer better trail conditions but attract more visitors, and it’s essential to reserve your permits in advance if you plan to visit during these times.  Daily visitor numbers cap at 120 people. 
• The October “shoulder season” is a great alternative to the dry seasons, and my personal favourite time in Uganda, as it combines great weather with less crowded parks. Visiting during wetter means encountering fewer tourists, though trails become wetter, muddier, and more difficult to navigate.
• I recommend booking your tracking permits through a local safari operator. This prevents issues such as being allocated to gorilla families located far from your accommodation and then having to drive long distances early in the morning to be at the briefing point in time.
• Hiring local porters to assist with your belongings is a great idea. The demanding trek becomes more manageable with help, and it also creates valuable job opportunities for largely impoverished local communities.

Where to Spend the Night

At the end of what could be your most exciting day of your trip, you will spend the night at the same lodge as the day before.

My Experience Visiting Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

I completed two gorilla treks on consecutive days in the Rushaga sector. While this isn’t the most difficult area of the park, the hikes proved quite demanding as we climbed up and down hillsides along narrow trails through the jungle.

The first day’s hike turned out to be more difficult than I anticipated. We had to manoeuvre around fallen logs, jutting branches, stinging nettles, unexpected holes, and incredibly dense plant growth. And those were just the established trails! 

The journey became even more challenging when we left the paths to reach the gorillas, whose location had been identified by specialised trackers. Our guide cleared a rough passage using a machete, but thick undergrowth still surrounded us everywhere. The name “impenetrable forest” certainly fits!

We finally discovered our assigned gorilla group, the Mucunguzi family, and the experience made every bit of effort worthwhile! We observed a massive silverback, reportedly the largest male in this entire sector, along with a mother caring for her precious one-month-old infant. The baby was absolutely adorable!

Gorillas dedicate roughly 70% of their time to eating leaves, with the remaining 30% spent resting. We accompanied them while they moved through the forest, stopping periodically to feed. Being in such close proximity to these incredible creatures was truly spectacular.

Our first trek took 5 hours in total, leaving me fairly exhausted for the following day’s expedition. Though we selected what seemed like a less demanding path on day two, this route proved shorter yet significantly more difficult than our initial trek! However, I’m thrilled we persevered, since our encounters this time were even more extraordinary.

We found the Bweza gorilla family (also written as Buza), a habituated group that included several energetic young gorillas who appeared to delight in entertaining their visitors! They swung from tree limbs and thumped their little chests, frequently wrestling with their playmates and creating quite a commotion. 

The group’s silverback was particularly impressive. At one moment, he rose to his full height and positioned himself at the top of a hill, giving everyone a great view. 

Recovery time between these incredible adventures was essential for me, and Rushaga Gorilla Camp (also known as Rushaga Gorilla Lodge) proved the ideal retreat. 

The location was superb, just 5 minutes from where our treks began. The camp offers stunning panoramic views overlooking the aptly named impenetrable forest.

Day 12: Lake Mburo National Park

Drive Time (Excluding Game Drives): 4 hours

As your final stopover, you’ll visit a true little gem – Lake Mburo National Park. Despite being Uganda’s smallest park, its diverse ecosystems and array of wildlife make it well worth a visit.

Itinerary

After breakfast at Bunyonyi, you’ll set off on another scenic drive heading northeast and winding you’ll enjoy some lunch, followed by an afternoon walking safari.

Since there are no lions or elephants to worry about here, it’s absolutely safe to explore this reserve on foot, along with a professional guide. 

You will come across a range of animal species, including Rothschild’s giraffes, zebras, buffalos, elands, waterbuck, topis, warthogs and impala.

In the dense woodlands, there are hyenas and leopards, while the wetlands and 5 surrounding lakes support a healthy population of hippos and crocodiles. The marshes are also a birder’s paradise containing over 300 bird species, including the famous shoebill.

Visiting in the afternoon, you’re bound to see a large number of game congregating in and around the lakes and wetlands, coming to quench their thirst or wallow in the shallows, or rolling in the mud to cool down.

About Lake Mburo National Park

Covering an area of only 260 km² (100 mi²), this is Uganda’s smallest national park, but it sure packs a big punch. Its scenic beauty, multiple ecosystems and a dense biodiversity make it one of the most rewarding parks in this constantly surprising country.

Its landscape consists of a mix of savannah, forested gorges, dense woodlands and vast wetlands with papyrus-fringed lakes that provide a haven for animals and birdlife. Some of the most common birds are pelicans, hornbills, kingfishers, shoebills and papyrus yellow warbler.

This picturesque national park hasn’t always been as peaceful as it is now. Gazetted in 1933 as a controlled hunting area, it was converted to a game reserve 30 years later before being upgraded to national park status in 1983. 

Many people were disgruntled at being thrown out of their lands and continued to graze their cattle within the park. A period of violence ensued which coincided with the conflict between Idi Amin and President Milton Obote in the early 1970s, during which hundreds of thousands of people died across the whole of Uganda.   

Today, the park has left behind its troubled past, and offers a host of relaxing activities other than game drives and walking safaris. These include boating safaris, fishing excursions, cultural tours, and night game drives to observe nocturnal creatures such as leopards and other cats. 

Tips for Visiting Lake Mburo National Park

• The park has a range of accommodation options to suit all pockets and styles. Your local tour operator will help you choose the type that best suits you. 

Where to Spend the Night

Having spent a relaxing day exploring the reserve, you will be taken to your lodge or tented camp in or near Lake Mburo National Park. Here you’ll spend the night and prepare for your final drive back to Entebbe or Kampala in the morning.

Day 14: Fly from Entebbe

Drive Time (Excluding Game Drives): 30 minutes

Depending on the time of your flight back home, you could drive straight to the airport or catch up on your beauty sleep and relax at your lodge.

Itinerary

It’s time to bid farewell to beautiful Uganda. However, if you’re not quite ready to leave, you could also choose to extend your stay a little longer and explore Entebbe and/or Kampala before flying home. 

Take a look at Day 1 of this itinerary to recap some of the most popular things to see and do in Entebbe and Kampala.

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