14-Day Uganda Safari: Grand expedition, Gorillas & Murchison Falls

Discover Uganda in full force on the Uganda Grand Safari Expedition. Over 14 powerful days you’ll track gorillas in misty forests, meet wild chimpanzees, cruise the Nile, search for Big Five game, spot tree-climbing lions, and share culture with local communities. This itinerary blends high-value wildlife moments and relaxed scenic stops so you leave with memories that last a lifetime.

Research note: This itinerary combines proven elements from top Uganda multi-day safaris and park sequences to maximize wildlife exposure and visitor flow.

Why choose this 14-day Uganda Grand Safari Expedition?

This route visits Uganda’s headline parks while balancing travel time, wildlife windows and rest days. It’s ideal for travelers who want deep wildlife encounters (gorillas and chimps), classic African game viewing (savanna mammals and waterway wildlife), and cultural connection. Gorilla and chimp permits, park fees and peak logistics influence timing and price, so we recommend early booking. Gorilla permits remain in high demand and support conservation; plan ahead.

Day-by-Day Itinerary Breakdown

Day 1 — Arrival in Entebbe & transfer to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Meet your Trumpet Adventures guide; drive north to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Stretch your legs on a short walking rhino tracking session and enjoy a relaxed lodge dinner overlooking plains.

Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation Options:

• Budget: Rhino Camp Ziwa

• Mid-Range: Amuka Lodge

• Luxury: Ziwa Luxury Chalets

Day 2 — Ziwa to Murchison Falls National Park: afternoon game drive

Drive into Murchison Falls National Park. Afternoon game drive introduces giraffe, buffalo and elephant. Sunset over the savanna delivers dramatic photos.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation Options:

• Budget: Red Chilli Rest Camp

• Mid-Range: Pakuba safari Lodge

• Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge

Day 3 — Morning game drive & Nile launch to base of the falls

Start with an early game drive in search of predators and plains game. In the afternoon take the Nile launch to the foot of the falls for thundering water and hippos along the banks. Murchison entrance/launch fees apply.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation Options: (Same as Day 2)

Day 4 — Transfer to Fort Portal / Kibale region (tea-country scenery)

Drive west through tea plantations and crater-lake country; arrive near Kibale Forest. Evening forest walk to tune into the rain forest soundscape.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation Options:

• Budget: Kibale Forest Camp

• Mid-Range: turncoat Treetops

• Luxury: Chimpundu Lodge

Day 5 — Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale & Bigodi wetland walk

Track chimps in Kibale — one of Africa’s best chimp sites. Chimp permits typically run in the mid-hundreds USD (Kibale commonly ~US$250) and support research and conservation. After prime time with chimps, hike Bigodi Wetland to see birds and small mammals.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation Options: (Same as Day 4)

Day 6 — Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park • Kasenyi plains

Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, enter the Kasenyi plains and enjoy an afternoon game drive for elephants, buffalo and Uganda kobs.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation Options:

• Budget:  Bush Lodge

• Mid-Range:  kikorongo safari lodge

• Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge or similar premium lodge

Day 7 — Game drive and afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel

Morning drive across Kasenyi. After lunch cruise the Kazinga Channel — a wildlife magnet where hippos, crocodiles and flocks of waterbirds gather. Sunset on the channel offers spectacular wildlife viewing.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation Options: (Same as Day 6)

Day 8 — Ishasha Sector: search for tree-climbing lions

Drive south to Ishasha sector; track the famous tree-climbing lions and scan acacia woodland for large mammals. Enjoy a slow evening at your lodge.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation Options:

• Budget: Topi Lodge

• Mid-Range: Enjojo Lodge

• Luxury:  Wilderness Camp

Day 9 — Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (southern approach)

Transfer into the highland swathes toward Bwindi. The landscape becomes terraced hills and dense forest; stop for cultural interactions en route. Prepare for trekking logistics tomorrow.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation Options:

• Budget:  Haven Lodge Rushaga

• Mid-Range: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge

• Luxury: Luxury gorilla lodge or Mahogany Springs Lodge

Day 10 — Gorilla trekking briefing & trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Attend the ranger briefing then track a habituated gorilla family. Treks may last 2–6 hours; once located you spend one hour observing. Gorilla permits support conservation and are highly sought; budget and schedule accordingly.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation Options: (Same as Day 9)

Day 11 — Batwa cultural visit & gentle forest walk

Recover and connect: visit a nearby Batwa or local community, learn traditional forest skills, and take a guided forest walk to learn more about Bwindi’s biodiversity.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation Options: (Same as Day 9)

Day 12 — Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi: lakeside relaxation

Drive to Lake Bunyonyi for rest and scenery. Take a canoe ride between islands, watch birdlife or simply relax by the water.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation Options:

• Budget: Itambira Island

• Mid-Range:  Bird Nest

• Luxury: Arcadia Lodges

Day 13 — Leisure at La key Bunyonyi or optional island hikes

Choose island boat tours, birding, hikes or just rest. This calm day balances the active trekking earlier in the trip.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation Options: (Same as Day 12)

Day 14 — Return to Entebbe / Kampala and departure

After breakfast, drive back to Entebbe or Kampala with scenic stops. Transfer to the airport for departure. Carry home vivid memories and strong wildlife photos.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation Options: (Departure day – no overnight)

Trip Highlights (fast wins)

• Face-to-face gorilla hour in Bwindi — a rare lifetime moment.

• Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale — close and active primate encounters.

• Nile launch and Murchison Falls spectacle with hippos and dramatic scenery.

• Boat safari on Kazinga Channel — waterway wildlife at close range.

• Tree-climbing lions in Ishasha — one of Africa’s most iconic sights.

• Cultural exchange with local communities and Batwa heritage experience.

What’s Included

• All ground transfers in a 4×4 safari vehicle with experienced English-speaking driver-guide.

• Park entrance fees and ranger-guided activities as listed.

• Gorilla and chimp trekking permits (permits cost vary by year and nationality; gorilla permits are in high demand).

• Accommodation (Budget, Mid-Range, Luxury) as chosen.

• Meals as listed per day (breakfast, lunch, dinner where specified).

• Boat cruises and local cultural visits as in itinerary.

• Bottled drinking water during drives.

What’s Not Included

• International flights to/from Uganda.

• Uganda visa, travel insurance, personal expenses, tips/gratuities, alcoholic drinks and soft drinks.

• Any optional activities not specified in the day-by-day plan.

• Any additional permit upgrades (e.g., gorilla habituation experience).

Pricing Overview (estimates & guidance)

• Budget Tier: From approx. US$4,800–5,500 per person sharing.

• Mid-Range Tier: From approx. US$7,000–8,500 per person sharing.

• Luxury Tier: From approx. US$10,000+ per person sharing.

Notes: Gorilla and chimp permit costs and park fees change periodically and vary by nationality; gorilla permits typically represent a major portion of total cost and sell out early. Book permits and lodges 6–12 months ahead for peak seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions (detailed)

Q — How fit must I be for the gorilla trek and the whole 14-day expedition?
A — The trek in Bwindi can take between 2 and 6 hours over uneven, steep and sometimes muddy ground. You don’t need to be an athlete, but you should have reasonable stamina and mobility. Other days are vehicle-based with short walks. Trumpet Adventures arranges porters, and guides adapt the pace to your fitness level. Tell us about mobility concerns so we design the experience comfortably.

Q — When should I travel to get the best wildlife and trekking conditions?
A — Uganda delivers great wildlife year-round. The drier months (June–August and December–February) give easier travel and clearer trails. The wetter months bring lush forest, fewer tourists and superb birding; trails can be muddier but wildlife remains active. For gorilla permits and preferred lodges, book early for your chosen season.

Q — How early do I need to book permits and lodges?
A — Book gorilla permits and peak-season lodges 6–12 months in advance. Chimp permits and popular lodges also fill up fast. Early booking secures better rates and ideal lodge tiers. Trumpet Adventures manages permits and reservations on your behalf to make the process seamless.

Q — Are gorilla and chimp permits included and how much are they?
A — We include standard gorilla and chimp permits when you book the package. Costs vary by year and nationality; chimp permits in Kibale commonly sit around US$200-250 for foreign non-residents, while gorilla permit fees are higher and form a substantial part of the total trip cost. Check current permit rates at booking.

Q — Is this itinerary suitable for families and children?
A — Yes, families can join. Note that many gorilla tracking sites set minimum age limits (commonly 15 years). Other parts — game drives, boat cruises and lakeside days — suit younger children well. Tell us your group makeup and we’ll tailor accommodations and activities.

Q — How will Trumpet Adventures minimize travel fatigue on a long 14-day safari?
A — We schedule balanced travel legs, mix active and rest days (e.g., Lake Bunyonyi), use comfortable vehicles, and handpick lodges close to park entry points to limit long transfers. Our guides manage timings to prioritize wildlife prime times and your comfort.

This Uganda Grand Safari Expedition packs Uganda’s best into a single, carefully timed journey. Trumpet Adventures builds each day to deliver unforgettable wildlife moments, authentic cultural contact and comfortable rests so you travel hard and recover well. Ready to lock dates and secure permits? Tell us your travel window and preferred lodge tier and we’ll prepare a tailored booking plan.