12 Days Uganda: Exploring the Wild West

Nested in the middle of the country, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and a safe haven for white rhinos. In fact, this is the only place where you can see white rhinos in Uganda. During a rhino trekking tour, you can not only meet these majestic animals in their natural habitat but also support the sanctuary’s conservation efforts. With a professional guide, you’ll head out searching for the grey giants. Once found, you only need to do the following: take a deep breath, say "wooooow", take some pictures, and savour the moment.

Today, you drive from Entebbe/Kampala to Murchison Falls National Park. The drive is a 345-kilometre journey where you see the real and rural countryside of Uganda – roughly six hours of bumpy tarmac roads, busy marketplaces, beautiful views of green hills and outstretched savannah along the way. Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda's largest park and home to lions, zebras, Ugandan kobs, impala, leopards, over 500 bird species, and many African elephants – just to mention a few. Be sure to keep your eyes open even when driving to the park – you might just spot your first monkey or zebra!

Murchison Falls National Park is the largest and oldest national park in the country, spanning an impressive 3,840 square kilometres. The park is mostly known for its vast open savannahs, where you can go on classic game drives and spot lions, elephants, giraffes, and many other animals between the long grasses. The mighty Nile River cuts through the whole park, creating dramatic whitewater rapids, a breathtaking gorge AND areas for easy-going boat safaris to see hippos, crocodiles and birds. Last but not least, the famous Murchison Falls plunge an impressive 43 meters and are a major highlight of the park (and can be seen from the boat!).

Embark on a double-decker boat for an old-style River Nile cruise in Murchison Falls National Park! Sail up the river for two hours (and one hour back) while spotting hippos and crocodiles in the water, and several other animals on the shores. The boat eventually leads you to the bottom of the impressive 43-meter-high Murchison Falls, where you can feel the fresh water droplets on your face while seeing the water cascading down. The falls are so powerful that it's impossible to get very close, but trust us – you’ll be impressed nevertheless!

Follow in the footsteps of famous people like Winston Churchill and climb to the top of Murchison Falls! This 45-minute hike is relatively easy as the path is paved with steps and footbridges. With some luck, you might spot baboons while enjoying the feel of the cool mist of the waterfalls on your skin during the walk. Once at the top, you marvel at the mighty, churning masses of Nile water squeeze through a narrow gorge before plunging into the depths and take in the view over the Nile and the vast savannah landscape below you.

During a jeep safari, our guide takes you in your private jeep on an unlimited game drive in the park. Make sure to share your expectations for this day with him, and let yourself be surprised by the suggestions he might have. Once on the road, ask any question that comes to mind and most of all: enjoy the amazing ride and sights!

The highest concentration of chimpanzees on the African continent can be found in Uganda – in Kibale National Park to be precise! With approximately 1,500 chimps in several groups, you have a relatively high chance of seeing these fascinating animals in the wild. During chimpanzee trekking, expert guides take you through the lush rainforest, and once located, you can watch the chimps hop from tree to tree, play, eat and groom each other. Observing these close-knit communities up-close will make you understand what Jane Goodall’s fascination is all about!

The swamp walk through the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary at Kibale National Park is a must-do if you love birds, monkeys, rare animals, plants and flowers. This magical place, or "home of the great blue turaco" as it is also called, harbours over 200 bird species. During your walk, you can spot eight primate species in the trees above you and Ugandan animals like sitatungas, bushbucks and otters (yes, otters!). Lose yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of this pristine wetland, being in perfect harmony with nature’s rhythm. This is a true gem which only waits to be discovered… by you.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is not only royal by its name but also by its diversity. Celebrating the majesty of the animal kingdom, it is home to four of the Big Five, to tree-climbing lions and has the largest number of hippos in East Africa. Many more animals roam in its diverse landscape including savannah grasslands, dense forests, volcanic features and meandering rivers. Enjoy a large array of activities whilst supporting conservation efforts, all with the snow-capped Rwenzori mountains as a background.

As you drive 2 hours from Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park today, you can enjoy the sights while passing through the crater lake area around Kasenda and seeing the peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains on your right a bit further down the road. With this amazing landscape as your 'bush-tv', you reach the most royal of Uganda's national parks before you know it. Get ready for some classic safaris over yellow African savannahs and keep your eyes peeled for the Big Five!

During a jeep safari, our guide takes you in your private jeep on an unlimited game drive in the park. Make sure to share your expectations for this day with him, and let yourself be surprised by the suggestions he might have. Once on the road, ask any question that comes to mind and most of all: enjoy the amazing ride and sights!

During a jeep safari, our guide takes you in your private jeep on an unlimited game drive in the park. Make sure to share your expectations for this day with him, and let yourself be surprised by the suggestions he might have. Once on the road, ask any question that comes to mind and most of all: enjoy the amazing ride and sights!

Embark on an unforgettable boat safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park! For two to three hours, you’ll cruise along the Kazinga Channel and be amazed by the incredible wildlife and stunning landscapes. As you float gently over the water, marvel at semi-submerged hippos, crocodiles basking in the sun and a variety of bird species everywhere around you. Your guide will tell you interesting and fun facts about the animals and region and, of course, drop the so-called anchor here and there to allow for some great pictures!

Queen Elizabeth National Park is not only royal by its name but also by its diversity. Celebrating the majesty of the animal kingdom, it is home to four of the Big Five, to tree-climbing lions and has the largest number of hippos in East Africa. Many more animals roam in its diverse landscape including savannah grasslands, dense forests, volcanic features and meandering rivers. Enjoy a large array of activities whilst supporting conservation efforts, all with the snow-capped Rwenzori mountains as a background.

Get out of the safari jeep, lace up your hiking boots and off you go on safari… literally! During your walking safari in Lake Mburo National Park, you can explore this wonderful spot of land from a completely different point of view. Hike through savannahs, woodlands and lakeshores and learn more about the flora and fauna from your experienced guide. Here, you can come close to animals like zebras, impala and giraffes and watch the park’s famous hippos from a safe distance. Discovering Uganda’s untamed wilderness like this is an experience that will stay with you for many years to come.

During a jeep safari, our guide takes you in your private jeep on an unlimited game drive in the park. Make sure to share your expectations for this day with him, and let yourself be surprised by the suggestions he might have. Once on the road, ask any question that comes to mind and most of all: enjoy the amazing ride and sights!

Lake Mburo National Park in southwestern Uganda is one of the smaller parks of the country, but rich in biodiversity. The park is home to animals such as zebras, elands, buffalos, impala and over 350 species of birds. The lake is an important water source and home to hippos, crocodiles, and various fish species. The park has a rocky history of poaching, encroachment and people being chased off their lands, but nowadays, its main goal is to offer visitors amazing game drives, boat trips, and walking safaris.

As you drive back to Entebbe, you again pass through the villages with their lively marketplaces and the outstretched countryside with tea and coffee plantations, smooth green hills and the occasional wildlife waving you goodbye. After several days of sheer adventure, even the ride back to Entebbe is an experience to enjoy!

This is your last day! Unfortunately, it's time to catch your flight home from Entebbe International Airport. Sad to leave...? Not to worry! We can easily add a few days of safari to your holiday, or extend it with a few days on the shores of Lake Victoria for some whitewater rafting or other exhilarating activities!