Uganda Geographic Expeditions – National Geographic Tours Uganda
Explore the Pearl of Africa’s stunning geography and biodiversity.
This expedition takes you through Uganda’s most remarkable natural wonders — from thundering waterfalls and tropical rainforests to mist-covered mountains and the iconic gorilla territories. Discover a country where geography, wildlife, and culture come together in breathtaking harmony.
Key Highlights:
Murchison Falls • Kibale Forest • Semuliki Game Reserve • Queen Elizabeth National Park • Bwindi Impenetrable Forest • Mgahinga • Lake Mburo National Park
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival – Entebbe International Airport to Kampala
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed by our driver-guide and transferred to your booked hotel in Kampala or Entebbe.
Enjoy a relaxing evening as you prepare for your journey through Uganda’s geographic treasures.
Overnight: Hotel in Kampala/Entebbe
Day 2: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
After breakfast, begin your scenic drive to Murchison Falls National Park. En route, visit the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for an up-close encounter with Uganda’s reintroduced rhinos.
Stop for lunch in Masindi, then continue to the park, arriving by evening.
Overnight: Pakuba Safari Lodge / Paraa Safari Lodge (Full Board)
Day 3: Game Drive, Boat Cruise & Hike to the Top of the Falls
Start your day with an early morning game drive on the northern banks of the Nile, exploring the famed Nyamusika Plateau. Spot lions, elephants, giraffes, and buffalo.
After lunch, embark on a boat cruise along the Victoria Nile to the base of the falls — a paradise for birders and photographers. Then, hike to the Top of the Falls to witness the Nile thunder through a narrow gorge — an unforgettable sight.
Overnight: Lodge as above (Full Board)
Day 4: Sport Fishing on the Nile
Enjoy a full day of sport fishing below Murchison Falls. Try your hand at catching the legendary Nile Perch and other species such as tiger fish and catfish.
Relax in the evening at your lodge.
Overnight: Lodge in Murchison Falls (Full Board)
Day 5: Primate Tracking in Budongo Forest
After breakfast, explore Budongo Tropical Forest, Uganda’s largest mahogany forest and home to numerous primate species including chimpanzees, Colobus monkeys, and red-tailed monkeys.
Enjoy the forest walk, birdlife, and butterflies before returning to your lodge for relaxation.
Overnight: Lodge in Murchison Falls area (Full Board)
Day 6: Scenic Drive to Kibale National Park
Travel through rolling hills, valleys, and lively villages en route to Kibale Forest National Park. Stop for lunch along the way and arrive in the evening.
Overnight: Primate Lodge / Chimpanzee Guest House (Full Board)
Day 7: Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Wetland Walk
After breakfast, head to Kanyanchu Visitor Center for a chimpanzee trekking adventure. Spot up to 13 primate species and a host of forest birds.
In the afternoon, explore the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-led conservation project rich with butterflies, birds, and lush vegetation.
Overnight: Same lodge (Full Board)
Day 8: Transfer to Semuliki National Park
Depart for Semuliki National Park, located in the western arm of the Rift Valley. The park’s diverse habitats include lowland rainforest, savannah, and hot springs.
In the evening, take a spot-lit night game drive, the only one of its kind in Uganda, offering chances to see nocturnal wildlife like mongooses, nightjars, and leopards.
Overnight: Semuliki Safari Lodge (Full Board)
Day 9: Game Drive & Visit to Sempaya Hot Springs
Begin with a morning game drive followed by a visit to the Sempaya Hot Springs, where boiling water gushes dramatically from the earth.
Enjoy scenic views of the Semuliki River meanders and visit local Batwa (Pygmy) communities for cultural interaction.
Overnight: Semuliki Safari Lodge (Full Board)
Day 10: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, drive through Fort Portal and Kasese, enjoying spectacular views of the Rwenzori Mountains.
Arrive at Queen Elizabeth National Park for lunch, followed by an evening sunset game drive across the savannah plains.
Overnight: Mweya Safari Lodge / Elephant Plains Lodge (Full Board)
Day 11: Game Drive & Boat Safari on the Kazinga Channel
Enjoy an early morning game drive in the Kasenyi Plains with chances to spot lions, leopards, elephants, and antelopes.
After lunch, take a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel, famous for its hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife including pelicans and kingfishers.
Overnight: Same lodge (Full Board)
Day 12: Ishasha Sector – Tree-Climbing Lions
Travel to the Ishasha Sector, renowned for its tree-climbing lions lounging in fig trees. This scenic area also hosts herds of buffalo, elephants, and topi.
Overnight: Ishasha Wilderness Camp (Full Board)
Day 13: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
After breakfast, drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas. For gorilla trekking, eight people are allowed per gorilla gamily.
In the evening, take a guided community walk to meet local people and experience their traditional ways of life.
Overnight: Buhoma Lodge / Gorilla Resort (Full Board)
Day 14: Gorilla Trekking Experience
After a briefing by park rangers, embark on the gorilla trekking adventure through the dense rainforest.
Spend an hour observing these gentle giants — an emotional and unforgettable experience.
Later, relax or visit nearby communities for cultural engagement.
Overnight: Same lodge (Full Board)
Day 15: Drive to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Depart for Mgahinga National Park, located in the Virunga Volcanoes region. Enjoy the stunning scenery of terraced hills and volcanic peaks.
Overnight: Mgahinga Lodge / Kisoro Traveler’s Rest (Full Board)
Day 16: Golden Monkey Tracking
After breakfast, embark on Golden Monkey Tracking in the bamboo forests of Mt. Gahinga or Mt. Sabinyo.
In the afternoon, visit Kisoro Market or take a scenic walk overlooking Lake Mutanda and the Virunga Volcanoes.
Overnight: Same lodge (Full Board)
Day 17: Lake Bunyonyi & Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park
After breakfast, stop at the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi, Africa’s second-deepest lake, for photos and relaxation. Continue to Lake Mburo National Park, where you’ll enjoy an afternoon boat ride spotting hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds.
Overnight: Rwakobo Rock Lodge / Mantana Tented Camp (Full Board)
Day 18: Morning Game Drive & Return to Kampala
Enjoy a final game drive through the acacia woodlands of Lake Mburo, home to zebras, impalas, elands, and giraffes.
Drive back to Kampala, with lunch in Masaka en route.
Overnight: Hotel in Kampala/Entebbe (Half Board)
Day 19: Departure
Depending on your flight time, you’ll be transferred to Entebbe International Airport for your departure.
End of the Fascinating Uganda Geographic Expedition.