13-Day Uganda Family Safari | Primates, Big 5, Rhinos & Boat Cruise
On this incredible 13-Day Uganda Family Safari, you will see the country at its very core. This is a customer favourite and a personal fave of ours at The Bespoke African Safari Co. Its meticulous planning ensures that you will see all of Uganda’s fascinating landscapes, wildlife, and cultures in a single, well-rounded trip.
On this 13-Day Uganda Family Safari, you’ll visit Kibale Forest in search of chimpanzees and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in search of mountain gorillas. In Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, you’ll go on a hunt for golden monkeys, which are quite rare.
Seeing the Nile River roar through Murchison Falls will give you a sense of its immense force. Traditional safari stops at Lake Mburo, Queen Elizabeth, and Murchison Falls will be made along the route. Ziwa Rhino & Wildlife Ranch also offers guided walking safaris. You won’t find white rhinos in their natural habitat anywhere else in Uganda. Experience the ideal blend of animals, adventure, natural beauty, and breathtaking highways on this vacation.
13-Day Uganda Family Safari Highlights
- Day 1: Welcome to Entebbe – Start of Your Uganda Adventure
- Day 2: Into the Wild at Lake Mburo National Park
- Day 3: Journey to Scenic Lake Mutanda & Bwindi Highlands
- Day 4: Golden Monkey Tracking in the Virunga Volcanoes
- Day 5: Face-to-Face with Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi
- Day 6: Scenic Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Day 7: Classic Safari & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
- Day 8: Into the Rainforest at Kibale National Park
- Day 9: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest
- Day 10: Journey to Mighty Murchison Falls National Park
- Day 11: Big Game Safari & Nile River Boat Cruise
- Day 12: Another Day of Wildlife & Relaxation
- Day 13: Rhino Tracking at Ziwa & Return to Entebbe
A Detailed 13-Day Uganda Family Safari
Day 1: Entebbe
Uganda awaits you! Your guide from The Bespoke African Safari Co. will be waiting for you with open arms when you land at Entebbe International Airport. Helping you with your bags, they will lead you to your air-conditioned vehicle. Driving to your guesthouse close to the airport is the next step.
To give you a day to recover from your 13-Day Uganda Safari journey, today is kept leisurely. Entebbe is a picturesque lakeside village known for its welcoming locals. Spend some time at the lodge, go for a stroll, or dine at one of the excellent restaurants in the area.
Day 2: Into the Wild at Lake Mburo National Park
Drive: 265 km | 3–4 hours
Your African safari journey starts today. As you head southwest, you’ll come onto Lake Mburo National Park. As you go, you’ll come to a scenic crossing of the Equator, perfect for taking pictures and taking a quick stop. Even though it is one of the smaller parks in Uganda, Lake Mburo National Park provides an unforgettable adventure.
You won’t find any other park that offers walking, mountain biking, and equestrian safaris like this one. The absence of lions in the park makes this a real possibility. Lake Mburo boat tours and game drives are other options. A night game drive is an option you can consider. Nighttime creatures like serval cats, mongoose, hyenas, and leopards can be spotted in this way.
Day 3: Lake Mutanda near Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Drive: 265 km | 3–4 hours
The picturesque Kigezi Highlands, sometimes referred to as the “Switzerland of Africa,” are your destination today. Terraced fields, deep blue lakes, and undulating hills are the trademarks of this area. On your way to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, you’ll pass Lake Mutanda. As you travel, the breathtaking scenery changes continually.
An ideal spot to unwind and appreciate nature, Lake Mutanda is serene and beautiful. Lots of things to do are available at the resort. You can enjoy kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, swimming in the freshwater lake, or riding in a classic dugout canoe. Alternatively, you can go on a sunset boat tour, go birdwatching, or stroll through the village.
Day 4: Golden Monkey Tracking in the Mgahinga
Drive: 313 km | 5+ hours
The picturesque Kigezi Highlands, sometimes referred to as the “Switzerland of Africa,” are your destination today. Terraced fields, deep blue lakes, and undulating hills are the trademarks of this area. On your way to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, you’ll pass Lake Mutanda. As you travel, the breathtaking scenery changes continually.
An ideal spot to unwind and appreciate nature, Lake Mutanda is serene and beautiful. Lots of things to do are available at the resort. You can enjoy kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, swimming in the freshwater lake, or riding in a classic dugout canoe. Alternatively, you can go on a sunset boat tour, go birdwatching, or stroll through the village.
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Among the most memorable parts of your entire journey has been today. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is where you’ll go gorilla trekking. About half of the mountain gorillas left on Earth call Bwindi their home. The woodland is thick with old trees. You will set out on your walk in smaller groups following a briefing by park rangers. This is a strenuous and time-consuming walk. However, the payoff is tremendous. It is an incredibly touching experience to come face to face with a family of mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. An wonderful hour awaits you as you spend it with them. Depending on the availability of permits, you will be assigned to track either the Rushaga or Nkuringo sector.
Day 6: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Drive: 283 km | 7+ hours
Your journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park begins after breakfast as you go north. One of the most varied national parks in Uganda, and also one of the oldest. As you travel, the scenery will change frequently. Wetlands, wide savannas, crater lakes, and woods will all be on your route. Species rich with diversity can be found in this park, which is situated between two lakes—Lake George and Lake Edward. On the way to your lodge, take in some wildlife on a game drive. Take pleasure in the evening while immersed in nature.
Day 7: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Today is all about seeing wild animals. A game drive across the park’s northern section is a great way to see animals in their natural habitat, the open savanna. The Kazinga Channel will be the setting for your boat tour later on. Famous for its large concentration of birds, crocodiles, hippos, and elephants, this channel connects Lake George and Lake Edward. A boat safari like this is hard to find in Africa.
Day 8: Kibale National Park
Drive: 153 km | 3 hours
As you make your way to Kibale Forest, close to Fort Portal, today you’ll get to experience a game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The journey to Kibale is beautiful, taking you through hilly landscapes and tea plantations. Lush tropical rainforests characterise Kibale National Park. Over 1,500 chimpanzees and 13 other kinds of primates call this place home. It is a haven for avian enthusiasts as well. Once you reach your lodge, unwind in the serene woodland environment.
Day 9: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest
A chimpanzee hiking adventure awaits you today. This can be done in the morning or the afternoon; it lasts half a day. You will go on a hunt for chimpanzees in the woods accompanied by a knowledgeable ranger. It is exciting to hear their calls and watch them as they wander through the forest. There are crater lakes in the area that you can visit after the hike. A leisurely stroll or a cool dip in one of these lakes will do the trick.
Day 10: Murchison Falls National Park
Drive: 7–8 hours
Visit Murchison Falls National Park in the north today. The mighty Murchison Falls may be found in this national park, which is the biggest in Uganda. Spend the majority of your day on the road. Take in the ever-changing landscape as you make your way to the Nile.
Day 11: Game Drive and Boat Cruise on the Nile
Spend the day exploring the park to its fullest. Take a morning game drive in the northern part of the park. You could spot lions, buffalo, antelope, giraffes, and elephants here. Later on, go on a Nile cruise. One option is to take a cruise to the falls’ base.
Day 12: Murchison Falls National Park
Graze the park one more time. Feel free to unwind at your lodge or embark on additional game drives. The morning and late afternoon are the times of day when wildlife is most active. You have the remainder of the day to unwind and take in the scenery from the pool.
Day 13: Entebbe
Drive: 337 km | 7 hours
Proceed to Entebbe on your way back after breakfast. Visit Ziwa Rhino & Wildlife Ranch on your journey. If you want to see white rhinos up close and personal, this is your only bet in Uganda. The unique guided stroll lasts for around an hour. Proceed to Entebbe to catch your flight after the visit. The evening is when the majority of foreign planes take off. Your 13-Day Uganda family safari journey comes to a close now. We wish you a heartfelt appreciation for Uganda and cherished memories as you depart.
End of the 13-Day Uganda Family Safari
Inclusions
- Airport pick-up and drop-off in Entebbe
- All ground transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Services of a professional English-speaking safari guide
- Fuel for the entire safari
- Accommodation as listed or similar
- Meals as specified in the itinerary
- Park entrance fees for all national parks
- Gorilla trekking permit in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Chimpanzee trekking permit in Kibale National Park
- Golden monkey tracking permit in Mgahinga National Park
- All scheduled game drives and boat safaris
- Ziwa Rhino tracking experience
- Walking safari in Lake Mburo National Park
- Bottled drinking water during the safari
Exclusions
- International flights to and from Uganda
- Uganda visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Optional activities not listed as included; Alcoholic and soft drinks; Tips and gratuities for guides and lodge staff
- Personal expenses such as laundry and souvenirs
- Additional accommodation before or after the safari
- Any increase in park fees or permit costs beyond our control