14-Day All-in-Uganda Exclusive Safari (Budget Safari)
Tour Type: Private / Solo / Group Tour
Safari Style: Budget-friendly lodges and camps with essential amenities, local hospitality, and authentic experiences Destinations: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary • Murchison Falls NP • Kibale Forest NP • Queen Elizabeth NP • Bwindi Impenetrable NP • Lake Bunyonyi • Lake Mburo NP
Discover Uganda from Savannah to Rainforest
This 14-day safari is your gateway to Uganda’s full spectrum of natural wonders, from the thunderous Murchison Falls to the misty mountains of Bwindi, the primate-rich forests of Kibale, and the tranquil shores of Lake Bunyonyi. Designed for travelers who want to experience Uganda’s Big Five, gorillas, chimpanzees, and vibrant cultures without breaking the bank, this itinerary blends wildlife, scenery, and community encounters into one unforgettable journey.
Key Tour Highlights & Unique Selling Points
- On-foot rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
- Game drives in Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, and Lake Mburo
- Boat cruises on the Nile and Kazinga Channel
- Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Scenic canoe ride on Lake Bunyonyi
- Cultural visits with Batwa and local communities
- Budget-friendly accommodations with wildlife proximity and local cuisine
Major Attractions
Destination | Highlight |
---|---|
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary | Rhino tracking on foot |
Murchison Falls NP | Big game, Nile cruise, waterfall views |
Kibale Forest NP | Chimpanzees, primates, birding |
Queen Elizabeth NP | Lions, elephants, crater lakes, boat safari |
Bwindi Impenetrable NP | Gorilla trekking, rainforest hiking |
Lake Bunyonyi | Canoeing, island visits, birdwatching |
Lake Mburo NP | Walking safari, zebras, elands, impalas |
Accessibility Options
- By Road: Kampala → Ziwa → Murchison → Kibale → Queen Elizabeth → Bwindi → Bunyonyi → Mburo → Kampala (~2,000 km total)
- By Air (Optional): Charter flights available to Pakuba (Murchison), Kasese (Queen Elizabeth), Kihihi (Bwindi)
- Transfers: All ground transfers provided in 4x4 safari vehicles with pop-up roof and bottled water
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kampala → Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Activities:
- Transfer to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
- Guided rhino tracking on foot
Accommodation: Budget Option: Amuka Lodge (Budget Room)
Amenities: En-suite rooms, solar lighting, local meals
Day 2: Ziwa → Murchison Falls NP
Activities:
- Scenic transfer to Murchison Falls via Masindi
- Visit to the top of Murchison Falls
Accommodation: Budget Option: Red Chilli Rest Camp / Fort Murchison Budget Rooms
Day 3: Game Drive & Nile Boat Safari
Activities:
- Morning game drive in northern Murchison
- Afternoon boat cruise to the base of the falls
Accommodation: Same as Day 2
Day 4: Murchison → Kibale Forest NP
Activities:
- Scenic transfer via Hoima and Fort Portal
- Evening nature walk or crater lake visit
Accommodation: Budget Option: Rwenzori View Guesthouse / Kibale Forest Camp (Budget Tent)
Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking & Bigodi Wetland Walk
Activities:
- Morning chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest
- Afternoon Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary walk
Accommodation: Same as Day 4
Day 6: Kibale → Queen Elizabeth NP
Activities:
- Transfer to Queen Elizabeth NP via Rwenzori foothills
- Afternoon game drive in Kasenyi Plains
Accommodation: Budget Option: Pumba Safari Cottages / Tembo Safari Lodge
Day 7: Kazinga Channel Cruise & Crater Lake Drive
Activities:
- Morning boat cruise on Kazinga Channel
- Afternoon crater lake exploration
Accommodation: Same as Day 6
Day 8: Queen Elizabeth → Bwindi Impenetrable NP
Activities:
- Transfer via Ishasha Sector (tree-climbing lions)
- Evening lodge check-in and gorilla trekking briefing
Accommodation: Budget Option: Bwindi Backpackers Lodge / Ruhija Community Rest Camp
Day 9: Gorilla Trekking & Forest Relaxation
Activities:
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest
- Afternoon rest or optional Batwa cultural visit
Accommodation: Same as Day 8
Day 10: Bwindi → Lake Bunyonyi
Activities:
- Scenic transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
- Sunset canoe ride and island visit
Accommodation: Budget Option: Bunyonyi Overland Resort / Byoona Amagara Island Retreat
Day 11: Lake Bunyonyi Exploration
Activities:
- Morning birdwatching or hike to viewpoint
- Afternoon relaxation or optional community visit
Accommodation: Same as Day 10
Day 12: Lake Bunyonyi → Lake Mburo NP
Activities:
- Transfer to Lake Mburo via Mbarara
- Evening nature walk or game drive
Accommodation: Budget Option: Eagle’s Nest Lodge / Rwakobo Rock (Budget Room)
Day 13: Walking Safari & Boat Ride
Activities:
- Morning walking safari with ranger
- Afternoon boat ride on Lake Mburo
Accommodation: Same as Day 12
Day 14: Lake Mburo → Kampala
Activities:
- Optional sunrise game drive
- Scenic transfer back to Kampala with equator stop
What to Carry & Requirements
- Valid passport and Uganda visa
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate
- Lightweight clothing in neutral colors
- Sturdy walking shoes or boots
- Sunscreen, insect repellent, hat, sunglasses
- Binoculars and camera with extra batteries
- Reusable water bottle and personal medications
- Rain jacket (especially March–May or Oct–Nov)
- Moderate fitness for gorilla and chimpanzee tracking
✅ Inclusions
- All ground transport in 4x4 safari vehicle
- 13 nights budget accommodation
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Park entry fees and ranger guides
- Gorilla and chimpanzee tracking permits
- Boat cruises, game drives, walking safaris
- Bottled drinking water during transfers
❌ Exclusions
- International flights
- Uganda visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and personal expenses
- Optional activities not listed
- Alcoholic beverages
Accommodation Overview
Lodge Name | Location | Key Amenities |
---|---|---|
Amuka Lodge | Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary | Solar lighting, en-suite rooms |
Red Chilli Rest Camp | Murchison Falls NP | Budget bandas, restaurant, bar |
Kibale Forest Camp (Budget) | Kibale Forest | Budget tents, forest views, local meals |
Pumba Safari Cottages | Queen Elizabeth NP | En-suite rooms, Wi-Fi, local cuisine |
Bwindi Backpackers Lodge | Bwindi | Forest views, shared facilities |
Bunyonyi Overland Resort | Lake Bunyonyi | Lakeside bar/restaurant, canoe rentals |
Eagle’s Nest Lodge | Lake Mburo NP | Hilltop views, budget bandas |
This budget safari offers the perfect blend of wildlife, primates, scenery, and culture, ideal for solo travelers, private adventurers, or group explorers.