AN EXAMPLE HOLIDAY EXPLORING UGANDA
With an abundance of wildlife and breath taking scenery you won’t be short of things to do on a trip to this beautiful country. Trek through dense rainforests, take in the vistas from the top of the worlds most powerful waterfall and spend time with some of the most endangered animals on the planet. Uganda will capture your heart, from the once in lifetime experiences to the friendly and welcoming locals.
The below is just a taster, let our experts tailor make the perfect holiday to Uganda. Read on to find out more.
VISIT: Entebbe – Day 1 to 2
We suggest making Entebbe your gateway to Uganda—a charming, low-key alternative to the bustling capital. Entebbe exudes an easy-going vibe, offering a far more relaxed pace than its urban counterpart. Nestled along the serene shores of Lake Victoria, this lakeside haven boasts sun-dappled beaches perfect for leisurely strolls, as well as cosy beachside cafes ideal for sipping a cocktail while watching the sunset.
For a more tranquil retreat, the lush Botanic Gardens provide a welcome respite, inviting visitors to lose themselves in the lush greenery. Should you find yourself with extra time, a boat trip to Ngamba Island offers a rare opportunity to visit the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, where you can interact with playful primates and learn about their conservation efforts.
STAY: The Boma
The overnight city stay: an essential part of most African safaris, so why not treat yourself to some urban luxury. The Boma is located in a tranquil suburb of the Entebbe, the friendly guesthouse is perfectly located for minimal-fuss travel to and from the international airport – definitely a bonus. The 1940s stone and tile building is a cosy and charming B&B with beautiful flower-filled gardens, a rather lovely swimming pool and second-to-none service. The perfect way to ease gently into African life…
VISIT: Murchison Falls – Day 2 to 5
Thunderous and explosive, Murchison Falls stands as a living testament to nature’s raw power, earning its title as the world’s most powerful waterfall. Carved by the mighty Nile River, which squeezes through a narrow seven-meter gap in the Albertine Rift Escarpment, the falls roar with unrelenting force, sending plumes of mist into the sky.
Whether viewed from a boat, drifting serenely to the base where wildlife—giraffes, elephants, and buffaloes—sip from the river with a serene indifference, or from the summit where the cascade crashes into the gorge below, the sight is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
As one of Uganda’s oldest and largest conservation area the park offers more than just breathtaking views. It is a thriving haven for wildlife, where leopard, lion, buffalo, and elephant roam freely across the savannah. A birdwatcher’s paradise, the park is also home to the elusive shoebill, a prehistoric-looking bird that grows up to 1.5 meters tall, often spotted gliding silently over the Nile’s waters.
STAY: Nile Safari Lodge
Nile Safari Lodge is known as Uganda’s latest answer to a sophisticated safari experience. Enjoy immaculate views over a slice of the Nile River and within floating distance of Murchison Falls, you’ll find yourself in a bubble of comfort, surrounded by natural showstoppers that can be enjoyed from your, private deck.
It has the exclusive feel of a private camp, but with all the punch of a well-oiled lodge, the staff are attentive and personal touches like tailored menus from the lodge’s stellar chefs make this a truly special experience.
DISCOVER: Kibale – Day 5 to 8
When guidebooks—and seasoned travellers alike—mention Uganda as the destination boasting the world’s highest concentration of primates, it’s likely Kibale National Park that they’re referring to. Nestled within this verdant rainforest, 13 different primate species swing, scamper, and flit through the trees. Here, the rare red colobus and L’Hoest’s monkeys hide among the dense foliage, yet it’s the chimpanzees who steal the spotlight.
Beyond the regular morning and afternoon treks with these intelligent, mischievous creatures, visitors can opt for the immersive experience of spending a full day with the chimps as part of the park’s renowned habituation program.
The undulating forest trails beckon not only chimp lovers but also birders, butterfly watchers, and botanists, offering a feast for the eyes at every turn. While the occasional forest elephant, buffalo, sitatunga, or even a fleeting leopard may make an appearance, this is a place where the true treasures lie in the details. Here, it’s the small wonders that captivate, leaving a lasting impression long after you’ve left the forest’s edge.
STAY: Kibale Primate Lodge
It’s just a five-minute walk from Kibale Primate Lodge into the Kibale Forest National Park, so this is a great place to stay if you want to be in the thick of the action and in particular to see chimps. The lodge itself is very peaceful (though you can hear the chattering primates in the distance), the lush forests are alive with birds and countless smaller creatures, the accommodation is charming and the food, staff and general service is warm and accommodating.
EXPERIENCE: Queen Elizabeth – Day 8 to 11
Never let it be said that Uganda doesn’t stand shoulder to shoulder with its more famous neighbours, Kenya and Tanzania, when it comes to thrilling wildlife encounters. Queen Elizabeth National Park, tucked beneath the towering Rwenzori Mountains in south-western Uganda, is a safari treasure waiting to be discovered.
Divided by the meandering Kazinga Channel—a waterway teeming with hippos, crocodiles, and perfect for a boat safari—the park’s landscape is an enchanting blend of wetlands, lush forests, and sweeping savannah. It’s also the ideal backdrop for spotting lions, leopards, and elephants, while over 600 bird species add a symphony of colours to the scene. For the ultimate adventure, make your way to the remote Ishasha sector, where the elusive tree-climbing lions still hold court, making for an unforgettable, bucket-list moment.
STAY: Kyambura Gorge Lodge
Kyambura is definitely on our list of favourite lodges in Uganda. Originally a coffee farm, the old processing buildings have been given the ultimate safari makeover and are a voguish tribute to all things Afro-chic. But coffee hasn’t been entirely forgotten – the lodge is surrounded by plantations of the shiny black beans and directly supports a cooperative of women growers.
It’s sustainable and stylish but there ‘s also plenty of activities including trekking chimpanzee in the gorge, game drives in Queen Elizabeth NP, coffee tours and lots of hiking.
VISIT: Bwindi – Day 11 to 14
The Impenetrable Forest certainly lives up to its name. The dense maze of jungle ferns and knotted vines that cloak Bwindi’s ancient 25,000-year-old forest is so thick, it’s as if the very earth itself conspires to keep you guessing about your next step. Hiking here is a challenge—every path feels like it could swallow you whole—but the reward is nothing short of magical.
For as you emerge from the jungle’s embrace and come face-to-(coal black) face with one of Bwindi’s mighty mountain gorillas, the experience is spell-binding. This forest is not only one of the planet’s most ecologically rich and florally diverse, it’s the only one that harbours both mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. If primates are your passion, Bwindi is your sanctuary.
STAY: Bwindi Lodge
Overlooking the primeval Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Bwindi Lodge is a lovely location from which to trek endangered mountain gorillas, who occasionally cross the little stream that separates the lodge from the forest and roam the grounds. The staff anticipate your every need – there’s a drink (hot or cold) for your return, someone will take your clothes for laundering, your shoes will be polished and your grumbling stomach will be well fed. This is not canned tourism – it’s the real deal, African style.