15-Day Self-Drive Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari Itinerary

Experience the thrill of a self-drive safari through Uganda’s awe-inspiring landscapes, rich wildlife, and vibrant cultures. This 15-day Uganda self drive journey includes gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris, cultural visits, and nature explorations. Choose accommodations that suit your budget: low-cost lodges, mid-range stays, or luxury retreats.

Detailed 15 Days Self Drive Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport and pick up your 4×4 vehicle, fully equipped for your self-drive adventure. Spend the evening unwinding or exploring local attractions such as the Entebbe Botanical Gardens or Uganda Wildlife Education Centre.

• Accommodation options:
  • Low: Entebbe Backpackers Hostel
  • Mid: 2 Friends Beach Hotel
  • Luxury: Protea Hotel by Marriott Entebbe

Day 2: Drive to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Kick off your adventure with a drive to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, home to Uganda’s only wild rhinos. Enjoy a guided walking safari to see rhinos up close. Spend the night nearby, ready for the journey ahead.

• Accommodation options:
  • Low: Amuka Lodge Budget Rooms
  • Mid: Amuka Safari Lodge
  • Luxury: Ziwa Rhino Guesthouse (Private Cottages)

Day 3: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
Head to Murchison Falls National Park, stopping at the top of the falls to witness the Nile River squeeze through a narrow gorge and plunge dramatically. Settle in for the evening, enjoying the views of the surrounding savannah.

• Accommodation options:
  • Low: Red Chilli Rest Camp
  • Mid: Pakuba Safari Lodge
  • Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge

Day 4: Game Drive and Boat Safari
Wake up early for a game drive through the Buligi Game Tracks, spotting elephants, lions, giraffes, and more. In the afternoon, take a boat safari to the base of Murchison Falls, followed by an optional hike to the top of the falls.

• Accommodation options:
  • Low: Red Chilli Rest Camp
  • Mid: Pakuba Safari Lodge
  • Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge

Day 5: Drive to Kibale National Park
Embark on a scenic drive to Kibale National Park, known for its dense rainforest and high concentration of primates. Pass tea plantations and local villages before arriving at your lodge.

• Accommodation options:
  • Low: Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse
  • Mid: Isunga Lodge
  • Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge

Day 6: Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Swamp Walk
Track chimpanzees in Kibale Forest on a guided trek, then visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a nature walk among exotic birds, butterflies, and rare primates. Enjoy a cultural visit to nearby communities.

• Accommodation options:
  • Low: Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse
  • Mid: Isunga Lodge
  • Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge

Day 7: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, stopping at the equator for photos. Explore the park’s varied ecosystems, from grasslands to crater lakes. Relax for the evening, preparing for the next day’s activities.

• Accommodation options:
  • Low: Pumba Safari Cottages
  • Mid: Enganzi Lodge
  • Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge

Day 8: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Cruise
Enjoy a morning game drive, spotting leopards, lions, and buffalo in the Kasenyi Plains. In the afternoon, take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, where you’ll see hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birdlife.

• Accommodation options:
  • Low: Pumba Safari Cottages
  • Mid: Enganzi Lodge
  • Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge

Day 9: Explore Ishasha Sector and Drive to Bwindi
Visit the Ishasha Sector, renowned for its tree-climbing lions, before heading to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the ultimate destination for gorilla trekking. Spend the night near the park.

• Accommodation options:
  • Low: Ride 4 a Woman Lodge
  • Mid: Buhoma Lodge
  • Luxury: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp

Day 10: Gorilla Trekking Adventure
Set out early for an unforgettable trek into the dense forest to meet mountain gorillas. Spend a magical hour with a gorilla family, then return to your lodge for rest and reflection.

• Accommodation options:
  • Low: Ride 4 a Woman Lodge
  • Mid: Buhoma Lodge
  • Luxury: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp

Day 11: Drive to Lake Bunyonyi
Travel to Lake Bunyonyi, a serene retreat with over 20 islands. Enjoy the stunning scenery, swim in the bilharzia-free waters, or go canoeing.

• Accommodation options:
  • Low: Byoona Amagara
  • Mid: BirdNest @ Bunyonyi Resort
  • Luxury: Arcadia Lodge Bunyonyi

Day 12: Relax at Lake Bunyonyi
Spend the day at leisure, exploring islands, hiking, or simply enjoying the tranquility. Visit local communities for a cultural experience or take part in optional activities like zip-lining.

• Accommodation options:
  • Low: Byoona Amagara
  • Mid: BirdNest @ Bunyonyi Resort
  • Luxury: Arcadia Lodge Bunyonyi

Day 13: Drive to Lake Mburo National Park
Head to Lake Mburo National Park, a compact gem filled with zebras, elands, and impalas. Take an afternoon nature walk or enjoy a boat ride on Lake Mburo.

• Accommodation options:
  • Low: Rwonyo Rest Camp
  • Mid: Rwakobo Rock
  • Luxury: Mihingo Lodge

Day 14: Game Drive and Drive to Entebbe
Take a morning game drive in Lake Mburo before heading back to Entebbe. Enjoy a stopover at the Mpigi Royal Drum Makers to witness traditional drum-making techniques.

• Accommodation options:
  • Low: Entebbe Backpackers Hostel
  • Mid: 2 Friends Beach Hotel
  • Luxury: Protea Hotel by Marriott Entebbe

Day 15: Departure from Entebbe
Spend your last day exploring Entebbe, visiting craft markets or enjoying lakeside relaxation. Return your 4×4 vehicle before heading to the airport for your departure flight.

• Accommodation options:
  • Low: Entebbe Backpackers Hostel
  • Mid: 2 Friends Beach Hotel
  • Luxury: Protea Hotel by Marriott Entebbe

This 15-day self-drive safari balances adventure, wildlife, and cultural immersion, offering options to suit every traveler’s budget. With freedom and flexibility, you’ll experience the very best of Uganda.