13 Days Private tour to discover Uganda’s Best Safari

Discover Uganda’s Wild Side: A 13-Day Private Safari Review

When it comes to African safaris, Uganda ranks high for its captivating blend of wildlife, scenery, and cultural encounters. This 13-day private tour promises an adventure packed with memorable moments—think gorilla encounters, game drives, and boat trips—all tailored for those who want to see the best of what Uganda has to offer. While we haven’t taken this trip ourselves, a detailed look into this tour reveals why it’s a standout choice for wildlife lovers and adventure seekers alike.

What makes this tour particularly appealing? First, the chance to see the Big Five (buffalo, elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos) along with chimpanzees and mountain gorillas. Second, the variety of experiences—game drives, boat safaris, and forest treks—ensure you get a well-rounded view of Uganda’s diverse ecosystems. Lastly, the guides, especially Hilary, are praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to make every moment informative and fun.

However, a potential consideration is the long travel days involved, especially when crossing from Murchison Falls to Kibale and then to Bwindi. This can be tiring for some, but it also means you’ll see more of the scenic countryside and local life. This tour suits travelers who value immersive wildlife encounters, detailed guiding, and are prepared for some extensive road trips.

Who Is This Tour Best For?
This safari is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, first-time visitors wanting a comprehensive experience, and those eager to meet mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. It’s also suitable for travelers who appreciate knowledgeable guides and are comfortable with a packed itinerary spanning multiple national parks.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Itinerary: Covers Uganda’s top national parks, offering a balanced mix of wildlife, scenery, and cultural experiences.
• Wildlife Encounters: Big Five, chimpanzees, mountain gorillas, and birdwatching opportunities.
• Expert Guides: Highly rated guides like Hilary enhance the experience with their knowledge and friendliness.
• Variety of Experiences: Game drives, boat safaris, forest treks, and community visits keep the trip engaging.
• Value for Price: At $5,000 per person, the tour offers access to Uganda’s iconic wildlife and scenery with all logistics organized.
• Travel Comfort: Private tour arrangement ensures a personalized experience, with pickup and mobile tickets included.

Detailed Review of the 13-Day Uganda Safari

How the Trip Starts: From Entebbe to Murchison Falls

Landing at Entebbe Airport, travelers are greeted by a guide who takes care of the initial transfer to accommodations or offers a quick look at nearby attractions. This small touch of hospitality sets the tone for the trip. The first major stop is at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where you’ll have the chance to track the remaining white rhinos on foot—a rare and thrilling experience since these animals are quite endangered. Reviewers highlight the enthusiasm of guides here, with one noting how the staff’s knowledge made the encounter extra special.

Encountering the Big Five at Murchison Falls

The journey to Murchison Falls National Park is a highlight, especially with a stopover at Nakasongora to begin the Big Five search. The park’s game drives are a big draw—expect to see giraffes, elephants, buffalos, and perhaps the elusive lions or leopards. The early morning game drives offer the best wildlife sightings, as the animals are most active then. Reviewers like one who said: “Hillary is an excellent driver and guide! He is kind, funny, and very knowledgeable,” emphasizing how guides make or break the experience.

The boat trip on the Nile to the base of Murchison Falls is unforgettable. Watching the Nile roar through the gorge and drop 60 meters creates an awe-inspiring spectacle. The boat safari also offers close-up views of hippos, crocodiles, and a wealth of birdlife—ideal for birders or anyone who appreciates the sounds of the wild.

Long but Rewarding Road Trips: From Murchison to Kibale

One of the more physically demanding parts of the trip is the drive from Murchison to Kibale National Park, which takes around 6 hours. This road trip along the Rift Valley escarpment offers some of Uganda’s best scenery—lush greenery, lakes, and small towns. Reviewers mention that the views on this drive are worth the long hours, and it’s a chance to see rural Uganda up close. It’s a reminder that some of the best travel moments are found on scenic journeys.

Chimpanzee Trekking and Forest Biodiversity

Kibale National Park is renowned for its primate populations. The day begins early for a chimpanzee trek—an experience that truly lives up to the hype. While it can take between 2 to 6 hours to locate them, many reviewers rave about the guides’ ability to find these energetic apes and provide a clear, informative briefing. Once found, you’ll get around an hour to observe these intelligent creatures in their natural environment, which many describe as a moving experience.

Besides chimpanzees, the forest teems with other primates like colobus monkeys and mangabeys, plus a variety of colorful bird species. The sightings of Red Colobus and Olive Baboons add vivid detail to the day.

Queen Elizabeth National Park: Big Game and Birdwatching

Moving on to Queen Elizabeth National Park, the tour offers the chance to visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary—home to 138 bird species and eight primate types. This optional nature walk is appreciated for its biodiversity and community-led conservation efforts, which reviewers praise for making the experience both educational and responsible.

The next day’s highlight is the boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. Expect to see large hippo populations, crocodiles, and hundreds of water birds. Travelers have called this “spectacular,” especially with the chance to see the wildlife from a different perspective—on water. The boat safari runs along the banks and offers stunning views that photographers and nature lovers will cherish.

The Highlight: Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi

Transitioning from savanna to rainforest, the journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park marks the pinnacle of this safari. Long road trips are involved, but reviewers note the scenic beauty makes it worthwhile. Once in Bwindi, the gorilla tracking experience becomes the main event.

Early mornings are a must: you’ll receive a briefing about gorilla behavior, then head into the jungle in search of these gentle giants. The actual trek can last up to six hours, but many visitors find it completely worth it. Watching a family of gorillas in their natural habitat, often described as “once in a lifetime,” is an emotional highlight. Guides’ expertise in locating and explaining gorilla behavior enhances this encounter, which reviewers have called “magical” and “unforgettable.”

Relaxing at Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Mburo

After such intense wildlife encounters, the tour offers some downtime at Lake Bunyonyi, famed for its peaceful scenery and little islands. Visitors enjoy boat rides and visits to local communities, including the Batwa pygmies, adding a cultural dimension to the trip.

The final days shift focus to Lake Mburo National Park—smaller but unique in that it hosts zebras and impalas, with no elephants or lions. The park offers quiet game drives and walking safaris, which many reviewers have said are a great way to end a busy safari—less crowded, more personal.

Practicalities and Overall Value

At $5,000 per person, this tour balances the cost with a rich selection of activities, expert guides, and comfortable transportation. Reviewers commend the private setup, as it means your group moves at your pace, with tailored attention. Meals are included, and the tour is designed for most travelers, with a flexible cancellation policy and pickup service.

The reviews highlight how guides like Hilary make a difference—his knowledge, friendliness, and fluent English turn the trip into a genuinely engaging experience. Guests also appreciate the logistics, with smooth transitions between parks and well-organized safaris.

Final Thoughts

This 13-day Uganda safari offers a comprehensive introduction to the country’s wildlife and landscapes. It’s perfect for travelers who want a full, authentic experience—covering iconic parks, seeing mountain gorillas, and enjoying boat safaris—and who value knowledgeable guides. The combination of game drives, forest treks, and cultural visits makes for a well-rounded adventure.

While the journey includes some long travel days, the scenery, wildlife encounters, and expert guidance promise a trip full of unforgettable moments. The trip’s value lies not just in the sights but in the stories you’ll take home—stories about the guides, the animals, and the stunning scenery that makes Uganda one of Africa’s best safari destinations.

If you’re looking for a carefully curated, wildlife-rich safari with a personal touch, this tour might just be your next adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for first-time safari travelers?
Yes, it’s designed to cover Uganda’s major highlights, making it ideal for beginners who want a comprehensive experience with expert guides.

What wildlife can I expect to see?
Expect to see the Big Five (buffalo, elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos), chimpanzees, mountain gorillas, hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birds and smaller mammals.

Are the game drives and boat safaris included?
Yes, all major game drives and boat trips, including the Nile safari and Kazinga Channel cruise, are part of the package.

How physically demanding is the gorilla trekking?
It can last up to 6 hours and involves walking in hilly, forested terrain. Good physical condition helps, but guides will do their best to keep you comfortable.

What is the accommodation like?
While not specified here, tours of this type generally include comfortable lodges or tented camps close to the parks, offering good amenities amidst wilderness.

Can I customize the itinerary?
This is a private tour, so there is some flexibility. Discuss your preferences with the operator to tailor certain activities or timings.

What about weather considerations?
Uganda’s climate varies, and safaris are best in dry seasons. The tour is weather-dependent, and cancellations due to poor weather are fully refundable or offer alternative dates.

This detailed review aims to give you a true sense of what to expect from a 13-day Ugandan safari—wildlife, scenery, and cultural moments all wrapped into an experience that leaves lasting impressions.