Uganda Camping Safari Adventure
Uganda Camping Safari Adventure offers more than just pitching a tent or spending the night outdoors. This adventure takes travelers through some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes, creating unforgettable experiences with Uganda’s wildlife and natural beauty. A camping safari includes not only sleeping under the stars but also thrilling activities like hiking mountains, paddling across scenic lakes, and exploring nature trails. It’s an opportunity to enjoy Uganda’s spectacular landscapes, from lush forests and open grasslands to incredible wildlife and birdwatching.
Uganda has some of Africa’s most stunning scenery. With rolling hills, volcanic foothills to the east, grasslands, and tropical forests at the center, Uganda’s landscapes vary dramatically. The majestic Rwenzori Mountains, shared with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, rise along the southwestern border. Known as the “Mountains of the Moon,” they are among the highest mountain ranges in Africa. With such diverse landscapes, Uganda is ideal for camping safaris, making it a must-visit destination for safari enthusiasts.
We offer camping safaris for all budgets—low, mid, or high—so you can find the perfect adventure within your means.
Your safari begins in Entebbe, moving north to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where you can see the endangered white rhinos and learn about conservation efforts to protect them. From here, you’ll journey to the impressive Murchison Falls, where the Nile River crashes through a narrow gorge, creating a spectacular waterfall. You’ll explore this area through game drives and a boat cruise along the Victoria Nile, giving you a chance to spot a variety of wildlife.
The adventure continues as you track rhinos and head to Semuliki National Park, famous for its hot springs and crater lakes. You’ll then travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you might see tree-climbing lions in Ishasha, one of the few places in Africa where these lions exhibit this unique behavior.
The journey reaches a peak at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where you can go gorilla trekking to witness these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Afterward, you’ll learn about the culture and traditions of the local Bakiga people, adding a rich cultural experience to your adventure. Finally, you’ll unwind at Lake Bunyonyi, known for its beautiful islands and relaxing canoe rides, before heading to Lake Mburo National Park, a great spot for bird watching and game viewing.
Your camping safari concludes back in Entebbe, filled with memories and the thrill of exploring Uganda’s wilderness.
Included / Excluded in Your Safari Package Costs
To make your trip as smooth as possible, here’s what’s included and not included in your safari package:
Included
- Accommodation
- Airport transfers
- Professional English-speaking guide
- 4WD safari vehicle and fuel
- Park entrance fees
- Gorilla permit ($700 per person)
- Drinking water and fruits on the road
- Cultural entertainment
- Canoe ride on Lake Bunyonyi
- Game drives in National Parks
- Chimpanzee tracking
- Bird watching
- Meals per chosen plan
- A Ugandan Rolex snack
- Boat cruise on Kazinga Channel, Queen Elizabeth National Park
Excluded
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses (e.g., laundry, tips, etc.)
13 Day Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
On arrival at Entebbe International Airport, an Iconic Africa Safaris guide will greet you and take you to your hotel in Entebbe.
Stay: Gorilla Neighbour Guest House (BB).
Day 2: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
On this day, you head north to Murchison Falls. Along the way, you’ll visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where you’ll see endangered white rhinos and learn about their conservation efforts. Before reaching our camp, we’ll stop at the top of Murchison Falls to view the powerful Nile River forcing its way through a narrow 7-metre gap.
Stay: Red Chilli Rest Camp (BB).
Day 3: Game Drive & Boat Cruise on the Nile
Start your day with an early game drive to spot lions, elephants, giraffes, and more. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on the Victoria Nile, where you can see crocodiles, hippos, and animals along the riverbanks. The boat will take you close to the falls, where you’ll see the water plunge 40 metres down.
Stay: Red Chilli Rest Camp (BB).
Day 4: Rhino Tracking & Transfer to Semuliki
Have an early breakfast, then head back to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a rhino-tracking experience. Afterward, we embark on a 6–7-hour drive to Semuliki National Park, where we’ll have dinner and rest for the night.
Stay: Semuliki River Camp (BB).
Day 5: Semuliki Hot Springs & Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, we’ll explore Semuliki National Park, stopping by the famous Sempaya hot springs and some crater lakes. You’ll see the volcanic soils that make this region fertile. Then, we’ll continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park, crossing the Equator along the way.
Stay: Kazinga Wilderness Camp (BB).
Day 6: Queen Elizabeth National Park Game Drive
An early morning game drive offers a chance to see animals like lions, buffalo, elephants, and antelopes. In the afternoon, take a boat trip on the Kazinga Channel, where hippos, buffalo, and various bird species gather near the water.
Stay: Kazinga Wilderness Camp (BB).
Day 7: Ishasha Sector
Today, we drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park to Ishasha, one of the few places where you can see tree-climbing lions. These lions love to lounge on the branches of fig trees, so keep an eye on the treetops during your game drive.
Stay: Ishasha Pride Lodge (BB).
Day 8: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Our search for the lions continues in the morning before we leave Ishasha and drive toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The journey takes us from the open savannah into lush rainforest, with some beautiful stops along the way.
Stay: Ruhija Community Rest Camp (BB).
Day 9: Gorilla Trekking
Put on comfortable shoes and take a walking stick as we prepare for an unforgettable day of gorilla trekking. This adventure can take between 2 and 6 hours, depending on where the gorillas are located, but the experience is one of Uganda’s best wildlife encounters.
Stay: Home of Bakiga (BB).
Day 10: Cultural Experience with the Bakiga People
Spend the day with the Bakiga community, an ethnic group in southwestern Uganda known for their rich cultural traditions. You’ll experience their vibrant music, dance, and storytelling, which reflect their heritage. By staying with a Bakiga family, you’ll have the chance to join in daily activities, such as farming or learning traditional crafts like basket weaving. Sharing meals and conversations with your hosts offers a genuine cultural exchange and creates lasting memories.
Stay: Home of Bakiga (BB).
Day 11: Lake Bunyonyi
After breakfast, we drive to Lake Bunyonyi, one of Africa’s deepest lakes. Here, you can paddle a traditional dugout canoe or swim in the clean, safe waters, as Lake Bunyonyi is free from hippos, crocodiles, and bilharzia.
Stay: Byoona Amagara Camp (BB).
Day 12: Lake Mburo National Park
This morning, we head to Lake Mburo National Park, known for its zebras, impalas, leopards, and over 300 bird species. Enjoy an afternoon game drive, or you can opt for a horseback safari or a boat trip on Lake Mburo.
Stay: Leopard Rest Camp (BB).
Day 13: Return to Entebbe
On your last morning, you can take an optional walking safari, a great way to get close to wildlife and spot birds. Then, we drive back to Entebbe, reaching the airport in time for your flight. We hope this journey has given you a taste of the incredible adventures Africa has to offer!
