Uganda Roadtrip: The ultimate 15-day safari itinerary + expert travel tips

Uganda, also known as the Pearl of Africa, is a destination that every nature lover and adventurer should have on their list. During this 15-day Uganda roadtrip, you’ll discover the very best the country has to offer: from gorilla tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Big Five safaris to the breathtaking natural wonder of the Nile River.

This route is perfect for anyone wanting to experience an unforgettable Uganda safari holiday filled with wildlife, culture and adventure. Want to enjoy this roadtrip without a single worry? Uganda Nomads offers complete trips that follow this exact route with every detail perfectly planned for you.

A well-planned route makes the difference between a nice holiday and an unforgettable adventure. This 15-day Uganda safari itinerary takes you along all the highlights with plenty of time to experience everything without ever feeling rushed.

The easiest way to start your journey through Uganda is by flying into Entebbe International Airport*, the perfect starting point for your roadtrip. As soon as you step off the plane, the warm, humid air welcomes you. This is Africa! With its wide boulevards, lush botanical gardens and colonial charm, Entebbe is the perfect place to unwind after your flight and slowly ease into the rhythm of Uganda. Since you’ll arrive in the evening, a relaxed night at a cozy hotel will be waiting for you.

Visit the local market for colourful fruits, taste freshly caught fish by the waterfront, or search for the rare shoebill stork along the shores of Lake Victoria. And did you know that Entebbe was once the capital of Uganda?

You’ll be brought to Kampala, where you will pick up your 4x4. From here, you’ll drive to Tukulu Eco Village, where you experience authentic Ugandan Culture. Local families welcome you with open arms and share their daily lives. Here, you can explore a local village, learn more about their dishes as they prepare a local lunch and see the coffee farming and processing process. You can also join for a local dance! This is the Uganda that few visitors see, life as it has been for generations, far away from the tourist routes.

Afterwards, you’ll drive on to Jinja, Uganda’s adventure capital, passing lush landscapes, lively villages and colourful markets along the way - a perfect introduction to the real Uganda.

Jinja is known as the adventure capital of East Africa. At the source of the Nile, you can enjoy adrenaline activities like white-water rafting, bungee jumping, and kayaking. The official source of the Nile is also a historical and spiritual highlight.

But travelers who prefer a more relaxed pace can also have a great time in Jinja. Take a leisurely trip on the calm Nile with a kayak or paddleboard, join a yoga session, or treat yourself to a massage at your lodge. You can also visit the official source of the Nile on an optional boat trip.

In the town center, you can grab a delicious coffee or lunch. And if you want a truly local experience? Hop on a boda boda – Uganda’s iconic motorbike taxi.

Today you continue your journey to Murchison Falls National Park, which will be a long driving day. On the way you can make a stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary where you can go with a ranger to spot the white rhino - a unique experience.

At the end of the day you’ll arrive at Murchison Falls National Park, where you’ll find another spectacular natural phenomenon of your journey. Here, the Nile is forced through a narrow gorge only seven meters wide, causing the water to plunge down with immense power. You’ll hike to the top of the waterfall for breathtaking views and take a boat trip along the river, where you can spot hippos, crocodiles and elephants. This raw natural power makes you experience Africa at its very best.

The next morning is all about wildlife, both on the water and on land. And with a bit of luck, you might even spot the entire Big Five. Start your day with a sunrise self-drive safari through the northern gate, where you’ll have the best chance to see giraffes, elephants, buffalo, kobs and maybe even lions or a leopard.

Today features a longer driving day, but the destination makes it all worthwhile. Along the way, you'll pass through savannas, stunning landscapes, tea plantations and vibrant villages. The journey itself is already an experience!

By late afternoon, you’ll reach the lush Kibale Forest National Park, one of the best places in Africa for chimpanzee trekking and rainforest exploration. The park’s incredible biodiversity, scenic crater lakes and tropical atmosphere make it a highlight of any Uganda safari itinerary.

Located in the heart of Uganda, Kibale Forest is famous for its wide variety of primate species.
One of the highlights here is a guided walk through the forest in search of wild chimpanzees in Uganda. The sounds of snapping branches and their familiar “ooh-ooh” calls bring you closer to our closest relatives. Chimpanzees are playful, curious and sometimes almost human in their behavior. It’s a truly special experience to observe them in their natural habitat, guided by experienced local experts. You’ll need a special permit for this activity, but if you’re traveling with Uganda Nomads, they’ll take care of all the arrangements for you.

Today, you will start with a short drive from Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park. This park offers everything you’re looking for in an African safari. With a bit of luck, you can spot several of the Big Five here. Lions lounge beneath the acacia trees, elephants wander peacefully across the plains, and buffalo graze in the tall grass. On a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, you’ll cruise past thousands of animals—from hippos and crocodiles to more than 600 bird species. The park is also famous for its rare tree-climbing lions, an unforgettable sight you may be lucky enough to encounter.

From Queen Elizabeth, you’ll travel to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to nearly half of the world’s mountain gorillas. Only about 1,000 of these powerful primates remain in the wild. 

The next day will be all about the Gorilla trekking! It is an intense but truly unforgettable experience. You’ll hike through dense rainforest and sometimes steep trails in search of these magnificent creatures. The moment you come face to face with a silverback, you’ll understand why this is the absolute highlight of your Uganda roadtrip. Uganda Nomads arranges the special permits, so you can fully enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime encounter.

After your wildlife experience during the gorilla safari, it’s time to unwind at the stunning Lake Bunyonyi. This lake, tucked between rolling green hills, is known as the “place of many little birds.” With its 29 small islands and serene atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot for a boat trip, a hike along the terraced landscapes or simply a moment of pure relaxation. Lake Bunyonyi feels almost like a touch of Switzerland in Africa and is the ideal place to unwind before the adventures of your Uganda holiday begin.

Lake Mburo National Park has an intimate atmosphere that immediately puts you in the safari mood. Zebras graze peacefully across the open plains, a rare sight in Uganda, as this is the only park where you’ll find them!

At Lake Mburo you can even go on a walking safari in Uganda with a guide. The experience of walking among wild animals is truly surreal. Giraffes curiously look down at you while impalas leap gracefully away. A boat trip on Lake Mburo reveals hippos, crocodiles and over 300 bird species.

Start your day with one last safari, whether by car, on foot or by bike, to get up close to the park’s wildlife. After your morning adventure, start the journey back to the vibrant Kampala: the perfect finale to your Uganda safari holiday. Kampala is also known as “the city of seven hills.” Once built on seven hills, such as the historic Kasubi Hill, where you can find the impressive Kasubi Royal Tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the resting place of the kings of the Buganda Kingdom. Kampala is a lively city where tradition and modernity come together, with colorful markets, vibrant culture and a warm atmosphere.

Do you want to experience this entire journey without any worries? Check out our complete Uganda Nomads roadtrip for a fully planned 15-day Uganda holiday.