Duration
16-Day
Mabamba Swamp, Uganda
This expertly curated journey reveals Uganda's rich diversity of wildlife and birdlife. Cruise through Mabamba Swamp in search of the rare shoebill, witness the thunder of Murchison Falls, and spot savannah species on game drives and boat safaris. Track chimpanzees in Kibale, seek tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth, and meet mountain gorillas in Bwindi's misty forests. From forest canopies to riverbanks, this is a deeply rewarding adventure for passionate birders and wildlife lovers alike.
Plan snapshot
Duration
16-Day
Route
Entebbe to Entebbe
Via Mabamba Swamp, Murchison Falls NP, Kibale NP (Chimps)
Country & park
Uganda / Mabamba Swamp
Style
Mid-range safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
15 years
Activities
game drives, gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, nature hikes/walks & boat trip
Accommodation
The Boma Hotel - Mid-range guest house in Entebbe (City) – Meals at Own Expense
Meals
Meals at Own Expense; All Meals Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
USD
Rates
USD
Before booking
Quote flow
This mid-range tour uses lodges and guest houses.
This tour will be organized exclusively for you. However, wildlife viewing activities are run by the lodges/camps and will be shared with others.
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Solo travelers can book this private tour.
The minimum age for this tour is 15 years.
Day 1
Mid-range guest house in Entebbe (City) – Meals at Own Expense
Meals at Own Expense
Day 2-3
Mid-range lodge near Mabamba Swamp – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 4-6
Mid-range lodge just outside Murchison Falls NP – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 7-8
Mid-range lodge bordering Kibale NP (Chimps) without fences – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 9
Luxury lodge inside Toro NP – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 10
Mid-range lodge bordering Kibale NP (Chimps) without fences – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 11
Luxury lodge inside Queen Elizabeth NP – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 12-14
Mid-range lodge bordering Bwindi Impenetrable NP (Gorillas) without fences – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 15
Mid-range lodge just outside Lake Mburo NP – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 16
(No accommodation)
Breakfast Included
Tour step
You'll be collected from the airport. Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.
Day 1
Upon landing at Entebbe International Airport, a private chauffeur will escort you on a brief five-minute transfer to the Boma Guesthouse. This boutique 1940s-style retreat seamlessly blends colonial heritage with African design, overlooking lush tropical gardens and the vast expanse of Lake Victoria. Depending on your arrival time, you can spend the afternoon exploring Entebbe on a complimentary bicycle, strolling through the nearby Botanical Gardens, or joining your guide for an introductory bird-watching session to kick off your Ugandan adventure. Mid-range guest house located in Entebbe (City) Meals at own expense Drinks not included
Day 2
Today, take a brief 1.5-hour drive from Entebbe to the Mabamba Swamp. After settling in, you can explore the lodge's nature trails, which are home to a variety of resident birds and monkeys. This tranquil retreat is a birdwatcher's paradise and the perfect base from which to discover the surrounding wetlands, all while enjoying a spectacular sunset over the water. Mid-range lodge located near Mabamba Swamp All meals included Drinks not included
Day 3
Today is dedicated to seeking the elusive shoebill stork within the tranquil channels of the Mabamba Swamp. Embarking on boat excursions, you’ll maximize your chances of encountering the area's resident breeding pairs while silently gliding through the wetlands. Beyond the iconic shoebill, keep an eye out for a vibrant array of birdlife, including the malachite kingfisher and blue-breasted bee-eater, making for a truly immersive and rewarding bird-watching experience. Mid-range lodge located near Mabamba Swamp All meals included Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
Day 4
Today's drive heads north from the Mabamba Swamps towards Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda's largest protected area. En route, consider an optional stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary — the only place in Uganda to see wild rhinos and a vital conservation success story. On arrival at Murchison Falls, settle into your chosen accommodation on the scenic banks of the Nile, ready to explore one of East Africa's most spectacular wilderness areas. Mid-range lodge located just outside Murchison Falls NP All meals included Drinks not included
Day 5
Explore Murchison Falls National Park with two included boat cruises — one to the thundering base of the falls along the Nile, where hippos, crocodiles and elephants gather at the water's edge, and a second cruise to the Delta, one of Uganda's finest spots for birdwatching and game viewing. Included game drives across the park's sweeping savannah offer the chance to spot giraffes, lions, leopards and buffalo. For those wishing to explore further, optional activities include chimpanzee trekking, a walk through the ancient Budongo Forest and a visit to the Kaniyo Pabidi Ecotourist Site. Mid-range lodge located just outside Murchison Falls NP All meals included Drinks not included
Day 6
Spend another day immersed in the remarkable wilderness of Murchison Falls National Park, with an included walk to the Top of the Falls — a breathtaking vantage point where the entire Nile forces itself through a narrow seven-metre gorge. With the park's vast landscapes still to discover, keep watch for chimpanzees in the forest fringes and the park's remarkable diversity of birdlife, before a final evening game drive brings your Murchison Falls adventure to a memorable close. Mid-range lodge located just outside Murchison Falls NP All meals included Drinks not included
Day 7
Today's drive takes you south from Murchison Falls through Uganda's ever-changing landscapes towards Kibale National Park, widely regarded as the primate capital of the world. As the sweeping savannahs give way to lush montane forest, anticipation builds for the chimpanzee encounters and extraordinary wildlife experiences that await in one of Africa's most biodiverse corners. Mid-range lodge bordering Kibale NP (Chimps) without fences All meals included Drinks not included
Day 8
Set out with expert guides into the ancient forest of Kibale National Park for one of Uganda's most thrilling wildlife encounters — chimpanzee trekking. Home to over 1,500 chimpanzees, Kibale offers some of the best primate tracking in Africa, as you follow your guides through the dense forest in search of these remarkable creatures. The experience of encountering chimpanzees in their natural habitat — hearing their calls echo through the canopy and watching their complex social interactions unfold — is truly unforgettable. Mid-range lodge bordering Kibale NP (Chimps) without fences All meals included Drinks not included
Day 9
Today's drive takes you west from Kibale towards the remote and rarely visited Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve, one of Uganda's best-kept secrets. Bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo, this ancient landscape of savannah and forest sits at the foot of the Blue Mountains, offering a wonderfully off-the-beaten-track finale to your Ugandan adventure. Luxury lodge located inside Toro NP All meals included Drinks not included
Day 10
Spend the day exploring the remote wilderness of Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve. Morning and evening game drives reveal a fascinating mix of Congolese and East African wildlife species rarely seen elsewhere in Uganda, while guided walking safaris offer an intimate ground-level perspective on the reserve's diverse ecosystems. As the day winds down, sundowners on the shores of Lake Albert make for a spectacular end to the day, with optional boat activities on the lake offering yet another angle on this extraordinary and little-visited corner of Uganda. Mid-range lodge bordering Kibale NP (Chimps) without fences All meals included Drinks not included
Day 11
Today's drive takes you southeast from Toro-Semliki towards Queen Elizabeth National Park, passing through ever-changing landscapes of savannah and forest. En route, enjoy an included cruise along the Kazinga Channel — the natural waterway connecting Lakes George and Edward — where hippos, buffalo, elephants and an extraordinary variety of birdlife gather along the banks in remarkable numbers, before arriving at your chosen accommodation for the night. Luxury lodge located inside Queen Elizabeth NP All meals included Drinks not included
Day 12
Today's drive heads south through Queen Elizabeth National Park towards Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, passing through the remote Ishasha sector — famous for its remarkable tree-climbing lions — where an included community visit offers a fascinating and authentic insight into the lives and traditions of the local people who call this extraordinary corner of Uganda home. As the forest canopy thickens and the landscape transforms, anticipation builds for the gorilla encounters that await in Bwindi. Mid-range lodge bordering Bwindi Impenetrable NP (Gorillas) without fences All meals included Drinks not included
Day 13
Today marks the pinnacle of your adventure as you set out for an unforgettable gorilla trek within the renowned Bwindi forest. In a small group of no more than eight people, you will journey through the dense foliage for anywhere from one to six hours, depending on where the gorillas nested the previous night. While the search for these magnificent mountain gorillas is the primary focus, the trek also offers a wealth of bird-watching opportunities and sightings of other resident primates, making your journey through this ancient canopy a truly immersive wildlife experience. Mid-range lodge bordering Bwindi Impenetrable NP (Gorillas) without fences All meals included Drinks not included
Day 14
Today offers the choice of a second gorilla trek (at an additional cost) deep into the ancient forest of Bwindi, where another hour in the presence of these magnificent mountain gorillas never fails to leave a lasting impression. Alternatively, spend the day visiting local villages and community projects, gaining a fascinating insight into the lives and traditions of the communities living alongside one of the world's most precious wildlife habitats. Mid-range lodge bordering Bwindi Impenetrable NP (Gorillas) without fences All meals included Drinks not included
Day 15
Transition to Lake Mburo National Park for a more active safari experience, featuring game drives, immersive bush walks, and scenic mountain bike tours. You will be hosted at the eco-conscious Rwakobo Rock Lodge, which sits atop a dramatic rocky outcrop at the park's edge. This picturesque location offers the perfect spot to unwind while watching resident wildlife like zebra and impala visit the watering hole just below the lodge. Mid-range lodge located just outside Lake Mburo NP All meals included Drinks not included
Day 16
Today, you will depart for Entebbe to connect with your onward international flight. En route, time permitting, you can pause at the Equator for a memorable photo opportunity at the center of the world. You’ll arrive at the airport in good time for check-in, marking the end of a truly spectacular Ugandan adventure. Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included
Tour step
Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost. You'll be dropped off at the airport.
Park fees (For non-residents)
Gorilla permits(One per person, non-resident)
Chimp permits(One per person, non-resident)
All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
A professional driver/guide
All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
All Taxes/VAT
Roundtrip airport transfer
Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section)
International flights (From/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Some meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Offered by
Wayfairer Travel designs luxury experiences in Africa, which aim to maximise the benefits to communities and conservation. Our dedicated Africa Specialists provide a tailor-made service to create personalized travel experiences for discerning travellers. All our trips are custom made and are designed around you. This means that you can travel on dates that are convenient for you, you can explore sights that interest you at your own pace and you can choose accommodation to suit your style and budget.
Offices In
United Kingdom, United States
Size
20-50 employees (Founded in 2012)
Member Of
ATTA, ATOL & ABTOT
Tour Types
Custom luxury tours that can start every day
Destinations
Botswana, Congo (Brazzaville), Congo (DRC), Eswatini, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Réunion, Rwanda, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Traveler feedback
Overall
5.0/5Communication
5.0/5Accuracy
5.0/5Value
5.0/5Safety clarity
5.0/5Cultural value
5.0/5We had a wonderful trip to Tanzania combining the national parks of Nyerere and Ruaha and the beach on Zanzibar. Communication with Jess and Thea at Wayfarer was great and everything worked smoothly for us with flights and transfers all on time- even in the remote area of Ruaha. Having done safaris in more popular areas we wanted the less frequented areas of Tanzania and weren’t disappointed. Mdonye old river camp in Ruaha is a distance from anywhere but you really do feel you have the park to yourselves- maybe spotting another vehicle from the camp is the only other vehicle you are likely to see- and great wildlife spotting- particularly lion and leopard. Lake Manze in Nyerere a different area of habitat but again few other vehicles. Both camps are rustic but quite comfortable and both catered superbly for my wife’s gluten and dairy intolerance . Breezes on Zanzibar was very good with superb staff service. Just great to chill out there after the safari week. Wayfairer catered well for the type of trip we were looking to do
Peter and Judith · United Kingdom
My husband and I plus one of our adult daughters spent three weeks in southern Africa - Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana and South Africa. Wayfairer listened to us and planned an extraordinary adventure. Every hotel, meal, transfer, flight, activity, was on time and exceeded expectations: Devils pool in Zambia was an absolute highlight - breakfast trip and the best coffee we had in three weeks, Bike tour of Victoria Falls gave us the lay of the land and the rainforest walk clearly demonstrated why you should not do the Devils Pool (as you view it from the Zimbabwe side - but do it anyway - the double rainbow as you look over the 110 metre drop is totally worth it!) . The Zambezi river cruise is also a delight as we paused mid river to allow a herd of around 40 elephants to swim across. The young bulls at the back wrestling with each other the entire way showed unexpected athleticism from these huge animals. Botswana was simply sublime. The government has supported and fostered a community tourist industry which 'adopts' you on entry. Chobe Game Lodge was our first stay - here you get the most exquisite animal encounters. An early game drive starts each day where we saw big cats - three prides of lions, an elusive leopard (remember to look in the trees!), giraffes, water buffalo, many antelopes and an array of beautiful birds. The all female guides are knowledgeable and determined to find whatever you want to see. This Lodge has the added advantage of location on the Chobe River so, you cruise after lunch - Crocodiles, Eagles, Hippopotamus, Baboons and hundreds of elephants! Then, the late afternoon game drive brings out the 'thirsty multitudes' as they prepare for the cooler evening and their search for dinner or their preparation to hide from becoming dinner! Three nights at Chobe then off to Camp Okavango in the delta - the flight in is a hoot - thermals off the desert create turbulence so it is a little rocky at times but the planes are well maintained and the pilots friendly and competent. We spent three nights at Camp Okavango amongst much song from the delightful staff. Nature walks each morning and river boats in the afternoon provided an entirely different animal experience - as we felt part of the landscape now. We walked through the animals environment and this ground level trek became our favourite adventure: warthogs and their litters feeding, antelopes, jackals, hyenas, elephants and of course hippo's. The guides were locals so they had thorough knowledge of this incredible, biodiverse environment. The delta is so full of life and a must do for any trip to Africa. We completed our trip in Cape Town staying at Seapoint and renting a car to travel around. In contrast to Johannesburg, Cape Town felt safe and welcoming. Driving is easy and the roads are readily navigable: highlights here were the climb up Lions Head (took us around 50 minutes to climb up - view is Wow!), Table Mountain cable, Cape of Good Hope and of course the Wine. Thank you Wayfairer - we are already deciding our next destination with you.
Kerry McEwan · Australia
We went to South Africa & Mauritius for 2 weeks.. It was a complicated tour which includes city tour, safari and beach holiday. Wayfairer organized everything greatly. We never faced with any delays or issues throughout the stay. They were always in touch to make sure we are doing well. Many thanks to everyone, special thanks to Eleanor & Ruth!
Ers · Switzerland
We've never used a tour operator for a holiday before but felt a bit intimidated about booking our first safari as we felt there was a mountain of inside knowledge we didn't have. Wayfairer gave us some absolutely essential advice about our options and this is the main reason we chose them above all the other operators. Then, once we had committed, not only did they understand exactly what we wanted and how to make it happen, but also provided unbelievable value for money while doing it. We had the experience of a lifetime and every detail was perfectly calibrated to the holiday we had asked for. I don't think you can get a better experience, with staff who are so knowledgeable and look after you so well, anywhere else. I would recommend Wayfairer to anyone and would definitely use them again in a heartbeat.
Danielle Cohen · United Kingdom
Practical answers
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
This tour accepts children who are 15 years and older.
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
The Boma Hotel - Mid-range guest house in Entebbe (City) – Meals at Own Expense. Meals: Meals at Own Expense
This tour starts and ends in Entebbe
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Operator policy
This tour is offered by Wayfairer Travel, not SafariBookings.
This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.
If you request changes to this tour, the advertised rates will likely change.
The exact order, contents and rates of this tour are subject to availability.
If an accommodation is fully booked, the operator will suggest a comparable alternative.
Gorilla tracking permits are subject to availability.
This tour is subject to the terms & conditions of Wayfairer Travel.
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