9–21 Days Uganda Safari Itineraries
Our 9-21 days Uganda safari itineraries are designed for travellers seeking a deeper, unhurried exploration of the Pearl of Africa. These extended Uganda safaris combine gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, classic wildlife viewing, scenic landscapes, and cultural encounters, all paced comfortably for long-stay travellers.
9-21 Days Uganda Safari Itineraries | Long & Extended Safaris
9–10 Day Uganda Safari
A focused long safari in Uganda featuring gorilla trekking, chimpanzees and one wildlife park at a comfortable pace.
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12 Day Gorilla & Chimp Safari
An extended Uganda safari combining gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking and scenic wildlife destinations.
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14 Day Uganda Safari from Kigali
A smooth long safari starting in Kigali, combining gorillas, chimps, wildlife and beautiful scenery.
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14 Day Luxury Uganda Safari
A refined long safari in Uganda with luxury lodges, private guiding, gorillas, chimps and wildlife parks.
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15 Day Primate & Wildlife Safari
An immersive extended safari Uganda experience covering gorillas, chimpanzees and multiple wildlife parks.
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16–17 Day Multi-Park Safari
A true multi-park Uganda safari with extended stays, reduced driving fatigue and rich wildlife experiences.
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18 Day Slow Travel Safari
A relaxed long safari in Uganda ideal for photographers and travellers who value depth over speed.
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19 Day Gorilla & Habituation Safari
An extended Uganda safari including classic gorilla trekking, habituation experience and wildlife safaris.
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20 Day Luxury Extended Safari
A premium long safari in Uganda combining luxury lodges, private travel and iconic wildlife destinations.
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21 Day Uganda Grand Safari
The ultimate long safari in Uganda covering the full circuit, from gorillas and chimps to remote national parks.
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Custom 9–21 Day Uganda Safari
Create a tailor-made long safari in Uganda designed around your pace, interests and accommodation style.
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9–21 Day Primate & Wildlife Safari
A flexible extended Uganda safari combining primates, wildlife, lakes and cultural encounters.
Request a QuoteWhy Choose a Long Safari in Uganda?
Choosing a long safari in Uganda allows travellers to experience the country in a far deeper, richer and more rewarding way than a short visit ever could. Uganda is one of Africa’s most diverse safari destinations, combining primate encounters, classic wildlife, dramatic landscapes, lakes, rivers, mountains, and vibrant cultures within one compact yet incredibly varied country. A longer itinerary is the key to unlocking this diversity without rushing.
One of the greatest advantages of an extended safari in Uganda is the ability to travel at a relaxed and comfortable pace. Uganda’s safari highlights are spread across different regions, and while distances are manageable, driving times can be long due to scenery, terrain, and road conditions. A longer safari reduces driving fatigue, allowing travellers to enjoy shorter transfer days, scenic stops, and rest days built naturally into the journey. This slower rhythm transforms the safari from a checklist into a true exploration.
Uganda is uniquely positioned for travellers interested in multiple gorilla and chimpanzee habitats. On a long safari, it is possible to combine gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park with chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest, Budongo Forest, or Kyambura Gorge. Extended itineraries even allow for multiple primate experiences, such as gorilla habituation, second gorilla treks, or visits to different chimp communities, options rarely possible on shorter trips.
A multi-park Uganda safari also shines best over a longer duration. Uganda offers a remarkable blend of classic savannah wildlife and forest ecosystems. Extended safaris allow seamless combinations of Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, and Lake Mburo National Park, each offering distinct landscapes and wildlife encounters. From lions and elephants to boat safaris on the Nile and Kazinga Channel, a long safari ensures no major region is skipped.
Beyond wildlife, Uganda’s scenery is exceptionally varied. Long safaris naturally include time around crater lakes, the Nile River, Lake Bunyonyi, Lake Victoria, and even optional hikes in the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains. This balance of wildlife, primates, and scenery makes extended itineraries ideal for travellers seeking more than just game drives.
Uganda is also perfectly suited for slow travel safari experiences. Travellers can spend more nights in each destination, enjoy guided nature walks, cultural encounters, community visits, and photography-focused activities without feeling rushed. This approach is especially appealing to photographers, mature travellers, families, and anyone who values depth over speed.
In essence, a long safari in Uganda transforms a holiday into a complete journey through one of Africa’s most diverse destinations. An extended Uganda safari offers flexibility, comfort, richer wildlife encounters, and a deeper connection to the landscapes and people of the Pearl of Africa making it the ideal choice for travellers who want to truly experience Uganda, not just visit it.
Uganda Safari Itineraries by Duration
One of the greatest strengths of planning a 9–21 days Uganda safari itinerary is the flexibility it offers. Uganda’s safari circuit allows itineraries to be carefully scaled by duration, ensuring that each journey remains well-paced, immersive, and logically routed. Whether travellers have just over a week or nearly a month, safari experiences can be tailored to balance primates, wildlife, scenery, and relaxation without unnecessary backtracking or long, exhausting drives. Below is an overview of how Uganda safari itineraries naturally unfold by duration, helping travellers choose the level of depth that best suits their travel style.
9–10 Days Uganda Safari Itinerary
A 9–10 days Uganda safari itinerary is ideal for travellers seeking a focused yet rewarding introduction to Uganda’s signature experiences. This duration allows for a strong emphasis on primates while still including a classic wildlife safari.
These itineraries typically combine gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park with chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest or Budongo Forest. To complete the experience, one carefully selected wildlife destination such as Queen Elizabeth National Park or Murchison Falls National Park is added for game drives and a scenic boat safari.
The pace of a 9–10 days safari is efficient but not rushed, making it suitable for travellers with limited time who still want a genuine long safari feel. It offers an excellent balance of forest and savannah ecosystems while laying the foundation for deeper exploration on longer trips.
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12–14 Days Uganda Safari Itinerary
A 12–14 day Uganda safari itinerary represents the most popular choice for travellers looking for a well-rounded and comfortably paced extended safari in Uganda. This duration allows for a richer blend of experiences without feeling compressed.
In addition to gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking, travellers can explore two to three wildlife parks, often including Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls National Park. The extra time also allows for scenic highlights such as crater lakes, the Kazinga Channel, Lake Bunyonyi, or Lake Mburo National Park, adding visual diversity and relaxation to the journey.
With longer stays in each destination, travellers enjoy reduced driving fatigue, more flexible activity scheduling, and opportunities for optional experiences such as nature walks, community visits, or additional game drives. A 12–14 day itinerary is ideal for couples, photographers, and travellers seeking a deeper connection to Uganda’s landscapes and wildlife.
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18–21 Days Uganda Grand Safari
An 18–21 days Uganda Grand Safari is the ultimate choice for travellers seeking a truly immersive multi-park Uganda safari experience. This extended duration allows for a complete circuit of the country, including both iconic highlights and remote, lesser-visited regions.
These itineraries typically feature multiple primate experiences, expansive wildlife safaris across Uganda’s major national parks, and visits to remote destinations such as Kidepo Valley National Park, renowned for its raw wilderness and dramatic scenery. With more time available, travel days are shorter, stays are longer, and the safari unfolds at a relaxed, unhurried pace.
A 18–21 days safari is perfectly suited for slow travel, offering deeper wildlife encounters, extended game viewing, cultural interactions, and optional activities such as hiking, birding, or second gorilla experiences. This level of depth transforms the safari into a comprehensive journey through Uganda’s ecological and cultural diversity.
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What You Experience on a 9–21 Day Uganda Safari
A 9–21 day Uganda safari offers one of the most diverse and immersive safari experiences in Africa. Over an extended period, travellers are able to explore Uganda’s extraordinary range of ecosystems, wildlife, primates, landscapes, and cultures at a relaxed, rewarding pace. These extended Uganda safaris are carefully designed to balance iconic highlights with deeper, more meaningful encounters that simply are not possible on shorter trips.
At the heart of any long safari in Uganda is gorilla trekking, one of Africa’s most powerful wildlife experiences. Extended itineraries allow gorilla trekking to be included in the most suitable location, either in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to the largest population of mountain gorillas, or in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, known for its dramatic volcanic scenery and intimate trekking environment. With more time available, travellers can opt for additional experiences such as a second gorilla trek or the Gorilla Habituation Experience, enjoying longer time with the gorillas and a deeper understanding of their behavior and conservation.
Equally compelling on an extended safari in Uganda is chimpanzee trekking, offering a fascinating contrast to gorilla encounters. Long itineraries commonly include chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park, widely regarded as the best place in East Africa to observe chimps in their natural habitat. Some routes also incorporate Budongo Forest, adding diversity through different forest ecosystems and chimp communities. With more days available, chimp trekking can be combined with forest walks, birding, and relaxed stays near the parks.
A defining feature of a multi-park Uganda safari is the opportunity to experience classic savannah wildlife alongside primates. Extended Uganda safari itineraries often include Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Kidepo Valley National Park, each offering a distinct wildlife and landscape experience. From elephants, lions, and giraffes to buffalo and diverse antelope species, longer safaris provide ample time for multiple game drives, varying light conditions, and unhurried wildlife viewing.
Boat safaris are another highlight that fit naturally into long Uganda safaris. Travelling at a slower pace allows time for scenic cruises on the Nile River in Murchison Falls National Park or along the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park, where wildlife congregates along the water’s edge. These boat experiences add a relaxed dimension to the safari, complementing game drives and providing unique photographic opportunities.
Beyond wildlife, extended Uganda safaris offer meaningful cultural experiences that enrich the journey. With additional time, travellers can visit local communities, learn about traditional lifestyles, explore village markets, and engage with conservation and cultural initiatives. These encounters provide context to Uganda’s landscapes and wildlife, creating a more complete understanding of the country and its people.
For travellers seeking physical activity and scenery, a 9–21 day Uganda safari also allows for optional hiking and nature-based experiences. This may include guided nature walks in national parks, scenic hikes in the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains, or leisurely walks around crater lakes and forest reserves. These activities add variety to the safari and are easily incorporated into longer itineraries without disrupting the overall pace.
Together, these experiences define what makes a long safari in Uganda so exceptional. An extended Uganda safari seamlessly combines gorilla trekking, chimpanzee encounters, wildlife safaris, waterways, landscapes, and cultural connections into one cohesive journey. With time on your side, each experience unfolds naturally, creating a safari that is deeper, more flexible, and far more rewarding than a short visit.
Travel Pace & Routes for Long Uganda Safaris
One of the key advantages of choosing a 9–21 day Uganda safari itinerary is the ability to travel at a comfortable, well-balanced pace. Uganda’s safari highlights are spread across different regions, and while the distances are rewarding, rushing between parks can quickly lead to fatigue on shorter trips. A long safari in Uganda allows travel days to be shorter, with more nights spent in each destination, giving travellers time to rest, absorb the scenery, and fully enjoy each experience.
Extended itineraries follow logical safari circuits that flow naturally from one region to the next, reducing unnecessary backtracking. Popular long safari routes may link Murchison Falls National Park in the north with Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and Lake Bunyonyi in the southwest, while longer journeys can continue to remote areas such as Kidepo Valley National Park. This thoughtful routing ensures that a multi-park Uganda safari feels seamless rather than exhausting.
For travellers seeking even greater comfort, domestic flights within Uganda can be incorporated into extended safari itineraries. Short flights between Entebbe and destinations such as Bwindi or Kidepo significantly reduce travel time while offering aerial views of Uganda’s diverse landscapes. These flight options are particularly appealing on a tailor-made Uganda safari, where comfort and efficiency are prioritized without compromising on experience.
A relaxed travel pace makes long Uganda safaris especially suitable for photographers and mature travellers. More time in each park means better light for photography, repeat wildlife sightings, and the flexibility to wait for special moments rather than rushing from one activity to the next. The slower rhythm also allows travellers to enjoy the journey itself, making a 9–21 day safari as enjoyable between destinations as it is within them.
Accommodation on 9–21 Day Uganda Safaris
Accommodation plays a central role in shaping the overall experience of a 9–21 day Uganda safari. Extended journeys allow travellers to stay in carefully selected lodges that complement the pace and style of the safari, whether budget-conscious, mid-range, or luxury-focused. Each itinerary is designed as a tailor-made Uganda safari, ensuring accommodation choices align with comfort expectations, location, and experience.
Budget accommodation on long Uganda safaris focuses on clean, well-located lodges and tented camps that offer excellent access to national parks without unnecessary frills. These properties provide comfortable rooms, friendly service, and scenic settings, making them ideal for travellers who prefer to invest more in experiences than in accommodation while still enjoying a well-organized safari.
Mid-range accommodation strikes a balance between comfort and value, featuring well-appointed safari lodges and permanent tented camps with private facilities, quality dining, and attractive natural surroundings. On a long safari in Uganda, mid-range lodges allow for restful nights and relaxing afternoons between activities, enhancing the overall flow of the journey.
For those seeking the highest level of comfort, luxury accommodation on extended Uganda safaris includes exclusive lodges and high-end tented camps offering spacious suites, personalized service, and exceptional locations. These hand-picked safari lodges are ideal for travellers who value privacy, refined comfort, and immersive settings. Luxury properties pair seamlessly with private safari accommodation, where dedicated guides, flexible schedules, and tailored services elevate the experience.
Across all accommodation levels, long Uganda safaris prioritize strategic lodge placement, ensuring minimal driving to activities and maximum time spent enjoying wildlife, landscapes, and relaxation. This thoughtful selection enhances comfort, supports a slower travel pace, and contributes significantly to the quality of an extended safari experience in Uganda.
Best Time to Visit Uganda for a Long Safari
Understanding the best time for a Uganda safari is an important part of planning a successful 9–21 day Uganda safari itinerary. One of Uganda’s greatest strengths as a safari destination is that it can be visited year-round, with wildlife and primate experiences available in every season. The ideal timing often depends on travel style, preferences, and the balance between weather, scenery, and crowd levels.
The dry seasons, typically from June to September and December to February, are widely considered the best time to visit Uganda for a long safari. During these months, roads are generally in better condition, walking trails are drier, and wildlife viewing is excellent as animals gather around water sources. These periods are particularly popular for extended safaris that combine multiple parks, as travel between destinations is smoother and activities run with minimal disruption.
The green season, from March to May and October to November, also offers distinct advantages for travellers on an extended Uganda safari. While there is more rainfall, the landscapes are lush, fewer visitors are on the road, and photography conditions are often exceptional. Long safaris during this period benefit from a quieter atmosphere, easier lodge availability, and, in some cases, more flexible pricing. For travellers who value scenery and a relaxed pace, the green season can be an excellent time to explore Uganda.
Importantly, gorilla trekking in Uganda is available year-round, making it possible to plan a long safari at almost any time of year. Gorilla permits are limited and should be secured well in advance, especially during peak dry-season months. When planning when to visit Uganda, combining permit availability with preferred travel conditions ensures the most rewarding experience.
How Much Does a Long Uganda Safari Cost?
The cost of a 9–21 day Uganda safari varies depending on several key factors, as extended itineraries are highly flexible and often customized. Rather than offering a fixed price, long safaris are best understood through price ranges that reflect travel style and level of comfort.
One of the main factors affecting the cost of a long safari in Uganda is group size. Private safaris for two travellers typically cost more per person than safaris shared by small groups, as vehicle, guide, and logistical costs are divided among fewer participants. Larger groups benefit from reduced per-person costs while still enjoying a personalized experience.
Accommodation level also plays a significant role in pricing. Budget lodges and camps offer excellent value for extended travel, while mid-range properties provide added comfort and amenities. Luxury lodges, featuring premium locations, spacious rooms, and personalized service, naturally increase the overall safari cost. A tailor-made Uganda safari allows travellers to mix accommodation levels across the itinerary to balance comfort and budget.
Another major cost component is permits, particularly for gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking. Gorilla permits represent a substantial portion of the overall safari cost and must be factored into any extended itinerary. On longer safaris, travellers may choose to include additional primate experiences, such as a second gorilla trek or the Gorilla Habituation Experience, which further influences the final cost.
Additional considerations include the choice of transport, such as domestic flights versus road travel, the number of national parks visited, and optional activities like boat safaris, cultural visits, or hiking experiences. Taken together, these factors typically place long Uganda safaris within a broad range, from comfortable mid-range options to high-end luxury journeys, ensuring there is flexibility for different travel preferences.
Ultimately, the best way to determine the cost of a 9–21 day Uganda safari itinerary is through a personalized quote that reflects travel dates, group size, accommodation preferences, and desired experiences.
Customize Your 9–21 Day Uganda Safari with Nextgen Safaris
A 9–21 day Uganda safari is not just a trip — it is a personal journey, and at Nextgen Safaris, every long safari we design is private, flexible, and tailor-made around you. We specialize in creating custom Uganda safaris that move at your pace, reflect your interests, and deliver a deeper connection to the Pearl of Africa.
Our private safaris give you complete freedom. You travel exclusively with your own professional driver-guide, allowing you to linger longer at wildlife sightings, adjust daily schedules, and explore without pressure. Whether you want more time with gorillas, additional game drives, or relaxed afternoons at your lodge, your itinerary adapts to you not the other way around.
With flexible travel dates, Nextgen Safaris makes it easy to plan an extended Uganda safari around your international flights, seasonal preferences, and permit availability. Longer itineraries also allow us to fine-tune routing, spacing destinations logically and minimizing long drives. For travellers who value comfort, we can seamlessly include domestic flights to shorten travel times while maintaining a rich safari experience.
Our strength lies in local expertise. As a Uganda-based safari operator, Nextgen Safaris, Jewel Gorilla Safaris, Pieland Gorilla Safaris and Elevana works closely with park authorities, trusted lodge partners, and local communities. This insider knowledge allows us to secure permits efficiently, select hand-picked safari lodges, and design routes that deliver the best wildlife encounters at the right time. Every tailor-made Uganda safari is crafted by specialists who know the country intimately and are passionate about delivering exceptional long safari experiences.
Whether you are travelling as a couple, family, photographer, or small group, a custom 9–21 day Uganda safari with Nextgen Safaris ensures privacy, comfort, and authenticity from start to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions – Long Uganda Safaris
Is Uganda suitable for long safaris?
Yes. Uganda is one of the best destinations in Africa for long safaris due to its diversity. A long safari in Uganda allows travellers to combine gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, classic wildlife safaris, lakes, mountains, and cultural experiences at a relaxed pace without excessive travel fatigue.
How many gorilla treks can I include on a long Uganda safari?
On a 9–21 day Uganda safari, it is possible to include more than one gorilla trekking experience. Depending on permit availability and travel pace, you may combine a standard gorilla trek with a second trek or the Gorilla Habituation Experience for deeper time with the gorillas.
Can I mix wildlife safaris and hiking experiences?
Absolutely. Extended Uganda safaris are ideal for combining wildlife viewing with hiking. Popular options include nature walks in national parks, scenic hikes around crater lakes, or guided treks in the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains, all integrated smoothly into the itinerary.
Is Uganda safe for extended travel?
Uganda is considered safe for extended safari travel when planned with a reputable operator. Nextgen Safaris provides experienced guides, well-maintained vehicles, and carefully selected routes and accommodations to ensure comfort and security throughout your journey.
Can my itinerary be adjusted during the safari?
Yes. One of the advantages of a private safari with Nextgen Safaris is flexibility. While core bookings such as permits are fixed, daily activities, rest days, and routing can often be adjusted during the safari to better suit your preferences.
When should I book a long Uganda safari?
We recommend booking a 9–21 day Uganda safari well in advance, especially if your itinerary includes gorilla trekking during peak travel seasons. Early planning ensures the best permit availability, lodge selection, and overall itinerary flow.
Is a private guide included on long Uganda safaris?
Yes. All long safaris with Nextgen Safaris are conducted with a dedicated professional guide, providing personalized service, in-depth knowledge, and continuity throughout your entire journey.
Plan Your 9–21 Day Uganda Long Extended Safari Itinerary
Your journey through the Pearl of Africa deserves more than a standard itinerary. A 9–21 day Uganda safari gives you the time, space, and flexibility to experience Uganda’s primates, wildlife, landscapes, and cultures in depth, and the right planning makes all the difference.
At Nextgen Safaris, we specialize in designing private, tailor-made Uganda safaris that reflect your travel style, pace, and interests. From securing gorilla permits to selecting hand-picked lodges and crafting logical routes, every detail is handled by local safari experts who know Uganda intimately.
Whether you are dreaming of multiple gorilla treks, classic wildlife safaris, scenic lakes, cultural encounters, or a slow, unhurried journey across the country, your long Uganda safari starts with a conversation.
