11 Days Uganda Safari – Budget Wildlife and Gorilla Trekking Itinerary

Experience the Ultimate 11 Days Uganda Safari – Wildlife, Gorillas & Budget Adventure

This 11 Days Uganda Safari is your gateway to one of Africa’s most biodiverse, affordable, and breathtaking adventures. This carefully curated itinerary blends soft adventure, wildlife encounters, and cultural moments into a once-in-a-lifetime journey across Uganda’s most iconic destinations.

Starting from Entebbe or Kigali, this budget safari is designed for travelers who want the full African experience without breaking the bank. From tracking the Big Five on savannah game drives to hiking through ancient rainforests in search of endangered mountain gorillas, every day on this tour offers something extraordinary. You’ll witness the explosive power of Murchison Falls, cruise the legendary Nile River, walk beside white rhinos at Ziwa Sanctuary, and glide across the tranquil waters of Lake Bunyonyi in a dugout canoe.

The 11 Day Uganda Safari is more than just a wildlife tour—it’s a deep dive into Uganda’s natural wonders, guided by expert local guides and supported by handpicked budget-friendly lodges at every stop. Whether you’re a photographer, birding enthusiast, or first-time Africa traveler, this route delivers maximum diversity in a compact, well-paced itinerary.

Ready to explore Uganda’s most unforgettable landscapes, from open plains to misty forests? This 11 Day Uganda Safari is the adventure you’ve been waiting for—wild, authentic, and completely within reach.

11 DaysUganda Safari – Itinerary Summary at a Glance

Day 1 – Arrival in Entebbe
Arrive in Uganda, meet your guide, and rest at a budget lodge in Entebbe.

Day 2 – Transfer to Jinja
Travel east to the Source of the Nile. Optional sunset cruise, quad biking, or horseback riding.

Day 3 – Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary & Murchison Falls
Track wild rhinos on foot, then continue to Murchison Falls National Park. Visit the top of the falls.

Day 4 – Murchison Falls Game Drive & Boat Safari
Morning game drive for lions, giraffes, elephants. Afternoon boat cruise to the base of the falls.

Day 5 – Birding or Delta Cruise, Transfer to Kibale
Optional birding or delta boat trip. Drive to Fort Portal/Kibale Forest region.

Day 6 – Bigodi Wetland or Chimp Trekking, Transfer to Queen Elizabeth NP
Morning nature walk or chimp trek, followed by scenic transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Day 7 – Kasenyi Plains Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Safari
Look for big cats, buffalo, and elephants. Afternoon cruise along the hippo-filled Kazinga Channel.

Day 8 – Ishasha Sector & Transfer to Bwindi
Travel via Ishasha, home of tree-climbing lions. Overnight near Bwindi Forest.

Day 9 – Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Hike through dense jungle to encounter endangered mountain gorillas. Unforgettable experience!

Day 10 – Birding or Cultural Walk, Lake Bunyonyi Canoe Ride
Morning activity in Bwindi, then transfer to scenic Lake Bunyonyi for canoeing and relaxation.

Day 11 – Return to Entebbe or Kigali
Drive back to Entebbe or Kigali depending on flight schedule. End of the 11 Day Uganda Safari.

11 DaysUganda Safari Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Entebbe: Welcome to Your 11 Days Uganda Safari

Your 11 Days Uganda Safari begins with a warm welcome upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport. Whether you’re flying in from Kigali, Nairobi, or Europe, our friendly driver-guide from Nextgen Safaris will be ready to greet you, assist with luggage, and transfer you to your budget lodge in Entebbe.

Today is about settling in, recovering from your journey, and getting oriented for the adventure ahead. After check-in, you’ll receive a detailed safari briefing covering the full 11 Days Uganda Safari itinerary—highlighting everything from gorilla trekking regulations to game drive timings and key packing tips.

Depending on your arrival time, you may have the option to enjoy a short sunset stroll along the shores of Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest freshwater lake. Entebbe’s calm, green setting offers the perfect transition into Uganda’s wild heart.

Recommended Budget Lodges in Entebbe:

• Airport Guesthouse – Ideal for late arrivals; clean and cozy.

• ViaVia Entebbe – Eco-lodge vibe with gardens and great food.

• Victoria View Guest House – Home-style comfort with local hospitality.

Meals: Dinner (if arriving before 7:00 PM)
Drive Time: Airport to lodge – Approx. 10–20 minutes

From tomorrow, your 11 Days Uganda Safari dives straight into action as you head east toward Jinja and the mighty Nile. But tonight, rest well and get ready for a truly unforgettable journey.

Day 2 – Transfer to Jinja: Source of the Nile & Soft Adventure

Your 11 Days Uganda Safari continues with an exciting journey eastward to Jinja, Uganda’s adventure capital and the historical Source of the Nile. After breakfast in Entebbe, your driver-guide will take you through lush countryside landscapes and bustling trading towns en route to the Nile basin.

Upon arrival in Jinja, you’ll have the option to relax or dive straight into a variety of soft adventure activities. Choose from a tranquil sunset boat cruise on the Nile, a guided visit to the exact point where the Nile begins its journey to Egypt, or more adrenaline-filled experiences like quad biking, horseback riding, or even kayaking.

Jinja is a laid-back town with a colonial charm, perfect for unwinding while still staying connected to nature and Uganda’s rich geography. This day is intentionally flexible so you can choose the pace and activity level that fits your travel style.

Recommended Budget Lodges in Jinja:

• The Nile Porch – Private bandas overlooking the Nile

• Nile River Camp – Backpacker-friendly with pool and bar

• Source of the Smile Guesthouse – Quiet, garden-style guesthouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive Time: Entebbe to Jinja – Approx. 3–4 hours

By evening, settle into your lodge and soak in the views of the world’s longest river. Your 11 Days Uganda Safari is just getting started, and Jinja sets the perfect tone for the adventure ahead.

Day 3 – Rhino Tracking at Ziwa & Murchison Falls National Park

Your third day on the 11 Days Uganda Safari takes you north toward Uganda’s most powerful waterfall—but not before making a special stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda where you can track wild white rhinos on foot.

Accompanied by a professional ranger, you’ll embark on a thrilling guided rhino walk, getting within a safe distance of these endangered giants. This conservation experience is not only exciting but also a critical step in reintroducing rhinos into Uganda’s national parks.

After lunch, continue the journey to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest protected area. Upon arrival, you’ll visit the Top of the Falls, where the mighty Nile squeezes through a narrow gorge just 7 meters wide before crashing 43 meters below. It’s one of the most dramatic sights you’ll witness during your 11 Days Uganda Safari.

Recommended Budget Lodge Options near Murchison Falls:

• Red Chilli Rest Camp – Affordable and close to park gate

• Fort Murchison Budget Tents – River views and great campfire vibes

• Heritage Safari Lodge – Simple, family-friendly accommodation

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive Time: Approx. 6–7 hours including stopover

Day 4 – Game Drive and Nile Boat Safari in Murchison Falls

This day of your 11 Days Uganda Safari is all about wildlife and water. Wake up early for a morning game drive across the northern savannah plains of Murchison Falls National Park, known for large herds of buffalo, elephants, giraffes, and predators like lions and leopards.

Your guide will take you through the Kasenyi or Buligi tracks depending on wildlife activity, ensuring you get the best sightings and photo opportunities. Bird lovers will also spot species such as the Abyssinian ground hornbill and the elegant saddle-billed stork.

In the afternoon, you’ll board a Nile River boat cruise upstream toward the base of the falls. Along the way, watch for hippos, Nile crocodiles, and elephants grazing on the riverbanks. The trip culminates in an optional guided hike to the top of the falls—a steep but rewarding climb that gives you a panoramic view of the Nile crashing through the escarpment.

Overnight: Return to your selected budget lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive/Boat Time: Game drive 3–4 hours; boat cruise 2.5 hours

As your 11 Days Uganda Safari continues, you’ll next head west into forested highlands, entering the rich primate territory of Kibale.

Day 5 – Optional Birding or Delta Boat Cruise, Then Transfer to Kibale Forest

The fifth day of your 11 Days Uganda Safari begins with optional morning activities in Murchison Falls National Park. Early risers can choose a delta boat excursion down the Nile, where chances of spotting the rare shoebill stork are high. Alternatively, guests interested in birdwatching may enjoy a guided savannah birding walk, where over 450 species can be spotted in and around the park.

After your morning excursion, begin the scenic transfer southward toward Kibale Forest, one of Africa’s most important primate habitats. The drive winds through the Albertine Rift Valley and lush farmland, offering occasional views of the Rwenzori Mountains if the skies are clear.

This is a full travel day, but your arrival in the Fort Portal/Kibale region introduces you to a completely different ecosystem—mid-altitude tropical forest, rich in biodiversity. In the evening, relax at a budget lodge and prepare for the next leg of your 11 Days Uganda Safari: primates and crater lakes.

Recommended Budget Lodges near Kibale Forest:

• Rweteera Safari Park – Budget bandas near crater lakes

• Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse – Affordable and scenic views

• Kibale Guest Cottages – Practical and close to the park

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive Time: Approx. 6–7 hours

Day 6 – Bigodi Wetland Birding or Chimpanzee Trekking, Transfer to Queen Elizabeth NP

Today’s highlights offer a blend of biodiversity and immersive forest encounters. Depending on your preference and permit availability, you can either begin your day with a guided chimpanzee trekking experience in Kibale Forest National Park, or opt for a birding and primate walk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. Both activities bring you face-to-face with Uganda’s rich primate population—including red colobus, black-and-white colobus, L’Hoest’s monkeys—and dozens of bird species.

After the morning excursion, enjoy lunch and then proceed to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most scenic savannah reserve. The drive south passes through rolling tea plantations and volcanic crater lakes, making for a photogenic mid-day transfer.

Upon arrival in Queen Elizabeth NP, check in to a budget-friendly lodge near the park entrance. You’re now entering classic Big Game territory, and your 11 Days Uganda Safari is about to deliver some of the best wildlife viewing in the country.

Recommended Budget Lodges in Queen Elizabeth National Park:

• Pumba Safari Cottages – Budget, great views

• Engiri Game Lodge – Tented rooms, close to entrance

• Tembo Safari Lodge – Affordable and family-friendly

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive Time: Approx. 3 hours

Day 7 – Game Drive in Kasenyi Plains and Boat Safari on the Kazinga Channel

The seventh day of your 11 Days Uganda Safari starts with a sunrise game drive in the Kasenyi Plains, one of Queen Elizabeth National Park’s most wildlife-rich sectors. This area is home to large prides of lions, Ugandan kobs, elephants, and buffaloes—alongside hyenas, warthogs, and various antelope species.

The open plains provide excellent visibility and photo opportunities, and your guide will help track wildlife activity for the best sightings. Bird enthusiasts can expect to spot ground hornbills, vultures, and dozens of raptor species.

In the afternoon, embark on a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, a 32-kilometer natural waterway connecting Lake Edward and Lake George. This channel is famous for its high concentration of hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes, and hundreds of water birds such as African fish eagles and kingfishers.

The boat trip is relaxing, informative, and one of the most memorable experiences of the 11 Days Uganda Safari.

Overnight at your selected budget lodge in Queen Elizabeth NP.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Game drive duration: 3–4 hours
Boat cruise duration: 2 hours

Day 8 – Ishasha Sector Tree-Climbing Lions & Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Your 11 Days Uganda Safari takes an exciting turn southward today as you drive through the Ishasha Sector—a remote part of Queen Elizabeth National Park known for its rare tree-climbing lions. Keep your eyes on the fig and acacia trees; this is one of only two places in Africa where lions are frequently spotted lounging in branches.

The drive through Ishasha is also scenic and filled with wildlife. Expect sightings of topis, elephants, and various forest antelope species.

Continue the journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the home of nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features dense montane rainforest and dramatic slopes, setting the stage for tomorrow’s life-changing gorilla trek.

Upon arrival, check into your budget lodge in either Buhoma, Rushaga, or Ruhija sector, depending on your gorilla permit allocation.

Recommended Budget Lodges in Bwindi:

• Buhoma Community Rest Camp – Affordable and community-supported

• Broadbill Forest Camp – Ideal for birders

• Rushaga Gorilla Camp – Close to briefing point

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive Time: Approx. 5–6 hours (with game drive through Ishasha)

Day 9 – Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

This is the highlight of your 11 Days Uganda Safari: a full day dedicated to one of the most moving wildlife encounters on Earth—mountain gorilla trekking in the dense jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. You’ll be assigned to a specific gorilla family and join a small trekking group led by expert guides and trackers. The hike through Bwindi’s mist-covered hills can range from 2 to 6 hours depending on the gorillas’ location, but every step is worth it.

Once you find the gorilla group, you’ll be allowed one magical hour in their presence—watching juveniles play, silverbacks patrol, and mothers care for infants. It’s an emotional and unforgettable moment that defines the 11 Days Uganda Safari.

After the trek, return to your lodge to relax and process the experience. In the evening, you may choose to attend a cultural performance by the Batwa community (optional).

Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
Trekking Duration: 2–6 hours (moderate to strenuous)

Day 10 – Birding or Cultural Walk, Then Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

After yesterday’s adventure, enjoy a slower-paced morning with an optional birding walk, guided forest stroll, or a community visit to learn more about the local culture and conservation.

Later, transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, a scenic crater lake surrounded by lush hills and dotted with 29 islands. Known as the “Lake of a Thousand Islands,” Bunyonyi offers a peaceful contrast to the wild forests of Bwindi.

On arrival, enjoy a dugout canoe ride across the lake or simply relax at your eco-lodge. This is the perfect spot for reflection, rest, and optional swimming in the only bilharzia-free lake in Uganda.

Recommended Budget Lodges at Lake Bunyonyi:

• Byoona Amagara – Eco-friendly island lodge

• Crater Bay Cottages – Budget-friendly with lake views

• Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort – Family-friendly, with canoe rentals

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive Time: Approx. 2.5–3 hours

Day 11 – Return to Entebbe or Kigali – End of the 11 Days Uganda Safari

Today marks the conclusion of your unforgettable 11 Days Uganda Safari. After breakfast, begin the return journey either back to Entebbe or across the border to Kigali, depending on your departure plans.

If you’re flying out of Entebbe, the route takes you through the scenic Kigezi highlands and lush southwestern Uganda. For those flying out of Kigali, the cross-border transfer is shorter and offers great views of Rwanda’s terraced hillsides along the way.

Optional en-route stops can be arranged upon request, including craft markets, photo breaks, or a stop at the equator (if returning via Entebbe).

Your driver-guide will ensure you reach the airport in time for your onward flight, filled with memories of game drives, gorilla trekking, boat cruises, and cultural encounters that made this 11 Days Uganda Safari one of the most enriching travel experiences in Africa.

Meals: Breakfast
Drive Time:

• Lake Bunyonyi to Entebbe – Approx. 7–8 hours

• Lake Bunyonyi to Kigali – Approx. 4 hours

End of this Safari.

Ready to Book Your 11 Days Uganda Safari?

Experience the best of Uganda with this expertly curated budget itinerary—featuring game drives, gorilla trekking, Nile cruises, rhino tracking, and more. Our team at Nextgen Safaris will handle all the permits, logistics, and accommodation so you can focus on the adventure. Start from Entebbe or Kigali—customized for your travel dates and budget. Inquire Now for 2025–2026 Dates

Review

★★★★☆
“A perfect balance of wildlife, primates, and landscape. The gorilla trek in Bwindi was the most powerful moment of my life. I highly recommend Nextgen Safaris for this 11 days Uganda Safari itinerary.” – Emma L., USA