16-Day Group Safari in Uganda with a Driver
The vehicle to be used on this trip is a Toyota Hiace Drone or Safari Van (9-passenger seater), a low-consumption, comfortable and spacious van perfect for groups. An experienced professional driver is included, and the vehicle rental with driver is fully insured for complete peace of mind. All nights are spent in comfortable hotels within or near each destination. Park fees, permits (gorilla and chimpanzee tracking booked in advance by the company), and meals are handled by the group.
Purpose of the trip
This sample itinerary is designed for groups seeking a relaxed yet adventurous guided safari experience in Uganda. With a dedicated driver handling all the driving, you can focus entirely on the wildlife, landscapes, and activities while travelling the western route at a comfortable pace.
1 Day at Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Pickup from Entebbe Airport or your hotel early on Day 1 in the Hiace Drone/Safari Van. Drive to Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary (approximately 180 km, 3–4 hours). Enjoy a guided rhino-tracking walk on foot with experienced rangers – Uganda’s only wild white rhinos up close. Afternoon at leisure exploring the sanctuary trails for birds and other wildlife. Overnight at your hotel near the sanctuary.
3 Days in Murchison Falls National Park
After breakfast, your driver takes you north to Murchison Falls National Park (approximately 250 km, 5–6 hours). Over the next three days you will enjoy morning and afternoon game drives on the northern bank spotting elephants, giraffes, buffalo, Uganda kob, lions, and leopards; a relaxing boat cruise along the Victoria Nile to the base of the thunderous Murchison Falls; a short hike to the top-of-the-falls viewpoint; and the highlight chimpanzee tracking experience in the nearby Budongo Forest with habituated groups. Each evening you return to your hotel to relax after the day’s adventures.
3 Days in Kibale Forest & Fort Portal
Your driver continues southwest to Kibale Forest National Park (approximately 300 km, 6–7 hours). Over these three days you will do a guided Bigodi Wetland Walk for excellent birdwatching and primate viewing (no chimpanzee trekking in Kibale on this itinerary). One full day is spent exploring the stunning crater lakes around Fort Portal with scenic drives and short walks. You spend one night in Fort Portal itself for a relaxed evening in the cool highland town before continuing south. All nights in comfortable hotels.
4 Days in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Drive south into Queen Elizabeth National Park (short 2–3 hour transfer). Over four full days you will enjoy game drives across the Kasenyi plains and crater lakes for elephants, buffalo, Uganda kob, and lions; a memorable boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel spotting huge pods of hippos, crocodiles, and birds; plus optional evening drives or forest walks. Your driver ensures smooth transfers within the park. Relax each evening at your hotel with Rift Valley views.
2 Days in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Your driver takes you southeast via the Ishasha sector (approximately 3–4 hours) into Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The highlight is your pre-booked mountain gorilla trekking experience – a guided hike through the misty rainforest to spend one magical hour with a habituated gorilla family. The second day is for a short forest walk or community visit. Overnight at your hotel in the cool highlands each evening.
2 Days at Lake Bunyonyi
A short scenic drive (1–2 hours) brings you to Lake Bunyonyi. Spend two relaxing days canoeing between the lush islands, birdwatching, swimming in the bilharzia-free waters, and enjoying the terraced hills. Your driver is available for any short transfers. Evenings are spent at your lakeside hotel.
1 Day in Lake Mburo National Park & Return via Masaka to Kampala
Drive northeast to Lake Mburo National Park (approximately 4–5 hours). Enjoy a morning game drive or walking safari spotting zebras, impalas, giraffes, and buffalo. After lunch, continue to Kampala via Masaka (stopping for lunch or a short cultural visit if desired). Arrive in Kampala in the late afternoon, drop-off at your hotel or Entebbe Airport, and conclude your unforgettable 16-day group safari adventure across Uganda’s western highlights.