8 Days Uganda Safari with Authentic Homestays

Prepare yourself for an extraordinary adventure that begins the moment you touch down in Uganda. From a warm, family-style welcome dinner with your local guide to thrilling encounters with wildlife in some of the country’s most breathtaking national parks, this tour promises unforgettable experiences at every turn. You’ll traverse diverse landscapes, from the roaring Murchison Falls to the lush Kibale Forest and the wildlife-rich Queen Elizabeth National Park, each day offering new and exciting discoveries.

Whether you’re chimpanzee tracking in the dense forests, cruising the Kazinga Channel alongside hippos and elephants, or savouring the local culture and cuisine at authentic homestays, this journey immerses you in the very heart of Uganda. The perfect blend of adventure and relaxation awaits, making this tour a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Our 8-day itinerary for this Uganda tour is an example and fully customisable. Contact us(opens in a new tab) directly if you are interested in a personalised Uganda Safari or other East Africa tour packages.

All of our tours can be personalised. For most safari itineraries, we can offer luxury, mid-range or budget versions upon request. To find out more, contact us directly(opens in a new tab).

Prices indicated are per person (p/p).

Additional Pricing

Optional:

• Hot Air balloon ride: $380
• Flight to Kasese via Aerolink: One way $273 / Return $45
• A flight from Entebbe to Kihihi $287 one way, or $475 return – to shorten the travel time to reach the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
• German (or other language) guide: $240 per group – please inform us of this requirement when making your booking

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
Your adventure begins the moment you land! Your friendly guide will greet you at the airport and take you to his home, where you’ll be treated to a warm welcome dinner. Enjoy a cozy introduction to Uganda while getting to know your guide and his family, setting the perfect tone for the unforgettable journey ahead.

Overnight either at the guides home or at African Roots (dinner included depending on arrival time)

Day 2: Drive to Murchison Falls National Park
Today you’ll drive to Murchison Falls National Park, a protected area of over 4000 km2. If time permits, you will stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, a reintroduction program that has successfully bred over a dozen white rhinos and is the only place in Uganda where you can see rhinos. These good-natured animals can best be observed on an early game drive.

Murchison Falls National Park has 76 mammal species and 451 bird species. The Nile River winds through the park, drawing in Nile crocodiles, hippos, and the elusive Sitatunga antelope, a unique creature that thrives in both water and land. Lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos, the Rothschild giraffe, warthogs, the big forest pig, Uganda kob, topi and water buffalos are just a few of the great mammals you will see. If time permits, hike to the top of the falls and feel the power of the Nile River, which narrows under your feet from half a kilometre to only 7 m and plunges down 45 m.

Today, your accommodation awaits at Murchison River Lodge, an eco-lodge which is perfectly situated at the Nile. The safari thatched tents are the ideal accommodation to enjoy the sounds of nature.

Overnight at Murchison River Lodge (FB)

Day 3: Boat ride to the bottom of the falls
Your morning starts with an early game drive. You may wish to have your breakfast packed to take along with you, or you can have a full breakfast when you get back to the lodge. Admire the wildlife and bird life of Murchison Falls National Park and take advantage of asking your guide as many questions as you like on the way.

After the game drive, you will return to the lodge for lunch and an hour of relaxation by the pool before going on what will likely be one of the highlights of this safari – a scenic boat trip to the bottom of the Murchison Falls. There are excellent photo opportunities with lots of elephants, hippos, Nile crocodiles and buffalos sunbathing on the banks or looking for food.

Overnight at Murchison River Lodge (FB)

Day 4: Drive to Kibale Forest National Park
Today, your guide will drive you through Hoima to the breathtaking Kibale Forest, a lush expanse covering 795 square kilometres. This incredibly rich ecosystem is home to over 335 bird species—some of which are rare and found only here—and 13 species of primates, including chimpanzees, Red Colobus Monkeys, the elusive L’Hoest’s Monkey, Blue Monkeys, Gray-cheeked Mangabeys, Black-faced Vervet Monkeys, baboons, pottos, and bush babies.

A special experience awaits you today as you stay at a traditional homestay run by John Tinka, situated close to Kibale National Park and the Bigodi Wetlands. John’s deep love for tourism and nature conservation has shaped his life and provided a bright future for his family. After retiring from the Uganda Wildlife Authority, he dedicated himself to community tourism by creating an amazing project that supports both conservation and local livelihoods. At his welcoming “home away from home,” we’ll immerse ourselves in local traditions and enjoy a variety of authentic, delicious dishes.

Overnight at Tinka Johns Homestay in Bigodi (FB)

Day 5: Chimpanzee tracking
After breakfast, head to the Ranger Headquarters at Kibale Forest National Park by 8 am for an exciting chimpanzee trek.

These lively primates, our closest relatives, are a joy to watch as they play and interact in the fruit trees. Your experienced ranger will introduce you to the different members of the chimpanzee family, as well as the diverse bird species and plant life in the forest.

The forest trails are generally easy to navigate, and you’ll always be accompanied by knowledgeable rangers who will share the fascinating uses of various forest plants. Keep an eye out for the elusive forest elephants, which are smaller, more fur-bearing, and harder to spot than their savannah brothers. Depending on the season, you might also encounter large mammals like buffalo, giant forest pigs, and various antelope species.

Bird enthusiasts will be thrilled with the chance to spot some of the 335 bird species in the area. Look out for the Black and White Colobus Monkey, Red-tailed Monkey, and Gray-cheeked Mangabey. Butterfly and plant lovers will also be amazed by the extensive variety of rare and native species.

At noon, we’ll return to John Tinka’s homestay, where he and his sons will take us on a culinary journey through western Uganda, sharing insights into the unique aspects of their culture.

In the afternoon, visit the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. Walk along well-designed paths that lead you through towering papyrus in this remarkable wetland. With over 130 bird species, colourful butterflies, eight species of primates, and the rare semi-aquatic Sitatunga antelope, this sanctuary is a shining example of community-based tourism.

Overnight at Tinka Johns Homestay (FB)

Day 6: Departure to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Today you will journey to an Elephant Home campsite. Your driver will take you through Kasese, heading toward Queen Elizabeth National Park, nestled at the base of the Rift Valley with the stunning (and sometimes visible) peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains as a backdrop.

The northern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park is dotted with craters scattered among rolling hills. The park boasts over 600 bird species—more than any other national park in Uganda.

As we journey to our accommodation, keep an eye out for a variety of wildlife, especially elephants and Africa’s largest pig, the giant forest hog. If you’re lucky, you might even spot the elusive leopard!

Before settling into camp, we’ll visit the Rubona Honey Project to learn about the rare bees, their hives, and the honey-making process.

At the Elephant Home campsite, we encourage responsible travel in all our activities. Wildlife visits within the community offer sustainable opportunities for locals through tourism. The Elephant Home engages community members in tourism, leveraging the proximity to Queen Elizabeth National Park and its wildlife. By using tourism as a catalyst for community development and environmental conservation, we aim to shift local attitudes toward wildlife—especially elephants, which often threaten community gardens. The revenue from tourism supports the local population through skill-building, markets for their products, educational sponsorships, and other development initiatives.

Overnight at Elephant Home (FB)

Day 7: Game drive and boat safari on Kazinga Channel
Start your day early with your 6 o’clock coffee or tea alarm call, ready for your early game drive. Make sure you request the hotel staff to pack your breakfast this morning, to take with you. A very well known game drive route is the Kasenyi sector, famous for its lions that hunt the large stocks of Uganda Kob antelopes that mate here. Elephants, antilopes, warthogs, baboons and sometimes hyenas can be seen. If you are very lucky, you will see the big forest pig, Africa’s largest pig. Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive leopard!

In the afternoon, embark on a thrilling boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, which links Lake Edward and Lake George. This experience is sure to be one of the highlights of your trip! The Kazinga Channel lies at the heart of Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you’ll have the chance to see large mammals like hippos, elephants, and buffaloes as they gather along the lush, fertile banks.

The Uganda Wildlife Authority’s expert guide will identify many of the 100 bird species some of which include the African Skimmer, Great White Pelican, Spoonbill and a number of Bee Eater species. Hippos swim on the water’s edge, huge Nile crocodiles bask in the sun and elephants come down to drink. The Kazinga Channel boat trip is a brilliant opportunity to take some great close-up photos. After this we will drive more to the Southern Sector of Queen Elizabeth and stay overnight at a homestead 1km away from boundaries of the Ishasha Sector.

Overnight at Agatha’s Homestead or if you prefer no shifting in between second night at Elephant Home (FB)

Day 8: A stop at the Equator
Early in the morning, we’ll set out on a nature walk, where you’ll get the chance to see zebras, antelopes, and newly introduced giraffes up close. After breakfast, we’ll begin our journey back to Entebbe International Airport, with a stop for a picnic lunch and photo opportunities at the equator.

A day room at African Roots has been reserved for you to relax and freshen up.

Following a farewell dinner, your safari guide will escort you to Entebbe International Airport for your departure. Please arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight. The departure lounge offers a small restaurant, duty-free shops, and comfortable seating areas.

Transfer to the airport (HB)

1. Prices are valid for 2024, 2025 and 2026.
2. The itinerary mentioned for this tour is an example which can be tailored to your wishes.
3. The Gorilla Tracking included in this safari depends on the availability of gorilla trekking permits at the time of booking. These permits are strictly limited and sold out in advance, especially during peak seasons of Christmas and school holidays. We therefore strongly recommend booking early.
4. The safari indicated here is essentially an offer. Changes in the course of the journey, the duration of your tour, the number of travellers, as well as the choice of accommodation are subject to availability, although we always endeavour to stick as closely as possible to this programme. For most itineraries, we can offer luxury, mid-range or budget versions of this safari upon request.
5. Sometimes it is not possible to adhere to the travel plan as described in this itinerary, due to weather and road conditions, authority regulations, organisational requirements, etc. Occasionally, the planned route of the tour has to change according to the situation on the ground. We must therefore explicitly refuse liability for adherence to the journey plan.
6. By booking this safari, the client accepts Manya Africa Tours Terms and Conditions(opens in a new tab) of business.