5-Day Uganda Kampala, Culture & Wetlands Safari
Shoebill by canoe, a chimpanzee sanctuary on Lake Victoria and the living history of Kampala, all within reach of Entebbe.
Go beyond the expected.
A gentle, short safari for travellers who want Uganda's culture and wildlife without long drives. It combines a canoe ride in search of the shoebill, a visit to a chimpanzee sanctuary on Lake Victoria, three of Kampala's most important heritage sites and a forest walk.
- Canoe through Mabamba Swamp in search of the shoebill
- Visit the chimpanzee sanctuary on Ngamba Island
- Explore the Uganda Museum, the Kasubi Tombs and Namugongo Martyrs Shrine
- Guided walk in Mabira Forest
- Short transfers that suit families and first-time visitors
What's included
Included
- All accommodation as specified
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with driver-guide
- Park and reserve entrance fees for the activities listed
- Guided activities as listed in the day-by-day itinerary
- Meals as specified in the day-by-day itinerary
Not included
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic beverages
Confirm current park fees, permit availability, accommodation and pricing before booking, since these can change with season and demand. Access to remote areas should be confirmed before travel.
Day by day
Day 1 Arrival in Entebbe
Entebbe
Arrive and transfer to your accommodation, with time to rest and meet your guide for a briefing on the days ahead.
Day 2 Mabamba Swamp shoebill canoe safari
Mabamba Swamp
An early start to reach the wetland, then a guided canoe ride through papyrus channels in search of the shoebill and other water birds. Return to Entebbe for the afternoon at leisure.
Day 3 Ngamba Island chimpanzee sanctuary
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Take a boat across Lake Victoria to the sanctuary, where orphaned chimpanzees live in a protected forest. Your visit includes a guided tour and time to watch the chimpanzees, before returning to the mainland.
Day 4 Kampala heritage day
Uganda Museum, Kasubi Tombs and Namugongo Martyrs Shrine
A guided day in Kampala. Begin at the Uganda Museum, continue to the Kasubi Tombs, the burial place of Buganda kings, and finish at Namugongo Martyrs Shrine, an important place of pilgrimage. Dates such as Martyrs' Day (3 June) bring very large crowds, so we plan around them.
Day 5 Mabira Forest walk and departure
Mabira Forest
Drive east to Mabira Forest for a guided walk among tall trees, butterflies, birds and monkeys, then return through Kampala to Entebbe for your onward flight.
Travel Guide
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Questions about 5-Day Uganda Kampala, Culture & Wetlands Safari
Do I need a visa to visit Uganda?
Most nationalities need a visa for Uganda, commonly available as an e-visa applied for online before travel. Requirements vary by nationality, so check the current official guidance for your passport well ahead of your safari.
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How many days do I need in Uganda?
A focused gorilla trekking safari can work in as few as 4–5 days, but 8–12 days lets you combine gorilla trekking with chimpanzee tracking, a savannah park such as Queen Elizabeth or Murchison Falls, and some rest time. We shape the exact length around what you want to include.
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How many national parks does Uganda have?
Uganda protects its landscapes and wildlife across ten national parks, ranging from the rainforest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (home to mountain gorillas) to the savanna of Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls, Uganda’s largest park.
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How much does a gorilla trekking permit cost in Uganda?
Uganda gorilla trekking permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and priced separately from your safari cost. Permit prices and availability change periodically, so we confirm the current official rate and secure your permit as part of planning your safari: book several months ahead where possible, since permits for popular dates sell out.
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What is the best time to visit Uganda?
Uganda can be visited year-round. The drier months (roughly December–February and June–September) are generally easiest for trekking and game viewing, while the wetter months bring lush scenery, fewer crowds and lower lodge rates. Gorilla trekking is possible in any month, since it happens in rainforest regardless of season.
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What wildlife is Uganda known for?
Uganda is best known for mountain gorillas, it holds roughly half of the world’s remaining population, alongside strong chimpanzee tracking in Kibale, tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and over 1,000 recorded bird species, an exceptional figure for a country of its size.
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