17-Day Uganda Safari Holiday
17-Day Uganda Safari Holiday: Crater Lakes, Chimps, Gorillas and Big Game
A 17 days Uganda safari holiday is a slow, rewarding way to see Uganda. First, you watch lions and elephants beside the Nile. Then you unwind among the crater lakes of Fort Portal. Finally, you track chimpanzees and trek mountain gorillas, with lake days in between to rest.
This 17-day Uganda safari holiday starts in Entebbe and ends there too. In fact, it suits couples, families and anyone who wants a relaxed pace. Because you stay two or three nights in most places, you unpack less and enjoy more.
17-Day Uganda Safari Holiday at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | 17 days, 16 nights |
| Parks visited | Murchison Falls, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi and Lake Mburo |
| Also includes | Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Fort Portal crater lakes, Lake Bunyonyi and Mabamba Swamp |
| Start and end | Entebbe |
| Transport | 4×4 safari vehicle with a driver-guide |
| Accommodation | Mid-range or luxury lodges and camps |
| Meals | Full board on safari days |
| Price | From about $7,200 per person, depending on lodge level and season |
| Best for | Couples, families, honeymooners and slow travelers |
Why Choose a 17-Day Uganda Safari Holiday?
Many safaris feel like a race. In contrast, a 17 days Uganda safari holiday gives you room to breathe. You see the highlights, but you also get free days to rest.
In addition, the route is built around comfort. You spend three nights in Murchison Falls, three in the Fort Portal area and three in Bwindi. Therefore, you spend less time packing and more time enjoying each place.
The holiday also covers a wide range of experiences.
- Murchison Falls: big game, Nile cruises and a thundering waterfall.
- Fort Portal: crater lakes, tea hills and chimpanzees in Kibale.
- Queen Elizabeth: savannah wildlife and a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel.
- Bwindi: mountain gorillas and Batwa culture.
- Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Mburo: calm water, birds and walking safaris.
Moreover, the holiday ends gently. Best of all, your last morning is a quiet canoe trip to look for the shoebill, just before your flight.
17-Day Uganda Safari Holiday Route and Travel Times
First, this table shows your holiday at a glance. Meals are full board on safari days, and each day below lists them. Please note that drive times are approximate, because stops add time.
| Day | Route | Travel time | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrival in Entebbe | Short transfer | Entebbe |
| 2 | Entebbe to Murchison via Ziwa | 5 to 6 hours | Murchison Falls |
| 3 | Game drive and Nile cruise | Local game drives | Murchison Falls |
| 4 | Delta trip and the falls | Local boat and hike | Murchison Falls |
| 5 | Murchison Falls to Fort Portal | 6 to 7 hours | Fort Portal |
| 6 | Chimp tracking in Kibale | Short local transfers | Fort Portal |
| 7 | Crater lakes and leisure day | Short local drives | Fort Portal |
| 8 | Fort Portal to Queen Elizabeth | 2.5 to 3 hours | Queen Elizabeth |
| 9 | Game drive and Kazinga cruise | Local game drives | Queen Elizabeth |
| 10 | Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi | 5 to 6 hours | Bwindi |
| 11 | Gorilla trekking | Short transfer | Bwindi |
| 12 | Batwa culture and forest walk | Local walks | Bwindi |
| 13 | Bwindi to Lake Bunyonyi | 3 to 4 hours | Lake Bunyonyi |
| 14 | Lake Bunyonyi rest day | Local canoe trips | Lake Bunyonyi |
| 15 | Bunyonyi to Lake Mburo | 4 to 5 hours | Lake Mburo |
| 16 | Lake Mburo to Entebbe | 4.5 to 5.5 hours | Entebbe |
| 17 | Mabamba Swamp and departure | 1 to 1.5 hours | Departure |
17-Day Uganda Safari Holiday Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
Travel time: Short transfer. Meals: Dinner at the hotel.
Welcome to Uganda. A Steady Safaris driver-guide meets you at Entebbe International Airport. Then you transfer to your hotel, where you can rest after your journey.
Later, your guide walks you through your 17 days Uganda safari holiday. Together, you check the plan and note any dietary needs.
Mid-range stay: Boma Guesthouse
Luxury stay: Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa
Day 2: Entebbe to Murchison Falls via Ziwa
Travel time: 5 to 6 hours. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
After a relaxed breakfast, set off for the north. On the way, stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. A ranger guides you on foot, so you can stand close to the white rhinos.
Next, the road continues to Murchison Falls National Park. Because you arrive in the afternoon, you have time to settle in and enjoy the river view.
Mid-range stay: Murchison River Lodge
Luxury stay: Paraa Safari Lodge
Day 3: Game Drive and Nile Cruise
Travel time: Local game drives. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
In the cool morning, set out across the northern savannah. Elephants, giraffes and buffaloes graze here, and lions sometimes appear. Therefore, keep your binoculars close.
After lunch, a boat carries you up the Victoria Nile toward the falls. Along the way, you pass hippos, crocodiles and colorful birds. Finally, you reach the foot of the falls, where the roar fills the air.
Stay: Same lodge as Day 2.
Day 4: Delta Trip and the Top of the Falls
Travel time: Local boat trip and short hike. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Today you go after the shoebill. First, a boat takes you downstream to the Nile delta, where papyrus channels hide this rare bird. However, sightings are never certain, so enjoy the quiet waterways too.
Later, climb to the top of the falls. Here the whole Nile pushes through a narrow gap in the rock. Because the trail can be slippery, wear shoes with good grip.
Stay: Same lodge as Day 2.
Day 5: Murchison Falls to Fort Portal
Travel time: 6 to 7 hours. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
This is the longest drive of the holiday, so you leave early. You cross the Nile by ferry, then wind through farms and small towns. By evening, the green hills of Fort Portal appear.
Once you arrive, enjoy a quiet dinner. Then rest, because tomorrow is a big day in the forest.
Mid-range stay: Kibale Forest Camp
Luxury stay: Kyaninga Lodge
Day 6: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale
Travel time: Short local transfers. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
After a ranger briefing, you step into Kibale Forest to find a chimpanzee group. The forest shelters 13 primate species, so monkeys and birds often join the show.
Later in the day, you can take a gentle walk at Bigodi Wetland. A community guide leads the way. Meanwhile, you listen for the calls of hornbills and turacos.
Stay: Same lodge as Day 5.
Day 7: Crater Lakes and Leisure Day
Travel time: Short local drives. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Today is yours to enjoy slowly. First, drive through the crater lake region, where deep blue lakes sit in old volcanic bowls. Then visit the Amabere ga Nyinamwiru Caves or stroll through the Tooro Botanical Gardens.
Alternatively, simply relax at your lodge. Because there is no long drive, you can read, swim or watch the sunset.
Stay: Same lodge as Day 5.
Day 8: Fort Portal to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Travel time: 2.5 to 3 hours. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
After breakfast, drive south toward Queen Elizabeth National Park. The road crosses the equator and passes rolling tea estates. By lunchtime, you reach your lodge.
In the afternoon, head out on a gentle game drive. As the light turns golden, elephants and buffaloes often appear on the plains.
Mid-range stay: Enganzi Game Lodge
Luxury stay: Mweya Safari Lodge
Day 9: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Cruise
Travel time: Local game drives. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Begin with a sunrise game drive. Lions, kobs and warthogs are often active at this hour. Alternatively, ask us about a chimp walk in the Kyambura Gorge.
In the afternoon, cruise the Kazinga Channel. This 32-kilometer waterway links two lakes. Hippos wallow in the shallows, and elephants come down to drink.
Stay: Same lodge as Day 8.
Day 10: Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi via Ishasha
Travel time: 5 to 6 hours. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Today you head south through the Ishasha Sector. Here lions are famous for resting in fig trees, so scan the branches as you drive. Afterwards, the road climbs into the high hills of Kigezi.
By late afternoon, you reach Bwindi. Meanwhile, your guide checks your gear for tomorrow’s trek.
Mid-range stay: Buhoma Haven Lodge
Luxury stay: Buhoma Lodge
Day 11: Mountain Gorilla Trekking
Travel time: Short transfer to the trailhead. Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch and dinner.
This is the high point of your 17-day Uganda safari holiday. After a briefing, trackers lead you through thick forest to a gorilla family. The walk may be short or long. Either way, the moment you see the gorillas is unforgettable.
You then spend one full hour in their company. They feed, rest and play around you. Afterwards, return to your lodge and share the day over dinner.
Stay: Same lodge as Day 10.
Day 12: Batwa Culture and Forest Walk
Travel time: Local walks. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Today is a gentle day after your trek. First, join a Batwa guide on a walk through the forest. You learn how the Batwa people once lived here, and you hear their songs and stories.
Later, you can visit a community project or simply rest. Because no long drive is planned, you can recover at your own pace.
Stay: Same lodge as Day 10.
Day 13: Bwindi to Lake Bunyonyi
Travel time: 3 to 4 hours. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
After breakfast, wind through the terraced hills toward Lake Bunyonyi. The views are among the best in Uganda. By midday, you reach the water.
Then enjoy a slow afternoon. For example, sit on your deck and watch the birds over the lake.
Mid-range stay: Birdnest at Bunyonyi
Luxury stay: Bushara Island Camp
Day 14: Lake Bunyonyi Rest Day
Travel time: Local canoe trips. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Today you have the whole day to relax. First, paddle a dugout canoe among the islands. Then you can visit a village or swim if the weather is warm.
Because nothing is scheduled, this day gives your legs a well-earned rest after trekking.
Stay: Same lodge as Day 13.
Day 15: Lake Bunyonyi to Lake Mburo
Travel time: 4 to 5 hours. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
After breakfast, drive north-east toward Lake Mburo National Park. The landscape opens into rolling savannah. By afternoon, you reach your lodge.
Later, join a guided game drive. Zebras, impalas and elands graze on the hills. Meanwhile, the evening light turns the grass gold.
Mid-range stay: Mburo Safari Lodge
Luxury stay: Mihingo Lodge
Day 16: Lake Mburo to Entebbe
Travel time: 4.5 to 5.5 hours. Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
First, enjoy a morning walking safari. Lake Mburo is one of the few parks where you can leave the vehicle. Then begin the drive east, crossing the Equator on the way.
By late afternoon, you reach Entebbe. Because tomorrow is a short day, you can spend this evening relaxing.
Mid-range stay: Boma Guesthouse
Luxury stay: Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa
Day 17: Mabamba Swamp and Departure
Travel time: 1 to 1.5 hours each way. Meals: Breakfast.
Rise early for a last adventure. First, drive to Mabamba Swamp and paddle a canoe through the papyrus. Then look for the shoebill, one of Africa’s most wanted birds.
Afterwards, return to Entebbe and head to the airport. Please book an evening flight, so you have a safe buffer.
Where You Will Stay on a 17-Day Uganda Safari Holiday
Your lodge is more than a bed. After a long day, it is where you rest, eat and share stories. Here is how the two levels compare.
| Area | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|
| Entebbe | Boma Guesthouse | Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa |
| Murchison Falls | Murchison River Lodge | Paraa Safari Lodge |
| Fort Portal and Kibale | Kibale Forest Camp | Kyaninga Lodge |
| Queen Elizabeth | Enganzi Game Lodge | Mweya Safari Lodge |
| Bwindi | Buhoma Haven Lodge | Buhoma Lodge |
| Lake Bunyonyi | Birdnest at Bunyonyi | Bushara Island Camp |
| Lake Mburo | Mburo Safari Lodge | Mihingo Lodge |
Mid-range lodges and camps offer comfortable rooms or tents with private bathrooms. They also serve good food and have friendly service.
Luxury lodges and camps offer spacious suites, fine dining and excellent views. Therefore, they suit honeymooners and special occasions.
Lodges near Bwindi and Murchison sell out early. For this reason, book your 17 days Uganda safari holiday well ahead for the dry months.
Meals on a 17-Day Uganda Safari Holiday
Good food keeps you strong on a 17 days Uganda safari holiday. For this reason, your lodge serves three meals a day on safari days.
- Breakfast: Hot or continental, often before the morning activity.
- Lunch: A lodge lunch, a picnic or a packed lunch on trek days.
- Dinner: A multi-course meal, often with local dishes.
Please tell us about any dietary needs when you book. Most lodges can then adapt meals with notice. Drinking water is also provided in the vehicle.
Travel Time on a 17-Day Uganda Safari Holiday
Overall, this holiday has only a few long drives. Moreover, free days and short days balance them. For this reason, we plan early starts on the longest driving days.
- Entebbe to Murchison Falls (via Ziwa): 5 to 6 hours.
- Murchison Falls to Fort Portal: 6 to 7 hours.
- Fort Portal to Queen Elizabeth: 2.5 to 3 hours.
- Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi: 5 to 6 hours.
- Bwindi to Lake Bunyonyi: 3 to 4 hours.
- Lake Bunyonyi to Lake Mburo: 4 to 5 hours.
- Lake Mburo to Entebbe: 4.5 to 5.5 hours.
Your driver-guide stops often for photos, meals and breaks. As a result, the drives feel like part of the holiday.
How Much Does a 17 Days Uganda Safari Holiday Cost?
A 17 days Uganda safari holiday costs from about $7,200 to $20,000 per person. The table shows typical prices for two travelers sharing a room. In short, your final cost is set by the choices that follow.
| Lodge level | Low season (March to May, November) | High season (June to October, Christmas) |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-range | $7,200 to $8,500 per person | $8,900 to $10,600 per person |
| Luxury | $12,500 to $15,000 per person | $15,500 to $20,000 per person |
These prices usually cover lodges, meals, park fees, gorilla and chimp permits, the 4×4 vehicle and a driver-guide. Meanwhile, solo travelers pay a single supplement. However, larger groups often pay less per person, because they share vehicle costs.
- Lodge level: mid-range or luxury.
- Group size: larger groups share vehicle costs.
- Season: July to October and the Christmas period are the busiest and costliest.
- Add-ons: the Kyambura Gorge chimp walk, the Batwa visit and extra nights.
Gorilla permits and park fees are large parts of the cost. However, these fees change from time to time. Therefore, ask us for the current rates when you request a quote.
What Is Included in a 17-Day Uganda Safari Holiday
Usually included
- Airport pickup and drop-off.
- A 4×4 safari vehicle with a professional driver-guide.
- Accommodation and meals as listed.
- Gorilla and chimpanzee permits as listed.
- Park entry fees, plus the Nile and Kazinga Channel boat cruises.
- Drinking water during the trip.
Usually not included
- International flights.
- Visa fees and travel insurance.
- Tips and personal items.
- Optional activities such as the Kyambura Gorge walk.
Inclusions on your 17 days Uganda safari holiday depend on the package you choose. However, we confirm every detail in writing before you pay.
Best Time for a 17-Day Uganda Safari Holiday
Overall, you can travel all year. However, some months suit this route better.
| Month | Conditions | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| December to February | Dry and warm | Great for treks and game drives |
| March to May | Long rains | Green scenery, fewer visitors, muddy trails |
| June to September | Driest season | Peak season, best trail conditions |
| October to November | Short rains | Lush forests, good birding |
The dry months are the easiest for gorilla trekking and game drives. Because trails are drier, hikes are easier. On the other hand, the green season has its own charm, with fewer visitors and lower prices.
Wildlife You Can See on a 17-Day Uganda Safari Holiday
This 17 days Uganda safari holiday covers many different habitats. As a result, you see a wide range of animals.
Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison is Uganda’s largest park. Expect elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, lions and Uganda kobs. In addition, the Nile holds hippos, crocodiles and many birds.
Kibale National Park
Kibale has one of the highest primate counts in Africa. Chimpanzees are the stars. Also, red colobus and black-and-white colobus monkeys are common.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth offers classic savannah wildlife. Expect elephants, buffaloes, hippos and warthogs. In the Ishasha Sector, lions sometimes rest in fig trees.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi protects around half of the world’s mountain gorillas. The dense forest also shelters other primates, forest birds and butterflies.
Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo is home to zebras, impalas and elands. In fact, it also holds many birds and hippos on the lake.
Who Is a 17-Day Uganda Safari Holiday For?
This 17-day Uganda safari holiday works well for many travelers. For example, couples enjoy the quiet lake days and lodge stays. Families with older children also enjoy the slower pace. Finally, honeymooners love the crater lakes and the privacy.
It is also a strong choice for travelers who dislike rushing. Because the route has rest days, you see Uganda’s highlights without stress. If you want more time, we can add Kidepo Valley or Rwanda.
What to Pack for a 17-Day Uganda Safari Holiday
Good packing makes every day of your 17 days Uganda safari holiday easier. First, choose light, quick-dry clothing in neutral colors. Next, bring a warm layer for cool forest mornings. Also pack sturdy boots, gardening gloves and a rain jacket for gorilla trekking. A camera with a zoom lens and binoculars are useful, too. Finally, pack swimwear for lake days.
Visas, Health and Safety on a 17-Day Uganda Safari Holiday
In general, most visitors need a visa to enter Uganda. Fortunately, you can usually apply online before you travel. Please check the latest rules for your passport on the official immigration website. Also, make sure your passport has enough validity and blank pages.
- Carry a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
- Ask your doctor about malaria tablets.
- Take out travel insurance that covers medical care.
- Do not trek if you feel ill. Gorillas can catch human illnesses.
Uganda is a welcoming country, and a 17 days Uganda safari holiday is generally safe. Moreover, your driver-guide knows the roads and the rules of each park.
Tips for Your 17 Days Uganda Safari Holiday
- Book early. Gorilla permits sell out in busy months.
- Pack layers. Mornings are cool, and afternoons are warm.
- Bring sturdy boots, long trousers and a rain jacket.
- Carry insect repellent and a hat.
- Keep cash for tips and small purchases.
- Book an evening international flight for Day 17.
Ways to Extend Your 17-Day Uganda Safari Holiday
Seventeen days is a generous trip. However, some travelers want more. Here are popular add-ons.
- Jinja: see the Source of the Nile and try rafting.
- Kidepo Valley National Park: remote wilderness in the far north.
- Rwenzori Mountains: a day hike or a multi-day trek.
- Rwanda: cross the border for a second gorilla trek.
- Kenya or Tanzania: add the Maasai Mara or the Serengeti.
Ask us about a custom plan. We can then add days at either end of your trip.
Why Book a 17-Day Uganda Safari Holiday With Steady Safaris?
Steady Safaris Limited is a Uganda-based tour operator. We plan trips across Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania. Our team knows the region well and plans every 17 days Uganda safari holiday with care.
First, we keep groups small and plans flexible. In addition, we answer messages quickly. As a result, you get one clear price and a clear itinerary.
Want a faster route? Explore our 17-day Uganda safari highlights tour. Alternatively, ask us to build a custom plan.
17 Days Uganda Safari Holiday FAQs
How much is a 17 days Uganda safari holiday?
Prices start from about $7,200 per person for mid-range and about $12,500 for luxury, with two travelers sharing. Prices rise in the peak months. Therefore, please contact us for a clear quote.
How is this 17-day Uganda safari holiday different from the highlights tour?
The holiday moves more slowly. In addition, it adds crater lakes, a Batwa day and a final shoebill trip, and it uses a different set of lodges.
Does the 17-day Uganda safari holiday include gorilla trekking?
Yes. You trek mountain gorillas on day 11. As a result, you spend one hour with a gorilla family.
How long are the drives on this safari?
The longest drive is Murchison Falls to Fort Portal, at 6 to 7 hours. Meanwhile, the other drives take 2.5 to 6 hours. Your driver-guide makes regular stops.
Why take a 17-day Uganda safari holiday?
Seventeen days lets you see Uganda’s highlights without rushing. In addition, you enjoy rest days on a lake and in the forest.
Are meals included on the 17-day Uganda safari holiday?
Yes. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included on safari days. Please tell us about any dietary needs when you book.
When is the best time to go?
June to September and December to February are the driest months. Meanwhile, the green season has fewer visitors.
How fit do I need to be?
Gorilla and chimp treks involve hiking in hills. However, moderate fitness is enough. Please tell us about any concerns, and we will then adjust the plan.
Plan Your 17-Day Uganda Safari Holiday
Ready to slow down and see Uganda at its best? Contact Steady Safaris today. Then tell us your dates and group size. We will send a clear quote within a day.
Client Success Stories
“Life Changing Experience Beyond Expectations”
“We booked the luxury 17 day Uganda safari for our 25th anniversary and it exceeded every expectation. Carlos personally guided us, and his knowledge of animal behavior was incredible. The highlight was obviously tracking mountain gorillas in Bwindi, nothing prepares you for the emotional intensity of being 6 meters from a 180kg silverback. But honestly, every single day delivered remarkable experiences: chimpanzees in Kibale, tree climbing lions in Ishasha, the boat cruise at Kazinga Channel. The pacing was perfect, we never felt rushed but always had exciting activities. Worth every dollar. Thank you Steady Safaris for creating our trip of a lifetime.
Mark & Jennifer Thompson, California, USA
Safari: June 2025 | Luxury Level
“Outstanding Value and Service”
“As budget conscious travelers, we were hesitant about a 17 day safari cost. But Steady Safaris worked with us to create a mid-range itinerary that fit our budget while still including all the key experiences. Our guide was patient, knowledgeable, and genuinely cared about our experience. The mid range lodges were clean, comfortable, and often had stunning views. Tracking gorillas was worth the entire trip cost alone, but we also loved the chimpanzees, game drives, and cultural interactions. Already planning to return for a Rwanda extension. Highly recommend Steady Safaris!”
James & Sarah Mitchell, Manchester, UK
Safari: November 2025 | Mid Range Level
“Perfect Family Adventure”
“We traveled with our two teenagers (16 and 18) and this 17 day Uganda safari was perfect for keeping everyone engaged. The variety of activities meant something new every day, gorillas one day, boat cruises the next, game drives, cultural visits. Our guide was excellent with the kids, answering endless questions and making sure they had the best photo opportunities. The gorilla trekking was challenging but our teenagers handled it fine with porter assistance. Lake Bunyonyi was a great mid trip rest spot. This safari exceeded our expectations and created memories our family will treasure forever.
David Chen Family, Sydney, Australia
Safari: July 2025 | Mid Range Level
Book Your Adventure
Ready to embark on this incredible journey? Inquire Now or call us at (+256) 752 643809 to reserve your spot today!
Masoli Road, Kampala, Wakiso District, 256 Uganda
P.O.Box 22816 Kampala, Uganda
Tel: +256 752 643809
email 1: info@steadysafaris.com
email 2: steadysafarislimited@gmail.com
Website: https://steadysafaris.com
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9am to 6pm
