13-Day Botswana & Uganda Safari – Ultimate Wildlife & Cultural Adventure
Embark on a journey that seamlessly combines the vast wilderness of Botswana with the lush, tropical forests and rich culture of Uganda. This 13-Day Botswana & Uganda Safari is designed for travelers seeking an all-encompassing African experience: from the iconic elephants of Chobe and the Okavango Delta’s waterways to chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, gorillas in Bwindi, and the scenic serenity of Lake Bunyonyi.
The 13-Day Botswana & Uganda Safari itinerary is crafted to deliver a balance of adventure, relaxation, cultural encounters, and wildlife observation. In Botswana, visitors experience the classic savannah and river ecosystems, exploring Moremi Game Reserve, Khwai Community Area, and the Chobe River through game drives, walking safaris, and mokoro excursions. The wildlife includes elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, and abundant plains game.
Transitioning to Uganda, the 13-Day Botswana & Uganda Safari delves into primate encounters and rainforest exploration. Guests will trek for chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, traverse the famed Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and embark on mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Cultural experiences with the Batwa and local communities enrich the journey, offering insight into traditional lifestyles and conservation initiatives.
This Botswana Uganda Safari Holiday combines remote wilderness, luxurious lodges, and immersive experiences, providing a premium safari that spans two continents, multiple ecosystems, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Optional extensions to Rwanda Volcanoes National Park can be arranged for those wishing to expand their gorilla trekking adventure.
Detailed 13-Day Botswana & Uganda Safari
Day 1: Arrival in Maun, Botswana & Transfer to the Okavango Delta
Your 13-Day Botswana & Uganda Safari adventure begins upon arrival at Maun International Airport, the gateway to Botswana’s famed wilderness. After clearing immigration, you will be greeted by your guide and transferred to a private charter or vehicle for your journey into the Okavango Delta, one of Africa’s most unique ecosystems.
The drive from Maun to your lodge offers glimpses of Botswana’s sprawling savannahs, acacia-dotted landscapes, and wildlife such as impalas, zebras, and giraffes grazing on the plains. Upon arrival, check into your lodge and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the delta, where the rhythm of life is dictated by the seasonal waters and resident wildlife.
As afternoon approaches, a gentle introduction to the delta is offered via a sunset mokoro excursion, gliding through narrow waterways in traditional dugout canoes. The golden light illuminates the reeds, waterbirds, and playful hippos, creating a serene environment for photography and reflection. Experienced 13-Day Botswana & Uganda Safari guides provide insights into the delta’s ecology, the adaptations of its wildlife, and the intricate hydrology that makes the Okavango so unique.
Dinner at the lodge offers local and international cuisine under a canopy of stars, while the distant calls of hippos and birds remind you that this is a living wilderness. This first day sets the tone for a Botswana Safari, combining adventure, luxury, and immersion into one of Africa’s most iconic ecosystems.
- Main Destination: Okavango Delta, Botswana
- Accommodation: Delta Lodge – Mid-range luxury
- Meals: Dinner included
- Drinks: Not included
Day 2: Game Drives and Sunset Mokoro in the Okavango Delta
Wake up to the calls of African hornbills and francolins and enjoy breakfast before venturing out for a full day of Okavango Delta exploration. The delta’s seasonal floodplains create an unparalleled mosaic of channels, lagoons, and islands, providing habitat for elephants, lions, hippos, crocodiles, and myriad bird species.
Morning begins with a guided game drive in an open safari vehicle, allowing close encounters with plains game such as impalas, wildebeests, and zebras. Predators like lions and leopards may be spotted in the early hours as they hunt or bask in the sun. Guides narrate wildlife behaviors, ecological adaptations, and conservation challenges, offering a rich educational component to your 13-Day Botswana & Uganda Safari.
After a mid-morning refreshment break, enjoy a traditional mokoro ride through the delta’s calm channels. Glide silently through reeds and papyrus while observing waterbirds like kingfishers, African jacanas, and herons. The calm waters allow you to approach wildlife cautiously, providing exceptional photographic opportunities.
Return to the lodge for lunch and a brief rest before an afternoon game drive or another mokoro excursion timed to capture the delta at sunset. The interplay of light on water and wildlife is mesmerizing, evoking the quintessential Botswana safari experience. Dinner at the lodge under the starlit sky concludes a day of exploration and intimate encounters with Africa’s wild heart.
- Main Destination: Okavango Delta, Botswana
- Accommodation: Delta Lodge – Mid-range luxury
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included
- Drinks: Not included
Day 3: Moremi Game Reserve – Adventure in the Untamed Botswana Wilderness
Today, travel to Moremi Game Reserve, often described as Botswana’s wildlife jewel. Spanning over 5,000 square kilometers of floodplains, woodlands, and mopane forests, Moremi offers some of the most varied and accessible wildlife in Southern Africa.
Upon arrival, embark on a guided game drive in open vehicles. Moremi is renowned for its predator sightings; lions, leopards, and wild dogs roam the reserve, while elephants traverse the floodplains and giraffes feed on acacia leaves. Bird enthusiasts can delight in sightings of African fish eagles, vultures, and colorful bee-eaters. Your expert 13-Day Botswana & Uganda Safari guide provides insights into the intricate food web, water dynamics, and the interplay between wildlife and humans in this semi-protected ecosystem.
A midday stop for a bush lunch offers a moment to relax while listening to the natural symphony of the wilderness. In the afternoon, continue game drives to less-traveled regions of Moremi, where elephants can be seen wallowing in mud, hippos bask in lagoons, and antelopes graze quietly.
Return to your lodge for dinner, enjoying sunset views over the floodplains. Moremi represents the pinnacle of a Botswana Wildlife Safari, offering raw encounters with wildlife in one of Africa’s most pristine wilderness areas, perfectly blending adventure, education, and natural beauty.
- Main Destination: Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana
- Accommodation: Moremi Safari Camp – Mid-range luxury
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included
- Drinks: Not included
Day 4: Khwai Community Area – Walking Safaris and Local Engagement
This morning, transfer to the Khwai Community Area, where traditional walking safaris allow you to explore Botswana’s wilderness on foot, guided by experienced local trackers. Unlike vehicle safaris, walking immerses you in the sights, sounds, and smells of the African bush, offering unparalleled insight into animal tracks, insects, plants, and birdlife.
Walks are tailored for safety and education, allowing you to approach wildlife carefully and observe their natural behavior. Spot elephants, buffalo, giraffes, and various antelopes up close, while learning about their diet, social behaviors, and ecological roles. Guides share stories of local communities, conservation successes, and the delicate balance between humans and wildlife.
In the afternoon, engage with local community projects, visiting villages to understand cultural practices, traditional crafts, and conservation-driven tourism. This combination of wildlife exploration and cultural immersion highlights the broader goals of Botswana Cultural Safaris, blending ethical tourism with environmental education.
Return to the lodge for dinner and reflection on the day’s experiences. The Khwai area exemplifies Botswana’s commitment to community-based conservation, making this day a meaningful addition to your 13-Day Botswana & Uganda Safari Holiday.
- Main Destination: Khwai Community Area, Botswana
- Accommodation: Khwai Safari Lodge – Mid-range luxury
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included
- Drinks: Not included
Day 5: Chobe National Park – Elephants and River Safari
Today, your 13-Day Botswana & Uganda Safari adventure reaches one of the continent’s most iconic wildlife destinations: Chobe National Park. Renowned for its dense elephant populations and diverse ecosystems, Chobe spans floodplains, savannahs, and riverine forests along the Chobe River, providing a perfect setting for both game drives and river safaris.
After breakfast, depart from your lodge and transfer to Chobe, where your guide will brief you on the upcoming game drives. The park is particularly celebrated for its high concentration of elephants large herds frequently cross the plains and drink at the riverbanks. Lions, leopards, and buffaloes also thrive here, while birdlife is prolific, featuring African fish eagles, herons, and colorful kingfishers.
In the afternoon, embark on a Chobe River boat safari, gliding past hippos wallowing near the banks, crocodiles basking in the sun, and elephants wading into the water. This tranquil yet exhilarating experience allows for intimate wildlife observation while highlighting the park’s intricate ecosystems. The interplay of light at sunset with the river creates a mesmerizing ambiance, perfect for photography or simply soaking in the majesty of the African wilderness.
Cultural encounters are also possible along the Chobe, where local communities engage in sustainable tourism projects. Guides often share insights about the symbiotic relationship between human settlements and wildlife, conservation efforts, and community-led initiatives protecting the environment.
Return to your lodge as evening falls, savoring a delicious dinner with views of the floodplains illuminated by fading light. Chobe provides a perfect balance of adrenaline, relaxation, and reflection a quintessential highlight of any Botswana Wildlife Safari and a fitting climax before transitioning to East Africa for Uganda’s primate adventures.
- Main Destination: Chobe National Park, Botswana
- Accommodation: Chobe Safari Lodge – Mid-range luxury
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included
- Drinks: Not included
Day 6: Afternoon Boat Safari and Flight to Uganda
On Day 6, your 13-Day Botswana & Uganda Safari journey shifts from Botswana’s dry wilderness to Uganda’s lush, tropical landscapes. Start with a morning at leisure, allowing for a final exploration of Chobe’s wildlife. Consider an early game drive along the riverfront to photograph elephants, buffaloes, and giraffes amid the golden light. Alternatively, relax at the lodge and observe birdlife or hippos from your deck.
By midday, embark on a scenic afternoon boat safari along the Chobe River. The meandering waterway teems with life: pods of hippos surface lazily, crocodiles glide stealthily, and elephants playfully splash in shallow channels. Guides provide in-depth commentary on river ecology, animal behavior, and conservation challenges. The shimmering reflections and the tranquil ambiance create a natural meditation space, marking a graceful farewell to Botswana’s wilderness.
Later, transfer to Kasane Airport for your flight to Uganda, typically connecting through a regional hub such as Entebbe or Kigali. The aerial journey reveals Africa’s striking geographical diversity from Botswana’s floodplains to the lush, rolling hills of East Africa. Upon arrival in Uganda, you are greeted and transferred to accommodation near Kibale Forest National Park, nestled in Uganda’s western rainforest region.
Dinner at the lodge introduces Ugandan cuisine, often featuring locally sourced produce, fresh fish, and traditional stews. As night falls, the sounds of the rainforest the calls of nocturnal birds and distant primates offer an exciting preview of the adventures ahead. This day marks a seamless 13-Day Botswana & Uganda Safari transition, blending the open plains and waterways of Botswana with the vibrant biodiversity and cultural richness of Uganda.
- Main Destination: Kibale Forest, Uganda
- Accommodation: Kibale Forest Lodge – Mid-range luxury
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included
- Drinks: Not included
Day 7: Morning Road Transfer to Kibale Forest and Bigodi Swamp Walk
Wake early to begin your Uganda Safari, a natural contrast to the African savannahs you left behind. After breakfast, enjoy a scenic road transfer through Uganda’s fertile highlands toward Kibale Forest National Park, home to some of the world’s most remarkable primates, including chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, and over 375 bird species. The drive passes rolling tea plantations, banana groves, and small rural villages, offering glimpses of everyday Ugandan life.
Upon arrival, embark on the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary walk, a gentle guided trail through marshes, swamps, and forest patches. This eco-tour provides intimate encounters with primates, including red-tailed monkeys and the endangered black-and-white colobus. Birdwatchers are rewarded with sightings of rare species such as the shoebill stork and grey parrot. Guides share fascinating insights into the ecology of the wetland and forest systems, as well as the conservation initiatives that preserve them.
Along the walk, you may encounter local Batwa community members who share stories of forest living and traditional knowledge about medicinal plants, local customs, and sustainable hunting practices. This blend of wildlife observation and cultural immersion exemplifies a 13-Day Botswana & Uganda Safari Holiday, connecting travelers to the land, its creatures, and its people.
Return to your lodge in the late afternoon for relaxation. Enjoy an evening meal featuring fresh Ugandan produce, and reflect on the day’s experiences in the comfort of your lodge’s serene surroundings. With primates, birds, and local culture forming the backdrop, today offers an ideal introduction to Uganda’s lush landscapes and diverse wildlife.
- Main Destination: Kibale Forest & Bigodi Wetlands, Uganda
- Accommodation: Kibale Forest Lodge – Mid-range luxury
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included
- Drinks: Not included
Day 8: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest & Afternoon Game Drives in Queen Elizabeth NP
Today combines Uganda’s primate diversity with classic African savannah experiences. After an early breakfast, embark on a chimpanzee tracking adventure in Kibale Forest National Park, home to over 1,500 chimpanzees. Trekking through the tropical rainforest, guided by expert trackers, allows close observation of chimp families interacting—grooming, feeding, and playing in the trees.
After lunch at the lodge, transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most visited wildlife reserve. Embark on an afternoon game drive along savannahs and woodland areas, spotting elephants, lions, buffalo, Uganda kobs, and tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector. The combination of rainforest primates and open savannah game makes this day a highlight for wildlife enthusiasts.
Return to the lodge for dinner. Today demonstrates the 13-Day Botswana & Uganda Safari philosophy of blending habitats, ecosystems, and wildlife types, offering both forest primates and savannah megafauna within a single, immersive itinerary.
- Main Destination: Kibale Forest & Queen Elizabeth NP, Uganda
- Accommodation: Ishasha Lodge – Mid-range luxury
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included
- Drinks: Not included
Day 9: Queen Elizabeth National Park – Game Drives & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Spend the day exploring the famed Kazinga Channel and surrounding park. Morning game drives take you through open savannahs, acacia woodlands, and forest patches where elephant herds, lions, leopards, and buffaloes roam freely. Birdlife is prolific, with African fish eagles, pelicans, and kingfishers providing dynamic aerial displays.
In the afternoon, embark on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, observing hippos, crocodiles, and elephants at the water’s edge. Guides provide commentary on park ecology, wildlife interactions, and the historical significance of the channel as a trade and transport route. The interplay of wildlife, water, and light creates exceptional photographic opportunities.
Return to your lodge for dinner, reflecting on the diversity of Uganda’s wildlife in a single park savannah, riverine forests, and freshwater habitats. This combination of activities encapsulates the 13-Day Botswana & Uganda Safari emphasis on immersive, varied wildlife experiences.
- Main Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
- Accommodation: Ishasha Lodge – Mid-range luxury
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included
- Drinks: Not included
Day 10: Morning Road Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Afternoon Lodge Relaxation
After breakfast, depart Kibale for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most biodiverse regions in Uganda. The scenic drive passes rolling hills, terraced farms, and villages with vibrant market life, showcasing Uganda’s rural culture.
Upon arrival, check into your lodge, located on the edge of the forest. The afternoon is free for relaxation, allowing travelers to enjoy the tranquility of the rainforest. Lodge accommodations are designed to blend seamlessly with the natural environment, often featuring open decks, forest trails, and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
This is the perfect time to prepare for the following day’s gorilla trekking experience, ensuring that all permits, equipment, and logistics are confirmed. Evening activities may include cultural interactions with Batwa community members or short guided walks around the lodge. Dinner is served as nightfall cloaks the forest in shadows and calls of nocturnal wildlife echo through the trees.
This day provides a gentle transition from the chimpanzee-rich lowland forests to the dense, misty highlands of Bwindi, highlighting the diverse ecological and cultural landscapes of Uganda, which complement the Botswana wildlife encounters of the first half of your 13-Day Botswana & Uganda Safari.
- Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
- Accommodation: Buhoma Lodge – Mid-range luxury
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included
- Drinks: Not included
Day 11: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi and Afternoon Batwa Cultural Experience
Today is the pinnacle of your 13-Day Botswana & Uganda Safari Holiday: mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. After an early breakfast, you are briefed on safety, ethical trekking practices, and gorilla behavior. The trek begins on narrow forest trails, guided by expert trackers who read signs such as broken branches and fresh footprints to locate gorilla families.
Encountering a gorilla family in its natural habitat is a profound experience. Watch silverbacks assert dominance, mothers nurture their young, and juveniles playfully interact. Photographers and wildlife enthusiasts alike will be mesmerized by these intelligent and gentle giants, gaining a deeper appreciation for conservation efforts that protect them.
After the trek, return to the lodge for a late lunch. In the afternoon, visit a local Batwa community, one of Africa’s oldest indigenous groups, who share traditional stories, music, and crafts. This cultural immersion emphasizes the interconnection between human and wildlife communities and provides a meaningful complement to the ecological experience.
Dinner at the lodge allows reflection on the day’s unforgettable encounters. Today epitomizes the 13-Day Botswana & Uganda Safari, blending wilderness adventure with cultural enrichment, leaving travelers with memories that will last a lifetime.
- Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
- Accommodation: Buhoma Lodge – Mid-range luxury
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included
- Drinks: Not included
Optional Extension: For travelers wishing to continue, Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park can be arranged, offering additional gorilla encounters and an exploration of Rwanda’s scenic volcanic landscapes.
Day 12: Full Day Relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi (Boat Cruise, Nature Walks, Photography)
Enjoy a leisurely day at Lake Bunyonyi, Africa’s second deepest lake, surrounded by terraced hills and dotted with over 25 islands. After breakfast, embark on a boat cruise, observing cormorants, African fish eagles, and other waterbirds. The calm waters reflect lush green hills and small villages, providing perfect photographic opportunities.
Optional nature walks through the surrounding hills reveal local flora, community gardens, and breathtaking viewpoints. Travelers can interact with local communities, learning about traditional agriculture and conservation practices. Afternoon tea on a serene island or lodge deck provides a tranquil end to a day of photography, exploration, and relaxation.
This day emphasizes the scenic and cultural diversity of Uganda, complementing wildlife encounters with 13-Day Botswana & Uganda Safari that highlight human-environment interactions, tranquility, and reflection.
- Main Destination: Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda
- Accommodation: Lake Bunyonyi Lodge – Mid-range luxury
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included
- Drinks: Not included
Day 13: Morning Road Transfer Back to Entebbe Airport and Departure
On your final day, enjoy breakfast with views of Lake Bunyonyi before transferring to Entebbe International Airport for your departure. The scenic drive provides a final opportunity to witness rural Ugandan landscapes, rolling hills, and local communities.
Reflect on your 13-Day Botswana & Uganda Safari Holiday, which has combined Botswana’s iconic wildlife and savannah landscapes with Uganda’s tropical forests, primates, and cultural richness. From elephants in Chobe and the Okavango Delta to chimpanzees in Kibale and gorillas in Bwindi, this safari has offered an unparalleled journey through Africa’s most treasured ecosystems.
Depart with memories of extraordinary wildlife encounters, cultural insights, and breath-taking scenery, promising a lifetime of stories to share and perhaps the inspiration for a future return to Africa’s wild heartlands.
- Main Destination: Entebbe International Airport, Uganda
- Accommodation: None (End of tour)
- Meals: Breakfast included
- Drinks: Not included
13-Day Botswana & Uganda Safari Inclusions and Exclusions
Safari Inclusions
- All park fees and permits for Botswana & Uganda wildlife areas
- Accommodation (as specified; mid-range lodges)
- All guided game drives, mokoro excursions, chimpanzee and gorilla trekking experiences
- Transportation during safari (private vehicle, transfers, internal flights in Botswana & Uganda)
- Professional safari guides and trackers
- Meals as specified (Breakfast and Dinner; some lunches included)
- Drinking water during activities
- Cultural visits and community interactions (Batwa, Khwai)
- Roundtrip airport transfers
- Internal flights in Botswana & Uganda
Safari Exclusions
- International flights (to/from Africa)
- Additional accommodation before or after the safari
- Tips (Suggested US$10 per person per day)
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Some meals (as specified)
- Drinks (unless specified)
- Government-imposed increases of taxes or park fees
Optional activities (hot air balloon rides, quad biking, optional Rwanda Gorilla Trekking)
This 13-Day Botswana & Uganda Safari offers a rich, immersive, and luxurious experience, seamlessly blending Botswana Safaris, Botswana Wildlife Safaris, Botswana Cultural Safaris with Uganda’s rainforest primates, gorillas, and lakes. Each day is carefully designed for storytelling, wildlife immersion, cultural insights, and exceptional photography opportunities, ensuring an unforgettable African journey.
