12 Days Uganda Safari Tour – Wildlife, Primates, Culture and Nature Adventure
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe and Transfer to Your Hotel
Welcome to Uganda, the Pearl of Africa for the 12 Days Uganda Safari Tour. Upon your arrival at Entebbe International Airport, our friendly driver guide will meet you and welcome you to this beautiful country. After a short introduction, you will be transferred to your hotel in Entebbe, a peaceful town located on the shores of Lake Victoria. Depending on your arrival time, you can relax at the hotel or take a short walk around the area to enjoy the calm atmosphere. Entebbe offers beautiful gardens, lakeside views, and a relaxing start to your 12 Days Uganda Safari Tour. Your guide will brief you about the upcoming journey, including the safari schedule, safety guidelines, and what to expect during your wildlife experiences. You will spend the night at the hotel as you prepare for an exciting journey through Uganda’s famous national parks, forests, and cultural destinations.
Accommodation: 2 Friends Beach Hotel
Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
After breakfast, you will begin your journey to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and most famous national park. The drive takes you through beautiful countryside landscapes, local villages, and farmlands, giving you a chance to see the daily life of Ugandan communities. Along the way, you will visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda where you can see rhinos in their natural environment. During the guided walking experience, you will track these amazing animals and learn about their conservation efforts. After the rhino experience, you will continue to Murchison Falls National Park, home to elephants, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, hippos, and many bird species. The park is also famous for the powerful Murchison Falls, where the Nile River forces its way through a narrow gorge. You will arrive at your lodge in the evening, enjoy dinner, and relax while surrounded by nature.
Accommodation: pakuba Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3 of the 12 Days Uganda Safari Tour: Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Safari on the Nile River
Day 3 of the 12 Days Uganda Safari Tour begins with an early morning game drive across the beautiful landscapes of Murchison Falls National Park. The morning hours provide the best opportunity to see wildlife when animals are most active. Your experienced guide will help you search for elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, giraffes, antelopes, and other wildlife species. The open savannah plains offer excellent opportunities for photography and unforgettable safari moments. After lunch and some relaxation at the lodge, you will enjoy an afternoon boat safari along the Victoria Nile. This scenic cruise takes you close to large groups of hippos, crocodiles, and many water birds along the riverbanks. The boat journey continues toward the base of Murchison Falls, where you will witness the impressive power of the Nile River. You will enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding landscapes before returning to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Transfer to Kibale National Park and Bigodi Wetland Walk
After breakfast, you will leave Murchison Falls and travel south toward Kibale National Park, home to one of Africa’s largest populations of chimpanzees. The journey takes you through changing landscapes, including green hills, tea plantations, farms, and local communities. Along the way, you will enjoy views of Uganda’s beautiful countryside and learn more about the lifestyle of the people living in these regions. In the afternoon, you will visit the famous Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-based conservation project near Kibale Forest. During the guided nature walk, you will explore the wetland trails while searching for different bird species, monkeys, butterflies, and other small wildlife. The area is especially popular among bird lovers because it hosts many rare and colorful birds. You will also interact with local guides and learn how the community protects the environment. After the walk, you will continue to your lodge for dinner and relaxation.
Accommodation: Kibale Forest Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – 12 Days Uganda Safari Tour
Today you will experience one of Uganda’s most exciting wildlife activities: chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest. After breakfast, you will head to the park headquarters for a briefing from the ranger guides. You will then enter the tropical rainforest in search of chimpanzees. The trek allows you to walk through beautiful forest trails while observing these intelligent primates in their natural habitat. Besides chimpanzees, you may also see other monkeys, birds, and forest creatures during the adventure. Spending time with chimpanzees offers a special opportunity to learn about their behavior, social groups, and way of life. After the trek, you will return to the lodge for lunch before continuing your journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The drive takes you through scenic landscapes with views of crater lakes, mountains, and rural communities. You will arrive at your lodge in the evening, enjoy dinner, and prepare for more wildlife adventures.
Accommodation: Engiri Game Lodge and Campsite
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel
Start your day with an exciting morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most diverse wildlife destinations. The park is home to four of the Big Five animals, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, and leopards, along with many antelope species. Your guide will drive through different sections of the park while helping you spot wildlife and capture amazing photographs. After the game drive, you will return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, you will enjoy a memorable boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway connecting Lake Edward and Lake George. The cruise provides some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in Uganda. You will see large numbers of hippos cooling in the water, crocodiles resting along the banks, and many bird species. The peaceful boat ride also offers beautiful views of the park’s landscapes and wildlife gathering near the water.
Accommodation: Engiri Game Lodge and Campsite
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7 of the 12 Days Uganda Safari Tour: Transfer to Bwindi Forest via Ishasha Sector
After breakfast, you will leave Queen Elizabeth National Park and travel toward Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home of the endangered mountain gorillas. Your journey will pass through the famous Ishasha Sector, located in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This area is well known for its unique tree-climbing lions, which can often be seen resting on large fig trees during the day. Your guide will drive through the sector while searching for these unusual lions and other wildlife such as elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes. You will enjoy the beautiful views of the savannah plains before continuing toward the highlands of southwestern Uganda. The landscape changes as you approach Bwindi, with rolling hills, forests, and small villages creating a beautiful natural setting. Upon arrival at your lodge, you will relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Your guide will provide information about the next day’s gorilla trekking adventure and prepare you for this unforgettable experience.
Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi and Batwa Cultural Experience
Today is the highlight of your 12 Days Uganda Safari Tour as you embark on a once-in-a-lifetime mountain gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. After breakfast, you will travel to the park headquarters for a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority guides. You will then begin your trek through the ancient rainforest in search of a habituated gorilla family. The trek can take several hours depending on the location of the gorillas, but every moment in the forest is rewarding. Once you find the gorillas, you will spend precious time observing their behavior, taking photographs, and appreciating these incredible animals. After the trek, you will return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. Later in the afternoon, you will visit the Batwa community, one of Uganda’s oldest forest-dwelling communities. Through storytelling, music, and cultural demonstrations, you will learn about their traditional lifestyle and connection with the forest.
Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi for Canoe Ride and Relaxation
After breakfast, you will leave Bwindi and travel to the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi, one of Uganda’s most scenic destinations. The journey takes you through the famous “Land of a Thousand Hills,” offering stunning views of terraced farms, green valleys, and local communities. Lake Bunyonyi is surrounded by rolling hills and small islands, creating a peaceful environment perfect for relaxation after your gorilla trekking adventure. Upon arrival, you will enjoy a traditional canoe ride across the calm waters of the lake. A local guide will share stories about the islands, communities, and history of this beautiful area. The canoe experience provides excellent opportunities for photography and enjoying the natural beauty around you. You may also relax at the lakeside, enjoy the fresh air, or simply take in the peaceful surroundings. In the evening, you will have dinner at your lodge while enjoying beautiful views of Lake Bunyonyi.
Accommodation: Itambira Island, Seeds of Hope
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 10: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park and Evening Game Drive
Today you will continue your safari journey to Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda’s closest national park to Kampala and Entebbe. After breakfast, you will drive through beautiful countryside landscapes, passing through small towns, farms, and traditional homesteads. Upon arrival at Lake Mburo, you will check into your lodge and enjoy lunch before your afternoon adventure. Later in the evening, you will go for a game drive through the park. Lake Mburo is famous for animals such as zebras, giraffes, impalas, buffaloes, and elands. It is also one of the best places in Uganda to see large herds of zebras and explore wildlife in a peaceful setting. Your guide will help you discover the different animals and explain more about the park’s ecosystem. As the sun sets over the savannah, you will enjoy beautiful views and memorable photography opportunities before returning to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation: Mpogo Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 11: Horseback Riding and Afternoon Boat Cruise
Your final full safari day begins with an exciting horseback riding adventure in Lake Mburo National Park. This unique activity allows you to explore the park quietly while getting closer to nature. Riding through the savannah gives you a different perspective of wildlife viewing, and you may encounter zebras, giraffes, antelopes, and other animals along the way. The peaceful experience allows you to enjoy the beautiful landscapes while creating unforgettable memories. After the horseback adventure, you will return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, you will enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Mburo. The calm waters provide excellent opportunities to see hippos, crocodiles, and many bird species. The cruise is also a perfect way to relax while enjoying views of the surrounding hills and wildlife. Later, you will return to your lodge for your final evening in the Ugandan wilderness, celebrating the amazing experiences from your safari journey.
Accommodation: Mpogo Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 12: Transfer Back to Entebbe and Shoebill Stock Watching
After breakfast, you will begin your journey back to Entebbe, marking the end of your incredible 12 Days Uganda Safari Tour. The drive offers another opportunity to enjoy Uganda’s beautiful countryside, local communities, and changing landscapes. Depending on your flight schedule, you will visit Mabamba Wetland, one of the best places in Uganda to search for the rare and fascinating shoebill stork. A guided canoe excursion through the wetland channels gives you a chance to spot this prehistoric-looking bird in its natural habitat. The wetland is also home to other bird species and offers a peaceful nature experience. After the shoebill experience, you will continue to Entebbe International Airport or your hotel, depending on your travel plans. As you leave Uganda, you will carry unforgettable memories of gorilla trekking, chimpanzee encounters, wildlife safaris, cultural experiences, and the warm hospitality of the Ugandan people. Your 12-day Uganda safari ends with wonderful stories to share for years to come.
Accommodation: End of the 12 Days Uganda Safari Tour no accommodation
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
12 Days Uganda Safari Tour Inclusions
- Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle transportation
- Services of an English-speaking driver guide
- Accommodation as per the itinerary
- All meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Bottled drinking water during safari
- Gorilla trekking permits in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park one per person
- Chimpanzee trekking permits in Kibale National Park one per person
- National park entrance fees
- Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary visit and rhino tracking fees
- Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary nature walk
- Game drives in Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, and Lake Mburo National Parks
- Boat safari on the Nile River in Murchison Falls
- Boat cruise on Kazinga Channel
- Boat cruise on Lake Mburo
- Ishasha Sector visit for tree-climbing lions
- Batwa cultural experience
- Lake Bunyonyi canoe ride
- Horseback riding experience in Lake Mburo
- Mabamba Wetland shoebill tracking experience