Experience the very best of Uganda safari holidays on this expertly crafted 12 days Uganda wildlife and gorilla trekking safari. From the powerful Murchison Falls National Park to the misty jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, this journey combines big game safaris, primate encounters, boat cruises, cultural experiences, and scenic lakeside relaxation.
12 Days Uganda Wildlife Tour & Gorilla Trekking Safari
You will arrive via Entebbe International Airport and explore Uganda’s top national parks including Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Lake Bunyonyi, and Lake Mburo National Park before returning to Entebbe for departure.
Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport & Transfer to Hotel
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our professional English-speaking Uganda safari driver-guide. After a short briefing, you will be transferred to your pre-booked hotel for check-in and relaxation.
This day is dedicated to rest and recovery from jet lag while adjusting to Uganda’s climate and time zone.
Optional Activities (Extra Cost):
- Visit Entebbe Botanical Gardens for birdwatching and primates
- Mabamba Wetland excursion for the iconic shoebill stork experience
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 2: Ziwa Rhino Tracking & Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
After breakfast, depart for Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided on-foot rhino tracking experience, the only place in Uganda where wild rhinos can be seen.
After the trek, proceed to Masindi town for lunch before continuing to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and most diverse wildlife reserve. Enjoy views of rolling savannah plains, wildlife sightings, and the River Nile ecosystem.
If time allows, enjoy a late afternoon game drive. Dinner and overnight near the park.
Day 3: Morning Game Drive & Nile Boat Safari to Murchison Falls
Begin the day with an early morning game drive in Murchison Falls National Park, searching for lions, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, hartebeest, and leopards (occasionally sighted). Bird lovers will enjoy the park’s rich avian diversity.
After lunch, enjoy a boat cruise along the Nile to the base of Murchison Falls, spotting hippos, Nile crocodiles, and water birds along the riverbanks.
Optional (Extra Cost):
- Guided hike to the top of Murchison Falls for breathtaking views
Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Top of the Falls Visit & Transfer to Kibale Forest Area
After breakfast, drive to the Top of Murchison Falls to witness the Nile squeezing through a narrow gorge before plunging dramatically below.
Continue southwards to the Kibale Forest National Park region, enjoying scenic countryside views, tea plantations, and local villages. Upon arrival, check in and relax.
Optional Activity (USD 15):
- Crater Lakes excursion for panoramic landscapes and photography
Dinner and overnight near Kibale Forest.
Day 5: Bigodi Wetland Walk & Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, enjoy a guided Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary walk, famous for its primate diversity including red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and rich birdlife such as the Great Blue Turaco.
Later, transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, arriving in time for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a game drive across the Kasenyi plains or opt for the scenic explosion crater drive.
Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 6: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kalinzu Forest & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
After breakfast, head to Kalinzu Forest Reserve for an exciting chimpanzee tracking experience in Uganda, encountering other primates and forest birds along the way.
Return to the lodge for lunch, then proceed for a 2-hour boat safari on the Kazinga Channel, one of Africa’s best wildlife viewing waterways. Expect close encounters with hippos, elephants, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife.
Optional late afternoon game drive before returning to the lodge.
Day 7: Sunrise Game Drive, Ishasha Tree-Climbing Lions & Transfer to Bwindi
Enjoy an early sunrise game drive in the Kasenyi plains, searching for lions, elephants, buffaloes, and antelope species.
After checkout, drive to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, renowned for its rare tree-climbing lions. Continue onward to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Buhoma sector).
Optional Activity (USD 15):
- Local community and cultural encounter
Dinner and overnight near Bwindi.
Day 8: Bwindi Forest Walk & Transfer to Ruhija Sector
After breakfast, enjoy a guided Bwindi Forest waterfall trail hike, exploring one of Africa’s most biodiverse rainforests. Expect sightings of monkeys, birds, and lush vegetation along the Munyaga River trail.
After lunch, transfer to the Ruhija sector of Bwindi, preparing for gorilla trekking the following day. Evening at leisure.
Day 9: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi & Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
After breakfast, report to the ranger station for a gorilla trekking briefing before entering the forest. Trekking time varies depending on gorilla movements, but once found, you will spend one magical hour with a gorilla family.
After this unforgettable experience, transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, known for its terraced hills, serene waters, and 29 scenic islands.
Dinner and overnight at the lake.
Day 10: Relaxation Day at Lake Bunyonyi
This day is dedicated to relaxation after long drives and trekking. Enjoy meals at the lodge while soaking in the tranquil beauty of one of Uganda’s most scenic lakes.
Optional Activities (Extra Cost):
- Island hopping tour
- Batwa cultural visit
- Canoeing or kayaking
- Zip-lining or mountain biking
Overnight at Lake Bunyonyi.
Day 11: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park & Evening Game Drive
After breakfast, transfer to Lake Mburo National Park, passing through Mbarara City. After lunch and rest, enjoy an afternoon-to-evening game drive, spotting zebras, eland, impalas, topi, Uganda kob, and buffaloes.
Optional (USD 30):
- Night game drive to see nocturnal wildlife
Dinner and overnight in the park.
Day 12: Guided Walking Safari & Return to Entebbe
After an early breakfast, enjoy a guided walking safari in Lake Mburo National Park with an armed UWA ranger. Encounter wildlife on foot and enjoy panoramic views over the park’s lakes.
After checkout, drive back to Entebbe International Airport in time for your onward flight (recommended departure from 18:00 hrs onward).
End of 12-Day Uganda Wildlife & Gorilla Trekking Safari
