12 Days Best of Uganda Safari

12 Days Best of Uganda Safari

This 12-day safari adventure takes you through Uganda’s most iconic national parks and hidden gems. From tracking gorillas and chimpanzees to thrilling game drives and boat cruises, you’ll witness the incredible biodiversity and warm hospitality that make Uganda the “Pearl of Africa.”

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Transfer to Hotel

Arrive at Entebbe International Airport where your safari guide will meet and transfer you to your hotel for relaxation after your journey. Optional activities depending on arrival time include a visit to the Entebbe Botanical Gardens or Lake Victoria sunset views.

Day 2: Entebbe – Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Murchison Falls NP

Depart early for Murchison Falls National Park. En route, stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for rhino tracking on foot. After lunch, continue to Murchison and settle into your lodge. If time allows, enjoy an evening game drive.

Day 3: Game Drive & Boat Safari – Murchison Falls

Start the day with a sunrise game drive, spotting lions, giraffes, elephants, and buffalo. In the afternoon, cruise along the Nile River to the base of the falls, observing hippos, crocodiles, and aquatic birds. Optional hike to the top of the falls.

Day 4: Murchison – Transfer to Kibale Forest

Travel south through the scenic Albertine Rift Valley to Kibale National Park, the primate capital of the world. Enjoy views of tea plantations, crater lakes, and traditional homesteads along the way. Overnight near the forest.

Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking & Bigodi Wetland Visit

Go chimpanzee tracking in Kibale’s tropical rainforest, home to 13 primate species. In the afternoon, visit the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for birding, monkeys, and a cultural walk through the local community.

Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most diverse park. After lunch, take a relaxing boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, famous for its concentration of hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife. Overnight inside or near the park.

Day 7: Game Drive & Transfer to Ishasha Sector

Enjoy a morning game drive in the Kasenyi plains, looking for lions, leopards, elephants, and more. Afterward, head south to the Ishasha sector, renowned for its tree-climbing lions. Overnight in a lodge close to the wilderness.

Day 8: Ishasha – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After breakfast, enjoy a short game drive in Ishasha before continuing to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Arrive in the afternoon and prepare for the gorilla trekking adventure the next day.

Day 9: Gorilla Trekking – Bwindi

Today is the highlight of your safari. After a briefing, trek into the dense forest for a life-changing encounter with a mountain gorilla family. Spend an hour observing their behavior and interactions. Later, relax or opt for a visit to a Batwa pygmy community.

Day 10: Bwindi – Lake Bunyonyi Retreat

Transfer to the scenic Lake Bunyonyi, a stunning highland lake with terraced hills. Spend the day at leisure: swim, canoe, or visit local islands and communities. It’s the perfect place to unwind after gorilla trekking.

Day 11: Lake Bunyonyi – Transfer to Lake Mburo NP

Drive to Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda’s smallest savannah park. After check-in, enjoy a guided nature walk or an evening game drive. The park is known for zebras, impalas, elands, and rich birdlife.

Day 12: Safari Walk or Boat Ride – Return to Entebbe

Take an optional morning game drive, bush walk, or boat ride on Lake Mburo. After breakfast, begin your return journey to Entebbe. Stop at the Equator for photos and souvenirs. Drop off at the airport for your departure flight.