Overview
The 12-Day Uganda Safari Adventure offers a comprehensive exploration of Uganda’s most iconic wildlife destinations and cultural experiences. From the thrilling encounters with the Big Five in Murchison Falls National Park to tracking endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, this safari blends adventure and natural beauty. Along the way, you’ll enjoy game drives, boat cruises, and unique activities such as chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest, golden monkey tracking in Mgahinga National Park, and community interactions. Perfect for nature lovers and culture enthusiasts, this safari promises an unforgettable journey through Uganda’s diverse landscapes and rich wildlife.
Highlights
- Day 1: Pick Up and Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
- Day 2: Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Cruise
- Day 3: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
- Day 4: Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi Community Walk
- Day 5: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park and Evening Game Drive
- Day 6: Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Cruise
- Day 7: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
- Day 8: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Day 9: Transfer to Mgahinga National Park
- Day 10: Golden Monkey Tracking in Mgahinga
- Day 11: Coffee Tour, Mabungo Cultural Experience, and Lake Mutanda Boat Cruise
- Day 12: Transfer Back to Kampala/Entebbe
Itinerary
Your 12-day safari adventure begins with an early morning pick-up in Kampala or Entebbe. From there, you embark on a scenic drive northward towards Murchison Falls National Park, one of Uganda’s premier wildlife destinations. En route, you will stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for an exciting rhino-tracking experience. This sanctuary is the only place in Uganda where you can see rhinos in the wild, making it a must-visit for conservation enthusiasts. After tracking the rhinos on foot and learning about the efforts to reintroduce these majestic creatures to Uganda’s national parks, you'll continue to Murchison Falls, arriving in the late afternoon for check-in at your lodge. Relax, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the next day’s adventures.
Rise early for a thrilling morning game drive through Murchison Falls National Park. Your experienced guide will lead you through savannah plains, woodlands, and riverine habitats in search of iconic African wildlife. Keep an eye out for elephants, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, and antelopes, among others. Birdwatchers will also appreciate the park’s rich avian life, which includes species like the rare shoebill stork.
After a relaxing lunch, the afternoon features a boat cruise along the Nile River to the base of the mighty Murchison Falls, where the river squeezes through a narrow gorge and plunges down into a powerful waterfall. Along the way, you'll see hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of waterbirds. Return to your lodge for a peaceful evening in the wild.
On Day 3, enjoy breakfast before setting out on a journey southwest to Kibale Forest National Park, home to one of the most diverse primate populations in Africa. The drive offers scenic views of rural Uganda, tea plantations, and the Rwenzori Mountains in the distance. You’ll arrive at your lodge in the afternoon, with time to relax and prepare for the next day’s chimpanzee tracking adventure.
Day 4 begins with an early breakfast followed by an exciting day of chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest. As you venture into the dense rainforest with a knowledgeable guide, you will search for habituated chimpanzee groups and observe them up close. Watching these intelligent creatures interact in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience. Along the trek, you may also encounter other primates such as red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus, and L’Hoest’s monkeys.
In the afternoon, visit the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a community nature walk. The swamp is a haven for birdlife and features species such as the Great Blue Turaco. Learn about the local community’s sustainable tourism practices and immerse yourself in the region’s vibrant culture.
After breakfast, depart Kibale and drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most popular wildlife reserves. En route, enjoy scenic views of the Rwenzori Mountains and the crater lakes. Upon arrival at Queen Elizabeth, check into your lodge and prepare for an evening game drive. As dusk settles, you’ll have the chance to spot nocturnal animals like leopards and hyenas, along with elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes as they roam the savannah.
Start your day with a morning game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park, exploring the Kasenyi Plains, which are known for their large concentrations of lions and Uganda kobs. The park is also home to elephants, buffaloes, warthogs, and a wide variety of bird species.
In the afternoon, embark on a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, which links Lake Edward and Lake George. This boat trip provides excellent opportunities to view hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds up close. You may also spot elephants and buffaloes along the shoreline. The cruise offers some of the best wildlife viewing in the park, as animals come to the water to drink and cool off.
After breakfast, journey south to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, home to over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The drive will take you through picturesque landscapes, passing traditional homesteads and rolling hills. Upon arrival, check into your lodge and prepare for the highly anticipated gorilla trekking experience the following day
Day 8 is the highlight of your safari—gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. After a briefing from park rangers, you will hike into the dense rainforest in search of a habituated gorilla family. The trek can be challenging, but the reward of spending time with these gentle giants in their natural habitat is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You’ll observe the gorillas’ behavior, from feeding to grooming, while learning about their conservation. After your trek, return to the lodge to relax and reflect on this unforgettable encounter.
On Day 9, transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, which is part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area. Mgahinga is known for its diverse landscapes, including volcanic mountains and bamboo forests. Upon arrival, settle into your accommodation and take in the beautiful surroundings.
Start your day with an exciting adventure—golden monkey tracking in the bamboo forests of Mgahinga. These playful and endangered primates are unique to the Virunga region, and tracking them offers an entirely different experience compared to gorilla trekking. You’ll follow a knowledgeable guide through the forest, observing the monkeys’ interactions as they leap between trees and forage for food. Afterward, return to your lodge for relaxation.
Your day begins with a coffee tour in the morning, where you’ll learn about the entire coffee production process, from farm to cup. Engage with local farmers and discover the importance of coffee to the region’s economy and culture.
In the afternoon, enjoy a Mabungo cultural experience, where you will be introduced to the traditions, dances, and way of life of the local communities. It’s an enriching cultural immersion that highlights the deep connection between the people and the land.
As the day winds down, take a peaceful boat cruise on Lake Mutanda, a picturesque lake nestled among the Virunga Mountains. The serene waters and stunning landscape provide the perfect end to your day of cultural discovery.
On the final day of your safari, enjoy breakfast before starting the journey back to Kampala or Entebbe. Depending on your schedule, you can opt for a brief city tour or visit local craft markets before your drop-off at the airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your unforgettable Uganda adventure.
Cost
The Cost Includes
- Park entry fees to all national parks visited.
- Accommodation for 11 nights in lodges or camps.
- Daily meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) throughout the safari.
- Game drives in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a professional driver-guide.
- Chimpanzee tracking permit in Kibale Forest National Park.
- Gorilla trekking permit in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
- Golden monkey tracking permit in Mgahinga National Park.
- Boat cruises on the Nile River, Kazinga Channel, and Lake Mutanda.
- Rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
- Community experiences like the Mabungo cultural tour.
- Bottled drinking water during the safari.
- Airport transfers and transportation within Uganda.
The Cost Excludes
- International flights to and from Uganda.
- Visa fees for entry into Uganda.
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended).
- Personal expenses such as souvenirs, tips, laundry, and extra activities.
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages not included in meals.
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary.