During this 12 days Uganda safari you get the chance to search for the Big 5 as well as trek in the jungle for both mountain gorillas and chimps. We take you on a journey through Uganda as you take in the wildlife, scenic nature and enjoy meetings with Uganda’s friendly people.
Four of the Big 5 roam freely in National Parks in Uganda, this is the lion, leopard, buffalo and elephant that you will have chance to see in Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park. The 5th of the Big 5 is the rhino, that was hunted to extinction in Uganda in the 80’s. Luckily it is now being reintroduced thanks to the great efforts of Ziwa Rhino sanctuary where you will see it during this 12 days Uganda Safari.
We are happy to adjust the 12 days Uganda tour itinerary to fit your wishes.
THIS 12 DAYS UGANDA SAFARI INCLUDES:
- Mabamba Swamp for Shoebill Stork (if time allows)
- Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for rhino trekking
- Murchison Falls National Park for game-drive & boat-cruise
- Kibale Forest / budget option Kyambura Gorge for chimps trekking
- Queen Elizabeth National Park for game-drive & boat-cruise
- Ishasha Sector for tree-climbing lions game-drive
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for Mountain Gorilla trekking
- Lake Bunyonyi for relaxation
- Lake Mburo for game-drive & safari walk
Learn more: Safaris to Uganda, Uganda’s national parks or trekking gorillas.
Day by day itinerary for our 12 days Uganda safari:
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN ENTEBBE FOR OUR 12 DAYS UGANDA SAFARI & SHOEBILL STORK SEARCH IF TIME ALLOWS
We pick you at the airport for our 12 days Uganda Safari. Transfer to the lodge with cottages by Entebbe and relax after the journey. If time allows we can head over to the close by Mabamba Swamp for a search for the prehistoric looking Shoebill Stork.
Overnight Tilapia Lodge
DAY 2: TRANSFER TO LODGE BY MURCHISON FALLS NP VIA RHINO TREKKING
You set off early from Entebbe for your journey to Murchison Falls NP. Along the way you meet the rhinos in Ziwa rhino sanctuary, ticking of the first of the Big 5 during this 12 days Uganda Safari. In the sanctuary they are working to reintroduce rhinos in Uganda and you go with a specialized guide for a walk to see them. Then you continue the journey towards the lodge by Murchison Falls national park, having lunch along the way.
Overnight Hornbill Bush Lodge
DAY 3: GAME DRIVE AND BOAT-CRUISE ON THE NILE IN MURCHISON FALLS NP
Set off for an early morning game-drive in the park. You have the chance of seeing Big cats hunting, Elephants, Giraffes, Buffalos, plus more as the checklist of mammals reaches 76. We continue browsing the Drive circuits to the Delta point for a cocktail of Birds and mammals. Enjoy lunch and some relaxation at the lodge after the game-drive. Then in the afternoon go for the 3 hour boat ride to the base of the falls where you get to see the Hippos (You have never seen more hippos yawning, Grooming in there Pods anywhere else than here- Believe me you)! Nile Crocodiles, Elephants and a variety of beautiful bird species along the banks. If you are a keen birder this might be your magnet to catch them.
Overnight in Hornbill Bush Lodge
DAY 4: TRANSFER TO KIBALE FOREST NP
After breakfast we transfer towards Kibale Forest NP as we continue our 12 days Uganda Safari. It’s a long drive with our target to have lunch in Fort portal. We make stops in villages and scenic spots along the way to make the drive easier. We check in late afternoon to an area with an amazing display of primates and lovely scenery.
Overnight Isunga lodge
DAY 5: CHIMPANZEE TREKKING IN KIBALE FOREST & TRANSFER TO QUEEN ELIZABETH NP
Head into the forest of the Primate city of Kibale in the morning for chimpanzee trekking, the first great ape you will meet during this 10 days Uganda safari. This is a three hour experience. Kibale Forest national park is a rainy forest and a home to over 1500 Chimpanzees. Here you have the chance to see the chimps close up and capture shots of our closet cousins in the jungle in there frenzy exciting moods as they are grooming, building relationships, bringing up young ones, think and sharing food, plus rare bird species following them. In the forest 9 different species of Monkeys are found so you have chances of seeing red colobus, red tailed monkey and bush babies on a great day. After the trek we transfer to the lodge by Queen Elizabeth NP via the crater lakes region.
Overnight Pumba Safari Cottages
BUDGET OPTION FOR DAY 4 & 5
– SAVE 100 USD PER PERSON!
DAY 4: TRANSFER TO QUEEN ELIZABETH NP
After breakfast we transfer towards Queen Elizabeth NP as we continue our 10 days Uganda Safari. It’s a long drive with our target to have lunch in Fort portal. A punctuation of stopovers at sceneries like the Rift valley escarpment on Lake Albert – typical African village setup in the far countryside and tea plantations along the drive offer us chances of stretching.
Overnight Pumba Safari Cottages
DAY 5: CHIMPANZEE TREKKING IN KYAMBURA GORGE
In the morning you head down into the fascinating Kyambura Gorge for chimpanzee trekking. The gorge is a jungle within a gorge in the middle of Queen Elizabeth NP’s savannah, a very special sight. You go in a group with a specialized guide to search for the chimps. After the trek your guide takes you back to the lodge for lunch and a relaxed afternoon.
Overnight Pumba Safari Cottages
DAY 6: GAME-DRIVE AND BOAT CRUISE IN QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK
Discover Queen Elizabeth National Park in the cool morning with an early game drive that exposes us to diverse animals. Possibility to see Big 5 members Elephants, Buffalos, big cats- Lions, Leopards more times in the evening, warthogs- Hunchback carnivals like Hyenas and many more species that are residents to this park are spotted along the Circuits as we drive along. There is a rich bird life especially our version of storks in the wetland sports as we reach the Flamingoes in the salt lakes. After lunch it is time for the Classic highlight of the 2hrs boat-cruise on the famous Kazinga channel, a 36kms channel linking Lake George to lake Edward. On the banks you can see land and water Adapted Hippopotamuses Yawning and some slashing canines to each other, the National Geographical society Killing machine the Nile Crocodile gaping along the Banks and Savannah versions of Pigs the Warthog- Pumba of the award winning Lion King are a hallmark sign in this Animal home!
Overnight Pumba Safari Cottages
DAY 7: Village walk in Kyambura & TRANSFER TO LODGE BY ISHASHA SECTOR
In the morning you head for a guided village walk in Kyambura village by the lodge. Here you learn about life in Uganda’s countryside. After the walk we head back to the lodge for lunch and then start the adventurous journey down to the southern Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth NP. The road goes through the park and if we are lucky we see elephants, monkeys, beautiful birds or even lions along the way. In the late afternoon we arrive at the lodge by Ishasha.
Overnight Topi Lodge
DAY 8: MORNING & AFTERNOON GAME-DRIVES IN ISHASHA SECTOR OF QUEEN ELIZABETH NP
In the early morning we will drive off in the adventurous vast savannah of the Ishasa sector of Queen Elizabeth NP, known for its tree-climbing lions. Here we have chance to see Topis, buffaloes, elephants and hopefully find the lions high in the Fig tree branches. This is one of two areas in Africa where lions have the habit of regularly climbing trees to take a rest and this 12 days Uganda Safari gives you the chance to experience it. After the morning game-drive we drive back to the lodge for lunch and a bit of rest before it is time to head out again for a second chance to search for lions during the afternoon game-drive.
Overnight Topi Lodge
DAY 9: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable NP
Transfer on to Bwindi mountains through a beautiful drive taking you from the savanna via cultivated hills to the jungle covered mountains of Bwindi. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is the home to the forest giants that are cousins to human beings, the mountain gorillas and as the highlight of this 12 days Uganda Safari you go trekking the gorillas this day. You will be taken in a group by a specialized guide into the jungle for your gorilla trekking adventure. Trek through the beautiful nature and spend one hour with the gorillas, an unforgettable experience. This Impenetrable Forest is also full of birds, butterflies and plant species plus forest hog, forest elephants, statungas and dikers. After the trek you are taken to the lodge to relax.
Overnight in Buhoma Community Rest Camp
DAY 10: Transfer to LAKE BUNYONYI & free afternoon
After breakfast we leave the mountains and transfer to Lake Bunyonyi through cultivated hills. Lake Bunyonyi is a lake at 1840m above sea level offering stunning scenery and a bit of rest. Have a free afternoon to relax by beautiful Lake Bunyonyi. There is a short list of activities: canoeing, swimming (safe in this lake), hiking along the lake-shores, return to the hotel and relax / canoe ride along Lake Bunyonyi with small resident and exotic bird species singing. (activities this day are optional and not included in the price)
Overnight Lake Bunyonyi Eco resort
DAY 11: TRANSFER TO LAKE MBURO & GAME-DRIVE
After a breakfast we leave the scenic Lake Bunyonyi behind and make the journey to Lake Mburo National Park. We aim to reach the lodge in time for lunch. In the afternoon we head in to the park and game drive for view of zebras, topis, warthogs, giraffes, cape buffaloes and impalas. If we are lucky we catch a sight of a leopard.
Overnight in Rwakobo Rock
DAY 12: EARLY MORNING SAFARI WALK AND TRANSFER TO ENTEBBE AIRPORT
Get early up for a safari walk by the lodge chance to see zebras, waterbucks, birds and buffaloes in their day break jungle life! Go back to the lodge for breakfast before starting the transfer towards Entebbe. Along the way we make a stop by the Equator, where you can have the experience of standing with one foot on either side of the southern and northern hemisphere. Connect to Entebbe where your guide drops you in time for an evening flight as we have reached the end of your 12 days Uganda safari (or add an extra night to fly the next day).
‘IN CONSERVATION WE TRUST- DISCOVER YOUR TRAVEL DREAMS’
CLICK ON THE MAP TO ZOOM AND FOLLOW THE ROUTING OF THE SAFARI. EXACT ROADS USED CAN DIFFER DEPENDING ON THE GUIDES DECISIONS FOR BEST ALTERNATIVES AT THE TIME.
Useful Information
Reviews: See what our visitors think on TripAdvisor & Safaribookings
Tailor-made safaris: We work with private safaris that can be tailor-made to fit your wishes. Contact us and we adjust the itinerary to your preferences.
Price: The price depends on number of people and accommodation level. Contact us with your inquiry to get the best price for your safari.
Included: Accommodation, meals, safari car, fuel, guide, park entries, gorilla permits (if applicable) and activities mentioned in the itinerary. Plus water in the car and a couple of fruits along the way.
Excluded: International flights, visas, drinks, tips and personal expenses.
Accommodation: In general accommodation mentioned in the itinerary is good places on budget to mid-range level (with the exception of luxury safaris). The accommodation can be adapted to your price range of budget, mid-range or luxury. Of-course a mix is also possible. Take a look here for links to the website’s of the lodges we regularly work with.
Payment options: We accept international bank transfer, card payment through PesaPal (adds 3,5% charge) and cash payment if you are in Uganda.
For more info see our terms & conditions.
PRIMATES & SAVANNA – 10 DAYS
Come to meet the great primates of Uganda with trekking of both chimpanzees and mountain gorillas. Mixed with the primates is time on the savanna to search for lions, elephants and more. We visit 3 savannah national parks as well as Ziwa rhino sanctuary so you have the chance to tick off “the Big 5”.
UGANDA FROM NORTH TO SOUTH – 16 DAYS
Start off by driving up to the north of Uganda to experience Kidepo Valley National Park with its untouched wilderness. From there start the journey to the south with highlights of boat-cruise, game-drives and chimps trekking on the way, as well as changing nature and friendly people. In the south you will meet the gentle giants of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the Mountain Gorillas.
EXPERIENCE UGANDA SAFARI – 21 DAYS
Get a full Uganda experience during this longer Uganda safari. Search for Great Shoebill Stork in Mabamba Swamp, visit the source of the Nile, visit scenic Sipi Falls, the untouched wilderness of Kidepo Valley NP, see giraffes in Murchison Falls NP, trek chimps in Kibale Forest National Park, take a hike in the Rwenzori mountains, search for tree-climbing lions in Ishasha, have the highlight of Gorilla trekking, go for a Batwa experience & golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, relax by Lake Bunyonyi and see zebras in Lake Mburo NP.
For more itinerary options take a look under “safaris” in the menu at the top of the site.
COME FOR A 12 days Uganda safari WITH US
