12 Days Uganda Safari, Uganda Tour – Gorillas, Wildlife, Scenery, Community

12 Days Uganda Safari Tour – Overview

This 12 days Uganda safari is an unforgettable Uganda tour offering you Gorilla trekking, Chimpanzees, wildlife viewing, and community safari in Uganda starting and ending in Kampala.

You start this 12 days Uganda wildlife safari in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to track White Rhinos on foot. After, you proceed to Murchison Falls NP home to the world’s most powerful waterfalls and numerous wildlife including 4 of the big 5 animals except the Rhinos. Also, there are many Antelope species, Primates, Giraffes, etc.

From there, proceed for Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park the primate capital of Africa. It boasts 13 Uganda primate species including the highest number of Chimpanzees with over 1,500 individuals and over 370 birds.

Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park which is known for the tree-climbing Lions. This park is also home to the highest concentration of Hippos in one place in the world and also home to over 600 bird species. This makes it the highest count of birds in any other park in Uganda.

You will then travel to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for enticing lifetime adventures. Here, you will enjoy the fabled Gorilla trekking in the misty forest which is home to over 459 Mountain Gorillas. This is almost half of the surviving 1,063 Mountain Gorillas.

After experiencing the remarkable encounter, head to Lake Bunyonyi for relaxation. Your extraordinary 12 days Uganda safari tour will end with a game walk in Lake Mburo National Park.

This Wonderful Uganda Safari Tour Can Be Booked Or Customized To Suit Your Budget And Uganda Safari Interests

12 Days Uganda Safari Tour – Prime Safari Activities

• Gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park
• Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park
• Rhino tracking on foot in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
• Amazing community walks
• Game drives in 3 famous Savannah parks: Murchison Falls National Park, Queen
• Elizabeth National Park, and Lake Mburo National Park
• Visiting the top of Murchison Falls
• Afternoon boat cruise to the bottom of Murchison Falls
• Boat cruise to the Lake Albert Nile delta area in Murchison Falls park
• Kazinga channel boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth park
• Tracking the rare tree-climbing lions of Ishasha
• A whole day of relaxation at the scenic Lake Bunyonyi
• Traditional lunch at Igongo Culture Centre
• Guided game walk in Lake Mburo National Park
• Photo shoots at the Uganda Equator crossing Kayabwe
• Enjoying beautiful views of the Rwenzori Mountains
• Astonishing bird watching
• Canoe ride on Lake Bunyonyi

12 Days Uganda Safari Tour – Featured Safari Destinations

• Day 1, 2 & 3: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary & Murchison Falls National Park
• Day 4: Kibale National Park & Bigodi Community
• Day 6 & 7: Ruboni Community & Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Day 8: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Day 9 & 10: Lake Bunyonyi
• Day 11: Igongo Cultural Centre & Lake Mburo National Park
• Day 12: Kampala/ Entebbe

12 Days Uganda Safari Tour – Highlights

• Day 1: Transfer from Kampala/ Entebbe to Murchison Falls National
• Visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary en route.
• Day 2: Morning game drive & afternoon Nile boat cruise to the bottom of Murchison Falls
• Day 3: Private Nile delta boat cruise & evening game drive in Murchison Falls park
• Day 4: Visiting the top of Murchison Falls & transfer to Kibale park
• Day 5: Morning chimpanzee trekking in Kibale & afternoon Bigodi Community walk
• Day 6: Travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Visit Ruboni Community on the foothills of Mount Rwenzori en route & enjoy a game drive upon arrival
• Day 7: Morning game drive in Kasenyi plains, afternoon Kazinga Channel boat cruise, & evening game drive along the Channel track
• Day 8: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Enjoy an en-route game drive in the Ishasha sector in search of tree-climbing lions
• Day 9: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi & transfer to Lake Bunyonyi for relaxation
• Day 10: Whole day relaxation on Lake Bunyonyi
• Day 11: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park. Enjoy a traditional lunch stop at Igongo Cultural center & do an evening game drive upon arrival. Optional night game drive
• Day 12: Morning game walk in Lake Mburo National Park & transfer back to Kampala/Entebbe

12 Days Uganda Safari Tour – Detailed Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer From Kampala/Entebbe To Murchison Falls National Park. Visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary En Route

Have an early morning breakfast and afterward you will be picked up by your safari driver guide. He will pick you up at around 6:30 am from your hotel in Kampala/ Entebbe.

You will drive 311km (5-6 hours) to Murchison Falls National Park which is the oldest and largest national park of Uganda. This drive to the park will take you through the striking countryside before en routing to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for Rhino tracking.

You will track the Rhinos for 2 hours as this will give you a great opportunity of seeing the only 32 Wild Rhinos in Uganda in their natural habitat. This encounter is enjoyed on foot and it is an unforgettable experience worth undertaking!

After encountering Rhino tracking, you will have lunch at Kabalega Dinner and then commence at Murchison park. This park is a true definition of a Uganda safari destination for wildlife tours.

It is home to over 144 Uganda mammal species and it is bisected by the fabled longest river in Africa (River Nile). It also features the world’s strongest waterfalls.

You will arrive late afternoon for relaxation, dinner, and an overnight stay.

Activities And Services Of The Day;

• Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
• Rhino tracking on foot in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Optional Activities You Can Choose To Do On This Day Include:-

• Evening game drive in Murchison
• Night game drive in Murchison

Day 2: Embark On A Morning Game Drive And An Afternoon Nile Boat Cruise To The Bottom OF Murchison Falls

Have a hearty breakfast at around 6:30 am and afterward head for a 3-4 hours game drive in the charming plains of Buligi game area. This area is dotted with palm trees and you will start the day by spotting the early grazers going to graze.

You may as well see predators hunting if lucky. Among the Savannah animals that you will see include;

• Lions
• Leopards
• Buffaloes
• Elephants,
• And numerous Antelope species

You will see many bird species as well during this game drive encounter. And some of the birds are the Secretary Birds, Black-chested Snake Eagles, Marshal Eagles, Bee-Eaters, Etc.

Return to your lodge for a hot lunch and relaxation. Later in the afternoon at around 2 pm, encounter a thrilling 3 hours, 17km Nile boat cruise to the bottom of the falls.

It is the best way of exploring the amazing Murchison Falls (the world’s strongest waterfalls). During the boat cruise, you will have countless views of wildlife especially Hippos, Nile Crocodiles, Elephants, Buffaloes, Antelopes, and many bird species, etc.

After this wonderful experience, you can retire at your lodge, have dinner and enjoy the overnight stay.

Activities And Services Of The Day;

• Morning game drive in the northern sector of Murchison Falls National Park
• Afternoon boat cruise to the bottom of the falls.

Optional Activities You Can Choose To Do On This Day Include:

• Sport fishing for the Nile Perch – the world’s largest freshwater fish
• Hot air balloon safaris
• Community village visits
• Night game drive inside the park

Day 3: Private Nile Delta Boat Cruise & Evening Game Drive In Murchison Falls Park

After you have enjoyed your laze breakfast at around 9 am, you will encounter an exciting 20km boat cruise to Lake Albert Nile delta. This is an amazing area where the Nile River enters Lake Albert.

It is among the best places for spotting the rare Shoe bill. This area is home to numerous water birds with over 75 water bird species and some of the notable are;

However, this boat cruise also gives you the opportunity of seeing animals, especially Hippos within the Nile waters. Other animals you can see are Crocodiles, Elephants, Buffaloes, Giraffes, Water-bucks, Bush-bucks, Warthogs, and Oribis among others along the edges.

After this thrilling boat cruise, return to your lodge for relaxation and have a hot lunch. Later in the evening at around 4 pm, you will embark on an evening game drive to explore more animals in the park.

You will then return to the lodge for relaxation, dinner, and an overnight stay.

Activities And Services Of The Day;

• Morning boat cruise to the Nile delta
• Evening game drive

Other Optional Activities You Can Choose To Do On This Day Include;

• Hot air balloon safari
• Sport fishing along the Nile River
• Visit the Mubako community for exciting cultural performances
• Night game drive

Day 4: Visit The Top OF Murchison Falls & Transfer To Kibale National Park

After having a wonderful breakfast at 8 am, transfer to the top of Murchison Falls. This is the best way of seeing the most powerful waterfalls in the world with an outstanding perspective.

You will then embark on a drive to Kibale National Park the primate capital of Africa. On this journey, you will drive through the striking scenery of the Albertine Rift Valley.

Reach the stunning town of Fort Portal in time for a hot lunch and after proceed to Kibale Forest. It is well known for having the highest density of primates in Africa having 13 primate species. This includes wild chimpanzees that are over 1,500.

Other Uganda primates in Kibale Forest include;

Arrive and check-in at your lodge for relaxation, dinner, and an overnight stay.

Activities And Services Of The Day;

• Visiting the top of the gigantic Murchison Falls
• Transfer to Kibale National Park

Optional Activities You Can Choose To Do On This Day;

• Night walk in Kibale Forest to see nocturnal creatures like Pottos, Bush babies, and Serval Cats.

Day 5: Do Morning Chimpanzee Trekking In Kibale Forest & Afternoon Bigodi Community Walk

Have an early morning breakfast at around 6:30 am and afterward transfer to Kibale park headquarters with your packed lunch. You will arrive on time for the Chimpanzee trekking briefing which starts at 8 am.

After, you will encounter a 2-5 hour trek in the forest in search of the impressive Chimpanzees. These apes are the closest cousins to humans as they have a DNA similarity of 98.7%.

Once you come across the Chimps, you are given 1 full hour to see them feeding, swinging in trees, grooming, kissing, and making hooting calls. This is a memorable experience worth undertaking.

You can then return to the briefing point so that you enjoy your packed lunch.

Later in the afternoon, you can engage in the Bigodi community village walk. This will give you a joyful time with the local people and get to learn more about their amazing way of life.

On this encounter, you will visit the traditional healers and men making local banana beer. Also, you can visit Bigodi Women’s Group for pleasing handicrafts like baskets, mats, bags, and jewelry made from local materials.

You can then return to your lodge for relaxation, dinner, and an overnight stay.

Activities & Services Of The Day;

• Morning Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale
• Afternoon Bigodi village community walk

Optional Activities To Choose From;

• Night forest walk in Kibale Forest National Park

Day 6: Transfer To Queen Elizabeth National Park. Visit Ruboni Community On The Foothills OF Mount Rwenzori En Route & Do A Game Drive Upon Arrival

Enjoy an early morning breakfast at laze at around 8:30 am and afterward drive 2-3 hours to Queen Elizabeth National Park. This is the most famous national park of Uganda with a great bio-diversity of over 600 birds and 95 mammals.

It has 4 of the African safari big 5 except the Rhino.

On this journey, you will pass through the scenic landscape of crater lakes and many rolling hills. You will however make a stop in Kasese on the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains which is the 3^rd tallest Mountain in Africa.

These Mountains are snow-capped. During this stop, you explore the Ruboni Community. You will get to know the astonishing cultural traditions of the Bakonzo people. These people have lived on the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains for centuries.

This will be a great opportunity to experience their way of living, the different crops they grow, their art and craft, and their amazing music, dance, and drama.

After this thrilling cultural experience, proceed to Queen Elizabeth National Park and check in at your booked lodge. You will enjoy a hot lunch and afterward go for an afternoon game drive.

You will explore the charming landscape (beautiful lakes, rolling Savannah, rain forests, acacia woodland, etc.). And also you will embark on numerous wildlife including Elephants, Buffaloes, Lions, Leopards, numerous Antelopes, and various bird species.

After this thrilling game drive, retire at your lodge as you await dinner and an overnight stay.

Activities & Services Of The Day;

• Transfer to Queen Elizabeth Park
• Explore Ruboni Village on the foothills of the
• Rwenzori Mountains
• Afternoon game drive in Queen Elizabeth National

Optional Activities You Can Choose To Do On This Day Include;

• Night game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 7: Do Morning Game Drive And Afternoon Boat Cruise In Queen Elizabeth National Park

Have an early morning breakfast at 6:30 am and afterward embark on a 3-4 hour game drive within the rolling plains of Kasenyi sector. Here, you will start the day by seeing early grazers coming out of their hiding points to graze.

If lucky, you see Lions hunting giving you unforgettable experiences that are worth encountering. Also keep your eyes open to see Elephants, Leopards, Hyenas, Cape Buffaloes, Warthogs, Hippos, and numerous antelopes.

These include Uganda Kobs, Bush-bucks, Water-bucks, etc., and various amazing bird species. After this game drive, return to the lodge for lunch and some bit of relaxation.

Later in the afternoon (2 pm), board a 2-hour relaxing boat cruise along the 32km amazing Kazinga Channel. This channel connects Lake Edward and Lake George making home to the highest number of Hippos in one place.

When on this boat cruise, you will have a memorable close view of numerous Hippos leaning on each other in the water. Also, you will see uncountable crocodiles, Elephants, and Buffaloes playing in the mud.

Also on this cruise, you will see over 100 bird species like the Yellow-billed Storks, Pink-backed Pelicans, African Open Bill Storks, Saddle-billed Storks, etc.

After the boat cruise, enjoy a short safari game drive along the channel track as you go back to your lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.

Activities & Services Of The Day:

• Morning game drive in Kasenyi Plains
• Afternoon Kazinga Channel boat cruise

Optional Activities You Can Choose To Do On This Day Include:

• Lion tracking
• Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge or
• Kalinzu Forest
• Night game drive inside the park
• A nature walk in the Maramagambo forest- home to forest birds and monkeys
• Coffee tours

Day 8: Transfer To Bwindi. Enjoy En-Route Game Drive In Ishasha In The Ishasha OF Tree- Climbing Lions

After your delightful breakfast at 8 am, depart for a 160km (4-7 hours) drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. You will pass via the Ishasha sector to get clear sightings of the tree-climbing Lions relaxing up in the big fig tree branches.

Experts have always had it that these Lions climb trees to escape the much heat and biting insects on the ground. You will as well see other animals like Uganda Kobs, Topis, Elephants, and various antelope species on this drive.

After this significant encounter, proceed to Bwindi National Park home to almost half of the Mountain Gorillas on earth. It has over 19 habituated Gorilla families and 120 mammal species.

It also has 350 bird species with 23 Albertine Endemic bird species, 10 primate species, over 400 plant species, etc.

You will arrive in the evening at your lodge, check in, and relax as your wait for your dinner.

Activities & Services Of The Day;

• Game drive in Ishasha sector in search of tree-climbing lions
• A scenic drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National

Day 9: Do Mountain Gorilla Trekking In Bwindi & Transfer To Lake Bunyonyi For Relaxation

Finally, the long-awaited day is here for you to encounter the unbelievably gentle giants in their natural habitat!

Have an early morning breakfast and head to Bwindi National Park headquarters with your packed lunch. You will arrive on time for Gorilla trekking briefing at 8 am.

You will then encounter an unforgettable 2-8 hours trek in the mist Bwindi Forest as you search for a Habituated Gorilla family group. Once you see the Gorillas, you will spend 1 magical hour with the giant apes

You will observe them feeding, grooming, and breastfeeding, and also enjoy the sheer size of the enormous Silver-back. After the thrilling encounter, return to the park’s headquarters to receive your Gorilla trekking certificate. You can also enjoy your packed lunch.

From here, you will then transfer to Lake Bunyonyi which is the most significant lake in Uganda having 29 outstanding islands. Also, it is the 2^nd deepest lake in Africa (900m deep).

This transfer is about 90 minutes passing through the captivating landscape of the eye-catching terraced hills of Kigezi. You will arrive in the evening and have some time to relax at the resort before dinner and overnight.

Drive Distance and time: Approximately 52km or 90 minutes drive

Activities & Services Of The Day:

• Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National
• Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
• Evening boat cruise on Lake Bunyonyi

Optional Activities You Can Choose To Do On This Day Include:

• Birding in the Bwindi Buhoma sector

Day 10: Do A Whole Day Of Relaxation On Lake Bunyonyi

Wake up at laze and have a relaxed breakfast at 9 am. After, embark on a canoe to explore some of the main wonderful historical islands of Lake Bunyonyi. You cruise to the horrifying Akampene or Punishment Island.

On this island, it’s where unmarried pregnant girls were left to die of hunger or die down the mainstream trying to escape. However, a few lucky ones were saved by men who were unable to pay for the dowry price as they took them home as their wives.

You can also opt to hike one of the wonderful hills around Lake Bunyonyi or swim in the lake. You can also enjoy zip lining across the lake, or have a community walk and visit a local school.

Activities & Services Of The Day;

• Boat cruise and relaxation on Lake Bunyonyi

Optional Activities You Can Choose To Do On This Day Include;

• Zip lining
• Community visits
• Hiking

Day 11: Transfer To Mburo National Park. Do A Traditional Lunch Stop At Igongo Cultural Center & Evening Game Drive Upon Arrival

Have a relaxed breakfast at around 9 am and afterward head to Lake Mburo Mburo National Park the land of Zebras. Along this journey, you will drive along the most scenic road in Uganda.

You will pass along the wonderful mystical villages, various banana plantations, and scenery of the rolling Savannah and see the beautiful Ankole long-horned cattle. You will make a commercial stop at the Igongo Cultural Center and museum for a pleasant traditional lunch.

After lunch, proceed to your lodge in Lake Mburo National Park which is a great stopover for wildlife encounters. However, this park has no Elephants and Lions.

You can relax at your lodge and later in the afternoon embark on a 2-hour game drive where you will be able to see various animals. These include Zebras, Elands, Buffaloes, Impalas, Bush-bucks, Water-bucks, Warthogs, Leopards, Giraffes, Hyenas, Side-Striped Jackals, etc.

After this short thrilling game drive, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

The highlight of the day: The evening game drive in Lake Mburo National Park

Activities & Services Of The Day;

• Transfer to Lake Mburo
• Evening game drive in Mburo national park

Optional Activities You Can Choose To Do On This Day Include;

• A night game drive to encounter nocturnal animals

Day 12: Do A Morning Game Walk In Mburo Park & Drive Back To Kampala/Entebbe

Enjoy breakfast at 6:30 am and afterward embark on a memorable 2-hour guided nature walk in Lake Mburo National Park. This will allow you to explore the park on foot and enjoy nature and will give you a close view of park animals.

When on this exciting walk, keep an eye out and look out for the stunning Elands, Zebras, Water-bucks, Bush-bucks, Impalas, Giraffes, and Buffaloes. You will also enjoy the enticing Savannah landscape of the park dotted with acacia trees.

After enjoying this nature walk, go aboard on a 240km (3- 4 hours) drive to Entebbe making a stop at the Uganda equator crossing at Kayabwe. This is a big opportunity for you to take unforgettable photo shoots as you stand in the center of the earth.

When here, you can as well purchase some items from the craft shops for remembrance of your Uganda safari. After, commence at Entebbe International Airport for your departing flight.

The highlight of the day: Game walking in Mburo National park

Drive distance & time: Approximately 240km or 3-4 hours

Activities & Services Of The Day:

• Game walk in Lake Mburo National Park
• Transfer to Entebbe

Optional Activities You Can Choose To Do On This Day Include:-

• Morning game drive in Lake Mburo National Park
• Cycling tour in Lake Mburo Park
• Horseback safari in Lake Mburo Park
• Banyankole community tour

End OF The 12 Days Uganda Safari Tour

Safari Inclusions

• Gorilla Permit
• Chimpanzee Permit
• Full Board Accommodation on Safari
• Transportation in either 4X4 Safari Van/4X4 Safari Land Cruiser all with Pop up roof & AC
• Fuel
• Professional English Speaking driver guide. Any other foreign language speaking guide can be arranged on request.
• Entrance fees to the tourist sites including Protected areas mentioned
• Activity fees of the tourist activities mentioned
• Bottled water while on safari
• Border crossing fees (for cross-border safaris)

Safari Exclusions

• General tips for the driver guide, site guides, and service staff at the lodges
• Laundry Services
• Other Beverages/drinks of personal nature like Alcohol
• International Flights (Arranged on request)
• Domestic Flights (Arranged on request)
• Visas
• Optional Activity fees
• Other extras not mentioned in the Itinerary
• Airport Transfer (Arranged on request)
• Accommodation in Kampala or Kigali unless it is part of the
• Itinerary (Arranged on request)