12 Days Uganda Safari – Gorillas, Chimpanzees, Wildlife, Scenery, & Community Uganda Tours

12 Days Uganda Safari Tour – Overview

Our 12 days Uganda safari tour is a wonderful 12 days safari in Uganda tour including gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, game viewing, community cultural tours, scenery viewing and much more, startsing and ending in Kampala.

This fantastic 12 days Uganda tour starts with Rhino tracking on foot in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. From here, you’ll visit Murchison Falls National Park for Uganda wildlife safaris, and enjoy a scenic Nile boat cruise to the bottom of the giant Murchison Falls.

While in Murchison park you’ll encounter 4 of the African safari Big Five (Lions, Leopards, Elephants, and, Buffaloes) except Rhino. Also, you’ll spot giraffes, numerous antelopes as well as birds.

After a lovely wildlife experience in Murchison park, you’ll transfer for chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park. During this great adventure in Kibale Forest, you’ll encounter other amazing primates and some of the beautiful 370 bird species of Kibale Forest.

From Kibale, you’ll move to Queen Elizabeth National Park- the most famous park in Uganda boasting rare tree climbing Lions. In Queen, you’ll enjoy a remarkable boat cruise on Kazinga channel and a remarkable game drive in the Kasenyi plains.

This will give you a golden opportunity of encountering most of the wildlife in Queen Elizabeth park. And among these include about 95 animal species and over 600 bird species- the highest count of any park.

Then, you’ll go to Bwindi Impenetrable NP- the best area for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Africa at large. Bwindi holds over 459 Mountain gorillas which is almost 50% of gorillas on earth.

After gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable park, you’ll transfer to the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi for leisure and island hopping adventure.

A thrilling game walk in Lake Mburo NP concludes your 12-day Uganda safari holiday.

You Can Book Or Customize This Affordable Uganda Safari Tour To Fit Your Budget And Uganda Safari Interests

12 Days Uganda Safari Tour – Prime Safari Activities

• Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
• Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park
• On-foot Rhino tracking in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
• Memorable community walks
• Safari game drives in 3 prominent Savannah parks: Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, and, Lake Mburo National Parks
• Visiting the top of Murchison Falls
• Afternoon Nile boat cruise to the bottom of Murchison Falls
• A scenic boat cruise to the Nile Lake Albert delta in Murchison Falls NP
• A memorable boat cruise on Kazinga channel in Queen Elizabeth park
• Tracking the mysterious tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth park
• Whole day unwinding on the picturesque Lake Bunyonyi
• Enjoying a traditional lunch at Igongo Culture Centre
• Guided game safaris in Lake Mburo NP
• Undertaking photoshoots at the Uganda Equator crossing Kayabwe- Mpigi district
• Enjoying scenic views of the Rwenzori Mountains
• Sensational bird watching
• Enjoying a canoe ride on Lake Bunyonyi (optional)

12 Days Uganda Safari Tour – Featured Safari Destinations

Day 1, 2 & 3: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and Murchison Falls NP

Day 4: Kibale Forest National Park and Bigodi Community

Day 6 & 7: Ruboni Community and Queen Elizabeth NP

Day 8: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Day 9 & 10: Lake Bunyonyi

Day 11: Igongo Cultural Center and Lake Mburo park

Day 12: Kampala or Entebbe

12 Days Uganda Safari Tour – Highlights

Day 1: Transfer from Kampala or Entebbe to Murchison falls park. En route, visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Day 2: Enjoy Morning Game Drive and afternoon Nile boat cruise to the bottom of Murchison Falls

Day 3: Enjoy a private Nile delta boat cruise and evening game drive in Murchison Falls Park

Day 4: Visit the top of Murchison Falls & transfer to Kibale park

Day 5: Have a morning chimpanzee trekking in Kibale forest & afternoon Bigodi community walk

Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth park. visit the Ruboni community on the Foothills of Mountain Rwenzori en route and have a game drive upon arrival

Day 7: Under take a morning game drive and afternoon boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth national park

Day 8: Transfer to Bwindi park. Enjoy an en-route game drive in the Ishasha sector to search for tree-climbing lions

Day 9: Do mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi & transfer to Lake Bunyonyi for relaxation

Day 10: Spend a whole day relaxing on Lake Bunyonyi

Day 11: Transfer to Lake Mburo national park. Have a traditional lunch stop at Igongo Cultural Center & evening game drive upon arrival

Day 12: Undertake a morning game walk in Mburo national park and transfer to Kampala or Entebbe

12 Days Uganda Safari Tour – Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer From Kampala or Entebbe To Murchison Falls Park. En-Route, Visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

You’ll have an early breakfast at 6:30 am. After, you’ll be picked up by our expert guide from your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe and embark on a drive to Murchison Falls NP– the largest park in Uganda.

The drive covers about 311km (5-6 hours drive).

This amazing drive will take you through scenic countryside, en-route, you’ll have a stopover at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for Rhino tracking on foot.

This incredible thrilling adventure will grant you an opportunity of encountering one of the African safari Big Five animals on foot. It’s a great memorable experience a must not miss!

After this 2 hours remarkable experience, you’ll have lunch at Kabalega Dinner. From here, you’ll continue the drive to Murchison falls park– Uganda’s park holding the strongest waterfall in the world.

This park is also home to almost 144 mammal species counting 4 of the Big Five animals, (Leopards, Lions, Buffaloes, and Elephants) excluding Rhinos. Also, it boasts over 451 species of birds counting the rare Shoebill and Red-throated Bee-eaters.

Upon arrival in the late evening, you’ll check in at your lodge, unwind and have dinner as well as overnight.

Accommodation options include: Budget, Mid-range, and Luxury

Activities & Services Of The Day:

• Transfer to Murchison falls park
• On-foot Rhino trekking in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Optional Activities Include:

• Enjoying an evening game drive in Murchison park
• Undertaking a night game drive in Murchison Falls National Park

Day 2: Enjoy Morning Game Drive And Afternoon Nile Boat Cruise To The Bottom Of Murchison Falls

Wake up early and have an early breakfast at 6:30 am and after, meet your professional guide and transfer to enjoy a 3-4 hours game drive.

This game drive in the picturesque palm-dotted plains of the Buligi game area will give you a chance to spot over 80% of the wildlife in Murchison park. On the drive, you should look out for:

• Lions
• Leopards
• Buffaloes
• Elephants and,
• Various antelope species such as Jackson’s Hartebeest, Uganda kobs, Oribis, Bush-bucks, and Water-bucks.

On this drive, you’ll also spot several birds such as Back-chested Snake Eagle, Secretary birds, Palm-nut Vultures, Marshal Eagles, Abyssinian Ground Horn-bills, and Bee-eaters, etc.

After this impressive drive, you’ll drive back to your lodge for lunch and relax.

In the afternoon, your driver guide will transfer you for a 2 pm tranquil boat cruise on the Nile to the bottom of the giant Murchison Falls.

This relaxing boat cruise offers you an opportunity to explore the world’s strongest waterfall!

While on this scenic 17km and 2 hours cruise on the Nile, you’ll encounter various wildlife such as Hippos submerged in water as well giant Nile Crocodiles basking on Nile shores.

Elephants, Buffaloes, numerous antelope species, and many birds counting the Red-throated Bee-eaters at Nyamusika cliff are also spotted.

After this picturesque boat cruise, you’ll drive back to your lodge to unwind, have dinner, and overnight.

Accommodation choice includes: Budget, Mid-range, and Luxury

Activities & Services Of The Day:

• A morning game drive in the Buligi game area in the northern part of Murchison Falls NP
• An afternoon Nile boat cruise to the bottom of Murchison Falls

Optional Activities Include:

• Sport fishing along the Nile
• Hot air balloon safaris experience
• visit the nearby Community village
• Night game drive inside the park

Day 3: Enjoy A Private Nile Delta Boat Cruise And Evening Game Drive In Murchison Falls Park

After a leisurely breakfast around 9 am, you’ll be transferred to a 4-5 hour Nile Lake Albert delta launch trip.

This exciting boat cruise will allow you to explore the Nile Lake Albert delta area– the best place in Africa to see the endangered Shoe-bill.

In addition, during this 20km boat cruise in the charming Nile delta area, you’ll have a golden opportunity to spot thousands of water birds in Uganda counting:

• Grey-crowned Cranes
• African Fish Eagles
• Papyrus Gonoleks
• Beautiful Kingfishers counting the Giant and Malachite Kingfishers
• African Jacana
• African open bill
• Saddle-billed Stocks
• Black Herons, and,
• Yellow-billed Storks, etc.

This boat trip in the great Nile delta will also allow you to spot several species of game animals such as Hippos, Nile Crocodiles gasping, and Buffaloes, Elephants, Giraffes, Warthogs as well as several antelopes on the shores.

After, you’ll return to your accommodation for some downtime and lunch.

Around 4 pm, you’ll undertake an evening game drive so that you spot more animals counting those that you might have missed!

After the charming game drive, your guide will transfer you to your lodge for relaxation, dinner, and an overnight.

Accommodation options include: Budget, Mid-range, and Luxury

Activities & Services Of The Day:

• A picturesque morning boat cruise to Nile Lake Albert delta
• An evening game drive

Optional Activities Include:

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

Day 4: Visiting The Top Of Murchison Falls & Transfer To Kibale Park

After a leisurely breakfast at 8 am from your lodge, you’ll drive to the top of the falls to have great views of the giant Murchison Falls from a different angle.

From here, you’ll then drive for 6-7 hours to Kibale National Park– the Primate Capital of the World! This scenic drive takes you through magnificent scenery with breathtaking views of the Albertine Rift Valley.

You’ll arrive in Fort Portal, Uganda’s cleanest town, for lunch, and then continue your drive to Kibale Forest, the best place for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda

You reach the gorgeous town of Fort Portal in time for lunch, have lunch, then continue the drive to Kibale forest- famous for its highest density of primates in Africa. Kibale holds over 13 primate species counting over 1500 Chimpanzees.

Some of the other primates in Kibale include:

• Black-and-white Colobus Monkeys
• Baboons
• Red-tailed Monkeys
• Vervet Monkeys
• L’hoest’s Monkeys
• Blue Monkeys
• Bushbabies and,
• Pottos among others.

Upon arrival, you’ll check in at your lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight as your prepare for the next’s day adventure- chimp trekking.

Accommodation option covers: Budget, Mid-range, and Luxury

Drive distance & time: Approx. 366km (6-7 hours drive)

Activities & Services Of The Day:

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

Optional Activities On This Day:

• Enjoy a night forest walk in Kibale National Park to spot nocturnal creatures counting Bush-babies, Pottos, Serval Cats, African Civets, etc.

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

You’ll enjoy an early breakfast at around 6:30 am and meet your guide to transfer to Kibale park headquarters for a chimp trekking briefing at 8 am.

During the briefing, a professional park ranger guide will go through the dos and don’ts of chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park.

Following that, you’ll embark on a 2-5 hour journey through the rain-forest in quest of the amazing man’s closest genetic relatives.

Unquestionably, chimps share about 98-99% of man’s DNA.

While on the chimpanzee trekking trail in Kibale expect to encounter various amazing primates such as Red-tailed Monkeys, Vervets, and Black and white Colobus. Also, you’ll spot some beautiful birds.

On spotting the man’s cousins, you’ll have a memorable experience enjoying them:

• Feeding
• Grooming each other
• Kissing
• Breastfeeding
• Roaming the ground
• Swinging in trees amazingly

Please note that you’re limited to one magical hour with these intelligent apes however, you are free to take many photos as you wish.

After this memorable experience with chimps, you’ll move back to the starting point and enjoy your picnic-packed lunch.

During the afternoon, you’ll visit the Bigodi community for a village walk. While on this walk, you’ll get a close encounter with the lovely local people as you learn about their unique way of life.

You’ll visit a traditional healer, homes of elderly men and women plus men who prepare local beer from bananas.

Also, you can visit Bigodi Women’s Group for gorgeous handcrafts such as mats, baskets, sunhats, and jewelry all made from local materials.

After the thrilling village walk, you’ll get back to your lodge to rest, have dinner, and overnight.

Accommodation Options include: Budget, Mid-range, and Luxury

Activities & Services Of The Day:

• A morning chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest
• Afternoon village walk in the Bigodi community

Optional Activities On This Day:

• Undertaking a night forest walk in Kibale National Park

Day 6: Transfer To Queen Elizabeth Park. Visit Ruboni Community On The Foothills Of Mountain Rwenzori En Route And Have A Game Drive Upon Arrival

After a relaxed breakfast at your lodge around 8:30 am, you’ll depart to Queen Elizabeth National Park– a famous park in Uganda due to its great biodiversity. This park boasts over 600 bird species and about 95 mammal species counting 4 of the African safari Big Five except Rhinos.

During the journey, you’ll see beautiful crater lakes and undulating hills. You’ll stop in Kasese- a scenic town on the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains to explore the great Ruboni community.

In this community, you’ll discover much about the rich and unique cultural traditions of the Bakonjo people who have lived on Mt.Rwenzori foothills for centuries.

You’ll get to know the crops they grow, their art and crafts plus their amazing way of life as well as get entertained with their vibrant songs and dance.

After this amazing cultural experience, you’ll continue the drive to Queen Elizabeth NP. Upon arrival, you’ll check in at your lodge, have lunch and undertake an afternoon game drive.

During this drive, you’ll have a golden opportunity of exploring the picturesque landscape as well as a variety of wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

On the drive expect to spot Buffaloes, Elephants, numerous antelopes, Lions, Leopards, and various bird species. On finishing the drive, you’ll return to your lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.

Accommodation choices include: Budget, Mid-range, and Luxury

Activities & Services Of The Day:

• Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Exploring Ruboni Village- a rich cultural village on the Rwenzori Mountains foothills
• Afternoon game drive in Queen Elizabeth park

Optional Activities On This Day:

• Enjoying a night game drive in Queen Elizabeth NP

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

You’ll enjoy an early breakfast at 6:30 am and then transfer to the magnificent Kasenyi sector’s rolling plains to start your day with early grazers.

Travelers who are lucky enough may see predators such as Hyenas or Lions hunting. On this scenic drive, usually visitors spot the following:

• Elephants
• Buffaloes
• Lions
• Leopards
• Hyenas
• Warthogs
• Hippos and,
• Many antelope species such as Uganda kobs, Bush-bucks and Water-bucks.

After this enjoyable game drive, you’ll return to your lodge for some rest and lunch before departing for the Kazinga channel boat cruise at 2 pm.

Kazinga channel is a picturesque 32km natural waterway joining Lake George to Lake Edward. This channel area is globally known for holding the highest concentration of Hippos in one area counting over 5,000 in total.

During the Kazinga channel boat trip, you’ll have a close encounter with a range of wildlife such as hundreds of Hippos submerged in water. You’ll have a great time for photo shoots!

On the channel banks, you’ll spot countless giant Crocodiles basking, Buffaloes wallowing in mud, and Elephants quenching their thirst. Myriad bird species such as Pink-backed Pelicans, colorful Kingfishers, and African fish Eagles are common residents.

After a remarkable launch trip on the Kazinga channel, you’ll enjoy a short game drive along the channel track as you drive back to your lodge to rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight.

Accommodation option includes: Budget, Mid-range, and Luxury

Activities & Services Of The Day:

• Morning safari game drive in the Kasenyi area
• Afternoon boat cruise on Kazinga channel

Optional Activities On This Day:

• Lion tracking in the Kasenyi area
• Chimp in Kalinzu Forest or Kyambura Gorge
• Night safari game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park
• A nature walk adventure in Maramagambo Forest
• Coffee tours

Day 8: Transfer To Bwindi Park. Enjoy En-Route Game Drive In Ishasha Sector To Search For Tree- Climbing Lions

You’ll enjoy a leisurely breakfast at 8 am and after transfer 160km (4-7 hour drive) to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park through Ishasha sector to track the tree-climbing Lions. These mysterious Lions are commonly spotted resting up in big tree branches of Fig trees.

After this amazing encounter, you’ll drive to Bwindi forest, a UNESCO world heritage site holding almost 50% of the Mountain gorillas living on earth.

Bwindi also boasts over 400 tree species, 90% of the Albertine endemic bird species as well as over 120 mammal species counting the forest Elephants and numerous primates.

You’ll arrive in the late evening at your lodge, check in, have supper, and relax.

Accommodation Option includes: Budget, Mid-range, and Luxury

Drive Distance & time: Approx. 160km (4-7 hours drive)

Activities And Services Of The Day:

• Game drive in the Ishasha sector in search of the amazing tree-climbing Lions
• A charming drive to Bwindi national park

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

Day 9 of 12 days Uganda tour makes up your long-awaited opportunity to encounter the gentle giants in their native environment!

You’ll wake up and have an early breakfast after to transfer to Bwindi park headquarters for the gorilla trekking briefing at 8 am.

Following that, you’ll undertake a memorable 2-8 hours trek into the misty Bwindi forest in search of the habituated gorilla group.

On spotting the shy giants, you’ll enjoy them feeding, grooming, moving, and young ones playing and have amazing views of the massive silver-back gorilla. Visitors are limited to one magical hour.

After this amazing experience, move back to the starting point and have your gorilla trekking certificate as well as a picnic lunch.

On finishing your lunch, you’ll transfer to Lake Bunyonyi- (Uganda’s most beautiful lake) for relaxation. This scenic drive takes about 90 minutes passing you through the breathtaking terraced hills of Kigezi.

You’ll reach in the late afternoon, check-in at your lodge, and settle at your resort along lake shores before dinner and overnight.

Accommodation option includes: Budget, Mid-range, and Luxury

Drive Distance And Time: Approx. 52km (90 minutes drive)

Activities & Services Of The Day:

• Gorilla trekking in Bwindi national park
• Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
• Evening boat cruise on Lake Bunyonyi

Optional Activities On This Day:

• Bird watching in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park- Buhoma sector

Day 10: Spend A Whole Day Relaxing On Lake Bunyonyi

After a leisurely breakfast at around 9 am from your lodge, you’ll go on a canoe ride to discover some of Lake Bunyonyi’s most spectacular historical islands.

You’ll explore the dreadful Akampene (Punishment Island): This is where unmarried pregnant girls could be brought by their parents to die of hunger or drown while trying to escape from the island. This action was done to stop others from shaming the family.

Lucky girls could survive after being stolen by guys who couldn’t pay dowry. However, the majority could die.

Alternatively, you can trek one of the beautiful hills surrounding Lake Bunyonyi or swim in the lake. You can also enjoy zip-lining across the serene waters of Lake Bunyonyi, undertake a community walk, or visit a local school.

You’ll return to your lodge and spend the day relaxing after this adventure.

Accommodation options include: Budget, Mid-range, and Luxury

Activities & Services Of The Day:

• Boat cruise and unwinding on Lake Bunyonyi

Optional Activities On This Day Include:

• Zip-lining across lake Bunyonyi
• Community tours
• A hike to one of the scenic hills around

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

After enjoying a relaxed breakfast at your lodge at 9 am, transfer to Lake Mburo National Park.

You’ll have a 4-hour scenic drive along one of the picturesque roads in Uganda! The drive will pass you through wonderful villages, amazing banana plantations, and breathtaking plains as well as large herds of long-horned Ankole cattle.

During your drive, you’ll stop at Igongo Cultural Center and Museum for a delightful traditional meal. After, you’ll continue to your lodge in Lake Mburo National Park for a rest.

After some rest at your lodge, in the late afternoon, you’ll enjoy a 2 hours game, giving you a chance to spot most of the animals in Lake Mburo NP. And among these include:

• Zebras
• Elands
• Buffaloes
• Impalas
• Bush-bucks
• Water-bucks
• Leopards
• Warthogs and,
• Giraffes, etc.

Upon finishing this remarkable safari game drive, you’ll get back to your lodge to have dinner as well as overnight.

The Highlight Of The Day:

• An Evening game drive in Lake Mburo National Park

Accommodation Options Include: Budget, Midrange, and Luxury 

Drive distance & time: Approx. 199km (4 hours drive)

Activities And Services Of The Day:

• Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park
• Enjoy an evening game drive in Mburo park

Optional Activities On This Day:

• A night safari game drive in Lake Mburo park to spot nocturnal animals such as Leopards and Hyenas.

Day 12: Undertake A Morning Game Walk In Mburo National Park And Transfer To Kampala Or Entebbe

You’ll get up early for breakfast around 6:30 am and then transfer to a 2-hour charming guided walk in Lake Mburo NP to explore nature on foot.

During this memorable walk, you’ll have a close encounter with the beautiful Elands, Zebras, Impalas, Topis, Buffaloes, Waterbucks, Bushbucks, and numerous acacia birds.

Furthermore, you’ll enjoy the great views of the rolling Savannah landscape which is dotted with acacia trees.

After this great adventure, you’ll transfer to Kampala or Entebbe (240km, taking a 3- 4 hour drive). Along the drive, you’ll make a stopover at Uganda Equator Kayabwe for memorable photo shoots while standing in all hemispheres of the earth.

Around the Equator, they’re craft shops where you can buy gorgeous souvenirs to remind you of your great safari in Uganda. After photo shoots, continue driving to Entebbe International Airport for your departing flight.

The Highlight Of The Day:

• Game walking safari in Mburo park

Drive Distance & Time: Approx. 240km (3- 4 hours drive)

Activities & Services Of The Day:

• Game walk safari in Lake Mburo NP
• Transfer to Entebbe International Airport

Optional Activities On This Day:

• Enjoying a morning game drive in the park
• Cycling tours in Mburo park
• Horseback riding in Lake Mburo National Park
• Community tour of the Banyankole community

End Of Our 12 Days Uganda Safari Tour

Safari Inclusions

• Gorilla Permit
• Chimpanzee Permit
• Full Board Accommodation on Safari
• Transportation in either 4X4 Safari Van or 4X4 Safari Land Cruiser all having pop-up roofs and AC
• Fuel
• English-speaking professional driver guide. On request, other foreign language-speaking guides can be arranged.
• Entrance fees to the tourist sites, including the stated protected locations
• Activity fees of any tourist activity mentioned
• Bottled water on a safari
• Border crossing fees (if any)

Safari Exclusions

• Tips for the driver guide and among others
• Laundry services
• Other beverages or personal drinks such as alcohol
• International flights- arranged on request
• Domestic flights- arranged on request
• Visas
• Fees for optional activities
• Other accompaniments not mentioned in the tour program
• Airport transfer- arranged on request
• Accommodation in Kampala or Kigali unless it’s part of the Itinerary (Arranged on request)