12-Day Uganda Wildlife Safari with Gorilla Trekking and Nile Rafting

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, your Ibyiza Safaris guide will greet you with a warm welcome and provide a brief overview of your upcoming adventure as you head to your hotel.

Depending on youe arrival time, you may explorer any of the below optional activities in the charming town of Entebbe

• A stroll through the historic Entebbe Botanical Gardens

• A visit to the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre

• A relaxing lakeside experience by Lake Victoria, enjoying a fresh tilapia dish and a chilled local beer as the sun sets.

Scenic Drive & Rhino Encounter: After an early breakfast, begin your journey northwest toward Murchison Falls National Park. Along the way, make a memorable stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda where wild rhinos roam freely. Once extinct in the country during the 1980s, rhinos are now being reintroduced here through a dedicated breeding program. Spend about two hours observing these majestic creatures across 7,000 hectares of protected land, learning about their behavior and conservation efforts.

Morning Game Drive: Start your day with an exciting game drive across the savannah in search of iconic wildlife such as elephants, Rothschild giraffes, Jackson’s hartebeests, lions, oribis, waterbucks, and a variety of bird species.

Afternoon Boat Cruise: After lunch, unwind with a scenic boat ride along the legendary River Nile, heading toward the base of Murchison Falls. Watch hippos wallow, elephants drink at the riverbanks, and crocodiles bask in the sun. You'll also witness the dramatic point where the Nile flows into Lake Albert before continuing its journey northward.

Scenic Transfer: Today’s journey takes you southwest through Uganda’s vibrant western region. Pass through Hoima, known as Uganda’s Oil City, and Fort Portal, the country’s Tourism Capital. Along the way, enjoy views of rolling hills, tea plantations, and bustling villages.

Lunch Stop: Pause in Fort Portal for a delicious local meal and a chance to soak in the scenic beauty of the Rwenzori Mountains. Depending on travel time, lunch may also be served at your lodge in Kibale.

Arrival in Kibale: Pause in Fort Portal for a delicious local meal and a chance to soak in the scenic beauty of the Rwenzori Mountains. Depending on travel time, lunch may also be served at your lodge in Kibale.

Morning Game Drive in Kasenyi: Begin your day with a thrilling game drive across the Kasenyi Plains, a hotspot for lion sightings. Keep your eyes peeled for elephants, buffaloes, warthogs, and, if you're lucky, the elusive leopard. The plains offer dramatic predator-prey interactions and vibrant wildlife activity.

Lunch & Leisure: Return to the lodge for a relaxed lunch and some downtime.

Afternoon Boat Cruise: Embark on a serene boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, where wildlife and water meet in spectacular fashion. Spot hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and an array of bird species, all in proximity, perfect for photography and birdwatching.

Dinner & Overnight Stay: Return to the lodge for dinner and a peaceful night under the stars.

Morning Adventure in Ishasha: After breakfast, set off for the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Ishasha, renowned for its rare and fascinating tree-climbing lions. Keep your eyes on the fig and acacia trees where these lions often lounge. While sightings aren’t guaranteed, the Ishasha plains are teeming with wildlife, including topis, Uganda Kobs, elephants, and vibrant birdlife like the saddle-billed stork.

Scenic Transfer to Bwindi: After your game drive, continue through the rolling hills and terraced landscapes of western Uganda. Arrive at your lodge in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in time for dinner and a restful evening in preparation for tomorrow’s unforgettable experience.

Early Start for Gorilla Trekking: Today marks the highlight of your safari. After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a detailed briefing on gorilla trekking etiquette and conservation.

The Trek: In groups of eight, you’ll be assigned a gorilla family and guided into the dense forest. The trek can take 3–6 hours depending on the gorillas’ location. Once you find them, spend a magical hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat, a truly humbling and life-changing experience.

Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi: After the trek, descend from the forest and journey to the serene Lake Bunyonyi, nestled among the green hills of Kabale. Known as the “place of many little birds,” this tranquil lake is the perfect place to relax and reflect on your day. Enjoy a peaceful dinner and a well-earned rest.

Morning in a Birder’s Paradise: Wake up to the melodic calls of over 200 bird species. Lake Bunyonyi is a haven for bird lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. Optional morning activities include:

• Traditional dugout canoe ride

• Visit to one of the lake’s 29 legendary islands

• Community visit to a local village

• Bird watching

• Ziplining over the lake

• Hiking the terraced hills

Journey to Lake Mburo: After your morning adventure, begin your journey to Lake Mburo National Park, passing through scenic hills, banana plantations, and herds of Ankole long-horned cattle.

Cultural Stop: Enjoy lunch at Igongo Cultural Centre, which showcases the traditions of local tribes through its museum, indigenous gardens, and traditional homesteads.

Morning Walking Safari: Begin your day with a guided walking safari in Lake Mburo National Park. This immersive experience allows you to observe wildlife such as zebras, impalas, elands, and more at close range, while learning about the ecosystem from your ranger guide.

Final Game drive & Transfer to Jinja: After breakfast and check-out, enjoy one last game drive as you exit the park. En route to Jinja, stop at the Equator crossing near Masaka for lunch, souvenir shopping, and a fun photo opportunity.

Arrival in Jinja-Uganda’s Adventure Capital: By evening, arrive in Jinja, the adrenaline hub of Uganda. Check in to your lodge and unwind, tomorrow promises an exhilarating day on the Nile.

Full-Day Rafting Adventure: After breakfast, join your rafting team for a safety briefing and gear fitting. Choose between Grade 3 (moderate) and Grade 5 (intense) rapids depending on your comfort level. Equipped with high-flotation life jackets, helmets, and guided by expert river crew, you’ll spend the day navigating the thrilling waters of the River Nile.

Morning Exploration: Start your day with a boat ride to the Source of the Nile, where Lake Victoria gives birth to this mighty river, a site famously documented by the British explorer, John Speke, in 1858. 

Optional Activities to fill your Morning:

• Quad biking through local trails

• Bungee jumping over the Nile

• A short Kampala city tour

• Souvenir shopping in Jinja town

Farewell: After your morning adventures, begin your journey to Entebbe International Airport, arriving in time for your evening flight. You’ll leave Uganda with unforgettable memories of its wild beauty, vibrant culture, and thrilling adventures.