Uganda · Wildlife Safari

12-Day Uganda Wildlife Safari with Gorilla and Chimpanzee Trekking

12 Days Round trip from Lake Bunyonyi Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore Kampala's cultural and historical landmarks on a city tour
  • 02 Enjoy game drives and boat cruises in Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks
  • 03 Trek chimpanzees in Kibale Forest and walk through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
  • 04 Experience gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

This 12-day safari offers an immersive journey through Uganda's rich wildlife, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cultural heritage. Explore Kampala's cultural landmarks, enjoy game drives and a Nile boat cruise in Murchison Falls National Park, trek chimpanzees in Kibale, and discover the crater lakes and Amabeere Caves. Continue to Semuliki and Queen Elizabeth National Park before the unforgettable gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The adventure ends with relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi and a scenic return to Entebbe.

This 12-day safari offers an immersive journey through Uganda's rich wildlife, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cultural heritage.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 12 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
Cities Kampala, Entebbe, Fort Portal, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kibale National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Semuliki National Park, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Lake Bunyonyi
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Entebbe and Kampala City Tour

  • Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, receive a warm welcome from your safari guide as your adventure begins.
  • The day is dedicated to exploring Kampala's cultural and historical landmarks, including the Kasubi Tombs, Uganda Museum, Gaddafi Mosque, and the lively craft markets.
  • After an insightful tour, check in at a hotel in Kampala for an overnight stay.

Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Cassia Lodge

2
Day 02

Ziwa Rhino Tracking and Murchison Falls

  • An early morning departure from Kampala leads to Murchison Falls National Park, with a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for rhino tracking.
  • After lunch in Masindi, continue to the park, where a visit to the top of Murchison Falls offers breathtaking views of the Nile as it crashes through a narrow gorge.
  • Arrive at the reserved lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tilenga Safari Lodge

3
Day 03

Murchison Falls Game Drive and Nile Boat Cruise

  • The day begins with an early morning game drive in the northern sector of Murchison Falls, offering a chance to spot lions, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and various antelope species.
  • After lunch at the lodge, an afternoon boat cruise along the Nile provides close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and diverse bird species, ending with stunning views of the falls from below.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tilenga Safari Lodge

4
Day 04

Scenic Transfer to Kibale National Park

  • A scenic drive from Murchison Falls to Kibale National Park passes through rolling hills, tea plantations, and picturesque rural landscapes.
  • A lunch stop in Fort Portal provides a taste of the local cuisine before proceeding to the lodge near Kibale for relaxation and an overnight stay.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Kibale Forest Camp

5
Day 05

Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Wetland Walk

  • The adventure continues with an early morning chimpanzee trekking experience in Kibale Forest.
  • Guided by expert rangers, observe the playful primates as they swing through the trees and interact in their natural habitat.
  • After lunch, an afternoon guided walk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary provides an opportunity to spot other primates, birds, and unique plant species.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Kibale Forest Camp

6
Day 06

Crater Lakes and Amabeere Caves Exploration

  • The day is dedicated to exploring the scenic crater lakes region, offering breathtaking views of volcanic landscapes and lush forests.
  • A visit to the Amabeere Caves reveals ancient rock formations, waterfalls, and rich cultural legends associated with the site.
  • The day ends with a relaxed evening at the lodge.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Nyaika Hotel

7
Day 07

Semuliki Hot Springs and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth

  • A morning drive to Semuliki National Park leads to the famous Sempaya Hot Springs, where bubbling water emerges from deep underground.
  • A short hike through the tropical forest provides opportunities to spot unique bird species.
  • In the afternoon, transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, arriving in time for a restful evening at the lodge.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Kikorongo Safari Lodge

8
Day 08

Kasenyi Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Cruise

  • An early morning game drive in the Kasenyi plains offers a chance to spot lions, elephants, buffaloes, and other wildlife against the stunning backdrop of the Rwenzori Mountains.
  • After lunch, an afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel provides a spectacular view of large hippo pods, crocodiles, and a diverse array of birdlife.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Kikorongo Safari Lodge

9
Day 09

Transfer to Bwindi via Ishasha Sector

  • A scenic drive through the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park offers a chance to spot the famous tree-climbing lions.
  • The journey continues through rolling hills and misty forests before arriving at a lodge near Bwindi for an evening of relaxation.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge

10
Day 10

Gorilla Trekking and Batwa Cultural Experience

  • The highlight of the safari unfolds with an early morning briefing by park rangers before embarking on the exhilarating gorilla trekking experience.
  • Trekking through the dense rainforest in search of a gorilla family is both challenging and rewarding.
  • Once found, an hour is spent observing and photographing these magnificent creatures.
  • In the afternoon, a visit to the Batwa community provides insight into their traditional way of life and historical connection to the forest.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge

11
Day 11

Lake Bunyonyi and Top of the World Hike

  • A short drive leads to the scenic Lake Bunyonyi, known for its serene waters and numerous islands.
  • After checking in at the lodge, a guided hike to the "Top of the World" viewpoint offers breathtaking panoramic views of the lake and surrounding hills.
  • The rest of the day is spent at leisure, with optional canoeing or birdwatching.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Heritage Resort

12
Day 12

Return to Entebbe via the Uganda Equator

  • The safari concludes with a scenic drive back to Entebbe, passing through rolling hills and lush landscapes.
  • A stop at the Uganda Equator provides an opportunity for photos and a demonstration of the Coriolis effect.
  • The final stretch of the journey leads to Entebbe, arriving in time for a scheduled flight and marking the end of an unforgettable safari adventure.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: None (End of trip)

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park rainforest, Murchison Falls gorge, Kazinga Channel cruise, Lake Bunyonyi islands

Where this trip takes you

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park rainforest, Murchison Falls gorge, Kazinga Channel cruise, Lake Bunyonyi islands

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Lake Bunyonyi 11 cities · 12 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Gorilla trekking permit
  • Chimpanzee trekking permit
  • Accommodation for eleven nights in mid-range lodges
  • All meals as per itinerary
  • Transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a professional driver-guide
  • Park entrance fees and conservation fees
  • Game drives and boat cruises in Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks
  • Rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
  • Visits to crater lakes, Amabeere Caves, and Sempaya Hot Springs
  • Batwa cultural experience fees
  • Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary walk
  • Hike to the Top of the World viewpoint
  • Bottled drinking water during travel

What's Not Included

  • International flights and visas
  • Personal expenses such as alcoholic beverages, souvenirs, and tips
  • Optional activities not included in the itinerary
  • Travel insurance
  • Laundry services

What to bring

  • Rain gear
  • Hiking shoes
  • Cameras
  • Binoculars

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Uganda
Tour start
Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 12 days finish where they began, in Lake Bunyonyi.

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