Embark on the ultimate 12-day Uganda safari, exposing you to the best of the “Pearl of Africa.” This comprehensive journey covers the top national parks, including: Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale Forest National Park (Chimpanzee Trekking), Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorilla Trekking) and lake Mburo National Park
Experience a variety of incredible activities such as thrilling gorilla trekking, exciting chimpanzee trekking, and the renowned Bigodi Wetland Walk, ensuring an unforgettable African wildlife adventure.
Day 1: Arrival Entebbe Airport-Kampala
Your comprehensive Uganda safari begins the moment you land. You will be personally met by your dedicated tour operator representative upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport (EBB). Following the meet-and-greet, enjoy a seamless private transfer to your reserved hotel in the Entebbe/Kampala area. Relax and prepare for your unforgettable 12-day adventure.
Day 2: Kampala-Murchison Falls National Park
Immediately, we begin the panoramic drive north-west through the Luwero Triangle, heading toward Masindi. En route, visiting the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is mandatory for an unforgettable Rhino Trekking experience. Following lunch, we then drive to Murchison Falls National Park itself. Crucially, you will marvel at the Top of the Falls, where the River Nile spectacularly squeezes through a $7$-meter canyon, plunging $45$ meters with a thunderous roar. This marks your arrival at the majestic Murchison Falls.
Day 3: Murchison Falls National Park Safari
After a quick African coffee, we cross the River Nile by ferry to the northern bank of Murchison Falls National Park. There, your guide leads an exciting game drive, helping you spot Elephant, Lion, Cape Buffalo, the iconic Rothschild’s Giraffe, and various antelopes. Look out for the rare Leopard!
Following breakfast and lunch at the lodge, we begin the afternoon with a relaxing Boat Safari upstream the Victoria Nile. En route, marvel at Hippos, Crocodiles, Elephants, and the rare Shoebill Stork as we approach the “Devil’s Cauldron.” Thereafter, you disembark for a rewarding one-hour hike to the Top of the Falls. Crucially, witness the Nile River plunging $43$m through the gorge. Finally, your guide meets you to transfer you back to your lodge in Murchison Falls National Park.
Alternative Activity: Hot Air-balloon Safari in Murchison Falls National Park
For a truly unparalleled perspective, consider the optional Hot Air Balloon Safari over Murchison Falls National Park.
This exclusive experience grants you a spectacular aerial view of the park’s vast landscapes and the majestic River Nile. Crucially, the balloon is piloted to fly at tree-top altitude, bringing you closer to the dense concentration of wildlife below and offering magnificent photographic opportunities of the entire park.
Safari features:
– View sunrise or sunset from above
– Panorama view of Murchison Falls National Park
– Tree top level flights
– Victoria Nile or Lake Albert view
– Watch full herds of animals
– Watch hidden off-road animals
– Approximately 1 hour hot air balloon ride
– Pick up from set destinations
– Ferry Crossing
– Photos during cold inflation inside the balloon
– Ground Safari before takeoff and after landing
– Receive Participation Certificate
– Bush Breakfast in the wild
The optional Hot Air Balloon Safari in Murchison Falls National Park is priced at $380 per person. This cost is inclusive of the flight and a celebratory bush breakfast.
Day 4: Murchison Falls National Park-Kibale Forest National Park
Today, we drive all day south via Hoima to Fort Portal. This scenic transfer takes us through the Luwero Triangle and along the beautiful Albertine Rift escarpment. Ultimately, you arrive at Fort Portal, resting beneath the fabled Mountains of the Moon (Rwenzoris). Dinner and overnight are at Mountains of the Moon Hotel (Lodge) or Chimp Nest (Budget), both offering stunning views.
Day 5: Kibale Chimpanzee Trekking-Bigodi Walk
Morning: Chimpanzee Tracking
After an early breakfast, we drive to Kanyanchu Tourist Centre in Kibale Forest National Park—the primate capital of the world. You will report for your briefing before embarking on a thrilling Chimpanzee trekking adventure.
Viewing Success: Chances of viewing our closest relatives are consistently over 90%, although sightings remain a true wildlife experience and are not guaranteed.
Biodiversity: Kibale is a stunning forest, boasting Africa’s highest diversity and density of primates, totalling 13 species. Look out for the endangered Red Colobus Monkey, the rare L’Hoest’s Monkey, Black and White Colobus, Grey-cheeked Mangabey, and more.
Afternoon: Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
Following lunch, we visit the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. Here, you will take a guided walk around the swamp, providing excellent opportunities to see a rich variety of flora, fauna, colorful butterflies, and a wide array of bird species, including the Great Blue Turaco.
Evening: Crater Lakes and Rwenzoris
To conclude the day, embark on an optional evening tour of the scenic Fort Portal Crater Lakes region. Visit the spectacular “Top of the World” viewpoint and the Natural Bridge. On a clear day, you may even witness the breathtaking, snow-capped peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains (Mountains of the Moon).
Day 6: Kibale National Park-Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, we drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP), enjoying views of the mystical Rwenzori Mountains throughout the journey. Following check-in and lunch, we immediately embark on the famed Kazinga Channel Launch Cruise. During this cruise, spot massive pods of Hippos, Buffalo, and Crocodiles. Many consider this the absolute highlight of their Uganda safari. Dinner and overnight at your Lodge.
Day 7: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Rise early with a packed lunch for a morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP). This is the best time to see predators like Lions and the elusive Leopard, alongside Elephants and Hippos. Afterward, we head to Maramagambo Forest. Here, you will visit the famous Bat Cave to see giant Pythons preying on bats—a unique spectacle! Return for dinner and overnight at your lodge.
Day 8: Queen Elizabeth National Park-Bwindi impenetrable National Park
Morning: Kyambura Gorge Primate Walk
After breakfast, and energized by yesterday’s memories, we head straight for Kyambura Gorge. Here, you will take a guided primate walk to track habituated Chimpanzees through the dramatic gorge. This area is also excellent for spotting other primates.
Afternoon: Ishasha Sector & Transfer
Subsequently, we proceed to the Ishasha Sector (the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park). En route, you will drive past deep, dry craters now covered by savanna grasses, offering unique Rift Valley scenery.
The Ishasha section is famous for its unique game drive in search of the rare Tree-Climbing Lions—a must-see spectacle!
Evening: Arrival at Bwindi.
Finally, we proceed to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (a $4$-hour journey with interesting features). Arriving in the evening, you will check into the home of the globally rare Mountain Gorillas. Bwindi is a lush, green forest teeming with biodiversity, including Blue and Red-tailed Monkeys, setting the stage for your ultimate wildlife encounter.
Day 9: Bwindi Gorilla Tracking Tour
Morning: The Trek
After an early breakfast, you will meet your expert guides to begin the world-famous Mountain Gorilla Trekking adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. While the trek can be strenuous and requires sturdy jungle boots and rain gear, the sheer thrill of the encounter is instantly rewarding.
You will spend an awe-inspiring hour with a habituated gorilla family. Watch in silence as the giant Silverback oversees the group, adults feed and groom, and playful youngsters swing from vines—an unparalleled wildlife experience.
Bwindi: A Living Sanctuary
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a UNESCO World Heritage site, ancient enough to have survived the last Ice Age. This magnificent, biologically diverse rainforest sustains roughly half of the world’s entire population of Mountain Gorillas.
Furthermore, Bwindi is the only forest in Africa where the two largest great apes—Mountain Gorillas and Chimpanzees—live together.
Afternoon: Community Experience
If time permits, you may enjoy an optional community foot safari in the afternoon. This provides a fascinating look at the local life and culture of the people living around this incredible park. Return to your lodge exhilarated to reflect on your monumental encounter.
Day 10: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest-Lake Mburo National Park
After breakfast, we drive to Lake Mburo National Park for a Game Drive. The park is famous for massive herds of Zebra, Eland, and Impala. In the evening, an amazing Boat Cruise on Lake Mburo offers close views of Hippos and fantastic birdlife, including the rare Shoebill Stork.
Day 11: Lake Mburo National Park
Enjoy a final morning Game Drive in Lake Mburo National Park. This park is an extension of the Tanzanian Plains, known for huge herds of Zebra, Eland, and Impala. It’s also a great spot for birders, featuring species like the African Finfoot. Later, take an evening Boat Cruise for amazing views of Hippos and further bird-watching, before relaxing at your lodge.
Day 12: Lake Mburo National Park-Entebbe-Departure
Morning: Ankole Culture at Igongo
After an early breakfast, we begin the transfer drive back toward Kampala/Entebbe. Our first significant stop is the renowned Igongo Cultural Centre. This is a fascinating place where the “future meets the past.” Here, you will spend time exploring and learning about the rich heritage of the Bahima and Ankole people of Western Uganda.
Afternoon: Equator Crossing
We continue the drive, enjoying lunch en route. The journey includes a crucial stop at the famous Uganda Equator Crossing. This is a perfect opportunity for memorable photographs, engaging in the unique water experiment (proving you are in both hemispheres!), and picking up last-minute souvenirs.
Evening: Departure
Following the Equator stop, we complete the drive to Kampala or Entebbe International Airport (EBB) to catch your scheduled evening flight back home, carrying indelible memories of your Uganda Safari.
