Tour Overview
This 12-day Uganda Safari offers an immersive journey through Uganda’s most iconic wildlife destinations, combining Big Game safaris, primate encounters, scenic landscapes, and rare birding experiences. From tracking white rhinos on foot at Ziwa Sanctuary to cruising the Nile at Murchison Falls, trekking chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, spotting tree-climbing lions in Ishasha, meeting the endangered mountain gorillas of Bwindi, relaxing by the serene waters of Lake Bunyonyi, and finally searching for the rare Shoebill Stork in Mabamba Swamp, this safari captures the true essence of the Pearl of Africa.
Designed for travelers seeking both adventure and comfort, the safari blends rich biodiversity, stunning scenery, and meaningful wildlife encounters with carefully selected lodges and expert guiding throughout.
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional safari guide. Depending on your arrival time, you will be transferred to your hotel in Entebbe or Kampala. The rest of the day is at leisure to recover from jet lag and prepare for your safari adventure.
After an early breakfast, depart northwards to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided walking safari to track the endangered white rhinos. Walking just a few meters from these giants in their natural habitat is a thrilling and unforgettable experience. After lunch, continue to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and most dramatic park. Arrive in the late afternoon, check in, relax, and enjoy dinner at your lodge.
Begin the day with an early morning game drive across the northern savannah plains where you may encounter elephants, giraffes, lions, leopards, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, and numerous bird species. Return to the lodge for lunch, then embark on a 3-hour boat cruise on the Nile to the base of the thunderous Murchison Falls, spotting hippos, crocodiles, and wildlife along the riverbanks. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
After breakfast, depart Murchison Falls and travel south-west through rural Uganda to Fort Portal, nestled in the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains. Enjoy scenic views of tea plantations, crater lakes, and rolling hills. Arrive in the Kibale region by late afternoon, check in, and relax at your lodge.
After breakfast, head to Kibale Forest headquarters for a briefing before starting your chimpanzee tracking experience. Trek through the lush rainforest in search of chimpanzees and other primates such as red colobus, black-and-white colobus, and grey-cheeked mangabeys. After lunch, enjoy a guided Bigodi Wetland nature walk, home to the Great Blue Turaco and rich community life. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
After breakfast, explore the scenic Kasenda Crater Lakes region, dotted with beautiful volcanic lakes and panoramic viewpoints. Stop for lunch at Nkuruba Crater Lake before continuing to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Arrive by early evening, check in, relax, and enjoy dinner at the lodge.
Start the day with an early morning game drive in the Kasenyi plains, an excellent area for spotting lions, elephants, buffaloes, and antelope species. After breakfast, visit the Katwe Salt Crater Lake to learn about traditional salt extraction. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, famous for its dense concentration of hippos, crocodiles, and water birds. Evening game drive and return to lodge.
After breakfast, drive to the Ishasha sector, renowned for its rare tree-climbing lions. Enjoy a game drive searching for lions resting in fig trees, alongside elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes. After a picnic lunch, continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, arriving in the evening.
After an early breakfast, report to the park headquarters for a gorilla trekking briefing. Trek through dense rainforest in small groups, guided by experienced rangers, until you locate a gorilla family. Spend a magical hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Return to the lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
After breakfast, depart Bwindi and journey to Lake Bunyonyi, one of Uganda’s most beautiful and peaceful lakes. Enjoy the scenic drive through terraced hills and rural villages. Arrive in the afternoon, relax by the lakeside, or enjoy optional canoeing and island visits.
After breakfast, depart Lake Bunyonyi and travel to Kampala. Stop at the Uganda Equator for photos, lunch, and souvenir shopping. Arrive in Kampala or Entebbe in the evening and check in at your hotel.
After an early breakfast, transfer to Mabamba Swamp on Lake Victoria for a canoe excursion in search of the rare Shoebill Stork and other wetland birds. After the activity, return for lunch and transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your memorable Uganda safari.
