12 Days Uganda Wildlife and Gorilla Adventure Safari

Safari overview:

This 12-day Uganda wildlife adventure offers a once-in-a-lifetime journey through the “Pearl of Africa.” Originally named by Winston Churchill, Uganda boasts remarkable physical endowments that few other destinations can match. Furthermore, this pleasant adventure uniquely combines the “Big Five” with the world’s most sought-after primates.

Safari summary:

Day 1: Arrival in Uganda / Entebbe International airport.

Day 2: Murchison Falls National Park, Visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary en route.

Day 3: Game drive & an afternoon boat cruise along the Nile and hike to the top of the falls.

Day 4: Transfer to kibale national park

Day5: Chimpanzee trekking & Bigodi wetland walk.

Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth NP & do an afternoon launch cruise along Kazinga Channel.

Day 7: Game drive & transfer to Ishasha sector.

Day 8: Morning game drive in Ishasha and transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Day 9:  Gorilla trekking. Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi.

Day 11: Boat cruise at Lake Bunyonyi with 29 Islands dubbed the lake of a thousand Islands. Transfer to Lake Mburo national park.

Day 12: Game walking safari & Return to Kampala / Entebbe via the equator line at Kayabwe. Departure.

ITINERARY IN DETAIL:

Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport

Upon your arrival in Entebbe, a professional driver-guide will warmly receive you. After a brief introduction to your Uganda safari adventure, you will transfer to your lodge to rest and prepare for the journey ahead.

• Accommodation: Lake Victoria View Guest House

Day 2: Journey to Murchison Falls via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

After an early breakfast, begin your 311km journey north toward Murchison Falls National Park. En route, you will stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. This sanctuary currently serves as the only place in Uganda where you can track southern white rhinos on foot. After this unforgettable walking safari, continue to the park for a relaxing evening.

• Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge

Day 3: Morning Game Drive & Nile River Boat Cruise

Start the day with an early morning game drive across the rolling savannah. Here, you have an excellent chance to spot lions, Rothschild giraffes, elephants, and Jackson’s hartebeests. In the afternoon, board a boat cruise to the base of the mighty Murchison Falls. Watch hippos and Nile crocodiles along the banks before disembarking to hike to the “Top of the Falls,” where the Nile forces itself through a narrow 7-meter rocky gorge.

• Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge

Day 4: Morning Boat Ride & Transfer to Hoima

Enjoy a final morning boat ride to catch any wildlife sightings you may have missed. Afterward, depart the park and head toward the town of Hoima. Along the way, visit the Kibiro Salt Gardens to discover traditional salt mining techniques that have supported local communities for generations.

• Accommodation: Hoima Cultural Lodge

Day 5: Transfer to Kibale, the Primate Capital

Travel through the scenic Kagadi district, enjoying views of traditional homesteads and lush tea plantations. You will arrive at Kibale National Park, famously known as the “Primate Capital of the World,” in the late afternoon for a peaceful evening.

• Accommodation: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge

Day 6: Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Wetland Walk

Head to Kanyanchu for a briefing before entering the tropical forest for chimpanzee tracking in Uganda. Spend a thrilling hour with these intelligent primates while looking for red-tailed monkeys and grey-cheeked mangabeys. In the afternoon, explore the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a paradise for birders where you might spot the Great Blue Turaco.

• Accommodation: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge

Day 7: Queen Elizabeth National Park & Kazinga Channel

Drive south toward Queen Elizabeth National Park, stopping at the Rwenzori Art Foundation—the only bronze casting center on the African continent. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. This waterway hosts one of the world’s highest concentrations of hippos and provides excellent views of elephants quenching their thirst.

• Accommodation: Enshama Game Lodge

Day 8: Kasenyi Plains Game Drive & Ishasha Sector

Explore the Kasenyi tracks on a morning game drive to find lions, leopards, and herds of Uganda kobs. After lunch, transfer to the Ishasha Sector, a unique region famous for its diverse woodland landscape and abundant birdlife.

• Accommodation: Enjojo Lodge

Day 9: Tree-Climbing Lions & Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Embark on a game drive through Ishasha specifically searching for the world-famous tree-climbing lions. These majestic cats often lounge on ancient fig tree branches during the heat of the day. Afterward, continue your journey to the high-altitude Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

• Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge

Day 10: Mountain Gorilla Trekking & Lake Bunyonyi

This is the pinnacle of your Uganda safari. After a briefing, hike into the thick, ancient rainforest to spend one life-changing hour with a family of mountain gorillas. After the trek, transfer to the stunning Lake Bunyonyi to unwind and celebrate your successful expedition.

• Accommodation: Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort

Day 11: Lake of a Thousand Islands & Lake Mburo

Spend the morning exploring the 29 islands of Lake Bunyonyi by boat. Later, drive toward Lake Mburo National Park. Stop at the Igongo Cultural Center for a traditional lunch before an evening game drive to see Burchell’s zebras and impalas. For those interested in more rugged terrain, you can also explore our Mount Sabyinyo hiking guide.

• Accommodation: Rwakobo Rock Lodge

Day 12: Savannah Walking Safari & Equator Crossing

Instead of a vehicle, explore the acacia landscapes on a guided walking safari to get up close to zebras and giraffes. Finally, begin your journey back to Kampala, making a stop at the Uganda Equator crossing in Kayabwe for iconic photos before your evening departure.