12 Days Uganda Safari

Name: 12 Days Best Of Uganda Safari
Brand: 12 Days Best Of Uganda Safari
SKU: 1226
Price: 3276 $
Availability: InStock
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From

$ 3,276

12 Days Uganda Gorilla And Wildlife Safari

From

$3,276

Contact a Safari Expert

+256 (703) 740 870

Tour Overview

Uganda is one of the most beautiful and diverse countries in Africa. Its landscapes change from open savannahs to misty mountains and thick rainforests, making it a dream place for nature lovers. Here, you can see amazing animals like lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, hyenas, hippos, zebras, and the special Ugandan kob.

This 12-day Uganda safari will also take you into the high rainforests to meet chimpanzees and the rare mountain gorillas — a truly once-in-a-lifetime adventure! Along the way, you will meet some of the friendliest people in Africa, which will make your journey even more memorable. Your lodges and camps are carefully chosen for comfort, beauty, and peaceful locations. Imagine staying at the stunning Mutanda Lake Resort, where you can relax on your veranda and enjoy views of Lake Mutanda with the tall Virunga volcanoes in the background. Most of the activities in this safari are already included in the price.

At Choose Uganda Safaris, we love to create fun and unique adventures. If you want to make your trip even more exciting, we can arrange special activities like a night walk in Kibale Forest, GPS tracking of lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park, canoeing on Lake Mutanda, traditional cooking class with a group of women, or riding a mountain bike among zebras in Lake Mburo National Park.

Tour Highlights

Meet wild gorillas up close in Bwindi
Track playful chimpanzees on foot in the wild
Spot lions, elephants, rhinos & other animals
Cruise past hippos &crocodiles on boat safaris
Feel the power of the mighty Murchison Falls
Explore beautiful hills, lakes & rainforests
Relax by the magical Lake Mutanda
Try safaris on foot, bike, or even horseback

Itinerary In Brief

Day 1: Welcome to the pearl of Africa!
Day 2: On to Murchison Falls National Park
Day 3: Lions, elephants and hippos during the safaris
Day 4: Another day to enjoy Uganda’s most game-rich park
Day 5: Top of the falls tour & Journey to Kibale Forest
Day 6: Looking for chimpanzees and other special apes
Day 7: Safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 8: Full Day of Safari Adventures in Queen Elizabeth NP.
Day 9: Travel to the Magical Lake Mutanda
Day 10: Gorilla Trekking – A Day to Remember
Day 11: On to Lake Mburo National Park
Day 12: Active Safari and Return to Entebbe

Prices and Accommodation Levels

The comfort levels listed here show you the type of accommodation and an idea of the total cost of the trip. We can talk with you to make sure the accommodations are right for you and even mix different comfort levels if you prefer.

*The prices shown are starting prices, in US dollars, per person.

Simple

Middle Class

Luxury

Exclusive (High Season)

Exclusive (Low Season)

*The prices shown for one person are based on staying in a private single room. Prices for two, four, or six people are based on sharing a double room. If you prefer a triple room, the price will be lower. If you are traveling with others but want to stay in your own room, an additional single room supplement will be added to the price.

*Low season applies from March 1st to May 31st and during November.

a mountain gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Your Itinerary in Detail

Day By Day

Day 1: Welcome to the pearl of Africa!

When you arrive at Entebbe Airport, your driver will be ready to meet you and take you to your first hotel in Entebbe, just 15 minutes away. Here, you can relax, enjoy a drink under the bright African stars, and have a good night’s sleep to start your adventure.

Accommodation Options:

Simple: Airport Guesthouse (Breakfast)

Middle class: The Boma Hotel (Breakfast)

Luxury: No. 5 Boutique Hotel (Breakfast)

Day 2: On to Murchison Falls National Park

After breakfast, meet your guide for a short briefing. Then start your drive to Murchison Falls National Park, about 6 hours (300 km). On the way, stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda where you can see wild rhinos. Take a guided walk to see these amazing animals up close. After that, enjoy lunch at the sanctuary before continuing your drive through villages and green countryside.

When you arrive at Murchison Falls National Park, get ready to explore one of Uganda’s most amazing parks. Murchison Falls National Park is famous Murchison Falls (one of the world’s strongest waterfalls), where the historic Nile River forces its way through a narrow gap only 7 meters wide and crashes down 40 meters below with incredible force.

This dramatic scene is surrounded by a rich mix of forests, savannahs, and wetlands, making the park home to a wide variety of wildlife including elephants, lions, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and many bird species. The beauty and power of the falls, along with the diverse wildlife, make this park a must-see destination.

Accommodation Options:

Simple: Fort Murchison – Lazy Camping (Full Board)

Middle class: Murchison River Lodge (Full Board)

Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge (Full Board)

Exclusive: Nile Safari Lodge (Full board with drinks)

Day 3: Lions, elephants and hippos during the safaris

Today is all about seeing animals and nature in Murchison Falls National Park.

After an early breakfast, you will go on a morning jeep safari in the area north of the Nile River. This is the best time to see animals, as the weather is cool and many animals are active. You will look for elephants, lions, giraffes, buffalo, leopards, and different types of antelope and birds. The land is green with tall Borassus palm trees, whose fruit elephants love to eat. You will also stop by the Nile River, where you can see many hippos resting in the water.

In the afternoon, you will enjoy a boat safari on the Nile River. You will slowly cruise along the water, passing by hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, monkeys, and many kinds of water birds.

Sometimes you may see elephants drinking from the river. The boat ride lasts about three hours and takes you to the bottom of the beautiful and powerful Murchison Falls, which are 40 meters high. (Tip: sit on the left side of the boat for the best view.) If you booked the private boat safari, you will do this trip in the morning instead, in a smaller boat. A private boat lets you go closer to the animals, choose your own pace, and enjoy the experience with only your group.

Accommodation Options:

Simple: Fort Murchison – Lazy Camping (Full Board)

Middle class: Murchison River Lodge (Full Board)

Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge (Full Board)

Exclusive: Nile Safari Lodge (Full board with drinks)

Day 4: Another day to enjoy Uganda's most game-rich park

Today you have another full day to enjoy Murchison Falls National Park, one of the best parks for wildlife in Uganda. In the morning, you will go on a game drive to explore new areas of the park. Your guide will take you along different tracks so you can see even more animals. If you missed any big predators yesterday, this is your chance to find them!

The afternoon is free for you to relax and enjoy your lodge, maybe take a swim in the pool. If you want more adventure, you can choose an optional boat safari to the park’s beautiful delta region, where the Nile flows into Lake Albert.

This area looks like a smaller version of the famous Okavango Delta and is full of life—hippos, crocodiles, elephants bathing, and many amazing birds. Bird lovers will be thrilled to see species like the saddle-billed stork, African giant kingfisher, and the rare shoebill, which looks like something from prehistoric times. If you choose this boat safari, it will take place early in the morning, and your jeep safari will move to the afternoon.

Accommodation Options:

Simple: Fort Murchison – Lazy Camping (Full Board)

Middle class: Murchison River Lodge (Full Board)

Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge (Full Board)

Exclusive: Nile Safari Lodge (Full board with drinks)

Day 5: Murchison Falls View & Journey to the Forest of Monkeys

This morning, you’ll visit the top of Murchison Falls—a powerful and unforgettable sight! Take a short walk to different viewpoints where you can see the mighty Nile River squeeze through a narrow 7-meter gap and crash down with great force. If there’s time, you can walk a little further for a full view of the waterfall—absolutely breathtaking! Before you leave the park, you’ll stop for photos at the top of the falls.

After the visit, you’ll begin your scenic journey to Kibale Forest National Park, which takes about 7 hours (approx. 360 km). Along the way, enjoy beautiful views of villages, lush rainforests, tea plantations, and crater lakes. On clear days, you might even spot the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains in the distance. Around midday, you’ll stop in the lively town of Fort Portal for a relaxed lunch at a local restaurant.

When you arrive in Kibale Forest, it will feel like stepping into a different world—a rainforest full of monkeys! This park is one of the best places in Africa to see primates, with 13 different species, including the red-tailed monkey, black-and-white colobus, red colobus, diademed monkey, mantled mangabey, and bush babies. The forest sits at an average height of 1,300 meters, surrounded by tea fields in the north and papyrus swamps in the south. Nearby, the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is also home to many rare birds and small animals.

Accommodation Options:

Simple: Kibale Forest Camp (Full Board)

Middle class: Turaco Treetops (Full Board)

Luxury: Crater Safari Lodge (Full Board)

Exclusive: Kibale Lodge (Full Board with drinks)

Day 6: Looking for chimpanzees and other special apes

Today is all about meeting the amazing monkeys and apes that live in Kibale Forest and the nearby Bigodi wetlands. You’ll go on a chimpanzee trekking adventure and also enjoy a peaceful swamp walk in the afternoon. Between the two activities, you’ll return to your lodge for lunch and a short rest. Note: Depending on the chimpanzee permit availability, the order of activities may change—the swamp walk could happen in the morning, and chimp trekking in the afternoon.

Chimpanzee Trekking – Kibale Forest (2–4 hours, moderate difficulty): In the morning, you’ll go on a guided trek through Kibale Forest to search for wild chimpanzees. A trained ranger will help track them using signs like broken branches, leftover food, droppings, and their loud calls. The walk can take 2 to 4 hours, depending on where the chimps are. The terrain is mostly gentle, but you may walk on muddy or uneven paths, so it requires moderate fitness. Seeing these intelligent animals up close—watching them play, groom, and interact—is a truly unforgettable experience. Chimpanzees share over 98% of our DNA, so it often feels like looking into a mirror from the wild.

Bigodi Swamp Walk – Afternoon (Community-Based Tourism): In the afternoon, you’ll explore the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a lush swamp area known for its rich wildlife and birdlife. This walk is led by local community guides who know the land and its animals very well. The swamp is home to monkeys, colorful birds, and the rare great blue turaco, one of Uganda’s most beautiful birds. This is also one of the best places to spot other primates like the red colobus and L’Hoest’s monkey. Bigodi is a community-based tourism project that supports the local people. The money from your visit helps fund schools, health centers, and clean water projects in nearby villages. So, by walking through Bigodi, you’re not only enjoying nature—you’re also directly helping the local community.

Accommodation Options:

Simple: Kibale Forest Camp (Full Board)

Middle class: Turaco Treetops – Standard Cottage (Full Board)

Luxury: Crater Safari Lodge (Full Board)

Exclusive: Kibale Lodge (Full Board with drinks)

Day 7: Safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Today, you will leave the rainforest and travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most famous parks. The drive takes you through beautiful green hills, tea farms, and crater lakes. Along the way, you will pass through small villages and see banana markets where people sell fresh matoke. This is a great chance to see the daily life of the Ugandan countryside. The views are lovely, and the changing landscape shows how diverse Uganda really is.

In the afternoon, you’ll go on your first game drive in the park. Queen Elizabeth is full of animals like elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards, antelopes, and over 600 kinds of birds. You’ll drive through open plains, forested areas, and near volcanic craters, looking for wildlife with your guide. The park is also known for its special trees, like the tall candelabra tree. As the sun goes down, the light is perfect for spotting animals and enjoying the view of the Kazinga Channel in the distance. After your safari, return to your lodge for a relaxing dinner under the stars.

Accommodation Options:

Simple: Bush Lodge – Banda (Full Board)

Middle class: Engazi Game Lodge (Full Board)

Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge- Deluxe Room (Full Board)

Exclusive: The River Station (Full board with drinks)

Day 8: Full Day of Safari Adventures in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Today is all about exploring the amazing nature and animals of Queen. After an early breakfast, you’ll start the day with a game drive. The morning mist still covers the savannah, and you will hear the sounds of birds, insects, and animals waking up. This is a great time to spot elephants, lions, buffalo, antelopes, and more. It’s a peaceful and exciting way to begin your day in the wild.

In the afternoon, you’ll enjoy one of the best boat safaris in Africa, along the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake Edward and Lake George. This narrow waterway is full of life! You’ll see huge groups of hippos, crocodiles sunbathing, buffalo bathing, and possibly even elephants playing in the water. You’ll also spot many colorful birds flying over the water or perched along the shore. If you booked a private boat safari, you’ll enjoy an even more special experience, moving at your own pace and getting closer to the animals with just your group.

If you want to do more, there are optional activities you can choose. Join a predator tracking safari with a park biologist to follow lions and sometimes leopards using radio collars. This gives you the chance to go off-road and learn about these animals up close. Another great option is the Kyambura Gorge hike, where you walk through a deep rainforest canyon. You might see chimpanzees, monkeys, and even snakes, but even without sightings, the hike itself is a beautiful and adventurous experience. To include these extra activities, you may need to stay an extra day or replace a planned activity.

Accommodation Options:

Simple: Bush Lodge – Banda (Half Board)

Middle class: Engazi Game Lodge (Half Board)

Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge – Deluxe Room (Full Board)

Exclusive: The River Station (Full board with drinks)

Day 9: Travel to the Magical Lake Mutanda/Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Today, you leave the wide-open savannah and begin your journey to the beautiful volcano region in southern Uganda. The drive is long but full of amazing scenery.

You will pass rainforests, sparkling crater lakes, coffee farms, green mountains, and small lively villages. The road twists through rolling hills until you reach the magical Lake Mutanda, with the Virunga Volcanoes rising in the distance. It truly feels like a fairytale, and it is one of the most beautiful places in Uganda.

Depending on your travel plan, you may spend the night in Buhoma, which is about three hours away, or at Lake Mutanda Resort, around six and a half hours from Queen Elizabeth National Park. Both places are close to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, the home of the famous mountain gorillas.

At Lake Mutanda, you can spend the afternoon on the water, canoeing or kayaking, or even trying stand-up paddleboarding. A sunset boat ride is a perfect way to relax with a drink as the sun sets behind the volcanoes. If you want to learn more about local life, you can visit the Batwa pygmy community or take a walk through a nearby village to meet the people who live here.

If your stay is in Buhoma, you will have the chance to visit Ride 4 a Woman, a wonderful community project that helps local women gain skills and jobs to support their families. Here, you can take part in a Kiga Dance workshop, a lively and joyful experience where you will learn traditional dances and feel the spirit of the community. You can also join a cooking class, beginning with picking fresh vegetables and herbs from the garden and then cooking with a local chef. You will prepare dishes like matoke (steamed bananas), G-nut sauce, roasted goat, and skumawiki, a local spinach. You will also make Imonda, a traditional drink made from sorghum, millet, honey, and water. In the evening, you will enjoy the food you cooked together, sitting around the campfire with the women and their families — a warm and memorable way to end the day.

Accommodation Options:

Simple: Rid 4 A Woman (Full Board)

Middle class: Mutanda Lake Resort – Standard Cottage (Full Board)

Semi-luxury: Mutanda Lake Resort – Luxury Cottage (Full Board)

Luxury: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge (Full Board with drinks)

Day 10: Gorilla Trekking – A Day to Remember

Today is one of the most special days of your trip—gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest! Early in the morning, you will go with a trained ranger to look for a mountain gorilla family. You will walk through thick forest, following signs like broken branches and gorilla droppings. The walk can be a bit hard, with some climbing, but it is worth it. When you finally see a silverback gorilla and his family up close, it will be a moment you’ll never forget. If you want more time with the gorillas, you can also choose a gorilla habituation experience, where you spend up to four hours with the gorillas and learn how they get used to people.

If you are not doing gorilla trekking, there are still many fun things to do at Lake Mutanda. You can swim in the clean lake, where you might see otters. You can also go kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, or take a quiet ride in a motorboat or local canoe. These are great ways to enjoy the lake and see many birds. If you feel active, you can go for a hike around the lake or visit Mgahinga National Park for a golden monkey trek or a volcano hike. If you’re doing gorilla trekking and want time to relax afterward, it’s a good idea to stay an extra night at the lake.

You can also choose a nice activity at nearby Lake Mulehe. This trip starts with a peaceful canoe ride, followed by a walk along the lake. You will see beautiful views of the lakes, the Bwindi Forest, and the Virunga Volcanoes. Along the way, you’ll meet local people, like farmers and a village healer. A local lunch is included. The walk has some uphill parts but is not too hard. This trip takes about 6 hours and is a great mix of nature, culture, and fun.

Accommodation Options:

Simple: Rid 4 A Woman (Full Board)

Middle class: Mutanda Lake Resort – Standard Cottage (Full Board)

Semi-luxury: Mutanda Lake Resort – Luxury Cottage (Full Board)

Luxury: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge (Full Board with drinks)

Day 11: On to Lake Mburo National Park

This morning, you will say goodbye to beautiful Lake Mutanda and begin your journey to Lake Mburo National Park. You will leave with unforgettable memories—from seeing the mountain gorillas in the forest to enjoying the peaceful lake and volcano views. As you drive along the road that connects Rwanda, Kampala, and Kenya, you will pass through small towns, green hills, and open farmland. It’s a long but scenic drive to Lake Mburo, one of Uganda’s most peaceful and charming parks.

Lake Mburo National Park is the smallest safari park in Uganda, but it has its own special charm. It is the only park in the country where you can see impalas and elands, and it is also home to zebras, buffalo, hippos, and many birds. In the center of the park is Lake Mburo, where you can spot hippos and crocodiles in the water. If you want more adventure, you can join an optional night safari before dinner. At night, you may see animals like galagos (bush babies), hyenas, and if you’re lucky, even a leopard! It’s an exciting way to end the day.

Accommodation Options:

Simple: Eagles Nest (Full Board)

Middle class: Rwakobo Rock (Full Board)

Luxury: Mihingo Lodge (Full Board)

Day 12: Active Safari and Return to Entebbe

This morning, you have the chance to experience Lake Mburo National Park in a fun and active way. Because there are no lions or elephants in the park, it’s safe to explore on foot or by bike. You can choose between a walking safari or a mountain bike safari. Both are great ways to see animals like zebras, giraffes, buffalo, impalas, and elands up close. You’ll also enjoy the peaceful beauty of the park and may spot some of its 310 bird species, perfect for nature lovers and photographers.

If you’re staying at Mihingo Lodge, you also have the option to go on a horseback safari. Riding through the park on a horse is a special way to get close to wildlife. It’s suitable for both beginners and experienced riders. Please note that this activity cannot be booked in advance and is only possible for guests under 90 kg (200 lbs). Availability is limited and must be checked on-site.

After your morning activity, return to the lodge for a late breakfast. Then, you’ll begin your journey back to Entebbe, crossing the equator along the way—perfect for a fun photo stop! You’ll arrive at the airport in the early evening for your flight home. This marks the end of your incredible trip through Uganda. We hope you leave with beautiful memories and stories to share!

Tour Inclusions

Overnight stays according to itinerary
Meals according to itinerary
Gorilla Trekking Permit per person
Chimpanzee trekking permit
Private boat cruises for exclusive option
Almost all excursions unless labelled as optional
All entrance fees to the national parks
Suitable 4×4 safari vehicle
Professional guide/driver (English speaking)
Drinking water on all days

Exclusions

International Flights
Travel insurance
Visa fees
Optional activities
Tips
Single Room Supplement

Included Excursions

Chimpanzee trekking, Kibale Forest National Park
Gorilla Trekking In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Rhino Tracking in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Swamp Walk, Bigodi Swamp
Boat Safari In Murchison Falls National Park
Game drives in Murchison Falls National Park
Top of the falls visit
Boat safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Bush Walk in Lake Mburo National Park
Game drive in Lake Mburo National Park
Uganda Equator Experiences

Book This Trip

Will you join us to discover the ‘Pearl of Africa’? Our travel specialists are happy to make your dream trip a reality!

Optional (can be booked in advance)

You can upgrade your boat safaris if you are not considering exclusive
Gorge walk, Kyambura Gorge, Queen Elizabeth NP
Lion Predator Trek, Queen Elizabeth NP
Permit gorilla habituation day, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest NP (US$1500 pp)
Horseback riding safari Lake Mburo NP
Mountain bike safari in Lake Mburo National Park
Activities at Lake Mutanda
Tradinal cooking class with Ride 4 A Woman
Kiga Dance Workshop at Ride 4 A Woman

TO ASK

Then contact our Uganda specialists. They’re happy to help you organize your dream trip to Africa!

Accommodation level according to your wishes

During this carefully balanced tour, you can stay at four different levels. Each day’s options are displayed and linked directly to the corresponding accommodation, giving you an immediate feel for these special places. The price overview shows the price differences between the different levels. The four levels are explained in more detail below.

LUXURY: Some of the finest accommodations in Uganda in terms of comfort, service, and cuisine. During your stay, you’ll experience exclusivity worthy of the highest standard.

EXCLUSIVE: Unique accommodations in the highest segment for gourmets who appreciate small-scale hospitality, comfort, intimacy, a high level of service and delicious dining with an extensive wine list.

MID-RANGE: These are comfortable, charming accommodations in beautiful locations for the ultimate African experience! Often used by Choose Uganda Safaris for their excellent value.

SIMPLE: These basic accommodations are often used by budget-minded travelers. Sometimes “lazy camping” is used, which involves a furnished tent with beds

What type of transportation is appropriate for this trip?

Choose Uganda Safaris offer a different vehicle for each level. The chosen transport type depends on both the accommodation level and the number of people traveling with you on this Uganda tour. Below is an overview of the 4WD vehicles used as standard for the various levels. You can, of course, upgrade your transport type based on your preference.

Toyota 4WD extended Landcruiser:
Mid-range version; for 4 or 6 people
Exclusive version; for 4 or 6 people
Luxury version
Toyota 4WD Landcruiser:
Mid-range model; for 1-4 people
Luxury model; for 1-4 people
Exclusive version
4WD Safari Van:
Basic version

It’s certainly possible to customize your transportation method. For example, you can enjoy a simple trip (for a small additional fee) in a Land Cruiser.