12-Day Best of Uganda Safari: all the must-see national parks

Name: 12-Day Best of Uganda Safari: all the must-see national parks
Brand: 12-Day Best of Uganda Safari: all the must-see national parks
SKU: 105552
Price: From $5964 per person $
Availability: InStock
Rating: 0 (0 reviews)

From

From $5964 per person for two sharing

Tour Overview

This 12 Day best of Uganda safari is ideal for getting a good overview of the country and its highlights. It combines the most beautiful national parks of Uganda in one trip within a compact timeframe. From gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to boat trips on the Nile River, the journey is varied and diverse.

Highlights

Guided private safari
Boat trip to search for shoebills in the Mabamba swamp on Lake Victoria
Visit to the Ziwa Rhino Ranch
Boat trip to Murchison Falls and wonderful wildlife
Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale rainforest
Bigodi Cultural Village Walk
Boat trip on the Nile and the Kazinga Channel
Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Private guide throughout

Walking-safari-in-Lake-Mburo-National-Park (1)

Itinerary IN dETAIL

Discover your route below. This itinerary is the starting point, tailor your adventure with the specific experiences.

Day 1 | Arrival Entebbe Airport, Meet & Greet

As soon as you step off the plane and breathe in the pleasantly warm, tropical air, you will know: you have arrived in Africa. Your personal Choose Uganda Safaris guide will be waiting for you with a beaming smile and your name sign at the exit of the arrivals hall. “The Pearl of Africa”—that’s what Winston Churchill once called this captivating country, deeply impressed by its lush nature and unmatched diversity. A name that stands like a promise over your journey. After the warm welcome, your driver will take you to your accommodation. Use the rest of the day to relax after your flight, settle into the tropical garden, and prepare yourself for the days ahead.

Accommodation: The Boma Entebbe

Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast

Day 2 | Mabamba – Ziwa Rhino Ranch (travel time approx. 3-4 hours)

After a hearty breakfast, your driver will pick you up and take you to the famous Mabamba Wetlands on the shores of Lake Victoria. Here, you leave the car behind and continue by small boat. Accompanied by a local bird expert, you will glide through the narrow channels of the dense papyrus swamp in search of the legendary shoebill.

With its enormous, distinctive beak and prehistoric appearance, the shoebill is one of the most remarkable birds on Earth. Keep your camera ready. Along the way, you will also have the chance to encounter many other fascinating bird species of Uganda.

At around 11:00 a.m., you will leave the wetlands behind and continue north towards Ziwa Rhino Ranch, where rhinos roam freely in a protected natural environment. Upon arrival, you can relax after the drive and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of your accommodation. With a little luck, you may even spot your first rhinos nearby, as they occasionally wander close to the lodge. It is a wonderful first glimpse of the wildlife that awaits you in the days ahead.

Accommodation: Ziwa Rhino Ranch – Luxury Chalets

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3 | Ziwa – Murchison Falls National Park (travel time approx. 3 hours)

Early in the morning, you will set off with an experienced ranger for a guided walk in search of the white rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Ranch. On foot, you will approach these magnificent animals and observe them from a safe distance in their natural surroundings. It is a rare opportunity to experience these impressive animals away from the confines of a vehicle. Ziwa was established as part of an effort to reintroduce rhinos to Uganda after they were wiped out by poaching. Today, the ranch also provides a protected home for numerous bird species and other wildlife.

Afterwards, your journey continues towards Murchison Falls National Park. As you enter the park, the drive itself becomes part of your safari, with opportunities to spot wildlife along the way. You will continue towards the heart of the park and the Nile Delta, where the landscape takes on a magical quality in the warm afternoon light. With its open wetlands, shimmering water and abundant birdlife, it is a wonderful setting for nature lovers and photographers.

Your accommodation, Murchison River Lodge, awaits you on the banks of the Victoria Nile. Settle in, enjoy a refreshing drink on the terrace and watch as the setting sun casts warm shades of red and gold across the river. It is a beautiful way to end your first day in the wilderness.

Accommodation: Murchison River Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4: Murchison Falls National Park Game Drive – Nile Delta

As the savanna awakens in the first light of dawn, you will set off on an extensive game drive towards the Nile Delta. Here, winding waterways, palm trees, acacias and dense riverside vegetation create a beautiful backdrop for one of the park’s best wildlife areas.

With a little luck, you may encounter large herds of elephants and buffaloes, as well as lions and leopards. Keep your eyes open for the rare Rothschild’s giraffe and a variety of antelope species. Along the waterways, hippos gather in the shallows while Nile crocodiles lie quietly on the banks. The delta is also a haven for birdlife, with more than 450 species recorded in Murchison Falls National Park, including the rare shoebill.

At midday, you will enjoy a picnic lunch in the heart of the delta, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the wilderness. Afterwards, continue exploring the area before returning to your accommodation. As the day draws to a close, take time to relax and enjoy the beautiful views of the Nile.

Accommodation: Murchison River Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5: Murchison Falls National Park – Game drive & Boat Trip

In the morning, you can choose to head on another extensive game drive through the park or relax at the lodge. In afternoon, you will experience one of the great highlights of Murchison Falls National Park: a three-hour boat trip along the Nile to the foot of Murchison Falls. As you cruise along the river, keep your eyes on the banks for hippos and Nile crocodiles, while elephants, buffaloes and other wildlife gather near the water. As the sun begins to sink, return to your accommodation and gather around the crackling campfire beneath the clear African sky. Take a moment to relax and reflect on another remarkable day in the Ugandan wilderness.

Accommodation: Murchison River Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 6: Top of the falls bush breakfast – Kibale Forest (travel time approx. 6 hours)

Begin the Top of the day with a visit to the top of Murchison Falls, where you can take in the magnificent 360-degree views with your guide. Here, the Nile forces its way through a narrow gap in the rocks before plunging 43 metres into the depths below. With the roar of the water all around you and the vast landscape stretching into the distance, it is a spectacular setting for a bush breakfast.

After breakfast, you bid farewell to the Nile and continue your journey south towards Fort Portal. Along the way, you will pass small villages, bustling markets and beautiful countryside. As you travel deeper into western Uganda, the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains gradually appear on the horizon, their peaks often hidden behind clouds. Known as the “Mountains of the Moon”, they provide a magnificent backdrop to your journey.

In the afternoon, you arrive at your accommodation in the Kibale region. Surrounded by lush tropical forest and offering beautiful views, Turaco Treetops Lodge is the perfect place to settle in and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the rainforest.

Accommodation: Turaco Treetops Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Kibale Forest Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Cultural Village Walk

After breakfast, you will head into the lush rainforest of Kibale Forest for your chimpanzee trek. The chances of seeing chimpanzees are around 95%, although they can sometimes hide high in the trees and take a little patience to find. Chimpanzees are not the only attraction here. Kibale is home to several other primate species, including red colobus monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys and L’Hoest’s monkeys. The forest is also rich in birdlife and butterflies, making it a wonderful place for nature lovers. The trek usually takes about 2–4 hours and covers roughly 3–5 km, depending on where the chimpanzees are found.

After your trek, return to the lodge for lunch and a relaxing afternoon. Take some time to enjoy the peaceful surroundings, listen to the birds and reflect on your time in the forest.

Later in the afternoon, you will visit nearby Bigodi Village for a community and cultural walk. This is a chance to experience life beyond the forest and meet some of the people who live alongside Kibale. Visit a local coffee farmer and learn how coffee is grown and prepared before tasting a fresh cup. You may also meet a traditional healer or try your hand at basket weaving. As the day comes to an end, return to Turaco Treetops Lodge for a relaxing evening and overnight stay.

Accommodation: Turaco Treetops Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 8: Kibale Forest – Queen Elizabeth NP (travel time approx. 2 hours)

After breakfast, you will leave Kibale Forest and continue towards Queen Elizabeth National Park. Along the way, the Rwenzori Mountains rise dramatically on the horizon before the landscape gradually changes to open savanna. On arrival, your first game drive takes you towards the famous Kazinga Channel. Stretching for about 32 kilometres, this natural waterway connects Lake George with Lake Edward and is one of the richest wildlife areas in the park.

As you drive along its shores, keep an eye out for elephants and buffalo gathering near the water. Hippos are often seen resting in the shallows, while Nile crocodiles lie quietly along the banks. The channel is also home to an impressive variety of birds, making it a wonderful place to slow down and take in the surroundings.

After lunch, you’ll experience the Kazinga Channel from the water on a boat safari. This is one of the highlights of Queen Elizabeth National Park. From the boat, you can get close to the wildlife along the shoreline and see the animals from a completely different perspective. It is also a great opportunity for photography, with elephants, hippos, crocodiles and birds often just metres away.

Later in the afternoon, head out for another game drive as the day begins to cool. Watch the savanna change in the soft evening light, with wildlife becoming more active as the sun slowly sets. Return to Elephant Hab Lodge for a relaxing evening and overnight stay.

Accommodation: Elephant Hab Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 9: Queen Elizabeth National Park – Bwindi National Park (Rushaga)

Rise early for your final game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park. In the cool morning air, you will head out across the savanna, keeping an eye out for lions, leopards and other wildlife as they make the most of the cooler hours.

After the game drive, leave the savanna behind and continue towards the hills of Kigezi, often known as the “Switzerland of Africa.” The landscape becomes greener and more dramatic, with rolling hills, terraced fields and beautiful views stretching across the countryside. It is one of the most scenic parts of the journey to Bwindi.

By afternoon, you’ll reach Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to almost half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The ancient rainforest is also home to several other primate species, making it one of Uganda’s most remarkable natural areas.

The forest lives up to its name. Thick vegetation, towering trees and tangled undergrowth create a wild and mysterious landscape. After travelling through the changing scenery of southwestern Uganda, arriving here feels like entering another world.

You’ll reach Four Gorillas Lodge in the afternoon. Settle in, enjoy the views of the forest and take some time to relax. The rest of the day is yours to unwind and prepare for one of the great highlights of your Uganda safari — your gorilla trekking adventure tomorrow.

Accommodation: Four Gorillas Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 10: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park – Gorilla Trekking

In the morning, you will be gently awakened by the birdsong of the rainforest. After breakfast, it’s just a short walk to the ranger station. There, you will receive a briefing on the rules of conduct that are important for gorilla trekking. You will then set off with the ranger into the mountain rainforest. The ranger follows the instructions and tracks of the trackers, who started their trek at sunrise. The trackers first went to the spot where they encountered the gorillas the previous day and are now following their movements.

As soon as they spot the gorillas, they inform the guide. You will carefully approach the gorilla family and the silverback. It’s a truly amazing moment to stand face to face with these gentle giants of the rainforest. You must limit your visit to the gorilla family to one hour to minimize disruption to their natural rhythms. The trek to the gorillas can be strenuous, depending on the specific family being visited. The sight of these majestic great apes quickly makes you forget all about it, but a certain level of fitness is recommended. It’s also crucial that you’re in excellent health. Even a cold can prevent you from seeing the gorillas, so as not to endanger them. The trekking time varies depending on the gorilla family. Proper equipment is essential. Good footwear, gaiters, and rain gear are standard. Gloves are also highly recommended, especially when dealing with thorny plants. Enjoy your time with the gorillas. This visit is much more than “just” wildlife viewing.

When you look into the eyes of these gentle giants, you’ll see so much about ourselves. Over 98% of our genes are identical to those of gorillas, and you’ll experience a truly sublime feeling when you stand close to these magnificent creatures. The young ones are playful and frolic within the gorilla family. A late lunch awaits you at your accommodation. After you have refreshed yourself, you can spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing in the lodge or perhaps take a walk around the village.

Accommodation: Four Gorillas Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 11: Bwindi – Lake Mburo National Park (travel time approx. 5 hours)

After an early breakfast, you’ll leave the misty forests of Bwindi behind and continue towards Lake Mburo National Park. The landscape gradually changes as you travel through the rolling hills and countryside of southwestern Uganda, before the open savannas of the park come into view. Lake Mburo may be Uganda’s smallest savanna national park, but it has a character all of its own. Its gentle hills, acacia woodland, rocky outcrops and open grasslands create a beautiful setting for wildlife. The park is also one of the few places in Uganda where you can see zebras in the wild, along with impalas, topi and the impressive giant eland.

Bird lovers will also find plenty to enjoy here, with more than 250 bird species recorded in the park, including the distinctive papyrus gonolek.

In the afternoon, you’ll head out on an extended game drive through the park. Keep watch for zebras grazing in the open grasslands and antelopes moving between the acacia trees. As the afternoon light softens, the landscape becomes especially beautiful.

Later, return to Mihingo Lodge, beautifully set on a rocky hillside overlooking the surrounding wilderness. Take some time to relax and enjoy the views. As night falls, settle back and look up at the African sky, far from the lights and noise of the city.

Accommodation: Mihingo Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 12: Lake Mburo – Entebbe (travel time approx. 4 hours) – return flight

In the morning, you’ll embark on a guided walking safari, experiencing the flora and fauna from a completely different perspective than during the game drives of the past few days. On foot, you’ll notice the subtle details of nature and gain fascinating insights into the park’s ecosystem. Afterwards, you’ll bid farewell to this beautiful corner of Africa. You’ll stop at the equator for a leisurely lunch before continuing your journey towards the capital. You’ll arrive in Entebbe in the late afternoon. Finally, you’ll be transferred to the airport in time for your international flight. With the red dust of Uganda clinging to your shoes and unforgettable memories in your mind, you’ll begin your journey home. We wish you a safe and pleasant trip home!

Meals: Breakfast, lunch