12 Day Uganda Gorilla and Wildlife Safari
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Duration
Overview
This 12 Day Uganda Gorilla and Wildlife Safari is designed for travelers seeking a comprehensive exploration of Uganda’s most iconic landscapes, primates, and savannah wildlife. The journey combines close encounters with endangered mountain gorillas and wild chimpanzees with classic African game drives across open plains teeming with elephants, lions, giraffes, buffalo, and antelope. From the misty highlands of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to the vast savannah of Murchison Falls National Park and the diverse ecosystems of Queen Elizabeth National Park, this itinerary offers a balanced combination of forest trekking, boat safaris, scenic drives, and cultural interaction.
Travel in a private 4×4 safari vehicle with an experienced guide, stay in carefully selected lodges positioned close to park entrances, and experience Uganda’s remarkable biodiversity in comfort. This safari is ideal for visitors who want both primate tracking and traditional wildlife viewing in one extended, immersive journey.
Detailed Tour Plan
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be welcomed by your safari guide and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, enjoy a safari briefing covering trekking regulations and safety guidelines.
Accommodation: Protea Hotel by Marriott Entebbe or similar
Meals: Dinner
After breakfast, drive north to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area. En route, visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for rhino tracking on foot. Continue to the park and check into your lodge.
Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Early morning game drive on the northern bank of the Nile where you may encounter lions, elephants, giraffes, buffalo, and antelope species. Return to the lodge for breakfast and relaxation. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls, observing hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife along the riverbanks.
Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visit the top of the falls for spectacular views of the Nile squeezing through a narrow gorge. Continue your journey south toward Kibale National Park, arriving in the evening.
Accommodation: Turaco Treetops or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After an early briefing, trek through the tropical rainforest in search of chimpanzees. The experience lasts between two and five hours depending on their movement. Spend one hour observing them in their natural habitat. Afternoon visit to Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary.
Accommodation: Turaco Treetops or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, arriving in time for an afternoon game drive in the Kasenyi Plains.
Accommodation: Elephant Plains Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Early morning wildlife drive to spot predators and herbivores. Afternoon boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, famous for large concentrations of hippos and buffalo along the shoreline.
Accommodation: Elephant Plains Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive through the scenic Ishasha sector, known for tree-climbing lions, before continuing to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Check in and prepare for gorilla trekking.
Accommodation: Gorilla Mist Camp or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After the ranger briefing, begin your trek into the dense forest in search of a habituated gorilla family. Trekking can take between two and eight hours depending on location. Once located, you will spend one magical hour observing the gorillas at close range.
Accommodation: Gorilla Mist Camp or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visit the Batwa community for a cultural interaction experience before transferring to Lake Bunyonyi for relaxation.
Accommodation: Birdnest Resort Lake Bunyonyi or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy a relaxed day with optional canoe rides, swimming, or simply taking in panoramic views of the terraced hills surrounding the lake.
Accommodation: Birdnest Resort Lake Bunyonyi or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, transfer back to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your 12-day Uganda gorilla and wildlife safari.
Meals: Breakfast
Included/Exclude
- Airport transfers in Uganda.
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with fuel.
- Professional English-speaking safari guide.
- All park entrance fees.
- Gorilla trekking permit.
- Chimpanzee trekking permit.
- All scheduled game drives and boat cruises.
- Full-board accommodation (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
- Bottled drinking water during the safari.
- International flights
- travel insurance
- tips
- alcoholic drinks
- optional activities not mentioned.
