An extraordinary adventure filled with Unforgettable moments.
This 12 Days Uganda safari is an action-packed Uganda Wildlife tour taking you on an incredible adventure filled with the best wildlife encounters that you have ever imagined.
From trekking majestic mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to spotting elephants and lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park, each day is enjoyable and memorable.
With our 12 Days Uganda safari, Experience the thrill of chimpanzee tracking in Uganda, Kibale Forest National Park and hike the stunning Rwenzori Mountains. Explore Lake Mburo National Park’s diverse wildlife and immerse yourself in local culture through community visits.
With exceptional guides and unforgettable experiences, this Uganda travel package offers a unique opportunity to connect with the country’s rich natural heritage and vibrant traditions.
Our 12-day Uganda tour package is ideal for friends and families, couples, and solo travelers yearning for an African wilderness experience.
This Uganda adventure tour combines wildlife, inclusive of the famous Mountain gorillas and Big Five animals, relaxation with a boat cruise, and cultural encounters, ensuring that it has something fun and memorable for everyone on board.
For wildlife enthusiasts, our 12-day Uganda safari holiday is a savannah safari you should opt for, availing you with exceptional opportunities for spotting an array of wildlife species. It is a Big Five safari in Uganda offering close encounters with Lions, leopards, buffaloes, elephants, and rhinos ensuring thrilling Uganda game drives.
Our 12-day wildlife tour is a guided safari tour provided with a decent, hospitable, and full-time English-speaking guide ensuring our visitors an informative, hence immersive safari experience.
In addition, we offer you some of the best safari lodges in Uganda ensuring our guests a comfortable and pleasant stay while on their adventurous travel in Uganda.
Activities Overview of the 12 Days Uganda Safari
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Golden monkey tracking in Mgahinga National Park
Birding in various locations
Wildlife safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park
Cultural experiences with local communities
Brief Itinerary of the 12 Days Uganda Safari
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe Day 2: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Day 4: Golden Monkey Tracking in Mgahinga Day 5: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park Day 6: Morning Game Drive & Boat Cruise Day 7: Birding and Nature Walks Day 8: Transfer to Kibale National Park Day 9: Chimpanzee Tracking Day 10: Cultural Experience Day 11: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park Day 12: Return to Entebbe & Departure
Detailed Itinerary of 12 Days Uganda Safari
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
Day 1 of the 12-Day Uganda adventure tour starts with your arrival at Entebbe International Airport, where a warm welcome awaits you! You will be received with our guide, your guide to be throughout this incredible wildlife journey.
He will first help you with your luggage, and provide you with a brief overview of the adventures ahead. He will then transfer to your pre-booked accommodation near Lake Victoria, a perfect place to unwind and relax as you prepare for an incredible journey the following day. While there, you will enjoy captivating views of Lake Victoria, different bird species, and the lush surroundings offering the perfect relaxation environment.
If you have arrived in the country a bit early, you may opt to explore different attractions found in Entebbe City getting a great start for your adventurous days in the country. These include Entebbe Botanical Garden, a great place for nature walks, Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, Entebbe Reptile Village, and Entebbe’s vibrant local markets.
Accommodation:
Luxury: Speke Resort
Mid-range: Lake Victoria Hotel
Budget: Entebbe Backpackers
Meals: Dinner included
Day 2: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
On Day 2, after breakfast, you will be picked up by your guide to embark on an approximately eight to ten-hour journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda. It is quite a long journey requiring an early morning start to avoid traveling at night. It is featured with frequent stops as requested to stretch and refresh, take photos, and savor local snacks.
This journey is also filled with stunning views of vibrant villages, forests, different plantations, and lush landscapes soaking you into Uganda’s natural beauty. You can request the guide to pull over so that you linger at your captivating spots, take pictures, and then proceed on with the journey.
As you navigate through the countryside’s natural beauty, our knowledgeable guide will be there to share with you valuable insights about the region and culture, or as requested, make the trip more engaging and enjoyable. Arriving at Bwindi, you’ll be greeted by the enchanting sounds of the rainforest, setting the stage for your extraordinary wildlife adventures.
Distance: Approx. 8 hours (400 km)
Accommodation:
Luxury: Gorilla Resort
Mid-range: Silverback Lodge
Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
Day 3 is one of the best days on this Uganda safari itinerary, a major highlight of this incredible safari. After an early breakfast, you’ll set off for a thrilling gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Ensure you leave with a packed lunch, water, and energy boosters as Gorilla trekking in Bwindi is a physically demanding adventure that requires navigating through different challenging terrains and dense foliage. It typically lasts several hours, usually ranging from 2 to 6 hours, hence requiring you to have a meal at hand to keep your energy levels up.
Guided by experienced park rangers, you will trek through dense forests, building anticipation as you draw closer to the habitats of these majestic primates. Encountering them in their natural environment is a truly breathtaking experience, leaving you with long-lasting memories.
Activity: Morning trek (3-6 hours)
Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner
Day 4: Golden Monkey Tracking in Mgahinga
On Day 4, you’ll embark on an exciting golden monkey tracking adventure in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. This is the only national park in Uganda that offers golden monkey tracking adventurous activities.
It is home to a significant population of these golden-striking primates with over 300 individuals thriving in its bamboo forests. This great number and the ideal condition offered by the park for golden monkey trekking adventures offer the best and most memorable experience with these playful primates.
As you embark on the golden monkey treks, keep an eye out for other fascinating primates and mammals that thrive in the park. These include colobus and blue monkeys, duikers, bushbucks, butterflies, different birds, and tree species.
Distance: Approx. 1 hour (30 km)
Accommodation:
Luxury: Mount Gahinga Lodge
Mid-range: Amajambere Iwacu Camp
Budget: Kisoro Tourist Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner
Day 5: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 5 starts with an early transfer from Mgahinga to Queen Elizabeth National Park. After breakfast at the lodge, you will embark on a scenic drive of approximately two to three hours. This is a relatively shorter journey soaking you into the natural beauty of the Southwestern regions. Queen Elizabeth National Park is the only Uganda safari park where you can sight the incredible tree-climbing lions making it one of the prime destinations for wildlife viewing in Uganda.
Upon arrival at the park, you will be welcomed by its natural beauty that is featured with diverse wildlife. You will check into your lodges, relax, and have lunch as you prepare for an evening game drive experience. This is one of the national parks in Uganda offering the best game drives hence promising unforgettable wildlife experiences.
Distance: Approx. 3-4 hours (150 km)
Accommodation:
Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge
Mid-range: Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge
Budget: Pumba Safari Cottages
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6: Morning Game Drive & Boat Cruise
Day 6 comes with another thrilling morning game drive through the diverse habitats of the park in search of wildlife. This is the best time to spot different wild animals roaming about their habitats in search of food. A game drive in QENP lasts about 3 to 4 hours and is conducted by an experienced park guide who is well versed with the habitats of different animals ensuring an immersive experience.
During these drives, you will encounter animals such as African elephants, giraffes, tree-climbing lions, warthogs, banded mongoose, buffaloes, leopards, and different antelope, primate, and bird species, After the game drive, you will have lunch and get ready for another thrilling adventure, a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. Be sure to bring your binoculars, sunscreen, and a hat for an enjoyable and comfortable day of wildlife exploration!
Activities: Morning game drive; afternoon boat cruise on Kazinga Channel
Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner
Day 7: Birding and Nature Walks
Day 7 is still about Queen Elizabeth National Park. I told you that it is one of the most incredible national parks that Uganda has to offer to its visitors, wildlife enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike.
Its diverse habitats ranging from plain savannah lands, and forests to wetlands are home to over 600 bird species making it a prime birding destination in Uganda. At the park, you will have an exceptional to spot the famous shoebill stork gracefully wardinItsg in its habitat. This is often spotted in the wetlands of the Mweya Peninsula.
As you stroll through the lush trails, keep an eye out for other unique and rare bird species, including the African fish eagle and the flamingo birds. Birding in QENP is conducted by an experienced birding guide who is well-versed in the habitats of different bird species. He also provides deep insights about different bird behaviors and their names offering an informative and enjoyable birding in Uganda experience.
Activity: Birding in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner
Day 8: Transfer to Kibale National Park
On day 8, you will be transferred from QENP to Kibale Forest National Park, another incredible safari destination in Uganda, home to our close relatives, the chimpanzees. It is about a two to three-hour drive from Queen to Kibale Forest Park. Kibale National Park is renowned for its rich biodiversity, home to different primate species with the leading being the chimps, holding about 1,500 individuals, making it one of the great destinations for primate tracking in Africa. The park is home to over 13 species of primates, including red colobus and grey-cheeked mangabey.
As you travel, enjoy the scenic landscapes of rolling hills and lush vegetation. Upon arrival, you’ll be surrounded by the enchanting sounds of the forest, setting the stage for your thrilling chimpanzee tracking in Uganda adventures!
Distance: Approx. 2-3 hours (120 km)
Accommodation:
Luxury: Primate Lodge
Mid-range: Kibale Forest Camp
Budget: Chimpanzee Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 9: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest National Park
On Day 9, prepare for an exhilarating chimpanzee tracking experience in Kibale Forest National Park! After an early breakfast, you will head out to the park headquarters to attend a chimp briefing about what to expect and the protocols to follow during the chimp trek experience.
After, you will embark on the chimp trails through the lush rainforests. These are led by an armed ranger for safety and a park guide for an informative and enjoyable wildlife experience. A chimp trek typically lasts between two to 4 hours depending on the location of the assigned chimpanzee troop. Once encountered, you have one hour of observing these captivating primates going about daily activities in their natural habitat.
In addition to chimpanzees, you may encounter other wildlife, including red-tailed monkeys, bushbucks, and various colorful bird species. The park’s stunning landscapes, featuring towering trees and vibrant foliage, create a breathtaking backdrop for your adventure. This day promises both thrilling wildlife encounters and the beauty of nature!
Meals: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner
Day 10: Cultural Experience
Day 10 immerses you in the rich culture of Uganda, offering you a chance to encounter the local communities, specifically the Bakiga or Batooro local communities, known for their hospitality and vibrant tranditions. During your visit, participate in traditional activities such as cooking demonstrations, basket weaving, and folk dance performances.
You’ll have the chance to learn about their customs, storytelling, and daily life, deepening your understanding of Ugandan heritage. This interactive experience not only fosters cultural exchange but also provides insight into the community’s efforts in conservation and sustainable living, making it a truly enriching part of your safari.
Activities: Visit local communities and enjoy cultural performances
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 11: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park
On Day 11 of your 12 Days Uganda Safari, you’ll transfer from Kibale National Park to Lake Mburo National Park, a journey of about 3-4 hours.
Lake Mburo is renowned for its natural beauty featuring diverse wildlife thriving in its varied habitats ranging from stunning landscapes, including rolling hills, acacia woodlands, plain savanna grasslands, and the picturesque lake itself. It’s unique for being one of the few parks in Uganda where you can enjoy walking safaris, allowing for an intimate connection with nature.
The park is home to diverse wildlife, including zebras, impalas, and buffaloes, as well as over 300 bird species. Upon arrival, prepare for an unforgettable experience of wildlife viewing and exploration in this serene setting!
Distance: Approx. 5 hours (200 km)
Accommodation:
Luxury: Mantana Tented Camp
Mid-range: Lake Mburo Safari Lodge
Budget: Eagle’s Nest
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 12: Return to Entebbe & Departure
On Day 12, you’ll embark on a scenic transfer from Lake Mburo National Park back to Entebbe, approximately a 4-5 hour journey. As you travel, enjoy the beautiful landscapes and charming villages that dot the route, reflecting Uganda’s vibrant culture.
Once in Entebbe, you’ll have time for some last-minute shopping or to explore local attractions, such as the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre. Afterward, you’ll be transferred to Entebbe International Airport for your departure. As you bid farewell to Uganda, you’ll carry with you unforgettable memories of breathtaking wildlife, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural experiences from your safari adventure!
Distance: Approx. 4-5 hours (240 km)
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Not included (departure day)
End of 12 Days Uganda Safari
Join us for an unforgettable 12 days Uganda safari! Experience breathtaking landscapes, encounter majestic wildlife, and immerse yourself in vibrant cultures. From gorilla trekking in Bwindi to game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park, this adventure promises memories that will last a lifetime. Discover the beauty of Uganda with us!
BOOK THIS TOUR
Tour Includes
Accommodation for 11 nights
All meals as outlined
Professional English-speaking guide
Park entry fees
Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits
Golden monkey tracking permit
All transportation in a 4×4 vehicle
Tour Excludes
International flights
Travel insurance
Personal expenses (souvenirs, etc.)
Optional activities (e.g., guided hikes)
Tips for guides and drive
A Preparation Tip for your 12 Days Uganda Safari
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing and sturdy hiking boots for varied terrains. Bring a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Ensure your vaccinations are up-to-date and carry any personal medications. Familiarize yourself with local customs to enhance your interactions and respect the culture during your safari adventure.
Climate
Uganda has a tropical climate, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). Expect rain, particularly from March to May and September to November.
People & Culture
Ugandans are known for their friendliness. Always ask before photographing people, and engage respectfully with local communities.
Dressing Code
Dress modestly and in neutral colors for wildlife activities. Light layers are ideal for changing temperatures.
Wildlife Photography Tips
Use a Telephoto Lens: Ideal for capturing distant subjects without disturbing them.
Be Patient: Wait quietly for the right moment to get the perfect shot.
Understand Animal Behavior: Research species to anticipate movements and actions.
Consider Lighting: Shoot during golden hours (early morning or late afternoon) for the best light.
Focus on Composition: Apply the rule of thirds and look for interesting backgrounds.
Practice Ethical Photography: Respect wildlife and their habitats by maintaining a safe distance.
Health Tips for Visitors to Uganda
Stay Hydrated: Drink only bottled or boiled water to prevent waterborne illnesses.
Vaccinations: Ensure your vaccinations are up-to-date, including yellow fever, hepatitis A, and typhoid.
Malaria Prevention: Take malaria prophylaxis and use insect repellent containing DEET to protect against mosquito bites.
First-Aid Kit: Carry a basic first-aid kit with essential medications for common ailments, cuts, and insect bites.
Food Safety: Be cautious with street food; choose freshly prepared items and avoid raw or undercooked dishes.
Sun Protection: Use sunscreen, wear hats, and sunglasses to protect against UV rays, especially at higher altitudes.
Travel Gear to Consider
Lightweight Clothing: Breathable, quick-drying fabrics for comfort in varying temperatures.
Sturdy Hiking Boots: Durable footwear for trekking and uneven terrain.
Binoculars: Essential for wildlife viewing and birdwatching.
Camera and Extra Batteries: For capturing wildlife and scenic landscapes.
Power Bank: To keep devices charged during long excursions.
Insect Repellent: To protect against mosquito bites and other insects.
Reusable Water Bottle: To stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste.
Rain Gear: Lightweight waterproof jacket or poncho for unexpected showers.
Daypack: A small backpack for day trips to carry essentials.
First-Aid Kit: Basic supplies for minor injuries and ailments.
Things to Avoid for Visitors to Uganda
Displaying Valuables: Avoid showing off expensive items like jewelry or electronics to reduce the risk of theft.
Discussing Politics: Steer clear of political conversations, as they can be sensitive and potentially uncomfortable.
Taking Photos Without Permission: Always ask for consent before photographing people, especially in local communities.
Engaging in Disrespectful Behavior: Be mindful of local customs and traditions, and avoid actions that may be considered disrespectful.
Ignoring Health Precautions: Avoid drinking tap water or consuming unverified street food to prevent health issues.
