12 Days Best of Uganda Safari
This 12 days best of Uganda safari is an extreme adventure to trek gorillas, encounter chimpanzees ,boat trips and unlimited game drives. This expedition takes you to explore the wildlife-rich savannahs of Murchison Falls, the primate-filled Kibale Forest, the diverse ecosystems of Queen Elizabeth National Park, and the misty mountains of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to majestic mountain gorillas. This itinerary combines thrilling game drives, walking safaris, chimpanzee and gorilla trekking, Nile river experiences, and cultural encounters for an unforgettable East African journey.
Short Itinerary 12 Days Best of Uganda Safari
- Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe → Transfer to lodge near Kampala
- Day 2: Transfer to Murchison Falls → Evening game drive
- Day 3: Morning game drive & Nile boat safari
- Day 4: Wildlife safari & optional Nile fishing → Transfer to Kibale Forest
- Day 5: Chimpanzee trekking & Bigodi Wetlands
- Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth NP → Evening game drive
- Day 7: Game drives & Kazinga Channel boat safari
- Day 8: Optional Ishasha sector → Transfer to Bwindi
- Day 9: Gorilla trekking & Batwa cultural experience
- Day 10: Drive to Lake Bunyonyi for island visit.
- Day 11: Game drive at Lake Mburo National Park.
- Day 12: Transfer to Entebbe → Departure.
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Detailed Itinerary 12 Days Best of Uganda Safari
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport and meet your Pieland Gorilla Safaris guide. Transfer to a lodge near Kampala to rest after your flight. Evening at leisure.
Accommodation: Protea Hotel by Marriott Entebbe – comfortable, conveniently located near Entebbe Airport.
Day 2: Transfer to Murchison Falls
After breakfast, drive to Murchison Falls National Park (~5–6 hours). A stop over at ziwa for rhino tracking. Enjoy the scenic drive through rural Uganda. Check into your lodge and relax. Optionally, go for an evening game drive to spot elephants, giraffes, and buffalo.
Accommodation: Savannah Murchison Lodge – midrange lodge with scenic views, comfortable rooms, and easy access to park attractions.
Day 3: Murchison Falls – Morning Game Drive & Nile Boat Safari
Early morning game drive in the northern sector to see lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, and antelopes. After lunch, embark on a boat safari along the Nile to the base of Murchison Falls. Spot hippos, crocodiles, and diverse birdlife while enjoying the dramatic waterfalls. Return to lodge for dinner.
Day 4: Murchison Falls – Wildlife Safari & Transfer to Kibale Forest
Optional early morning wildlife game drive or Nile fishing. After breakfast, transfer to Kibale Forest National Park (~5–6 hours). Check in to your lodge and relax.
Accommodation: Kibale Forest Camp – midrange eco-lodge, comfortable rooms, surrounded by forest wildlife.
Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Wetlands
Trek 2–4 hours through Kibale Forest to locate and observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat. In the afternoon, explore Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary, spotting birds, monkeys, and visiting local communities. Return to the lodge for dinner.
Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, drive to Queen Elizabeth NP (~3–4 hours). Check in at your lodge and enjoy an evening game drive in Kasenyi plains.
Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge – lakeside lodge with panoramic views, modern amenities, and wildlife nearby.
Day 7: Queen Elizabeth NP – Game Drives & Kazinga Channel
Morning game drive in Kasenyi plains for elephants, lions, buffaloes, and antelopes. Afternoon Kazinga Channel boat safari for hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife. Optional afternoon game drive in Ishasha sector to see tree-climbing lions. Return to lodge for dinner.
Day 8: Optional Ishasha Safari & Transfer to Bwindi
Optionally explore Ishasha for tree-climbing lions if not done previously. After lunch, transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (~4–5 hours). Check into lodge near the park.
Accommodation: Buhoma Lodge – midrange lodge in the Buhoma sector, comfortable rooms, forest views.
Day 9: Gorilla Trekking & Batwa Cultural Experience
Trek through Bwindi to visit a gorilla family. Spend one hour observing gorillas in the wild. In the afternoon, visit the Batwa community to learn about indigenous forest traditions. Return to lodge for dinner.
Day 10: Drive to Lake Bunyonyi.
Spend a day at lake Bunyonyi exploring the islands with canoeing . Relax at the lake with the stunning views .
Enjoy the cultural tour as well.
Accommodation :Bird Nest Resort-Midrange Lodge
Day 11: Drive to Lake Mburo.
Start your day with a morning game drive in Uganda’s smallest national park, followed by a walking safari to observe wildlife up close.
Accommodation : Kigarama Wilderness Lodge –Midrange lodge.
Day 12: Transfer to Entebbe & Departure
Complete transfer to Entebbe International Airport for departure. Stop for souvenirs or brief sightseeing along the way if time allows.
Inclusions for 12 Days Best of Uganda Safari
- Park entrance & trekking permits from Uganda Wildlife Authority (gorilla & chimpanzee)
- Full board accommodation (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Safari vehicle with driver-guide
- Experienced guides for wildlife & primate trekking
- Game drives & boat safaris
- Cultural visits (Batwa & Bigodi Wetlands)
- Transfers from/to Entebbe Airport
Exclusions for 12 Days Best of Uganda Safari
- International flights
- Personal travel insurance
- Tips & gratuities
- Alcoholic beverages
- Optional activities not listed in itinerary
Recommended Lodges
| National Park | Lodge / Accommodation | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Murchison Falls | Savannah Murchison Lodge | Midrange |
| Kibale Forest | Kibale Forest Camp / Primate Lodge | Midrange |
| Queen Elizabeth | Mweya Safari Lodge | Midrange / Luxury |
| Bwindi Impenetrable | Buhoma Lodge / Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge | Midrange / Luxury |
| En route to Kampala | Mountain Gorilla View Lodge | Midrange |
Best Time for 12 Days Best of Uganda Safari
- Dry seasons: June–September & December–February – ideal for wildlife viewing, trekking, and road conditions.
- Wet seasons: March–May & October–November – lush scenery, fewer crowds, some slippery trails.
Why Book with Pieland Gorilla Safaris
- Expert local guides with deep knowledge of parks & wildlife
- Permit management for gorilla & chimpanzee trekking
- Reliable 4×4 vehicles and well-planned logistics
- Carefully selected lodges for comfort & convenience
- Personalized itineraries ensuring smooth, stress-free safari experience
FAQs About 12 Days Best of Uganda Safari
Minimum age for gorilla trekking?
15 years.
How long does gorilla trekking last?
2–6 hours depending on gorilla location.
Is chimpanzee trekking suitable for beginners?
Yes, 2–4 hour treks are manageable for moderately fit travelers.
Can lodges accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes, if informed in advance.
Is malaria prophylaxis required?
Strongly recommended.
Best time for game drives?
Early morning (6:30–7:00 AM) & late afternoon (4:00–6:30 PM).
Are safari vehicles 4×4?
Yes, equipped for rough terrain.
Can the safari be extended to Lake Bunyonyi or other parks?
Yes, optional extensions are available.
Contact Us to start planning your 12 days best of uganda safari.