12 Day best of Uganda Wildlife Safari and primate trekking

Signature Safari

12 Day best of Uganda Wildlife Safari and primate trekking

The Experience

This 12 day Uganda Wildlife Safari showcases the very best of the Pearl of Africa, combining remote wilderness, primate encounters, classic savannah wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes. The journey covers Sipi Falls, Kidepo Valley National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Travelers will experience powerful waterfalls, wide-open savannahs, tropical rainforests, and rich cultural encounters along the way. The itinerary is designed for a balanced pace, allowing time for game drives, chimpanzee trekking, gorilla trekking, boat cruises, and scenic drives. It is ideal for mid-range and luxury travelers seeking a comprehensive and immersive Uganda safari experience with comfortable accommodation and professional guiding throughout the journey.
Duration12 Days/11Night
Price00
DestinationsUganda
Ideal ForCouples, Wildlife Fans

Overview

This 12 day Uganda Wildlife Safari showcases the very best of the Pearl of Africa, combining remote wilderness, primate encounters, classic savannah wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes. The journey covers Sipi Falls, Kidepo Valley National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Travelers will experience powerful waterfalls, wide-open savannahs, tropical rainforests, and rich cultural encounters along the way. The itinerary is designed for a balanced pace, allowing time for game drives, chimpanzee trekking, gorilla trekking, boat cruises, and scenic drives. It is ideal for mid-range and luxury travelers seeking a comprehensive and immersive Uganda safari experience with comfortable accommodation and professional guiding throughout the journey.

The Journey

Day by Day

Day 1: Transfer to Sipi Falls and Afternoon Nature Experience
Day01

Day 1: Transfer to Sipi Falls and Afternoon Nature Experience

Your safari begins with an early morning pick-up from Kampala or Entebbe International Airport, followed by a scenic drive towards eastern Uganda. The journey to Sipi Falls takes you through rolling countryside, vibrant roadside markets, and expansive farmlands that highlight Uganda’s rich rural charm and everyday life. Along the way, enjoy changing landscapes and photographic stopovers before arriving in the Kapchorwa region. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and enjoy lunch while taking in panoramic views of the dramatic cliffs and cascading waterfalls. In the afternoon, embark on a guided nature walk to explore the three spectacular tiers of Sipi Falls. The trail passes through coffee plantations, caves, and local communities, offering cultural interaction and breathtaking scenery. The cool mountain breeze and peaceful environment provide a refreshing start to your safari adventure. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
AccommodationLodge Near sipi falls
Day 2: Transfer to Kidepo Valley National Park Region
Day02

Day 2: Transfer to Kidepo Valley National Park Region

After breakfast, depart Sipi Falls and begin your long but scenic journey to northeastern Uganda, heading toward the remote Kidepo Valley National Park region. The drive offers a dramatic transformation of landscapes, moving from the lush green highlands of eastern Uganda to semi-arid plains and expansive savannahs. Along the way, enjoy stopovers for photography and refreshments, with lunch served en route. Continue through rural settlements and pastoral communities, including the culturally rich Karamoja region, known for its traditional lifestyle and heritage. This journey provides a deeper understanding of Uganda’s ethnic diversity and authentic rural life. Arrive at your lodge near Kidepo in the evening after a full day of travel. Check in, relax, and enjoy dinner while preparing for the upcoming wildlife experiences. The remote setting, peaceful atmosphere, and clear night skies create a memorable overnight stay surrounded by untouched nature.
AccommodationLodge in Kidepo
Day 3: Game Drive in Kidepo Valley National Park
Day03

Day 3: Game Drive in Kidepo Valley National Park

Begin the day with an early morning game drive in Kidepo Valley National Park, one of Africa’s most remote and breathtaking wilderness areas. The vast open savannah is framed by rugged mountain ranges, creating a dramatic backdrop for exceptional wildlife viewing. As you explore the park, look out for elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, lions, cheetahs, zebras, and various antelope species such as hartebeest and oribi. Kidepo is also home to over 470 bird species, making it a true paradise for birdwatchers and photographers. Your experienced guide will help interpret animal behavior and share insights into the park’s unique ecosystem. Return to the lodge for lunch and a short rest. In the afternoon, enjoy another game drive or opt for a cultural visit to a nearby Karamojong community, where you will experience traditional dances, homestead visits, and storytelling. Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.
AccommodationLodge in Kidepo
Day 4: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
Day04

Day 4: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

After breakfast, depart the Kidepo Valley region and begin your scenic journey to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest protected conservation area. The drive takes you through vast open savannahs, rural settlements, and changing landscapes that reflect the cultural and geographical diversity of northern Uganda. Along the way, enjoy several stopovers for photography and refreshments, with lunch served en route. Continue the journey toward the southern sector of the park, gradually entering more lush and greener scenery. Upon arrival, proceed directly to the top of Murchison Falls, where the Nile River is forced through a narrow gorge before plunging dramatically into the Devil’s Cauldron below. The roaring sound and misty spray create a powerful and unforgettable natural spectacle. After the visit, transfer to your lodge for check-in, dinner, and a relaxing overnight stay in the heart of the wilderness
AccommodationLodge in Murchison falls
Day 5: Game Drive and Nile Boat Cruise
Day05

Day 5: Game Drive and Nile Boat Cruise

Start the day with an early morning game drive in Murchison Falls National Park’s northern sector, an area known for its abundant wildlife and open savannah landscapes. As the sun rises, look out for elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, lions, Uganda kobs, hartebeests, oribis, and a variety of bird species actively moving across the plains. Your professional guide will help you track animals and interpret their behavior while you enjoy the golden morning light and scenic views. Return to the lodge for lunch and a short rest to relax and refresh. In the afternoon, embark on a boat cruise along the Victoria Nile towards the base of the powerful Murchison Falls. Along the riverbanks, observe large pods of hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, and buffaloes, along with numerous water birds. The experience offers stunning photography moments before returning to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
AccommodationLodge in Murchison falls
Day 6: Transfer to Kibale National Park and Bigodi Wetland Walk
Day06

Day 6: Transfer to Kibale National Park and Bigodi Wetland Walk

After breakfast, depart Murchison Falls National Park and begin your scenic journey southwest towards Kibale National Park. The drive takes you through Uganda’s changing landscapes, including rolling hills, tea plantations, crater lakes, and vibrant rural communities around Fort Portal. Enjoy en route views and stop for lunch at a selected restaurant along the way. Upon arrival in the afternoon, check in at your lodge and take a short rest to refresh after the long drive. Later, proceed for a guided nature walk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-managed conservation area rich in biodiversity. The wetland is home to several primate species, butterflies, reptiles, and over 200 bird species, including the Great Blue Turaco. The walk also highlights local conservation efforts and community tourism initiatives. After the experience, return to your lodge for dinner and a peaceful overnight stay near Kibale Forest.
AccommodationLodge in Kibale
Day 7: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest
Day07

Day 7: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest

After an early breakfast, transfer to Kibale National Park headquarters for a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers before beginning your chimpanzee trekking adventure. Enter the tropical rainforest, one of Africa’s richest primate habitats, accompanied by experienced guides who will help you track habituated chimpanzee families. As you walk through the dense forest, you may also encounter colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and other primates, along with colorful bird species and butterflies. Once the chimpanzees are located, spend one unforgettable hour observing their behavior, communication, feeding habits, and social interactions in their natural environment. This experience offers a deep connection to nature and wildlife. After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. Spend the afternoon at leisure, enjoying the peaceful forest surroundings and fresh air. Dinner will be served at the lodge, followed by an overnight stay in Kibale Forest area.
AccommodationLodge in Kibale
Day 8: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park and game drives
Day08

Day 8: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park and game drives

After breakfast, depart Kibale National Park and begin your journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park through the scenic Crater Lake region. The drive offers breathtaking views of rolling hills, volcanic formations, tea plantations, and rural communities that highlight western Uganda’s natural beauty. Enjoy photo stops along the way before arriving in the park area for lunch and lodge check-in. In the afternoon, head out for a game drive in the Kasenyi Plains, where wildlife such as elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, and lions are commonly sighted in the open savannah. Later. After this enriching experience, return to the lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight stay, surrounded by the peaceful sounds of nature and the wilderness of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Accommodationlodge in Queen Elizabeth
Day 9: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Day09

Day 9: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Begin the day with an early morning game drive across the Kasenyi Plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most rewarding wildlife viewing areas. The cool morning hours provide excellent opportunities to spot lions, elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, hyenas, warthogs, and waterbucks, as they are most active at sunrise. Your professional guide will help track wildlife and explain animal behavior while you enjoy the vast savannah scenery. Return to the lodge for lunch and a short rest to relax and refresh. In the afternoon, proceed to the Kazinga Channel for an unforgettable boat cruise along this natural waterway connecting Lake Edward and Lake George. Expect close sightings of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and numerous bird species along the shoreline. The experience offers excellent photography opportunities before returning to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay in the heart of the wilderness
Accommodationlodge in Queen Elizabeth
Day 10: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day10

Day 10: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After breakfast, depart Queen Elizabeth National Park and begin your scenic drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas. The journey passes through the Ishasha sector, a remarkable wildlife area famous for its rare tree-climbing lions, offering a chance for a short game drive if time permits. Continue through the rolling hills of southwestern Uganda, passing terraced landscapes, rural homesteads, and lush green valleys that define this region’s beauty. Enjoy en route views and photo stops along the way as you approach the mist-covered forests of Bwindi. Arrive in the afternoon and check in at your lodge located near the park. Take time to relax, refresh, and prepare mentally for the upcoming gorilla trekking experience. Dinner will be served at the lodge, followed by an overnight stay surrounded by the tranquil sounds of the forest and nature’s evening atmosphere.
AccommodationLodge Near Bwindi National park
Day 11: Gorilla Trekking Experience
Day11

Day 11: Gorilla Trekking Experience

After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for a detailed briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers before beginning your gorilla trekking adventure. You will then enter the dense montane forest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, accompanied by experienced guides who will lead you through thick vegetation, uneven terrain, and natural trails in search of a habituated gorilla family. The trek duration varies depending on the movement of the gorillas, making each encounter unique and unpredictable. Once located, you will spend one magical hour observing their behavior, feeding habits, playful interactions, and social structure in their natural habitat. This rare experience is deeply emotional and unforgettable. After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. Spend the afternoon at leisure, enjoying the peaceful forest environment. Dinner and overnight stay at your lodge surrounded by the sounds of the wilderness and nature.
AccommodationLodge Near Bwindi National park
Day 12: Return to Kampala/Entebbe
Day12

Day 12: Return to Kampala/Entebbe

After breakfast, depart Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and begin your scenic journey back to Entebbe. The drive takes you through Uganda’s beautiful southwestern highlands, featuring rolling green hills, terraced farmlands, and traditional homesteads that reflect the region’s rich cultural heritage. Along the way, enjoy changing landscapes and several photographic stopovers that highlight the natural beauty of the countryside. Stop for lunch en route at a selected restaurant before continuing the journey through bustling towns and rural settlements. As you approach central Uganda, the scenery gradually transitions into flatter landscapes and urban surroundings. Arrive in Kampala/Entebbe in the evening, where your professional driver-guide will transfer you either to your hotel for rest or directly to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight. This marks the end of your unforgettable 12-day Uganda Wildlife Safari experience filled with adventure, wildlife encounters, and lasting memories.

What's Included

Gorilla Trekking permits

Chimpanzee trekking permits

Airport transfers on Day 1 and Day 12

Ground transportation in a 4x4 safari vehicle

English-speaking professional driver-guide

All activities unless its optional

Accommodation

Meals as specified (full board: breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Bottled drinking water in the vehicle

All relevant government taxes and fees

Not Included

International flights to/from Entebbe

Uganda visa ($50–$100 depending on nationality)

Travel insurance (medical and evacuation coverage mandatory)

Domestic flight

Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, and lodge staff

Alcoholic and soft drinks

Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, phone calls)

Optional activities not listed in the itinerary

Any meals not explicitly stated as included

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