12-Day Uganda Safari with Big Five, Gorillas & Chimps

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OVERVIEW

Set off on a thrilling 12-day Uganda safari packed with adventure and discovery. Track rhinos on foot at Ziwa, cruise beneath Murchison Falls, and trek chimps in Kibale’s jungle. Explore Queen Elizabeth for tree-climbing lions, then relax on the serene shores of Lake Bunyonyi. Conquer Bwindi’s trails for gorilla trekking, meet golden monkeys in Mgahinga, and conclude with a walking safari through Lake Mburo’s scenic landscapes.

DAY BY DAY ACTIVITIES

Day 1: Transfer to Murchison via Ziwa Rhino Tracking & Top of the Falls

Your safari begins with an early morning departure from Kampala, driving north through lush countryside to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Here, you’ll enjoy a guided on-foot rhino tracking experience, learning about the sanctuary’s conservation efforts and observing these magnificent animals in their natural habitat. After lunch, continue to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area. Proceed straight to the iconic Top of the Falls viewpoint, where the Nile forces its way through a narrow 7-meter gorge before plunging into the Devil’s Cauldron—an unforgettable sight. Enjoy photo moments and the refreshing mist before heading to your lodge for dinner and relaxation.

ACCOMMOADATION; Tilenga Safari Lodge

Day 2: Game drive and boat cruise

Wake up early and set off for a thrilling morning game drive in Murchison Falls National Park, the perfect time when wildlife is most active. Explore the open savannahs and woodland tracks as you search for elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, Uganda kob, warthogs, and—if luck is on your side—lions or leopards. Enjoy the park’s sweeping landscapes and the soft morning light, ideal for memorable wildlife photography.

Return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast and some relaxation.

After lunch, head out for the highlight of the afternoon: a boat cruise along the Nile River to the base of the iconic Murchison Falls. As you sail upstream, keep an eye out for large pods of hippos, crocodiles basking on the riverbanks, and a rich variety of birdlife. The cruise offers excellent viewing opportunities and showcases the dramatic scenery leading up to the thunderous falls. Watch the savannah glow under the golden sunset before returning for dinner and overnight.

ACCOMMODATION; Tilenga Safari Lodge

Day 3: Full-Day Game Drive Experience

Wake up early for a thrilling morning game drive in Murchison Falls National Park, when wildlife is most active. Traverse open savannahs and wooded areas, spotting elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, kob, warthogs, and with luck, lions, leopards, or cheetahs. Enjoy the beauty of the park’s rolling landscapes and riverine forests while taking memorable photos. Return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast and some rest. After lunch, embark on an afternoon game drive in a different section of the park, exploring varied habitats and observing more wildlife in their natural setting. As the sun sets, watch the golden light illuminate the savannah before returning to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

ACCOMMODATION; Tilenga Safari Lodge

Day 4: Transfer to kibale national park

After breakfast at your lodge, depart Murchison Falls for a scenic drive to Kibale National Park, enjoying Uganda’s rolling landscapes and local villages along the way. Arrive at your lodge in time to relax and settle in, soaking in the tranquil surroundings. The afternoon is free to unwind, explore the lodge grounds, or interact with the local community. Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge prepare you for the exciting chimpanzee trekking adventure planned for the following day.

ACCOMMODATION; Bweza Kibale Lodge

Day 5: Chimp Trekking & Bigodi Swamp Exploration

Begin your day early with breakfast, then head into Kibale National Park for a guided chimpanzee trekking adventure. Accompanied by experienced rangers, trek through dense rainforest in search of chimpanzees, observing their playful behavior, vocalizations, and social interactions. Along the way, spot other primates such as colobus monkeys, baboons, and numerous bird species. After the trek, enjoy a scenic drive to the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a lush swamp ecosystem. Walk along elevated boardwalks, spotting rare birds, butterflies, and swamp wildlife, while learning about local conservation efforts and community projects. Return to your lodge in the late afternoon for dinner and overnight stay, reflecting on a day filled with Uganda’s rich wildlife and pristine nature.

ACCOMMODATION; Bweza Kibale Lodge

Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park & Nile Boat Cruise

After breakfast at your lodge, depart Kibale National Park and enjoy a scenic drive through western Uganda’s rolling hills and picturesque villages en route to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and relax briefly before an afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. Glide along the waterway, observing large pods of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and diverse birdlife in their natural habitat. Capture stunning photos of the surrounding savannah and waterways as the sun begins to set. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay, reflecting on an exciting day of wildlife encounters and breathtaking landscapes.

ACCOMMODATION; Enshama Game Lodge

Day 7: Game drives

Start the day early with breakfast, then embark on a morning game drive in the Kasenyi Plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Spot wildlife such as lions, elephants, buffalo, kob, and various antelope species roaming the open savannah. After lunch, transfer to the Ishasha Sector, renowned for its famous tree-climbing lions. Enjoy an afternoon game drive, watching these unique lions lounging in fig trees and spotting other wildlife such as leopards, hyenas, and giraffes. Return to your lodge in the late afternoon for dinner and overnight stay, reflecting on an exhilarating day of wildlife adventure.

ACCOMMODATION; Enshama Game Lodge

Day 8: Transfer to bwindi and lake bunyonyi

After breakfast, depart Queen Elizabeth National Park for a scenic drive to Lake Bunyonyi, nestled among terraced hills and dotted with 29 islands. Upon arrival, enjoy a canoe or boat ride across the lake, visiting some of the islands and observing the rich birdlife. Take in the stunning scenery and interact with local communities along the shores. After the boat ride, continue to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and check in at Bweza Lodge. Dinner and overnight at the lodge prepare you for the early morning gorilla trekking adventure the following day.

ACCOMMODATION; Bweza Gorilla Lodge

Day 9: Gorilla Trekking at Rushaga & Transfer to Mgahinga

Start early with breakfast and transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. After a briefing from expert guides, trek through lush rainforest in search of a habituated gorilla family. Spend about one hour observing these magnificent primates, noting their playful interactions, feeding habits, and social behavior. Capture unforgettable close-up moments before trekking back to the starting point for your certificate. Enjoy lunch, then embark on a scenic drive to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, home of the endangered golden monkeys. Check in at your lodge, relax, and prepare for the golden monkey trekking adventure the following day. Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.

ACCOMMODATION; Kisoro Tourist Hotel

Day 10: Golden Monkey Trek & Transfer to Lake Mburo

After an early breakfast, embark on a guided golden monkey trekking adventure in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Trek through bamboo forests in search of these playful and rare primates, observing their acrobatics and social interactions. Along the trail, spot other wildlife and enjoy the park’s stunning volcanic landscapes. After the trek, have lunch at the lodge before departing for Lake Mburo National Park. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge, relax, and enjoy the serene surroundings of the park in preparation for the next day’s walking or biking safari(this depends on the travellers). Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.

ACCOMMODATION; Leopard Rest Camp

Day 11: Walking, Biking Safari & Boat Cruise at Lake Mburo

After breakfast, embark on a guided walking, biking safari(this depends on the travellers choice) in Lake Mburo National Park, depending on traveler preference. Explore the park’s rolling savannahs and acacia woodlands up close, observing zebras, impalas, buffalo, giraffes, and diverse birdlife in their natural habitat. After the safari, enjoy a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Mburo, spotting hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds while taking in the park’s scenic landscapes. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay, reflecting on the day’s intimate wildlife encounters and the beauty of Uganda’s diverse ecosystems.

ACCOMMODATION; Leopard Rest Camp

Day 12: Ankole Cultural Museum, Equator Stop & Return to Kampala

After breakfast at your lodge, depart Lake Mburo and visit the Ankole Cultural Museum to explore the traditions, history, and daily life of the Banyankole people, including traditional homesteads and cultural artifacts. Continue your journey north and stop at the Equator for memorable photos and a brief experience. Resume the drive to Kampala, arriving in the late afternoon or early evening. End of safari services, with guests transferred to their hotel or onward travel arrangements, concluding an unforgettable 12-day Ugandan adventure.

Solo traveler USD5218

Per Person sharing USD 3818

Included

  • Park fees
  • Gorilla permits
  • Chimp permits
  • All activities
  • All accommodation
  • A professional driver/guide
  • All transportation
  • All Taxes/VAT
  • Roundtrip airport transfer
  • Meals
  • Drinks

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