10 Days Uganda Wildlife and Primate Encounter Safari
From $5,370 pp View →
Uganda
12 Days Best of Uganda Wildlife Safaris
- Duration
- 12 Days
- Price
- From $5,960 pp
Overview
Twelve days is what it takes to see Uganda’s five headline parks without spending the whole trip in a vehicle. This itinerary runs a loop west and south from Entebbe, and every leg earns its place.
You open at Murchison Falls, where the Victoria Nile is squeezed through a gorge seven meters wide, with a game drive on the northern bank and a boat cruise to the foot of the falls. Then Kibale Forest for chimpanzee tracking, which has the highest primate density in East Africa and the best odds of a close encounter anywhere in the country. Queen Elizabeth National Park follows, for the Kazinga Channel boat cruise and the tree-climbing lions of the Ishasha sector.
The trip builds to gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO site holding roughly half the world’s mountain gorillas. You finish gently at Lake Mburo, the one Ugandan park where walking and horseback safaris are routine, before returning to Entebbe. Gorilla permits are dated and limited, and we buy and hold yours before you travel.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival and Airport Transfer to Your Hotel
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will proceed through customs and immigration formalities before being warmly received by our professional driver guide. Following a brief introduction, you will be transferred in a comfortable 4x4 safari vehicle to your selected hotel in Entebbe. This evening is reserved for relaxation after your journey, allowing you to settle in and prepare for the adventure ahead. Enjoy a delightful dinner at the hotel and a restful overnight stay as you anticipate the remarkable experiences awaiting you on your 10 Days Uganda Extreme Gorilla and Wildlife Safari.
Accommodation Options
- Midrange Accommodation
- Boma Hotel
- Luxury Accommodation
- Protea Hotel Entebbe by Marriott or No. 5 Boutique Hotel
- Meals:
- Dinner
- Day 2
Entebbe to Murchison Falls National Park
After an early breakfast at 7:00 AM, you will depart Entebbe and journey north toward Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and most iconic conservation area. En route, you will visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided on foot rhino tracking experience, providing a rare opportunity to observe white rhinos in their natural habitat. Following lunch, continue to Murchison Falls NP, enjoying scenic countryside views and potential wildlife sightings upon entry. In the evening, unwind at your lodge, savor a well prepared dinner, and settle in for a restful overnight stay.
Accommodation Options
- Midrange Accommodation
- Twiga Safari Lodge
- Luxury Accommodation
- Nile Safari Lodge or Para Safari Lodge
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Day 3
Game Drive and Boat Cruise at Murchison Falls National Park
Begin your day with freshly brewed African coffee before setting out for an early morning game drive in Murchison Falls National Park. Accompanied by your professional guide, explore the vast savannah in search of elephants, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, hartebeests, waterbucks, and possibly the elusive leopard. After lunch at the lodge, embark on a scenic boat cruise along the legendary Nile River, where hippos and crocodiles thrive along the banks. Continue to the base of Murchison Falls before hiking to the top for spectacular panoramic views, then return for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation Options
- Midrange Accommodation
- Twiga Safari Lodge
- Luxury Accommodation
- Nile Safari Lodge or Para Safari Lodge
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Day 4
Murchison Falls to Kibale Forest National Park
After breakfast, depart Murchison Falls National Park and embark on a scenic drive south toward Kibale Forest National Park, renowned as the primate capital of East Africa. The journey unfolds through rolling hills, traditional villages, and fertile farmlands, with impressive views of the Rift Valley escarpments along the way. Enjoy a brief stop for lunch en route before continuing to your lodge. Arriving in the late afternoon, check in and relax amidst the tranquil forest setting. Conclude the day with a delightful dinner and a restful overnight stay.
Accommodation Options
- Midrange Accommodation
- Kibale Tourist Safari Lodge
- Luxury Accommodation
- Chimpundu Lodge
- High-End Accommodation
- Kyaninga Lodge
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Day 5
Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale National Park
After an early breakfast, you will report to the park headquarters in Kibale Forest National Park for a comprehensive pre trek briefing. Accompanied by an experienced ranger guide, you will venture into the forest in search of habituated chimpanzees. Kibale is home to 13 primate species, making it one of Africa’s premier primate destinations. The trek may last between 2 to 4 hours, depending on their movements, followed by one unforgettable hour observing their social interactions. Return to your lodge for lunch, relaxation, dinner, and overnight stay.
Accommodation Options
- Midrange Accommodation
- Kibale Tourist Safari Lodge
- Luxury Accommodation
- Chimpundu Lodge
- High-End Accommodation
- Kyaninga Lodge
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Day 6
Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, depart Kibale Forest National Park and proceed to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most diverse and scenic wildlife reserves. En route, enjoy a memorable stop at the Equator line for photography and a brief experiential demonstration. Continue through picturesque crater lakes, rolling hills, and rural landscapes before arriving at the park in the afternoon. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and take time to relax while enjoying views of the surrounding savannah. Conclude the day with a delicious dinner and a comfortable overnight stay in preparation for the next day’s adventure.
Accommodation Options
- Midrange Accommodation
- Twin Lakes Safari Lodge
- Luxury Accommodation
- Mweya Safari Lodge
- High-End Accommodation
- Ishasha Wilderness Camp
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Day 7
Game Drive and Boat Cruise at Queen Elizabeth National Park
Following an early breakfast, embark on a morning game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park, renowned for its rich biodiversity and sweeping savannah plains. Accompanied by your professional guide, search for buffaloes, elephants, lions, Uganda kobs, and various antelope species. Return to the lodge for a relaxed lunch before heading out for an afternoon boat cruise along the scenic Kazinga Channel. This waterway attracts large concentrations of hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife. Later, enjoy a short en route game drive back to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation Options
- Midrange Accommodation
- Twin Lakes Safari Lodge
- Luxury Accommodation
- Mweya Safari Lodge
- High-End Accommodation
- Ishasha Wilderness Camp
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Day 8
Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After a relaxed breakfast, depart Queen Elizabeth National Park and visit a nearby fishing community along the scenic Kazinga Channel, gaining insight into the daily lives and traditions of the local people. Continue to the Ishasha sector for a rewarding game drive in search of the famous tree climbing lions resting in fig trees. After lunch, proceed toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, enjoying picturesque highland scenery along the way. Arrive in the late afternoon, check in at your lodge, and conclude the day with dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation Options
- Midrange Accommodation
- Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
- Luxury Accommodation
- Buhoma Lodge
- High-End Accommodation
- Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Day 9
Gorilla Trekking Experience and Batwa Cultural Encounter
Today marks the highlight of your safari with an extraordinary gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. After an early breakfast, proceed to the park headquarters for a detailed briefing before entering the dense rainforest in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family. The trek may vary in duration, but the reward is an unforgettable hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat. In the afternoon, engage in a meaningful cultural visit with the Batwa community, discovering their traditions and heritage. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation Options
- Midrange Accommodation
- Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
- Luxury Accommodation
- Buhoma Lodge
- High-End Accommodation
- Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Day 10
Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park for walking safaris
After breakfast, depart Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and journey toward Lake Mburo National Park, a compact yet wildlife rich reserve known for its rolling hills and acacia woodlands. The drive offers scenic countryside views and rural landscapes along the way. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and enjoy lunch before heading out for an afternoon guided walking safari within the park. Accompanied by an armed ranger, encounter zebras, impalas, elands, and other plains game on foot. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury Accommodation
- Arcadia Lodge or Kigambira Safari Lodge
- High-End Accommodation
- Mihingo Lodge
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Day 11
Game Drive in Lake Mburo National Park
Begin your morning with an extensive game drive in Lake Mburo National Park, exploring its rolling savannah plains, acacia woodlands, and tranquil lake shores. Accompanied by your experienced guide, search for zebras, impalas, elands, buffaloes, giraffes, and a variety of bird species thriving within this unique ecosystem. The morning light offers excellent photographic opportunities and a final immersive wildlife experience. After the game drive, return to your lodge for a relaxed lunch. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure, enjoying the serene surroundings before dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury Accommodation
- Arcadia Lodge or Kigambira Safari Lodge
- High-End Accommodation
- Mihingo Lodge
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Day 12
Departure from Entebbe
After an early breakfast, enjoy a final short game drive in Lake Mburo National Park, offering one last opportunity to appreciate its rolling landscapes, shimmering lake views, and abundant wildlife. Capture memorable photographs of zebras, impalas, buffaloes, and vibrant birdlife as you conclude your wilderness experience. Thereafter, begin your scenic transfer to Entebbe. Depending on your flight schedule, you will be dropped off at Entebbe International Airport for your onward departure. This marks the successful conclusion of your 12 Days Best of Uganda Wildlife Safari, a truly unforgettable journey. Meals: Breakfast
What Is Included
Included
- Transportation on a 4 x 4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof for game view
- En route lunches
- Accommodation and meals as listed on the itinerary
- Service of an English-speaking driver guide
- 1 Chimpanzee permit per person.
- 1 Gorilla (USD 800) permit per person
- Rhino trekking
- Visit the top of the falls
- Boat cruises as mentioned in the itinerary
- Park entrance fees
- Bigodi swamp walk
- Bottled mineral water
- Game drives as mentioned in the itinerary
- And other day excursions as described in the itinerary
Not Included
- Airfare
- Visa fees
- Drinks, laundry, telephone calls
- Porter fees while trekking
- Personal insurance
- Personal shopping bills and cigars
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does the 12 Days Best of Uganda Wildlife Safaris cost?
- This safari starts from $5,960 per person. The final price depends on your travel dates, lodge tier, and group size, and every quote is itemized before you commit.
- How long is this safari?
- It runs 12 days. Because every trip is private, we can lengthen, shorten, or add a Zanzibar or gorilla extension to fit your plans.
- Can I customize this itinerary?
- Yes. This itinerary is a starting point. Swap lodges, change the pace, adjust the route, or combine countries, and your planner reshapes it with you before you book.
- When is the best time for this trip?
- December to February and June to September. The falls themselves are spectacular in every season, and the delta boat trip is the reliable way to see the shoebill.
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