12-Day Uganda Safari Adventure: Gorillas, Chimps, & Big 5 Safari
Day 1 – Lake Victoria & the Search for the Dinosaur
- Your adventure begins with a warm welcome at Entebbe Airport, where your private, English-speaking driver—with 16 years of experience—picks you up in a comfortable safari Land Cruiser.
- After check-in at your hotel, embark on a breathtaking boat cruise across Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake. Glide through its vast waters, taking in stunning views and abundant birdlife. Then, step into a traditional canoe for an intimate journey into the wetlands, where you’ll search for the legendary Shoebill stork—often called the "dinosaur bird" due to its prehistoric appearance. This rare and ancient species makes for an unforgettable sight, offering the perfect start to your Ugandan adventure!
Day 2 - Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Nature Walk
- After breakfast, set off on a scenic drive to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda where wild rhinos roam freely. Thanks to dedicated conservation efforts, rhinos have been successfully reintroduced here, and you’ll likely spot some right away—sometimes even near your accommodation!
- After checking in, embark on a guided nature walk, an immersive journey through 27 square miles of diverse terrain—from lush woodlands and open savannah to swampy wetlands. Along the way, encounter a variety of wildlife, including playful primates, vibrant bird species, and other wild mammals, making this a perfect introduction to Uganda’s rich biodiversity. As the day winds down, relax at your lodge, soaking in the sights and sounds of the African wilderness.
Day 3 – Rhino Trekking and Murchison Falls National Park
- Start your day with breakfast, then set out on a thrilling rhino trekking adventure at Ziwa. Guided by expert rangers, you’ll track southern white rhinos on foot, observing them up close in their natural habitat. This unforgettable experience offers a rare opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures while learning about their conservation and behavior.
- After your trek, continue your journey to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and most wildlife-rich park. Along the way, you’ll enjoy a scenic drive through the park itself, which doubles as a mini-game drive. Keep your eyes peeled for elephants, giraffes, buffalo, and even big cats like lions and leopards as the sun sets over the savannah.
Day 4 – Safari and Nile Adventure in MF National Park
- Start your day with an early breakfast before heading out on a thrilling safari through Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s oldest and largest national park. Here, you can spot the Big 4—buffaloes, lions, leopards, and elephants. The park is also home to a rich variety of wildlife, with over 451 bird species and more than 76 mammal species, including Jackson hartebeests, antelopes, kobs, giraffes, hyenas, bushbucks, and warthogs.
- After lunch, get ready for an unforgettable two-hour Nile cruise! The River Nile, is the longest river in the world, winding through nine countries, with its source in Uganda. Our adventure takes us right to the heart of Murchison Falls, where you’ll witness the full force and majesty of the most powerful waterfall from below. As we cruise, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife along the banks—giant Nile crocodiles, massive hippos, herds of buffalo, and a dazzling array of birds.
Day 5 – On Top of the World’s Most Powerful Waterfall
Enjoy a delicious breakfast before setting off, crossing Murchison Falls National Park once more. Stay alert for wildlife sightings, including hyenas, as you travel. End your journey with a visit to the top of Murchison Falls, where the mighty River Nile surges through a narrow gorge, creating the world’s most powerful waterfall.
Continue your adventure toward Kibale National Park, passing through Uganda’s stunning countryside filled with rolling hills, tea plantations, and vibrant greenery. Along the way, take in the sights of rural villages and friendly locals going about their daily lives, offering a glimpse into Uganda’s rich culture.
Continue your adventure toward Kibale National Park, passing through Uganda’s stunning countryside filled with rolling hills, tea plantations, and vibrant greenery. Along the way, take in the sights of rural villages and friendly locals going about their daily lives, offering a glimpse into Uganda’s rich culture.
Day 6 – Soul of Uganda
Start your day with an early breakfast before heading to Bigodi Swamp for a guided walk through the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, famous for birdwatching, wildlife spotting, and its stunning swamp environment. Explore the vibrant culture of the area, where you can learn about traditional coffee making, medicinal plants, local crafts like weaving, and the unique process of brewing banana beer and gin. For those who want to taste Uganda, you can sample these local drinks. The walk offers not only an opportunity to spot fascinating wildlife but also a deeper connection to the people who call this region home.
Afterward, continue your journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most diverse and wildlife-rich destinations. As you approach the park, keep an eye out for wildlife, often spotted even before entering the main game-viewing areas.
Day 7 - Game Drive at Queen Elizabeth National Park and Boat Safari
- Wake up early for an exhilarating morning game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park. As the sun rises, watch the savannah come alive with elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes grazing in the golden light. The thrill of possibly encountering lions or leopards adds an element of anticipation, making this safari a truly unforgettable experience.
- After lunch, embark on a scenic boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, one of Uganda's premier wildlife viewing destinations. Glide through the water, witnessing massive pods of hippos, Nile crocodiles basking on the shores, and a stunning variety of birdlife, from majestic African fish eagles to playful kingfishers. Elephants and buffaloes often gather at the water’s edge, providing fantastic opportunities for close-up photography.
Day 8 - Chimpanzee Trekking
- Start your day with an early breakfast before heading to Kalinzu Forest Reserve for an incredible chimpanzee trekking adventure. Kalinzu is home to over 300 wild chimpanzees, and as you venture into the forest with expert guides, you’ll be immersed in the sounds of the jungle and the excitement of tracking our closest relatives in the wild.
- Once you spot a group of chimpanzees, prepare for an unforgettable experience as you observe these intelligent creatures in their natural habitat, interacting, playing, and foraging. The trek through Kalinzu’s lush forest offers stunning views and a chance to see other wildlife, including primates, birds, and unique plant species.
- After embark on a scenic drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Enjoy the breathtaking views of rolling hills, lush forests, and rural villages along the way.
Day 9 - Gorilla Trekking at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Begin your day with breakfast before setting off for an unforgettable adventure—gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, this ancient rainforest offers a rare chance to observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat. As you trek through the dense jungle, guided by expert trackers, the moment you come face-to-face with a gorilla family will be one you’ll treasureforever.
After returning, explore the rich culture of the Batwa people, one of Africa’s oldest indigenous tribes, often called the "Keepers of the Forest." Here you can learn about the Batwa’s ancient hunter-gatherer lifestyle, witnessing demonstrations of hunting and fire-making techniques. Enjoy vibrant performances of traditional music played on handmade wooden instruments and animal-skin drums, and discover the Batwa’s deep connection to the forest and its wildlife.
Day 10 - Tranquility at Lake Bunyonyi
- Journey to Lake Bunyonyi, a breathtaking oasis of terraced hills and 29 islands scattered across its shimmering waters. Embark on a private boat tour across Uganda’s second deepest lake, gliding past the picturesque islands, each with its own unique charm. Choose to step ashore on one of them for a hike and a closer look at the local culture and stunning scenery. Learn about the legends and history surrounding the islands, from stories of refuge to ancient traditions. When you come back, relax by the lake, take a refreshing dip, or simply soak in the tranquility while watching the sunset cast golden hues over the water.
Day 11 - Lake Mburo National Park
Start your day with breakfast at Lake Bunyonyi, enjoying the tranquil surroundings and the peaceful morning mist over the water. Then, head to Lake Mburo National Park, a hidden gem brimming with diverse wildlife, from giraffes and zebras to buffaloes, elands, hippos, and even the elusive leopard, alongside over 350 bird species.
Upon arrival, check in to your accommodation and relax, soaking in the serene atmosphere of the park. If you're feeling adventurous, choose to embark on an exciting late-afternoon game drive to explore the park's wildlife in the cool, quiet hours of the evening. As the sun begins to set, watch as the golden light bathes the savannah, creating a magical backdrop for spotting animals emerging for the night.
Day 12 - Get Up Close to Wild Uganda
- Start your final day with an exhilarating Nature Walk in Lake Mburo National Park. Get up close to Uganda’s wildlife as you venture on foot with a knowledgeable ranger, exploring areas where vehicles can’t reach. This thrilling walk brings you within arm’s reach of animals like giraffes, zebras, impalas, and even hippos in their natural habitat, offering a unique and intimate experience.
- Afterward, enjoy a scenic drive to Entebbe, making a stop at the Equator for some memorable photos and a visit to local craft shops before your adventure comes to a close.
All-Inclusive Private Safari Pricing
Solo Traveler
$4,650
Group of 2
$3,350 Per Person
Group of 3
$3,050 Per Person
Group of 4+
$2,850 Per Person
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