12-Day Uganda Safari Adventure: Gorillas, Chimps, & Big 5 Safari
Day 1: Lake Victoria Boat & Search for the Dinosaur
Your journey begins with a pickup from your hotel or the airport by your private guide.
You’ll head to the shores of Lake Victoria for a shoebill trek, where you’ll first board a motorboat, then switch to a local community canoe to reach the heart of the swamp. Here, you’ll search for the legendary shoebill — a rare, dinosaur-like bird found only in a few parts of Africa.
After the trek, you’ll continue your journey in a safari Land Cruiser, comfortably equipped for road travel. You’ll arrive at Uganda’s only rhino sanctuary, check in to your lodge, and relax — rhinos often roam close to the accommodation, offering close encounters right from your doorstep.
Driving Time: 3-4 hours
Day 2: Rhino Trekking on Foot at Ziwa Sanctuary and Top of The Falls
Start your day with a rare and unforgettable experience — tracking rhinos on foot in the only place in Uganda where wild rhinos roam freely. This guided walking experience, led by expert rangers, allows you to approach these endangered giants safely and observe them at close range in their natural environment.
After the trek, continue your journey north toward Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest protected area. Before heading to the lodge, make a stop at the top of Murchison Falls — the world’s most powerful waterfall. It’s a breathtaking sight and the perfect welcome to the park!
Transfer time: 3 hours
Day 3: Safari and Nile Adventure in Murchison Falls National Park
Start your day with an early morning game drive through the vast savannah of Murchison Falls National Park. The early hours are the best time to witness predators returning from the hunt and herbivores grazing in the soft golden light. Wildlife is incredibly diverse here, with chances of seeing lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, and many other animals.
In the afternoon, embark on a boat safari along the Nile, the longest river in the world, heading upstream to the base of Murchison Falls — the most powerful waterfall on the planet. Watch as the entire Nile squeezes through a narrow 7-meter-wide gorge before crashing 43 meters down with incredible force. Along the way, enjoy excellent wildlife viewing, spotting hippos, Nile crocodiles, and elephants along the riverbanks.
After, continue on another exciting sunset safari game drive!
Day 4: Morning Game Drive and Scenic Drive to the Forests of Kibale
Start the day with a final drive through Murchison Falls National Park. The early morning hours offer some of the best chances to spot wildlife like hyenas and other elusive animals — so keep your eyes (and camera) ready.
From there, head south toward Kibale Forest, with the scenery shifting dramatically along the way. The open savannah gradually gives way to vibrant green hills and lush tea plantations, painting a picture of Uganda’s diverse beauty. Check in at your lodge and relax in the peaceful surroundings.
Driving Time: 6-7 hours
Day 5: Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest NP
You’ll start the day with chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park, home to the highest concentration of primates in Africa. The park shelters over 1,500 chimpanzees, as well as several other species such as red colobus and L’Hoest’s monkeys.
After the experience, we’ll transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most diverse wildlife destinations.
Transfer time: 2 hours
Day 6: Game Drive and Boat Safari at Kazinga Channel
Start your morning with a game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s premier wildlife destinations. The park is home to an incredible variety of animals, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, and elusive leopards often seen lounging in the shade.
In the afternoon, set off on a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, home to one of the world’s largest hippo populations. You’ll glide past massive pods of hippos, crocodiles basking on the banks, and large herds of animals coming to drink. Few places in Africa offer such consistent and close-up encounters with wildlife.
In the evening, rest in your lodge or continue with a sunset game drive.
Day 7: Tree Climbing Lions in Ishasha Sector
Today you’ll travel through the remote Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, best known as the place to see tree-climbing lions. This is one of the few areas in Africa where lions regularly rest in the branches of large fig trees — a rare and fascinating sight.
We’ll explore the open savannah of Ishasha, looking out for tree-climbing lions, topis, and elephants.
Transfer time: 4 hours
Day 8: Morning Game Drive in Ishasha and to Bwindi
This morning we continue exploring Ishasha with an early game drive in search of the famous tree-climbing lions and other wildlife that roam the open savannah plains. As the day begins, we may also encounter herds of buffalo, elephants, and Uganda kob in the golden morning light. After the game drive, we depart the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park and enjoy a scenic drive through rolling hills and rural landscapes. We then proceed to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, arriving in time to relax at the lodge ahead of the next day’s gorilla trekking experience.
Day 9: Gorilla Trekking at Bwindi Forest
Today you’ll trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. After a short briefing, set off with your guide into the forest to track one of the habituated gorilla families. Once located, you’ll spend one unforgettable hour observing them up close — playing, moving through the trees, and interacting with each other in their natural environment.
After the trek, continue your adventure to Lake Mutanda, one of Uganda’s most scenic and tranquil lakes.
Transfer time: 4-5 hours
Day 10: Mutanda Lake and Island Culture Trip
Wake up to the peaceful atmosphere of Lake Mutanda, surrounded by misty volcanoes and calm waters — one of the most scenic and tranquil places in southwestern Uganda. After breakfast, embark on an unforgettable adventure combining a canoe trip across the lake with a visit to the only habituated island on Lake Mutanda.
By boat, you’ll reach the island of the Abagesera people, where you’ll have a chance to visit the local school and church, interact with children, and enjoy a guided walk around the island. This experience offers a beautiful mix of nature, culture, and authentic community life — all set against the stunning backdrop of the Virunga volcanoes.
Day 11: Golden Monkey Trekking in Mgahinga Forest
Today brings another extraordinary wildlife experience as you trek for golden monkeys in Mgahinga National Park, Uganda’s smallest but most dramatic park, set on the slopes of the Virunga Volcanoes. After a briefing with park rangers, you’ll hike through bamboo forests and volcanic landscapes in search of the golden monkeys.
After we head to Lake Mburo National Park
Transfer time: 4 hours
Day 12: Walking Safari at Lake Mburo National Park
Begin the day with a guided walking safari, led by an armed ranger — a unique way to get closer to the animals in Lake Mburo National Park. The park is one of the best places in Uganda to see large herds of zebras and the striking Rothschild’s giraffe. You may also encounter topis, elands, and other antelope species, along with a wide variety of birdlife.
Transfer time: 5 hours
Private Safari Cost
The price of each safari depends on the number of travelers, trip duration, and accommodation type. Below you can see approximate prices for each category.
Budget Friendly
For 2: $4,260 per person
For 4: $3,380 per person
Mid Range
For 2: $4,690 per person
For 4: $3,690 per person
Luxury Safari
For 2: $5,880 per person
For 4: $4,870 per person
