12 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking, Chimpanzee, Wildlife, Birding & Cultural Safari
Encounter mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, search for the legendary Shoebill, enjoy thrilling game drives, experience vibrant local cultures, and discover breathtaking landscapes—from the roaring Murchison Falls to the serene waters of Lake Bunyonyi.
Safari Overview
Discover the very best of Uganda on this carefully curated 12-day safari through the Pearl of Africa. This unforgettable journey combines thrilling wildlife encounters, world-renowned primate trekking, rich cultural experiences, breathtaking landscapes, and exceptional birdlife.
From searching for the prehistoric Shoebill in Mabamba Swamp to tracking rhinos on foot at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, witnessing the mighty Murchison Falls, relaxing in the natural hot springs of Semuliki National Park, exploring the wildlife-rich plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park, trekking chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, coming face-to-face with the endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, learning from the indigenous Batwa community, cruising across the scenic waters of Lake Bunyonyi, and concluding with a memorable safari in Lake Mburo National Park—every day offers something unique.
Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this safari showcases Uganda's remarkable biodiversity, welcoming communities, spectacular scenery, and authentic African experiences.
Safari Highlights
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Airport pick-up and drop-off
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Shoebill tracking in Mabamba Swamp
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Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary walking safari
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Murchison Falls National Park
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Top of the Falls Experience
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Nile Boat Cruise
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Morning & Evening Game Drives
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Semuliki National Park
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Sempaya Hot Springs
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Amabere ga Nyina Mwiru Caves
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Fort Portal Crater Lakes
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Tea Plantation Experience
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Queen Elizabeth National Park
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Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
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Tree-climbing lions (seasonal)
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Kibale Forest Chimpanzee Tracking
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Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
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Coffee Experience
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Banana Brewing Experience
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Basket Weaving Experience
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Traditional Healer Visit
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Mountain Gorilla Trekking
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Batwa Cultural Experience
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Lake Bunyonyi Canoe Experience
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Lake Mburo National Park
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Walking Safari (optional)
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Zebra, Giraffe & Impala Viewing
Day 1 – Arrival in Uganda | Mabamba Shoebill Experience
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional English-speaking safari guide who will brief you about your adventure before beginning your first Ugandan experience.
Depending on your arrival time, you'll head to Mabamba Swamp, one of Africa's finest birding destinations and home to the legendary Shoebill Stork. A traditional canoe ride through the papyrus channels offers excellent opportunities to spot this prehistoric bird alongside numerous other wetland species.
Later, return to your lodge for relaxation after your international journey.
Main Destination: Mabamba Swamp
Accommodation: 2 Friends Beach Hotel Entebbe (or similar)
Meals & Drinks:
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Dinner
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Drinking water provided
Day 2 – Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary & Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
After breakfast, depart northwards towards Uganda's largest protected area.
Your first stop is Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, one of the places in Uganda where wild rhinos can be tracked on foot. Accompanied by experienced rangers, enjoy an exciting walking safari that brings you remarkably close to these magnificent animals.
Continue to Murchison Falls National Park, stopping at the Top of the Falls where the River Nile forces itself through a narrow seven-metre gorge before plunging over 40 metres into the Devil's Cauldron—a truly spectacular natural wonder.
Main Destination:
Murchison Falls National Park
Activities
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Rhino Tracking
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Top of Murchison Falls
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Scenic Drive
Accommodation:
Pakuba Safari Lodge (or similar)
Meals & Drinks
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Breakfast
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Lunch
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Dinner
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Drinking Water
Day 3 – Morning Game Drive & Nile Boat Safari
Rise early for a morning game drive across Murchison's vast savannah plains.
Search for elephants, giraffes, lions, buffaloes, Jackson's hartebeests, Uganda kob, hyenas and numerous bird species while enjoying one of East Africa's finest wildlife experiences.
Later in the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise upstream to the base of Murchison Falls where hippos, crocodiles, elephants and countless birds line the Nile's banks.
Main Destination
Murchison Falls National Park
Activities
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Morning Game Drive
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Nile Boat Cruise
Accommodation
Pakuba Safari Lodge (or similar)
Meals & Drinks
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Breakfast
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Lunch
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Dinner
Day 4 – Fort Portal | Tea Estates | Amabere Caves | Crater Lakes | Sempaya Hot Springs
Travel southwest through Uganda's scenic countryside towards Fort Portal.
The day is filled with breathtaking scenery including endless tea plantations, crater lakes and cultural landmarks.
Visit the legendary Amabere ga Nyina Mwiru caves before continuing to Semuliki National Park where you'll experience the famous Sempaya Hot Springs, known for their boiling waters and fascinating local folklore.
Main Destination
Fort Portal & Semuliki National Park
Activities
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Tea Plantation Visit
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Amabere ga Nyina Mwiru
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Crater Lakes
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Sempaya Hot Springs
Accommodation
Tooro Fairway Hotel (or similar)
Meals & Drinks
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 5 & 6 – Queen Elizabeth National Park
Journey into Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda's most diverse savannah ecosystem.
Enjoy thrilling game drives through Kasenyi Plains in search of lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards and antelopes.
One highlight is the famous Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise, offering exceptional sightings of hippos, crocodiles, elephants and hundreds of bird species.
Depending on wildlife movements, you'll also search for the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha.
Accommodation
Buffalo Safari Lodge (or similar)
Day 7 – Kibale National Park
Today focuses on Uganda's primate capital.
Track wild chimpanzees through Kibale Forest before visiting Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary where you'll encounter monkeys, birds and local conservation initiatives.
You'll also participate in authentic community experiences including:
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Coffee Tour
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Banana Brewing
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Basket Weaving
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Traditional Healer Visit
Accommodation
Guereza Canopy Lodge (or similar)
Day 8 & 9 – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Travel through spectacular mountain scenery to Bwindi, home to nearly half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas.
The highlight of your safari awaits.
After an early briefing, begin your guided gorilla trek through the rainforest.
The hike may take anywhere from one to several hours, but the reward is extraordinary—spending one unforgettable hour observing a habituated gorilla family in their natural habitat.
Later, enjoy an authentic Batwa cultural experience, learning about the indigenous forest people whose lives were deeply connected to Bwindi for generations.
Accommodation
Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge / Agandi Lodge (or similar)
Day 10 – Lake Bunyonyi
After days of adventure, unwind beside one of Africa's most beautiful lakes.
Lake Bunyonyi's terraced hills, peaceful waters and numerous islands offer the perfect opportunity to relax.
Optional canoe rides, cultural visits and nature walks are available.
Accommodation
BirdNest Resort (or similar)
Day 11 – Lake Mburo National Park
Your final safari destination is Lake Mburo National Park.
Known for its zebras, giraffes, impalas, elands and beautiful acacia landscapes, Lake Mburo offers a different safari experience.
Optional activities include:
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Morning Game Drive
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Guided Walking Safari
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Boat Cruise
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Cycling Safari (optional)
Accommodation
Eagles Nest Lodge (or similar)
Day 12 – Return to Entebbe
Enjoy breakfast before beginning your return journey to Entebbe.
Depending on your departure schedule, stop at the Equator for photos and souvenir shopping before transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your onward flight.
Price Includes
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Gorilla Trekking Permit
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Chimpanzee Tracking Permit
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Rhino Tracking
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Shoebill Excursion
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All Accommodation
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Meals as specified
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Drinking Water throughout the safari
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Park Entrance Fees
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All Activities Mentioned
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Professional English-speaking Driver/Guide
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4×4 Safari Land Cruiser
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Airport Transfers
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Government Taxes
Price Excludes
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International Flights
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Uganda Visa
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Travel Insurance
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Laundry Services
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Personal Expenses
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Tips & Gratuities
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Optional Activities Not Mentioned
