All Budget Gorilla Safaris > 12-Day Uganda Gorilla, Chimpanzee & Big Five Wildlife Safari.

12-Day Uganda Gorilla, Chimpanzee & Big Five Wildlife Safari.

The Ultimate Uganda Gorilla & Wildlife Safari Experience.

Bwindi Gorillas • Kibale Chimpanzees • Murchison Falls • Queen Elizabeth • Lake Mburo • Lake Bunyonyi

This 12-day Uganda Gorilla Wildlife Safari and Holiday is one of the most comprehensive, rewarding, and carefully curated safari itineraries in East Africa, designed for travelers seeking an immersive combination of mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, Big Five game viewing, scenic landscapes, and authentic cultural encounters.

Covering Uganda’s most biodiverse national parks, this journey takes you from the mighty River Nile in Murchison Falls National Park, through the tropical rainforests of Kibale and Bwindi, across the savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park, and into the tranquil beauty of Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Mburo National Park.

This safari is ideal for travelers who want to:

If you are looking for a well-balanced, expertly designed Uganda safari package with no wasted time, no rushed experiences, and no compromises on quality, this is the safari to choose.

Why Choose This 12-Day Uganda Gorilla & Wildlife Safari?

This itinerary has been crafted based on:

  • Client feedback and post-trip reviews

  • Seasonal wildlife movements

  • Optimal driving routes

  • Permit availability logistics

  • Comfort and experience balance

Detailed 12-Day Uganda Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Entebbe / Kampala – Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Murchison Falls National Park

Your Uganda safari adventure begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel in Entebbe or Kampala. You will drive northwards through rural Uganda, passing local towns and farmlands.

Stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

This is the only place in Uganda where you can track white rhinos on foot. Accompanied by expert rangers, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable walking safari experience.

After lunch, continue to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area.

Overnight: Mid-range lodge near the Nile
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Game Drives & Nile Boat Safari – Murchison Falls National Park

Start the day with an early morning game drive on the northern bank of the Nile, one of the best wildlife areas in Uganda.

Wildlife Sightings May Include:

  • Elephants

  • Lions

  • Giraffes

  • Buffaloes

  • Uganda kob

  • Hyenas

  • Leopards (with luck)

In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise along the Nile to the base of the thunderous Murchison Falls, where the world’s longest river explodes through a 7-meter gorge.

Overnight: Same lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Murchison Falls – Fort Portal – Kibale National Park

This scenic drive takes you southwest toward Kibale Forest National Park, passing tea plantations, crater lakes, and the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains.

You’ll arrive in the lush green landscapes of Fort Portal, often referred to as Uganda’s most beautiful town.

Overnight: Lodge near Kibale Forest
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Chimpanzee Tracking & Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary

Today is dedicated to chimpanzee tracking, one of the most exciting primate experiences in Africa.

After a morning briefing, you will enter Kibale Forest accompanied by Uganda Wildlife Authority guides.

Primate Species in Kibale Include:

  • Chimpanzees

  • Red colobus monkeys

  • L’Hoest’s monkeys

  • Grey-cheeked mangabeys

  • Olive baboons

In the afternoon, visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-run conservation area known for birdlife, butterflies, and village interactions.

Overnight: Same lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Kibale – Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, drive south to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most popular safari destination.

Along the way, enjoy views of:

  • Crater lakes

  • Savannah plains

  • The Rwenzori Mountains (weather permitting)

Arrive in time for an afternoon game drive.

Overnight: Safari lodge inside or near the park
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Game Drives & Kazinga Channel Boat Safari

Start with a morning game drive in the Kasenyi Plains, prime territory for predators and large herds.

Later in the day, enjoy a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel, one of Africa’s most wildlife-dense waterways.

Expect close-up sightings of:

  • Hippos

  • Nile crocodiles

  • Elephants

  • Buffaloes

  • Water birds

Overnight: Same lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Maramagambo Forest & Ishasha Tree-Climbing Lions

Today combines forest exploration and classic savannah wildlife.

Begin with a guided walk in Maramagambo Forest, home to bats, primates, and unique forest ecosystems.

Later, proceed to the Ishasha Sector, famous for its rare tree-climbing lions lounging in fig trees.

Overnight: Lodge in Ishasha
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8: Ishasha – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Enjoy a final game drive in Ishasha before continuing to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Upon arrival, you may opt for a guided community walk to interact with local communities and learn about conservation efforts.

Overnight: Lodge near Bwindi
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 9: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

This is the highlight of your Uganda safari.

After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing before embarking on your gorilla trekking adventure.

Trekking times vary, but once you encounter a gorilla family, you are allowed one magical hour with them.

Overnight: Same lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10: Bwindi – Lake Bunyonyi (Canoe Trekking)

Drive to Lake Bunyonyi, one of Africa’s most scenic lakes, dotted with islands and terraced hills.

In the afternoon, enjoy canoe trekking, visiting local islands and communities.

Overnight: Lakeside lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 11: Lake Bunyonyi – Lake Mburo National Park

Proceed to Lake Mburo National Park, the closest savannah park to Kampala and home to unique wildlife not found elsewhere.

Expect sightings of:

  • Zebras

  • Giraffes

  • Elands

  • Impalas

  • Leopards

Overnight: Safari lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 12: Lake Mburo – Entebbe (Departure)

Enjoy a final morning game drive or walking safari, then return to Entebbe International Airport for your onward flight.

Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

Safari Inclusions (Featured Snippet Friendly)

What’s Included

  • Gorilla trekking permit (Bwindi)

  • Chimpanzee tracking permit (Kibale)

  • All park entrance fees

  • Rhino tracking at Ziwa Sanctuary

  • All game drives & boat safaris

  • Canoe trekking on Lake Bunyonyi

  • Accommodation (mid-range lodges)

  • All meals as per itinerary

  • Private 4×4 safari vehicle with fuel

  • English-speaking professional safari guide

  • Bottled drinking water

Safari Exclusions

What’s Not Included

  • International flights

  • Uganda visa fees

  • Travel insurance

  • Tips & gratuities

  • Alcoholic beverages

  • Personal expenses

Best Time to Visit Uganda for This Safari

Uganda is a year-round destination, but the best months are:

  • June – September

  • December – February

These months offer the best trekking conditions and wildlife viewing.

Who Is This Safari Ideal For?

  • First-time visitors to Uganda

  • Wildlife & primate enthusiasts

  • Couples & honeymooners

  • Small private groups

  • Photographers & nature lovers

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is gorilla trekking safe?

Yes. Gorilla trekking is highly regulated and conducted with trained rangers.

What is the minimum age for gorilla trekking?

15 years and above.

Can this safari be customized?

Absolutely. Lodges, activities, and travel pace can be tailored.

How many people trek gorillas together?

A maximum of 8 visitors per gorilla family.

Book This 12-Day Uganda Gorilla Wildlife Safari

This 12-day Uganda Gorilla, Chimpanzee & Big Five Safari is one of the most complete and rewarding safari experiences in Africa, combining adventure, wildlife, scenery, and culture into one seamless journey.

👉 Contact us today to secure permits, check availability, and customize this safari to your travel dates.

Request a Quote
Request a Quote