12 Day Uganda Safari Holiday
Safari Overview
Experience the wonders of Uganda with a 12-day safari that covers the Eastern and Rift Valley safari circuits. This holiday adventure encompasses a variety of attractions, offering opportunities to meet new people, rest, eat, laugh, sleep, and discover the vibrant wildlife. Highlights include the source of the Nile in Jinja, the majestic Sipi Falls on the slopes of Mount Elgon, Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale Forest National Park (the primate capital), Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas. Uganda, known as the “Pearl of Africa,” is renowned for its exceptional weather, cuisine, biodiversity, and hospitality. Situated in East Africa, Uganda is bordered by Rwanda, South Sudan, Kenya, and Tanzania.
Over the 12 days, activities include game drives, boat cruises, nature hikes, chimpanzee and gorilla trekking, photography, bird watching, and sightseeing. The safari starts at Entebbe International Airport, taking the eastern route and ending with the Rift Valley destinations. Pickup and drop-off are at the agreed points.
Safari Highlight
- Kampala to Sipi Falls – Source of the Nile Tour
Hike Sipi Falls – Night Stay in Jinja
Jinja to Murchison Falls National Park
- Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest National Park
- Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth NP
- Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable NP
detailed Itinerary
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our company guide, who will provide a brief introduction and overview of your upcoming adventure. You will then be transferred to your hotel, enjoying scenic views of the beautiful Lake Victoria along the way. After checking in and taking some time to refresh at your lodge, you may choose to embark on an optional evening tour around entebbe. This excursion offers an opportunity to exchange money, explore local markets, and visit modern shopping malls for a taste of the city’s vibrant life. Later, you will return to the lodge for a delicious dinner and a peaceful night’s rest, preparing for the exciting days ahead.
Begin your day with a refreshing cup of coffee before departing at 8:00 a.m. for the eastern safari circuit to Sipi Falls. The journey takes you through bustling towns, vast sugar and rice plantations, and the scenic landscapes of Wanale Hills and Mabira Forest. Along the way, make a brief stop at Mabira Forest to enjoy local snacks offered by roadside vendors. Continue your drive to Jinja, where you will cross the stunning Jinja Bridge and embark on a boat ride to the legendary source of the River Nile. After a relaxing lunch break, proceed to Sipi, located on the slopes of Mount Elgon. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge, enjoy a hearty dinner, and settle in for a restful overnight stay amidst the serene mountain atmosphere.
Start your day with a warm cup of coffee at the lodge before joining your guide for an exciting hike to the three magnificent waterfalls of Sipi. This six-hour adventure offers a blend of natural beauty and local life, featuring birdwatching, sightings of playful primates, walks through bamboo forests, traditional settlements, and scenic coffee plantations. Take time to capture stunning photos and, if you wish, enjoy a refreshing shower beneath the thundering cascades. Afterward, return to the lodge for a well-deserved lunch before proceeding to Jinja, where you will have dinner and spend the night in comfort.
After breakfast, depart from Jinja and begin your scenic drive toward Murchison Falls National Park. Along the way, stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for an exciting rhino trekking experience, where you’ll have the rare opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures up close in their natural habitat. After this memorable encounter, continue your journey through picturesque landscapes, passing through charming towns and lush countryside. Arrive at Murchison Falls National Park in the late afternoon, check in at your lodge, and relax as you enjoy the sounds of nature. Later, savor dinner and settle in for an overnight stay in the heart of Uganda’s largest and oldest national park.
Begin your day with an early morning game drive through Murchison Falls National Park, where the savannah comes alive with wildlife at dawn. Accompanied by your guide, explore the park’s vast plains in search of lions, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, antelopes, and a variety of bird species. After this thrilling experience, return to the lodge for breakfast and some relaxation. In the afternoon, embark on a scenic boat cruise along the Nile River, gliding toward the base of the majestic Murchison Falls. Along the way, enjoy sightings of hippos, crocodiles, and numerous water birds, with opportunities to photograph wildlife gathering along the riverbanks. As the sun sets, return to your lodge for dinner and a restful evening surrounded by the tranquil sounds of the wilderness.
After breakfast, depart Murchison Falls and embark on a scenic drive to Kibale National Park, passing through beautiful countryside, tea plantations, and rolling hills. Arrive in the afternoon and check in at your lodge for lunch and a short rest. Later, set out for an enriching Bigodi Swamp and community experience, where you’ll enjoy a guided walk through the wetland sanctuary—home to diverse birdlife, primates, and lush vegetation. Continue the adventure with a visit to the local community to learn about traditional banana gin brewing and the local coffee-making process, gaining insight into rural Ugandan life and culture. As evening falls, return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay amid the serene forest surroundings.
Begin your day with an early breakfast before heading to the Kibale National Park headquarters for a briefing by the rangers. Then, embark on an unforgettable chimpanzee trekking adventure through the lush tropical forest, often referred to as the "Primate Capital of the World." As you follow the forest trails, listen to the sounds of chattering primates and birds echoing through the canopy. Once you locate the chimpanzee families, spend time observing their fascinating behavior—watching them feed, groom, and play in their natural habitat. Along the way, you may also encounter other primate species such as red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus, and L’Hoest’s monkeys. After this remarkable wildlife experience, return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation, with the rest of the day at leisure to enjoy the peaceful forest atmosphere.
After breakfast, depart Kibale National Park and enjoy a scenic drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, passing through beautiful landscapes of crater lakes, rolling hills, and rural villages. Arrive in time to check in at your lodge and have lunch. In the afternoon, set out for a relaxing boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway connecting Lake Edward and Lake George. As you glide along the channel, marvel at the abundance of wildlife along the shores—hippos wallowing in the water, crocodiles basking in the sun, and elephants and buffaloes coming to drink. The cruise also offers excellent birdwatching opportunities, with sightings of kingfishers, pelicans, and African fish eagles. After this tranquil and scenic experience, return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay in the heart of the park.
After breakfast, check out from your lodge and enjoy a leisurely drive to the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, known as Ishasha. This area is famous for its rare population of tree-climbing lions, a unique sight found in only a few places in Africa. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and have lunch before heading out for an exciting afternoon game drive. With your guide, explore the open savannahs and fig tree-dotted plains as you search for lions resting lazily in the branches, as well as other wildlife such as elephants, buffaloes, topis, and various antelope species. The tranquil atmosphere of Ishasha offers a more intimate and less-crowded safari experience. After your adventure, return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay surrounded by the sounds of the wild.
After breakfast, depart Ishasha and enjoy a scenic drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to the world-famous mountain gorillas. The journey takes you through picturesque landscapes of rolling hills, lush forests, and rural villages, offering glimpses of Uganda’s natural beauty and local life. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge nestled within the forested slopes and take the rest of the day to relax and unwind. You may choose to enjoy the serene surroundings, take a leisurely nature walk, or simply sit back and soak in the tranquil atmosphere as you prepare for the next day’s gorilla trekking adventure. Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.
Start your day early with a hearty breakfast before heading into Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for the once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience. Guided by experienced trackers, you will hike through the dense forest in search of a gorilla family, observing these magnificent primates in their natural habitat as they feed, play, and interact. The trek offers incredible opportunities for photography and a profound connection with nature. After this unforgettable encounter, return to the lodge for a brief rest and lunch before departing for Lake Bunyonyi. Arrive at the scenic lakeside destination, check in at your lodge, and enjoy the serene surroundings of the “place of many little birds.” Spend the evening relaxing by the lake, taking in the stunning views of the terraced hills and tranquil waters. Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.
Enjoy a leisurely morning at your lodge by Lake Bunyonyi, taking in the tranquil scenery and perhaps enjoying a final stroll along the lakeshore. After breakfast, check out and begin your transfer to Kigali International Airport, reflecting on the unforgettable experiences and memories from your Ugandan adventure. Upon arrival at the airport, complete your departure formalities and board your flight home, carrying with you the sights, sounds, and stories of a remarkable journey through Uganda’s wildlife, landscapes, and culture.
Safari Terms
Inclusion
- All park entry fees and permits (gorilla, chimp)
- All accommodation as specified
- Full board meals throughout safari
- Ground transportation in 4x4 safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking guide
- All game drives, boat cruises, and activities listed
- Airport transfers
Exclusion
- International flights
- Visa fees and travel insurance
- Personal travel expenses (e.g. souvenirs, tips, laundry)
- Optional activities not included in the itinerary
- Accommodation before and after the safari if not mentioned (can be arranged at extra cost)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Gratuities for guide and lodge staff (optional but appreciated)