12 Days Uganda Safari Tour – Big Five Wildlife, Nile Cruises, Chimpanzees & Gorilla Trekking
WHERE TO GO
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kazinga Channel, Ishasha Sector, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Igongo Cultural Centre, Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda Equator Crossing
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TOUR INCLUDES
- Airport transfers
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle with fuel
- Accommodation for 11 nights
- Meals as specified in the itinerary
- Park entrance fees
- Rhino tracking permit
- Chimpanzee trekking permit
- Two Gorilla trekking permits
- Boat cruises in Murchison Falls National Park
- Kazinga Channel boat cruise
- Lake Mburo boat cruise
- Guided nature walks
- Horseback riding experience
- Community visits
- Bottled drinking water during the safari
PACKAGE EXCLUDES
- International flights
- Uganda visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Alcoholic and premium beverages
- Laundry services
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses such as souvenirs
- Accommodation before or after the safari unless requested
TOUR OVERVIEW
Experience the ultimate Ugandan safari adventure on this exceptional 12-Day Uganda Safari Tour, carefully crafted by Pearl Nature Holidays to showcase the country’s most iconic wildlife destinations and breathtaking landscapes. This immersive journey takes you through Uganda’s premier national parks, including Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and Lake Mburo National Park.
The safari combines thrilling wildlife encounters with unforgettable primate experiences, offering opportunities to track endangered mountain gorillas, observe wild chimpanzees, search for the Big Five, enjoy scenic boat cruises, and explore Uganda’s diverse ecosystems. From the thunderous Murchison Falls and the wildlife-rich savannahs to the mist-covered forests of Bwindi, every day presents a new adventure and remarkable memories.
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by a Pearl Nature Holidays professional safari guide. After a short briefing, transfer to your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe for relaxation, dinner, and overnight stay as you prepare for the adventure ahead.
Day 2: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
After breakfast, begin your journey to Murchison Falls National Park. En route, stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for an exciting rhino tracking experience. Continue to Masindi for lunch before proceeding to Uganda's largest national park. Arrive in the evening and check into your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Morning Game Drive and Nile Boat Cruise
Start the day with an early morning game drive across the wildlife-rich northern sector of Murchison Falls National Park. Search for elephants, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, and numerous bird species.
In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise along the Victoria Nile to the base of Murchison Falls. The cruise offers excellent sightings of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and spectacular birdlife.
Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Visit the Top of the Falls and Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
After breakfast, visit the Top of Murchison Falls and witness the dramatic power of the Nile River as it squeezes through a narrow gorge before plunging below.
Thereafter, begin a scenic drive to Kibale Forest National Park. Enjoy views of rural Uganda, rolling hills, tea plantations, and beautiful countryside landscapes. Arrive in the evening for dinner and overnight.
Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Wetland Walk
After an early breakfast, report to Kanyanchu Visitor Centre for a briefing before embarking on a chimpanzee trekking adventure in Kibale Forest.
Spend time observing chimpanzees and other primates in their natural habitat before returning for lunch.
In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walk through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, famous for its birdlife, monkeys, butterflies, and community conservation projects.
Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park and Kazinga Channel Cruise
After breakfast, depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda's most popular savannah wildlife destination.
Upon arrival, enjoy a memorable boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, where large concentrations of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and water birds can be observed.
Later, visit nearby communities before retiring to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 7: Ishasha Game Drive and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Enjoy a morning game drive through the famous Ishasha Sector, known for its rare tree-climbing lions. Search for elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, and numerous bird species.
After lunch, continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park through the scenic highlands of southwestern Uganda. Arrive in the evening for dinner and overnight.
Day 8: Gorilla Trekking Experience in Bwindi
Following an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing before beginning your gorilla trekking adventure.
Hike through dense rainforest under the guidance of experienced trackers until you locate a habituated gorilla family. Spend one magical hour observing these gentle giants before returning to the lodge.
Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 9: Second Gorilla Trekking Experience and Transfer to Kisoro
Today offers a second opportunity to trek a different gorilla family, allowing for a deeper appreciation of these incredible primates and increasing photographic opportunities.
After the trek, transfer to Kisoro Town for dinner and overnight.
Day 10: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park
After breakfast, depart for Lake Mburo National Park. Along the way, stop at Igongo Cultural Centre for lunch and an introduction to the rich Ankole culture.
Arrive in Lake Mburo National Park and enjoy an afternoon horseback riding safari, offering unique wildlife encounters in a tranquil setting.
Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 11: Game Drive, Guided Nature Walk and Boat Cruise
Begin the day with a morning game drive in search of zebras, impalas, elands, buffaloes, warthogs, topis, and other wildlife species.
Later, enjoy a guided nature walk for a closer look at the park's flora and fauna.
In the afternoon, take a boat cruise on Lake Mburo to observe hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of aquatic bird species.
Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 12: Return to Kampala / Entebbe
After breakfast, begin your journey back to Kampala or Entebbe.
En route, stop at the Equator for photographs, souvenir shopping, and lunch. Continue to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight or transfer to your preferred hotel, marking the end of your unforgettable Uganda safari.
SAFARI ACTIVITIES
Rhino Tracking
Track the endangered southern white rhinos on foot at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Uganda’s only rhino conservation area. Accompanied by experienced rangers, visitors enjoy close encounters with these magnificent animals in their natural habitat.
Game Drives
Explore Uganda’s savannah parks on exciting game drives in search of lions, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, leopards, zebras, antelopes, warthogs, and numerous other wildlife species.
Nile Boat Cruise
Cruise along the Victoria Nile to the base of the powerful Murchison Falls while observing hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and abundant birdlife along the riverbanks.
Top of the Falls Visit
Witness one of Africa’s most powerful waterfalls as the Nile squeezes through a narrow 7-meter gorge before plunging dramatically into the Devil’s Cauldron.
Chimpanzee Trekking
Venture into Kibale Forest, the primate capital of East Africa, to track habituated chimpanzees and observe their fascinating behaviors in the wild.
Bigodi Wetland Walk
Discover the rich biodiversity of Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, famous for its monkeys, colorful birds, butterflies, and community conservation initiatives.
Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Enjoy a spectacular boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, renowned for having one of Africa’s highest concentrations of hippos and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
Community and Cultural Encounters
Interact with local communities, learn about traditional lifestyles, and experience authentic Ugandan culture through guided visits and performances.
Gorilla Trekking
Embark on one of Africa’s most rewarding wildlife experiences by trekking through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in search of endangered mountain gorillas. Spend one unforgettable hour observing a gorilla family in their natural environment.
Horseback Riding
Explore Lake Mburo National Park on horseback, offering a unique opportunity to approach wildlife quietly and closely without the disturbance of a safari vehicle.
Guided Nature Walks
Experience the African wilderness on foot while learning about flora, fauna, animal tracks, and the park’s ecosystems from experienced guides.
Lake Mburo Boat Cruise
Cruise across Lake Mburo and enjoy sightings of hippos, crocodiles, water birds, and wildlife gathering along the shoreline.