12 Days Best of Uganda Safari

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Our 12 day Uganda safari gives you the bragging rights of having done it all. First, you enjoy game drives on the savannah of Murchison Falls and a dramatic boat ride to the falls. Next, you walk with chimps in Kibale Forest. Then, you search for lions and leopards in Queen Elizabeth National Park and sail the Kazinga Channel past hippos and elephants. Finally, you end with the thrill of tracking mountain gorillas in Bwindi.

Trip overview

This trip covers the very best of Uganda in under two weeks. Along the way, you see white rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, tree-climbing lions in Ishasha and plenty of crocodiles. You can also look for otters, plains zebra, eland, topi and impala. In addition, bird lovers will enjoy a huge variety of species in every park.

Between the big moments, you also get time to rest. For example, Lake Bunyonyi offers a quiet break in the hills before the gorilla trek. Then, Lake Mburo adds one last game drive on the way home. As a result, the pace feels full but never rushed.

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1: Travel to Murchison Falls National Park

Early in the morning, we pick you up and set off for Murchison Falls National Park. We make a quick stop in Masindi for lunch. Then, on the way to our accommodation, we visit the top of the falls and the Victoria Nile delta. We also stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to see the reintroduced white rhinos. Finally, we head to Fort Murchison to spend the night with a fantastic view over the Nile.

Day 2: Game Drive & Boat Ride

In the morning, we drive through the park to look for lions, giraffes and many other animals. Then, in the afternoon, we take a boat ride on the Nile. From the water, you have a chance to see bush elephants, hippos and much more. The birds are so varied that bird lovers will not want to leave.

Day 3: Travel to Kibale Forest National Park

Early in the morning, we leave for Kibale. On the way, we pass close to Lake Albert. On a clear day, there is a spectacular view from the top of the Albertine Rift. In the late afternoon, we arrive at Kibale Forest Camp, where we rest for the night.

Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking

The chimp walk starts at 8:00 am, so we arrive at the starting point early. While we search for the chimps, we also come across other primates and birds. Later, in the afternoon, we walk through Bigodi Swamp, which is great for birders who want to see many different species.

Day 5: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Early in the morning, we leave for Queen Elizabeth National Park. We travel through Fort Portal and reach The Bush Lodge at midday. From the lodge, you have a stunning view over the Kazinga Channel.

Day 6: Game Drive & Boat Ride

Today, you go on a game drive across the plains of Queen Elizabeth. Here, you can see thousands of Uganda kob, as well as lions, elephants and more. Afterwards, we take a 2-hour boat ride on the Kazinga Channel to see the animals from the water.

Day 7: Chimpanzee Trekking & Ishasha Lions Visit

After an early breakfast, we set off for Kyambura Gorge. Once there, we walk for a few hours before meeting more chimps. Then, after lunch, we drive to the Ishasha sector in the south of the park to search for tree-climbing lions.

Day 8: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

After breakfast, we drive to Lake Bunyonyi in the hills of western Uganda. The views are fascinating, and there are plenty of birds to spot. It is also very relaxing, so you will quickly feel at home. In addition, you can enjoy activities such as swimming and canoeing.

Day 9: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

In the morning, we drive further south to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. On the way, you can admire the beautiful landscape of forests, mountains and lakes. When we arrive, we settle into our accommodation and rest, because we need energy for tomorrow.

Day 10: Mountain Gorilla Trekking

In the morning, we drive to southern Bwindi to the starting point. First, the rangers brief you. Then, you start tracking at 8:30 am. Once you find the gorillas, you can spend an hour with them. Afterwards, you head back to the starting point before 7 pm and return to the lodge.

Day 11: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park

In the morning, we set out for Lake Mburo National Park, with a short stop in Mbarara for lunch. In the afternoon, we drive through the park to see impalas, plains zebra and other animals. Although Lake Mburo is the smallest savannah park in Uganda, you will feel its unique charm.

Day 12: Back to Kampala

After all this, it is time to head back to Kampala. We set off in the morning and stop only for photos, lunch and souvenirs along the way.

Highlights of this 12 day Uganda safari

Mountain gorillas in Bwindi. Above all, you spend an unforgettable hour with a gorilla family.
Two chimp treks. Track chimps in Kibale Forest and again in Kyambura Gorge.
Murchison Falls. In addition, you visit the top of the falls, where the Nile forces its way through a narrow gorge.
White rhinos at Ziwa. See the only wild rhinos in Uganda on day 1.
Tree-climbing lions. Search the fig trees of Ishasha for lions resting in the branches.
Two boat cruises. Get close to hippos, elephants and birds on the Nile and the Kazinga Channel.
Lake Bunyonyi. Finally, relax by one of the prettiest lakes in Uganda.

Who this trip suits

This trip is ideal if you want to see the best of Uganda in one go. For example, it suits first-time visitors, keen photographers and anyone with a long holiday. Most days involve driving and game viewing, so the trip is not too demanding. However, the gorilla and chimp treks can be steep and muddy. Therefore, a reasonable level of fitness helps.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is open to visitors aged 15 and over. So, if you are travelling with younger children, ask us about other options on gorilla day.

Best time for this Uganda safari

You can enjoy this trip all year round. Even so, the drier months are usually the most popular for game drives and treks, because trails are firmer and animals gather near water. In contrast, the wetter months bring lush scenery, fewer visitors and excellent birding. Rain can fall at any time in the forests, though, so always pack a light rain jacket. For more detail, see our guide to the best time to see gorillas.

Tips for your trip

Book permits early. Gorilla and chimp permits are limited, so plan well ahead.
Pack for every climate. Bring light clothes for the savannah and warm layers for the hills.
Wear strong boots. Waterproof hiking boots help on forest treks.
Bring binoculars. They are perfect for birds, lions in trees and distant game.
Charge your camera. Also, pack spare batteries and memory cards.

Gorilla and chimp permits, as well as park fees, are set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and change from time to time. Therefore, we will confirm the current rates when you enquire.

Shorten or extend the trip

Every trip with Roots Tours & Travel is tailor-made, so you can adjust this route. For instance, if you have less time, our 10 day Uganda safari covers a different route. You can also focus on the southwest with the 7 day Uganda gorilla safari. Alternatively, you can add Rwanda or Kenya after your 12 day Uganda safari. Just tell us your dates and group size, and we will send you a free itinerary.

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