12 Days Uganda Safari Tour: Hippos, Big Five & Gorillas (Mid-Range)
Overview
This 12-day journey highlights some of Uganda’s key wildlife destinations, from the capital area to the southwestern part of the country. It features a blend of forest primates (including gorillas and chimpanzees) and savannah wildlife (lions, elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, and more). Travel routes pass through rural communities, offering a glimpse into everyday life. The tour covers Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Mgahinga, Queen Elizabeth, Kibale, Murchison Falls, and Lake Mburo, presenting varied landscapes such as tropical rainforests, volcanoes, highlands, rift valleys, and the Nile River.
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi involves hiking in a tropical forest, which can be strenuous for travelers who prefer gentle walks. To balance the rigors, there are relaxing stops at Lake Bunyonyi for boat rides or swimming, as well as restful evenings at comfortable lodges.
Highlights
- Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe and transfer to hotel
- Day 2: Drive to Murchison Falls National Park
- Day 3: Full day in Murchison Falls (wildlife drive and boat ride)
- Day 4: Travel to Kibale Forest National Park
- Day 5: Chimpanzee trek and Bigodi Wetland visit
- Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park + boat ride
- Day 7: Morning wildlife drive, then travel to Bwindi
- Day 8: Gorilla trek and optional village walk
- Day 9: Golden monkey trek in Mgahinga, then to Lake Bunyonyi
- Day 10: Boat tour, then on to Lake Mburo National Park
- Day 11: Walking safari, then drive to Entebbe
- Day 12: Departure
Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe and Transfer to Kampala
A company representative welcomes you at Entebbe International Airport and takes you to your chosen hotel in Entebbe or Kampala. If time allows and you arrive early, you may opt for a short city tour, seeing highlights like the Independence Monument.
- Accommodation: 2 Friends Beach Hotel
- Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast
Day 2: Entebbe/Kampala to Murchison Falls National Park (Ziwa Rhino Stop)
Depart early for a journey to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest protected area. En route, stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Masindi to see white rhinos during a guided walk. Afterward, have lunch and continue to the park. Before checking in at your lodge, visit the top of Murchison Falls for scenic views of the Nile forcing through a narrow gap.
- Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Wildlife Drive and Boat Trip on the Nile (Murchison Falls)
Begin the morning with a cup of coffee and then set off on a game drive at about 6:30 a.m. Look for elephants, giraffes, lions, hyenas, antelopes, and more. Return to the lodge for a full breakfast. After lunch, head to Paraa for a three-hour boat excursion on the Nile. You will likely see large hippo pods, Nile crocodiles, and a variety of birds such as giant kingfishers and fish eagles.
- Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
After breakfast, leave Murchison Falls for Kibale Forest, recognized for its 13 primate species. The drive (6–7 hours) showcases rift valley scenery before stopping in Fort Portal for lunch. Continue to your lodge in Kibale for dinner and overnight.
- Accommodation: Rubalika Safari Lodge
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Chimpanzee Trek and Bigodi Wetland Walk
Wake early for a briefing, then begin the trek to see Kibale’s chimpanzees. This forest is home to additional primates like grey-cheeked mangabeys and red-tailed monkeys. Return for lunch at the lodge. In the afternoon, explore Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a local community-managed area known for birds and smaller primates. You might also opt for a short visit to nearby homesteads before dinner.
- Accommodation: Rubalika Safari Lodge
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park + Kazinga Channel Boat Trip
Depart Kibale after breakfast and head to Queen Elizabeth National Park, arriving in time for an afternoon boat journey on the Kazinga Channel. This channel supports hippos in large numbers, Nile crocodiles, elephants at the shoreline, and waterbird flocks. Afterward, check in at your lodge for dinner.
- Accommodation: Aardvark Safari Lodge
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Morning Wildlife Drive and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Set off at about 6:30 a.m. for another wildlife drive to search for elephants, buffaloes, lions, and antelopes like Uganda kob and topi. Return for a full breakfast, then drive toward Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. On the way, pass through Ishasha, famous for tree-climbing lions. Bwindi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to around half of the world’s mountain gorillas and has been ecologically stable for millions of years.
- Accommodation: Four Gorillas Lodge
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Gorilla Trekking and Community Walk
Have an early breakfast, then check in at the park center for a briefing on trekking rules. You may hire a porter to carry your daypack if you wish. Trekking can range from one to several hours through ancient forest, leading you to your designated gorilla family. Once you locate them, spend up to one hour observing their behavior. Return for lunch, and in the afternoon, take a community walk to see local craft groups or small farms.
- Accommodation: Four Gorillas Lodge
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Golden Monkey Trek in Mgahinga, Then Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
After breakfast, travel to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for a briefing and guided walk to see golden monkeys in the bamboo zone, which can be around 3,000 meters in elevation. Later, continue to Lake Bunyonyi for lunch and an overnight stay.
- Accommodation: Bunyonyi Rock Resort
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Boat Outing on Lake Bunyonyi, Then Transfer to Lake Mburo
Following breakfast, your driver heads to Lake Mburo National Park, arriving for lunch and an afternoon wildlife drive. Expect to see buffaloes, zebras, impalas, and diverse birdlife. Check in at the lodge for dinner.
- Accommodation: Rwakobo Rock Safari Lodge
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Morning Walking Safari, Then Entebbe
An armed ranger will guide you on a foot safari in Lake Mburo—a chance to view wildlife without a vehicle. Pack up afterward and drive back toward Kampala/Entebbe, stopping for lunch along the way.
- Accommodation: 2 Friends Beach Hotel
- Meals: Bed & Breakfast
Day 12: Departure
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at the lodge. Depending on your flight schedule, you can shop in Entebbe before heading to the airport. This marks the end of your 12-day Uganda safari.
General Information
Entry Requirements
All travelers must have a passport valid with at least four consecutive blank pages. An East African Tourist Visa is recommended if you plan to visit multiple countries in the region.
Language
English and Luganda are common.
Voltage
Uganda uses 220 Volts/AC 50 Hz with UK-style 3-pin square plugs.
Currency
Foreign currency can be changed at banks, official exchange bureaus, or accommodations. Major credit cards (MasterCard, Visa, American Express) are typically accepted, but charges may process in USD.
Clothing
Casual, comfortable attire is suitable. Bring something warmer for early mornings and evenings.
Baggage
Space is limited, so pack lightly. Domestic flights allow around 15 kg per person. Excess luggage may be stored at your arrival hotel.
Drinking Water
It is generally advised to drink bottled or purified water.
Health
Consult a health professional six weeks before travel about malaria prophylactics and other recommended measures. Cover exposed skin in the evening and use a suitable repellent.
Dietary Requests
Lodges can accommodate specific dietary needs if notified in advance.
Gratuities
- General staff: around $10 per person/day
- Driver/Guide: around $15–$20 per person/day
Photography
Use caution when photographing government facilities or uniformed personnel. Ask for permission before taking photos of local communities or villages.
End of the 12-Day Uganda Safari