12-Day Best of Uganda Safari
Spanning 12 days, this is the fullest Uganda safari itinerary we run — Bwindi gorilla trekking, Kibale chimpanzee tracking, Queen Elizabeth’s tree-climbing lions, Kazinga Channel cruises and Murchison Falls. Permits, private guiding, lodging and road transfers are all arranged, with enough breadth to call the trip “the real Uganda” rather than a highlights reel.
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Combo Expedition · Uganda · Kibale Forest National Park · 12 days · Moderate
Expedition Overview
Explore Uganda's best in 12 days: gorilla trekking in Bwindi, chimpanzee tracking in Kibale, tree-climbing lions in Ishasha, and Nile boat cruises at Murchison Falls. Book with Lux Gorilla Safaris.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Entebbe
Arrival at Entebbe International Airport, met by your driver-guide. Overnight near Lake Victoria to rest and adjust before heading into the parks. Overnight: Entebbe
Day 2: Entebbe to Murchison Falls National Park
Scenic drive north (approx. 5-6 hrs) into Murchison Falls NP, Uganda's largest protected area, bisected by the Nile. Afternoon at leisure or short nature walk near the falls. Overnight: Murchison Falls area
Day 3: Murchison Falls: Game Drive & Nile Boat Cruise
Morning game drive across the northern savanna in search of lion, giraffe, elephant, and buffalo. Afternoon boat cruise on the Nile to the base of the thundering Murchison Falls, with hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife along the banks. Overnight: Murchison Falls area
Day 4: Murchison Falls to Kibale Forest
Long transfer south (approx. 6-7 hrs) via the Rift Valley escarpment to Kibale Forest National Park, home to the highest primate density in East Africa. Overnight: Kibale area
Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking, Kibale Forest
Morning chimpanzee tracking through the forest — Kibale hosts over 1,400 chimpanzees. Afternoon optional visit to Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for birdlife and monkeys. Overnight: Kibale area
Day 6: Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Short drive (approx. 2-3 hrs) into Queen Elizabeth NP. Afternoon game drive in the Kasenyi plains, known for lion prides and large herds of Uganda kob. Overnight: Queen Elizabeth NP
Day 7: Kazinga Channel Cruise & Ishasha Sector
Morning boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel — one of Africa's best wildlife-viewing waterways, with hippo pods, elephants, buffalo, and crocodiles at the water's edge. Afternoon transfer to the Ishasha sector for a chance to spot the famous tree-climbing lions resting in fig trees. Overnight: Ishasha or Queen Elizabeth south
Day 8: Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Drive south (approx. 4-5 hrs) through the Kigezi highlands — "the Switzerland of Africa" — to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Overnight: Bwindi
Day 9: Gorilla Trekking, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
The highlight of the trip: a guided trek through montane forest to spend one hour with a habituated mountain gorilla family. Trek duration varies from 2-8 hours depending on the gorillas' location that day. Overnight: Bwindi
Day 10: Bwindi: Batwa Cultural Encounter or Second Trek
Optional second gorilla trek for a different experience, or a Batwa cultural walk to learn about the forest's original inhabitants and their traditions. Overnight: Bwindi
Day 11: Bwindi to Lake Mburo National Park
Transfer to Lake Mburo (approx. 4-5 hrs), Uganda's compact savanna park. Afternoon game drive or boat safari on Lake Mburo, home to zebra, eland, and impala — species not found elsewhere on this circuit. Overnight: Lake Mburo area
Day 12: Lake Mburo to Entebbe: Departure
Morning drive to Entebbe (approx. 4-5 hrs), with time for souvenir shopping before your evening flight home.
Price
From $7,380 per person
Prices are per person in USD and vary with group size. Contact us for current availability and gorilla permit booking.
What's Included
- All ground transportation in a private 4x4 safari vehicle with driver-guide
- Accommodation for 11 nights (based on selected lodge tier)
- All park entry fees (Murchison Falls, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi, Lake Mburo)
- All park entry fees (Murchison Falls, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi, Lake Mburo)
- Gorilla trekking permit (Bwindi)
- Chimpanzee tracking permit (Kibale)
- Nile boat cruise (Murchison Falls) and Kazinga Channel boat cruise
- Bottled drinking water during transfers and activities
- All activities listed in the itinerary (game drives, treks, cruises)
What's Not Included
- International flights to/from Entebbe Uganda visa fees
- Uganda visa fees
- Travel insurance (you strongly recommend clients purchase this, including emergency evacuation and trip cancellation coverage, since it's not included)
- Meals not specified (if not full-board at lodges)
- Optional activities: second gorilla trek, Batwa cultural walk, Bigodi Wetland walk (unless specified as included)
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, alcoholic beverages)
- Porter fees for gorilla/chimp trekking (optional but recommended, arranged at the trailhead)
Page Sections
- Uganda’s Complete Safari in 12 Days
- Gorillas, Chimpanzees & Big-Game Parks
- Day-by-Day Itinerary
- Permits, Lodges & Ground Logistics
- Why 12 Days Is the Full Picture
Related Safaris & Guides
For the full itinerary, live pricing and availability, book directly: 12-Day Best of Uganda Safari on Lux Gorilla Safaris.