12-Day Pearls of Uganda Safari

Prepare for an extraordinary journey through Uganda’s most captivating landscapes and wildlife havens. This 12-day adventure begins in the charming town of Entebbe, nestled on the shores of Lake Victoria, where you’ll ease into your travels with a refreshing traditional cocktail. From the awe-inspiring Murchison Falls National Park, where the mighty Nile roars through a narrow gorge, to the serene and biodiverse Kibale Forest, home to an incredible array of primates, each day promises new and unforgettable experiences.

You’ll have the chance to track the iconic shoebill at the Nile Delta, witness the majestic tree-climbing leopards of Ishasha, and come face-to-face with Uganda’s mountain gorillas in the legendary Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Along the way, you’ll stay in comfortable lodges that blend seamlessly into their natural surroundings, providing the perfect base for your adventures. Whether it’s cruising along the Kazinga Channel, exploring the picturesque Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve, or enjoying the sweeping views from Lake Mburo, this tour offers an immersive and adventurous experience of Uganda’s natural beauty and wildlife.

Our 12-day itinerary for this tour is an example and fully customisable. Contact us(opens in a new tab) directly if you are interested in a personalised Uganda Safari or other East Africa tour packages(opens in a new tab).

All of our tours can be personalised. For most safari itineraries, we can offer luxury, mid-range or budget versions upon request. To find out more, contact us directly(opens in a new tab).

Prices indicated are per person (p/p).

Additional Pricing

Optional:

• A dayroom can be arranged for $85 on Bed & Breakfast – this can be arranged if you have a late flight departure and may like to have accommodation for the rest of the day
• A flight from Entebbe to Kihihi $287 one way, or $475 return – to shorten the travel time to reach the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Day 1 – Welcome to the former capital of Uganda (Entebbe)
After your arrival at Entebbe International Airport, your guide will meet you and take you to your guest house. Entebbe, a charming town on the shores of Lake Victoria with a population of just 70,000, is known for its beautiful botanical gardens. Settle in and kick off your journey with a refreshing, traditional fruity cocktail.

Overnight at the Airport Guesthouse (B&B), The Boma Guesthouse (B&B)

Day 2 – The Wilderness of Uganda and incredible views (Murchison Falls National Park)
Today we’ll drive to Murchison Falls National Park, a protected area of more than 4,000 square miles. On the way you will stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. This is a reintroduction program that has successfully bred over a dozen white rhinos and is the only place in Uganda where you can see them.

The Nile flows directly through the park, attracting Nile crocodiles, hippos and the semi-aquatic Sitatunga antelope. Lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos, the Rothschild giraffe, warthogs, the big forest hog, Uganda kob, topi and water buffalo are just a few of the great mammals that you will see here.

If time allows, you can visit the top of the falls and feel the force of the River Nile under your feet as the half a kilometre-wide river narrows to just 7m wide and cascades down through a 45m drop.

The popular yet intimate Murchison River Lodge sits on the southern bank of the River Nile overlooking the river on its journey from the river’s source in Lake Victoria to join Lake Albert. Set in beautiful surroundings, the lodge offers comfortable and relaxing mid-range accommodation in thatched cottages, thatched safari tents and simple camping tents in its shaded and well positioned campsite.

Overnight at Red Chilli (FB)/ Murchison River Lodge (FB)

Day 3 – Search of the Shoebill (Murchison Falls National park)
Your morning starts with one of the highlights of this safari, the boat trip to the Nile Delta, home of the iconic Shoebill, a really fascinating bird. You can choose to have your breakfast with you or enjoy a full breakfast on your return to the lodge. Same with your lunch. In the afternoon you’ll go on an extensive game drive. Admire the wildlife and birdlife of Murchison Falls National Park and learn about this area from your guide. You’re also likely to see lions, elephants and buffaloes in this beautiful park.

Overnight at Red Chilli (FB)/ Murchison River Lodge (FB)

Day 4 – Stop at Lake Albert
Today, travel from Murchison Falls to Kibale National Park, with a stop at the stunning Lake Albert near Hoima. You’ll stay at Kikonko Lodge, a secluded retreat perched on the escarpment of the Albertine Rift, overlooking the serene waters of Lake Albert and the majestic Blue Mountains of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Spend your evening enjoying the breathtaking views, and as night falls, you’ll be mesmerized by the “fishermen’s lights,” a tradition where local fishermen illuminate the lake, creating a magical spectacle of dancing lights across the water. You might also have the chance to track chimpanzees in the newly opened Bugoma Forest Reserve, or explore a local tea factory for a taste of the region’s craftsmanship.

Overnight at Kikonko Lodge (FB)

Day 5 – Depart to Kibale Forest National Park (Kibale Forest National Park)
Today, your guide will drive you from Hoima to Kibale Forest National Park, a multi-faceted forest of 795 square kilometres. The forest is home to over 335 species of birds (some very rare and only found here), and 13 species of primates including chimpanzees, red colobus monkey, the rare L’Hoest monkey, blue monkey, grey mangabey, black faced vervet monkeys, baboons, pottos and bushbabies.

You will spend the night in a lodge which is run by a Ugandan-German family. Here you can relax by the pool, relax in a beautiful garden landscape and end the evening at the campfire.

Overnight at Kibale Forest Camp (FB), Primate Lodge(FB)

Day 6 – Chimpanzee-Tracking in the Jungle (Kibale Forest National Park)
After breakfast, we report to the Ranger Headquarters of the Kibale Forest National Park at 8 AM to set out to find the chimpanzees living there. It’s great fun to watch these active apes play and roam in the fruit trees.

The experienced ranger will introduce you to the various family members of the chimpanzee family and show you many more inhabitants of the forest. As you walk through the forest on small trails, you’ll learn about how the locals use the woodland plants to combat some diseases, amongst other uses. Even the elusive forest elephant, which is smaller and bears more fur than its brother from the savannah, moves in the Kibale Forest. Sometimes even large mammals such as buffalo, large forest pigs and various antelope species can be observed.

In the afternoon, we will visit the neighbouring Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. Cleverly constructed walking paths guide you through the papyrus that grows above your head. With over 130 species of birds, colourful butterflies, eight species of primates and the rare semi-aquatic sitatunga antelope, this area is a showcase of responsible tourism.

Overnight at Overnight at Kibale Forest Camp (FB), Primate Lodge (FB)

Day 7 – Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park (Queen Elizabeth National Park)
Your guide will drive you through Kasese towards Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is at the foot of the Rift Valley. From time to time even the peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains can be seen on the horizon. The landscape of northern Queen Elizabeth consists of several dozen craters. With more than 600 species of birds, Queen Elizabeth National Park offers even greater diversity than other national parks in Uganda. On the way to the lodge you can observe a large variety of wildlife including elephants, and keep your eyes peeled to spot the hard-to-find leopards!

Today’s accommodation is high above the Kichwamba Ridge and offers breathtaking views over the bottom of the Rift Valley. While the foothills of the Rwenzoris are in front of you, the eight mighty Virunga volcanoes rise to the other side.

Overnight at Queen Bush Lodge (FB)/ Elephant Plains (FB)

Day 8 – Special game drive with Uganda Carnivore Project and boat safari on Kazinga Channel
Have an early breakfast and get ready for a very special morning game drive. A well-known route leads through the Kasenyi sector, which is famous for its lions, elephants, antelopes, warthogs, baboons and sometimes even hyenas can be admired here. Dr Ludwig Seifert and his team of the Uganda Carnivore Project will drive you very close to the lion families and explain everything about their work of protecting the carnivores of this area. If you are very lucky, you’ll discover the big forest pig, Africa’s largest pig, so keep your eyes peeled.

After your safari, you can either head back to your lodge to spend a few hours poolside and have lunch, or you can just spend some time at Mweya Lodge where your boat tour starts from.

In the afternoon, you’ll take a boat safari right through the Kazinga Channel, which connects the two lakes Edward and George. The Kazinga Canal is in the centre of Queen Elizabeth and many different animals graze on the fertile shores of the canal. The expert Uganda Wildlife Authority guides will identify many of the channel’s 100 bird species of which you’re likely to see African Skimmers, Great White Pelicans, Spoonbill and a number of bee eater species. Hippos wallow at the edge of the water, huge Nile crocodiles bask in the sun and elephants come down to drink. The Kazinga Channel boat ride is a brilliant opportunity to take some close-up wildlife shots.

Overnight at Queen Bush Lodge (HB)/ Parkview Safari Lodge (HB)

Day 9 – In search of tree-climbing lions (Bwindi Impenetrable Forest)
Today we’ll drive to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and on the way take a short game drive through Ishasha, the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. On the vast plains of the Ishasha you will find a famous inhabitant, the tree-climbing lion. A sighting is not guaranteed, however, in the large low-hanging Fig Trees of Ishasha there are far better chances to see the lion, like in the rest of Africa.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is regarded as UNESCO-Natural-World- Heritage and is one of the richest biological and botanical regions in the world. With its south-west position at the edge of the western Rift Valley, this forest covers 331 km2. The treasures of Bwindi are the approx. 400 wild mountain gorillas. They contribute to about half of the world population of these gentle human apes.

After a few hours in the car travelling, you can take a relaxing afternoon walk in the village of Buhoma, your home in Bwindi, where you can explore local craft markets. Alternatively, immerse yourself in the culture of the Batwa tribe, who reside deep within the forest. Your accommodation, perched on high ground, offers stunning views of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.

Mahogany Springs offers privacy and serenity blended with optimal comfort in a spectacular setting. With some of the most luxurious accommodation in East Africa the feeling that you will experience when staying here is beyond compare.

At Mahogany Springs it is the little touches that make the big difference, from the tiny details in the design of the lodge through to the unrivalled service levels provided by the highly trained management team.

Overnight at Haven Lodge or Ichumbi Lodge (FB)/ Mahogany Springs (FB)

Day 10 – In touch with the Gorillas (Bwindi Impenetrable National Park)
Today begins with an early start. Enjoy a well-balanced breakfast as you get ready for your gorilla trekking adventure. Following registration at the Uganda Wildlife Authority Ranger Station and a brief orientation, your unforgettable gorilla tracking experience begins.

Once you’ve located the gorilla family you’ll be asked to leave all your belongings behind and slowly approach these gentle giants with only your camera in hand. The guide interprets the behaviour of the animals for you. Females and their young ones, young males and even the dominant silverback can be seen feeding, playing and interacting with each other or just relaxing! You will never forget this experience with the gorillas. Rest assured, they are as curious to see you as you are to see them. You have exactly one hour with the gorillas before you return to the base station.

After the exciting encounter with the gorillas you will return to the village. In the afternoon, you will have a chance for an encounter with the Batwa, the indigenous people of the forest.

Overnight at Haven Lodge or Ichumbi Lodge (HB)/ Mahogany Springs (FB)

Day 11 – Visit of Lake Mburo National Park (Bwindi, Lake Mburo)
Your journey includes a stop at Lake Mburo National Park, offering a chance to rest and break up the long drive from Bwindi to Kampala. After breakfast, you’ll leave Bwindi and travel approximately 200 kilometres to Lake Mburo, arriving in time for lunch. The drive takes you through the lush green landscapes around Kabale, known as the “Gorilla Highlands”, where majestic mountains and deep valleys showcase the area’s beauty. At an elevation of 2,347 metres, Kabale is one of Uganda’s highest cities. In contrast, Lake Mburo is often hot and dry. The park is home to abundant Burchell’s zebras, and recently, giraffes from Murchison Falls National Park have also been relocated here. In the evening, you can embark on a night safari, offering a unique opportunity to see animals from a different perspective, making it a truly special experience.

Overnight at Eagles Nest (FB)/ Rwakobo Rock Lodge (FB)

Day 12 – Stop at the Equator (Entebbe)
On the way to Entebbe, we’ll stop to enjoy our picnic lunch and take photos at the equator. After a farewell dinner, your guide will take you to Entebbe International Airport.

Transfer to the airport or extra optional overnight (HB) Please see the optional flight price in the Rates section.

1. Prices are valid for 2024, 2025 and 2026.
2. The itinerary mentioned for this tour is an example which can be tailored to your wishes.
3. The Gorilla Tracking included in this safari depends on the availability of gorilla trekking permits at the time of booking. These permits are strictly limited and sold out in advance, especially during peak seasons of Christmas and school holidays. We therefore strongly recommend booking early.
4. The safari indicated here is essentially an offer. Changes in the course of the journey, the duration of your tour, the number of travellers, as well as the choice of accommodation are subject to availability, although we always endeavour to stick as closely as possible to this programme. For most itineraries, we can offer luxury, mid-range or budget versions of this safari upon request.
5. Sometimes it is not possible to adhere to the travel plan as described in this itinerary, due to weather and road conditions, authority regulations, organisational requirements, etc. Occasionally, the planned route of the tour has to change according to the situation on the ground. We must therefore explicitly refuse liability for adherence to the journey plan.
6. By booking this safari, the client accepts Manya Africa Tours Terms and Conditions(opens in a new tab) of business.