12 Day Gorillas & Wildlife Safari in Uganda

12 Days Gorillas & Wildlife Safari in Uganda

This 12 Day Gorillas & Wildlife Safari in Uganda is organized by Mum And Dad Uganda Tours

12 Day Gorillas & Wildlife, This 12 days Uganda gorilla and wildlife Safari will begin and ends in Kampala. The tour activities include gorilla trekking in bwindi impenetrable national park and each person will require 1 gorilla permit which cost $800 per person in the final costing, Bwindi impenetrable national parks located in western Uganda and it has got over 340 mountain gorillas making it half of the mountain gorillas remaining in the whole world.

This 12 Day Gorillas & Wildlife tour will as well take you to Murchison Falls national park which is famous for variety of wildlife and boat cruises and it’s known as Uganda’s largest park.  The park houses a variety of animals species such as lions, elephants, bush bucks, antelopes, kobs, birds and many more. This fantastic tour will continue taking you to Queen Elizabeth famously known for its Kazinga channel which connects two lakes including George and Edward and also its unique tree climbing lions  in ishasha sector makes Queen Elizabeth national park a most visited on a Uganda tour. Other animal species found in this park include; the chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge, the birds, elephants, kobs, antelopes wild beast among many others.

On this tour you will as well visit kibale forest national park a home to over 13 species of primates the most known is the chimpanzee our closest relatives sharing almost 98% of human DNA make-up. Other primate species inhabit the park include the golden monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys and many more. This wildlife safari will take you to Lake Mburo National park, this is the smallest and closest park from the capital city Kampala. The park is famous for the Zebras and the Giraffes and many other animal species that inhabit the park.

Brief itinerary for 12 Day Gorillas & Wildlife

• Arrival at Entebbe Airport
• Travel straightaway to MFNP
• Game drive and Nile cruise
• Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
• Chimpanzee tracking and then cultural encounter.
• Transfer to QENP
•  A nature walk within Maramagambo Forest & an afternoon game drive
• Game drive and Kazinga Channel boat cruise
• Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Gorilla trekking Bwindi and transfer to Lake Bunyonyi for relaxation, sightseeing.
• Transfer to Lake Mburo NP
• Mburo to Kampala or Entebbe

Detailed itinerary for 12 Day Gorillas & Wildlife

Day 1: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

After breakfast, you will be picked up by your guide from the hotel or Entebbe International Airport and begin your journey towards Murchison Falls National Park. The drive takes you through the historic Luwero Triangle, where you will enjoy views of rural homesteads, local farms, and the beautiful Ugandan countryside.

En route, you will make a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for an exciting rhino tracking experience. This is the only place in Uganda where you can see white rhinos in the wild. Accompanied by a ranger, you will track these magnificent animals on foot, offering a unique and up-close wildlife encounter. After the activity, you will enjoy lunch either at the sanctuary or in Masindi Town.

Continue your journey to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and most scenic national park. Upon arrival, visit the top of the falls where the mighty Murchison Falls forces its way through a narrow 7-meter gorge before plunging dramatically to form the powerful Victoria Nile. The sight and sound of the roaring falls are truly breathtaking.

Afterward, proceed to your lodge for relaxation, dinner, and an overnight stay.

Destination:Murchison Falls National Park

Accommodation Options

Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge | Chobe Safari Lodge
Mid-range: Murchison River Lodge | Pakuba Safari Lodge
Budget: Hornbill Safari Lodge | Heritage Safari Lodge

Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Drinking Water: Provided throughout the journey

Day 2: Game drive and the Nile Boat cruise#12 Day Gorillas & Wildlife

After an early breakfast at the lodge on this 12 Day Gorillas & Wildlife, set out for a 2 hours game drive in the parkMurchison falls Uganda’s largest park  owning  a wide variety of wildlife such as leopards, hippos, lions, warthogs, buffaloes, elephants, antelopes, giraffes, water bucks plus  different species of bird just to mention but a few

After this two hours fantastic experience, drive back to the lodge for relaxation and lunch, then after have a 3 hours boat cruise on the Nile where you will see a number of animals along the banks such as elephants, hippos, crocodile, antelopes,you will also have a chance to see monkeys and birds if lucky will see the rare shoebills along the shores. Sail to the bottom of the falls where you will hike for about 1hour and 30 minutes after which you will return to your lodge for supper and Overnight stay.

Destination: Murchison Falls National park

• Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge | Chobe Safari Lodge
• Mid-Range: Murchison River Lodge | Pakuba Safari Lodge
• Budget: Hornbill Safari Lodge | Heritage Safari Lodge
• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Drinking Water Throughout

Day 3: Transfer to Kibale Forest National park

After an early breakfast, check out from your lodge and set off for Kibale National Park. Enjoy a game drive en route as you exit the park, offering you a final chance to spot wildlife in the early morning hours.

The journey takes you through the beautiful countryside towards Fort Portal, one of the most scenic regions in the country. Along the way, you will be treated to breathtaking views of rolling hills, tea plantations, crater lakes, and rural landscapes that showcase the true beauty of Uganda.

Kibale National Park is one of Africa’s most stunning tropical rainforests and is famously known as the primate capital of the world. The park is home to over 13 primate species, including the chimpanzees—our closest relatives and the main highlight of the park. Other primates you may encounter include red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, baboons, and more. The park is also a paradise for bird lovers, boasting over 325 bird species.

Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and enjoy some relaxation. In the evening, you may take a guided nature walk around the forest or nearby areas, offering a chance to experience the sights and sounds of the rainforest as the day winds down.

Return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Destination: Kibale National Park

Accommodation Options

Luxury: Papaya Lake Lodge | Ndali Lodge
Mid-range: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge | Chimpanzee Guest House
Budget: Kibale Forest Camp | Rwenzori View Guest House

Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Extras: Drinking water and fruits provided throughout the journey

Day 4:  Chimpanzee tracking kibale forest -Uganda safari

Start your day with an early breakfast at the lodge before your guide takes you to the park headquarters at Kibale National Park for a briefing. Experienced rangers will outline the dos and don’ts for chimpanzee tracking, ensuring both your safety and the well-being of these incredible primates.

Set off into the lush rainforest for your chimpanzee trek. Kibale National Park is home to over 13 primate species, and during your trek you have a high chance of spotting chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Once located, you will spend a strictly regulated one hour observing them as they go about their daily routines—feeding, playing, grooming, nursing their young, and building nests for the night.

In addition to chimpanzees, keep an eye out for other primates such as red-tailed monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, blue monkeys, and black-and-white colobus monkeys. The forest may also reveal sightings of elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and a wide variety of birds, making the trek a truly unforgettable wildlife experience.

After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and some rest.

In the afternoon, embark on a guided nature walk through the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. This community-run wetland is rich in biodiversity, providing opportunities to spot birds, primates like baboons and bush babies, and other wildlife species.

Return to the lodge in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay.

Location: Kibale Forest National Park

Accommodation Option:

• Luxury: Papaya Lake Lodge , Ndali Lodge
• Mid-range:     Chimpanzee Forest Lodge/Chimpanzee Guest House
• Budget:  Kibale Forest Camp/Rwenzori View Guest House(Budget)
• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water and Fruits throughout

Day 5: Transfer Queen Elizabeth National Park

Immediately after an early breakfast at the lodge, set off to Queen Elizabeth national park taking a approximately 4 hours to the park. Queen Elizabeth is regarded as one of Uganda’s outstanding wildlife National parks with abundant wildlife species.

The park hosts over 600 bird species, mammals like elephants, buffaloes among others. On your drive to the park, you will enjoy great views including the Rwenzori ranges and may other scenic views. Relax at your booked accommodation and lunch, then in the evening, go for a game drive where you will see a number of animals inhabited in this park. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park

Accommodation Option:

• Budget: Pumba Safari Cottages | Bush Lodge
• Mid-Range: Irungu Forest Safari Lodge | Elephant Hub Lodge
• Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge| katara Lodge
• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Drinking Water throughout

Day 6:Game drive & Boat Cruise – Queen Elizabeth Park

Start your day with an early breakfast at your lodge before heading out for a morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Early mornings are the best time to spot wildlife, as animals like hyenas, wildebeest, lions, elephants, giraffes, antelopes, buffaloes, leopards, and warthogs are most active. Bird enthusiasts will also enjoy spotting a wide variety of colorful species across the savannah.

During the drive, take in the scenic views of the park’s crater lakes, which dot the landscape and add to the breathtaking scenery. After approximately three hours of wildlife viewing, return to your lodge for lunch and some relaxation.

In the afternoon, embark on a 2-hour boat cruise along the famous Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway connecting Lake George and Lake Edward. The channel is renowned for its rich biodiversity and is home to over 560 hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, antelopes, and a variety of bird species along its shores. This cruise offers excellent opportunities for wildlife photography and close-up animal encounters in a serene riverine environment.

After the cruise, return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay, preparing for the next day of your Uganda safari adventure.

Destination:Queen Elizabeth National Park

Accommodation Options

Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge | Katara Lodge
Mid-range: Irungu Forest Safari Lodge | Elephant Hub Lodge
Budget: Pumba Safari Cottages | Bush Lodge

Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Extras: Drinking water provided throughout the day

Day 7:Nature Walk, Kyambura Gorge Chimpanzee Trek & Ishasha Game Drive – Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast at your lodge, set out for an immersive nature walk through Maramagambo Forest, Uganda’s second-largest forest after Mabira. This lush rainforest is home to a variety of wildlife, including primates, butterflies, birds, bats, and other forest dwellers. During your walk, explore the volcanic caves, which are inhabited by thousands of bats and occasionally their natural predators, such as pythons.

A highlight of the morning is the visit to the Kyambura Gorge, a deep forested valley within Maramagambo Forest, where you will trek to encounter wild chimpanzees. Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge typically lasts between 1–6 hours depending on the location of the primates. Once found, you are allowed one hour with these incredible animals, observing them feeding, playing, grooming, and interacting in their natural environment.

While in the area, don’t miss the Blue Lake Kimeranjo, a volcanic lake with a fascinating legend that it swallowed an elephant—adding a unique cultural and natural story to your adventure.

After returning to your lodge for lunch and relaxation, head out in the afternoon for a game drive in the Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This area is famous for its rare tree-climbing lions, as well as elephants, buffaloes, kob, monkeys, and abundant bird species, offering an unforgettable safari experience.

Return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park

Accommodation Options

Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge | Katara Lodge
Mid-range: Irungu Forest Safari Lodge | Elephant Hub Lodge
Budget: Pumba Safari Cottages | Bush Lodge

Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Extras: Drinking water provided throughout the day

Day 8: Depart for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Scenic Journey through Kigezi Highlands

After a heavy breakfast, you begin your journey to Bwindi impenetrable national park the habitat to the rare gentle giants Mountain gorillas. The journey to the park will take you through Kigezi highlands and its various terraced hills. Upon your arrival at the lodge, however it will depend on your arrival time. In the evening you can take a guided nature walk around the park as you wait for unforgettable gorilla experience the following day. Dinner and an overnight at the lodge.

Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Accommodation Option:

• Luxury: Gorilla Safari Lodge | Buhoma Lodge
• Mid-range: Gorilla Mist Camp | Silverback Lodge Bwindi
• Budget: Bakiga Lodge | Buhoma Community bandas
  
• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Drinking Water Throughout

Day 9: Mountain Gorilla Trekking – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Start your day with a cup of tea or coffee at the lodge before meeting your guide, who will take you to the park headquarters in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park for a short briefing. You will be introduced to the dos and don’ts of gorilla trekking and allocated to your assigned gorilla group for the day.

Bwindi National Park is home to the highest number of mountain gorillas in the world, with nearly half of the remaining population living within its lush forests. Beyond gorillas, the park supports a rich ecosystem, including butterflies, frogs, primates, mammals, and countless plant species.

The gorilla trekking experience lasts between 1–8 hours depending on where the gorillas spent the previous night. Once located, you will have strictly one hour to observe and interact with these gentle giants in their natural habitat—watch them feed, play, groom, and care for their young.

For those who prefer a lighter activity, optional guided forest walks or a village visit to the Batwa community are available, providing cultural insights and closer connections with the local environment.

After your trek, return to your lodge for lunch, relaxation, dinner, and an overnight stay, reflecting on an unforgettable encounter with Uganda’s iconic mountain gorillas.

Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Accommodation Options

Luxury: Gorilla Safari Lodge | Buhoma Lodge
Mid-range: Gorilla Mist Camp | Silverback Lodge Bwindi
Budget: Bakiga Lodge | Buhoma Community Bandas

Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Extras: Drinking water provided throughout the day

Day 10: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park

Wake up early for breakfast and after embark on the transfer to Lake Mburo National Park with en-route lunch break. The park is a home to the impalas and many antelopes, buffaloes, Oribis, Kobs, warthogs, zebras among others. Upon your arrival you will check in at the lodge, later head for a guided nature walk through the park if you still have energy. Have dinner and an overnight stay.

Accommodation Option:

• Budget: Eagle’s Nest Lodge | Leopard Rest Camp
• Mid-Range: Rwakobo Rock Lodge | arcadia lodge lake mburo
• Luxury: Mihingo Lodge | Mburo Safari Lodge
• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Drinking Water throughout

Day 11: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park- Home of Zebras and Impalas

After breakfast, we will proceed to Lake Mburo national park Uganda’s smallest park and Closet Park to the capital city  Kampala. The park is home to a big number of Zebras, also impalas, oribis, buffaloes, warthogs, waterbucks and also over 332 bird species made it their home. The drive from Lake Bunyonyi to Lake Mburo will take about 4- 5 hours with lunch en-route. The drive will enable you passing through stunning sceneries, farms, and plantations. If you still have energy you will go for an afternoon boat cruise along Lake Mburo, take enough photographs.

Accommodation Option:

• Budget: Eagle’s Nest Lodge | Leopard Rest Camp
• Mid-Range: Rwakobo Rock Lodge | arcadia lodge lake mburo
• Luxury: Mihingo Lodge | Mburo Safari Lodge
• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Drinking Water throughout

Day 12: Return to Kampala or Entebbe International Airport

After a hearty breakfast leave for Kampala if interested buy some souvenirs to take home with you. If your flight is slated on this day, you will be driven direct to the airport to meet your departure flight back home. 12 Day Gorillas & Wildlife

Note: Uganda gorilla permit goes for $700per person and a Chimpanzee permit at $200 per person, so early bookings are advised to avoid last minute booking which is disappointing

End of 12 Day Gorillas & Wildlife

Safari Price includes: 

• Accommodations on full board basis,
• Gorilla and Chimpanzee permits,
• Park Entrance Fees
• Game drives
• English Speaking Driver/guide,
• 4wheel Drive Safari Vehicle,
• Rhino tracking,
• Ranger guide during game drives and Ranger for trekking
• Bottled Drinking Water,
•  Transport and all mentioned activities apart from the extra/optional ones.

Excludes in the 12 Day Gorillas & Wildlife:

• Air Travel fare
• Uganda Visa charges
• Alcoholic drinks
• Laundry and Tips given to staff and guides
• Insurance
• Extra activities.