12 Days Uganda Safari Experience

The 12 Days Uganda Safari Experience designed by Otter African Safaris is an extraordinary journey blending wildlife encounters, primate trekking, and cultural immersion across Uganda’s most iconic destinations. This adventure is ideal for travelers seeking the perfect balance of thrilling game drives, breathtaking primate experiences, and serene moments in nature. Each day unfolds with unique highlights, from tracking rhinos and chimpanzees to standing face-to-face with endangered mountain gorillas in the depths of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

The journey begins with a gentle arrival in Entebbe, giving you time to relax and prepare. From there, the safari heads north to Murchison Falls National Park, where the Nile River explodes through a narrow gorge creating the world’s most powerful waterfall. Here, wildlife thrives across vast savannah landscapes. The adventure then shifts to Kibale Forest National Park, the primate capital of East Africa, home to playful chimpanzees. Travelers continue south to Queen Elizabeth National Park, where open plains host elephants, lions, and tree-climbing cats, while the Kazinga Channel provides remarkable boat safari opportunities.

The 12 Days Uganda Safari Experience highlight comes in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where you will trek through dense jungle to meet the magnificent mountain gorillas. Afterward, you’ll unwind at Lake Bunyonyi, a tranquil paradise of 29 islands. The trip then takes you to Lake Mburo National Park, known for zebras, impalas, and the cultural heritage of the Ankole people. Finally, the safari closes with an intimate shoebill stork tracking excursion at Mabamba Swamp, offering a perfect finale before your departure.

This 12 Days Uganda Safari Experience offers seamless travel, professional guiding, hand-picked lodges, and memorable activities, ensuring an unforgettable Ugandan safari crafted by Otter African Safaris.

12 Days Uganda Safari Experience

Detailed 12 Days Uganda Safari Experience

Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe Airport and Hotel Check-in for Relaxation

Arrival at Entebbe Airport and Hotel Check-in for Relaxation

Upon your arrival at Entebbe International Airport, a Otter African Safaris repre3sentative will meet and warmly welcome you to Uganda. After a short briefing about your 12 Days Uganda Safari Experience, you’ll transfer to your accommodation in Entebbe for relaxation. Depending on your arrival time, optional activities such as visiting the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, or a peaceful walk along the shores of Lake Victoria can be arranged.

This day is intentionally kept light to give travelers time to recover from long flights and prepare for the adventures ahead. Entebbe’s calm environment, combined with friendly hospitality, makes for a smooth start. Overnight will be at Airport Guest House, a charming property offering comfort, warm meals, and convenience.

Accommodation: Airport Guest House
Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast

Day 2: Road Transfer to Murchison Falls with Rhino Tracking and Hike

Road Transfer to Murchison Falls with Rhino Tracking and Hike

After breakfast, the safari begins with a scenic drive northward to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and most famous park. Along the way, you will stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, home to the country’s only wild rhinos. With the guidance of experienced rangers, you’ll embark on a memorable rhino tracking walk, allowing you to observe these gentle giants from a safe distance.

The 12 Days Uganda Safari Experience journey continues into Murchison Falls, where the highlight awaits a hike to the top of the falls. Here, the mighty Nile River squeezes through a 7-meter gorge before plunging 43 meters into a roaring cauldron below, creating a thunderous spectacle. This natural wonder is one of Uganda’s most breathtaking sights and a fantastic introduction to the park. By evening, you will settle into Pakuba Safari Lodge, overlooking the Nile and surrounded by wildlife-rich savannah.

Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water

Day 3: Full Adventure in Murchison Falls National Park

Full Adventure in Murchison Falls National Park

Wake up early for a game drive across the northern savannah plains of Murchison Falls. The park’s vast landscapes host elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, and lions. With some luck, you may also spot a leopard basking in the early morning sun. Bird lovers will enjoy sightings of African fish eagles, ground hornbills, and bee-eaters.

In the afternoon, embark on a boat cruise along the Nile River to the base of Murchison Falls. The riverbanks teem with crocodiles, hippos, and herds of elephants quenching their thirst. The cruise provides close encounters with wildlife as well as excellent photographic opportunities. Afterward, guests can opt for a short hike to the “Devil’s Cauldron” for closer views of the falls. Return to Pakuba Safari Lodge for dinner and overnight rest.

Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water

Day 4: Transfer to Kibale Forest and Bigodi Swamp Walk

Transfer to Kibale Forest and Bigodi Swamp Walk

After breakfast, set off for Kibale Forest National Park, a journey that passes through the scenic Albertine Rift Valley, lush tea plantations, and vibrant local towns. This long but rewarding drive showcases Uganda’s rural beauty, dotted with rolling hills and smiling communities.

In the afternoon, you’ll take part in the Bigodi Swamp Walk, a community-led ecotourism project near Kibale Forest. This wetland sanctuary is home to monkeys, butterflies, and countless bird species, including the great blue turaco. The swamp walk also provides cultural insights, as it supports local community development initiatives. Overnight will be at Turaco Treetops Lodge, offering a comfortable stay amidst forest surroundings.

Accommodation: Turaco Treetops Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water

Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale and Queen Elizabeth Safari Drive

Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale and Queen Elizabeth Safari Drive

This day begins with a thrilling chimpanzee tracking excursion in Kibale Forest. With the help of Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers, you’ll venture into the dense forest to locate one of the habituated chimpanzee families. Observing these lively primates as they swing from tree to tree, feed, and communicate is an unforgettable experience.

Afterward, transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, arriving in time for an afternoon game drive in the Kasenyi Plains. This savannah region is rich with lions, elephants, buffaloes, and large herds of Uganda kob. You’ll spend the night at Aardvark Safari Lodge, which offers comfort and excellent views of the park.

Accommodation: Aardvark Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water

Day 6: Full Adventure in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Full Adventure in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Start the day with a morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth, where you may encounter leopards, hyenas, elephants, and hippos returning from grazing. The park’s varied ecosystems from savannah plains to crater lakes make it one of Uganda’s most rewarding wildlife destinations.

In the afternoon, embark on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake Edward and Lake George. The channel is famous for its dense populations of hippos and crocodiles, as well as spectacular birdlife including African skimmers and pelicans. Watching elephants and buffaloes gather along the shores while you glide silently past is an iconic safari moment. Return to Aardvark Safari Lodge for dinner and relaxation.

Accommodation: Aardvark Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water

Day 7: Game Drive and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Game Drive and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

After breakfast, enjoy a final game drive through the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth, famous for its tree-climbing lions. With luck, you may spot these unique predators lounging on fig tree branches, a sight rarely seen elsewhere in Africa.

Continue southwards to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The scenic drive passes through terraced highlands, tea plantations, and friendly villages. Overnight will be at Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, located near the Rushaga sector of Bwindi.

Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water

Day 8: Gorilla Trekking and Batwa Cultural Experience

Gorilla Trekking and Batwa Cultural Experience

This is the highlight of your 12 Days Uganda Safari Experience —mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi. After a briefing from rangers, you will trek deep into the rainforest to locate one of the habituated gorilla families. The trek can take between 2 to 6 hours, but the reward is immense: spending one full hour observing gorillas as they interact naturally in their habitat. This rare encounter is often described as a life-changing experience.

In the afternoon, you’ll engage in a Batwa cultural experience. The Batwa, once forest dwellers, share their traditions through music, dance, and storytelling. This cultural interaction adds depth to the day by combining wildlife with rich human history.

Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water

Day 9: Relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi

Relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi

After the challenging trek, today is set aside for relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi, known as the “Switzerland of Africa.” This stunning lake, dotted with 29 islands, provides a serene environment for reflection and leisure. Activities include a boat cruise to explore the islands, birdwatching, swimming, or guided nature walks.

This peaceful setting is ideal for unwinding after gorilla trekking while enjoying breathtaking views of rolling highlands. Overnight will be at Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort, a scenic retreat along the lakeshore.

Accommodation: Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water

Day 10: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park and Cultural Experience

Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park and Cultural Experience

After breakfast, depart for Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda’s smallest savannah park but one of the most diverse. Upon arrival, enjoy a game drive where you can spot zebras, impalas, topis, elands, buffaloes, and a variety of bird species.

Later, you’ll participate in an Ankole cultural experience, meeting local cattle-keeping communities and learning about their traditional long-horned cattle. This cultural interaction provides a unique glimpse into Uganda’s pastoral heritage. Overnight will be at Rwakobo Rock Lodge, set on a scenic outcrop overlooking the park.

Accommodation: Rwakobo Rock Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water

Day 11: Lake Mburo Adventure and Drive to Entebbe

Lake Mburo Adventure and Drive to Entebbe

Begin the day with a choice of activities in Lake Mburo National Park. Options include a morning game drive, a guided nature walk, or a horseback safari, each providing an intimate encounter with the park’s wildlife. Lake Mburo’s relaxed setting makes it one of Uganda’s most rewarding places for close-range photography.

In the afternoon, embark on the return drive to Entebbe, stopping at the Equator for photography and souvenir shopping. Overnight will be at Airport Guest House, offering a final comfortable stay before departure.

Accommodation: Airport Guest House
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water

Day 12: Shoebill Tracking in Mabamba and Departure

Shoebill Tracking in Mabamba and Departure

On your final day, enjoy an early morning excursion to Mabamba Swamp for shoebill tracking. This rare bird, with its prehistoric appearance, is one of Africa’s most sought-after species among birdwatchers. The canoe excursion through the swamp is peaceful, scenic, and a perfect way to close your safari adventure.

Later, you will return to Entebbe for relaxation and prepare for your international flight. This marks the end of your unforgettable 12 Days Uganda Safari Experience with Otter African Safaris.

Accommodation: None
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinking Water

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