12 Day Best of Uganda safari
Tour Overview
This 12 Day Best of Uganda safari includes the highlights of Uganda and all the must-see national parks. From gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to boat tours on the Nile River, the journey is varied and diverse. It is an ideal package for getting a good overview of Uganda and its highlights.
Highlights
- Guided private safari
- Visit to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
- Boat trip to Murchison Falls and wonderful wildlife
- Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest
- Bigodi Swamp hike with many bird species
- Boat trip on the Nile at the Kazinga Canal
- Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi
- Private guide / guide
Your Itinerary In Details
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
Welcome to the “Pearl of Africa”! This is the name once bestowed upon this country by Sir Winston Churchill – and you will soon understand why. After landing at Entebbe International Airport (EBB), a professional English-speaking driver guide from Greenway Nature Tours will warmly welcome you at the exit and escort you to your first accommodation via a short, relaxed route. Use this introductory evening to settle into the tropical climate, recover from your flight, and prepare yourself for the wonders of Uganda.
Accommodation: The Boma Hotel Entebbe
Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast
Day 2: Entebbe – Mabamba – Ziwa Rhino Ranch (Travel time approx. 4-5 hours)
After a delicious breakfast, your driver shall pick you up and take you to the famous Mabamba Wetlands on the shores of majestic Lake Victoria. Here, you will exchange your car for a small boat. Accompanied by a local guide, you will glide through the narrow channels of the dense papyrus swamp. The ultimate goal is to see the shoebill, a prehistoric-looking bird, with an enormous beak that looks like a shoe. Have your camera ready – apart from the shoebill, countless other exotic bird species will cross your path. Around 11:00 a.m., you will leave the swamp behind and continue your journey north to the Ziwa Rhino Ranch, the best place in Uganda where rhinos roam freely in the wild. Upon arrival, you can relax after the drive and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of your accommodation. With a bit of luck, you might even spot the first rhinos, which occasionally come close to the lodge and provide unforgettable safari moments right on your doorstep.
Accommodation: Ziwa Rhino Ranch – Cottages
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3: Ziwa – Murchison Falls National Park (travel time approx. 4 hours)
After an early morning breakfast, you will depart for one of the highlights of your trip. In company of an experienced ranger, you will embark on a guided walk to see the white rhinos of the Ziwa Rhino Ranch. On foot, you will approach these beautiful animals and observe them from a safe distance in their natural habitat – an impressive experience rarely possible on traditional safaris. Ziwa was set to reintroduce rhinos to Uganda after they were eradicated by poaching in 1980s. Besides the rhinos, the ranch also offers a protected habitat for numerous bird species and other wildlife.
Afterwards, your journey continues to Murchison Falls. The drive to your accommodation becomes an exciting game drive in itself, offering the chance to spot numerous wild animals along the way. The route takes you to the heart of the park, near the Nile Delta, whose unique landscape, especially bathed in the golden hues of the afternoon, is a true paradise for nature and photography enthusiasts. Your accommodation, the Murchison River Lodge, awaits you directly on the banks of the Victoria Nile. Enjoy the unique atmosphere of this place with a refreshing drink on the terrace and watch as the setting sun bathes the river in warm shades of red and gold. A perfect end to an eventful day in the heart of the African wilderness.
Accommodation: Murchison River Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4: Murchison Falls – Nile Delta
As the savanna awakens in the first light of dawn, you will set on an extensive morning game drive into the Nile Delta. Where the river enters Lake Albert, waterways, palm trees, acacias, and dense riparian vegetation create a beautiful backdrop. This area of the park is among the best regions for wildlife viewing. With a bit of luck, you will encounter herds of African bush elephants, buffalo, lions, and leopards, as well as the rare Rothschild’s giraffe and various antelope species. Numerous hippos and Nile crocodiles can be observed along the banks and in the water. Over 450 bird species, including the rare shoebill stork, call this area home. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the heart of the delta. Relax and unwind as the day draws to a close, taking in the fantastic views of the Nile.
Accommodation: Murchison River Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5: Murchison Falls – Boat Trip
In the morning, you will embark on another extensive game drive through the park. In afternoon, you take a 3-hour boat trip on the Nile River to the bottom Murchison Falls. You will have a wonderful opportunity to observe hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, elephants, and other animals near the banks. Back the lodge, you will spend the evening around a crackling campfire under the clear African starry sky, reflecting on the day’s adventures.
Accommodation: Murchison River Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6: Murchison Falls – Kibale Forest (travel time approx. 6 hours)
After breakfast, you’ll head to the “Top of the Falls.” Here, you’ll experience the immense power of nature up close: the mighty Nile forces its way through a narrow gorge of rock just seven meters wide and plunges 43 meters into the depths below. On hot days, the rising spray provides a wonderful, mystical respite from the heat and paints rainbows across the sky.
Afterward, you bid farewell to the Murchison Falls and continue your journey south to Fort Portal. Along the way, you’ll pass small villages with bustling markets. Finally, the legendary, often cloud-shrouded Rwenzori Mountains – often called the “Mountains of the Moon” by locals – will appear on the horizon. In the afternoon, you’ll arrive at your accommodation, which boasts a magnificent view of the tropical forest.
Accommodation: Turaco Treetops Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 7: Kibale Forest – Chimpanzee Trekking
In the morning, you will head into the rainforest for your chimpanzee trek. The probability of spotting these primates is around 95%. However, they sometimes hide high up in the trees, making them a bit tricky to find. Kibale Forest is also home to numerous other primate species. Besides chimpanzees, you’ll find colobus monkeys, red colobus monkeys, diademed monkeys, black-cheeked white-nosed monkeys, and many more. Over 300 bird species and 140 butterfly species make the forest a true oasis for nature lovers. The chimpanzee trek lasts approximately 2-4 hours and covers a distance of 3-5 km.
In afternoon after lunch, you will go for a trek through the community-run Bigodi Wetland. A 5-kilometer-long network of wooden boardwalks winds through an enchanting wetland habitat, a breeding ground for many exotic birds. Attentive observers will spot giant turacos, hornbills, or sunbirds along the way, accompanied by local guides. The marsh’s exceptional biodiversity encompasses not only birds but also numerous monkey species, including the red colobus monkey, baboon, black-and-white colobus monkey, sooty mangabey, vervet monkey, red-tailed monkey, and L’Hoest’s monkey. The hike is a truly wonderful experience.
Accommodation: Turaco Treetops Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 8: Kibale – Queen Elizabeth National Park (travel time approx. 3 hours)
Your journey continues today to Queen Elizabeth NP. The route follows the impressive backdrop of the Rwenzori Mountains until the vast savannas of the park finally open up before you. Your first game drive takes you to the famous Kazinga Channel, a 32-kilometer-long natural waterway connecting Lake George and Lake Edward.
The channel is one of the most biodiverse regions in the park and attracts a wealth of wildlife. Large herds of elephants and buffalo are often seen along its banks, while countless hippos and Nile crocodiles frolic in the water. The birdlife is also exceptionally diverse, making the Kazinga Channel one of the best wildlife viewing areas in Uganda.
After lunch, you enjoy a relaxing boat safari on the Kazinga Channel. The water offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, as numerous animals frequent the channel’s banks. The boats can often approach the animals surprisingly closely, allowing for particularly impressive sightings and photographic opportunities.
Accommodation: Elephant Hab Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 9: Queen – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Rushaga)
After an early breakfast, you will have a final game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, hoping to spot the big cats in the low grass. Afterwards, the route takes you through the so-called “Switzerland of Africa”—the impressive hilly landscape of Kigezi with its verdant terraced fields and sweeping vistas. The journey continues through one of Uganda’s most scenic regions before you reach Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. It is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Nine other primate species also inhabit the forest. The very name Bwindi Impenetrable hints at the landscape’s impenetrable nature. The dense mountain rainforest has developed since the Ice Age, and its shrub and bush vegetation provides an ideal habitat for the primates. You’ll arrive at your accommodation in the afternoon. Enjoy the views of the rainforest and relax for the rest of the day, preparing yourself for the gorilla trekking adventure ahead.
Accommodation: Four Gorillas Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 10: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest– Gorilla Trekking
After breakfast, it is just a short walk to the park headquarters in Rushaga. There, you will receive a detailed briefing on the rules of conduct that are important for gorilla trekking. You will then set off with the ranger into the mountain rainforest. The ranger follows the instructions and tracks of the trackers, who started their trek at sunrise. The trackers first went to the spot where they encountered the gorillas the previous day and are now following their movements.
As soon as they spot the gorillas, they inform the guide. You will carefully approach the gorilla family and the silverback. It’s a truly amazing moment to stand face to face with these gentle giants of the rainforest. You must limit your visit to the gorilla family to one hour to minimize disruption to their natural rhythms. The trek to the gorillas can be strenuous, depending on the specific family being visited. The sight of these majestic great apes quickly makes you forget all about it, but a certain level of fitness is recommended. It’s also crucial that you’re in excellent health. Even a cold can prevent you from seeing the gorillas, so as not to endanger them. The trekking time varies depending on the gorilla family. Proper equipment is essential. Good footwear, gaiters, and rain gear are standard. Gloves are also highly recommended, especially when dealing with thorny plants. Enjoy your time with the gorillas. This visit is much more than “just” wildlife viewing.
When you look into the eyes of these gentle giants, you’ll see so much about ourselves. Over 98% of our genes are identical to those of gorillas, and you’ll experience a truly sublime feeling when you stand close to these magnificent creatures. The young ones are playful and frolic within the gorilla family. A late lunch awaits you at your accommodation. After you have refreshed yourself, you can spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing in the lodge or perhaps take a walk around the village.
Accommodation: Four Gorillas Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 11: Bwindi – Lake Mburo (travel time approx. 5 hours)
After an early breakfast, you will leave the cloud forests and travel to Lake Mburo National Park. This smallest savannah national park in the country is far too often overlooked by travelers, yet it boasts an idyllic hilly landscape and a truly unique wildlife. Besides the Kidepo Valley, Lake Mburo is the only place in Uganda where you can observe zebras. The park is also a haven for giant eland, topi, impala, and over 350 bird species, including the rare papyrus shrike. In the afternoon, you’ll embark on an extended game drive through the acacia valleys. Alternatively, you can enjoy the spectacular views from your lodge, perched atop a high rock formation, offering the perfect vantage point for gazing at the African night sky.
Accommodation: Mihingo Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 12: Mburo – Entebbe (travel time approx. 4 hours) – return flight
In the morning, you will embark on a guided walking safari, experiencing the flora and fauna from a completely different perspective than during the game drives of the past few days. On foot, you will notice the subtle details of nature and gain fascinating insights into the park’s ecosystem. Afterwards, you’ll bid farewell to this beautiful corner of Africa. You will stop at the equator for a leisurely lunch before continuing your journey towards the capital. You will arrive in Entebbe in the late afternoon. A day room is available for you to freshen up and relax before your departure. Finally, you will be transferred to the airport in time for your international flight. With the red dust of Uganda clinging to your shoes and unforgettable memories in your mind, you will begin your journey home. We wish you a safe and pleasant trip home!
Accommodation: The Boma Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Inclusions
- All park entrance fees
- Experienced English-speaking driver/guide
- All meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Game drives as indicated in the itinerary
- Drinking water in the vehicle
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure
- 1 night at The Boma Hotel
- 1 overnight stay at the Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch
- 3 nights at Murchison River Lodge – Thatched Cottages
- 2 nights at Turaco Treetops Lodge – Standard Cottage
- 1 night at Elephant Hab Lodge
- 2 nights at the Four Gorilla Safari Lodge
- 1 night at Mihingo Lodge
- Day rooms in Entebbe
- Shoebill tour in Mbamba
- Rhino tracking in the Ziwa Rhino Ranch
- Visit Top of the Falls
- Boat trip at Murchison Falls
- Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale (permit included)
- Bigodi Swamp hike in Kibale Forest
- Boat trip on the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- 1 x Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi National Park
- Game walk in Mburo National Park
exclusions
- International flights to Uganda & Kenya
- Kenya ETA entry fee
- Uganda visa (approx. USD 50)
- Tips
- Personal expenses
- Excursions not mentioned in the program
- Travel and cancellation insurance
Greenway nature tours
We are a fully licensed tour company accredited by the Uganda Tourism Board. We design and operate safaris in Uganda and East Africa. Our operations are based in Kampala, Uganda, the heart of our safari planning and coordination. Though our company was officially established in 2025, our team brings deep, hands-on knowledge of East Africa.
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