12 Days Uganda Adventure & Wildlife
from $4200 per person
This 12 Days Uganda Adventure & Wildlife Safari is designed for travelers seeking a diverse and immersive journey through the very best of Uganda. It combines thrilling wildlife encounters, scenic landscapes, cultural experiences, primate adventures, and unforgettable game drives across some of the country’s most remarkable destinations. From tracking chimpanzees in lush forests to searching for elephants, lions, hippos, and other wildlife on safari, each day offers a new experience. The journey also showcases Uganda’s spectacular lakes, rivers, forests, and savannah plains, while comfortable accommodation and carefully planned transfers ensure a relaxed and rewarding experience. This safari is ideal for couples, families, solo travelers, and small groups looking to explore Uganda beyond a single destination and experience the natural beauty and authentic adventure of the Pearl of Africa.
Safari Details: 12 Days Uganda Adventure & Wildlife
Overview
Duration: 12 Days / 11 Nights
Destination: Uganda
Safari Type: Adventure & Wildlife Safari
Start Point: Kampala or Entebbe, Uganda
End Point: Kampala or Entebbe, Uganda
Main Activities: Game Drives, Chimpanzee Tracking, Wildlife Viewing, Boat Safari, Nature & Scenic Experiences
Additional Activities: Equator Experience, Cultural Encounters, Community Visits, Nature Walks (Optional)
Accommodation: Luxury, Mid-range, or Budget Lodges
Best Time to Visit: June to September and December to February
This 12 Days Uganda Adventure & Wildlife Safari is an immersive journey through some of Uganda's most remarkable landscapes, national parks, forests, and wildlife destinations. Designed for travelers who want to experience more than one side of the Pearl of Africa, the safari combines thrilling game drives, primate encounters, scenic adventures, boat cruises, and authentic cultural experiences into one carefully planned journey.
The adventure takes you across Uganda's diverse landscapes, from the rolling countryside and lush tropical forests to vast savannah plains, crater lakes, and wildlife-rich waterways. Along the way, you have opportunities to encounter elephants, lions, buffaloes, hippos, chimpanzees, antelopes, and numerous bird species while enjoying the changing scenery of the Ugandan countryside.
A highlight of the journey is the opportunity to explore Uganda's renowned wildlife destinations through guided game drives and boat experiences. You may venture into the wilderness in search of Africa's iconic wildlife, explore forest trails in search of chimpanzees, and cruise along scenic waterways where hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and abundant birdlife can often be observed from the water.
Beyond wildlife, the safari creates opportunities to experience Uganda's natural beauty and local culture. Scenic drives, community interactions, the Equator experience, and carefully selected nature activities add depth to the journey, allowing travelers to discover the country beyond its national parks.
Whether you are planning your first visit to Uganda or returning for a deeper African adventure, this 12 Days Uganda Adventure & Wildlife Safari offers a well-rounded way to discover the country's extraordinary wildlife, landscapes, forests, waterways, and cultural character—all while traveling at a comfortable and enjoyable pace.
Detailed Itinerary: 12 Days Uganda Adventure & Wildlife
Day 1: Arrival in Uganda – Transfer to Your Hotel in Kampala or Entebbe
Your Uganda adventure begins with a warm welcome upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport. Your professional driver-guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Entebbe or Kampala, depending on your arrival time.
If you arrive early, you may have time to relax after your flight or enjoy a short introduction to the surrounding area. Travelers arriving later can simply settle into their accommodation and prepare for the exciting days ahead.
Your guide will brief you about the safari, including the journey ahead, expected travel times, wildlife experiences, and any activities planned for the following days.
Accommodation: Hotel in Kampala or Entebbe
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park – Rhino Tracking En Route
After breakfast, depart Kampala or Entebbe and begin your journey northwestern Uganda toward Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda's largest national park.
The drive provides an interesting introduction to rural Uganda as you travel through towns, villages, farmland, and changing landscapes. Along the way, visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided rhino tracking experience. Accompanied by an experienced ranger, you will walk through the sanctuary in search of southern white rhinos and learn about Uganda's rhino conservation efforts.
After the experience, continue toward Murchison Falls National Park with lunch en route. Enter the park and continue toward your lodge, keeping an eye out for wildlife along the way.
Arrive at your lodge, check in, and relax as you prepare for the following day's wildlife adventure.
Accommodation: Lodge in Murchison Falls National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Cruise on the Nile
Wake up early for breakfast before setting out on a morning game drive across the northern sector of Murchison Falls National Park.
The early morning hours offer excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing as animals become active in the cooler conditions. Your guide will search for elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, antelopes, lions, warthogs, and other wildlife that inhabit the park's open savannah plains.
Return to the lodge for lunch and some time to relax.
In the afternoon, embark on a boat cruise along the Victoria Nile toward the base of Murchison Falls. From the water, you can observe large concentrations of hippos and crocodiles while elephants, buffaloes, and other wildlife may be seen along the riverbanks. The cruise also provides excellent opportunities for birdwatching and photography.
Return to the lodge in the evening and enjoy a relaxing dinner.
Accommodation: Lodge in Murchison Falls National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Murchison Falls Safari – Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
After breakfast, enjoy an early morning game drive as you exit Murchison Falls National Park.
The drive continues south toward Fort Portal and the forested landscapes of western Uganda. Along the way, you will pass through rural communities, tea-growing areas, farms, and scenic countryside.
Enjoy lunch en route before continuing toward Kibale Forest National Park, renowned for its remarkable population of chimpanzees and other primates.
Arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon or evening. Spend the evening relaxing in the peaceful surroundings of the forest.
Accommodation: Lodge near Kibale Forest National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi Wetland Experience
After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing before beginning your chimpanzee tracking experience in Kibale Forest.
Kibale is one of Africa's most important primate forests, and the trek provides an opportunity to observe chimpanzees in their natural environment. As you walk through the forest, you may encounter other primates including red colobus monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabeys.
After the chimpanzee experience, return for lunch and some relaxation.
In the afternoon, visit the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a guided nature and community walk. The wetland supports abundant birdlife, primates, butterflies, and other wildlife while also providing an opportunity to learn about local community conservation initiatives.
Return to your lodge in the evening.
Accommodation: Lodge near Kibale Forest National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Crater Lakes and Scenic Landscapes
After breakfast, depart Kibale and travel toward Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The journey takes you through the spectacular landscapes surrounding Fort Portal, including tea plantations, crater lakes, rolling hills, and traditional villages. Depending on time, you may stop at one of the area's scenic crater lakes for photographs and a short exploration.
Continue toward Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda's most diverse wildlife destinations.
After lunch, enter the park and enjoy a scenic drive toward your accommodation. The landscape gradually changes from lush green countryside to open savannah, creating the perfect setting for the wildlife experiences ahead.
Arrive at your lodge and spend the evening relaxing.
Accommodation: Lodge in or near Queen Elizabeth National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Wake up early and enjoy breakfast before setting out for a morning game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Your guide will explore different tracks in search of elephants, buffaloes, lions, Uganda kob, warthogs, antelopes, and other wildlife. The park's diverse habitats create opportunities for both wildlife viewing and photography.
Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation.
In the afternoon, embark on a boat cruise along the famous Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake Edward and Lake George. The channel attracts one of the highest concentrations of hippos in Uganda, while crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and numerous water birds can often be observed along its shores.
Return to your lodge after the cruise and enjoy your evening in the heart of Uganda's wilderness.
Accommodation: Lodge in or near Queen Elizabeth National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 8: Queen Elizabeth National Park – Ishasha Sector Wildlife Adventure
After breakfast, depart for the southern Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The journey takes you through beautiful savannah landscapes with opportunities for wildlife viewing along the way. Ishasha is particularly known for its tree-climbing lions, although sightings are naturally dependent on wildlife movements and conditions on the day.
Enjoy a game drive through the sector while searching for lions, elephants, buffaloes, topi, Uganda kob, and other wildlife.
Continue to your lodge in the Ishasha area for an overnight stay surrounded by the wilderness.
Accommodation: Lodge in Ishasha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 9: Ishasha to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Scenic Journey
Enjoy breakfast before departing Ishasha toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
The journey takes you through some of southwestern Uganda's most spectacular landscapes. As you approach Bwindi, the open savannah gradually gives way to forest-covered mountains, terraced hills, and small rural communities.
The scenery becomes increasingly dramatic as you enter the Kigezi Highlands, with winding roads passing through steep hills and valleys.
Arrive at your lodge in the afternoon or evening and check in. The remainder of the day is reserved for relaxation and preparation for the following day's forest adventure.
Accommodation: Lodge near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 10: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After an early breakfast, transfer to the designated park headquarters for registration and a briefing from Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers.
You will then begin your gorilla trekking experience accompanied by experienced ranger guides and trackers. The trek takes place through the ancient rainforest of Bwindi, where steep terrain, dense vegetation, and changing conditions make every trek unique.
Along the trail, you may encounter forest birds, monkeys, butterflies, and fascinating plant life as you make your way deeper into the forest.
The highlight comes when you locate your assigned gorilla family. You will have the opportunity to spend one hour observing these remarkable animals in their natural habitat. Watch as they feed, rest, groom, play, and interact with one another while the silverback keeps watch over the group.
After the trek, return to the park headquarters and receive your gorilla trekking certificate before returning to your lodge.
Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing and reflecting on one of Africa's most memorable wildlife experiences.
Accommodation: Lodge near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 11: Bwindi to Lake Bunyonyi – Scenic Highlands and Relaxation
After breakfast, depart Bwindi and travel toward Lake Bunyonyi, one of Uganda's most scenic highland lakes.
The journey takes you through the rolling landscapes of southwestern Uganda, with terraced hills, farms, villages, and dramatic mountain scenery along the way.
Arrive at Lake Bunyonyi and check into your lodge overlooking the lake.
Spend the afternoon enjoying the peaceful surroundings. Depending on your interests, you may take a boat trip across the lake, visit some of its numerous islands, enjoy a nature walk, or simply relax and appreciate the spectacular scenery.
Lake Bunyonyi provides a tranquil final chapter to your adventure before returning to central Uganda.
Accommodation: Lodge at Lake Bunyonyi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 12: Lake Bunyonyi to Kampala or Entebbe – End of Safari
After breakfast, begin your return journey to Kampala or Entebbe.
The drive takes you through the beautiful countryside of southwestern Uganda, offering a final opportunity to appreciate the landscapes and communities encountered during your safari.
Enjoy lunch en route before continuing toward central Uganda. Depending on your schedule, a stop at the Equator crossing may be included for photographs, shopping, or a short refreshment break.
Continue to Kampala or Entebbe, where you will be dropped off at your hotel or Entebbe International Airport, marking the end of your 12 Days Uganda Adventure & Wildlife Safari.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Trip Includes
- Airport arrival and departure transfers
- Private safari transportation in a comfortable 4x4 safari vehicle
- Services of a professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Fuel and vehicle-related safari expenses
- Accommodation for 11 nights in selected lodges
- Meals as specified in the itinerary
- All scheduled game drives
- Chimpanzee tracking permit in Kibale Forest National Park
- Mountain gorilla trekking permit in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Boat cruise on the Victoria Nile in Murchison Falls National Park
- Boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Rhino tracking experience at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
- Bigodi Wetland nature/community experience
- Park entrance fees for the scheduled activities
- Ranger and guide services for gorilla and chimpanzee activities
- Lake Bunyonyi boat experience, where included in the final itinerary
- All applicable government taxes and tourism fees
- Drinking water during safari drives
- All activities and excursions specifically mentioned in the itinerary
- Emergency assistance and 24-hour safari support
Trip Excludes
- International flights to and from Uganda
- Uganda visa and entry-related fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal medical or travel insurance
- COVID-19 tests or other medical expenses, if required
- Meals and drinks not specifically mentioned in the itinerary
- Alcoholic and premium beverages
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, and souvenirs
- Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, lodge staff, and rangers
- Optional activities not included in the itinerary
- Porter fees for gorilla or chimpanzee trekking, unless specifically included
- Personal hiking gear, clothing, or trekking equipment
- Excess baggage or luggage-related charges
- Any additional accommodation required before or after the safari
- Costs arising from changes to the itinerary requested by the traveler
- Any other services not specifically listed under What's Included
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What our travelers say
Robert KVerified
Bucket list seeing the Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Just an awesome trip . Everything went smoothly from booking to the end . All was as promised never missed anything , always on time , friendly etc. resort that was recommended was perfect , great food , comfortable . Saw the gorillas easily all was perfect . Jonathan the owner even took me in Kampala to buy the right clothes , took me him self . Noel and driver were excellent , never an issue they really cared. I trust this company , will use them again and highly recommend .
Maltes TravellerHighly recommended We had a wonderful experience with Jonathan. He welcomed us at the airport and took great care of us from the moment we arrived until the end of our trip. The selection of hotels was impeccable, and the route he designed was perfectly planned. Jonathan is extremely knowledgeable about wildlife and went the extra mile to make sure we saw lions and all of the Big Five during our visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park. He was always attentive, patient, and eager to make our experience unforgettable. We couldn’t have asked for a better guide — highly recommended!
bharti nExceptional experience, enriching and truly unforgettable. From the moment we landed we received a warm welcome. Jonathan was friendly and readily available to answer any queries throughout our trip. He was incredibly accommodating with our requests to visit schools, residences ensuring that we achieved everything we wanted from the trip. We had a great time with Jonathan and driver Isaac. Jonathan was very funny and very knowledgeable he became part of the family and the time just flew whilst we were there, we felt safe at all times. The food at each venue catered for all our needs. Definitely leant a lot on this trip. Just need to be aware that food ordered in restaurants do take a long time as they make it from scratch so if pushed for time might be advisable to pre order. We had unforgettable holiday and this company went above and beyond to make every moment special. I would recommend them to anyone.
vjparGreat service from this local company We done a road trip across East Africa from Uganda to Tanzania. Jonathan and his team facilitated our trip across Uganda and Kenya which proved to be a very enjoyable experience. Guided knowledge provided by Jonathan was excellent as was his humor and wit. We always felt safe and informed, he managed the journey very well indeed. We would definitely use Jonathan's services again.
Adam John SmithMagical Uganda Safari Journey – February 2025! I had an unforgettable experience with Ababa Uganda Safaris! From the moment I arrived, everything was well-organized, and the team was incredibly friendly and professional. The tour guides were knowledgeable, sharing fascinating insights about the wildlife and culture. Seeing gorillas up close in Bwindi and exploring Queen Elizabeth National Park was a dream come true. The accommodations were comfortable, and every detail was taken care of. I truly felt immersed in Uganda’s beauty without any stress. If you're planning a trip to Uganda, I highly recommend Ababa Uganda Safaris for a seamless and memorable adventure!
MadhviVerified
.gorilla trek Our KQ flight was horribly delayed. From 2.30 pm to arriving @ almost 3 am the following day. Jonathan kindly arranged for airport pick at this early hour of day and even rescheduled our departure for bwindi so we could get some rest. That was very accommodating.the drive to bwindi was a long drive -11 hrs- n he informed hotel of our late arrival. The lodge he chose for us was good and comfortable. However the vehicle for transporti g us could be better as it was quite hot without air conditioning. Gorilla trek was good but tough. Overall Ababa safaris were very accommodating. I wouldrecommend them. The hotel in Kampala- Speke hotel leaves a lot to be desired
mo-marvinSuch a wonderful experience!! My family and I contacted Jonathan to help us plan our first Murchison Falls safari. Jonathan arranged our transport from Kampala, with a stop at Ziwa Rhino sanctuary and guided game drives through Murchison falls. Ronnie, our professional driver and guide, was very knowledgeable and paid close attention to details to make us comfortable. He met with us a day before takeoff to answer any outstanding questions and recommended a time for us to set off to avoid any traffic. His experience made our trip even more enjoyable because we knew what to expect for entry fees into the park, where to stop to use clean washrooms, eat good food, and also what side of the boat cruise to sit on for the best views! We saw lions, elephants, giraffes, job, rhinos, buffaloes and many other animals. We would definitely go with them for our next safari in Uganda! They had great communication, value for money, professionalism, knowledge of the industry and were very reliable.
Katelyn OA must-hire company! Punctual, professional, great communication. We used Ababa Safaris for a trip from Kampala to Murchison Falls National Park. I would HIGHLY recommend! Our driver picked us up in a large safari vehicle with a pop up roof. The driver was very punctual and had excellent communication while preparing for the trip and during the trip. Ronnie took us to a nice restaurant for a rest stop that had clean bathrooms and good food. He was friendly with many people we met along the way at the Rhino Sanctuary, on the safari trails, and at our chosen lodging. It felt as though he had good connections with people, which we took as a good sign. Ronnie was very knowledgeable about the best places to see the animals and gave us a great safari experience. As the person in the family who does much of the planning, it was a very enjoyable experience to hand all of that over to Ababa and really get to enjoy myself.
HoehlenhonkAnimals and beautiful nature in Uganda and Rwanda From being picked-up from Entebbe airport in the middle of the night until the drop-off eleven days later in Kigali it was a perfect tour. Jonathan, our guide, and the driver Moses was a perfect team - very friendly, knowledgable and always in time. We visited Entebbe for a tour through the botanical gardens and the zoo, did safaris and boat trips in Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth NP and did trekkings to the chimpazees in Kibale and to the mountain gorillas in Rwanda. The primates are a must visit when you travel to this region. It's expensive but worth every dollar. The safari parks are of course not as rich in animals as for example the Masai Mara. But they are much cheaper, there are much lesser tourists and nevertheless it doesn't become boring regarding animal sightings. We saw a lot of different antelopes, beautiful giraffes, lions, many elephants, buffalos, a lot of hippos and crocodiles and much more. The choice of hotels was very good, simple and cheap where there was only a short overnight stay and a bit more expensive where it was worth to spend the money for staying close to the places of interest, e.g. close to the starting point for primate trekkings or in the middle of QENP and Murchison NP for not loosing game-drive-time.
Dilip PUGANDA SAFARI WITH ABABA We had a nice holiday with ABABA SAFARI in Uganda it was a nice experience in Uganda and the travel agent as well especially Jonathan was our tour guide very nice person he was always very helpful and kind. we traveled about 1200km but had no problem I am a vegetarian and wherever we go he always arranges something for me i recommend them at and competitive price I give them a 5-star