Our 12-Day Itinerary: UGANDA Safari

Are YOU dreaming of an unforgettable safari in Uganda? Join us as we recount our recent 12-day journey through Uganda, a country brimming with natural beauty, diverse wildlife, cultural experiences, and thrilling adventures. In this post, we’ll provide an overview of our itinerary and share a detailed video that breaks down each day of our trip, highlighting the incredible experiences we had to help you envision YOUR next trip to Uganda.

Why We Visited Uganda

As a safari travel advisor, I help travelers get the most out of their wildlife experiences in destinations like Uganda. This means I personally vet tour operators and hospitality experiences to make sure I’m recommending the best of the best when it comes to safaris.

I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Uganda several times, and through these visits I’ve formed invaluable relationships and scoured the best features to ensure YOUR trip is unforgettable.

Are YOU Interested in a custom-tailored itinerary that matches your travel preferences? Do YOU want to see the best of Uganda? Send me a safari inquiry by filling out the form here, and my team will send you an itinerary+quote that’s best suited for you and your budget. We look forward to bringing your safari dreams to life!

The view from our Buhoma Lodge balcony in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Receiving our Gorilla Tracking Certificates at the Buhoma HQ
Rothschild’s giraffes embracing in Murchison Falls National Park

Itinerary Video

In this safari insights video, I break down my recent 12-day safari itinerary through Uganda, The Pearl of Africa, showcasing some of the most incredible wildlife destinations, immersive lodges, and cultural experiences this country has to offer. I invite you to watch this itinerary video to learn all about this biodiverse destination and its unique experiences:

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll visit: Entebbe – the gateway city to exploring the wild wonders of Uganda. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – an important conservation site where you can witness one of the Big 5. Murchison Falls National Park – Where the mighty Nile River bursts through a narrow gorge creating stunning falls and amazing wildlife. Queen Elizabeth National Park – Famous for its diverse ecosystems, boat cruises, and big game. Kibale National Park – A must-visit for its world-renowned chimpanzee tracking. Ishasha Sector – Home to the iconic tree-climbing lions. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – Gorilla trekking through the dense forests is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Nkuringo – An idyllic area on the edge of Bwindi, offering breathtaking views and more gorilla encounters. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park – Known for both gorilla trekking and the rare golden monkey tracking.

Itinerary Overview

Read on to follow a quick summary of our adventure, complemented by some photos from our trip!

Landing in Entebbe

Our adventure began in Entebbe, the gateway city to the wild wonders of Uganda. From the moment we landed at the Entebbe International Airport, we felt the excitement of exploring one of Africa’s most stunning destinations.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Our first stop was the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, a vital conservation area dedicated to protecting these magnificent creatures. Here, we had the chance to see rhinos up close, a truly remarkable experience that set the tone for our safari.

Murchison Falls National Park

Next, we traveled to Murchison Falls National Park, named after Murchison Falls where the mighty Nile River roars through a narrow gorge, creating breathtaking waterfalls. This park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, and we were lucky enough to witness elephants, giraffes, and various bird species during our game drives and boat cruises.

A leopard sighting in Murchison Falls National Park
A hartebeest in Murchison Falls National Park
Looking down the Devil’s Cauldron, part of Murchison Falls

Equator Crossing

As we traveled through Uganda, we couldn’t resist stopping at the famous equator line, where we stood with one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and the other in the Southern Hemisphere—a fun photo opportunity and a unique experience that truly highlighted the geographical beauty of this amazing country!

Shelley’s in the Northern Hemisphere, I’m in the Southern

Kibale National Park

One of the highlights of our trip was Kibale National Park, famous for its incredible chimpanzee tracking experiences. Hiking through lush rainforests and observing these playful primates in their natural habitat was an awe-inspiring moment that we’ll never forget.

Tracking chimpanzees in Kibale National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Continuing our journey, we arrived at Queen Elizabeth National Park, renowned for its diverse ecosystems and rich wildlife. We embarked on a memorable boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, where we encountered hippos and crocodiles while marveling at the picturesque scenery.

Ishasha Sector

In the Ishasha Sector, we sought out the iconic tree-climbing lions. This unique behavior, combined with the stunning savannah landscape, made for an extraordinary game drive as we spotted these magnificent animals resting in the branches.

The tree-climbing lions of Ishasha

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

No trip to Uganda would be complete without gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The thrill of encountering these gentle giants in their natural environment was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and we were in awe of their beauty and grace.

Group photo with the skilled gorilla trackers
Face-to-face with a dominant silverback gorilla
The entrance of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Buhoma)

Nkuringo

Our adventure continued in Nkuringo, an idyllic area on the edge of Bwindi, offering breathtaking views and even more gorilla encounters. We hiked from Buhoma to reach our next lodge, the beautiful Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge. It’s here we relaxed and enjoyed a day of serenity on the property. The peaceful surroundings made it a perfect spot to reflect on our incredible journey.

Hiking through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
A safari sundowner
A cup of locally-sourced Ugandan coffee, overlooking Bwindi

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Finally, we explored Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, known for both gorilla trekking and the rare golden monkey tracking. The stunning landscapes and unique wildlife made this a fitting end to our safari adventure.

Plan + Book Your Own Safari Adventure

As a dedicated safari travel advisor, I’m passionate about helping you create your dream trip to Uganda or other stunning destinations across Africa. If you’re ready to embark on your own safari adventure, don’t hesitate to reach out through our linked safari inquiry form. I look forward to crafting the perfect itinerary tailored just for you!

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