12-Day Uganda Fly-in Safari

Uganda, often referred to as the “Pearl of Africa,” offers an unrivalled adventure for wildlife enthusiasts. This 12-day Uganda Fly-in Safari blends the thrilling experiences of gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, and game viewing in some of the most iconic national parks in the country. Travelers will explore Murchison Falls National Park, Semliki Wildlife Reserve, Kibale National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The 12-Day Uganda Fly-in Safari has been designed to allow travelers to enjoy a diverse range of African wildlife, including the “Big Five,” rare primates like mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, and unforgettable landscapes.

In this detailed 12-Day Uganda Fly-in Safari, we’ve woven luxury and comfort with unforgettable experiences, including cultural interactions with local communities. The fly-in option ensures a more relaxed and seamless 12-Day Uganda Fly-in Safari experience, avoiding long road journeys and allowing more time for wildlife viewing. The strategic flights between parks will also offer magnificent aerial views of Uganda’s natural beauty.

 

Detailed 12-Day Uganda Fly-in Safari

Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport - Fly to Murchison Falls National Park

Morning: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport

Your 12-Day Uganda Fly-in Safari begins at Entebbe International Airport where you’ll be greeted by a representative from Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd. You’ll be assisted with your check-in process and briefed on your upcoming adventure. Shortly after, you will board a scheduled flight to Murchison Falls National Park, one of Uganda’s largest and most renowned game reserves.

Afternoon: Visit to the Top of Murchison Falls

Upon arrival at the park, you will be transferred to the park headquarters for a quick briefing. In the afternoon, you’ll head to the Top of Murchison Falls, where the Nile River forces its way through a narrow gorge, creating the world’s most powerful waterfall. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to take in stunning panoramic views of the falls and surrounding landscapes.

Evening: Check-in at Your Lodge and Dinner

After the waterfall excursion, you’ll check in to a luxury lodge near the park, where you can unwind, have dinner, and enjoy the tranquility of the park’s surroundings.

  • Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge
  • Meal Plan: Full Board Basis
Day 2: Full Day Game Viewing in Murchison Falls National Park

Morning: Game Drive in Murchison Falls National Park

Start your day early with a morning game drive in Murchison Falls National Park, a renowned 12-Day Uganda Fly-in Safari destination teeming with wildlife. During the drive, keep an eye out for the iconic African elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, lions, and leopards. The park’s diverse ecosystems also provide an opportunity to spot a variety of bird species.

Afternoon: Boat Safari to the Base of Murchison Falls

In the afternoon, you’ll embark on a boat safari along the Nile River to the base of the falls. The boat ride offers close-up encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and water birds. The sight of the falls from the water is spectacular and is one of the highlights of the park. You will also have the chance to see elephants and buffaloes coming to drink at the riverbanks.

Evening: Return to Lodge and Dinner

After your boat safari, return to your lodge for a relaxing evening. Enjoy a delicious dinner as you reflect on the day’s adventures.

  • Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge
  • Meal Plan: Full Board Basis
Day 3: Game Drive and Transfer to Semliki Wildlife Reserve

Morning: Morning Game Drive

After breakfast, you’ll set off for another morning game drive in Murchison Falls National Park. During this drive, you’ll explore different parts of the park and have the chance to spot animals that may have eluded you the previous day.

Afternoon: Flight to Semliki Wildlife Reserve

In the afternoon, you’ll be transferred to Pakuba Airstrip for your flight to Semliki Wildlife Reserve. This remote reserve is known for its rich biodiversity and stunning scenery. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your accommodation in the reserve for check-in.

Evening: Dinner and Overnight at the Lodge

After a day of exploration, enjoy a relaxing evening at your lodge. Dinner will be served, followed by a peaceful night in the wilderness.

  • Accommodation: Semuliki Safari Lodge
  • Meal Plan: Full Board Basis
Day 4: Game Drive in Semliki Wildlife Reserve - Transfer to Fort Portal

Morning: Game Drive in Semliki Wildlife Reserve

Spend the morning on a game drive through the Semliki Wildlife Reserve. This area is home to a variety of wildlife, including antelopes, buffaloes, hippos, and crocodiles. The landscape here is breathtaking, with views of the distant Rwenzori Mountains and the extensive savannah plains.

Afternoon: Visit to the Hot Springs

In the afternoon, visit the hot springs in the reserve. The hot springs offer a unique experience, with bubbling water from deep within the earth. This is a perfect spot for relaxation and photography.

Late Afternoon: Transfer to Fort Portal

After your visit to the hot springs, continue your 12-Day Uganda Fly-in Safari journey to Fort Portal, a scenic town nestled at the base of the Rwenzori Mountains. The drive to Fort Portal offers picturesque views of rural African farms, lush hills, and traditional villages.

Evening: Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary and Dinner

Upon arrival in Fort Portal, you’ll visit the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, home to an array of bird species and primates. The local community offers an insightful and authentic cultural experience. Afterward, check in at your lodge and enjoy dinner.

Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale National Park

Morning: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale

After breakfast, head to Kibale National Park, known for its high concentration of chimpanzees. Kibale is home to 13 different primate species, including the famous chimpanzees. You will join a professional 12-Day Uganda Fly-in Safari guide and trek through the forest to find and observe these incredible creatures in their natural habitat. The trek is an exciting challenge, and the moment of encountering the chimps is unforgettable.

Afternoon: Primate Walk in Bigodi Wetland

In the afternoon, enjoy a primate walk in Bigodi Wetland, a unique ecosystem home to various primates, birds, and butterflies. It is an ideal place for wildlife photography and offers an insight into the local biodiversity.

Evening: Return to Lodge and Dinner

After a full day of chimpanzee tracking and exploration, return to your lodge for relaxation and dinner.

  • Accommodation: Kibale Forest Camp
  • Meal Plan: Full Board Basis
Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Morning: Depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s second-largest park. The drive is scenic, and you will have the chance to spot wildlife along the way. The park is home to diverse wildlife, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and more.

Afternoon: Check-in at Lodge and Relax

Upon arrival, check in at your luxury lodge inside or near the park. After checking in, enjoy a delicious lunch and relax at the lodge. The surrounding area is tranquil, offering stunning views of the park and Lake George.

Evening: Evening Game Drive

In the late afternoon, embark on an evening game drive to spot nocturnal animals. The game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park are spectacular, with ample opportunities to see wildlife in action.

  • Accommodation: Aardvark Safari Lodge
  • Meal Plan: Full Board Basis
Day 7: Game Drive and Boat Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Morning: Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Start the day with a morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park. During this drive, you will explore the park’s diverse ecosystems, including savannah grasslands and acacia forests, in search of lions, elephants, buffaloes, and other wildlife.

Afternoon: Boat Safari on the Kazinga Channel

In the afternoon, enjoy a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel, a waterway that connects Lake George and Lake Edward. The boat trip provides close-up encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species. The shores of the channel are often lined with buffaloes and elephants.

Evening: Return to Lodge and Dinner

After the boat safari, return to your lodge for a well-deserved rest and dinner.

  • Accommodation: Aardvark Safari Lodge
  • Meal Plan: Full Board Basis
Day 8: Game Drive and Forest Walk in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Morning: Game Drive in Ishasha Sector

In the morning, embark on a game drive in the Ishasha Sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions. The park’s Ishasha region is renowned for these rare lions, which are often seen lounging in the trees, providing a unique and captivating experience.

Afternoon: Forest Walk in Maramagambo Forest

In the afternoon, enjoy a guided forest walk in Maramagambo Forest. This forest is home to various primates, birds, and fascinating flora. The walk offers insight into the ecological importance of the forest and a chance to spot wildlife in a more intimate setting.

Evening: Dinner and Overnight at Lodge

After a full day of exploration, return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

  • Accommodation: Enjojo Lodge
  • Meal Plan: Full Board Basis
Day 9: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Morning: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After breakfast, set off on a scenic drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, one of Uganda’s most famous national parks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bwindi is home to more than half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas, making it the ultimate destination for gorilla trekking.

Afternoon: Community Walk in Bwindi

Upon arrival, you can take an optional guided community walk to learn about the Batwa Pygmies and the local farming communities. You’ll also have a chance to engage with the locals and explore the stunning surroundings of the park.

Evening: Dinner and Relaxation

After your walk, enjoy dinner at your lodge and prepare for your gorilla trekking adventure the following day.

  • Accommodation: Four Gorillas Lodge
  • Meal Plan: Full Board Basis
Day 10: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Morning: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Today is the highlight of your 12-Day Uganda Fly-in Safari: gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Early in the morning, your guide will accompany you to the park headquarters for a briefing. You will then trek into the dense rainforest in search of a gorilla family. Tracking these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat is an awe-inspiring experience.

Afternoon: Return to Lodge and Relax

After your thrilling trek, return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. The afternoon is free for you to unwind and reflect on your encounter with the mountain gorillas.

Evening: Dinner and Overnight at Lodge

Enjoy dinner at your lodge and a restful night after an unforgettable day.

  • Accommodation: Four Gorillas Lodge
  • Meal Plan: Full Board Basis
Day 11: Golden Monkey Tracking or Cultural Experiences

Morning: Golden Monkey Tracking or Coffee Tour

On day 11, choose between golden monkey tracking in the Volcanoes or a coffee tour to learn about Uganda’s rich coffee heritage. Alternatively, you can visit the Batwa Pygmies for an immersive cultural experience.

Afternoon: Canoe Trekking on Lake Mutanda

In the afternoon, embark on a canoe trekking adventure on Lake Mutanda, where you’ll have the opportunity to paddle through the serene waters while enjoying the beautiful scenery.

  • Accommodation: Four Gorillas Lodge
  • Meal Plan: Full Board Basis
Day 12: Departure from Kisoro or Kihihi Airstrip

Morning: Transfer to Kisoro or Kihihi

breakfast, you will be transferred to Kisoro or Kihihi Airstrip for your flight back to Entebbe International Airport for your departure. Reflect on the incredible experiences you’ve had and the memories you’ve created on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

  • Accommodation: none
  • Meal Plan: Full Board Basis

12-Day Uganda Fly-in Safari Inclusions and Exclusions

Inclusions:

  • Domestic flights within Uganda (Murchison Falls, Semliki, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi)
  • Accommodation in luxury lodges and camps
  • Gorilla trekking permits
  • Game drives and boat safaris
  • Park entrance fees
  • Experienced safari guide
  • Airport transfers and all transportation
  • Meals (as specified)

Cultural experiences and community walks

Exclusions:

  • International flights
  • Optional activities (golden monkey tracking, Batwa visit, etc.)
  • Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, tips)
  • Travel insurance
  • Drinks and alcoholic beverages

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