12-Day Ultimate Uganda Safari Experience Tour Holiday

The 12-Day Ultimate Uganda Safari Experience with Deks Safaris and Tours is a remarkable journey designed for travelers seeking both adventure and discovery in Africa’s most diverse wilderness. This immersive expedition takes you from the semi-arid plains of Kidepo Valley National Park, Uganda’s most remote park, to the mist-shrouded jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas. Along the way, you will encounter iconic landscapes, rare wildlife, and cultural traditions that define Uganda as the true Pearl of Africa.

The 12-Day Ultimate Uganda Safari adventure begins with a flight into Kidepo Valley National Park, where wide golden plains stretch endlessly and unique species such as cheetahs, ostriches, and bat-eared foxes thrive. From Kidepo, the journey transitions to the savannah and river ecosystems of Murchison Falls National Park, where you will explore game-rich plains, cruise the Nile, and hike to the thunderous falls. Conservation experiences await at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, while the lush rainforests of Kibale Forest National Park introduce you to playful chimpanzees during a full-day habituation experience.

Safari Game Drives in Queen Elizbeth National Park

Further south, the itinerary unfolds in the wildlife haven of Queen Elizabeth National Park, where game drives across Kasenyi Plains and boat cruises on the Kazinga Channel deliver unforgettable safari moments. The journey culminates in the ancient rainforest of Bwindi, where you will spend extended hours with a gorilla family, witnessing their natural behavior up close. Alongside the wildlife encounters, community visits such as the Batwa cultural experience provide authentic cultural immersion.

Throughout the 12-Day Ultimate Uganda Safari journey, accommodations are thoughtfully selected to balance comfort with authenticity, offering serene lodges nestled in Uganda’s most stunning landscapes. With expert guides, seamless logistics, and a wealth of experiences, this 12-Day Ultimate Uganda Safari delivers Uganda’s most extraordinary natural and cultural treasures in one unforgettable journey.

12-Day Ultimate Uganda Safari Experience

Tour Quotation Based on 4 Travelers and Mid-Range Basis

• Rate Per Person: US$6,513
• Total Rate for 4 People Sharing: US$26,052

Detailed 12-Day Ultimate Uganda Safari

Day 1: Arrival and Flight to Kidepo Valley National Park – Into the Wild Frontier

The 12-Day Ultimate Uganda Safari begins with a warm pickup from your hotel in Entebbe, followed by a scheduled domestic flight to Kidepo Valley National Park, Uganda’s most isolated and pristine wilderness. Flying over rolling landscapes, mountains, and remote villages, the aerial views provide a spectacular introduction to the adventure ahead. Upon arrival at Kidepo Airstrip, your 12-Day Ultimate Uganda Safari guide transfers you to Kidepo Savannah Safari Lodge, your base for exploring this incredible park.

After check-in and lunch, you head out for your first game drive across the Narus Valley. Kidepo’s sweeping savannah plains are unlike any other, with vast golden grasslands stretching to the horizon and punctuated by rugged mountains. Wildlife sightings are exceptional, with herds of buffalo, elephants, zebras, giraffes, and hartebeests commonly encountered. Predators such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas roam freely here, making every game drive thrilling. The remote nature of the park ensures few crowds, offering a private safari feel.

The evening drive is complemented by the dramatic beauty of the setting sun over the park’s wilderness. Returning to the lodge, you enjoy dinner under starry skies, surrounded by the sounds of the wild. This day provides the perfect introduction to Uganda’s remote safari treasures, combining convenience, comfort, and unrivaled wilderness experiences.

Day 2: Full-Day Adventure in Kidepo – Game Drives, Walks, and Karamojong Culture

Day two is dedicated to a full-day exploration of Kidepo Valley National Park. After an early breakfast, you embark on a morning game drive, focusing on the Narus Valley, where water sources attract large herds of animals. You may spot cheetahs sprinting across the plains or lions perched on rocky outcrops surveying their territory. Birdlife is equally abundant, with ostriches, secretary birds, and kori bustards standing out among over 400 recorded species.

Later in the morning, a guided nature walk offers a more intimate exploration of the ecosystem. Walking across the savannah with an experienced 12-Day Ultimate Uganda Safari ranger brings you closer to wildlife and allows you to learn about smaller details of the landscape—tracks, plants, and animal behaviors often missed from a vehicle.

In the afternoon, the focus shifts to culture as you visit a nearby Karamojong homestead. These pastoral people share stories, dances, and traditions that reflect their deep connection to cattle and survival in this semi-arid environment. Their unique lifestyle provides rare cultural insights, contrasting beautifully with the wilderness adventures.

Return to Kidepo Savannah Safari Lodge in the evening for dinner and rest. Today offers a perfect balance of adventure, learning, and cultural enrichment, making Kidepo an unforgettable highlight of the safari.

Day 3: Morning Game Drive and Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

The day begins with a final morning game drive in Kidepo, offering one last chance to spot the park’s unique wildlife against the rising sun. The drive is unhurried, ensuring you capture memorable photos and take in the park’s unspoiled beauty before departing.

After breakfast, you begin the long but scenic road transfer to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s oldest and largest conservation area. The 12-Day Ultimate Uganda Safari journey showcases Uganda’s diversity, with rolling hills, traditional homesteads, and roadside markets dotting the landscape. Lunch is taken en route, offering a break during the drive.

By late afternoon, you arrive at Pakuba Safari Lodge, nestled in the northern sector of the park. This comfortable lodge provides excellent access to the park’s game-rich savannahs. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a short evening game drive or choose to relax at the lodge, soaking in the serene atmosphere. Dinner is served overlooking the wilderness, preparing you for exciting adventures in Murchison the following day.

Day 4: Game Drives and Nile Boat Cruise in Murchison Falls National Park

Today offers a classic safari experience in Murchison Falls National Park, where the savannah meets the mighty Nile. The morning begins with a game drive across the Buligi Circuit, one of the park’s most productive wildlife areas. Here, giraffes, elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and predators such as lions and leopards dominate the plains. The dramatic backdrop of the Nile and Rift Valley escarpments enhances the safari’s beauty.

After returning for breakfast and relaxation, the afternoon highlights a boat cruise along the Nile River. The cruise leads you upriver toward the base of Murchison Falls, where the Nile squeezes through a narrow gorge only seven meters wide before plunging into a frothing pool. Along the way, the riverbanks teem with hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and countless bird species. The sight of wildlife against the slow-moving waters is breathtaking.

In the evening, you may enjoy another short game drive before returning to Pakuba Safari Lodge. Dinner under the stars concludes a day filled with both land and water-based adventures.

Day 5: Top of the Falls, Rhino Tracking, and Transfer to Hoima

After breakfast, your journey begins with a hike to the Top of Murchison Falls, where the roaring Nile squeezes through rocky cliffs and plunges dramatically into the gorge. The view is both awe-inspiring and humbling, showcasing the raw power of nature.

The 12-Day Ultimate Uganda Safari journey then continues to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda where rhinos are being restored to the wild. A one-hour guided walk allows you to observe these massive creatures in their natural environment while learning about conservation efforts to protect them. This experience completes the Big Five sightings in Uganda.

By afternoon, you continue your drive to Hoima, a bustling town often referred to as the oil city. Accommodation is at Golden Castle Hotel, offering a comfortable overnight stay. Dinner is served as you relax and prepare for the next leg of your 12-Day Ultimate Uganda Safari into the rainforest world of Kibale.

Day 6: Road Transfer to Kibale Forest and Bigodi Swamp Walk

After an early breakfast, the 12-Day Ultimate Uganda Safari continues with a scenic road transfer to Kibale Forest National Park, famous for its primate diversity. Along the way, you pass through lush countryside, fertile farmland, and crater lakes, showcasing Uganda’s varied landscapes. Lunch is enjoyed en route.

Upon arrival, you check into Turaco Treetops Lodge, a beautiful forest lodge blending modern comfort with natural charm. After settling in, you embark on the Bigodi Swamp Walk, a community-led conservation project. The wetland is home to numerous primates, including red-tailed monkeys and black-and-white colobus monkeys, as well as colorful bird species such as the great blue turaco.

The walk also provides cultural interaction, as local guides share stories of how the swamp supports both biodiversity and community livelihoods. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay, surrounded by the peaceful sounds of the forest.

Day 7: Chimpanzee Habituation Experience in Kibale Forest

This day is dedicated to the chimpanzee habituation experience, an immersive activity that allows you to spend up to four hours with a chimpanzee community. After an early breakfast, you join researchers and rangers for a trek into Kibale’s lush forest.

The experience is more than observation; it involves following the chimps as they wake, feed, groom, and play throughout the day. You witness their intelligence, complex social structures, and striking similarities to human behavior. The encounter is intimate and educational, offering rare insights into conservation and primate research.

After this rewarding adventure, you return to Turaco Treetops Lodge for lunch and a relaxed afternoon. The lodge’s forested setting provides the perfect environment for unwinding. Dinner and overnight stay conclude a day of extraordinary connections with Uganda’s primates.

Day 8: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Game Drive and Kazinga Cruise

After breakfast, a short one-hour drive takes you to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most popular wildlife destinations. The morning begins with a game drive in the Kasenyi Plains, where lions, elephants, buffaloes, and Uganda kobs are commonly sighted. The open savannah provides excellent photography opportunities, framed by the distant Rwenzori Mountains.

In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, which links Lakes George and Edward. This waterway is famous for its dense concentrations of hippos and crocodiles, as well as abundant birdlife. Elephants and buffaloes are often spotted along the shores, creating fantastic scenes for wildlife photography.

After the cruise, return to Enshama Game Lodge for dinner and overnight stay. Today delivers a seamless blend of classic safari and river exploration.

Day 9: Full-Day Wildlife Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park

This day is reserved for another full day of game drives across Queen Elizabeth National Park. The Kasenyi and Mweya regions provide the best opportunities to spot lions, leopards, elephants, and a variety of antelope species. The diversity of habitats, from open savannah to crater lakes, ensures every drive brings new sightings.

In addition to the game drives, this day provides ample opportunity for wildlife photography. Queen Elizabeth is home to over 600 bird species, making it one of the richest birding destinations in Africa. Lunch is taken either at the lodge or as a picnic during the game drives.

The evening returns you to Enshama Game Lodge, where you can relax and share stories of the day’s sightings over dinner. The diversity and density of wildlife make Queen Elizabeth an unforgettable part of the 12-Day Ultimate Uganda Safari.

Day 10: Transfer to Bwindi – Batwa Cultural Experience

After breakfast, you set out for a scenic drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, traveling through rolling hills, tea plantations, and terraced landscapes. By afternoon, you arrive in the Rushaga Sector, one of the most famous gorilla trekking regions.

Before settling at your lodge, you embark on a Batwa cultural experience. The Batwa are the indigenous people of Bwindi, once forest dwellers and skilled hunters. During the visit, they share stories, dances, music, and demonstrations of traditional survival skills. This cultural interaction provides an authentic perspective on life in harmony with the forest.

Accommodation is at Rushaga Gorilla Lodge, where dinner and overnight stay prepare you for the next day’s life-changing gorilla habituation experience.

Day 11: Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi and Relaxation at the Lodge

The highlight of the safari unfolds today with the gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi. Unlike regular trekking, this unique activity allows you to spend up to four hours with a gorilla family. Guided by rangers and researchers, you trek deep into the forest, navigating dense vegetation and steep terrain.

Upon locating the gorillas, you witness their daily routines, including feeding, playing, and caring for young ones. The extended time creates a profound connection, offering unmatched opportunities for observation and photography. This 12-Day Ultimate Uganda Safari experience is considered one of the most remarkable wildlife encounters on earth.

In the afternoon, transfer to Rushaga Gorilla Lodge, a serene lodge overlooking the Virunga Volcanoes. The peaceful setting offers the perfect atmosphere to relax and reflect on the day’s adventure. Dinner and overnight at the resort complete a once-in-a-lifetime day.

Day 12: Departure – Flight from Kisoro to Entebbe

After breakfast, transfer to Kisoro Airstrip for your return flight to Entebbe International Airport. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for brief shopping or relaxation before your international departure.

This marks the conclusion of your 12-Day Ultimate Uganda Safari Experience with Deks Safaris and Tours. From remote savannahs to rainforest encounters, and from thrilling wildlife to cultural immersion, this safari has delivered Uganda’s finest natural and cultural treasures in one unforgettable journey.

12-Day Ultimate Uganda Safari Inclusions and Exclusions

Safari Inclusions

• Accommodation as outlined in the itinerary
• Meals and drinking water as specified
• Domestic flights (Entebbe–Kidepo and Kisoro–Entebbe)
• Professional English-speaking safari guide
• Park entry fees and permits (gorilla and chimpanzee habituation included)
• All game drives, boat cruises, and guided walks
• Cultural experiences and community visits
• Ground transfers in comfortable safari vehicles

Safari Exclusions

• International flights and visas
• Travel insurance and medical expenses
• Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
• Personal expenses such as tips, drinks, and souvenirs
• Porter services during gorilla trekking
• Extra meals or services beyond the specified plan