12 Days Uganda Safari from north to south

12 Days Uganda Safari from North to South
This 12-day Uganda safari takes you on an extraordinary journey from the northern savannahs to the southern rainforests, providing a complete exploration of  diverse ecosystems, wildlife, and cultural heritage. The itinerary combines exciting game drives, boat safaris, chimpanzee and gorilla trekking, and cultural encounters, allowing you to experience the full range of natural beauty. From the remote Kidepo Valley in the north to the famous Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in the south, this safari ensures an immersive experience in one of Africa’s most stunning countries.

Highlights:
Game drives in Kidepo Valley, Murchison Falls, and Queen Elizabeth National Parks.
Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park.
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Boat safaris along the Nile and Kazinga Channel.
Scenic drives through Uganda’s lush countryside, including the Rwenzori Mountains.
Cultural interactions with local communities, including the Karamojong and Batwa people.

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
Your 12-day Uganda safari begins upon your arrival in Entebbe. You will be met by your safari guide and transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay. Depending on your arrival time, you may explore the Entebbe Botanical Gardens or take a sunset boat ride on Lake Victoria.

Day 2: Transfer to Kidepo Valley National Park
After an early breakfast, you will embark on a scenic flight or long drive north to the remote Kidepo Valley National Park, located near the South Sudan border. Upon arrival, you will check into your lodge and have some time to relax before a late afternoon game drive.

Kidepo Valley is known for its rugged savannah, rolling hills, and the Narus River Valley, where large herds of elephants, buffalo, lions, and leopards can be spotted. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere as you watch the sunset over the savannah.

Day 3: Full Day in Kidepo Valley National Park
Spend the entire day exploring the vast wilderness of Kidepo Valley National Park. You will embark on morning and evening game drives through the Narus Valley and Kidepo River area, with opportunities to spot cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and many bird species, including ostriches.

In between game drives, visit the Karamojong people, a semi-nomadic tribe known for their rich cultural heritage and traditional way of life. This cultural encounter offers a chance to learn about their customs, dances, and unique housing structures.

Day 4: Kidepo to Murchison Falls National Park
After breakfast, you will depart Kidepo Valley and begin your journey to Murchison Falls National Park, largest national park in Uganda. The drive takes you through Uganda northern landscapes, with views of rolling hills and local villages.

Upon arrival at Murchison Falls National Park, you will check into your lodge and enjoy some time to relax. In the late afternoon, you can go for a short nature walk or enjoy a sunset over the Nile River.

Day 5: Game Drive and Boat Safari in Murchison Falls National Park
Day five starts with an early morning game drive on the northern bank of the Nile River, where you will have a chance to see elephants, buffalo, lions, giraffes, and a variety of antelope species. The open savannah and riverine forest provide a perfect setting for wildlife viewing.

In the afternoon, you will embark on a boat cruise along the Nile River to the base of the famous Murchison Falls. Along the way, you will see hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species, including African fish eagles and shoebill storks. Afterward, hike up to the top of the falls for a stunning view of the Nile as it plunges through a narrow gorge, creating one of the world most powerful waterfalls.

Day 6: Transfer to Kibale National Park
After breakfast, you will leave Murchison Falls and embark on a long drive to Kibale National Park, famous for its chimpanzee population. The drive takes you through the scenic countryside of western Uganda, passing tea plantations, crater lakes, and local villages.

Upon arrival in Kibale, you will check into your lodge and have the rest of the evening to relax in preparation for the chimpanzee trekking experience the following day.

Day 7: Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
Today is dedicated to chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park. After an early breakfast, you will head to the park headquarters for a briefing before heading into the forest. Kibale is home to over 1,500 chimpanzees, and you will have the thrilling opportunity to observe them up close as they swing through the trees and interact with one another. The forest is also home to other primates, including red colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and olive baboons.

After lunch, you will visit the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, known for its rich birdlife and diverse flora. Enjoy a guided nature walk through the wetland, where you may spot various bird species and other wildlife such as bushbucks and otters.

Day 8: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, you will leave Kibale National Park and drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park most popular wildlife destinations. The journey takes you through the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains, often referred to as the Mountains of the Moon.

Upon arrival, check into your lodge and enjoy an afternoon game drive in the northern sector, known for its elephants, lions, buffalo, and hippos. The park is also home to over 600 species of birds, making it a birdwatcher paradise.

Day 9: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Safari
Day nine begins with an early morning game drive in the Kasenyi plains, where lions are often spotted hunting prey such as Uganda kobs. The game drive offers excellent opportunities to see elephants, buffalo, warthogs, and other wildlife.

In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway that connects Lake George and Lake Edward. This cruise is one of the highlights of Queen Elizabeth National Park, offering close-up views of hippos, crocodiles, and an array of bird species.

Day 10: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
After breakfast, you will depart Queen Elizabeth National Park and drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, famous for its population of mountain gorillas. The drive takes you through the scenic Ishasha sector of the park, where you may spot the famous tree-climbing lions lounging in the fig trees.

Upon arrival in Bwindi, check into your lodge and relax in preparation for the gorilla trekking adventure the following day.

Day 11: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Day eleven is the highlight of your safari gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. After an early breakfast, you will head to the park headquarters for a briefing before setting off into the forest to track one of the habituated gorilla families.

The trek can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the location of the gorillas, and involves hiking through dense forest and steep terrain. Once you find the gorillas, you will spend an unforgettable hour observing them as they go about their daily lives. This close encounter with one of the world most endangered species is a truly magical experience.

After the trek, return to your lodge for a well-deserved rest and reflect on your once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Day 12: Transfer to Entebbe and Departure
On your final day, depart Bwindi and begin the drive back to Entebbe. The journey takes you through the rolling hills and scenic landscapes of southwestern Uganda. Depending on your flight schedule, you may stop at the Equator for photos and souvenir shopping before arriving in Entebbe.

Your 12-day Uganda safari comes to an end as you are transferred to the airport for your departure flight, bringing home unforgettable memories of Uganda diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes.