12 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari Tour – 2025/2026

Twelve days is the sweet spot for experiencing Uganda's incredible wildlife diversity without feeling rushed. This safari strikes the perfect balance between primate encounters and classic Big Five game viewing, taking you through four of Uganda's most spectacular national parks: Murchison Falls, Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth, and Bwindi Impenetrable.

You'll start by tracking white rhinos on foot at Ziwa Sanctuary before heading to Murchison Falls, where the Nile River explodes through a narrow gorge with thunderous force. From there, journey to Kibale Forest to trek with chimpanzees—our closest living relatives after bonobos. In Queen Elizabeth National Park, you'll witness the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha and cruise past hundreds of hippos on the Kazinga Channel. The grand finale? One unforgettable hour with mountain gorillas in Bwindi's misty rainforest.

What Makes This Safari Special

This 12-day itinerary is designed for wildlife enthusiasts who want comprehensive coverage of Uganda's biodiversity without the extensive time commitment of longer safaris. You're not just checking boxes—each park offers genuinely different ecosystems and species. Murchison's open savannah couldn't be more different from Bwindi's dense rainforest, yet both deliver spectacular wildlife encounters.

The safari balances active experiences (gorilla and chimp trekking, walking safari) with relaxing boat cruises and game drives. You'll have time to absorb each destination without exhausting yourself. Lake Bunyonyi offers restful reflection mid-safari, letting you process the incredible gorilla encounter. The pacing feels natural, not forced.

Best Time to Visit

The dry seasons (June-September and December-February) offer optimal conditions for this safari. Trails are more accessible for gorilla trekking, wildlife viewing is excellent as animals gather at water sources, and road conditions between parks are better. However, Uganda's equatorial climate means safaris are possible year-round, with the wet season bringing lush vegetation and excellent birding.