12 Days Wild
Heart Of Uganda Safari
From $5,240 per person
Discover the magic of Uganda on this incredible 9-day Primates & Wildlife Safari. From the lush Kibale Forest to the misty mountains of Bwindi and the serene waters of Lake Bunyonyi, this itinerary is an enchanting journey through some of Uganda’s top natural attractions. Witness playful chimpanzees, trek into the thick jungle for an encounter with the majestic mountain gorillas, and cruise along the wildlife-rich Kazinga Channel. Culminating in a relaxing stay by Lake Mburo, this adventure offers a perfect mix of primate tracking, game viewing, cultural encounters, and awe-inspiring scenery.
safari Pax
This Safari allows pax starting from 2 to a group of 18
Transport
All ground transfers are done in a 4*4 safari vehicle
Accomodation
All hotels and lodges are well curated to meet your expectations
Meals
This Safari allows both local and international cuisines
Payments
This Safari is paid only in Dollars through bank transfer or Mastercard
24/7 Support
Our team of experts will be around from the start of your safari till end
Do not hesitate giving us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.

- +256 778 495 443
- info@upcountrysafarisug.com
- Overview
- Safari Itinerary
- Inclusion/Exclusion
- Safari Map
Explore the very best of Uganda in this 12-day journey that weaves through savannah plains, volcanic mountains, lush jungles, and serene lakes. This immersive safari offers thrilling encounters with the Big Five, deep jungle treks in search of chimpanzees and golden monkeys, and the unforgettable moment of locking eyes with a mountain gorilla in the misty Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Experience the rhythmic pulse of Uganda’s wild parks — from boat cruises on the hippo-lined Kazinga Channel, game drives through lion territories in Ishasha and Murchison Falls, to rhino tracking at Ziwa Sanctuary and cultural exchanges along the way. Whether you're a first-time explorer or seasoned adventurer, this safari guarantees a whirlwind of awe-inspiring moments.
SAFARI HIGHLIGHTS
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park
Rhino trekking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Game drives in Lake Mburo, Queen Elizabeth, and Murchison Falls National Parks
Boat safari on the Kazinga Channel
Murchison Falls boat cruise to the base of the falls
Cultural walk in Queen Elizabeth NP communities
Kampala city exploration
Comfortable accommodation options: Budget, Mid-range, and Luxury
Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe – Transfer to Lake Mburo NP & Evening Game Drive
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, meet your Upcountry Safaris guide and transfer to Lake Mburo National Park. Enjoy an evening game drive in search of zebras, impalas, elands, and more.
Overnight: Leopard Rest Camp (Budget), Rwakobo Rock Lodge (Mid-range), Mihingo Lodge (Luxury)
Day 2: Morning Game Drive – Transfer to Mgahinga NP
Start the day with a morning game drive in Lake Mburo before heading to southwestern Uganda through rolling hills and traditional homesteads. Arrive in Mgahinga in the evening.
Overnight: Kisoro Travellers Rest (Budget), Ikoro Hotel (Mid-range), Gahinga Lodge (Luxury)
Day 3: Golden Monkey Trekking – Transfer to Bwindi NP
Set out for a morning trek to encounter the rare and energetic golden monkeys in Mgahinga’s bamboo forest. After lunch, transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Overnight: Ruhija Gorilla Friends Resort (Budget), Agandi Eco Lodge (Mid-range), Kiho Gorilla Safari Lodge (Luxury)
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking – Relaxation at the Lodge
Embark on a life-changing gorilla trekking experience through dense jungle terrain. Spend an unforgettable hour with a habituated gorilla family. Return to your lodge and unwind.
Overnight: Ruhija Gorilla Friends Resort (Budget), Agandi Eco Lodge (Mid-range), Kiho Gorilla Safari Lodge (Luxury)
Day 5: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth NP (Ishasha Sector) – Evening Game Drive
Head to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth NP, famous for tree-climbing lions. Enjoy a game drive at golden hour to spot lions, elephants, and topis.
Overnight: Topi Lodge (Budget), Enjojo Lodge (Mid-range), Ishasha Wilderness Camp (Luxury)
Day 6: Morning Game Drive – Transfer to Kazinga Sector & Boat Cruise
After a morning game drive in Ishasha, transfer to the northern sector of the park. Later, enjoy a relaxing boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, known for hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife.
Overnight: Pumba Safari Cottages (Budget), Kazinga Wilderness Safari Camp (Mid-range), Kyambura Gorge Lodge (Luxury)
Day 7: Game Drive in Kasenyi – Evening Community Walk
Start the day with a game drive in the Kasenyi plains, a hotspot for lions and large herds of Uganda kob. In the evening, enjoy a guided community walk.
Overnight: Pumba Safari Cottages (Budget), Kazinga Wilderness Safari Camp (Mid-range), Kyambura Gorge Lodge (Luxury)
Day 8: Transfer to Kibale NP – Chimpanzee Trekking
Depart for Kibale Forest National Park. After lunch, head into the rainforest with expert trackers for a thrilling chimpanzee tracking experience.
Overnight: Nkuruba Camp Site (Budget), Isunga Lodge (Mid-range), Primate Lodge (Luxury)
Day 9: Transfer to Murchison Falls NP – Evening Game Drive
Today’s long scenic drive takes you north to Murchison Falls National Park. Upon arrival, enjoy an evening game drive on the northern plains.
Overnight: Red Chilli Rest Camp (Budget), Murchison River Lodge (Mid-range), Nile Safari Lodge (Luxury)
Day 10: Game Drive & Boat Cruise to the Falls
Enjoy a sunrise game drive followed by an afternoon boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls, witnessing Nile crocodiles, hippos, and elephants along the way.
Overnight: Red Chilli Rest Camp (Budget), Murchison River Lodge (Mid-range), Nile Safari Lodge (Luxury)
Day 11: Rhino Tracking at Ziwa – Transfer to Kampala
Depart Murchison for Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary where you'll trek on foot to observe Uganda’s only wild rhinos. Proceed to Kampala for overnight stay.
Overnight: Maries Royal Hotel (Budget), Yellow Haven Lodge (Mid-range), Sheraton Hotel (Luxury)
Day 12: Kampala City Tour – Transfer to Entebbe for Departure
Spend your final day exploring Kampala’s key cultural and historical landmarks, markets, and art scenes. Later, transfer to Entebbe Airport for your evening flight.
Safari Inclusions:
Accommodation for 11 nights in selected categories
All meals as per itinerary
Gorilla, chimpanzee & golden monkey trekking permits
All park entry and activity fees
Game drives, boat cruises, and guided walks
Transportation in 4x4 safari vehicle with English-speaking guide
Airport transfers & bottled drinking water throughout
Exclusions:
International airfare
Visa fees
Personal travel insurance
Tips and optional excursions not mentioned
FAQs About Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Gorilla trekking in Uganda happens in two main parks:
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (most popular, with several sectors)
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Yes! A gorilla trekking permit is mandatory.
The cost is $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents, and UGX 300,000 for East African citizens (as of 2024).
Permits are issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
You can get one through:
The Uganda Wildlife Authority directly
A licensed tour operator or travel agency (usually more convenient and comes as a package)
It depends! Gorilla trekking ranges from easy to strenuous, depending on the location of the gorilla family and terrain.
Some treks last 1–2 hours, others can go up to 6+ hours.
A moderate fitness level is recommended.
Essentials include:
Hiking boots (good grip)
Long pants & long-sleeved shirt (protection from thorns/insects)
Rain jacket (rain is common)
Gloves (for grabbing vegetation)
Insect repellent, sunscreen, hat, snacks, and water
Only those 15 years and older are allowed to trek.
Once a gorilla family is located, visitors are allowed one hour with them to observe and take photos.
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