Day 1 · Entebbe
Airport pickup at Entebbe. Rest and briefing. Night in Entebbe.
Uganda safari · 12 days
12 Days Uganda Safari: Best of Wildlife with Primates
Indicative from $5,697 per person · Solo, couples & groups · Serah Foundation on every booking
A 12 days Uganda safari for travellers who want wildlife depth rather than a quick tour. The route runs from the Ziwa rhinos and the Nile at Murchison Falls through Kibale chimpanzees and Queen Elizabeth game drives to a Bwindi gorilla trek, then Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Mburo, with private vehicle, guide and permits arranged by Mwanzo Tours. Solo travellers, couples and groups are welcome, and every booking supports Serah Foundation.
Book this 12 day Uganda safari with Mwanzo Tours, a UTB-licensed Kampala tour operator. It is one of our Uganda safari packages, and you can compare other routes in our Uganda tours and safaris or the full package list. Check availability or read the safari planning guide.
Why this safari?
A 12-day circuit linking Uganda's primate forests and savanna parks in one private itinerary, permit-secured, lodge-matched, and paced for real wildlife depth rather than checkbox tourism.
Who is this safari for?
Wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and repeat Africa travellers wanting primates plus Big Five in one trip, moderate fitness for gorilla days.
Physical difficulty
Easy. Vehicle-based game drives and boat cruises; optional short walks.
Best time to go
Best overall: June to September and December to February. Shoulder months balance permit availability and value, see our best time guide.
Your safari vehicle
Private pop-up roof 4×4 (Land Cruiser or equivalent) with UTB-licensed guide (English, German, Dutch, French, Italian or Spanish), water and charging.
Your lead planner
Itinerary reviewed by Anthony Kiweewa, gorilla permits secured weekly from Kampala. Field guides include Daniel (25 years Queen Elizabeth & Bwindi) and Maria (women's journeys).
Wildlife & experiences you can expect
- Rhinos on foot at Ziwa, chimpanzees in Kibale, mountain gorillas in Bwindi, and elephants and hippos at Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth
Serah Foundation, where your booking goes
Every Mwanzo safari contributes to Serah Foundation, a registered community organisation supporting education, health outreach, and livelihood programmes in communities bordering Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth. We publish what your booking supports; this is not a vague "community fee."
On this safari
Scenes from Mwanzo departures, your route uses the same guides, vehicles, and lodge standards.
Traveller reviews
Independent ratings from guests who booked gorilla and wildlife safaris with Mwanzo Tours.
Related planning guides
Day-by-day itinerary
Sample route, customised to your dates, lodges, and fitness.
Day 2 · Entebbe to Murchison Falls
Early start north. Ziwa rhino trek, then continue to Murchison Falls. The vehicle and your party cross the Nile by ferry at Paraa to the north bank. Night at Murchison Falls, at Fort Murchison or a similar lodge.
Day 3 · Murchison Falls
Game drive on the north bank of the Nile (no ferry crossing today). Afternoon launch toward the falls. Second night at Murchison Falls.
Day 4 · Murchison Falls to Kibale
Top of the falls. Cross back to the south bank on the Paraa ferry, then a long drive south to Fort Portal and Kibale. Night in Kibale.
Day 5 · Kibale
Chimpanzee trek from Kanyanchu. Bigodi wetland walk in the afternoon. Second night in Kibale.
Day 6 · Kibale to Queen Elizabeth
Crater lakes on the way south. Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Night on the Mweya side.
Day 7 · Queen Elizabeth
Morning game drive at Kasenyi. Afternoon boat on the Kazinga Channel. Second night in Queen Elizabeth.
Day 8 · Ishasha to Buhoma
Ishasha game drive for the tree-climbing lions, then continue to Buhoma. Night in Buhoma, Bwindi.
Day 9 · Buhoma
Gorilla trek from Buhoma. Afternoon rest, or an optional Batwa visit (extra). Second night in Buhoma.
Day 10 · Buhoma to Lake Bunyonyi
Leave Buhoma via Kabale and drive to Lake Bunyonyi. Night at Lake Bunyonyi.
Day 11 · Lake Bunyonyi to Lake Mburo
Morning on the lake, then drive to Lake Mburo. Evening boat. Night at Lake Mburo.
Day 12 · Lake Mburo to Entebbe
Morning walking safari at Lake Mburo. Drive back to Entebbe. Departure.
Highlights
- Ziwa rhino trek and Murchison Falls, with a Nile launch and a game drive on the north bank
- Chimpanzee trek in Kibale and the Bigodi wetland walk
- Kasenyi game drive, Kazinga Channel boat and the Ishasha tree-climbing lions
- One gorilla trek in Bwindi, from Buhoma
- Lake Bunyonyi and a walking safari at Lake Mburo
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle with guide (English, German, Dutch, French, Italian or Spanish)
- Serah Foundation contribution on every booking
Parks & regions
- Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
- Murchison Falls National Park
- Kibale Forest National Park
- Queen Elizabeth National Park (Mweya and Ishasha)
- Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Buhoma)
- Lake Bunyonyi
- Lake Mburo National Park
Typically included
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle & UTB-licensed guide (English, German, Dutch, French, Italian or Spanish)
- Gorilla permit ($800) and chimpanzee permit ($300), both inside the from-price
- Ziwa rhino trek and the top of the falls
- Nile ferry at Paraa: passenger fare of $35 per person each way, one crossing in each direction; no separate charge for the vehicle
- Park entrance & conservation fees
- Accommodation as quoted (mid-range or premium)
- Meals as per itinerary (B/L/D)
- Drinking water in vehicle
- Airport transfers on arrival & departure days
- Serah Foundation contribution on every booking
Not included
- Batwa visit, lion tracking and other optional activities unless added
- International flights & Uganda visa
- Travel insurance is not included; guests arrange their own.
- Tips, personal expenses & alcoholic drinks
- Optional activities not in itinerary
Example lodges (named in your quote)
Exact property confirmed in writing before you travel, representative mid-range and premium options:
Mid-range
| Bwindi | Buhoma Haven Lodge or Rushaga Gorilla Camp |
| Queen Elizabeth | Elephant Plains Lodge or Bush Lodge |
| Kibale | Kibale Forest Camp or Turaco Treetops |
| Murchison | Pakuba Safari Lodge or Fort Murchison |
Premium
| Bwindi | Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp or Mahogany Springs |
| Queen Elizabeth | Mweya Safari Lodge or Kyambura Gorge Lodge |
| Kibale | Primate Lodge Kibale or Kyaninga Lodge |
| Murchison | Paraa Safari Lodge or Baker's Lodge |
Booking & payment
Deposit
Typically 30% on booking to secure gorilla/chimp permits and lodges. Permits are non-refundable under UWA rules, we explain this before you pay.
Balance
Due 60 days before departure unless agreed otherwise. Bank transfer or card. EUR/USD quotes available for European travellers.
Cancellation
Tiered policy in our booking terms. Travel insurance with cancellation cover strongly recommended.
Your money
Full breakdown in our payment reassurance guide, what is held and when permits are purchased.
Common questions
How much does a 12-day Uganda safari cost?
Indicative from $5,697 per person, 2 sharing. The price includes the gorilla permit ($800), the chimpanzee permit ($300) and the Nile ferry at $35 per person each way; the vehicle crosses at no charge. Final quote depends on lodges and group size.
Can I book gorilla trekking Uganda as a solo traveller?
Yes. Mwanzo Tours runs private departures for solo travellers, couples, and groups, no forced large bus groups.
Does Mwanzo secure gorilla permits?
Yes. We purchase Uganda Wildlife Authority permits on your behalf once a deposit is received. Peak season requires 3 to 6 months lead time.
Is this Uganda safari package customisable?
Every itinerary is tailored to your dates, fitness, and lodge preference. The day-by-day route shown is a proven template.
Is this a good Uganda safari holiday for wildlife lovers?
It suits travellers who want a long private safari with time for wildlife and primates. The route covers Ziwa rhinos, a Nile launch and game drive at Murchison Falls, a chimpanzee trek in Kibale, game drives and the Kazinga Channel boat in Queen Elizabeth, one gorilla trek in Bwindi, and Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Mburo. The from-price includes the gorilla permit ($800) and the chimpanzee permit ($300), and your written quote sets out the exact lodges.
Enquire about this safari
We reply within 1 business day. No obligation, your written quote confirms lodges, permits, and final price.
Prefer WhatsApp? +256 789 487 378 · See deposit & cancellation policy
Itinerary reviewed by Anthony Kiweewa · Meet your planner · Booking terms