Uganda Safari (Murchison Ziwa Kibale Queen and Bwindi). If you could design the perfect Uganda safari, what would it include? Rhinos tracked on foot. The Nile exploding through a narrow gorge. Elephants and giraffes on golden plains. Chimpanzees calling through the forest. Lions resting in fig trees. And, as a final reward, an hour in the presence of wild mountain gorillas.

This Uganda safari covering Murchison Falls, Ziwa, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi delivers every one of those moments. It is the most complete wildlife journey Uganda offers — a grand tour from the savannahs of the north to the misty mountains of the southwest that covers two great apes, four of the Big Five and more than 600 bird species along the way.

Unlike shorter itineraries that rush between parks, this guide is built around a relaxed 12-day plan. Extra nights mean shorter driving days, more time for wildlife and room to enjoy optional experiences such as the Nile delta cruise, the crater lakes of Fort Portal and the islands of Lake Bunyonyi.

Inside, you will find a park-by-park guide, a detailed day-by-day itinerary, alternative trip lengths, current permit prices for 2026 and 2027, realistic costs, lodge advice, health and fitness tips and answers to the most common questions.

Kenlink Tours has designed Uganda safaris since 2010. Our driver-guides spend the whole year on these roads, and this grand tour is the journey they are proudest to share.

The Five Destinations, Park by Park

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: Uganda’s Rhino Comeback

Uganda’s wild rhinos were wiped out by 1983. Ziwa, a 70-square-kilometre fenced sanctuary about three hours north of Kampala, was founded in 2005 to bring them back. Starting with six rhinos, it has bred a population of around 50 southern white rhinos, and in January 2026 the first four were moved to Ajai Wildlife Reserve — the first step in returning rhinos to the wild. Tracking them on foot with a ranger is easy, safe and suitable for all ages.

Best for: walking safaris, families, conservation stories, the shoebill in nearby Lugogo swamp.

Murchison Falls National Park: Power and Plains

Uganda’s largest park, Murchison Falls National Park, is split by the Victoria Nile. To the north, open savannah supports elephants, Rothschild’s giraffes, buffalo, lions and huge herds of kob. In the middle, the Nile squeezes through a seven-metre gorge to form the falls. The launch cruise to the base of the falls is one of Africa’s classic boat trips.

Best for: big game, the falls, Nile boat trips, shoebill in the delta, photography.

Kibale Forest National Park: Kingdom of the Chimpanzees

Kibale Forest National Park protects around 1,500 chimpanzees and 12 other primate species in a lush tropical forest near Fort Portal. Chimp tracking here has excellent success rates. Outside the park, the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, crater lakes and tea estates add plenty to explore.

Best for: chimpanzees, monkeys, forest birds, scenic crater lakes.

Queen Elizabeth National Park: The Medley of Wonders

Queen Elizabeth National Park mixes savannah, crater lakes, wetlands and forest gorges. The Kazinga Channel boat cruise brings you close to hippos, buffalo, elephants and abundant birdlife, while the Ishasha sector is famous for its tree-climbing lions. Kyambura Gorge adds another chance to see chimps.

Best for: boat safaris, lions, a wide variety of habitats, birding.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Face to Face With Gorillas

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Trekking through its ancient, steep forest to spend one hour with a habituated gorilla family is the emotional climax of any Uganda safari. Bwindi also offers Batwa cultural experiences, community walks and outstanding birding.

Best for: mountain gorillas, cultural encounters, Albertine Rift endemic birds.

The 12-Day Itinerary: Murchison, Ziwa, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi

This relaxed plan follows a natural north-to-south route with no backtracking, giving you at least two nights in every major park.

Day 1: Welcome to Uganda

Your Kenlink Tours driver-guide meets you at Entebbe International Airport and transfers you to a lakeside hotel. If you arrive early, stroll through the Entebbe Botanical Gardens or visit the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre. Enjoy a welcome dinner and a full trip briefing.

Day 2: Rhinos at Ziwa, Then North to Murchison Falls

Leave after breakfast for Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. With a ranger, walk quietly through the bush to watch southern white rhinos grazing and resting. After lunch, continue to Murchison Falls National Park and end the day at the top of the falls, where the Nile thunders through the gorge in a curtain of spray.

Day 3: Northern Plains and the Nile Launch Cruise

Cross the Nile on the first ferry and explore the Buligi game tracks at dawn, when lions are most active and giraffes stand silhouetted against the sunrise. After lunch, the launch cruise takes you upstream past hippos, crocodiles and elephants to the foot of the falls.

Day 4: Nile Delta or Budongo, Then South Along the Rift

Birders can take an early cruise to the Nile delta to search for the shoebill; primate lovers can track chimpanzees in Budongo Forest. Then drive south via Hoima along the Albertine Rift escarpment, with views over Lake Albert, to Fort Portal and Kibale.

Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale

Join the morning tracking session at Kanyanchu and spend an hour with a habituated chimpanzee community. In the afternoon, walk the boardwalks of Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary with a community guide to see red colobus monkeys, mangabeys and the great blue turaco.

Day 6: Crater Lakes and Into Queen Elizabeth

Spend the morning among the crater lakes and tea estates around Fort Portal, then drive two to three hours south, crossing the equator, into Queen Elizabeth National Park. In the late afternoon, take the Kazinga Channel boat cruise among hippos, buffalo and waterbirds.

Day 7: Kasenyi Game Drive and Kyambura Gorge

An early game drive across the Kasenyi plains offers excellent chances of lions hunting Uganda kob. Later, visit the explosion craters or descend into Kyambura Gorge, the “valley of apes,” for a walk among fig trees and forest primates.

Day 8: Ishasha’s Tree-Climbing Lions and On to Bwindi

Drive south through the Ishasha sector to search for its famous tree-climbing lions lounging in fig branches. Continue through rolling farmland into the hills of Bwindi, arriving in time for dinner near your trekking sector.

Day 9: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

After a ranger briefing, set out into the forest with trackers who have located the gorillas since dawn. Treks can last from one to six hours. Then comes the hour you will never forget: watching a silverback, mothers and youngsters feed and play just metres away.

Day 10: Batwa Experience, Community Walk or Second Trek

Relax after the trek with a Batwa cultural experience, a village walk to meet local craftspeople and tea farmers, or a forest birding walk. Gorilla enthusiasts can book a second trek or the half-day Gorilla Habituation Experience.

Day 11: Lake Bunyonyi

Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, a calm lake of 29 islands surrounded by terraced hills. Paddle a dugout canoe, take a boat trip to the islands or simply relax on your lodge deck after an action-packed safari.

Day 12: Departure

Drive to Kigali (about three to four hours) for your international flight, fly from Kisoro or Kihihi to Entebbe, or return by road to Entebbe with a stop at the equator. Your grand tour of Uganda ends here.

Trip Lengths and Route Options

Twelve days is our recommended pace, but this route adapts to almost any schedule.

8–9 Days: The Highlights Version

Drop Lake Bunyonyi and the extra day in Bwindi, and spend one night in Queen Elizabeth. You still see rhinos, the falls, chimps, tree-climbing lions and gorillas, with a few longer driving days. Our 8-Day Uganda Gorilla, Chimpanzee & Wildlife Safari and 9 Days Uganda & Rwanda Gorilla and Big Five Safari follow a similar idea.

10 Days: The Classic Balance

Ten days covers all five destinations with two nights in most parks. Look at our 10 Days Uganda Adventure Safari and 10 Days Best of Primate & Culture, or compare the 10 Days Uganda Primates and Wildlife itinerary.

14–20 Days: The Slow Safari

With two weeks or more, add Lake Mburo for walking and horseback safaris, Kidepo Valley for remote wilderness, the Rwenzori foothills or Jinja for adventure sports. See our 18-Day Adventure in Uganda, 20-Day Wildlife and Nature Experience and 25-Day Wildlife, Gorilla and Chimps Adventure, or the 14-Day Uganda Primates and Safari Adventure.

Uganda Plus Rwanda

Because the route finishes close to the Rwandan border, many travellers continue into Rwanda for golden monkeys, Lake Kivu or Akagera’s savannah. Our 15-Day Rwanda–Uganda Primate & Big-Five Safari and 10 Days Uganda Rwanda Combining Safari show how, as does the 15 Days Rwanda Uganda Safari. For a three-country trip, see the 18 Days Kenya Rwanda Uganda Safari.

Starting or Ending in Kigali

Kigali is only three to four hours from southern Bwindi, compared with eight to ten hours to Entebbe. Flying into Entebbe and out of Kigali is often the most efficient way to run this route. Our 5-Day Gorilla Trekking Safari from Kigali to Uganda shows how smooth the border crossing is.

Mgahinga Instead of Bwindi

If Bwindi permits are sold out, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offers gorilla trekking plus golden monkey tracking and volcano hikes in the Virunga Mountains.

Permits, Fees and Total Cost

Permit and Park Fees (Foreign Non-Residents)

Fee	Standard rate	Low season (April, May, November)	Notes
Gorilla trekking, Bwindi	US$800	US$600	Minimum age 15; includes park entry that day
Gorilla habituation experience	US$1,500 (US$1,800 from 1 January 2027)	—	About four hours with a gorilla group
Chimpanzee tracking, Kibale	US$250 (US$300 from 1 January 2027)	US$200	Minimum age 12; includes park entry
Ziwa entry and rhino tracking	US$20 + US$30	—	Lower rates for children
Murchison Falls entry (per 24 hours)	US$45	—	Children 5–15: US$25
Queen Elizabeth entry (per 24 hours)	US$40	—	Children 5–15: US$20

Permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Since March 2026, they must be paid in full at the time of booking, and discounted low-season permits cannot be rescheduled. Book gorilla permits four to six months ahead for peak months.

What Does the 12-Day Safari Cost?

For two travellers sharing a private vehicle and rooms, typical prices per person are:

Comfort level	Approximate price per person (12 days)
Budget	US$3,600–US$4,800
Mid-range	US$4,800–US$7,000
Luxury	US$7,500–US$14,000+

Prices typically include a private 4×4 vehicle with driver-guide and fuel, one gorilla permit, one chimp permit, Ziwa rhino tracking, all park fees, boat cruises, game drives, accommodation and meals. They exclude international flights, visas, insurance, drinks and tips.

How to Reduce the Cost

• Travel in April, May or November for US$600 gorilla and US$200 chimp permits.
• Book Kibale chimp permits for travel before 1 January 2027 to avoid the rise to US$300.
• Travel in a group of four or more to share vehicle costs, or join one of our group tours or scheduled departure safaris.
• Mix mid-range and budget lodges rather than choosing luxury throughout.
• Book directly with a licensed local operator.

Budget-conscious travellers can also compare the Uganda wildlife safaris from Pick and Transfer Safaris.

Accommodation Along the Route

Each stop offers budget, mid-range and luxury options. We match lodges to your style and keep you close to the next morning’s activity.

Stop	Where to stay	Why it matters
Entebbe	Lakeside hotels near the airport	Easy arrival and departure
Ziwa / Murchison	Paraa riverside lodges or northern bank camps	Close to the ferry, game tracks and launch jetty
Kibale	Forest-edge lodges near Kanyanchu or crater lake lodges	Early start for chimp tracking
Queen Elizabeth	Mweya Peninsula, Kasenyi or Ishasha lodges	Short drives to the channel and lion areas
Bwindi	A lodge in your permit’s sector	Treks start early; sectors are far apart
Lake Bunyonyi	Island or hillside lodges	Relaxing finish with lake views

Kenlink Tours also operates Honeybee Safari Camp, and our partners run Ikoro Hotel near Mgahinga — both friendly, good-value bases in southwestern Uganda.

Getting Around

The safari is driven in a private 4×4 vehicle with a pop-up roof and an experienced driver-guide. Typical drive times are three hours from Kampala to Ziwa, six to seven hours from Murchison to Kibale, two to three hours from Kibale to Queen Elizabeth and four to five hours from Ishasha to Bwindi. See our vehicles on the car hire page.

Domestic flights can replace the longest drives. Scheduled services link Entebbe with Pakuba (Murchison), Kasese (Queen Elizabeth and Kibale), Kihihi (northern Bwindi) and Kisoro (southern Bwindi). Our partners at Pick and Transfer Safaris also specialise in gorilla safaris starting from Kigali, which shorten the southern end of the route.

Best Time to Go

• June to September and December to February: The dry seasons offer the easiest gorilla and chimp treks, the best game viewing in Murchison and Queen Elizabeth, and the busiest lodges. Book permits early.
• March to May and October to November: Lush, green and quieter, with discounted gorilla and chimp permits in April, May and November. Expect muddy trails and afternoon showers, but wildlife remains excellent.

Because Bwindi and Kibale are rainforests, rain is possible in any month — always pack a rain jacket.

Health, Fitness, Packing and Etiquette

Health

A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Uganda. Malaria is present, so speak to a travel clinic about antimalarial medication at least six weeks before travel. Drink bottled or filtered water, use insect repellent and sleep under the mosquito nets provided by lodges. Comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical evacuation is strongly recommended.

Fitness

Gorilla trekking is the most physically demanding activity on this route, with steep, muddy slopes at altitudes up to about 2,600 metres and treks lasting up to six hours. Regular walking or hiking in the months before your trip makes a big difference. Porters are available at the trailhead for a modest fee; they carry your bag, help on tricky sections and earn valuable income for local families. Chimp tracking in Kibale and rhino tracking at Ziwa are much easier, on mostly flat terrain.

Packing Essentials

• Neutral-coloured, lightweight clothing with long sleeves and long trousers
• Waterproof hiking boots with good grip, plus comfortable shoes for the vehicle
• A breathable rain jacket and a warm fleece for Bwindi’s cool mornings
• Garden gloves for gripping vegetation on treks
• Binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens and spare batteries
• Insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses
• Face masks for gorilla and chimp encounters
• A soft duffel bag, especially if you plan any domestic flights
• Passport, yellow fever certificate, printed permits and insurance details

Primate Etiquette

• Keep at least seven to eight metres from gorillas and chimpanzees.
• Do not trek if you have a cold, flu or other contagious illness.
• Wear your face mask, speak quietly and avoid sudden movements.
• Never eat, drink or use flash photography near the primates.
• Follow your ranger’s instructions at all times.

For full booking and cancellation details, please read our terms and conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 12 days too long for a Uganda safari?

Not for this route. Covering five destinations across the country involves long distances, and 12 days lets you enjoy each park properly rather than spending most of your time in the vehicle. If you are short on time, 9 or 10 days still works with a faster pace.

Which is the best part of this safari?

Most travellers name gorilla trekking in Bwindi as the highlight, but many are surprised by how much they love Kibale’s chimpanzees, the Kazinga Channel cruise and walking with rhinos at Ziwa. The variety is what makes the trip special.

Can families do this safari?

Yes, with some planning. Children must be 15 or older for gorilla trekking and 12 or older for chimp tracking. Younger children can enjoy Ziwa’s rhino walk, game drives, boat cruises, the Bigodi wetland walk and Lake Bunyonyi, while older family members trek. Many lodges offer supervised activities for children.

Will I see the Big Five?

You can see four of them: rhinos at Ziwa, plus elephants, buffalo and lions in Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth. Leopards live in both parks but are shy, so a sighting is a bonus.

Can I add a second gorilla trek?

Yes. Day 10 in the itinerary is ideal for a second trek or the Gorilla Habituation Experience. Each trek needs its own permit, so book both at the same time.

Is Uganda safe for this kind of trip?

Uganda is a welcoming country, and travelling with a licensed operator and an experienced driver-guide makes the journey safe and smooth. Learn more on our About Uganda page, or explore other East African destinations.

Start Planning Your Complete Uganda Safari

A Uganda safari through Murchison Falls, Ziwa, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi is the journey that shows you everything the Pearl of Africa has to offer. You will walk with rhinos, feel the spray of the Nile, cruise among hippos, watch chimpanzees in the treetops, search for lions in fig trees and finally share a quiet hour with mountain gorillas. Twelve days, five unforgettable destinations and a lifetime of stories.

A trip this ambitious deserves careful planning. Kenlink Tours secures your permits early, chooses the right lodges for your budget, plans comfortable driving days and pairs you with an expert driver-guide who knows every stretch of the route.

Ready to begin? Contact our safari experts with your travel dates, group size and budget, and we will send you a tailor-made itinerary and quote within 24 hours.

Call or WhatsApp: +256 789 210 067 | Email: info@kenlinktours.com