Chimpanzees in Kibale Forest

Signature Journey

12 Days Uganda Signature Journey

Uganda contains multitudes mist-shrouded volcanoes, wildlife-rich savannahs, glassy crater lakes, and the mighty Nile. This curated route reveals every chapter: rhinos on foot, golden savannah dawns, intimate primate encounters, tranquil lakes, and warm cultural moments. It's the Uganda we know intimately, delivered with polish and heart.

Duration

12 Days / 11 Nights

Route

Entebbe • Murchison • Kibale • Queen • Bwindi • Bunyonyi • Mburo

Journey Style

Gorillas • Chimpanzees • Big Game • Culture

Safari Highlights

Why this journey stands apart

  • Mountain gorilla & chimpanzee trekking
  • Classic game drives plus two private boat cruises
  • Handpicked luxury lodges with signature views
  • Authentic community and cultural encounters
  • Contrasting landscapes in one seamless route

Tour Summary

The Uganda Journey

Day 1 – Arrival in Entebbe

Bed & Breakfast

Arrive at Entebbe International Airport, meet your safari guide, and transfer to your boutique hotel for rest and acclimatization.

  • VIP meet, greet, and luggage assistance
  • Sunset cocktail by Lake Victoria (time permitting)
Overnight: Hotel No.5, Entebbe

Day 2 – Entebbe → Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary → Murchison Falls

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Drive north with a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for on-foot rhino tracking before continuing to the Nile in Murchison Falls National Park.

  • Guided rhino walk inside Ziwa
  • Lunch in Masindi and scenic drive into the park
Overnight: Nile Safari Lodge (2 nights)

Day 3 – Murchison Falls Game Drives & Nile Cruise

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Morning game drive across the northern savannah followed by a private afternoon boat cruise to the base of the falls.

  • Track elephants, giraffes, lions, kob, and if lucky leopards
  • Encounter hippos, crocodiles, and shoebill along the Nile
Overnight: Nile Safari Lodge

Day 4 – Murchison → Kibale Forest

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Journey south via Fort Portal, passing crater lakes, tea estates, and Rwenzori viewpoints en route to Kibale Forest.

  • Lunch stop in Fort Portal
  • Optional evening forest walk (time permitting)
Overnight: Primate Lodge Kibale

Day 5 – Chimpanzees & Transfer to Queen Elizabeth

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Track habituated chimpanzees in Kibale National Park before driving to Queen Elizabeth National Park for sunset plains.

  • One-hour encounter with chimp families
  • Evening game drive if time allows
Overnight: Elephant Plains Lodge (2 nights)

Day 6 – Queen Elizabeth: Plains & Kazinga Channel

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Morning safari across Kasenyi plains followed by an afternoon boat safari along the wildlife-rich Kazinga Channel.

  • Spot lions, elephants, and prolific antelope on the plains
  • Cruise alongside hippos, buffaloes, elephants, and water birds
Overnight: Ishasha Wilderness Lodge

Day 7 – Ishasha to Bwindi

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Game drive through the tree-climbing lion sector of Ishasha before continuing south into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

  • Track famed fig-tree lounging lions
  • Arrive at a cloud-forest lodge overlooking the canopy
Overnight: Clouds Gorilla Lodge

Day 8 – Gorilla Trekking & Lake Bunyonyi

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Trek into Bwindi for a once-in-a-lifetime mountain gorilla encounter, then transfer to the island-dotted Lake Bunyonyi.

  • One hour in the presence of a gorilla family
  • Scenic drive to Lake Bunyonyi for sunset views
Overnight: Arcadia Cottages Lake Bunyonyi (2 nights)

Day 9 – Bunyonyi at Leisure

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

A flexible day for lake life choose light adventure or simple relaxation across Uganda's most picturesque lake.

  • Optional boat rides, biking, or village walks
  • Time to unwind with panoramic vistas
Overnight: Arcadia Cottages Lake Bunyonyi

Day 10 – Bunyonyi → Lake Mburo

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Head northeast to Lake Mburo National Park for afternoon game viewing amid rolling acacia hills.

  • Lunch stop in Mbarara
  • Evening drive spotting zebras, eland, hippos, and giraffes
Overnight: Mihingo Lodge or equivalent

Day 11 – Lake Mburo → Entebbe

Bed & Breakfast

Optional morning activity (walking safari or cycling) before the return journey to Entebbe via the Equator line.

  • Guided bush walk or mountain bike (optional)
  • Equator photo stop and artisan craft shopping
Overnight: Hotel No.5, Entebbe

Day 12 – Mabamba Swamp & Departure

Breakfast

Early excursion to Mabamba Papyrus Swamp to search for the rare shoebill before relaxing in a day room and airport transfer.

  • Guided canoe through papyrus channels
  • Day room plus airport drop-off for onward flights
Overnight: Departure

Booking Tour

Accommodation

Experience a carefully curated selection of boutique lodges throughout your 12-day journey:

  • Entebbe: Hotel No.5 or equivalent
  • Murchison Falls: Elephant Plains Lodge
  • Kibale Forest: Luxury lodge
  • Queen Elizabeth: Ishasha Wilderness Lodge
  • Lake Bunyonyi: Arcadia Cottages
  • Lake Mburo: Mihingo Lodge or equivalent
Adventures and Hikes Logo

Quick Links

Timeless Journeys Podcast

Listen to inspiring stories and travel insights from African safari experts and adventurers.

Listen Now

Contact Us

  • +256 393 254026

  • sales@adventuresandhikes.com

    adventuresandhikes@gmail.com

  • 4th Floor Suite 44, Haruna Plaza,

    Bukoto - Ntinda Road,

    Kampala, Uganda

© 2026 Adventures & Hikes Ltd. All rights reserved.