12 Day Gorillas, Chimps & Wildlife  Safari

The 12-Day Gorillas, Chimps & Wildlife Epic Safari is one of East Africa’s most inspiring and diverse adventure circuits, combining Uganda’s misty jungles, pristine crater lakes, dramatic waterfalls, and rich wildlife with the broader appeal of the East African safari corridor that includes Kenya’s legendary Maasai Mara.

Crafted by Ngeye Tours and Travel, this mid-range luxury itinerary is designed for travelers seeking an immersive mix of primate trekking, cultural exploration.

Savannah wildlife viewing and breath-taking natural scenery all wrapped within a seamless experience that can begin in either Uganda or Kenya depending on your travel plans.

Many travelers pair this safari with pre or post-extensions to Maasai Mara National Reserve, Nairobi National Park or even Amboseli for a full-circle Great Rift Valley experience.

This 12 Day Gorillas, Chimps & Wildlife Safari begins in Entebbe, Uganda’s lakeside entry point along the shores of the world’s largest tropical lake Lake Victoria.

From here, your adventure flows northward to the mighty Murchison Falls National Park, where the River Nile explodes through a narrow gorge, creating one of Africa’s most powerful waterfalls and attracting.

Countless elephants, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, leopards, hippos and birds.

This marks the beginning of Uganda’s classical wildlife experience before transitioning into an in-depth primate journey through Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest home of more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.

Kenya–Uganda Cross Border Circuit

Along your route, you will explore the mesmerizing crater lakes of Kabarole, the wide savannahs of Kasenyi plains the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha and the rainforest-covered slopes of the Virunga Volcanoes.

This itinerary combines some of the most dramatic landscapes in East Africa from rolling terraced hills to deep valleys carpeted in lush tropical vegetation making it an unrivaled scenic adventure.

A key highlight of this itinerary is the opportunity to trek three iconic primate species in one safari:

Chimpanzees in Kibale Forest (the primate capital of East Africa)

Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Golden Monkeys in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

This makes the itinerary ideal for travelers who want a rare and complete primate circuit while still enjoying game drives, boat safaris and cultural interactions along the way.

Additionally, the safari includes a visit to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, allowing you to encounter rhinos only species missing from the regular Uganda circuit making your wildlife experience a near “Big Five + Primates” combination.

The itinerary is crafted to offer smooth transitions from one region to the next, minimizing long drives where possible.

Incorporating strategic overnights at some of the most charming mid-range lodges in Uganda.

Optional extensions after Day 12 can take you back to Entebbe or directly to Kenya by flight, where you may continue to Maasai Mara for big cat sightings, the Great Migration (seasonal) or Nairobi for an urban wildlife experience.

This makes the itinerary perfect for travellers seeking a multi-country East Africa adventure.

With 12 days of diverse activities, you will explore Uganda with an unmatched depth—from its wildlife parks to its forest trails, water channels, highlands, and cultural communities.

Every day brings a new landscape, a new sighting, a new moment of awe.

This itinerary is more than a safari it is a journey into the true heart of Africa, where wildlife thrives, traditions endure and travelers gain life-changing encounters.

Day 1: Arrival in Uganda – Gateway to the Pearl of Africa

Destination: Entebbe / Kampala

Your 12 Day Gorillas, Chimps & Wildlife  Safari begins the moment you touch down at Entebbe International Airport, one of East Africa’s friendliest arrival hubs.

As you walk through immigration and step into the arrivals lounge, your personal Ngeye Tours and Travel safari guide awaits ready to welcome you with a warm Ugandan smile and assist with your luggage.

This first encounter sets the tone for the next 12 days of excellent hospitality, rich culture, and seamless travel support.

Entebbe is a calm, breezy lakeside town that rests along the northern shores of Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa and the second-largest freshwater lake in the world.

Many travelers arriving from Kenya particularly from Nairobi or after finishing a Maasai Mara safari extension find Entebbe refreshingly peaceful.

The region’s cool air, lush botanical gardens, and gentle waters offer the perfect introduction to East Africa’s natural charm.

Your guide will brief you on the upcoming itinerary, highlighting key experiences such as chimpanzee trekking, the search for tree-climbing lions, game drives and gorilla trekking.

They will also offer tips on photography, water intake, hiking gear and travel logistics.

After the briefing, you will be transferred to your comfortable mid-range hotel Hotel Horizon Entebbe where you can relax, shower, and settle in.

Spend the evening enjoying the serene views of Lake Victoria, taking a short walk around town, or simply unwinding before your safari begins.

Dinner is at your own arrangement, giving you the option to explore local restaurants or dine at the hotel.

Tonight, rest early. Your grand 12-day adventure awaits.

Day 2: Rhino Tracking at Ziwa Sanctuary & Transfer to Murchison Falls

Destination: Murchison Falls National Park

After breakfast, your journey heads north toward Uganda’s largest wildlife reserve Murchison Falls National Park.

This beautiful drive passes through rural towns, small trading centres and rolling landscapes.

The highlight of the day is your stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda where rhinos exist in their natural habitat.

Here, you embark on a guided rhino tracking walk, an exciting wildlife encounter that brings you within safe walking distance of these prehistoric giants.

This is an excellent chance for photography and completing your “Big Five” tally before proceeding deeper into Uganda.

After tracking, enjoy a relaxed lunch before continuing the journey toward Murchison Falls.

As you approach the park, the landscape becomes increasingly wild, dotted with Borassus palms, savannah vegetation and sometimes giraffes near the roadside.

You will drive directly to the Top of the Falls, a spectacular viewpoint where the mighty Nile squeezes through a 7-meter gorge before exploding into a thunderous cascade.

The power and beauty of this natural wonder make it one of East Africa’s most iconic scenes.

Day 3: Game Drive on the Savannah & Boat Cruise on the Nile

Destination: Murchison Falls National Park

This day begins with a sunrise game drive across the northern banks of the Nile. As the golden light illuminates the savannah, animals begin their morning routines.

This is when wildlife is most active. Murchison Falls is famous for hosting large populations of Rothschild giraffes, elephants, lions, hartebeest, warthogs, buffaloes, leopards and many bird species.

Your guide will explore strategic wildlife-rich areas such as the delta region where the Nile enters Lake Albert.

After lunch, embark on one of Uganda’s greatest safari experiences a boat cruise along the Nile.

This relaxed excursion takes you to the base of the falls, offering sightings of giant Nile crocodiles, hippos, elephants cooling off at the riverbank, and countless birds.

The boat slowly moves upstream until you reach the famous “Devil’s Cauldron,” where the falls thunder down from above.

The combination of scenery and wildlife makes this one of the most dramatic river experiences in Africa.

Day 4: Scenic Transfer to Kibale Forest – The Primate Capital of East Africa

Destination: Kibale National Park

Today offers one of the most beautiful long drives of your safari as you transition from the savannahs of northern Uganda to the lush evergreen landscapes of western Uganda.

Depart Murchison Falls after breakfast and journey through Hoima, Kagadi, and Kyenjojo en route to the famous crater lake region of Fort Portal.

Along the way, expect views of rural homesteads, tea plantations, roadside markets, and the rolling highlands that characterize Uganda’s fertile countryside.

Kibale Forest National Park is renowned as the primate capital of East Africa, hosting 13 primate species including chimpanzees, red colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, blue monkeys and more.

Upon arrival, check in at Turaco Treetops Lodge, a comfortable mid-range lodge set in the forest canopy with stunning views.

Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Wetland Experience

Destination: Kibale Forest

Your morning begins with a briefing at the park headquarters before embarking on a fascinating chimpanzee trekking adventure.

Led by experienced rangers, you will follow forest trails listening for distant calls and scanning the treetops.

Once located, spend an unforgettable hour observing their behavior playing, grooming, feeding and socializing.

After lunch, proceed to Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-managed ecological paradise known for birds, monkeys and cultural interactions.

Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park & Kazinga Channel Boat Safari

Destination: Queen Elizabeth NP

After breakfast, you will drive through the crater lakes region toward Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most scenic and diverse savannah park.

Upon arrival, enjoy a short game drive as you head toward your lodge.

Later in the afternoon, embark on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, one of the world’s most wildlife-rich water corridors, home to hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes and over 600 bird species.

The close-range photography opportunities are unmatched.

Day 7: Kasenyi Game Drive & Search for Tree-Climbing Lions in Ishasha

Destination: Queen Elizabeth NP

Start the morning with a thrilling game drive on the Kasenyi plains, one of the best places in Uganda to find lions and large herds of Uganda kob.

Afterward, continue south into the Ishasha sector, world-famous for its rare tree-climbing lions. With your ranger’s guidance, search the large fig trees where these unique lions rest in the hot afternoon hours.

Day 8: Transfer to Bwindi – Land of the Mountain Gorillas

Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Today’s journey takes you through the scenic Kigezi Highlands, known as the “Switzerland of Africa.”

Travel through terraced hills, deep valleys, and cool highland breezes as you approach the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 9: Gorilla Trekking – A Once-in-a-Lifetime Encounter

Destination: Bwindi Forest

This is the highlight of your Uganda safari. After your briefing, enter the ancient rainforest with your ranger guides.

Gorillas are located based on their previous day’s movements.

Once encountered, you are given one precious hour to observe and photograph them.

This intimate wildlife interaction is one of the world’s most emotional and transformative safari experiences.

Day 10: Golden Monkey Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Destination: Mgahinga NP

After breakfast, drive to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for the playful and energetic golden monkey trekking.

These colourful primates are endemic to the Virunga region.

Trek through bamboo forests on the slopes of the volcanoes and spend an hour observing these beautiful creatures.

Day 11: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park – Boat Safari

Destination: Lake Mburo National Park

Your journey heads east toward Lake Mburo, Uganda’s smallest savannah park but home to abundant animals.

Lake Mburo has animals like zebra, giraffe, eland, buffalo, hippos and birds.

Visit a cultural museum along the way before entering the park for an afternoon boat ride on Lake Mburo.

Day 12: Game Drive & Transfer Back to Entebbe – Departure

Destination: Entebbe International Airport

Enjoy a final morning game drive as you explore more of Lake Mburo’s wildlife-rich plains.

After breakfast, drive back to Entebbe with a stop at the Equator Line for photos and souvenirs.

Arrive at the airport afternoon/evening for departure or connect to Kenya for continued adventures in Maasai Mara, Nairobi or Amboseli.

Safari Inclusions

Airport transfers

All accommodation as per itinerary (mid-range)

All meals as listed

4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof

English-speaking professional safari guide

Gorilla trekking permit

Chimpanzee trekking permit

Golden monkey trekking permit

Ziwa rhino tracking fees

All park entry fees

All game drives and boat cruises

Drinking water in the vehicle

Safari Exclusions

International flights

Kenya extension costs (optional)

Visa fees (Uganda/Kenya)

Tips, laundry, and personal expenses

Alcoholic drinks and sodas

Additional activities not listed in itinerary

Accommodation before/after safari (can be arranged)