Set out on a 12-day budget adventure through Uganda’s most treasured travel spots, offering an exciting and immersive way to discover the beauty of Uganda. This journey includes both gorilla and chimpanzee trekking which are unforgettable wildlife encounters offering rare opportunities to observe these magnificent primates up close in their natural habitats, an absolute highlight for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. It is the perfect itinerary for wildlife lovers and safari-goers seeking an authentic Ugandan experience without breaking the bank.
During this safari, you will visit some of the most iconic locations in Uganda, including Ziwa Rhino sanctuary which is a haven for rhino lovers. You will participate in the awe-inspiring activity of rhino tracking here and fall in love with nature. A walking safari in Lake Mburo National Park also awaits. Join us in a discovery of Uganda’s wildlife treasures!
Cost per person:
Starting from: USD $4450 (Budget Accommodation) per person based on two travelers sharing
| 1 Person | 2 People | 3 People | 4 People | 5 People | 6 People | |
| Jan-April | $5250 | $4450 | $4250 | $4150 | $4050 | $3950 |
| May- August | $5450 | $4650 | $4450 | $4350 | $4250 | $4150 |
| Sept- Dec | $5350 | $4550 | $4350 | $4250 | $4150 | $4050 |
Cost Per Child (Discount)
| Age | 0-2 years old | 3-6 years old | 7-10 years old | 11-13 years old | 14+ years old |
| Discount Rate | 100% | 65% | 50% | 15% | 0% |
Why This Tour?
12-Day Uganda’s Finest Tourism Destinations Budget Tour
Join our 12-Day Uganda’s Finest Tourism Destinations Budget Tour and explore the country’s finest tourism destinations. From mountain gorillas to scenic landscapes, experience the best of Uganda’s natural beauty and rich heritage on this unforgettable adventure. This 12-Day Uganda’s Finest Tourism Destinations Budget Tour offers a unique blend of adventure, culture, and wildlife, showcasing the best of Uganda’s tourism destinations. With affordable accommodations and expert guides, you’ll have an unforgettable experience.
East Africa Tours
You will visit Lake Mburo National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Amabere Ga Nyina Mwiru Caves, Kibale National Park, Murchison Falls National Park and Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Your first destination will be Lake Mburo National Park. The Park is a hidden gem in western Uganda, perfect for travelers seeking a quieter, more intimate wildlife experience. Known for its scenic landscapes of rolling hills, acacia woodlands, and tranquil lakes, the park is home to zebras, impalas, giraffes, and over 350 bird species. Enjoy walking safaris and guided game drives here and if interested, you can participate in the horseback riding or bicycle safari that are optional activities payable at the location.
You will also visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This Park is renowned for its rare mountain gorilla trekking experience. Nestled in southwestern Uganda, this lush, mist-covered jungle is home to nearly half the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Visitors can also enjoy scenic hikes, birdwatching, and cultural encounters with local communities. Bwindi offers a truly magical and life-changing adventure deep in the heart of nature.
As you conclude your safari, you will visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. The Sanctuary offers a rare and thrilling opportunity to track endangered rhinos on foot in their natural habitat. It is home to over 30 rhinos and teems with other wildlife, including antelopes, hippos, and abundant birdlife. Rhino tracking provide a safe, up-close experience with these majestic creatures, making Ziwa a must-visit stop for wildlife and conservation enthusiasts.
Join us on an unforgettable 12-day journey through Uganda’s finest tourism destinations. With its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage, this luxury tour is an experience you won’t want to miss. Book now and create lifelong memories!
Highlights
- Gorilla Trekking
- Chimpanzee Trekking
- Rhino Tracking
- Batwa Cultural Interactions
- Game Drives
- Boat Cruises
- Bird Watching
- Visit Amabere Ga Nyinamwiru Caves
- walking Safari
- Horseback Safari
- Bigodi Community Walk
- Bicycle Safari
Tour Plan
12-Day Uganda's Finest Tourism Destinations Budget Tour
On arrival in Uganda, you will be welcomed and picked by our Kubwa Five Safaris guide, who will be holding an A4 paper with your name printed on it at Entebbe International Airport, and you will be transferred to Lake Mburo National Park.
Along the way, you will have a stopover at the Equator in Masaka. You will be able to see where this imaginary line divides our planet into two equal hemispheres. Lunch, snacks, souvenirs and photographs may be taken here.
You will then proceed to Lake Mburo National Park. On arrival, you will go on a breathtaking evening game drive.
Take pleasure in observing different water birds together with their echoing sweet sounds and animals such as hippos, African crocodiles, waterbucks, buffaloes among others. After experiencing the true wilderness, you will be driven back to the lodge for a night rest and dinner.
Meals and overnight at Rangeland Mburo Lodge/ Rwonyo Rest Camp/ Hyena Hill Lodge
After an early morning breakfast, Have an early breakfast; head out for the morning walking safari in the park. A walking safari in Lake Mburo National Park is a magical way to experience the bush trails of the park.
You’ll never get tired of going on a walking safari, where you’ll leave behind the vehicle and step out into the wild. It can be a little nerve-wracking at first, but you’ll be walking with an experienced guide and it’s very safe. It can be a real thrill walking in this way, and most people fall in love with the experience.
After the walking safari, you can take part in the optional activities, such as biking at 32 USD per person or horseback riding at 60 USD per person.
After either or both activities, you will head back to your lodge and do some relaxing for the rest of the day.
Meals and overnight at Rangeland Mburo Lodge/ Rwonyo Rest Camp/Â Hyena Hill Lodge
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home of the famous mountain gorillas. You will have lunch en route.
On arrival, you will check in at your lodge and relax as you prepare for the next day’s advenure.
Meals and overnight at Gorilla Friends Resort Lodge/ Ruhija Gorilla Friends Resort/ Nshongi Camp
After breakfast, you will head out with your guide and a packed lunch to the park head offices for a briefing about the do’s and don’ts of gorilla trekking.
Afterwards, you will head out for gorilla trekking through the misty rain forest. Trekking lasts two to six hours, depending on the location of the gentle giants. Make sure you carry enough water, sturdy shoes, non-flash cameras, and rain jackets.
Spending time in the presence of mountain gorillas is a real privilege, so we are sure you will enjoy trekking deep into the forest to find them. This is one of the most memorable experiences you can have while on safari.
At the end of this long and exciting adventure, you will head out for a community walk where you will visit the Batwa. This is an indigenous group of people that have lived in the forest for over 500,000 years. You will enjoy traditional dances and drama from them.
Meals and overnight at Gorilla Friends Resort Lodge/ Ruhija Gorilla Friends Resort/ Nshongi Camp.
After an early morning breakfast, you will be transferred to Ishasha Sector for the tree-climbing lions on the Kasenyi Plains. Ishasha is located in the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth.
Have a game drive in Ishasha, famous for its tree climbing lions. The Ishasha Sector is notably recognized for its resident tree-climbing lions which are an exceptional attraction.
After the game drive in Ishasha it is time to move to Queen Elizabeth National park. This is a huge park where wildlife and people coexist in harmony.
On arrival, you will go for an evening game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park aiming to catch the lions hunting in the evening. Lions usually hunt when the temperatures are cooler. We also expect to see the Uganda kob, elephants, buffalos, warthogs, leopards and waterbucks.
Meals and overnight at Bush Lodge/ Mweya Hostel/ Songbird Safari Lodge
After breakfast, you will depart at 6:00am for a morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park aiming to catch the lions hunting in the morning. Expect to see the Uganda Kob, elephants, buffalos, warthogs, leopards and waterbuck.
After the morning game drive, you go for a boat cruise on the Kazinga channel which connects Lake Edward and Lake George.
Some of the best wildlife viewings are done on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, passing squacco herons, pied kingfishers, large numbers of buffalo and hippo, basking crocodiles and very many different bird species and large mammals. This is one of the most memorable experiences from the park. Over 300 hippos are found in the lake.
After the boat cruise, you will go for an evening game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park aiming to catch the lions hunting in the evening. Lions usually hunt when the temperatures are cooler. We also expect to see the Uganda kob, elephants, buffalos, warthogs, leopards and waterbucks.
Meals and overnight at Bush Lodge/ Mweya Hostel/ Kabatoro Guest House
After breakfast, you will be driven to Fort Portal, the capital of the Tooro kingdom, situated in the shadow of the fabled “Mountains of the Moon,” the Rwenzori Mountains.
On arrival, you will explore the crater lakes. You will have a walk at the edge of a rare twinned-volcanic crater lake, which offers spectacular views.
You will take a guided walk with one of the local guides around the rim of the crater lakes and see them in all of their majesty. You can as well walk down to the lakes through the ‘land that time forgot’ forest at Kyaninga.
Out of Kyaninga, you can tour the local villages and gain a fascinating insight into rural Ugandan life. A little further, and you can take a walk up to the escarpment of the Great Rift Valley itself and stare in wonder as East Africa opens out beneath you.
You will also visit the Amabere Ga Nyina Mwiru Caves and the three surrounding explosion crater lakes.
A side-trip to the Amabere Caves and the three nearby Crater Lakes will be a time of hiking. This is one of the most interesting day adventures and it can be done while staying in Fort portal.
After the Amabere Ga Nyina Mwiru Caves, you will visit Tooro Palace and take pictures.
Meals and overnight at Kals Guest House/ Rwengoma Courts and Apartments/ Stanford Hotel Fort Portal
After an early morning breakfast, you will be transferred to Kibale National Park. You will head out with your guide and a packed lunch to the park head offices for a briefing about the do’s and don’ts of chimpanzee trekking. You will start early and take about two to six hours, depending on the location of the chimps.
After trekking, you will go back to your lodge and spend the entire evening relaxing.
The opportunity to see chimpanzees in the wild is one of the most memorable of all safari activities. Getting close to these creatures that share so much of our DNA is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and the excitement of walking through the forest and knowing that they are close will stay with you forever.
After chimpanzee trekking, you will be driven to Sempaya hot springs which are the main attraction of Semiliki National Park and among the safari highlights. At the springs, you will witness water boiling it’s self-using the natural forces.
The strength and hotness of the springs are amazing as one can boil eggs and matooke in a few minutes, its ready to eat.
After visiting the hot springs, you will be transferred back to your lodge.
Meals and overnight at Kibale Forest Camp (Non-self contained tents)/ Kibale Forest Lodge/ Chimpanzee Capital Safari Lodge
After an early morning breakfast, you will be transferred to Murchison Falls National Park, driving through the Albertine Escarpment of the great Western Rift Valley.
You will arrive in the evening and go for the evening game drive.
Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest protected area, home to more than 73 animal species, including buffaloes, leopards, lions, and elephants, 3/4 of the world’s population of Rothschild giraffes plus a healthy population of herbivores. In addition to 451 bird species, including 23 Albertine rift endemics.
Meals and overnight at Leosim Hotel/ Red Chilli Rest Camp/ Kalalo Cottage Inn
After breakfast, you will set off very early in the morning for a morning game drive. You will be able to see various animals like lions, leopards, giraffes, hippos, elephants among others.
Other activities in this game drive include bird watching and sightseeing across the open savannah, dotted woodland, and riverine vegetation along the Nile and Albert deltas.
After the morning game drive, you will go to the lodge to relax and have lunch.
After lunch, you will embark (between 2pm and 4pm) on a three-hour boat cruise on the Nile. This boat cruise offers an amazing view of the falls from the bottom. Hippos, crocodiles, antelopes, and aquatic birds can be seen along the shores of the river.
In the evening, you will head out for an evening game drive.
Meals and overnight at Leosim Hotel/ Red Chilli Rest Camp/ Kalalo Cottage Inn
After the breakfast at 6am, you will experience the Top of the falls. It is an exciting experience that brings you very close to these magnificent falls, where the Nile forces its way through a gorge in the rocks and tumbles 43m below flowing westwards into Lake Albert. The resulting mist from the turbulence often produces rainbows.
After seeing the top of the falls, if time allows, you will enjoy a hiking experience from the top to the bottom of the falls.
After the top of the falls tour, you will be driven to Kampala, you will branch off to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for rhino tracking; this activity is truly one of a kind in Uganda, the pearl of Africa.
After the rhino tracking, you will be driven to Kampala. On arrival, you will check into your hotel and relax.
Meals and overnight at Bushpig Backpackers Hostel/ Ss hotel Kampala/ Russel Hotel
After having a delightful breakfast, you will be transferred to Entebbe International Airport for your scheduled flight back home.
All good things must come to an end, and your time with us on safari in Uganda will now draw to a close. We’re sure that you’ve had a wonderful time.
Cost Included/Exclude
Inclusions
- One gorilla permit per person to be secured and paid for well in advance
- One chimpanzee permit per person to be secured and paid for well in advance
- Services of an expert guide
- Airport transfer (Airport pick up and drop off)
- Daily meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- Ground transportation (4×4 safari Landcruiser / minivan with pop-up tops)
- Full board accommodation and en route meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Park fees and relevant government taxes.
Exclusions
- Airfares
- Visa fees
- Personal insurance
- Expenses of personal nature, such as drinks, tips, laundry, telephone, and cigarettes
- Accommodation and meals not indicated in the itinerary
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The cost covers all accommodations, meals as specified, park entrance fees, game drives, gorilla and chimpanzee permits, boat cruises, guide services, and ground transportation throughout the safari.
Yes. Gorilla trekking permits (Bwindi) and chimpanzee trekking permits (Kibale) are included in the total cost of the trip.
Essentials include lightweight clothing, hiking boots, a rain jacket, insect repellent, sunscreen, binoculars, a camera, a reusable water bottle, and personal medication. A full packing list will be shared upon booking.
Yes, but children under 15 are not allowed to participate in gorilla and chimpanzee trekking. We offer alternative activities for young children on those days.
We use clean, safe, and comfortable lodges. All accommodations have private self-contained rooms; bathrooms are inside the rooms/tents.
Yes. We cater to most dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and others. Please let us know your preferences in advance.
While most of the safari involves vehicle-based game drives and scenic travel, gorilla and chimpanzee trekking require moderate physical fitness due to hiking in mountainous and forested terrain.
Yes. We strongly recommend that all participants have comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage.
Our private safari is tailored to provide an intimate and immersive experience for small groups. We accommodate groups of 4 to 24 travelers, ensuring that each participant receives personalized attention and a unique safari experience.
Yes, we can tailor this safari to fit your schedule, interests, or accommodation preferences. Contact us for a personalized quote.
- Uganda
Uganda is known as “The Pearl of Africa” with good cause. It is one of the few places in the world where you may enjoy safaris, mountains, forests, rivers, and rich culture all in one trip.
It is one of just three nations where you can journey to observe wild mountain gorillas, particularly in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Meeting these gentle giants is an unforgettable experience.
The Nile River’s source is in Uganda! Jinja, Africa’s adventure capital, offers whitewater rafting, kayaking, bungee jumping, and relaxing sunset cruises.
Before Departing On Your Gorilla Trekking:
- A maximum number of eight visitors may visit a group of habituated mountain gorillas in a day. This minimizes behavioral disturbance to the gorillas and the risk of their exposure to human-borne diseases.
- Always wash your hands before you head out to the gorillas.
On The Way To The Gorillas:
- Please always keep your voices low. You will also be able to observe the great birdlife and other wildlife in the forest.
- DO NOT leave rubbish in the park. Whatever you bring into the forest should be carried back out with you.
- You will be taken to where the guides observed the gorillas the day before. From there you will follow the gorilla’s trail to find them. Look out for the gorilla’s nesting sites along the way!
- When you approach the mountain gorillas, the guides will inform you to get ready.
When You Are With The Gorillas:
- A seven-meter (21 feet) distance should be tried to be observed at all times from the gorillas. The further back you are, the more relaxed the group will be.
- You must stay in a tight group whey you are near the gorillas.
- Keep your voices down at all times. However, it is okay to ask the guide questions.
- Do not smoke, drink, or eat when you are near the gorillas. Eating or drinking inevitably will increase the risk of food/drink morsels/droplets falling, which could increase the risk of transmission of diseases.
- Sometimes the gorillas charge. Follow the guides example (crouch down slowly, do not look the gorillas directly in the eyes, and wait for the animals to pass). Do not attempt to run away because that will increase the risk.
- Flash photography is not permitted! When taking pictures move slowly and carefully.
- Do not touch the gorillas. They are wild animals.
- The maximum time you can spend with the gorillas is one hour. However, if the gorillas become agitated or nervous, the guide will finish the visit early.
- After the visit keep your voices down until you are 200 meters away from the gorillas.
General Health Rules:
- Remember that mountain gorillas are very susceptible to human diseases. The following rules are ways to minimize the risk your visit might pose to them.
- Respect the limits imposed on the number of visitors allowed with the gorillas each day. This minimizes the risk of disease transmission and stress to the group.
- If you are feeling ill, or you are carrying a contagious disease, volunteer to stay behind. An alternate visit will be arranged for you, or you will be refunded your money.
- If you feel the urge to cough or sneeze when you are near the gorillas, please turn your head away and cover your nose and mouth in order to minimize the spread of bacteria or viruses.
- Always stay seven meters (21 feet) away from the gorillas. This is to protect them from catching human diseases.
- Do not leave any rubbish (eg. food wrappers) in the park; foreign items can harbor diseases or other contaminants.
- If you need to go to the toilet while in the forest, please ask the guide to dig you a hole with his panga. Make sure the hole is 30 centimeters deep and fill it in when you are finished.
What To Bring On Your Gorilla Safari:
- Wear comfortable hiking shoes suitable for steep muddy slopes.
- Put on earplugs for those who feel uncomfortable with the jungle sounds.
- Carry a packed lunch and enough drinking water.
- Carry rain gear, sunscreen lotion, a hat (as the weather is unpredictable), and insect repellent.
- Bring a photo of a film camera. Using a flashlight is not permitted so we recommend using films of 400-800 ASA.
- When is the best time of year to visit Uganda?
Uganda is accessible at any time of year. Mountain gorilla trekking is on most tourists’ bucket lists, and permits are available all year.
Uganda is a tropical country that receives a lot of rain. The wettest months are March to May, which can make travel difficult. During the Wet Season some roads become extremely muddy and difficult to navigate.
The dry season months of June to August and December to February provide the best travel conditions, and are also ideal for Ugandan gorilla trekking. The dry season months are also ideal for general wildlife viewing in savannah reserves because animals congregate around rivers and waterholes, and the grass is shorter, making spotting easier.
2. How are the wildlife viewing opportunities in Uganda?
Uganda is home to some of the best wilderness areas on the African continent. Uganda unquestionably has some of the best and most beautiful wildlife in the world.
Uganda has a diverse wildlife population and is home to the big five game animals. Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, and Lake Mburo National Park are the best places in Uganda to see wildlife.
A wildlife viewing experience in Uganda is well worth your time and money, and it will leave you with lasting memories. Uganda, unspoiled and raw, offers a genuine sense of off-the-beaten-path adventure.
Uganda is endowed with numerous natural and cultural wonders that are largely unknown to the general public. Uganda is still relatively unknown, with the majority of tourists interviewed stating that this was their first visit and promising to return with their friends. With an astounding number of hippos, rhinos, lions, leopards, elephants, gorillas, chimps, giraffes, buffalos, and other animals thriving in Uganda’s national parks, Uganda is undeniably endowed.
Uganda is home to over 350 different species of mammals of various sizes. They include large mammals such as gorillas, rhinos, hippos, chimps, buffaloes, lions, leopards, elephants, zebras, giraffes, and warthogs, as well as small mammals such as bats, moles, and shrews. These mammals are classified into three groups: primates (gorillas, chimps, monkeys, and others), carnivores (leopards, African wildcats, cheetahs, and others), and herbivores (Buffalos, elephants, Giraffes and more).
3. Is Uganda safe for tourists?
When traveling to urban areas, travelers should take the usual precautions for their safety and try to avoid traveling at night. Petty crime is a problem in urban areas, just as it is in all poor countries. Each national park is equipped with security personnel in order to guarantee the tourists’ well-being.
