12 Day wildlife safari in Uganda with relaxation at Zanzibar

A wildlife safari in Uganda begins as you land at Entebbe International Airport where you meet your guide and head straight to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to half of the world’s mountain gorillas, making it a key stop on any wildlife safari in Uganda. The drive takes about 8-10 hours, passing through hills, tea plantations, and small villages. You’ll settle into a lodge near the park, preparing for the incredible gorilla trekking adventure that awaits on your wildlife safari in Uganda

Today you will come close to the gorillas because a wildlife safari in Uganda wouldn’t be complete without gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Accompanied by expert guides, you’ll hike through dense vegetation searching for a habituated gorilla group. Observing these magnificent primates up close is a once-in-a-lifetime experience on any wildlife safari in Uganda. Afterward, visit the Batwa community, where you’ll learn about their ancient forest lifestyle. Through storytelling and traditional performances, the Batwa share how they once thrived in Bwindi before conservation efforts changed their way of life.

On a wildlife safari in Uganda, Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the best places to see diverse animals and landscapes. After breakfast, drive through the plains toward the park, famous for its tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector. In the evening, enjoy a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, where hippos, crocodiles, and elephants gather by the water. This is a perfect opportunity for birdwatching, as the channel hosts over 600 bird species, making it a key destination for a wildlife safari in Uganda.

Start your day with a game drive in Kasenyi Plains, a prime spot for viewing large predators on a wildlife safari in Uganda. Expect sightings of lions, leopards, and spotted hyenas alongside herds of Uganda kobs grazing in the open savannah. Later, take a guided nature walk in Maramagambo Forest, home to monkeys, forest birds, and the impressive bat caves. In the afternoon, visit the Katwe Crater Lakes, unique saltwater lakes formed by volcanic activity another incredible feature on a wildlife safari in Uganda.

The primate capital and a wildlife safari in Uganda isn’t complete without primate visit, and Kibale National Park is the ultimate destination for this. The journey to Kibale passes through scenic countryside before arriving at the park, famous for its dense population of chimpanzees. In the afternoon, explore Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, home to the elusive Shoebill and dozens of other bird species. End the day with a cultural tour to meet the local communities, learning about their traditional crafts, coffee farming, and daily life all part of an enriching wildlife safari in Uganda.

Chimpanzee trekking is a highlight of any wildlife safari in Uganda, and Kibale offers one of the best tracking experiences. Guided by experts, you’ll follow the chimps in their natural habitat, observing them as they swing through the treetops. After this exciting experience, embark on a long drive to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest protected area. Along the way, pass through the scenic Albertine Rift Valley, a key corridor for wildlife movement during a wildlife safari in Uganda.

Morning game drives in Murchison Falls National Park are best, with chances to spot lions, leopards, and large elephant herds during a wildlife safari in Uganda. As the sun rises, watch antelopes and giraffes move through the plains. Later, enjoy birdwatching along the riverbanks, home to the Goliath Heron, African Skimmer, and the rare Shoebill. An evening boat cruise on the Nile offers close-up views of crocodiles and hippos, making this a memorable part of your wildlife safari in Uganda.

A wildlife safari in Uganda is magical with the mighty Murchison Falls, where the Nile forces its way through a narrow gorge, creating a dramatic spectacle. After admiring the falls, begin the return drive to Kampala, stopping at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided rhino tracking experience. This is Uganda’s only place to see rhinos in the wild, and spotting them up close is an essential highlight of a wildlife safari in Uganda.

After completing an exciting wildlife safari in Uganda, it’s time to relax in Zanzibar. Fly from Entebbe to Zanzibar’s Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, where you’ll transfer to a beachfront resort. Zanzibar offers stunning white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and a vibrant cultural scene, making it the perfect post-safari destination.

Trade the savannahs of a wildlife safari in Uganda for Zanzibar’s tropical coastline. Spend the day unwinding on Nungwi Beach, famous for its powdery sands and crystal-clear waters. For adventure, try snorkeling, diving, or kite surfing before heading to Stone Town, a UNESCO heritage site rich in Swahili history and architecture. Exploring Stone Town’s narrow alleys and spice markets offers a unique cultural experience after a wildlife safari in Uganda.

Zanzibar’s Mnemba Atoll and Prison Island are perfect for exploring after a wildlife safari in Uganda. Take a boat ride to Mnemba, where colorful coral reefs provide amazing snorkeling and diving opportunities. Visit Prison Island, home to giant Aldabra tortoises, some over 150 years old. The clear waters and vibrant marine life make this day an exciting contrast to the landscapes of a wildlife safari in Uganda.

After the best experience of wildlife safari in Uganda and island getaway, it’s time to depart. Depending on flight schedules, enjoy a final swim or explore more of Zanzibar’s lively markets before heading to the airport.