12 Days Primate & Wild Discoveries - Uganda

12 Day Uganda Safari Itinerary | Primates, Wildlife & Culture

Starting from $4,810 USD per person. Gorilla trekking permit ($825 USD) and Chimpanzee trekking permit ($285 USD) both included. Both permit costs are paid at the same time as your 40% booking deposit as permits must be secured in advance. Back to the Source Tours arranges both permits on your behalf. Full pricing by group size is in the interactive table below.

About This 12-Day Uganda Safari Itinerary

This is Uganda at its most wild, most human, and most unforgettable. The 12-Day Primate and Wild Discoveries Uganda Safari takes you through four of the country’s greatest national parks on a journey that combines big game safaris, primate trekking, boat cruises, cultural encounters, and conservation experiences into one seamless and deeply rewarding adventure. You will track southern white rhinos on foot at Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch, witness the raw power of Murchison Falls on the River Nile from the top of the falls, and go chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park (minimum age 12 years).

Beyond the trek, the Kibale region delivers even more with a visit to the Sunbird Hill Experience, a grassroots conservation and community project where you walk with an ex-poacher turned conservationist and discover how local communities are protecting the wildlife on their doorstep.

The second half of this journey shifts into something even more extraordinary. In Queen Elizabeth National Park, morning game drives reveal lions, elephants, buffaloes, and leopards across open savannah, a visit to the Mongoose Research Project delivers a rare window into wildlife behavioral science, and the legendary Kazinga Channel boat cruise puts you within metres of one of Africa’s greatest concentrations of hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds.

A scenic transfer then brings you to the misty highlands of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where a stop at the Pangolin Rescue Center in Buhoma introduces you to one of Africa’s most urgent conservation stories. Then comes the day that changes everything: a mountain gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi (minimum age 15 years), widely regarded as one of the most powerful wildlife encounters on earth. The journey closes with a joyful and deeply moving Batwa community tour, visits to local artisan gift shops supporting the people of Bwindi, a scenic return flight to Entebbe, and a final Shoebill Stork canoe excursion through Mabamba Swamp, one of Uganda’s most celebrated birdwatching experiences.

This is a Uganda wildlife and cultural safari designed for travelers who want more than a game drive, a journey where every single day delivers something that stays with you long after you return home.

Apply for your Uganda visa at: immigration.go.ug/services/tourist-visa

Pearl of Africa · Uganda

12-Days: Primate & Wild Discoveries

What Does This Journey Cost?

Select your group size below. The more you travel together, the more value every traveler gains. All pricing reflects upper mid-range estimates, per person, in USD.

Upper Mid-Range Estimates. These figures are a planning guide only. Final pricing is confirmed at booking and may vary based on travel dates, availability, and seasonal demand. Back to the Source Tours will provide a personalized quote upon inquiry.

2 PAX

$6,975

per person

4 PAX

$5,815

per person

6 PAX

$5,445

per person

8 PAX

$5,320

per person

10 PAX

$5,010

per person

12 PAX

$4,810

per person

Traveling as a pair gives you the most exclusive, personalised experience this journey has to offer.

All prices are upper mid-range estimates in USD and subject to change based on travel dates, availability, and seasonal demand. A confirmed quote will be provided upon booking inquiry.

All pricing is based on double occupancy, two travelers sharing one room whether single or twin beds. Solo travelers are warmly welcome; a single supplement applies and typically ranges from $500 to $900 depending on the tour. Back to the Source Tours organizes groups of up to 12 travelers for maximum impact, and larger groups can also be accommodated.

Primate and Wild Discoveries

Day 1 – Arrival in Entebbe, Uganda | Welcome to the Pearl of Africa

Your Uganda safari adventure begins the moment you land at Entebbe International Airport, beautifully situated on the shores of Lake Victoria. A dedicated Back to the Source Tours representative will be there to welcome you, assist with any arrival formalities, and transfer you privately to your hotel. Once settled in, you will receive a personal briefing covering your full itinerary, key highlights, and everything you need to know before the journey begins. Enjoy a relaxed dinner at your hotel or a recommended spot nearby, rest well, and let the anticipation build. Tomorrow the wild begins.

Day 2 – Scenic Drive to Murchison Falls via Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch | Rhino Trekking on Foot

After breakfast, set off northward on a picturesque overland drive through lush farmland, small trading towns, and open savannah toward Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s oldest and largest protected area. The journey’s first major highlight comes mid-route with a stop at Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch, the only place in Uganda where you can encounter wild southern white rhinos. Accompanied by experienced armed rangers, you will trek on foot through the ranch’s open grasslands to find and observe these powerful, prehistoric-looking giants up close.

Your guide will share fascinating insights into the rhinos’ behavior, social structure, and the dedicated conservation program that has successfully rebuilt Uganda’s rhino population from zero. It is a rare, unhurried, and deeply impressive wildlife encounter that very few travelers get to experience. Enjoy a freshly prepared lunch at the ranch before continuing your journey north. As the landscape opens into sweeping acacia woodland and golden grassland, the scale of Murchison comes into view. Arrive at your lodge in time for dinner under a wide African sky, with the sounds of the bush all around you.

Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch Uganda rhino tracking

Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch Uganda Guide | Rhino Tracking, Shoebills and 2026 Rhino News

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Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park: Uganda’s Majestic Waterfalls and Wildlife- If there’s one place in Uganda where nature shows off with unmatched drama and diversity, it’s Murchison Falls National Park—the country's oldest and largest protected area. Spanning over 3,840 [...]

Day 3 – Game Drive, Top of Murchison Falls, and Nile River Boat Cruise

This is a day that packs three unforgettable experiences into one. Rise early for a morning game drive across Murchison’s northern savannah, when the golden light is perfect and the wildlife is at peak activity.

Elephants move in great herds across the plains, Rothschild’s giraffes browse the acacia tops, lions rest in the grass, and Uganda kob, hartebeest, and buffaloes fill the open ground. Keep your eyes sharp for leopards slipping through the undergrowth and hyenas returning from their night’s work. After your drive, make your way to the Top of the Falls, where the entire volume of the River Nile is squeezed through a rocky gorge barely seven metres wide before plunging 45 metres in a thunderous cascade.

The spray, the roar, and the sheer raw force of this natural spectacle is one of Uganda’s most iconic sights, and one that genuinely stops you in your tracks. After a well-earned bush lunch, board a boat for an afternoon Nile River cruise upstream toward the base of the falls.

The riverbanks come alive with pods of hippos, Nile crocodiles, African fish eagles, kingfishers, elephants drinking at the shore, and buffaloes wading in the shallows. Drinks and light snacks are served on board as the Nile carries you through one of Africa’s great wildlife spectacles.

Day 4 – Scenic Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park | Primate Capital of East Africa

Kibale Forest National Park

Kibale Forest National Park is highest at the park’s northern tip, which stands 1,590m above sea level. The lowest point is 1,100m on the floor of the Albertine Rift Valley to the south. 351 tree species have been recorded in the park, some rise to over 55m and are over 200 years old. [...]

After breakfast, begin the beautiful overland journey south toward Kibale Forest National Park, widely recognized as the primate capital of East Africa and home to the highest density of primates on the continent. The drive winds through rolling hills, verdant tea plantations, and vibrant roadside villages where life moves at a warm, unhurried pace. There will be opportunities to stop, photograph the scenery, and take in the remarkable variety of landscapes that make western Uganda so captivating.

Arrive in the afternoon and check into your lodge set on the edge of the forest, where the treeline begins just beyond your veranda. For those who want to stretch their legs, gentle community walks and short guided wetland strolls are available nearby. As evening falls, the forest fills with the calls of birds and primates settling in for the night. Rest well because tomorrow, you go in.

Day 5 – Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest | Face to Face with Our Closest Relatives

Today is the day you meet our closest relatives in the wild. After an early breakfast, head to the park briefing point where your expert guide will introduce you to the habituated chimpanzee communities of Kibale National Park, home to the highest density of primates in East Africa. Please note that chimpanzee trekking requires participants to be a minimum of 12 years of age. The trek takes you deep into the forest on trails alive with the sounds, rustling, and energy of over 13 primate species.

Your guide tracks the chimps by ear and instinct, following their calls and movement through dense vegetation until you find them. Watch in amazement as they swing through the canopy, groom each other, play, forage, and vocalize in a way that feels startlingly human. Along the way, you may also spot red colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, black-and-white colobus, and grey-cheeked mangabeys moving through the trees above you. The chimpanzee trekking experience in Kibale is one of the most exciting and talked-about primate encounters in all of Uganda, and by the time you emerge from the forest, you will understand exactly why.

Back at the lodge for a well-earned lunch and some time to reflect on the morning, the rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace. For those who want to stay active, an optional local cooking class offers a warm and delicious introduction to traditional Ugandan cuisine using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Other community-based cultural activities are also available nearby for those curious to connect further with the people and life surrounding the forest. Or simply relax and unwind at your lodge, which in this part of Uganda is an experience all on its own.

Day 6 – Sunbird Hill Experience, Fort Portal and Crater Lakes

Kibale’s surrounding landscape holds far more than its famous forest. Today is a full day of discovery through some of the region’s most rewarding natural and cultural highlights.

Begin with a visit to the remarkable Sunbird Hill Experience, a grassroots conservation and community project where you walk with an ex-poacher turned conservationist and gain genuine insight into local wildlife protection, the role of beehive elephant deterrents, and the community bird clubs that are changing how people relate to the natural world around them.

Sunbird Hill Experience | Village Conservation and Birding Near Kibale Forest Uganda

The Sunbird Hill Experience near Kibale Forest Uganda: birding with 240 species, elephant deterrent beehives, butterfly house, ex-poacher guide, and village conservation in action. [...]

Some optional activities available in the area:
A guided walk through the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary, a community-managed ecological treasure just outside the park boundary. This papyrus swamp and riverine forest is home to over 200 bird species, including the rare African grey crowned crane, great blue turaco, and papyrus gonolek, as well as primates, otters, and rich plant life. Birdwatchers will be in paradise.

Continue into the charming town of Fort Portal, the mountainous heart of Uganda and capital of the Tooro Kingdom, where you can explore local markets and artisan stalls. End the day with the breathtaking scenery of the nearby crater lakes, ancient volcanic formations, each with its own character and story. This is one of the most varied and rewarding days of the entire journey.

Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary, Hikes | Walks | Sightseeing

Tucked in the heart of western Uganda, just outside Kibale National Park, lies a breathtaking ecological haven that is often overshadowed by its famous neighbor—the Bigodi [...]

Fort Portal Uganda Travel Guide: Crater Lakes, Rwenzori Mountains and More

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Day 7 – Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park and Evening Game Drive

After a leisurely breakfast, travel in comfort through the scenic Ugandan countryside toward Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most visited wildlife destination and one of the most biodiverse protected areas on the continent.

Framed by the Rwenzori Mountains to the north and bordered by Lake Edward and Lake George, the park’s remarkable variety of ecosystems supports an extraordinary range of wildlife.

Check into your lodge where refined hospitality and sweeping views set the tone for your stay. In the late afternoon, head straight out on an evening game drive across the open savannah. Watch for elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards, warthogs, Uganda kob, waterbucks, and hyenas as the light turns golden and the plains come alive with activity.

Cap the drive with sundowner drinks in the wild before returning to the lodge for a fine dinner under a sky full of stars.

Day 8 – Game Drives, Mongoose Project, and Kazinga Channel Boat Safari

Queen Elizabeth National Park delivers one of the most wildlife-packed days of the entire tour. Rise early for a morning game drive across the park’s open savannah and woodland, when the animals are at their most active and the light is at its most beautiful. Lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, warthogs, Uganda kob, and waterbucks roam these plains, and with an expert guide behind the wheel, every turn in the track holds the potential for something extraordinary. Keep your camera ready for hyenas, mongoose darting between termite mounds, and the occasional giant forest hog emerging from the tree line.

Mid-morning brings a fascinating visit to the Mongoose Research Project, one of the longest-running wildlife behavioral studies in Africa. Rangers and researchers have tracked individual mongoose families for years and can introduce you to animals they know by name, personality, and social rank. It is a rare and genuinely captivating window into the science of animal behavior and the wildlife conservation work happening right here in the heart of the park.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is understandably Uganda’s most popular tourist destination. The park’s diverse eco-systems, which include sprawling savanna, shady, humid forests, [...]

After a relaxed lunch back at the lodge, board a boat for the celebrated Kazinga Channel cruise, one of the best wildlife boat safaris in Uganda. This broad natural waterway connecting Lake George and Lake Edward hosts one of the highest concentrations of hippos anywhere in Africa.

Nile crocodiles line the sandy banks, elephants and buffaloes come to drink at the water’s edge, and the skies fill with African skimmers, saddle-billed storks, fish eagles, herons, and pied kingfishers. Drinks and snacks are served on board as the afternoon light turns the water gold. Be sure to check the optional activities section below for additional ways to make the most of your time in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Day 9 – Scenic Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Buhoma Sector, and Pangolin Rescue Center

After breakfast, set off on a scenic drive toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most important strongholds for endangered mountain gorillas. The road winds through terraced hillsides, community markets, and spectacular valley views as you descend into the lush highlands of southwestern Uganda. Arrive in the Buhoma sector by early afternoon and check into your lodge, where the forest canopy begins just beyond the property.

En route from the airstrip to your lodge, you will make a stop at the Pangolin Rescue Center in Buhoma, one of the few facilities in Africa dedicated to the rehabilitation of the world’s most heavily trafficked mammal. A knowledgeable guide will walk you through the fascinating biology, behavior, and the serious conservation challenges facing pangolins today. If conditions allow, you may have the rare opportunity to see rescued pangolins up close in a safe and controlled environment, offering a deeper appreciation for the wildlife conservation work being done to protect these extraordinary and elusive creatures. It is a moving and eye-opening introduction to the conservation heart that beats throughout this region, and a story you will be sharing long after you return home.

For those wanting to extend their afternoon, an optional visit to the Ride-4-A-Woman community initiative is a wonderful way to connect with the people of Bwindi. Local women have built a remarkable social enterprise around handwoven baskets, colorful fabrics, tailoring, and traditional crafts, and your visit directly supports their livelihoods and community programs. Enjoy dinner at the lodge with the sounds of Bwindi as your evening backdrop, and rest well because tomorrow brings the most powerful day of the entire journey.

Pangolin Rescue Centre Buhoma Uganda: Protecting the World’s Most Trafficked Animal

Inside the Pangolin Rescue Centre in Buhoma Uganda: how the world's most trafficked mammal is being protected near Bwindi. [...]

Day 10 – Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest | The Most Powerful Day of Your Life

Nothing prepares you for this. Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of the rarest and most profound wildlife experiences on earth, and today it is yours. Please note that gorilla trekking requires participants to be a minimum of 15 years of age. After an early breakfast, gather at park headquarters where your ranger team will deliver a briefing on gorilla behavior, forest protocols, and conservation history. Then, accompanied by expert trackers, experienced guides, and your personal porter, you enter the ancient forest. The trek can take anywhere from two to six hours depending on the movement of the gorilla family assigned to your group, navigating a landscape of towering trees, tangled roots, mist-drifted valleys, and the distant calls of forest birds.

Your trackers read broken branches, footprints, and nests like a map, leading you deeper until the moment arrives. You step into a clearing and there they are. A wild mountain gorilla family, going about their morning with a calm, unhurried confidence that is both humbling and electrifying. For a full hour, you watch the silverback assert his quiet authority, mothers tend to their infants, and juveniles tumble and play in the undergrowth just metres away. The eye contact alone will stay with you for the rest of your life.

Back at the lodge, a complimentary massage is waiting to restore your body while your mind catches up with what you just witnessed.

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Day 11 – Batwa Community Tour and Local Artisan Gift Shop Visits

The final full day in Bwindi is a rich and moving celebration of the people who have called this forest home for thousands of years. The centerpiece of the day is the Batwa community experience, guided by elders of Uganda’s indigenous forest people who lived inside Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for generations before the park was gazetted in 1991.

Walk through a recreated forest village and take part in hands-on sessions covering fire-making using traditional methods, herbal medicine preparation, traditional hunting techniques, bush cooking, and storytelling and song passed down through countless generations.

You will witness ancient survival skills, spiritual traditions, and a deep relationship with the natural world that is unlike anything else you will encounter on this journey. The Batwa’s humor, warmth, and pride in sharing their culture makes this one of the most joyful and memorable experiences of the entire trip.

This is not a performance. It is a genuine and deeply respectful exchange with one of Africa’s oldest living cultures, and every visit directly supports the Batwa community’s empowerment and cultural preservation.

The afternoon is spent exploring the local artisan gift shops around Buhoma, where you will find an incredible selection of handcrafted baskets, wood carvings, woven textiles, jewelry, and traditional artwork made by talented local artisans. This is the perfect opportunity to bring home meaningful, handmade treasures that tell the story of the people and places you have encountered throughout this extraordinary Uganda safari and cultural journey. Every purchase puts money directly into the hands of the local community. Check the optional activities section below for additional ways to enrich your final day in Bwindi.

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Day 12 – Return to Entebbe and the Shoebill Trek | Farewell to the Pearl of Africa

After breakfast, transfer to Kihihi Airstrip for your scenic flight back to Entebbe. Upon arrival, the adventure is not over yet. Your final included activity is a canoe excursion through Mabamba Swamp in search of one of Africa’s most extraordinary and prehistoric birds, the Shoebill Stork. Paddling quietly through dense papyrus channels on the shores of Lake Victoria, your guide navigates the wetland with expert precision, reading the reeds and stillwater pockets where these remarkable birds stand motionless for hours, watching and waiting. The Shoebill is one of the most sought-after birdwatching experiences in Uganda, and spotting one in its natural habitat is a genuinely thrilling moment that brings a perfect close to an extraordinary journey. After the trek, enjoy a freshly grilled fish lunch by the shores of Lake Victoria, browse local artisan shops for any final handcrafted souvenirs, and savor the last few hours in this remarkable country before your guide transfers you to Entebbe International Airport for your international departure.

For travelers with a late evening flight, an optional afternoon visit to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary is a wonderful way to fill the extra hours. A 45-minute boat ride across Lake Victoria brings you to this protected forest island where over 52 rescued chimpanzees are cared for by expert conservationists. Observe them during feeding time, learn about their rehabilitation, and gain a deeper appreciation for the remarkable intelligence and social bonds of these primates. It is a fitting final chapter for a journey built around wildlife, conservation, and the extraordinary Pearl of Africa. Check the optional activities section below for more ideas based on your departure schedule.

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More info about this tour

Included:

Accommodation as per the itinerary:
- 1 night in Entebbe on arrival (Day 1)
- 2 nights at an upper mid-range lodge in Murchison Falls National Park (Days 2 and 3)
- 2 nights at an upper mid-range lodge in Kibale Forest National Park (Days 4 and 5)
- 1 night at a lodge in the Fort Portal / Kibale region (Day 6)
- 2 nights at an upper mid-range lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park (Days 7 and 8)
- 3 nights at an upper mid-range eco-lodge in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Buhoma sector (Days 9, 10, and 11)
- 1 night in Entebbe on return (Day 12)
All meals, full-board and all-inclusive, in the city its bed & breakfast as per the Itinerary
Uganda Wildlife Authority gorilla trekking permit ($825 USD per person) included in tour price. Minimum trekking age 15 years.
Uganda Wildlife Authority chimpanzee trekking permit ($285 USD per person) included in tour price. Minimum trekking age 12 years. Both permits are paid at the same time as your 40% booking deposit as permits must be secured in advance. Back to the Source Tours manages both permit bookings on your behalf.
Pangolin Rescue Center visit in Bwindi
Batwa Community Tour in Bwindi
Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch, short trek and lunch
Top of the Fall viewpoint
Wildlife game drives in all parks
Boat cruise with snack and drinks
Bush lunch or breakfast
Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest
- minimum age permitted to go chimp trekking is 12 years of age
Sunbird Hill Experience
All park entrance fees
All transportation as per the itinerary in a private open-roof 4×4 safari vehicle outside the city
All internal flights
Experienced English-speaking driver-guide unless otherwise requested a bilingual guide
All government taxes, concession fees, parks entrance fees and levies
All meet and greet services
All arrival and departure transfers to the airport (1 transfer per group on arrival and departure day)
Drinking water in the vehicle while on safari
Personal customer service (24/7)

Not Included:

International flights
Visa fees: Any visa requirements for entry into Uganda
Travel insurance: Not included but highly recommended
Personal expenses: Costs for souvenirs, snacks, and drinks outside of provided meals
Optional activities not mentioned in the “Included Section”
Tips and gratuities: For guides and lodge staff
Medical expenses: Any incurred medical costs

Choosing Your Accommodation:

We offer a range of accommodation options to suit your preferences and budget. Our safari packages always includes a comfortable and well-equipped upper mid-range camps that provide a truly great African safari experience. Some of these partners offer free massages, full-board with an all-inclusive selection of soft drinks, beers and wines.

If you’re seeking a more luxurious experience, we offer upgraded options for the same itinerary at a slightly higher cost. These luxurious camps/resorts/lodges provide additional amenities, such as private plunge pools, more spacious accommodation and usually your own dedicated concierge rep.

All our hotel partners are excellent and operate a very sustainable business and we love that. You will love them too. There are also some good mid-range options that can reduce the cost.

We can organize this very itinerary with utter luxury options at all destinations.

Optional Activities:

In Entebbe and nearby cities:

Shoebill Mabamba Swamp Trekking in Enebbe
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary:
- $110+ per person half day visit
A list of Entebbe-based activities
A nearby Kampala-based city tour
A list of nearby Jinja-based activities

In Bwindi Impenetrable Forest:

Murchison Falls National Park:

Chimp Trekking in Kyambura Gorge

Queen Elizabeth National Park:

Lion and/or leopard Trekking
Mongoose Project
Maramagambo Forest tour

Kibale Forest:

Chimpanzee Habituation Experience
Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary
Several cultural and community encounters and activities
Kayak rentals, Canoe rides, Biking and Hiking activities

Tour Pricing by Group Size:

Group travel offers exceptional value on this 12-day Uganda safari. All prices are upper mid-range estimates in USD per person.

Group of 2 travelers: $6,975 USD per person
Group of 4 travelers: $5,815 USD per person (save 17%)
Group of 6 travelers: $5,445 USD per person (save 22%)
Group of 8 travelers: $5,320 USD per person (save 24%)
Group of 10 travelers: $5,010 USD per person (save 28%)
Group of 12 travelers: $4,810 USD per person (save 31%)

All prices include both the Uganda Wildlife Authority gorilla trekking permit ($825 USD per person) and the chimpanzee trekking permit ($285 USD per person). Both permits are paid with your 40% deposit. Solo supplement: $500 to $900 USD. Final pricing confirmed at booking. Contact Back to the Source Tours for a personalized quote.

Payment Options:

To secure your booking, a 40% deposit is required. As both the gorilla trekking permit ($825 USD per person) and the chimpanzee trekking permit ($285 USD per person) must be purchased in advance, both permit costs are paid at the same time as your deposit. Back to the Source Tours secures both permits and submits all required deposits to service providers as part of this process.

We also offer flexible payment options based on how far in advance your travel dates are scheduled. Your initial payment allows Back to the Source Tours to confirm key services and submit the required deposits to our itinerary partners in order to securely hold your accommodations and tour arrangements.

Our preferred payment method is bank wire transfers.

We also accept credit card payments through Pesapal, though applicable processing fees will apply. You may make a card payment here: Pesapal Payment Link. If you have any questions regarding payment timelines, methods, or booking requirements, our team is available to assist you. Check out our Booking Policy for more details.

Best Time for This Tour:

This 12-day Uganda safari visits four national parks across northern and southwestern Uganda. Each has its own seasonal patterns.

June to September (long dry season): The best overall time. Game drives at Murchison Falls are outstanding. Kibale Forest chimpanzee trekking is comfortable on dry trails. Queen Elizabeth wildlife is concentrated near water. Bwindi gorilla trekking permits for this period must be booked 4 to 6 months in advance. Chimpanzee permits also book quickly.

December to February (short dry season): Excellent alternative across all four parks. Strong primate sightings in Kibale and Bwindi. Good game viewing at Murchison and Queen Elizabeth. More competitive pricing than peak season.

March to May (long rainy season): Kibale Forest and Bwindi are lush and green. Primate sightings are unaffected by rain. Murchison Falls game viewing remains strong. Lowest pricing and fewest visitors across all parks.

October to November (short rainy season): Similar to the long rains. Good value and quieter. The Batwa community tour, Sunbird Hill Experience, and Pangolin Rescue Center visit are completely unaffected by weather. Bwindi is particularly dramatic in the rains.

Contact Back to the Source Tours to confirm both permit availability and conditions for your preferred travel dates.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does this 12-day Uganda safari cost?

This 12-day Uganda safari starts from $4,810 USD per person (group of 12) to $6,975 USD per person (2 travelers). All prices include both the gorilla trekking permit ($825 USD) and the chimpanzee trekking permit ($285 USD) per person. Both permit costs are paid at the same time as your 40% booking deposit.

Are both the gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits included?

Yes. Both the Uganda Wildlife Authority gorilla trekking permit ($825 USD per person, minimum age 15) and the chimpanzee trekking permit ($285 USD per person, minimum age 12) are included in your total tour price. As both permits must be secured in advance, they are paid when you make your 40% booking deposit. Back to the Source Tours manages both permit bookings on your behalf.

What is the Sunbird Hill Experience on Day 6?

The Sunbird Hill Experience is a grassroots conservation and community project in the Kibale Forest region where you walk with an ex-poacher turned conservationist and gain genuine insight into local wildlife protection. The visit covers beehive elephant deterrents, community bird clubs, and the work being done to help local people live alongside wildlife rather than in conflict with it. It is one of the most thought-provoking and quietly inspiring experiences on this entire itinerary.

What is the Mongoose Research Project at Queen Elizabeth National Park?

The Mongoose Research Project in Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the longest-running wildlife behavioral studies in Africa. Researchers have tracked individual mongoose families for years and know each animal by name and personality. You are introduced to these animals in a way that offers a completely different perspective on wildlife conservation science beyond the typical game drive experience.

What is the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary near Kibale?

The Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary is a community-managed ecological reserve just outside Kibale National Park with over 200 bird species including the African grey crowned crane, great blue turaco, and papyrus gonolek. The sanctuary also supports primates, otters, and rich plant life. It is listed as an optional activity on Day 6 but is easily combined with the Sunbird Hill Experience and Fort Portal visit.

How physically demanding is this 12-day tour?

The chimpanzee trek in Kibale is moderate, typically 1 to 3 hours on forest trails. The gorilla trek in Bwindi ranges from moderate to strenuous, lasting 2 to 6 hours through dense rainforest terrain. Porters are available and strongly recommended for Bwindi. We include this in your tour. The rhino trek at Ziwa is easy to moderate on open grassland. Game drives at Murchison, Queen Elizabeth, and the Kazinga Channel boat cruise require no walking.

Do I need a Uganda visa?

Yes. Most nationalities require a Uganda tourist visa applied for online at immigration.go.ug. Back to the Source Tours advises on visa requirements for your specific nationality.

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Pair This Tour with More of East Africa

This 12-day Uganda safari is one of the most complete Uganda itineraries available. For travelers with more time, Back to the Source Tours makes it easy to extend before or after your journey.

Add a Kenya safari (4 to 7 days): Combine this Uganda itinerary with a Maasai Mara game drive for lions, cheetahs, and the Great Migration. Daily flights link Entebbe to Nairobi. Back to the Source Tours coordinates all flights, transfers, and logistics.

Add a beach extension at Zanzibar or Diani Beach (3 to 5 days): After 12 days of primate trekking, game drives, and waterfall experiences, the Indian Ocean coast is the perfect finish. Add a Zanzibar spice and beach extension or a Diani Beach Kenya stay for the classic bush-and-beach East Africa combination.

Add Kidepo Valley National Park (2 to 3 days): Uganda’s most remote and spectacular national park in the far northeast, with vast open savannah, lions, cheetahs, and elephants, and one of the most dramatic landscapes in all of East Africa. A short domestic flight from Entebbe connects easily.

Contact Back to the Source Tours with your travel dates and we will build the right combination. Fill in our travel form and we respond within 24 hours with a personalized itinerary and confirmed quote.

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