12 Day Thrilling Wildlife and Rafting in Uganda

The 12 Day Wildlife and Rafting Safari in Uganda combines thrilling wildlife encounters, primate trekking, adventure activities, and breathtaking scenery. This safari takes you through Uganda’s most celebrated destinations including Jinja, Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and Lake Bunyonyi.

Experience white water rafting on the River Nile, track rhinos on foot at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, enjoy game drives in two of Uganda’s premier wildlife parks, cruise along the Nile and Kazinga Channel, track chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, come face to face with mountain gorillas in Bwindi, and relax at the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi.

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe and Transfer to Hotel

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be welcomed by your driver guide and transferred to your hotel. Relax and recover from your journey while preparing for the adventure ahead.

Accommodation: ViaVia Entebbe / 2 Friends Beach Hotel / Airport Guesthouse Entebbe

Meal Plan: Dinner

Day 2: Transfer to Jinja and Visit the Source of the Nile

After breakfast, drive to Jinja, Uganda’s adventure capital. Visit the Source of the Nile and enjoy a boat ride to the point where the world’s longest river begins its journey from Lake Victoria.

Spend the afternoon exploring Jinja and relaxing by the river.

Accommodation: 2 Friends Jinja / Nile Village Hotel & Spa / Jinja Nile Resort / The Mansion Hotel

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3: White Water Rafting on the River Nile

After breakfast, transfer to the rafting base for a safety briefing before embarking on a full day white water rafting adventure on the River Nile.

Navigate exciting rapids while accompanied by professional rafting guides and safety kayakers. Enjoy a riverside lunch before completing the adventure.

Return to your lodge in the evening.

Accommodation: 2 Friends Jinja / Nile Village Hotel & Spa / Jinja Nile Resort / The Mansion Hotel

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

After breakfast, depart for Murchison Falls National Park. En route, stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for rhino tracking on foot.

Continue to Murchison Falls National Park and visit the top of the falls before checking into your lodge.

Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge / Fort Murchison / Murchison River Lodge / Hornbill Bush Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5: Morning Game Drive, Nile Boat Cruise and Top of the Falls Visit

Begin the day with an early morning game drive in the northern sector of the park.

Search for elephants, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, leopards, and numerous antelope species. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on the Nile to the base of Murchison Falls.

Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge / Fort Murchison / Murchison River Lodge / Hornbill Bush Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

After breakfast, travel to Kibale Forest National Park through scenic landscapes and tea-growing regions of western Uganda.

Arrive in the evening and check into your lodge.

Accommodation: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge / Turaco Treetops / Kibale Forest Camp / Isunga Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7: Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi Wetland Walk

After breakfast, track habituated chimpanzees in Kibale Forest.

In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walk through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, home to numerous birds, monkeys, and unique plant species.

Accommodation: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge / Turaco Treetops / Kibale Forest Camp / Isunga Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 8: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park and Evening Game Drive

After breakfast, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Arrive in time for lunch and later enjoy an evening game drive in the Kasenyi Plains.

Accommodation: Buffalo Safari Lodge / Twin Lakes Safari Lodge / Elephant Hab Lodge / Enganzi Game Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 9: Morning Game Drive, Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise and Transfer to Bwindi via Ishasha

Start with a morning game drive before enjoying a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel.

After lunch, drive through the Ishasha Sector in search of the famous tree climbing lions before continuing to Bwindi.

Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge / Bakiga Lodge / Buhoma Community Haven Lodge / Gorilla Mist Camp

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 10: Gorilla Trekking Experience

After an early breakfast, report to the park headquarters for a briefing and begin your gorilla trekking adventure.

Spend one unforgettable hour with a mountain gorilla family before returning to your lodge.

Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge / Bakiga Lodge / Buhoma Community Haven Lodge / Gorilla Mist Camp

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 11: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi for Relaxation

After breakfast, drive to Lake Bunyonyi. Spend the day relaxing, canoeing, birdwatching, or exploring the beautiful islands scattered across the lake.

Accommodation: BirdNest Resort Bunyonyi / Arcadia Cottages Bunyonyi / Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort / Bunyonyi Overland Resort

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 12: Return to Entebbe or Kampala

After breakfast, begin the return journey to Entebbe or Kampala. Stop at the Equator for lunch and photographs before continuing to your final destination.

Accommodation: No Overnight Accommodation

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch

Optional Activities

Jinja

• Bungee Jumping
• Kayaking on the Nile
• Nile Tubing
• Horseback Riding
• Quad Biking
• Sunset Boat Cruise

Murchison Falls National Park

• Hot Air Balloon Safari
• Nile Delta Boat Cruise
• Sport Fishing
• Bird Watching Safari
• Night Game Drive

Kibale Forest National Park

• Chimpanzee Habituation Experience
• Crater Lakes Tour
• Coffee Experience Tour
• Community Visit

Queen Elizabeth National Park

• Lion Tracking Experience
• Chimpanzee Tracking in Kyambura Gorge
• Katwe Salt Mining Tour
• Maramagambo Forest Walk

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

• Batwa Cultural Experience
• Gorilla Habituation Experience
• Waterfall Trail Walk
• Community Village Visit

Lake Bunyonyi

• Ziplining
• Island Hopping Tour
• Canoeing Experience
• Sport Fishing
• Nature Walks