14-Day Uganda Primates & Wildlife Safari

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, our company representative or your driver guide will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your guest house, a short 15-20 minute drive, depending on traffic.

If your flight arrives early, consider spending the afternoon exploring the nearby Mabamba Swamp, renowned for its exceptional bird watching opportunities. This wetland, located approximately 50km west of Kampala, is a newly discovered habitat for the elusive Shoebill stork.

Embark on a guided canoe tour through the marsh channels, spotting an array of bird species, including; white-winged warbler, papyrus gonolek, yellow-backed weaver, northern brown-throated weaver, blue-headed coucal, among others.

• Driving distance: 10-20 minutes
• Activities: Optional like shoebill excursion/botanical gardens depending on arrival time
• Overnight: Karibu Guest House (Bed & Breakfast)

Today's adventure takes us to Murchison Falls National Park, with a thrilling stopover at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Nakasongola. Embark on a guided rhino tracking excursion with an experienced ranger, offering a unique opportunity to observe southern white rhinos up close. Spend an unforgettable hour in their presence, taking in the majesty of these incredible creatures.

After a successful tracking experience, return to the starting point, where a delicious lunch awaits. Rejuvenated, continue the journey to Murchison Falls National Park. If time permits, make a scenic drive to the top of the falls, witnessing the breathtaking spectacle of the Nile River plunging 45 meters into the depths below. Finally, arrive at the lodge, ready to unwind and prepare for the next day's adventures.

• Driving distance: 6-7 hours
• Activities: Rhino tracking
• Overnight: Murchison River Lodge
• Meal plan: FB - Bed and Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner include

Experience the thrill of Murchison Falls National Park, nestled in the African Rift Valley, home to an astonishing array of wildlife, including the iconic Big Four: lions, leopards, elephants, and buffaloes.

Today, rise early for a sunrise game drive, taking advantage of the cooler temperatures to spot an incredible variety of wild animals in their natural habitat. Our expert guides will lead you on an unforgettable journey through the northern sector of the park, bringing you up close and personal with the African wilderness.

In the afternoon, embark on a leisurely 3-hour boat cruise along the tranquil Nile, navigating upstream to the base of Murchison Falls. Witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of hundreds of hippos, buffaloes, crocodiles, and water birds converging at the water's edge. Keep an eye out for thirsty elephants and giraffes, as well as mischievous monkeys.

As you approach the falls, the roar of the 43-meter waterfall grows louder, creating a breathtaking rainbow that spans the sky. This is truly an unforgettable experience. After the cruise, return to the lodge, where you can choose to relax or embark on a late-evening game drive, capping off an extraordinary day in the African wilderness.

• Driving distance: 3-4 hours
• Activities: Game viewing and Bottom of the Falls cruise
• Overnight: Murchison River Lodge
• Meal plan: FB: bed and breakfast, lunch and dinner

Embark on a scenic journey to Kibale Forest, nestled in western Uganda, east of the majestic Rwenzori Mountains. The drive, though lengthy, offers breathtaking vistas of lush tea plantations and rolling green countryside, quintessential Uganda.

Kibale National Park, spanning 795 square kilometers, is a haven for nature enthusiasts. The park's evergreen rainforest is home to an incredible 70 mammal species, including 13 primate species, most notably the chimpanzee. With over 375 bird species, including rare and endemic ones, Kibale is a birdwatcher's paradise.

En route, we'll enjoy lunch and arrive at Kibale in the evening. Time permitting, we'll embark on a guided Bigodi community walk, immersing ourselves in local culture and traditions. This enlightening experience takes us through the community, where we'll visit homesteads, learn about daily life, and receive warm greetings from the enthusiastic locals.

• Driving distance: 2-6-8 hours
• Activities: Bigodi swamp walk/Relaxation
• Overnight: Turaco Tree Tops
• Meal plan: Full Board: breakfast, lunch and dinner

The day starts with a thrilling chimpanzee tracking adventure after breakfast, as the Kibale Forest opens its doors to reveal its secrets. Renowned for having the greatest variety and highest concentration of primates in East Africa, Kibale Forest is home to a habituated chimpanzee community since 1991, with a 90% success rate of locating them.

Spend an unforgettable hour with these fascinating creatures, learning about their lifestyle and unraveling the mysteries of their existence. Witness the adorable antics of baby chimps, while older males showcase their impressive displays. Observe how they forage for food, play, and interact with each other. Listen to their chatter, and marvel at their human-like features, sharing over 98% of our DNA.

In the evening, participate in the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary Community Walk, situated just outside the park in Magombe Swamp. This community-run initiative project aims to conserve the unique biodiversity and environmental values of the wetland. Explore the sanctuary's diverse ecosystem, featuring: 8 primate species, numerous interesting mammals, over 200 bird species, many reptiles, uncounted varieties of trees, shrubs, and vines.

This immersive experience offers a unique glimpse into the region's natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

• Driving distance: 5-10 minutes
• Activities: Chimpanzee tracking and Bigodi wetland walk
• Overnight: Turaco Tree Tops
• Meal plan: Full Board: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

En route, we'll pause at the charming roadside town of Hima, renowned for its cement factory. Continuing onward, we'll cross the equator as we enter Queen Elizabeth National Park, where the road traverses the park's diverse landscapes. Keep an eye out for abundant Uganda Kobs, and possibly even elephants or buffaloes roaming in the distance.

This afternoon, embark on an exhilarating game drive across the famed Kasenyi plains, teeming with wildlife. As the sun dips below the horizon, return to the lodge, reflecting on the day's unforgettable experiences.

• Driving distance: 3-4 hours
• Activities: Game drive
• Overnight: Kasenyi Safari Camp
• Meal plan: Full board: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Embark on a thrilling game drive in western Uganda's prime viewing area, where a network of tracks allows you to discover elephants, buffaloes, and other wildlife in the lush grassland thickets of the north Kazinga area near the Mweya peninsula.

For reliable lion sightings, head to the Kasenyi plains, a typical open savanna east of the Kasese/Mbarara highway. This area is renowned for its high concentration of Uganda Kobs, the primary prey of the resident lion prides. Game drives in this area are most rewarding during the early morning and late afternoon hours.

In addition to game viewing, the northern sector is also home to the iconic Kazinga Channel, a 32km-long waterway linking Lake George to Lake Edward. This dominant feature of Queen Elizabeth National Park attracts a diverse range of animals and birds, including one of the world's largest concentrations of hippos.

Take a leisurely two-hour boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, departing at 2 pm. From the comfort of a covered boat launch, observe the incredible wildlife and birdlife that call this channel home.

After the boat cruise, embark on a brief game drive en route to the lodge, rounding off an unforgettable day of wildlife exploration.

• Driving distance: 3-4 Hours
• Activities: A.M game drive, P.M boat cruise on Kazinga channel
• Overnight: Kasenyi Safari Camp
• Meal plan: Full Board: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Following an early breakfast, you'll venture into the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, seeking the elusive tree-climbing lions. This rare behavior, exhibited by only two lion populations worldwide, is a unique phenomenon. The Ishasha sector, located in the park's southern region, is home to one of these remarkable populations.

Theories abound regarding the lions' arboreal habits, with some attributing it to escaping the biting tsetse flies, while others believe they seek refuge from the heat and enjoy the cool breeze. Despite the uncertainty, observing these majestic creatures in their treetop habitats is an unforgettable experience.

As we explore the sector, we'll embark on a game drive, navigating the fig tree-lined landscape in search of these incredible cats. Our journey will then continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and sanctuary for the endangered mountain gorillas.

Located in southwestern Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a haven of biodiversity, boasting one of the oldest and most biologically diverse rainforests in Uganda, dating back over 25,000 years. The park's mist-shrouded hillsides harbor approximately 400 plant species and provide a habitat for a predictable population of around 480 mountain gorillas – roughly half of the world's total population. Several habituated groups can be tracked by visitors, offering a unique opportunity to encounter these magnificent creatures

• Driving distance: 4-6 Hours
• Activities: Game drive Ishasha-Queen Elizabeth National Park and transfer to Bwindi
• Overnight: Mahogany Springs Lodge
• Meal plan: Full Board: breakfast, lunch and dinner

The pinnacle of your safari experience awaits! Get ready to trek through the breathtaking ecosystem of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in search of the majestic mountain gorillas. This adventure is especially suited for hiking enthusiasts, who will revel in the challenge of navigating steep, muddy trails, and possibly even braving the rain.

The reward is well worth the effort: a face-to-face encounter with these incredible creatures, observing them as they eat, play, and rest in their natural habitat. This is a truly unique and unforgettable experience.

A Rare Privilege

Bwindi's mountain gorillas are part of a global population of only approximately 1,000 individuals. The gorilla family you'll track belongs to one of five habituated groups, each having undergone a delicate, and five-year process to allow a select few visitors to interact with them in the wild. Experienced guides, many of whom have contributed to the habituation process, will accompany you on this journey.

A Limited and Intimate Experience

Please note that gorilla tracking permits must be secured in advance, as only a limited number are available daily. A maximum of eight tourists can visit each family per day, and once allocated, you'll have the privilege of spending one hour with these gentle giants. A single glance into their eyes will leave an indelible mark, highlighting the profound bond between humans and these magnificent creatures.

• Driving distance: 10 minutes
• Activities: Full-day gorilla tracking
• Overnight: Mahogany Springs Lodge
• Meal plan: Full Board: breakfast, lunch and dinner

This morning, begin a breathtaking journey to the southern sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, nestled adjacent to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The scenic drive winds its way through the picturesque Echuya forest, offering stunning vistas along the way.

Upon arrival, choose from a selection of optional activities to enhance your experience. Take a serene canoeing or boat cruise excursion on Lake Mulehe, basking in the warm glow of the sunset (time permitting).

Alternatively, explore the lush Bwindi forest on a hike from the north to the south sector. After your adventure, you'll be picked up and driven to the lodge, a journey of approximately 1.5 hours, depending on the terrain.

• Driving distance: 5-6 Hours
• Activities: Boat cruise or canoeing on Lake Mulehe.
• Overnight: Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge
• Meal plan: Full Board: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Embark on the golden monkey trekking safari which takes about 3-5 hours hiking through the jungles of Mgahinga National Park consisting of giant lobelias and bamboos. Golden monkey trekking is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Mgahinga National Park after gorilla tracking and it’s one of the few parks in the Virunga massif that offers golden monkey trekking experience.

Other parks with golden monkeys are; Virunga National Park inthe Democratic Republic of Congo, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Gishwati, and Nyungwe forests. After golden monkey trekking, we will drive to Lake Bunyonyi – one of the lava-dammed lakes and known to be the second deepest lake in Africa.

• Driving distance: 1-2 hours
• Activities: Golden Monkey tracking
• Overnight: Arcadia Cottages (Lake Bunyonyi)
• Meal plan: Full Board: Breakfast, lunch Dinner

Following a delightful morning breakfast, embark on a scenic drive through the rolling hills and majestic mountains of Kigezi, ultimately leading to the stunning Lake Mburo National Park. Arrive in time for a leisurely lunch, preparing for an exciting afternoon ahead.

As the day unwinds, venture into the park on an evening game drive, searching for an array of captivating wildlife, including zebras, impalas, giraffes, and elands. As the sun dips below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow, return to the lodge in time for a delectable dinner.

• Driving distance: 1-2 hours
• Activities: Game drive/relaxation
• Overnight: Mihingo Lodge
• Meal plan: Full Board: Breakfast, lunch Dinner

Following an early breakfast, we'll embark on a drive to the park, where we'll meet with a knowledgeable Ranger who will brief us on the exciting bushwalk activity ahead. This immersive experience allows us to venture into the heart of the park's most productive wildlife areas, offering a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with an array of incredible animals, including zebras, giraffes, and impalas.

The guided bushwalk, lasting approximately 2 hours, promises to be an unforgettable adventure. This afternoon, choose from a variety of activities to suit your interests: embark on another thrilling game drive, explore the park on two wheels with a guided cycling tour, experience the thrill of horseback riding, or immerse yourself in local culture with a village walk. The choice is yours.

• Driving distance: 1-3 hours
• Activities: A.M walking safari and game drive
• Overnight: Mihingo Lodge
• Meal plan: Full Board: Breakfast, lunch Dinner

After breakfast, we'll check out and embark on a scenic drive towards Entebbe. A highlight of our journey is a stopover at the iconic Equator, where we'll indulge in lunch, capture memorable photographs, and browse local handicrafts for souvenirs.

After a delightful break, we'll continue to Entebbe, where a mouthwatering dinner awaits. As your departure time approaches, we'll transfer you to the airport, ensuring ample time for check-in (please allow 2-3 hours prior to your scheduled flight). Bid farewell to Uganda, carrying cherished memories of your unforgettable adventure.

• Driving distance: 5-6 hours
• Activities: Equator photo opportunity and souvenir shopping
• Overnight: None
• Meal plan: Full Breakfast, lunch