11 Days Uganda Primates and Wildlife Safari

Overview

This 11 Days Uganda Primates and Wildlife Safari that takes you deep into the heart of East Africa’s most breathtaking landscapes, teeming with diverse wildlife and unique primates. This journey through Uganda and Rwanda offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural encounters, allowing you to experience the very best these regions have to offer.

Travel Plan

• 01

  Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe and Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

  Your adventure begins the moment you arrive in Entebbe, Uganda’s gateway to the wild. From here, you’ll embark on a scenic drive through the Ugandan countryside, passing lush landscapes and vibrant local communities. Your first stop is in Nakasongola, where you’ll experience the thrill of rhino tracking at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. This protected reserve is home to the endangered southern white rhinoceros, and you’ll have the rare opportunity to observe these majestic creatures up close.

  After a memorable encounter with the rhinos, continue your journey to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and one of its most famous parks. En route, marvel at the rolling hills, expansive savannas, and the distant roar of the mighty Nile River as it crashes through the narrow gorge at Murchison Falls. By late afternoon, you’ll arrive at Pakuba Safari Lodge, your home for the next two nights, where you can unwind and prepare for the exciting days ahead.

• 02

  Day 2 : Game Drive and Nile River Boat Trip

  Rise early for a morning game drive, when the park’s wildlife is most active. Murchison Falls National Park is a haven for big game, and your expert guide will help you spot elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, and possibly even the elusive leopard. The park is also home to a variety of antelope species, warthogs, and over 450 bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.

  After a morning spent exploring the park’s vast landscapes, return to the lodge for a leisurely lunch. In the afternoon, set out on a boat trip along the Nile River, heading towards the base of the spectacular Murchison Falls. As you glide along the river, keep an eye out for hippos, crocodiles, and water birds that inhabit these waters. The boat will take you close enough to feel the mist from the falls, a truly exhilarating experience. Return to Pakuba Safari Lodge for dinner and a night under the stars.

• 03

  Day 3: Transfer to Kibale National Park Park

  On the third day, you’ll depart from Murchison Falls National Park and embark on a journey to Kibale National Park, often referred to as the primate capital of the world. The drive takes you through the picturesque countryside, dotted with small villages and sprawling tea plantations. It’s a long but scenic drive, offering glimpses of rural Ugandan life and the country’s stunning natural beauty.

  Upon arrival in Kibale, check into Bweza Lodge, a cozy and comfortable accommodation nestled within the forest. The lodge is an ideal base for exploring Kibale’s lush forests and diverse wildlife. After settling in, enjoy a relaxing evening surrounded by the sounds of the forest.

• 04

  Day 4: Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi Swamp Walk

  Today is dedicated to one of the most exciting activities of your safari: chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park. The park is home to one of the largest populations of chimpanzees in East Africa, as well as 12 other primate species. Accompanied by an experienced ranger, you’ll trek through the dense forest, following the calls and movements of a habituated chimpanzee family. Observing these intelligent creatures in their natural habitat is a profoundly moving experience, and you’ll have plenty of time to watch them as they forage, play, and interact with each other.

  In the afternoon, explore the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary on a guided swamp walk. This community-run project is a haven for birds, including the Great Blue Turaco, and is also home to several primate species, butterflies, and unique flora. The walk offers a chance to learn about the local community’s efforts in conservation and to support their sustainable tourism initiatives. Return to Bweza Lodge for a well-deserved rest.

• 05

  Day 5: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

  After breakfast, depart Kibale and travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most visited national park. The drive takes you through scenic landscapes, passing through local villages where you can catch a glimpse of everyday life in rural Uganda. This route offers a unique opportunity to connect with the local culture and appreciate the diversity of the region.

  Upon arrival in Queen Elizabeth National Park, you’ll check into your lodge and have the rest of the day to relax. The park, nestled between Lake Edward and Lake George, is renowned for its biodiversity, including savanna, wetlands, and lowland forest. It’s also home to the famous tree-climbing lions of the Ishasha sector.

• 06

  Day 6: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Trip

  Start your day with an early morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The park is home to an array of wildlife, including elephants, lions, buffaloes, and Uganda kob. As you traverse the diverse landscapes, your guide will help you spot the animals that call this park home.

  In the afternoon, embark on a boat trip along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway that connects Lake Edward and Lake George. This channel is one of the best places in Uganda to see hippos, and it also attracts a variety of bird species and other wildlife. The boat trip offers a unique perspective of the park and its inhabitants.

• 07

  Day 7: Transfer to Ishasha for Tree-Climbing Lions

  Today, you’ll transfer to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions. The drive takes you through the southern part of the park, where the landscape transitions from savanna to the lush, tropical forests of Ishasha. Upon arrival, check into Ishasha Jungle Lodge, a charming eco-lodge set in a serene environment.

  In the late afternoon, set out on a game drive in search of the elusive tree-climbing lions. These lions have developed a unique behavior of resting in fig trees, offering a fantastic photo opportunity. The drive also gives you a chance to see other wildlife species that inhabit this remote part of the park.

• 08

  Day 8: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

  On the eighth day, journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The drive takes you through some of Uganda’s most stunning landscapes, from the savannas of Ishasha to the rolling hills and mist-covered valleys of Bwindi.

  Upon arrival, check into Rushaga Gorilla Camp, a comfortable lodge located near the park’s entrance. The rest of the day is yours to relax and prepare for the following day’s adventure. The serene environment of Bwindi offers the perfect setting for unwinding after a day of travel.

• 09

  Day 9: Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi

  The highlight of your safari awaits today: gorilla tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. After a briefing from the park rangers, you’ll set off into the dense forest in search of a habituated gorilla family. The trek can be challenging, but the reward is beyond words. Spending time with these gentle giants in their natural habitat is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave you in awe.

  After the trek, return to Rushaga Gorilla Camp for a second night, where you can reflect on the unforgettable encounter with the mountain gorillas.

• 10

  Day 10: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

  Leave Bwindi behind and travel to Lake Bunyonyi, often referred to as the “Switzerland of Africa” due to its stunning scenery. The lake is dotted with 29 islands, each with its own history and significance. Upon arrival, check into BirdNest @ Bunyonyi Resort, a beautiful lodge overlooking the lake.

  In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing boat trip on Lake Bunyonyi. The calm waters and picturesque islands provide a perfect setting for unwinding and soaking in the natural beauty of the region.

• 11

  Day 11: Transfer to Kigali and City Tour

  On your final day, cross the border into Rwanda and transfer to Kigali, the country’s vibrant capital. Depending on your flight schedule, you’ll have time for a city tour, where you can visit key sites such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local markets, and craft centers.

  After the city tour, you’ll be transferred to your hotel or Kigali International Airport for your departure, bringing your unforgettable 11-day primate and wildlife safari to a close.

  This journey through Uganda and Rwanda is a true adventure, offering encounters with some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural experiences.