13 Days Best Of Uganda Wildlife And Primate Safari Tour

Murchison Falls National Park

Stretching from the shores of Lake Albert, Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda's largest National Park. The Nile River flows through the middle of the park creating the impressive Murchison Falls which is the park’s major attraction. The landscape features dense rainforest, undulating savannah and a diversity of abundant wildlife. Visitors can enjoy prime game-viewing along the Buligi Circuit. The forests are home to numerous primates, including Chimpanzees, and near the river, buffalo, elephants and Rothschild-Giraffes can be seen. Other commonly spotted wildlife include: lions, antelope, waterbucks, hippos and crocodiles.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Located north of Kampala in the Nakasongola district of Uganda, The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the only place in the country with wild rhinos. Currently home to twenty two southern white rhinos, the sanctuary offers rhino trekking, shoebill trekking, canoeing, bird watching, and night walks. Visitors may also spot a range of other species including Uganda kobs, oribis, bush bucks, and water bucks. The prehistoric-looking shoebill stork is one of the most sought after birds in Uganda, and the sanctuary is one of the only places where they can almost always be seen. See over 300 bird species along bird trails through the woodlands, swamp and savannah, and take a guided night walk, where you will be introduced to extraordinary night sounds and sensations, including a beautifully clear night sky and several nocturnal animals.

Day Itinerary

0700: Start the day with breakfast.
0800: Transfer to Murchison Falls via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
1110: A stop over at the Rhino Sanctuary for Rhino trekking
1300: Lunch at the Sanctuary or en-route hotel in Masindi.
1420: Continue to the Park.
1620: Arrival at the park and visit top of the falls.
1800: Check at your lodge.
1900: Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Overnight and Dinner:

Twiga Safari Lodge (Luxury Facility)

Pakuba Safari Lodge (Mid-Range Facility)

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Drive Time: 6 Hours. Flight Time: 1 Hour.

Murchison Falls National Park Game Drive

The Murchison Falls National Park Game Drive takes place in the Murchison Falls National Park. The main areas of the drive are the Delta, Buligi Peninsula and the southern section which is known as the heart of Murchison. The Delta allows visitors an opportunity to see Lions, while the triangle of grassland in the Buligi Peninsula provides an opportunity to see elephant, buffalo, antelopes, and giraffes. This grassland is bound by the Victoria Nile entering Lake Albert with the Albert Nile flowing out of it. Lions, leopard, and water birds along with hippos can also be spotted here. Much of the southern part is populated with dense bush and forest, where lions and giraffes can also be seen.

Murchison Falls Boat Trip

Launches run from Paraa to the base of the fall. The three-hour return journey is for many a highlight of a trip to Murchison. Along the river there are thousands of hippos, enormous crocodiles, amazing bird life a possible sighting of the rare shoebill. A boat trip from Paraa to the Delta where the Victoria Nile enters Lake Albert offers excellent game viewing and birding opportunities and takes about five hours.

Day Itinerary

0600: Begin the day with a cup of coffee.
0630: Start off your dawn Murchison game safari drive.
1030: Heavy Bush breakfast.
1200: Transfer to catch up a boat ride along the Nile at 14h00.
1400: Proceed for 3 hrs Murchison Falls boat safari.
1700: Return to the lodge.
1830: Dinner and overnight stay at your lodge.
Overnight and Dinner:

Twiga Safari Lodge (Luxury Facility)

Pakuba Safari Lodge (Mid-Range Facility)

Meal Plan: Breakfast, and Dinner.

Get ready for a morning breakfast, straddling Uganda’s lush equatorial rainforest, Fort Portal is a striking designated tourism city of Uganda that rests in the Western Region of the country, northwest of the bustling city of Mbarara. Perched at an elevation of around 1500 metres, Fort Portal offers sublime scenery with views over the Ruwenzori Range and the Mufumbiro volcanoes, as well as flourishing landscapes with it being a verdant tea-growing area.

This friendly town's central location makes it a convenient base from which to explore the scenic surrounding landscapes. Adventure seekers and nature lovers alike can track the chimps in the magical Kibale Forest National Park, explore the enchanting Crater Lakes or enjoy the delightful hot springs and dynamic central African wildlife of Semuliki National Park. Don't miss the culturally significant Kabarole Main Mosque.

Day Itinerary

0730: Breakfast at your hotel.
0830: Pick up from your hotel and transfer to Kibale forest.
1300: Lunch along the way.
1430: Estimated time to arrival at Kibale Forest National Park.
1500: Evening relaxation.
1800: Dinner and overnight stay at your lodge.
Overnight and Dinner:

Papaya Lake Lodge (High-End Facility)

Turaco Treetop (Mid-Range Facility)

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Drive Time: 6 hours. Flight time: 1-hour 30min.

Kibale Forest Chimp Tracking

The most favorite of Kibale’s walks embarks on from the Kanyanchu Visitor center at 08.00 & 15.00 and lasts 2 to 3 hours. Chimpanzee are the most sought-after primate by visitors, but you should look out for the black & white colobus, red tailed monkey or the grey cheeked mangabey. Your guides will be able to show you pittas & different bird species and will give details of the tradit of the plant species within the forest. This walk is for 6 people in a group.

Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary

The Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is a community development enterprise located on the fringe of Kibale National Park where guided tours are conducted along a path through the wetland at time along boardwalk trail. Bigodi is a birder's paradise with 138 bird species having been identified there including the crowd please Great Blue Turaco. The sanctuary is also home to 8 primate species including the black and white colobus, red colobus, mangabey, red tail, vervet, and L’Hoest.

Day Itinerary

0600: Begin the day with a morning breakfast.
0700: Transfer to the park headquarters for your Chimpanzee briefing.
0800: Start the Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest.
1300: Have Lunch at the lodge.
1500: Afternoon Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary walk- for birders/ community visit.
1750: Return to your Lodge.
1900: Dinner and overnight stay at your lodge.
Overnight and Dinner:

Papaya Lake Lodge (High-End Facility)

Turaco Treetop (Mid-Range Facility)

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Northern Queen Elizabeth National Park

One of the most popular parks in Uganda, the Queen Elizabeth National Park lies in the western region of the country. In the northern part of the park, visitors can look forward to boating along the Kasinga Channel, which is home to the largest population of hippos in the world and an abundance of Nile crocodiles. Along the banks, an incredible number of birds and wild animals flock to the river’s edge. At Kyambura Gorge, fondly known as ‘Valley of the Apes’, chimpanzees are at home in a world of lush tropical rainforest spread with canopies, and three salty crater lakes are decorated with swathes of pink flamingos. On the western shore of Lake George, the vast Kasenyi Plains are inhabited by lions and several interesting bird species.

Day Itinerary

0730: Start the day with a morning breakfast.
0830: Visit the crater lakes and top of the world then after drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
1300: Arrival at Queen Elizabeth your Lodge.
1330: Lunch at the Lodge.
1600: Evening game drive.
1900: Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge. Overnight and Dinner:
Buffalo Safari Lodge (Luxury Facility)

Enganzi Game Lodge (Mid-Range Facility)

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth

The Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth takes place in the open grasslands of Kasenyi in the Queen Elizabeth National Park. The park is a primary game viewing area due to the variety of wildlife which includes antelopes, elephants, buffalos, and lions. Visitors will be accompanied by an experienced guide able to track down these animals.

Wild Frontiers Kazinga Channel Kingfisher Boat

Wild Frontiers Kazinga Channel Kingfisher Boat is a leisurely boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Passengers may encounter herds of elephant, buffalo and antelope, families of warthog, large groups of hippos, and crocodiles basking on the shore. Kazinga's shores are a haven for numerous birds, including many migratory species as they make their way south to warmer climates. The cruise also provides a spectacular view of the beautiful Mweya Peninsula and life in local fishing villages set along the banks

Day Itinerary

0700: Begin the day with Breakfast.
0740: Embark on morning game drive.
1130: Estimate time back to the lodge for relaxation.
1300: Lunch at the Lodge.
1340: Transfer for a boat ride at 14h00.
1400: The 2 to 3hrs boat safari begins.
1700: Return from your boat safari and transfer back to the Lodge.
1830: Dinner and overnight stay.
Overnight and Dinner:

Buffalo Safari Lodge (Luxury Facility)

Enganzi Game Lodge (Mid-Range Facility)

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Southern Queen Elizabeth National Park

Surrounded by other wonderful parks in the western region of Uganda, the Queen Elizabeth National Park is known for its rich biodiversity, wildlife and history. In the southern part of the park, the remote Ishaha sector is home to tree-climbing lions who spend long lazy days dozing in the pretty fig trees. The Uganda Kob, a type of antelope, are watched carefully by the tree lions while grazing the plains Around Lake Edward, enjoy fishing and more game watching - make sure to look out for chimpanzees, elephants, crocodiles, and perennial and migratory bird species.

Day Itinerary

0730: Begin the day with Breakfast.
0830: Drive to Ishasha sector searching for tree climbing lion.
1320: Lunch at the lodge.
1430: Afternoon relaxation. 1520: Evening game drive with sundowner.
1830: Dinner and overnight stay at your lodge.
Overnight and Dinner:

Enjojo Lodge (Luxury Facility)

Ishasha Jungle Lodge (Mid-Range Facility)

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Begin your day with the morning breakfast and then step out for a game drive in Ishasha to see the tree-climbing lionsand later drive to Bwindi.

Day Itinerary

0730: Begin the day with Breakfast.
0820: Drive a long Ishasha sector searching for tree climbing lion.
1100: Later drive to Bwindi.
1310: Estimated time to arrive at the lodge.
1330: Lunch at the lodge.
1830: Dinner and overnight stay at your lodge.
Overnight and Dinner:

Gorilla Leisure Lodge (Luxury Facility)
https://gorillaleisurelodge.com/

Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge (Mid-Range Facility)
http://ichumbigorillalodge.com/

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Begin your day with the morning breakfast and then step out for a game drive in Ishasha to see the tree-climbing lionsand later drive to Bwindi.

Day Itinerary

0730: Begin the day with Breakfast.
0820: Drive a long Ishasha sector searching for tree climbing lion.
1100: Later drive to Bwindi.
1310: Estimated time to arrive at the lodge.
1330: Lunch at the lodge.
1830: Dinner and overnight stay at your lodge.
Overnight and Dinner:

Gorilla Leisure Lodge (Luxury Facility)

Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge (Mid-Range Facility)

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Wake early for a hearty breakfast to give you the energy needed for gorilla trekking. Before 8:00 am, report to the ranger station for registration and a talk by one of the rangers. The guides will then take you through the bush, pushing your way through the undergrowth, to track the gorillas. (Please note this trek can take from 30 minutes to 5-6 hours).

A reasonable degree of fitness is required, as well as a sturdy pair of walking shoes. Sit in the forest among the gorillas, listening to them ‘talk’ to one another, and marvel at the sheer size of the dominant male, the Silverback. It is an extraordinary feeling sitting in the dense rainforest knowing you are with a few of the last remaining mountain gorillas. It's amazing to think there are only about 650 of these beautiful creatures left.

The Batwa Experience was created by the displaced Batwa pygmies to educate their children and to share their amazing heritage and traditions with the world. Since 1992, the Batwa have been unable to live in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, their ancestors’ home. Yet they have not forgotten the old ways.

Step back in time to see how the Batwa lived for millenia in the Bwindi, one of the most beautiful jungles on earth and home of the famous mountain gorillas. Enjoy an incredible day hike in the rain forest with Batwa guides, see how the Batwa lived and hunted, learn about medicinal plants, and watch for animals and birds.

Day Itinerary

0600: Start the day with morning breakfast ready for the day's gorilla trek
0700: Transfer/walk down to the park headquarters for the gorilla trek
0800: Start the gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi.
1300: Estimated time of returning from thejungle.
1500: Afternoon Batwa Experience and Batwa Craft Banda.
1830: Dinner is served at the Lodge.
Overnight and Dinner:

Gorilla Leisure Lodge (Luxury Facility)

Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge (Mid-Range Facility)

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

The Batwa Experience was created by the displaced Batwa pygmies to educate their children and to share their amazing heritage and traditions with the world. Since 1992, the Batwa have been unable to live in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, their ancestors’ home. Yet they have not forgotten the old ways.

Step back in time to see how the Batwa lived for millenia in the Bwindi, one of the most beautiful jungles on earth and home of the famous mountain gorillas. Enjoy an incredible day hike in the rain forest with Batwa guides, see how the Batwa lived and hunted, learn about medicinal plants, and watch for animals and birds.

Day Itinerary

0600: Start the day with morning breakfast ready for the day's gorilla trek
0700: Transfer/walk down to the park headquarters for the gorilla trek
0800: Start the gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi.
1300: Estimated time of returning from thejungle.
1500: Afternoon Batwa Experience and Batwa Craft Banda.
1830: Dinner is served at the Lodge.
Overnight and Dinner:

Gorilla Leisure Lodge (Luxury Facility)

Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge (Mid-Range Facility)

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

After early breakfast, drive to Lake Mburo National Park, and do an En-route game drive as you go to check in at your lodge. Enjoy lunch on arrival and have an afternoon horse riding and encounter a range of savanna dwelling creatures including impalas, buffaloes, birds, giraffes, zebras, etc. or you can go boat cruise on Lake Mburo to see hippos, crocodiles, birds.

Later, in the evening you will have a night game drive. A night game drives in Lake Mburo National Park are the best way for you to encounter most of the nocturnal species and a great way to experience the park at night. You have an opportunity to look out for leopards, hyenas, lions, bush babies, civets, mongoose, and many nocturnal species. Lake Mburo National Park is an excellent destination for you to look out for a scenic night game drive which lasts for 2-3 hours and it is best done in a good 4-wheel drive safari vehicle. You will be accompanied by a professional armed ranger guide and your driver.

Day Itinerary

Begin the day with a morning breakfast.
0730: Drive to Lake Mburo National Park.
1230: Estimated time of arrival and check in at the Lodge.
1300: Lunch for the day at the Lodge.
1500: Horseback riding for one hour.
1800: Night game drive- lasts for 3 hours.
2200: Dinner and overnight stay at the Lodge.
Overnight and Dinner:

Kigambira Safari Lodge- (High-End Facility)

Rwakobo Rock (Mid-Range Facility)

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Drive Time: 5 hours. Flight time: 1 hour.

Begin the day with the walking safari within the park then after a full breakfast. Drive to Mbarara at Igongo culture visit- a museum for Ankole culture and then after continue to equator experiment. Thereafter an en-route lunch at the good local restaurant and embark on a drive to Entebbe for an overnight.

Day Itinerary

0730: Begin the day with a walking safari.
0930: Bush breakfast.
1030: Drive to Mbarara for Igongo culture visit

1330: Lunch at good local restaurant.
1200: Processed to Equator experiment.
1430: Continue to Entebbe for an overnight.
1900: Dinner at the hotel.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Hotel No. 5 Boutique Hotel (High-End Facility)

Papyrus Guest House (Mid-Range Facility)

Drive Time: 4 hours. Flight Time: 1 hour.

After having a morning breakfast at your convenient time, your driver guide will drive you at the airport for your morning flight.

Day Itinerary

TBA: Begin the day with the morning breakfast.
TBA: Check out of your hotel.
TBA: Transfer at Entebbe International Airport for your morning flight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast.

Drive Time: 10 Minutes.