Uganda Primates & Wildlife Safari

10 Days | 9 Nights

From $3,663 / person

Your trip overview

Get on a thrilling 10-day Uganda safari adventure that showcases the very best of the Pearl of Africa. This unforgettable journey will take you across Uganda’s most iconic national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, offering the perfect blend of Big Five sightings, primate encounters, and breathtaking landscapes.

Your safari begins at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda where you can track rhinos on foot. From there, journey to Murchison Falls National Park, home to powerful waterfalls and epic boat safaris on the Nile River.

Continue to Kibale Forest National Park, known as the primate capital of East Africa, for an incredible chimpanzee trekking experience. Then head to Queen Elizabeth National Park for scenic game drives and a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, teeming with hippos, elephants, and birdlife.

Your adventure also includes gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, one of the world’s top wildlife experiences. Wind down at the tranquil Lake Bunyonyi, famed for its scenic beauty and island-dotted waters, before ending your safari at Lake Mburo National Park, known for its zebras, antelopes, and guided walking safaris.

From rhino tracking to gorilla and chimpanzee encounters, this safari is perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking the ultimate Uganda wildlife tour.

Trip Destinations

where to visit

Murchison Falls National Park

Uganda

Kibale Forest National Park

Uganda

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Uganda

Lake Mburo National Park

Uganda

Planning Your Safari

Organizing a safari in Uganda, can be overwhelming due to the many choices available for transport, accommodation, and activities.

Reviews and Rates

Full Itinerary

Day by Day

Day 1: Transfer from Entebbe to Murchison Falls National Park via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Your exciting Uganda safari begins today! Our experienced driver-guide will pick you up from your hotel in Entebbe or directly from Entebbe International Airport. From here, you’ll set off on a scenic five-hour drive north to Murchison Falls National Park, with a thrilling stop en route at the renowned Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda where you can track white rhinos on foot in their natural environment.

After this memorable rhino tracking experience, continue through Masindi district, entering Murchison Falls National Park via the Chicumbanyobo Gate. Before heading to your lodge, you’ll make a stop at the top of Murchison Falls, where the mighty Nile River funnels through a narrow 7-meter gorge before crashing 43 meters below, creating one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world.

After soaking in the spectacular views and photo opportunities, you’ll proceed to your safari lodge for dinner and your overnight stay.

Accommodation: Parkside Safari Lodge
Mid-range lodge conveniently located just outside Murchison Falls National Park

Where to stay

Pakuba Safari Lodge

Mid-range lodge

Pakuba Safari Lodge

Mid-range lodge

Day 2: Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Safari to the Bottom of Murchison Falls

Start your day with an early breakfast at 6:00 am, then set out on a morning game drive at 6:30 am across the open savannah plains of Murchison Falls National Park. Accompanied by your professional guide, you’ll explore the rich wildlife habitat in search of iconic African animals including lions, Uganda kobs, giraffes, leopards, and a variety of savannah bird species. Early mornings are ideal for spotting predators and other wildlife before the heat of the day sets in.

After the game drive, return to the lodge to enjoy a hearty lunch and relax before your next adventure. At 2:00 pm, you’ll embark on a scenic boat cruise along the Victoria Nile to the base of Murchison Falls. As the Nile squeezes through an 8-meter gorge and plunges dramatically, you’ll experience one of Africa’s most awe-inspiring natural spectacles. Along the way, expect to spot elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, warthogs, and a wide range of birds. Watch out for Nile crocodiles and hippos basking on the riverbanks or lurking just below the surface.

The boat safari is not only picturesque but also a prime time for viewing animals that gather near the water to drink and cool off during the heat of the day. After this unforgettable experience, return to your lodge for a relaxing evening, dinner, and overnight rest.

Accommodation: Parkside Safari Lodge
Mid-range lodge located just outside Murchison Falls National Park

Where to stay

Pakuba Safari Lodge

Mid-range lodge

Pakuba Safari Lodge

Mid-range lodge

Day 3: Scenic Transfer from Murchison Falls to Kibale Forest National Park

Enjoy an early breakfast at 7:00 am, then check out and begin your journey to Kibale Forest National Park, home to the largest population of chimpanzees in Uganda. Your route takes you through the Bugungu Gate and along the breathtaking Bunyoro escarpments, offering sweeping views of Lake Albert and the Albertine Rift Valley. This drive is a scenic treat, with lush landscapes, rolling hills, and extensive tea plantations, perfect for photo opportunities.

Around midday, you’ll stop for a delicious lunch in Fort Portal, a charming town known for its scenic beauty and as the gateway to western Uganda’s primate destinations. After lunch, continue the drive to Kibale, where you’ll check in at your lodge, unwind, and enjoy dinner in preparation for the next day’s chimpanzee trekking adventure.

Accommodation: Kibale Forest Lodge
Mid-range lodge located inside Kibale National Park (Chimpanzee tracking zone)

Where to stay

Kibale Forest Camp

Mid-range tented camp

Kibale Forest Camp

Mid-range tented camp

Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Swamp Walk in Kibale Forest

Start your day with an early breakfast, then head out with your guide to the Kanyanchu Visitor Centre, the main starting point for chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park. At 8:30 am, after a detailed briefing on the rules and etiquette of primate trekking in Uganda, you’ll be grouped and assigned a park ranger who will guide you deep into the tropical rainforest in search of a habituated chimpanzee family.

Once located, you’ll spend an unforgettable hour observing these highly intelligent primates in their natural environment, watching them groom, feed, and play. It’s a thrilling wildlife encounter that offers incredible photographic opportunities and insights into the behavior of our closest relatives in the animal kingdom.

In the afternoon, enjoy the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary Walk, a community-led eco-tourism initiative rich in biodiversity. The walk introduces you to more Uganda primates like black-and-white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and olive baboons, along with over 200 bird species, including the iconic Great Blue Turaco. You’ll also learn about the conservation efforts by the local communities that help protect this rich ecosystem.
Return to the lodge in the evening for dinner and relaxation.

Accommodation: Kibale Forest Lodge
Mid-range lodge located inside Kibale National Park (Chimpanzee tracking zone)

Where to stay

Elephant Hab Lodge

Mid-range lodge

Elephant Hab Lodge

Mid-range lodge

Day 5: Scenic Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park & Evening Game Drive

After a hearty breakfast, you’ll check out of your lodge and begin your journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most diverse and wildlife-rich parks. The scenic drive winds through the picturesque crater lakes region of Tooro, offering beautiful views and perfect photo opportunities along the way. This transfer takes approximately three hours.

Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and enjoy a delicious lunch before taking time to relax. Later in the day, head out for an exciting evening game drive across the park’s savannah plains. This is the perfect time to catch sight of grazing wildlife such as elephants, waterbucks, bushbucks, and the elegant Uganda kobs as they emerge during the cooler hours.
Return to the lodge for dinner and your overnight stay, ready for more adventure the following day.

Accommodation: Enshama Game Lodge
Mid-range lodge conveniently located just outside Queen Elizabeth National Park

Where to stay

Elephant Hab Lodge

Mid-range lodge

Elephant Hab Lodge

Mid-range lodge

Day 6: Wildlife Safari in Kasenyi Plains & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Start your day with an early breakfast before heading out at 6:30 am for a thrilling morning game drive in the Kasenyi Plains, one of the best spots for wildlife viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Keep your eyes peeled for iconic African wildlife such as lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, Uganda kobs, and waterbucks, among many others.

Following the game drive, enjoy a cultural experience with a visit to the Bunyapaka salt wells, where you’ll witness traditional salt mining practices that have been passed down through generations. Return to your lodge for a delicious lunch and a bit of relaxation.

In the afternoon, set out on a scenic boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway that connects Lake Edward and Lake George. This channel is famed for having the highest concentration of hippos in the world. You’ll also spot crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and a variety of bird species, making this boat cruise one of the park’s most unforgettable experiences.

Afterward, head back to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation: Enshama Game Lodge
Comfortable mid-range lodge just outside Queen Elizabeth National Park

Where to stay

Rushaga Gorilla Lodge

Mid-range lodge

Rushaga Gorilla Lodge

Mid-range lodge

Day 7: Scenic Transfer to Bwindi via the Ishasha

After an early breakfast, you’ll pack your bags and begin the scenic journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, one of the most renowned destinations for gorilla trekking in Uganda.

The drive takes you through the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its rare tree-climbing lions. These majestic predators are often seen lounging on fig tree branches, either to escape the heat, gain a better vantage point to spot prey, or safeguard their kill from scavengers.

Enjoy lunch at a convenient location along the route before continuing your drive through Uganda’s picturesque highlands toward Rushaga, a sector of Bwindi known for its high density of habituated mountain gorilla families.

Upon arrival, check in at your lodge for dinner and a well-deserved night of rest in preparation for the unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure the next day.

Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Haven’s Lodge
Comfortable budget lodge located just outside Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Rushaga Sector)

Where to stay

Rushaga Gorilla Lodge

Mid-range lodge

Rushaga Gorilla Lodge

Mid-range lodge

Day 8: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi & Relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi

After an early breakfast at 6:30 am, you’ll head to the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park headquarters for a pre-trekking briefing. You’ll be placed into small groups of a maximum of 8 people and assigned an expert ranger guide who will lead your gorilla trekking expedition deep into the rainforest.

The trek in search of a habituated gorilla family can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 6 hours, depending on where the gorillas have moved. Once located, you’ll be granted a magical hour to observe them in their natural habitat, watching their interactions, feeding, and gentle behavior, an unforgettable wildlife experience.

After the trek, you’ll return to the lodge to freshen up before setting off for Lake Bunyonyi, a tranquil haven known for its scenic beauty and dotted islands. This is the perfect spot to unwind after the adventure in the forest.

Accommodation: Paradise Eco-Hub
Charming budget lodge nestled on the shores of Lake Bunyonyi

Where to stay

Rwakobo Rock Lodge

Mid-range eco-lodge

Rwakobo Rock Lodge

Mid-range eco-lodge

Day 9: Explore Lake Bunyonyi & Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast, followed by a scenic boat cruise on Lake Bunyonyi, renowned for its serene waters and stunning island views. This peaceful ride offers a perfect moment to take in the breathtaking landscape of one of Uganda’s most beautiful lakes.

After the boat tour, you’ll hit the road toward Lake Mburo National Park, a haven for zebras, giraffes, and antelopes. You’ll stop in Mbarara town for lunch before continuing your journey. Upon arrival, check in at the lodge and gear up for a 3:00 pm boat safari on Lake Mburo.

During the cruise, keep your eyes open for hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birdlife, along with wildlife like buffalos, zebras, giraffes, and other game animals that gather along the shoreline.
After your boat safari, return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Accommodation: Hyena Hill Lodge
Comfortable budget lodge located just outside Lake Mburo National Park

Where to stay

Rwakobo Rock Lodge

Mid-range eco-lodge

Rwakobo Rock Lodge

Mid-range eco-lodge

Day 10: Morning Game Drive & Return to Entebbe via the Equator

Your final day begins with an early breakfast followed by a short morning game drive in Lake Mburo National Park, offering one last chance to spot wildlife such as zebras, impalas, and elands in their natural habitat.

After the game drive, you’ll set off on the journey back to Entebbe, with a memorable stopover at the Equator crossing in Kayabwe. Here, you’ll enjoy lunch, snap some classic “standing in both hemispheres” photos, and browse for local souvenirs.

Later in the afternoon, you’ll continue the drive to Entebbe International Airport, where your unforgettable 10-day Uganda primates and wildlife safari comes to an end.

Rates Per Person

Start Dates	Single 1 room	2 people 1 room
Jan 1, 2025 – Dec 31, 2025	$4,642	$3,663
Jan 1, 2026 – Dec 31, 2026	$4,642	$3,663

Safari/Trip

Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions

Park fees (for non-residents)

Gorilla trekking permit (1 per person, non-resident)

Chimpanzee tracking permit (1 per person, non-resident)

All activities as outlined in the itinerary (unless marked as optional)

All accommodations during the tour (unless listed as an upgrade)

Professional English-speaking driver/guide

All ground transportation in a 4x4 safari vehicle

All government taxes and VAT

Round-trip airport transfers

Meals as specified in the day-by-day itinerary

Drinks as specified in the day-by-day itinerary

Exclusions

International flights (to/from your home country)

Additional accommodation before the tour begins or after it ends

Tips & gratuities (Recommended: USD $10 per person per day)

Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)

Government-imposed increases in taxes and/or park fees

Some meals (as specified in the day-by-day itinerary)

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Uganda Primates & Wildlife Safari

10 Days | 9 Nights

Your trip overview

Trip Destinations

where to visit

Murchison Falls National Park

Kibale Forest National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Lake Mburo National Park

Planning Your Safari

Reviews and Rates

Full Itinerary

Day by Day

Where to stay

Pakuba Safari Lodge

Pakuba Safari Lodge

Where to stay

Pakuba Safari Lodge

Pakuba Safari Lodge

Where to stay

Kibale Forest Camp

Kibale Forest Camp

Where to stay

Elephant Hab Lodge

Elephant Hab Lodge

Where to stay

Elephant Hab Lodge

Elephant Hab Lodge

Where to stay

Rushaga Gorilla Lodge

Rushaga Gorilla Lodge

Where to stay

Rushaga Gorilla Lodge

Rushaga Gorilla Lodge

Where to stay

Rwakobo Rock Lodge

Rwakobo Rock Lodge

Where to stay

Rwakobo Rock Lodge

Rwakobo Rock Lodge

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Inclusions & Exclusions

Enquire this Tour

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