16-day Uganda Wildlife and Primate Safari
16-Day Uganda Wildlife and Primate Safari takes you to the best tourist destinations in Uganda, where you will encounter breathtaking scenery, abundant wildlife, and cultural experiences. It involves visiting Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Bunyonyi, Lake Mburo National Park, and Mabamba Wetland, a top destination for the threatened Shoebill. While at Bwindi, you are guaranteed 98% to encounter the iconic mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. You will also visit Murchison Falls National Park to see the world’s powerful waterfalls, take a boat cruise, and game drives.
Day 1: Visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary- Drive to Murchison Falls National Park
Wake up early in the morning, have your breakfast (6:30 am), check out of your hotel to begin your adventurous road trip to Murchison Falls National Park via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to encounter the white rhinos close to their feet, accompanied by your site ranger guide, and spend an hour with them. Retire for lunch, and then proceed with your drive to Murchison Falls National Park. Upon arrival, proceed to your booked lodge for relaxation, have dinner, and overnight.
Accommodation: Papyrus Guest House
Meal Plan: Lunch / Dinner
Day 2: Morning Game drive- Afternoon Boat cruise along the Nile River
On your 16-Day Uganda Wildlife and Primate Safari, rise early for a cup of coffee and head to the northern sector of the park with packed breakfast for a superb game drive in search for various animal species such as elephants, oribis, waterbucks, spotted hyenas, Uganda Kobs, topis, buffalos, giraffes, hartebeest, and some primates such as patas monkeys, among others. You might spot a leopard on a lucky day. Take a mini break to enjoy your full breakfast, and after, continue exploring the park’s unique species such as primates and birds.
In the early afternoon, leave the jungle for lunch, then drive to the Paraa gathering point for an afternoon boat cruise safari on the Victoria Nile. The cruise goes upstream to the base of the Murchison Falls, stopping near the falls for a great view of how the Nile drops into the pool. You may see Nile Crocodiles, Hippopotamus, and various birds like Hornbills, Herons, Egyptian Goose, African Fish Eagle, Cormorants, Rock Pratincole, Kingfishers, and Pelicans, among others.
After the boat cruise, enjoy an interesting evening game drive for more adventure. You will see various animals and birds, including lions, leopards, and hippos. If you’re lucky, you might witness a hunt, one of the greatest pleasures and exciting jungle experiences. Return to the lodge for an overnight stay.
Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Day 3: Morning Game drive- Visit the top of the falls from the bottom- spend your evening at leisure
On your 16-Day Uganda Wildlife and Primate Safari, get up early and have your breakfast, embark on an early morning game drive in search of more big game mammals and those animals you may have missed out on the previous day. Several animals to search for include the Rothschild giraffes, buffalo, Lions, Elephants, Leopards, Topis, Uganda Kobs, Jackson’s Hartebeest, Jackals, Warthogs, primates such as patas monkeys, and several bird species. Get some break and enjoy your full breakfast, and after proceed with your game drive to fully explore the park’s wildlife species. Around noon time, retire and go for lunch, and then drive to the top of the falls. You will enjoy the stunning views of the spectacular mass of the Nile River from Lake Victoria, squeezing itself into a narrow 7-meter-wide gorge and plunging 43 meters down, forming a thunderous and roaring sound into a pool of water, something that appears lovely and adventurous.
Later, return to your lodge, relax, and wait for dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast /Lunch / Dinner
Day 4: Murchison Falls National Park-Drive to Kibale Forest National Park-Relaxation
Wake up at your time of convenience, prepare your travel bags, and load them in your safari vehicle. Have your fantastic breakfast, then check out of your lodge and drive slowly through the park towards Kibale National Park. Enjoy scenic views of tea estates, forests, and the Rwenzori Mountains along the way. Stop in Fort Portal City for lunch and after explore the city on foot before continuing to your booked lodge for relaxation, have your leisure as you wait for dinner, and overnight.
Accommodation: Bweza Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast/ Lunch /Dinner
Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest- Spend your evening at Leisure
On your 16-Day Uganda Wildlife and Primate Safari, wake up early and prepare yourself for the chimpanzee trekking experience. Have breakfast, and after, meet your safari guide and head to the park information offices for a briefing about the rules and regulations concerning chimpanzee trekking and how to behave around them. Then, start your forest walk to find the chimpanzees, which share 98.8% of their DNA with humans. During the walk, you might see other wildlife like bush pigs, birds, and other primates like red-tailed, blue, red-colobus, black, and white colobus monkeys, among others. Once you see the chimpanzees, you can watch them for an hour as they play, feed, and care for their young while taking photos. Have lunch and after drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most popular and diverse destination. You will enjoy the spectacular views of the park, which enjoys a fabulous setting on the rift valley floor. Check in at your booked lodge, relax as you wait for dinner, and stay overnight.
Accommodation: Buffalo Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast/Lunch/ Dinner
Day 6: Queen Elizabeth National Park -Morning Game drive- Evening Game drive
Rise up early for breakfast and meet your safari driver, and head to the northern sector of the park to Kasenyi plains for a morning game drive. This sector will introduce you to a wide range of wildlife species, including animals like buffalo, leopards, spotted hyenas, elephants, hippos, Jackals, lions, and several bird species. Afterward, return to your lodge for lunch and relax, and later depart for an evening game drive. This game drive will offer you a chance to see some of the park’s predators, especially the big cats like lions, leopards, and small predators such as spotted hyenas, jackals, as they prepare in search of their prey. On a lucky day, you may see some of these predators in action, hunting and killing their prey. After, retire and have your dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.
Accommodation: Buffalo Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Day 7: Queen Elizabeth National Park-Morning Game drive-Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel
On your 16-Day Uganda Wildlife and Primate Safari, after your delicious breakfast, embark on a morning game drive to Kasenyi plains to see what you missed out on, unique wildlife like leopards, lions, elephants, and various birds. Our senior safari guide will provide you with adequate information about the animals and their social lives. You can take many photos during the drive. After the game drive, drink some water, then return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, enjoy a 2-hour boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake George and Lake Edward. This cruise lets you see hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, elephants, and many water birds up close. A boat cruise is a highly recommended activity in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Afterward, come back to your lodge to relax for the evening, and have dinner before spending the night there.
Accommodation: Buffalo Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Day 8: Queen Elizabeth National Park- Ishasha- tree climbing lions
Wake up at your convenient time, prepare your travel bags, load them in your safari vehicle, and have your hearty breakfast. Meet your safari driver and head to the Ishasha sector in the southern part of the park for tree-climbing lions. Your safari guide will ensure that you spot as many wildlife species as possible and give you much information about the different wildlife species that you will encounter during your game drive. You will keep looking out for the lookout for the unique tree-climbing lions which are only found in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda, with 4 prides. Other places to see these rare lions include Lake Manyara in Tanzania, with 2 prides, and Kruger National Park in South Africa. Retire and spend your evening at leisure, have dinner, and an overnight stay at your booked Lodge.
Accommodation: Topi Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Day 9: Ishasha Tree-climbing Lions- Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
On your 16-Day Uganda Wildlife and Primate Safari, wake at your time of convenience, have breakfast, and after, meet your safari driver to embark on your search for tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector. You will have a chance to see other wildlife species, especially antelopes, primates, and several bird species. After, you will have lunch and after continue with your journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which is home to the rare mountain gorillas. You will appreciate nature along your way with varying vegetation types of both rainforests and savannah grasslands. You will check in at your booked lodge in the evening, relax, have dinner, and overnight.
Accommodation: Bakiga Lodge
Meal plan: Breakfast /Lunch / Dinner
Day 10: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park- Relaxation
Wake up early at 5:30 AM to prepare for mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Organize necessary items like a camera, binoculars, and insect repellents, and dress appropriately in long khaki or jean trousers, a long-sleeved shirt, waterproof hiking boots, a rain jacket, heavy-duty gloves, and a hat. Have a hearty breakfast and pack lunch, and enough drinking water. Meet with your safari guide and drive to the park’s information office for a briefing. There, you will join other guests for a briefing on the dos and don’ts of mountain gorilla trekking, expected behavior while with the gorillas, and details about the group you will track, along with the UWA rangers and forest guides. It is suggested to hire a porter to carry your items during the trek. The trek to find the mountain gorillas may take anywhere from 45 minutes to 4 hours, depending on their location and movements. Be prepared for a challenging walk through hills and rough terrain, as there are no clear paths. This is why it’s important to carry enough water to stay hydrated and snacks for energy boosting.
Upon encountering the mountain gorilla family, the excitement will make the trek worth it. The family typically includes a giant silverback, mothers, infants, and juveniles. You will spend up to one hour observing their behavior and interactions, capturing photos and videos for memories. After your time with the gorillas, return to the start point to receive a mountain trekking certificate as a reward for supporting gorilla conservation in Uganda. Enjoy refreshments and lunch, then return to your lodge for relaxation and spend the evening at leisure.
Accommodation: Bakiga Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Day 11: Drive to Lake Bunyonyi- Boat cruise- Relaxation
On your 16-Day Uganda Wildlife and Primate Safari, wake up at your convenient time, have breakfast fast, and after your drive guide will transfer you to Lake Bunyonyi, one of Uganda’s stunning and eye-catching water bodies with over 29 beautiful islands. Upon reaching the lake, you will check in at your booked lodge, have lunch, and later head for a boat cruise on the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi, lasting about 2 hours, where you will explore the lake and visit its 29 islands with a knowledgeable local guide. The lake is beautiful, with each island having its own interesting story. For example, Akampene Island, known as “punishment island,” was where pregnant girls were isolated by the Biga community as a punishment. This practice aimed to teach a lesson to others about avoiding premarital pregnancy, which was a source of shame for families. Therefore, parents in African society often enforce strict rules to protect their daughters’ reputations.
Retire and return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Keije Resort
Meal Plan: Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Day 12: Lake Bunyonyi- Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park
Wake up at your convenient time, prepare and pack your luggage in your safari vehicle. Have breakfast and later transfer to Lake Mburo National Park. Stop at the Igongo cultural center for lunch and have an optional tour of the museum, which showcases the rich history and traditions of the Ankole people. Continue your journey to the park, check in at your lodge, and then go for an evening game drive to see wildlife like zebras, impalas, and giraffes. Lake Mburo National Park is the smallest savannah area in Uganda, but it is rich in plants and animals. It has 350 bird species, 68 mammal species, and 13 small lakes, providing habitats for various wildlife, including buffalo, leopards, and hippos. Retire, have dinner, and overnight.
Accommodation: Rwakobo Rock
Meal Plan: Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Day 13: Lake Mburo National Park-Morning Game drive-Night game drive
On your 16-Day Uganda Wildlife and Primate Safari, wake up early in the morning, have a cup of coffee for breakfast, and head out for a morning game drive in search of wildlife species. The park has the highest concentration of zebras and impalas in the country. Other species to see include Elands, topis, buffalo, bushbucks, oribis, spotted hyenas, jackals, and several bird species. Relax for a few minutes and enjoy your full breakfast, after continue with your game drive up to noon time. Retire and return to the lodge for lunch. Relax and prepare for the night game drive where you will witness much of the nocturnal wildlife species such as bush babies and predators like the rare leopard, spotted hyenas, jackals, civet cats, among others. After returning to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Rwakobo Rock
Meal Plan: Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Day 14: Lake Mburo Walking Safari- Return to Entebbe at your booked hotel
On this day, you will start with a simple breakfast before going on a morning nature walking safari in Lake Mburo National Park with a ranger guide. This safari is a fantastic way to see wildlife and birds up close. You might spot animals like Zebras, Impalas, and even Elands, which are usually shy but curious. Walking in nature is peaceful and helps you connect with the environment without the noise of a vehicle. After the walk, return to your lodge for a full breakfast, check out, and begin your drive back to Entebbe.
You will stop at the Uganda equator line in Kayabwe, which divides the planet into the Northern and Southern hemispheres. Here, you can see a water experiment showing how water moves differently in each hemisphere. In the Northern Hemisphere, water drains clockwise, while in the Southern Hemisphere, it drains counterclockwise. You can take memorable photos with one foot in each hemisphere and experience the claim that your body weight is reduced by about 3 kg at the equator.
After the water experiment, have lunch and visit craft shops to buy souvenirs made with Ugandan local art. After spending some time at the equator, continue with your journey to Entebbe at your booked lodge.
Accommodation: 2 Friends Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast/Lunch/ Dinner
Day 15: Mabamba Wetland- Full day Exploration
Wake up early, prepare and have breakfast, after you will be picked up from your hotel by our safari guide and then transferred to Mabamba Wetland. Mabamba Bay lies on the edge of Lake Victoria, northwest of the Entebbe peninsula. It covers a massive 16,500 hectares and is part of the list of Wetlands of International Importance as chosen by the Ramsar Convention. This wetland has grown into one of the most interesting and spectacular sites for bird watching in Uganda. Mabamba Swamp is renowned for its shoebill storks, one of the rarest and most captivating bird species.
You will embark on a traditional canoe ride through the undisturbed wetland swamp’s narrow water channels, surrounded by dense papyrus and lush flora. Keep your eyes peeled for the magnificent Shoebill Stork, along with other swamp subjects like the Saddle-billed Stork, African Jacana, and Papyrus Yellow Warbler. There are plenty of chances for you to witness different bird species in the area, including wintertime migratory birds from Europe. Beyond the Shoebill, some more bird species to watch out for are: Angola Swallow, Swamp Flycatcher, Grey-rumped Swallow, Olive-bellied Sunbird, Blue-breasted Bee-eater, African Fish Eagle, African Jacana, Long-tailed Cormorant, Glossy Ibis, Yellow-billed Duck, Malachite Kingfisher, Spur-winged Lapwing, Black-winged Stilt, Madagascar Bee-eater, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, Sooty Chat, Wayne’s weaver, Grosbeak weaver, White-winged Tern, Hamerkop, White-faced Whistling-Duck, Spur-winged Goose, Knob-billed Duck, Little Stint, Great Cormorant, Grey-headed Gull, among others.
Accommodation: 2 Friends Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast/Lunch/ Dinner
Day 16: Entebbe Airport for your return flight
Price includes;
• All airport transfers (pick up and drop off)
• Private transport for 16 days in a well-modified safari van / (4×4WD Land Cruiser).
• Fuel for 16 days
• Private English-speaking safari guide for a 16-Days Uganda Wildlife, private and cultural safari
• All accommodation and meals for the 16-day wildlife
• Bottled mineral water and all en-route meals
• All government-applicable taxes
• All park entrance fees and all activities mentioned in the itinerary
• 1 mountain gorilla trek per person
• 1 chimpanzee trekking permit per person (Kibale Forest National Park)
• Ziwa sanctuary rhino tracking experience
• Visiting the Murchison Falls and sloping to the bottom of the falls
• Game drive safaris in Murchison Falls National Park and Lake Mburo National Park
• 3 hours of afternoon boat cruises on the River Nile
• Evening Bigodi sanctuary, swamp, and community walking safari
• Evening in the Katwe salt mining community
• Game drive safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park (Morning game drive safari)
• 2 hours afternoon boat cruise safari on the Kazinga channel
• Game drive through Ishasha sector to search for the tree-climbing lions
• Mountain gorilla trekking at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park (Buhoma sector / Ruhija sector)
• A visit and boat canoeing on Lake Bunyonyi
• Nature walking safari, evening and night game drive safari at Lake Mburo National Park
• A visit to Igongo Cultural Center and Mabamba Wetland
• A visit to Kayabwe Equator Landmark
Price excludes;
• International and domestic flights
• Visa Ticket
• Other items of personal nature/tips/laundry/telephone charges/ souvenir shopping
• Personal travel insurance
• Extra meals and activities
• Alcoholic and other soft drinks (Sodas, special juice ordered at the lodge, and wines)