12 Days Best Of Uganda Wildlife And Primate Trekking Safari

Day 1: Kaazi Beach Resort, Kampala 

Kampala Bordering the magnificent Lake Victoria, Uganda’s capital city - Kampala - sprawls out over a series of undulating hills and despite the development, this ‘Garden City’ is known for its tree-lined avenues. It serves as the commercial hub of the country boasting a blend of African markets, modern skyscrapers, international hotels, bars, and casinos. It provides an excellent base from which to explore the surrounding area. Visitors can look forward to learning about the country’s rich and colourful history at the Uganda Museum; enjoying a number of activities on Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake; and visiting the Namugongo Martyrs Shrines, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the nearby Mburo National Park to catch a glimpse of local wildlife including: hippo, zebra, gazelles, crocodiles, warthog, and a variety of magnificent birdlife.

Day Itinerary

Meet and greet at Entebbe International Airport where your Uganda Adventure Safari starts by our representative who will warmly welcome you and facilitate seamless arrival formalities.  Your will then be transferred to your hotel where you will be briefed about your adventure safari.

Depending on the time of arrival you are advised to have money Changed on this day ,If time allowing you may go for a city tour. All activities today are at your own cost. You may visit the  botanical gardens at a supplement of $10 per person or visit the Uganda Wildlife Educational centre  at supplement of $15 per  pesrson or go for a cheese and wine sundowner on Lake Victoria at a supplement of $85 per person.

Overnight: Kaazi Beach Resort

Kaazi Beach Resort located on the beautiful shores of Lake Victoria. The spacious guest rooms feature TVs, a mini-bar, and a balcony overlooking the lake. For the guest's enjoyment, the hotel features a restaurant, a pool, a wellness centre, and a playground for kids. Guests can explore the boat trips on the Lake or unwind at the coffee shop and terrace

Basis

Bed and Breakfast

Included

Airport transfer

Day 2: Pakuba Safari Lodge, Murchison Falls National Park

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.

Day Itinerary

After your early morning breakfast drive northwest to Murchison Falls National Park, you may stopover at the Rhino Sanctuary where you will have an opportunity to trek Rhinos. 

There are 15 Rhinos which were reintroduced after their extinction in the 1970s through poaching.  A local ranger guide will lead you on foot to an up-close encounter with the rhinos and it may take about 1 and half hours. Proceed to Masindi Town for lunch and later continue to Murchison Falls National Park arriving at your lodge late afternoon.

Time allowing, you may visit the Top of the Falls on the way to your lodge.

Overnight: Pakuba Safari Lodge

Pakuba Safari Lodge is located in North West of Uganda on the Eastern Bank of the Albert Nile. The tastefully furnished rooms offer comfort, style and serenity. Here you can enjoy a variety of excursions and activities; from exhilarating Safari drives to boat trips along the River Nile, ending at the foot of Murchison Falls. For the more adventurous, one can trek up to the top of the falls and marvel at the views through the mist.

Activities

Rhino Tracking, Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch

Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch Situated in the Nakasongola district in the Central Region of Uganda, only 170 km northwest of Kampala, the Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch is comprised of a 70-square-km expanse of pristine wilderness. This exceptionally beautiful savannah and wetland area is home to Uganda’s only wild Rhinoceros, with as many as 19 southern white rhinos roaming the sanctuary.  Though primarily a rhino zone, the Ziwe Rhino and Wildlife Ranch also includes a diverse range of other animals and birds including, among others: leopards, bushbucks, hippos, monkeys, antelopes, crocodiles and the rare shoebill. Visitors can look forward to a range of outdoor activities such as rhino trekking, bird watching, and guided nature walks.

Basis

Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Included

1 Rhino Tracking

Park Entrance Fees

Day 3: Pakuba Safari Lodge, Murchison Falls National Park

Day Itinerary

Arise very early in the morning for your game drive on the northern bank of the River Nile in your open-roof vehicle which will give you an excellent opportunity to view and photograph the diverse wildlife. Your guide will help you spot elephant, lion, cape buffalo, Roth child’s giraffe, hartebeest, waterbuck, oribi, bushbuck, bohor reed buck, hyena and if you are lucky, the leopard.

Alternatively, you may choose to do the hot balloon safari at a supplement of $400 per person

After lunch, go for a boat cruise upstream the calm Victoria Nile to the base of the falls stopping just few of meters from the ‘Devil’s Cauldron’, marvel at the schools of hippos, crocodiles and over the 17km stretch you may see elephant, waterbuck and Uganda Kob. This is also the zone of many birds, species like goliath heron, Egyptian goose, pelican bee-eater, kingfisher, hornbill, cormorant and the rare shoebill stork.

After taking shorts of the photogenic Murchison Falls, you may choose to continue to the top of the falls, where you will have the amazing view of the falls! See where the Nile -world's longest river explodes violently through a narrow cleft  in the Rift Valley escarpment to plunge into a frothing pool 43m below. Later, return to your lodge and relax in the evening.

Alternatively, you may choose to pay a supplement of $500 per group below 10 PAX to join a boat cruise to the bottom of the falls where you will mix with the high concentration of mammals  as well you will get a chance of coming close to the endemic Albertine rift Shoe bill stork in the wilderness

Activities

Game Drive, Boat Cruise on the Nile

Basis

Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Included

Game Drives, Boat Cruise on the  Nile

Ferry Crossing, Top of the Hike  , Park entrance fees, Vehicle entrance fees

Day 4: Crater Safari Lodge, Kibale Forest National Park

Kibale Forest National Park, situated in Western Uganda, is famous for its high density of primates, breathtaking crater lakes, and thick, beautiful jungle. Thirteen primate species inhabit the beautiful tropical forest, including red-tailed monkey, L’Hoest's monkey, grey-cheeked mangabey, red colobus, and black and white colobus monkeys. Visitors may spot some of the 300 bird species and 250 butterfly species, and buffalo, forest elephants, leopards, bushbucks, and sitatungas also live in the park but are generally shy. The area is decorated by around 50 enthralling crater lakes and numerous pristine hiking trails. Several cultural tours are on offer which delve into the rich traditions of the Batoro people, giving travellers a chance to see Batoro dancing, singing and traditional healing up close.

Day Itinerary

After your morning breakfast, begin your journey to Kibale Forest National Park. Drive south via Hoima to Fort Portal through verdant countryside passing through traditional homesteads, farms and Tea Estates. You will have a stopover for lunch en-route. You will arrive at you lodge in the late afternoon. Check in at your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Alternatively, you may opt to fly to Kibale Forest Natinal park  via Kasese Airstrip at a supplement of $470 per person

Overnight: Crater Safari Lodge

Crater Safari Lodge has been designed in such a way that it doesn’t intrude on its pristine surrounds. Thatched chalets with expansive wooden balconies provide the perfect luxurious jungle escape. Hammocks and garden swings on the grounds of the lodge add an extra element of tranquility to your remote safari experience.

In total, there are 11 thatched stand-alone wooden cabins and 10 standard pool facing cabanas, each catering for a different style of guest. Crater Safari Lodge is the perfect place to base yourself for a true jungle and wilderness experience in Uganda. The lodge is an award winning eco-lodge, and offers an unsurpassed remote wilderness experience. standard pool facing cabanas

Romantic bush dinner options on the shores of the lake, the Lodge is ideal for both honeymoons and weddings, From swamp walks, to fishing, canoeing and hiking;

Basis

Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Included

Transfer to the Lodge

Day 5: Crater Safari Lodge, Kibale Forest National Park

Day Itinerary

After breakfast you will be transferred for chimps tracking. You will stay with the chimps for 1 hr.

After lunch , you will be transferred to Bigodi swamp walk

Activities

Kibale Forest Chimp Tracking

Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary

Kibale Forest Chimp Tracking The most favourite 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.

Basis

Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Included

1 chimps permit per person

Bigodi swamp walk

Day 6: Enganzi Lodge, Southern Queen Elizabeth National Park

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

After breakfast at your lodge before you proceed to Queen Elizabeth National Park following the mystical Rwenzori Mountain Range. Your expert driver guide will take you through the game park where you might spot some animals.

Upon arriving at your lodge, you will enjoy a hot lunch and later in the afternoon take a unique 2-hour boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel into Lake Edward. This trip passes through possibly the highest concentration of hippos and this launch/cruise offers an excellent platform for photography, bird watching and game viewing. The prolific bird life is colorful and stupendous, with well over 550 resident species.

Overnight: Enganzi Lodge

he captivating Enganzi Game Lodge is nestled on a hill bordering the Queen Elizabeth National Park and overlooking unspoilt bush in the cradle of western Ugandans magnificent wild.

With 5 splendidly set cottages which offer a picture perfect view of the Queen Elizabeth National Parks bush expense, guests will be spoilt for choice in glimpses of natures best at flora and fauna.

The views are unmatched and the open-sided Main House has been designed with space and views in mind, you can Enjoy sundowners or a 3 course dinner in the dining room or upper deck enjoying the beauty that Africa has to offer.

Guests can enjoy nature walks, Game viewing, bird watching and the location offers a breathtaking advantage for sightseeing. Your experience at Enganzi Game Lodge will be crowned with an unforgettable imprint of sheer luxury in natures wild.

Activities

Game Drive

Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel

Basis

Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Included

Game Drive

Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel

Park Entrance Fees

Vehicle Entrance Fees

Day 7:  Ishasha Jungle Lodge, Ishasha Sector

Ishasha Sector, The Ishasha Sector lies near the southwestern edge of Queen Elizabeth Park and is known primarily for its incredible and unusual tree-climbing lions. Watching these massive beasts claw their way up to sunny spots, often with prey in tow (such as Buffalo, Topi, and Uganda Kobs) is a spectacle of note. It is said they do this in order to get better viewpoints, and for protection from the winds. However, the sector provides plenty more to do and see. This untouched area of savannah and rivers, decorated with fig, acacia, and cactus trees, is a wonderful place to enjoy game drives, guided nature walks, and traditional community tours. Ishasha is one of the best bird-watching destinations in the country and is also home to elephants, hippos, and zebras.

Day Itinerary

Queen Elizabeth National Park’s diverse eco-system of grassy plains, tropical forest, rivers, swamps, lakes and volcanic craters is home to an incredible abundance of wildlife.  Have an early morning game drive where you have an opportunity to view the massive Rwenzori as backdrop, which provides excellent opportunities to spot lion, leopard, giant forest hog, Cape buffalo, elephant, defassa waterbuck, Uganda Kob, topi and bushbuck. The game drives and the boat trip (taken prior) are memorable methods of discovering a vast array of Ugandan wildlife. Be sure to have your camera ready for these amazing sightings!

Later, have a game drive as you transfer to Ishasha Plains – sector in Queen Elizabeth National Park for tree climbing lion search . 

Alternatively Afternoon visit to the bat and hunters  cave where we take a close look at the bats, rock python and forest cobras at a supplement of $30 per person. The same walk will provide a chance of seeing birds, primates, tree species etc.

Overnight: Ishasha Jungle Lodge

Ishasha Jungle Lodge is located 2km off Katokye Gate of Queen Elizabeth National Park along River Ntungwe. This is the perfect location for your photographic safaris in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park and a stopover on the way to Bwindi National Park. The lodge is surrounded by riparian forest vegetation and acacias Savannah. Ishasha Jungle Lodge is a small eco-friendly lodge, entirely made with local materials and African art with its raised en-suite wooden deck cottages (now they are 4), spacious rooms and bathroom, all finished with canvas. The restaurant offers international standard menu and dining area. Ishasha Jungle lodge uses clean energy and power. Solar systems give 24hr power and hot water to all cottages. All bulbs are of low energy consumption. Solar fridge provides safe storage and cold drinks. Cooking is provided with clean sources like gas and alternative charcoal. Attention is given to waste management disposal and recycling of any materials. Water is safe as it comes from a borehole.

Activities

Search -Tree climbing lions

Basis

Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Included

Game Drives

Day 8: Gorilla Safari Lodge, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park Located in southwestern Uganda, the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is said to be Africa’s oldest rainforest. It is world-renowned for its excellent gorilla-sighting opportunities - the forest is home to half of the remaining mountain gorillas on earth. This gorilla experience takes place among a rugged landscape of dense jungle, cascading waterfalls, sparkling mountain streams, deep valleys, and steep ridges. The untouched forest has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its breathtaking natural beauty and unique ecological significance, and aside from the amazing gorilla interactions, there are other drawcards such as a network of forest walks, over 340 species of bird to spot, and a variety of brightly-coloured butterflies to identify. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the spectacular Virunga Volcanoes, three of which are still active.

Day Itinerary

After your breakfast, pack-up your bags and take a morning game drive through the park for your final visit with  the tree climbing lions and other  wildlife before heading out of the Queen Elizabeth National Park and on to Bwindi.  The drive takes you through the Switzerland of Africa area known as the Kigezi Highlands with its terraced hillside and winding roads to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, arriving in the evening. Check into the lodge for dinner and your overnight stay.

Overnight: Gorilla Safari Lodge

Gorilla Safari Lodge is an up market facility tucked away at the boundary line of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest - home of the endangered mountain gorilla. It is the ideal base from which to trek the Nshongi group of Gorillas, the biggest group ever habituated. The lodge offers accommodation in eight, en suite spacious luxurious units with individual verandas allowing excellent views towards the pristine tropical rain forest. All bathrooms have hot and cold running water and flush toilets. The camp is composed of a main lodge which includes a restaurant, bar, lounge and campfire overlooking the tropical Rain Forest.

Basis

Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Included

Game Drive as you get out of the park

Day 9: Gorilla Safari Lodge, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Day Itinerary

After an early breakfast depart to the starting point for briefing about your gorilla trekking adventure after which you will be led by experienced gorilla trackers on the slopes of the volcanoes. You will start from the site where the gorillas were encountered the day before and from here the gorilla tracking begins. Although the hike can be physically demanding, the anticipation of the exciting experience ahead is amazing, and the beauty of the gorilla forest and its inhabitants are fascinating. One of Africa’s major highlights is when you encounter these gentle apes. It is a humbling experience to stand just meters from man’s distant cousins as they eat rest, play and bond with their young ones.

Follow the mountain gorillas as they range freely in the impenetrable forest, and discover their gorgeous natural habitual and the many species they share it with. You are allowed an hour with the gorillas before finally sloping down back to your lodge. If your trek was relatively short, you may have a guided nature walk around the lodge and the surrounding communities in the evening at a supplement of $35 per person. Return to the lodge where you will enjoy dinner with your fellow travelers before getting a good night’s rest for tomorrow's safari adventure.

You may opt for Gorilla Habituation on supplement of $800 per person – here you will be sure of meeting and spending enough time with the Gorillas. 

Don’t forget to carry your rain gear, packed lunch, plenty of water, gloves, hat, and water proof bag for protection of your camera in case of rain

Gorilla Trekking Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

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.

Basis

Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Included

1 Gorilla Permit per person

Day 10: Birdnest Resort Lake Bunyonyi, Lake Bunyonyi

Lake Bunyonyi Located in southern Uganda, Lake Bunyonyi is said to be the second deepest lake in Africa and is home to a variety of water birds, giving it the name ‘place of little birds’. This spectacularly scenic lake is dotted with gorgeous misty islands and surrounded by verdant, undulating, terraced hillsides. It is also a popular stop-off on the way to the famed gorillas that live nearby and unlike many lakes in East Africa, it is crocodile, hippo and bilharzia free. Highlights include camping on one of the islands, swimming in the lake’s crystal clear waters, bird watching, canoeing, and hiking.

Day Itinerary

After breakfast drive to Lake Bunyonyi which has breathtaking scenery. Spend the night overlooking Uganda deepest lake, where you may try your hand at paddling at dugout canoe, or eating fresh water crayfish.

Overnight: Birdnest Resort Lake Bunyonyi

Birdnest Resort Lake Bunyonyi is located in South-West Uganda and offers picturesque views of the Lake. The accommodation features a selection of rooms and cottages equipped with modern amenities. Guests can enjoy a delicious breakfast served daily. Other hotel facilities and services available to guests include free Wi-Fi, canoes and a swimming pool.

Activities

Canoeing

Basis

Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Included

Canoeing

Day 11: Rwakobo Rock, Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park Situated in the southwestern region of Uganda, Lake Mburo National Park is an easily accessible, compact little gem. Renowned for its impressive biodiversity, Lake Mburo National Park shelters almost seventy mammal species and over 300 avian species in its forests, swamps and grasslands. This spectacular landscape features open plains of savanna interrupted by rocky ridges, forested gorges and lush dense woodland. Crocodiles, hippos and a myriad of water birds are found in and around the five lakes, of which Lake Mburo is the largest. Other commonly spotted wildlife include: impala, oribi, eland, zebra, buffalo, Defassa waterbuck, leopard, hyena, hippo and reedbuck.

Day Itinerary

After breakfast, at 08.00 hours you will travel to L. Mburo National Park, the smallest National Park of Uganda. Though being small, it has a lot offer!!  Centered on a series of swamp-fringed lakes its birdlife is very rich.  The green acacia woodland harbors wildlife like Zebra, warthog, Eland, Impala, not to mention the lake itself, which is home to schools of hippos and crocodiles! Furthermore, Uganda Wildlife Authority recently brought 15 giraffes from Murchison falls to Lake Mburo.

You will arrive at the lodge in time for lunch.  Later in the afternoon at 16:00 enjoy the boat ride on Lake Mburo and get quite close to the croc and hippos. As you return to your Lodge, you may have an evening game drive as you return to your lodge.

Overnight: Rwakobo Rock

Rwakobo Rock is a peaceful and secluded retreat where guests can breathe in the essence of wild Uganda. The 8 comfortable and spacious cottages are dotted around the hill, and are all very private and offering great sunset views as well as comfortable amenities. The main dining area overlooks an expanse of rock that adjoins the park. Set in the pristine Ankole ranchlands surrounding Lake Mburo National Park, the property serves as an ideal base on which to explore the area. Rwakobo offers a variety of both easy and challenging walks offering the chance to get close to nature. Rwakobo also offers mountain biking and caters for night drives, while the park can be discovered by vehicle, foot or boat.

Activities

Game Drive, Boat Cruise

Basis

Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Included

Game Drive

Park Entrance Fees, Boat Cruise, Vehicle Entrance Fees

Day 12: End of Itinerary

Day Itinerary

After breakfast, you will do the walking safari and later you will be transferred to Entebbe Airport to catch your international flight.

You will have a lunch enroute at the equator.You  will be able to stand in  2 hemispheres at the same time.

Basis

Bed and Breakfast

Included

Airport transfer, walking safari, Equator

Included

• All ground transportation in A 4x4 safari vehicle with all fuel
• Full time driver/guide with all his associated expenses
• Accommodation based on per person sharing 
• Meals are on Full Board apart from in Cities or Towns where its Bed &Breakfast
• Boat cruises 
• Game drives 
• 1 Chimpanzee permit per person
• Rhino Tracking
• Bigodi Swamp Walk
• Top of the Falls Hike
• Drinking water in the vechicle
• 1 Gorilla permit per person 
• Park entrance fees
• Walking Series
• Any other items included in the above itinerary

Excluded

• International Air tickets 
• Visas
• Personal insurance
• Personal expenses such as drinks, tips, telephone calls, etc
• Any other items which are not included in the above itinerary
• All optional activities