Uganda Wildlife & Primate Safari

10 Day Uganda Wildlife & Primate Safari (10-12 Days)

Overview

This Uganda Wildlife & Primate Safari combines the country’s best primate experiences with unforgettable wildlife adventures. Over 10 to 12 days, you will explore Uganda’s diverse landscapes, from the primate-rich Kibale Forest to the savannahs of Queen Elizabeth National Park, and conclude with gorilla trekking in the misty forests of Bwindi. You’ll also have the option to add Murchison Falls National Park or Lake Mburo for more game viewing.

For those seeking a customized safari, Safari Hub Africa through African Feel Travel and Safaris Ltd can tailor this itinerary to suit your interests, travel style, and schedule.

Itinerary Outline

10-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe

  • Arrival: Arrive at Entebbe International Airport where our representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel for an overnight stay.
  • Overnight: Enjoy a restful evening as you prepare for the adventures ahead.

Meals Included: Dinner (depending on your arrival time)

Day 2: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park – Chimpanzee Tracking

  • Morning Transfer: After breakfast, depart for Kibale Forest National Park, known for its 13 primate species, including chimpanzees. The drive offers beautiful countryside views.
  • Arrival & Check-In: Arrive at your lodge, have lunch, and prepare for your afternoon activity.
  • Chimpanzee Tracking: Embark on a guided chimpanzee tracking expedition. As you navigate the forest trails, keep an eye out for other primates, including red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabeys.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park & Boat Safari

  • Morning Transfer: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most popular wildlife reserves. En route, enjoy the stunning scenery of the Rwenzori Mountains.
  • Check-In & Relaxation: Arrive at your lodge and settle in before your afternoon activity.
  • Afternoon Boat Safari: Take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, home to a variety of wildlife including hippos, elephants, and crocodiles. This area also attracts a large number of bird species, making it perfect for birdwatchers.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Morning Game Drive & Transfer to Ishasha for Tree-Climbing Lions

  • Morning Game Drive: Set off early for a game drive through the Kasenyi Plains, where you’ll have the chance to spot lions, leopards, elephants, and antelope species.
  • Transfer to Ishasha: After your game drive, head to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, renowned for its rare tree-climbing lions.
  • Afternoon Game Drive: Once you arrive, embark on another game drive, this time searching for the unique lions as they rest in fig trees.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

  • Morning Departure: After breakfast, drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most biologically diverse rainforests.
  • Check-In & Relaxation: Upon arrival, settle into your lodge. Depending on your location, you may have time to visit a local community or enjoy an optional nature walk.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

  • Gorilla Trekking: After an early breakfast, join the morning briefing at the park headquarters before setting off on your gorilla trek. The trek can be physically challenging, lasting between 2 and 6 hours depending on the gorilla family’s location. You’ll have an hour to observe the gorillas once they’re found, making this an unforgettable experience.
  • Relaxation at the Lodge: After your trek, return to the lodge and unwind.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi for Relaxation

  • Morning Transfer: Drive to Lake Bunyonyi, a picturesque lake surrounded by terraced hills and dotted with islands.
  • Optional Activities: Spend the afternoon at leisure, exploring the lake by canoe or boat, visiting local islands, or simply relaxing at your lodge.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park

  • Morning Departure: After breakfast, drive to Lake Mburo National Park, a small but wildlife-rich reserve where you can enjoy a game drive or walking safari.
  • Afternoon Walking Safari: Upon arrival, set off on a walking safari. Lake Mburo is one of the few parks in Uganda that allows walking safaris, offering a unique opportunity to experience wildlife at close range.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Morning Game Drive & Boat Safari

  • Morning Game Drive: Head out for an early morning game drive to spot zebras, buffaloes, and impalas in the park’s scenic acacia woodlands.
  • Boat Safari on Lake Mburo: In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Mburo, where you’ll have a chance to see hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Return to Entebbe & Departure

  • Morning Nature Walk: Take one final nature walk in Lake Mburo before returning to Entebbe.
  • Return to Entebbe: Depending on your flight schedule, you can either fly back to Entebbe or drive, enjoying a scenic route back. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to Entebbe International Airport for your departure.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

12-Day Extension Option

Days 11 & 12: Optional Murchison Falls National Park Extension

  • Day 11: After your safari in Lake Mburo, extend your trip with a visit to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest national park. You’ll transfer to the park and enjoy an afternoon game drive.
  • Day 12: Spend the day exploring Murchison Falls National Park, with a morning game drive and an afternoon boat cruise to the base of the magnificent Murchison Falls. Return to Entebbe on Day 12.

Inclusions:

  • Chimpanzee & gorilla trekking permits
  • All game drives, boat cruises, and park entry fees
  • Full-board accommodation
  • 4×4 safari vehicle with a knowledgeable guide
  • Airport transfers

Exclusions:

  • International flights
  • Visas
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance

Important Notes

  • Gorilla & Chimp Permits: It’s crucial to book permits well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
  • Best Time to Visit: The dry seasons (June to August, December to February) are ideal for primate trekking and wildlife safaris.

Custom Safaris:
Looking to mix and match or adjust this itinerary? At Safari Hub Africa, we offer tailored experiences with African Feel Travel and Safaris Ltd. Contact us to customize your perfect safari.