Wildlife and Primate Expedition. This 12-day adventure offers an unforgettable exploration of Uganda’s most iconic national parks, blending spectacular wildlife, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural experiences. Your journey begins in the tranquil savannahs of Lake Mburo National Park, where you’ll encounter zebras, impalas, and enjoy guided nature walks. Next, head to Queen Elizabeth National Park for exciting game drives and a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, renowned for its abundant wildlife. From there, venture into the ancient rainforests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience, encountering half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.

The adventure continues in Kibale National Park, famous for its chimpanzee populations and the scenic Bigodi Swamp walk. Finally, conclude at Murchison Falls National Park and Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where you’ll witness the breathtaking Murchison Falls and embark on thrilling boat cruises and game drives, spotting giraffes, lions, and elephants along the way. This safari promises an extraordinary blend of wildlife, adventure, and scenic beauty.

Trip Summary

Day 1. Arrival and Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park

Day 2: Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Horseback Riding in Lake Mburo NP

Day 3: Transfer from Lake Mburo National Park to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Day 5: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 6: Exploring Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 7: Transfer to Kibale National Park

Day 8: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale National Park and Bigodi Swamp Walk

Day 9: Transfer from Kibale Forest National Park to Murchison Falls National Park

Day 10: Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Cruise In Murchison Falls National Park

Day 11: Chimpanzee Tracking in Budongo Forest and Visiting Top of the Falls

Day 12: Transfer to Kampala, via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for Tracking

TRIP DETAILS

Day 1. Arrival and Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, your safari adventure begins with a warm welcome from your professional driver-guide. After a quick briefing on the upcoming journey, you’ll embark on a comfortable 4-5 hour drive to Lake Mburo National Park, located in the southwestern part of Uganda. As you leave the bustling city of Entebbe, you’ll pass through the lively capital of Kampala, then continue towards the scenic countryside. The drive offers beautiful views of the Ugandan landscape, with rolling hills, lush plantations, and small villages along the way. Midway through the journey, there is an opportunity to stop at the Equator for photos and refreshments—a  popular tourist attraction where you can witness the famous water demonstration that shows the northern and southern hemisphere divide. Upon reaching Lake Mburo National Park, you will check into your lodge, where you can relax and take in the serene surroundings of the park. Depending on your arrival time, you may opt for an afternoon boat cruise or game drive to start exploring the wildlife right away, including zebras, antelopes, and buffaloes. The journey offers a perfect introduction to Uganda’s scenic beauty, preparing you for the exciting days ahead.

Day 2: Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Horseback Riding in Lake Mburo NP

On Day 2, begin your adventure with an early morning game drive in Lake Mburo National Park, a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. As the sun rises, explore the park’s savannah landscape, where you’ll have the chance to spot zebras, impalas, buffaloes, giraffes, and elusive leopards. The peaceful morning atmosphere offers the perfect backdrop for wildlife photography and observation.

In the afternoon, experience the park from a unique perspective with a horseback riding safari. Ride through the scenic plains, getting up close to animals like antelopes and warthogs, all while enjoying the tranquil surroundings. The combination of game driving and horseback riding allows you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty and diversity of Lake Mburo National Park.

Day 3: Transfer from Lake Mburo National Park to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

On Day 3, depart from Lake Mburo National Park and begin your journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to half of the world’s mountain gorillas. Enjoy scenic views of Uganda’s rolling hills, lush landscapes, and traditional homesteads as you drive through the countryside. En route, you may have opportunities for brief stops to stretch and capture the beautiful surroundings.

As you approach Bwindi, the terrain becomes more rugged and forested, reflecting the park’s dense vegetation. Arriving in the afternoon or early evening, you’ll settle into your lodge near the park, ready for the following day’s thrilling gorilla trekking adventure. The rest of the day can be spent relaxing or exploring the nearby community.

Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

On Day 6, you will embark on one of the most exhilarating experiences of your Uganda safari—gorilla trekking in the breathtaking Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Early in the morning, after a hearty breakfast, you’ll head to the park headquarters for an essential registration and briefing session. Your adventure begins as you set out into the dense, lush forest, navigating through challenging terrain. The trek may last anywhere from 2 to 8 hours, depending on the location of the mountain gorillas. This thrilling journey is filled with the sights and sounds of the forest, as you may encounter a variety of other wildlife and unique plant species along the way. Upon finding a mountain gorilla family, you’ll be allowed to spend an unforgettable hour observing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, an experience that is both humbling and awe-inspiring. In the afternoon, you’ll return to your lodge for a leisurely late lunch, where you can unwind and reflect on this once-in-a-lifetime encounter.

Day 5: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, you’ll leave Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and embark on a scenic drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, passing through rolling hills and vibrant local villages. Along the way, you’ll have a chance to stop for lunch and enjoy some beautiful views of the Ugandan countryside. Upon arrival in Queen Elizabeth, settle into your lodge and head out for an evening game drive in the Kasenyi Plains. This is the best time to spot elephants, buffaloes, and perhaps even lions as they become more active in the cooler hours. End the day with a relaxing dinner and overnight stay at your lodge inside or near the park.

Day 6: Exploring Queen Elizabeth National Park

Start the day with an early morning game drive in the Kasenyi Plains, where you’ll have a great chance to spot large herds of elephants, buffaloes, and lions hunting for prey. This area is rich in wildlife and offers fantastic photo opportunities. In the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake Edward and Lake George. The cruise offers close-up views of hippos, crocodiles, and abundant bird species along the channel’s banks. The day ends with an optional lion tracking experience, where you can join researchers in tracking the park’s lion prides, offering a deeper insight into their behavior. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight rest.

Day 7: Transfer to Kibale National Park

On Day 7, you’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast before departing for Kibale National Park, a journey of approximately 3–4 hours. En route, you’ll stop for lunch in Fort Portal town, allowing a chance to explore the local area. Upon arrival in Kibale, you will check into your lodge and unwind. simply relax at the lodge, preparing for the exciting activities that lie ahead.

Day 8: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale National Park and Bigodi Swamp Walk

On Day 8, embark on an exciting chimpanzee tracking adventure in Kibale National Park, renowned for its diverse primate population. After an early breakfast, join expert guides who will lead you through the dense forest in search of chimpanzees. As you trek through the lush greenery, listen for the calls of these primates and observe their behaviors in their natural habitat. In addition to chimpanzees, you may spot other primates like red colobus monkeys and grey-cheeked mangabeys.

In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walk through the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, known for its rich biodiversity. Stroll along the swamp’s trails, where you’ll encounter a variety of bird species, butterflies, and unique flora, providing an unforgettable experience with nature.

Day 9: Transfer from Kibale Forest National Park to Murchison Falls National Park

On Day 9, after breakfast, you’ll depart from Kibale Forest National Park and embark on a scenic transfer to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest national park. The journey offers a glimpse of the country’s diverse landscapes, from lush forests to expansive savannahs. Along the way, you’ll pass through vibrant local towns and rural villages, providing a chance to observe everyday life in Uganda.

Stop for lunch in one of the towns before continuing your drive, with the possibility of spotting wildlife as you approach Murchison Falls. Upon arrival in the late afternoon, you’ll check into your lodge, located near the mighty Nile River. You can relax and enjoy the serene surroundings or take a short walk to view the park’s spectacular sunset. Prepare for the next day’s thrilling activities, including game drives and a boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls.

Day 10: Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Cruise In Murchison Falls National Park

On Day 10, begin your day with an early morning game drive in Murchison Falls National Park. As the sun rises, venture into the park’s savannahs and woodlands, where you’ll have the chance to spot a variety of wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for elephants, lions, giraffes, buffaloes, and Uganda kob. The open landscape provides excellent opportunities for photography as animals roam freely in their natural habitat.

In the afternoon, enjoy a thrilling boat cruise along the Nile River, heading towards the base of the iconic Murchison Falls. Along the way, you’ll spot hippos, crocodiles, and a rich array of birdlife, including the rare shoebill stork. The highlight of the cruise is witnessing the powerful Murchison Falls, where the Nile squeezes through a narrow gorge, creating a thunderous cascade. It’s a breathtaking and unforgettable experience.

Day 11: Chimpanzee Tracking in Budongo Forest and Visiting Top of the Falls

On Day 11, start your day with an exciting chimpanzee tracking experience in Budongo Forest, part of Murchison Falls National Park. After an early breakfast, set off with experienced guides into the dense forest, home to one of the largest populations of chimpanzees in Uganda. As you trek through the towering mahogany trees, listen for the distinctive calls of chimpanzees and observe them as they swing through the branches and interact with one another in their natural environment.

In the afternoon, visit the iconic Top of Murchison Falls. Here, you’ll witness the mighty Nile River forcefully plunge through a narrow 7-meter-wide gorge, creating one of the world’s most powerful waterfalls. Enjoy breathtaking views of the falls and feel the mist rising from the crashing water. The combination of wildlife and natural beauty makes for an unforgettable day.

Day 12: Transfer to Kampala, via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for Tracking

On Day 12, after an early breakfast, you’ll depart Murchison Falls National Park and begin your journey back to Kampala. En route, stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a memorable rhino tracking experience. This sanctuary is the only place in Uganda where you can observe rhinos in their natural habitat, and it plays a vital role in the country’s rhino conservation efforts.

Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, embark on a walking safari through the bush, where you’ll have the opportunity to see these majestic creatures up close while learning about their behaviors and the sanctuary’s conservation work.

After the rhino tracking, continue your transfer to Kampala, with beautiful countryside views along the way. Arrive in the evening, marking the end of your thrilling 12-day wildlife and primates adventure in Uganda.

Trip Organized by: 

Namukose Saluwa- Tour Consultant