12 Days Primates and Wildlife Safari in Uganda

OVERVIEW

Join Unique Africa Tours on a once-in-a-lifetime 12 Days Primates and Wildlife Safari in Uganda, a journey that combines luxury, adventure, and unforgettable encounters with nature. This carefully designed itinerary brings you close to Uganda’s rare primates including gorillas and chimpanzees while also offering spectacular game drives and boat safaris in some of Africa’s most scenic parks. From the roaring Murchison Falls to the tranquil waters of Lake Bunyonyi, you will experience Uganda’s breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and warm hospitality while staying in hand-picked luxury lodges that ensure comfort, elegance, and relaxation throughout your safari.

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to your luxury hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure as you unwind from your journey. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy optional activities such as a sunset boat cruise on Lake Victoria or a visit to the Entebbe Botanical Gardens. This evening, indulge in fine dining at your lodge while you prepare for the start of your safari.

Accommodation Options: Hotel No.5, Protea Hotel by Marriott Entebbe, Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa
Meals: (Dinner)

Day 2: Entebbe to Murchison Falls via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

After breakfast, set off for Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area. En route, stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided trek to see rhinos up close, completing your Big Five experience later in the safari. Continue to Murchison Falls and visit the top of the falls where the mighty Nile forces itself through a narrow gorge, creating a spectacular scene. Settle into your luxury lodge overlooking the Nile River for a relaxing evening.

Accommodation Options: Chobe Safari Lodge, Paraa Safari Lodge, Nile Safari Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3: Game Drive and Boat Safari in Murchison Falls

Rise early for a thrilling game drive across the savannah plains of Murchison Falls National Park. Expect to see lions, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and possibly leopards among other wildlife. After a leisurely lunch, embark on a luxury boat safari along the Nile, cruising to the base of the falls. Along the way, watch hippos, crocodiles, and a wide variety of birdlife. Return to your lodge for sundowners and a gourmet dinner.

Accommodation Options: Chobe Safari Lodge, Paraa Safari Lodge, Nile Safari Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4: Murchison Falls to Kibale National Park

After breakfast, journey south to Kibale National Park, known as the primate capital of East Africa. The drive is long but rewarding with views of Uganda’s rolling hills, tea plantations, and rural communities. Arrive at your luxury forest lodge and relax with a nature walk or spa treatment. The tranquil setting of Kibale provides the perfect preparation for your upcoming chimpanzee trekking adventure.

Accommodation Options: Kyaninga Lodge, Ndali Lodge, Primate Lodge Luxury Cottages
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest

Start the day with a hearty breakfast before heading into Kibale Forest with your ranger guide. Track chimpanzees through the lush rainforest and spend an hour observing their behavior, from playful youngsters to dominant males. Kibale is also home to other primates such as red colobus monkeys and L’Hoest’s monkeys. In the afternoon, visit the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for birdwatching and cultural interactions with the local community.

Accommodation Options: Kyaninga Lodge, Ndali Lodge, Primate Lodge Luxury Cottages
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6: Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its varied ecosystems that support a wide range of wildlife. Arrive in time for lunch at your luxury lodge overlooking the savannah or crater lakes. In the evening, embark on a game drive in the Kasenyi plains where lions, antelopes, and elephants roam freely. Return to your lodge for a relaxing evening by the fire or pool.

Accommodation Options: Kyambura Gorge Lodge, Elephant Plains Lodge, Mweya Safari Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Begin your morning with a sunrise game drive to catch predators in action. Look out for elephants, buffaloes, lions, and even leopards. Later, enjoy a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, one of the most biodiverse waterways in Africa. Here, you will witness hippos, crocodiles, and flocks of water birds up close. The cruise offers some of the best wildlife photography opportunities of the safari.

Accommodation Options: Kyambura Gorge Lodge, Elephant Plains Lodge, Mweya Safari Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 8: Transfer to Ishasha Sector

This morning, transfer to the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, known as Ishasha, renowned for its rare tree-climbing lions. A game drive here gives you a chance to see these majestic animals lounging in fig trees, a unique sighting in East Africa. Other wildlife includes topis, buffaloes, and elephants. Overnight in a luxury tented camp that offers a blend of exclusivity and wilderness experience.

Accommodation Options: Ishasha Wilderness Camp, Enjojo Lodge Luxury Cottages, Savannah Resort Hotel
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 9: Ishasha to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

After breakfast, enjoy a final game drive in Ishasha before heading to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to half of the world’s mountain gorillas. The scenic drive takes you through rolling hills and terraced farmlands. Arrive at your luxury lodge tucked in the forested slopes, where you can relax with sweeping views of the jungle. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Accommodation Options: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Bwindi Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 10: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Today is the highlight of your safari. After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing and then set off with your ranger to track a family of mountain gorillas. The trek may be challenging, but the reward is life-changing as you come face to face with these gentle giants. Spend one hour in their presence before returning to your lodge to unwind and celebrate this extraordinary achievement.

Accommodation Options: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Bwindi Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 11: Bwindi to Lake Bunyonyi

After breakfast, drive to Lake Bunyonyi, often referred to as the “Switzerland of Africa” for its scenic beauty and dotted islands. Upon arrival, check into your luxury lodge with panoramic views of the lake. Spend the afternoon exploring by canoe, visiting local islands, or relaxing by the water with a refreshing drink. The serene atmosphere makes this an ideal place to unwind after gorilla trekking.

Accommodation Options: BirdNest @ Bunyonyi Resort, Arcadia Cottages Bunyonyi, Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 12: Lake Bunyonyi to Entebbe – Departure

This morning, enjoy a relaxed breakfast with lake views before starting your return journey to Entebbe. Along the way, stop at the Uganda Equator for photos and souvenir shopping. Depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight, bringing your luxury 12-day Uganda primates and wildlife safari to an end.

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch)

End of the 12 Days Primates and Wildlife Safari in Uganda.