Uganda – Top primate and wildlife destination!
Safari info:
- Starts and ends in Entebbe
- Duration: 12 days
- Accommodation type: Comfortable / mid-range
- This tour can be booked as a private guided safari
- Next group departure date: 18 July 2026
When we mention Uganda, you immediately think of massive silverback gorillas, strutting their stuff in thick montane rainforest. And luckily this is true! But “the Pearl of Africa” is about so much more. This beautiful east African country offers excellent tourism infrastructure, fantastic birding, a pleasant tropical climate, excellent coffee, friendly people, photogenic scenery and some very special wildlife viewing, including many primate species along with Africa’s famed Big Five.
The country is a diversity hotspot, and an incredible 1,020 species of bird (around half of the total number found in Africa) have been recorded in Uganda, along with 345 mammal species, 4,500 plant species, 142 reptile species, 1,250 butterfly species and much, much more.
This 12 day safari features some of Uganda’s premier safari and wildlife destinations, covering Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Lake Mburo National Park, plus some fantastic surprises thrown into the mix. Let’s go on safari in the country that boasts Africa’s tallest mountain range and largest lake!
Why this tour – Trip Highlights:
Murchison Falls National Park: Spectacular waterfall where the Nile crashes through a narrow gorge, and also fantastic birds and mammals.
Kibale National Park: An incredible 13 primate species, including our closest relative, the Chimpanzee.
Queen Elizabeth National Park: 95 Mammal species, 500 bird species and dramatic volcanic features.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park: UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to about 400 Eastern Gorillas.
Lake Mburo National Park: small but awesome, with 350 bird species and amazing wetland scenery.
Top Mammals:
Eastern (Mountain)Gorilla, Chimpanzee, Guereza, L’Hoest’s Monkey and many other primates, African Elephant, African Buffalo, White Rhinoceros, Lion, Leopard.
Top Birds:
Shoebill, Great Blue Turaco, Grey Parrot, African and Green-breasted Pitta, Black Bee-eater, Pel’s Fishing Owl.
What to expect:
Day to day Itinerary
| Day 1 | Arrival at Entebbe International Airport, transfer to hotel |
| Day 2 | Entebbe to Murchison Falls National Park Visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary en route |
| Day 3 | Murchison Falls National Park |
| Day 4 | Murchison Falls to Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve |
| Day 5 | Kabwoya to Kibale National Park |
| Day 6 | Kibale National Park |
| Day 7 | Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park |
| Day 8 | Queen Elizabeth National Park |
| Day 9 | Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park |
| Day 10 | Bwindi to Lake Bunyonyi |
| Day 11 | Lake Bunyonyi to Lake Mburo National Park |
| Day 12 | Lake Mburo to Entebbe International Airport and Departure |
DAY TO DAY ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport, where you are met by your guide and transferred to a comfortable guesthouse near Lake Victoria. Depending on arrival time, optional visits include the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, National Zoo, or Uganda Reptile Village. Enjoy a relaxed evening and overnight stay in preparation for the safari ahead.
Day 2: Entebbe to Murchison Falls National Park
After breakfast, depart north toward Murchison Falls National Park. En route, visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda to track White Rhinoceros on foot. Enjoy a guided rhino walk before continuing to Murchison Falls, Uganda’s largest national park, known for its Nile River scenery, diverse wildlife, and rich birdlife. Overnight at a lodge overlooking the Nile.
Day 3: Murchison Falls National Park
Start the day with a game drive in the northern savannahs, home to Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, Giraffe, Hippo, and numerous antelope species. The park is also a top birding destination, including the iconic Shoebill.
In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on the Nile to the base of Murchison Falls, followed by a guided hike to the top of the falls for spectacular views. Overnight at the lodge.
Day 4: Murchison Falls to Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve
Travel south through the scenic Albertine Rift to Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve, overlooking Lake Albert. This quiet reserve offers excellent birding, nature walks, and optional activities such as fishing, cycling, or night drives. Relax and enjoy the peaceful setting overnight.
Day 5: Kabwoya to Kibale National Park
Continue south to the Fort Portal region, Uganda’s tea-growing heartland. Optional activities include cycling through tea estates or visiting the Amabeere Caves and nearby crater lakes. Later, transfer to Kibale National Park, famous for its exceptional primate diversity. Overnight in a forest lodge near the park.
Day 6: Kibale National Park – Chimpanzee Trekking
This morning is dedicated to chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest, home to one of Africa’s largest and most reliable chimp populations. Spend time observing these intelligent primates at close range.
After lunch, visit the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-run reserve renowned for birdlife and smaller primates. Overnight at your forest lodge.
Day 7: Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Depart Kibale and travel south toward Queen Elizabeth National Park, stopping en route for a cultural visit in the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains. Arrive at a lodge near the Kazinga Channel in time for lunch, followed by an afternoon game drive. Overnight in the park.
Day 8: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Enjoy a morning game drive across the Kasenyi Plains, searching for Elephant, Buffalo, Lion, Leopard, Hippo, and a wide variety of birds.
In the afternoon, take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, one of Africa’s best wildlife viewing waterways, with large concentrations of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and waterbirds.
Day 9: Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Travel through the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions, before continuing south to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to over half the world’s Mountain Gorillas. Overnight at a lodge overlooking the forest.
Day 10: Bwindi – Gorilla Trekking | Lake Bunyonyi
Today’s highlight is gorilla trekking in Bwindi’s ancient rainforest. After a briefing, trek through dense forest to spend time observing a habituated gorilla family — a truly life-changing experience.
After the trek, continue to Lake Bunyonyi, known for its scenic islands and relaxed atmosphere. Overnight at a lakeside lodge.
Day 11: Lake Bunyonyi to Lake Mburo National Park
Travel northeast to Lake Mburo National Park, stopping for lunch at the Igongo Cultural Centre. Enter the park in the afternoon for a game drive en route to your lodge. Lake Mburo is known for Plains Zebra, Eland, Impala, and excellent birding.
Day 12: Lake Mburo to Entebbe | Departure
Enjoy a guided nature walk in Lake Mburo National Park before driving back to Entebbe. Stop at the Equator crossing for photos and souvenirs before arriving at Entebbe International Airport for onward flights.