This 10 days Uganda Primates and Wildlife Encounter Safari is a carefully crafted journey that takes you deep into the country’s most iconic national parks and conservation areas, where Africa’s most elusive and majestic creatures dwell. This immersive itinerary is designed for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and adventurous travelers seeking to witness the raw beauty of Uganda’s wilderness. From tracking endangered white rhinos on foot at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to coming face-to-face with mountain gorillas in the misty forests of Bwindi, this safari offers intimate and ethical wildlife encounters that few experiences can match.
The 10-Day Uganda Primates and Wildlife Encounter Safari starts in the tranquil lakeside town of Entebbe. This adventure includes thrilling game drives, a boat cruise on the Nile, and an exciting night game drive in Murchison Falls National Park. Drive to Kibale Forest National Park the home to the highest population of chimpanzee and over 13 primate species enjoy close look with our closely related cousins the chimps spicing up the safari. then transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park the largest savannah park in Uganda and famous for the tree climbing lions that are very rare.
More about the 10 Days Uganda Primates and Wildlife Encounter Safari
The safari then takes you to the Ishasha Sector, famed for its tree-climbing lions, before arriving in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where you’ll embark on a life-changing trek to observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. After the intensity of the jungle, unwind by the tranquil shores of Lake Bunyonyi, and finally, explore Lake Mburo National Park, one of the best places in Uganda for a walking safari among zebras and antelope.
Beyond wildlife, this itinerary also incorporates meaningful community visits, wetland walks, and scenic drives through the lush Ugandan countryside. It offers a balance of adventure and relaxation, with accommodations set in comfortable lodges surrounded by nature. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning explorer, this safari promises a deeply personal connection with Uganda’s landscapes, its remarkable wildlife, and the warm, welcoming spirit of its people.
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Transfer to Hotel (Optional Visit to Entebbe Botanical Gardens)
Upon your arrival at Entebbe International Airport for the 10 Days Uganda Primates and Wildlife Encounter Safari, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional driver-guide who will brief you on the safari ahead. You will then be transferred to your hotel in Entebbe for check-in and relaxation after your flight. If time allows (especially for morning or early afternoon arrivals), you can take a leisurely tour of the Entebbe Botanical Gardens. These gardens are rich in plant species and home to a variety of birds and monkeys, including colobus and vervet monkeys. The gardens are also an ideal place to stretch your legs and enjoy a peaceful introduction to Uganda’s flora and fauna. Later, return to your hotel for dinner and overnight rest.
Location: Entebbe
Accommodation Option
Luxury: Protea Hotel Entebbe
Mid-Range: 2 Friends Beach Hotel
Budget: Via Via Entebbe
Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2: Entebbe – Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park – Visit Top of falls
After an early breakfast, begin your journey northward toward Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda where you can see wild rhinos. The sanctuary is a successful conservation project aiming to reintroduce rhinos to Uganda’s national parks. You will enjoy a guided on-foot rhino tracking experience, giving you an intimate and safe encounter with these magnificent animals in their natural habitat.
After lunch, continue the scenic drive to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and most dramatic park. Before checking into your lodge, you will visit the spectacular Top of the Falls viewpoint where you will get to enjoy water splashes and the beautiful views surrounding the Murchison Falls. Here, the Nile River is forced through a narrow 7-meter gorge, creating a thunderous explosion of water, a sight to behold. Capture photos and take in the misty roar of the falls before heading to your lodge for the evening. check in at the lodge, dinner and overnight.
Location: Murchison Falls National Park
Accommodation Option
Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge
Mid-Range: Pakuba Safari Lodge
Budget: Ikorom Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Morning Game Drive – Afternoon Boat Cruise & Night Game Drive in Murchison Falls National Park
Early breakfast, begin your day with an early morning African Wildlife Safari drive in the northern section of the park across the savannah plains. This area is teeming with wildlife, and you may spot elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, buffaloes, and various antelope species. The golden light of morning is also perfect for photography.
In the afternoon after lunch, enjoy a boat cruise along the Nile River towards the base of Murchison Falls. This cruise is one of the highlights of the park that should not be missed on any African safari, offering close-up sightings of hippos, crocodiles, and a vast number of water birds, including fish eagles, kingfishers, and pelicans. Watch elephants and buffaloes as they come to drink at the riverbanks and many more mammals.
After dinner, you will embark on a night game drive, exclusively available to guests staying inside the park. Guided by spotlights and a knowledgeable ranger guides, you may encounter nocturnal species such as bush babies, porcupines, hyenas, civets, and possibly even leopards on the hunt. The night sounds and atmosphere offer a different, thrilling perspective of the African wilderness which makes the safari more fun and rewarding. Return to the lodge for overnight.
Location: Murchison Falls National Park
Accommodation Option
Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge
Mid-Range: Pakuba Safari Lodge
Budget: Ikorom Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Murchison Falls – Transfer to Kibale National Park – Bigodi Community and wetland visit
Following breakfast, set off for Kibale Forest National Park, known as the primate capital of the world with over 13 primate species. This full-day journey passes through the scenic Albertine Rift Valley, offering panoramic views, rural villages, and the opportunity to appreciate Uganda’s lush countryside that is very green and beautiful. Upon arrival in the afternoon, take a guided nature walk through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-run project rich in biodiversity.
Bigodi is renowned for birdlife, including the Great Blue Turaco, and is also home to colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and mangabeys. As you walk along the raised boardwalks, your guide will explain the ecological importance of the swamp and the role the community plays in conservation. A visit to the Bigodi village provides cultural insight into traditional life, local crafts, and community-based tourism. return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Location: Kibale Forest National Park
Accommodation Option
Luxury: Chimpundu Lodge
Mid-Range: Turaco Treetops
Budget: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale – Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Early breakfast, Get ready for an amazing adventure today as you go chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest! After a quick briefing at the park headquarters, you’ll head into the lush tropical rainforest with a knowledgeable guide and tracker. The chimpanzees here are used to people, so you’ll have a great chance to watch them up close for about an hour. You’ll see them as they eat, groom each other, communicate, and swing high in the trees.
After your chimp adventure, enjoy a delicious lunch before driving south to Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is Uganda’s second-largest and one of its most diverse parks. The drive will offer you stunning views of the Rwenzori Mountains, also known as the “Mountains of the Moon.” Once you arrive at the park, you can go on an exciting evening game drive across the Kasenyi plains, where you might spot lions looking for Uganda kobs, a type of antelope. After an eventful day, you’ll head to your lodge for dinner and a cozy overnight stay.
Location: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation Option
Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge
Mid-Range: Twin Lake Safari Lodge
Budget: Enshama Game Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Game Drive Safari & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Have breakfast and begin your day with an exhilarating early morning game drive through the Kasenyi sector, renowned as the premier location in the park for observing both predators and herbivores in their natural habitat. As the sun rises, you’ll have the opportunity to witness the breathtaking landscape covered with the beauty of sunrise. You’ll have opportunities to see lions, hyenas, elephants, buffaloes, and a wide array of antelopes and birds.
Have lunch in the afternoon and enjoy a relaxing boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a 32-km natural waterway linking Lake Edward and Lake George. The channel has one of the highest concentrations of hippos and crocodiles in Africa, and you will also see elephants, buffaloes, and countless bird species like African skimmers, cormorants, and herons at close range. This two-hour cruise is perfect for photography and wildlife observation. Return to the lodge, relax outside with a lake view and wait to enjoy the beautiful magical hour as the sunsets. Dinner and overnight.
Location: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation Option
Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge
Mid-Range: Twin Lake Safari Lodge
Budget: Enshama Game Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7: Morning Game Drive – Ishasha Tree-Climbing Lions – Drive to Bwindi
After breakfast on this 7th day of your 10 Days Uganda Primates and Wildlife Encounter Safari, take a final morning wildlife safari drive through Queen Elizabeth, then head south toward the remote Ishasha Sector. This area is famous for its rare population of tree-climbing lions, often seen lounging in the fig trees during the heat of the day. Your guide will help track these elusive cats and explain their unique behavior.
After the game drive, embark on the scenic journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site that serves as a haven for nearly half of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas. As you travel, savor the breathtaking views of lush green hills and the rich biodiversity surrounding you. Upon your arrival in the evening, you’ll check in to your charming lodge, beautifully situated within the mist forest. Here, the sounds of nature envelop you, creating a serene atmosphere that sets the perfect tone for an unforgettable adventure ahead.
Location: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Accommodation Option
Luxury: Gorilla Leisure Lodge
Mid-Range: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Budget: Ride 4 a woman
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 8: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi – Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
Today is the highlight of your safari. Gorilla trekking in the dense, mist-shrouded forests of Bwindi. After a briefing at the park headquarters, you will be assigned to a gorilla family and led by an experienced ranger. Trekking may take between 2 to 6 hours depending on the gorilla group’s location, you will traverse the jungle in search for these gentle giants. Once you find them, you will have one magical hour to observe these gentle giants up close as they eat, groom, nest, play and interact in their natural habitat. Take photos with flash less cameras for memories, return to the visitor center to receive your certificates and return to the lodge.
After lunch and some rest, you’ll thereafter transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, one of Africa’s most beautiful lakes. The lake is dotted with over 20 small islands and surrounded by terraced hillsides with mesmerizing views. Arrive in the evening, check in to your lodge, and enjoy a peaceful night by the lakeside.
Location: Lake Bunyonyi
Accommodation Option
Luxury: Birdnest Bunyonyi Resort
Mid-Range: Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort
Budget: Kaije Resort Bunyonyi
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 9: Boat Ride on Lake Bunyonyi – Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park
On day 9 of your 10 Days Uganda Primates and Wildlife Encounter Safari, take a boat ride on Lake Bunyonyi, often called the “Lake of a Thousand Islands.” Your guide will take you to notable islands such as Punishment Island, where unmarried pregnant girls were once left to die, and Kyahugye Island, which is home to zebras and other animals. Learn about local traditions and myths while enjoying the stunning scenery. You may also enjoy swimming in these fresh waters free from bilharzia but don’t forget the lake is very deep so you should be a good swimmer.
After the boat trip, you will drive to Lake Mburo National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, despite being the smallest national park in Uganda, is a captivating place full of wildlife. This hidden treasure is home to many animals, including herds of beautiful zebras, playful impalas, impressive elands, and colorful Topis. When you arrive, you’ll be welcomed by the stunning colors of the sunset that light up the scenery, making it a perfect time to explore the park’s rich variety of plants and animals. Get ready for an exciting evening game drive, where you’ll hear the sounds of nature coming to life and might catch a glimpse of nocturnal animals starting their nighttime activities. Stay alert; the park has many surprises waiting just for you to find! Overnight at your lodge within or near the park.
Location: Lake Mburo National Park
Accommodation Option
Luxury: Mihingo Lodge
Mid-Range: Kigarama Wilderness Lodge
Budget: Mburo Eagle’s Nest
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 10: Walking Safari in Lake Mburo – Return to Entebbe – Departure
On the last day of your exciting 10-day adventure through Uganda’s wildlife and primates, get ready for a special walking safari in Lake Mburo National Park. This guided tour further lets you explore the African bush on foot, giving you a chance to see animals like zebras, giraffes, impalas, and warthogs up close. Accompanied by a knowledgeable ranger, you’ll learn about the different plants and animal tracks as you walk.
After enjoying breakfast and checking out of your accommodation, you’ll start your journey back to Entebbe. There will be a stop for lunch along the way. Depending on your flight schedule, your guide will either drop you off at your hotel or directly at Entebbe International Airport. With this, your unforgettable 10-day journey through Uganda comes to an end.
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
Tour includes
- Accommodation on full board
- Transportation to and from Kampala or Entebbe
- gorilla trekking permits
- Chimpanzee trekking permits
- Park entry fees
- All mentioned activities
- Bottled drinking water
- English speaking driver guide
Tour excludes
- International flights
- Visa
- Insurance
- Laundry
- Alcoholic beverages
- Accommodation on final day
- All expenses of personal nature