Primates and the Big Five
13 DAY | 12 NIGHTS
Uganda
Primates, The Big Five and Beyond
Go on an incredible 13-day safari adventure through Uganda’s most spectacular wildlife destinations! Start with rhino trekking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, followed by thrilling game drives and a Nile River cruise in Murchison Falls National Park. Discover the chimpanzees of Kibale Forest and explore Queen Elizabeth National Park with a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel and game drives across the Kasenyi Plains. Experience the unforgettable mountain gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, unwind at the scenic Lake Bunyonyi, and explore Lake Mburo National Park before heading home with a stop at the Equator. This safari offers an immersive blend of adventure, wildlife, and scenic beauty.
Itinerary Details:
Day 1: Arrival in Uganda
Arrive at Entebbe International Airport, where our private guide will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. Take the evening to relax and prepare for the thrilling safari ahead.
Overnight at The Bomah or similar (HB)
Day 2: Rhino Trekking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Begin your journey with a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Accompanied by expert rangers, you’ll trek through the bush on foot to track and observe the endangered white rhinos in their natural habitat. Learn about rhino conservation efforts in Uganda as you experience the excitement of being close to these gentle giants.
Overnight at Amuka Lodge or similar (FB)
Day 3: Murchison Falls Hike & Afternoon Game Drive
Drive to Murchison Falls National Park and start the day with a thrilling hike to the top of Murchison Falls, where the Nile River surges through a narrow gorge, creating a stunning waterfall. Afterward, enjoy lunch at the lodge and head out for an afternoon game drive. Keep an eye out for lions, elephants, giraffes, and buffaloes roaming the savannah.
Overnight at Nile Safari Lodge or similar (FB)
Day 4: Morning Game Drive & Nile Boat Cruise
Begin with an early morning game drive in the park’s northern sector, offering great chances to see leopards, hyenas, Ugandan kobs, and large herds of buffaloes and giraffes. In the afternoon, take a scenic Nile River boat cruise. Along the way, you’ll encounter hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birdlife, including the rare shoebill stork. The cruise ends with a dramatic view of Murchison Falls from the base.
Overnight at Nile Safari Lodge or similar (FB)
Day 5: Transfer to Kibale Forest
Drive through scenic countryside to Kibale National Park, known for its rich 13 primate species and bird life.
Overnight at Primate Lodge or similar (FB)
Day 6: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest
After an early breakfast, you will be transferred to the park headquarters for a briefing and thereafter, the search for the amazing chimpanzees begins. As you track the chimpanzees, you will have an opportunity to see other wildlife species, such as the rare L’Hoest’s monkey, the Guereza Colobus, the Blue monkey, Grey-cheeked mangabey, Red tailed monkey, the Olive baboon, among others. You will observe them as they feed, play, and socialize with each other. The tracking takes about 2-5 hours. Watch these intelligent primates in their natural habitat, an experience that will leave you awestruck. Return to the lodge and throw back or head out for an afternoon wetland walk in Bigodi Swamp.
Overnight at Primate Lodge or similar (FB)
Day 7: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth NP & Afternoon Boat Cruise
Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you’ll take an afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. This channel is known for its large population of hippos, crocodiles, and diverse birdlife, making it a highlight for wildlife lovers.
Overnight at The River Station or similar (FB)
Day 8: Morning Game Drive & Sunset Game Drive
Explore the Kasenyi Plains on an early morning game drive. Keep your camera ready for sightings of lions, buffaloes, elephants, and antelope species such as Ugandan kobs. In the evening, set out on a sunset game drive, offering excellent opportunities to witness more wildlife as the day fades.
Overnight at The River Station or similar (FB)
Day 9: Transfer to Bwindi through Ishasha Sector
Journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, stopping en route in the Ishasha Sector to search for the famed tree-climbing lions. Bwindi is home to half of the world’s population of endangered mountain gorillas.
Overnight at Gorilla Forest Lodge or similar (FB)
Day 10: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
This is the day you’ve been waiting for – a chance to stand in the presence of one of the planet’s most endangered and majestic creatures: the Mountain Gorilla. The day begins early with an energizing breakfast before heading to the park headquarters for a detailed briefing from expert rangers. Then, it’s time to trek into the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bwindi. Every step of the journey feels like an exploration into an ancient, untouched world, with towering trees, colorful bird species, and the occasional rustle of wildlife in the underbrush. After hours of anticipation, your patience pays off as you encounter a gorilla family in their natural habitat. Watch in awe as they play, groom, and move through the forest, their sheer presence leaving you breathless. The magic of locking eyes with a silverback is a moment that words can hardly capture.
After this once in a life-time experience, return to your lodge for an afternoon relaxation or a community visit to one of the community projects around the park.
Overnight at Gorilla Forest Lodge or similar (FB)
Day 11: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi & Relax
After your gorilla trekking adventure, transfer to the tranquil shores of Lake Bunyonyi. Spend the day relaxing, enjoying a boat ride, or exploring the scenic islands of this peaceful lake.
Overnight at Arcadia Lodges or similar (FB)
Day 12: Transfer to Lake Mburo NP & Evening Game Drive
Drive to Lake Mburo National Park, one of Uganda’s smallest but most beautiful parks, famous for its zebras, impalas, and eland antelopes. In the evening, go on a game drive to spot the park’s wildlife and enjoy the serene acacia landscapes dotted with giraffes, zebras, impalas, among others.
Overnight at Mihingo Lodge or similar (FB)
Day 13: Walking Safari & Return to Entebbe
After breakfast, take a leisurely walking safari in the park before driving back to Entebbe, stopping at the Equator in Kayabwe Town for a photo opportunity and a chance to browse local crafts. Continue to Entebbe International Airport for your departure, filled with unforgettable memories of Uganda’s rich wildlife and landscapes. Arrive in the evening to check in for your connecting flight or an overnight stay in Entebbe, marking the end of your Ugandan adventure.
Reflect on your journey, filled with wildlife encounters, cultural exchanges, and scenic landscapes.
Overnight at Day Room use can be arranged upon request (HB)
More Journey Inspirations
Great Apes and Safari
13 DAYS | 12 NIGHTS
Gorillas, Chimps and Safari
7 DAYS | 6 NIGHTS
Exclusive Great Apes Journey
13 DAYS | 12 NIGHTS
Primates and the Big Five
13 DAYS | 12 NIGHTS
