10 Days Wildlife & Primates Uganda Tour

Day 1: Arrival and Scenic Road Transfer to Bwindi Forest National Park

Your incredible 10-day Uganda safari begins with a warm welcome either at Entebbe International Airport or from your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe. From here, you’ll embark on a picturesque road journey heading south to the legendary Bwindi Impenetrable National Park—home to more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Along the way, you’ll enjoy a memorable stop at the Equator Line, where you can stand in both hemispheres at once and capture some fun, iconic photos.

You’ll continue through Uganda’s beautiful countryside, dotted with rolling hills, terraced farmlands, and traditional villages. A stop for a delicious lunch en route gives you time to stretch, relax, and enjoy some local Ugandan cuisine. The journey, though long, is incredibly scenic and offers a true taste of rural Uganda. By early evening, you’ll arrive at your lodge nestled on the forest edge of Bwindi, where you’ll check in, freshen up, and enjoy a well-earned dinner before settling in for the night.

Drive Time: Approx. 8–9 hours
Accommodation Options:

Budget: Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge

Mid-range: Rushaga Gorilla Camp

Luxury: Buhoma Lodge

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi and Community Walk

After an early breakfast at your lodge, you’ll set off for the Bwindi park headquarters, where the day’s adventure begins. Here, you’ll be welcomed by professional Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger guides who will give you a detailed briefing about the gorilla trekking experience. During this session, you’ll be assigned to one of the habituated mountain gorilla families, with a maximum of eight trekkers per group to ensure a safe and respectful wildlife encounter.

Accompanied by two armed ranger guides, you’ll venture deep into the dense, mist-shrouded vegetation of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest—a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its rich biodiversity and haunting beauty. The trek varies in difficulty and duration depending on the gorillas’ movements and the forest conditions, but rest assured, with experienced trackers monitoring the gorillas’ last nesting locations, the success rate of sightings is incredibly high—over 99%.

Once you locate the gorilla family, you’ll be granted a magical one-hour encounter in their natural habitat. This hour is a once-in-a-lifetime experience—standing just meters away from these gentle giants, observing them as they feed, groom, and interact within their tight-knit family groups. It’s an emotional, humbling, and unforgettable moment that leaves most visitors awestruck. During this hour, you’re welcome to take photographs (without flash) while keeping silent and maintaining the required distance to ensure the gorillas remain undisturbed.

After your trek, you’ll return to the park headquarters where you’ll be awarded a tracking certificate—a cherished token of this incredible achievement.

Later in the afternoon, you’ll have the option to take a community walk around the nearby village, where you’ll meet local people, visit traditional homesteads, and learn about the Batwa pygmies’ way of life—giving you a cultural insight that complements the natural wonders of Bwindi.

Accommodation Options:

Budget: Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge

Mid-range: Rushaga Gorilla Camp

Luxury: Buhoma Lodge

Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park & Evening Game Drive

After a hearty breakfast at your lodge in Bwindi, you’ll check out and begin your scenic journey northward to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most popular and ecologically diverse safari destination. The drive offers breathtaking views of the country’s countryside, with rolling hills, lush banana plantations, traditional homesteads, and scattered crater lakes dotting the landscape. Along the way, you’ll enjoy en-route stops for sightseeing and photography, with opportunities to stretch, mingle with locals, and soak in the beauty of Uganda’s rural charm.

You’ll arrive at your lodge within Queen Elizabeth National Park by the afternoon, where you’ll be warmly welcomed and assisted with check-in. Take some time to relax and refresh before heading out on an evening game drive through the savannah plains. This golden-hour safari is perfect for spotting late grazers and catching a glimpse of the park’s renowned wildlife as they become more active in the cooler hours before nightfall.

Queen Elizabeth National Park boasts an impressive variety of landscapes—from sprawling grasslands and acacia woodlands to tropical forests, wetlands, and sparkling crater lakes. These diverse habitats support an abundance of wildlife, including four of the iconic Big Five—lions, leopards, elephants, and buffalo—as well as Uganda kob, hippos, giant forest hogs, hyenas, and an astonishing array of over 600 bird species, making it one of Africa’s best birding destinations.

After your game drive, you’ll return to your lodge for dinner and a peaceful overnight stay, surrounded by the sounds of the wild.

Drive Time: Approx. 4–5 hours
Accommodation Options:

Budget: Bush Lodge

Mid-range: Elephant Hab Lodge

Luxury: Elephant Plains Lodge

Day 4: Morning Game Drive in Kasenyi Plains & Afternoon Boat Cruise on the Kazinga Channel

After an early breakfast at your lodge, you’ll head out into the Kasenyi Plains, one of the most wildlife-rich areas within Queen Elizabeth National Park, for an exhilarating morning game drive. As the sun rises over the savannah, the plains come alive with activity—this is the best time to spot predators returning from a night hunt and herbivores grazing in the golden morning light. During this guided drive, you’ll likely encounter elephants, large herds of buffalo, Ugandan kobs, antelopes, bushbucks, and if luck is on your side, elusive leopards or the majestic lions resting under shady acacia trees. The drive typically lasts around 2 to 3 hours, offering ample opportunities for photography and immersive wildlife viewing.

After your game drive, you’ll make your way to the Mweya Peninsula for a freshly prepared hot lunch, with some time to relax and enjoy the stunning views of the park. In the afternoon, the adventure continues with one of the top highlights of the entire safari—a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway that links Lake Edward and Lake George. This relaxing yet thrilling experience brings you incredibly close to pods of hippos, Nile crocodiles, and elephants cooling off at the water’s edge. The shores are also teeming with birdlife, from majestic African fish eagles to vibrant kingfishers, pelicans, and rare migratory species—making this a paradise for bird lovers and photographers alike.

As the sun begins to set, you’ll return to your lodge for a peaceful evening, where dinner will be served and the night is spent surrounded by the wild sounds of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Accommodation Options:

Budget: Bush Lodge

Mid-range: Elephant Hab Lodge

Luxury: Elephant Plains Lodge

Day 5: Morning Game Drive or Visit to Katwe Salt Lakes & Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

After breakfast, you’ll check out of your lodge with all your belongings and embark on a final morning game drive through the Mweya Peninsula, giving you one more chance to spot wildlife in the early hours when animals are most active. This drive lasts about three hours and offers excellent opportunities to see predators on the move and herbivores grazing freely across the open plains. It’s the perfect way to say goodbye to the wild savannah landscapes of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Alternatively, instead of the game drive, you can choose to visit the historic Katwe Salt Lakes, where traditional salt mining has been practiced for centuries. This cultural experience offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of local salt miners and the community’s deep-rooted traditions, set against a backdrop of scenic crater lakes and flamingo-lined shores.

After your chosen morning activity, you’ll continue your journey toward the lush, forested highlands of Kibale Forest National Park, often referred to as the primate capital of East Africa. You’ll stop for a hot lunch en route before proceeding to the park, arriving in the afternoon. Upon arrival, you’ll have the chance to explore the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-run eco-tourism project adjacent to the park. This guided nature walk offers a chance to spot a variety of monkey species such as red colobus, black-and-white colobus, and grey-cheeked mangabeys, as well as an impressive list of over 200 bird species, including the stunning Great Blue Turaco.

Kibale Forest itself is home to an astonishing 13 species of primates, including the highest concentration of chimpanzees in Uganda, as well as over 335 species of birds, making it a dream destination for primate lovers and birding enthusiasts alike.

Drive Time: Approx. 1–2 hours
Accommodation Options:

Budget: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge

Mid-range: Turaco Treetops Lodge

Luxury: Papaya Lake Lodge

Day 6: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest & Bigodi Wetland Walk

After an early breakfast at your lodge, you’ll drive to the Kibale National Park headquarters, where you’ll meet your professional guides, trackers, and Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers for a once-in-a-lifetime chimpanzee trekking experience. The morning begins with a short briefing before you venture into the depths of Kibale’s lush rainforest—a dense, vibrant habitat teeming with life and known as one of the best places in Africa to observe wild chimpanzees up close.

Led by an experienced tracking team, your guided trek takes you deep into the forest trails in search of these intelligent, playful, and social apes—our closest relatives in the animal kingdom, sharing nearly 98% of our DNA. Upon locating a troop, you’ll spend an unforgettable one hour in their presence, observing their interactions, grooming rituals, vocalizations, and natural behaviors just meters away. The experience is profoundly moving and educational, offering rare insight into their family dynamics and daily routines.

While chimpanzees are the main highlight, Kibale is also home to 12 other primate species, including black-and-white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and L’Hoest’s monkeys, which you might spot swinging through the trees or foraging in the undergrowth. With over 5000 chimpanzees remaining in Uganda, this park plays a critical role in their conservation, and your visit directly supports the protection of this precious ecosystem.

Please be aware that chimp trekking can be physically demanding depending on the troop’s movement, as they are constantly roaming the forest in search of food. Though sightings are very likely, they cannot be guaranteed, as these are wild animals in their natural habitat.

In the afternoon, after lunch and some rest, you’ll explore the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, an award-winning community-based eco-tourism project. The wetland is famous for its rich biodiversity and is especially well-known among birders for its variety of species, including the majestic Great Blue Turaco. As you walk through the lush swamp trails, you may also spot other primates, butterflies, and a variety of native plants—adding a serene, intimate complement to your morning’s adventure.

Accommodation Options:

Budget: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge

Mid-range: Turaco Treetops Lodge

Luxury: Papaya Lake Lodge

Day 7: Scenic Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park, Visit to the Top of the Falls & Evening Game Drive

After a hearty breakfast, you’ll begin your journey northward to the iconic Murchison Falls National Park, one of Uganda’s most dramatic and wildlife-rich destinations. The drive is long but incredibly scenic, passing through rolling countryside, traditional homesteads, and lush savannahs. Along the way, you’ll enjoy an en-route stop at the top of the falls, a viewpoint that offers a jaw-dropping look at the raw power and beauty of the River Nile as it is violently funneled through a narrow 6-meter-wide gorge before crashing 40 meters into a thunderous, churning pool below. The sheer force of the water, coupled with the mist that rises and catches the light, makes for a truly breathtaking experience and an essential photo opportunity.

From there, you’ll continue into the park’s northern sector, enjoying a leisurely evening game drive along the way. This golden-hour safari gives you the chance to spot elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, Jackson’s hartebeests, and perhaps even lions or leopards as they prepare to settle in for the night. The park’s savannah landscapes, silhouetted by the fading sun, offer a magical setting to end the day.

Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area, spanning 3,840 square kilometers of richly diverse habitats. It is bisected by the world-famous River Nile, which not only creates the park’s iconic waterfall but also supports an astonishing range of wildlife. The park is home to over 76 mammal species and more than 450 species of birds, making it a paradise for both game-viewing and bird-watching. You’ll have ample time to explore its wonders in the days to come.

After your game drive, you’ll head to your selected lodge for a relaxing dinner and overnight stay, ready to explore more of Murchison Falls tomorrow.

Drive Time: Approximately 6–7 hours.
Meal Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Accommodation Options:

Budget: Fort Murchison

Mid-range: Pakuba Safari Lodge

Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge

Day 8: Morning Game Drive & Afternoon Boat Cruise to the Bottom of Murchison Falls

After a delicious breakfast at your lodge, you’ll embark on a thrilling morning game drive through the expansive savannahs of Murchison Falls National Park. This early drive offers some of the best opportunities to encounter a variety of wild animals in the cooler hours of the morning. You’ll likely spot giraffes gracefully grazing, buffaloes moving in large herds, and antelopes darting across the plains. With a bit of luck, you might also catch sight of big cats like lions or leopards, as they stalk the tall grasses in search of prey.

Afterward, you’ll return to your lodge for a relaxing lunch break before heading to the pier for your highly anticipated boat cruise along the River Nile. This two-hour cruise takes you to the base of the spectacular Murchison Falls, where the river is forced through a narrow gorge and erupts into a powerful waterfall. The roar of the falls and the mist that rises from the cascade make this experience truly unforgettable—an exhilarating reminder of the raw force of nature.

As you drift along the river, you’ll have the chance to spot an abundance of wildlife along the banks, including hippos, elephants, and various species of birds. You might even see crocodiles basking in the sun, adding to the diversity of the wildlife experience. The boat ride is both scenic and peaceful, offering a serene contrast to the excitement of the morning game drive.

After this unforgettable adventure, you’ll return to your lodge for dinner and overnight, reflecting on the beauty and power of Murchison Falls National Park.

Meal Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Accommodation Options:

Budget: Fort Murchison

Mid-range: Pakuba Safari Lodge

Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge

Day 9: Morning Delta Cruise & Afternoon Game Drive on the North Bank

Start your day with a delightful morning Delta cruise on the calm, serene waters of the River Nile. Enjoy breakfast on board as you glide through the cool, misty morning air, surrounded by the natural beauty of Murchison Falls National Park. This peaceful cruise offers a unique opportunity to spot wetland birds, including the elusive and iconic shoebill stork, whose presence is a rare and exciting highlight for bird lovers.

The boat journey meanders through the heart of the park, giving you a front-row view of a wide range of wildlife along the riverbanks. Keep your eyes peeled for hippos lounging in the water, elephants grazing nearby, and crocodiles sunbathing on the river’s edge. The shifting landscapes as the river winds its way towards Lake Albert provide an ever-changing backdrop, making this cruise a visual feast and a peaceful escape into nature.

After returning to the lodge for lunch, you’ll embark on your second game drive, this time exploring the North Bank of the park. This afternoon drive gives you another chance to search for any animals you may have missed during your previous safaris, and perhaps spot lions, leopards, or herds of buffalo making their way across the plains. The ever-changing environment of the park ensures each game drive is a unique experience.

In the evening, you’ll return to your lodge for a relaxing dinner, reflecting on the day’s adventures, before settling in for your final night in Murchison Falls National Park.

Meal Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Accommodation Options:

Budget: Fort Murchison

Mid-range: Pakuba Safari Lodge

Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge

Day 10: Return to Kampala/Entebbe via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for On-Foot Rhino Tracking

On the final day of your 10 Days Wildlife & Primates Uganda Tour, you’ll meet your guide in the morning and begin the scenic drive back to Kampala/Entebbe. Along the way, you’ll make an unforgettable stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for an on-foot rhino tracking experience—a thrilling way to end your safari adventure.

At Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, you’ll have the rare opportunity to track the white rhinos on foot, guided by expert rangers who will share fascinating insights into the rhinos’ behavior, conservation efforts, and the sanctuary’s role in reintroducing these magnificent creatures to Uganda. The sanctuary is a vital conservation area, with a team of 80 highly trained rangers who patrol the grounds 24/7 to ensure the safety of the rhinos and other wildlife.

In addition to the rhinos, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is home to around 20 other species of wildlife, including antelope, buffaloes, and a wealth of birdlife, including the rare and elusive shoebill stork. As you search for this iconic bird, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the sanctuary’s critical role in preserving Uganda’s biodiversity. The sanctuary is a testament to the power of conservation, and it offers a peaceful conclusion to your safari journey.

After the rhino tracking experience, you’ll enjoy a hot lunch at the sanctuary, giving you a final chance to reflect on the remarkable experiences of your 10 days in Uganda. After lunch, your guide will drive you back to Kampala/Entebbe for your final drop-off, marking the end of your extraordinary Wildlife & Primates Uganda Tour.