Uganda Wildlife and Primates Safari

Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport

Upon your arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by a professional safari guide from Engeya Tours and Travel. After a brief introduction, you will be transferred to your hotel in Entebbe or Kampala.

Depending on your arrival time, you may relax at the hotel, enjoy the beautiful gardens, or take an optional visit to the nearby Entebbe Botanical Gardens or the shores of Lake Victoria.

In the evening, your safari guide will brief you about the exciting journey ahead while answering any questions regarding your safari.

Drive Time: Approximately 15–60 minutes

Accommodation: Entebbe or Kampala

Meals: Dinner (depending on arrival time)

Day 2: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

After an early breakfast, begin your journey north towards Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda's largest and oldest conservation area.

Your first stop will be Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda where wild rhinos can be tracked on foot. Accompanied by experienced rangers, enjoy an exciting guided walk through the sanctuary to observe southern white rhinos grazing peacefully in their natural habitat.

After lunch, continue your drive through beautiful countryside and local villages before entering Murchison Falls National Park.

If time allows, visit the spectacular Top of Murchison Falls, where the mighty River Nile squeezes through a narrow rocky gorge before plunging over 45 metres below, creating one of Africa's most powerful waterfalls.

Drive Time: 6–7 hours

Accommodation: Safari lodge inside or near Murchison Falls National Park

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Morning Game Drive, Nile Boat Cruise & Top of the Falls

Rise early for an unforgettable morning game drive across the northern savannah plains of Murchison Falls National Park.

This is the best time to search for lions, leopards, elephants, Rothschild's giraffes, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, Jackson's hartebeests, waterbucks, oribis and many other wildlife species. Bird enthusiasts can also spot numerous raptors and colourful savannah birds.

Return to the lodge for lunch before heading to Paraa for one of Uganda's finest wildlife boat cruises along the Victoria Nile.

The cruise offers exceptional opportunities to observe large pods of hippos, enormous Nile crocodiles basking along the riverbanks, elephants cooling off in the water, buffaloes drinking at the shoreline, and hundreds of bird species including African fish eagles, kingfishers, bee-eaters, herons and cormorants.

The boat gradually approaches the thunderous base of Murchison Falls, providing spectacular photography opportunities.

Later, either hike or drive to the top of the falls to witness the incredible force of the Nile crashing through the narrow gorge.

Accommodation: Same lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Scenic Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

Following breakfast, depart Murchison Falls and journey south-west through Uganda's scenic countryside towards Kibale Forest National Park, often referred to as the primate capital of East Africa.

The drive offers changing landscapes ranging from rolling hills and tea plantations to traditional villages and fertile farmland.

After arriving in Kibale, enjoy a guided nature walk through the beautiful Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community conservation project renowned for its exceptional biodiversity.

Keep an eye out for black-and-white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, L'Hoest's monkeys, vervet monkeys, colourful butterflies and over 200 bird species, including the elusive Great Blue Turaco.

Drive Time: 6–7 hours

Accommodation: Lodge near Kibale Forest National Park

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After an early breakfast, report to the park headquarters for a briefing before beginning your chimpanzee trekking adventure.

Accompanied by experienced Uganda Wildlife Authority guides, walk through the tropical rainforest while learning about Kibale's remarkable ecosystem.

Besides chimpanzees, Kibale is home to 13 primate species, including black-and-white colobus monkeys, red colobus monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, L'Hoest's monkeys and olive baboons.

Once the chimpanzees are located, spend one unforgettable hour observing their fascinating social interactions, playful behaviour and human-like characteristics.

After lunch, continue your scenic drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda's most popular savannah park, famous for its diverse habitats and exceptional wildlife.

Enjoy spectacular views of crater lakes, rolling hills and the distant Rwenzori Mountains as you approach the park.

Drive Time: 2–3 hours

Accommodation: Safari lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Wildlife Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Safari

Begin the day with an early morning game drive across the famous Kasenyi Plains, one of the best wildlife viewing areas in Uganda.

Search for lions hunting Uganda kobs, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, spotted hyenas, warthogs and numerous antelope species.

Following lunch, enjoy a relaxing boat safari along the famous Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake George and Lake Edward.

This waterway supports one of Africa's highest concentrations of hippos, along with huge Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, monitor lizards and countless bird species including African skimmers, pelicans, saddle-billed storks and fish eagles.

The Kazinga Channel provides outstanding opportunities for wildlife photography.

Accommodation: Same lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Ishasha Tree-Climbing Lions and Transfer to Bwindi

After breakfast, depart Queen Elizabeth National Park through the remote Ishasha Sector, internationally famous for its rare tree-climbing lions.

Enjoy a game drive in search of these remarkable predators resting on giant fig tree branches while also spotting elephants, buffaloes, topis and numerous bird species.

Continue through the beautiful Kigezi Highlands, often called the "Switzerland of Africa," before arriving at the ancient rainforest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

The scenic drive features breathtaking mountain views, terraced hillsides and traditional villages.

Drive Time: 5–6 hours

Accommodation: Lodge near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8: Gorilla Trekking and Batwa Cultural Experience

Today marks the highlight of your Uganda safari.

Following an early breakfast, report to the park headquarters for a comprehensive briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers before beginning your gorilla trekking adventure.

Your trek may last anywhere from two to eight hours depending on the location of your assigned gorilla family.

As you hike through dense rainforest, bamboo forests and steep mountain terrain, your guides will introduce you to Bwindi's incredible flora and fauna.

Finally encountering a family of endangered mountain gorillas is an emotional and unforgettable experience. Spend one magical hour observing them feeding, grooming, playing and caring for their young in complete silence.

After returning to the lodge and enjoying some relaxation, visit the indigenous Batwa community, where you will learn about their traditional forest lifestyle, ancient hunting techniques, music, dances and cultural heritage.

Accommodation: Same lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 9: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park

After breakfast, depart Bwindi and drive towards Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda's smallest savannah national park but one of its most beautiful.

Unlike many other parks, Lake Mburo offers opportunities to explore on foot.

After checking into your lodge, enjoy an afternoon guided walking safari with an armed ranger, allowing you to safely walk among zebras, impalas, elands, giraffes, buffaloes and many bird species.

Alternatively, guests may choose an optional cycling safari for a unique wildlife experience.

As evening approaches, enjoy spectacular sunset views across the park's rolling hills and lakes.

Drive Time: 5–6 hours

Accommodation: Safari lodge in Lake Mburo National Park

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10: Morning Game Drive and Return to Entebbe

Enjoy one final morning game drive in Lake Mburo National Park.

Lake Mburo is the best place in Uganda to see large herds of Burchell's zebras, impalas and elands, while giraffes, buffaloes, warthogs, waterbucks and numerous bird species are frequently encountered.

After breakfast, begin your return journey to Entebbe.

Along the way, stop at the Uganda Equator Monument, where you can stand in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres simultaneously, take memorable photographs, enjoy lunch and browse local craft shops for souvenirs.

Arrive in Entebbe during the late afternoon or early evening.

Drive Time: 5–6 hours

Accommodation: Hotel in Entebbe

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 11: Departure

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before checking out.

Depending on your international flight schedule, your safari guide will transfer you to Entebbe International Airport for your onward journey home.

As your safari comes to an end, you leave with unforgettable memories of Uganda's magnificent wildlife, welcoming people, breathtaking scenery and extraordinary primate encounters.

Meals: Breakfast