12 Days Ultimate Uganda Wildlife & Primate Safari

Murchison Falls • Kibale • Queen Elizabeth • Bwindi • Mgahinga • Lake Mburo

Price Per Person (Based on 2 Pax)

  • Budget: USD $3,800
  • Mid-Range: USD $4,450

This 12 Days Ultimate Uganda Wildlife & Primate Safari is a complete wildlife and primate adventure designed for travelers seeking the best of East Africa in one journey. The itinerary combines Big Five game viewing, chimpanzee tracking, mountain gorilla trekking, golden monkey encounters, scenic boat cruises, and breathtaking landscapes.

You will explore Murchison Falls National Park, home to the world’s most powerful waterfall and abundant savannah wildlife. Continue to Kibale National Park, known as the primate capital of East Africa. Discover the diverse ecosystems of Queen Elizabeth National Park, track endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, search for golden monkeys in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and conclude your adventure in the scenic savannahs of Lake Mburo National Park.

This journey offers the perfect balance of wildlife, primates, landscapes, and authentic Ugandan experiences.

12 Days Ultimate Uganda Wildlife & Primate Safari Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

After breakfast, drive north through Luweero and Masindi districts, passing traditional farms and rural villages. After a lunch stop in Masindi, continue to Murchison Falls National Park.

Visit the Top of the Falls, where the Nile River forces its way through a 7-meter narrow gorge and plunges 43 meters below. The dramatic scenery and thunderous roar make this one of Africa’s most impressive natural wonders.

Accommodation:

  • Budget: Red Chilli Rest Camp
  • Mid-Range: Pakuba Safari Lodge

Day 2: Morning Game Drive & Nile Boat Cruise

Start early with a sunrise game drive on the northern savannah plains. Expect sightings of elephants, Rothschild’s giraffes, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, hartebeests, lions, leopards, and hyenas.

In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise along the Victoria Nile to the base of the falls. The riverbanks host hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and diverse birdlife including the rare shoebill stork.

Accommodation:

  • Budget: Red Chilli Rest Camp
  • Mid-Range: Pakuba Safari Lodge

Day 3: Nile Delta Cruise & Night Game Drive

Take a morning boat cruise to the Nile Delta where the river meets Lake Albert. This area offers exceptional birdwatching and chances to see elephants and buffalo along the shoreline.

In the evening, embark on a guided night game drive accompanied by a UWA ranger. Look out for nocturnal species such as leopards, civets, genets, bush babies, porcupines, and hyenas.

Accommodation:

  • Budget: Red Chilli Rest Camp
  • Mid-Range: Pakuba Safari Lodge

Day 4: Transfer to Kibale National Park

Visit the Top of the Falls if missed earlier, then drive southwest through scenic countryside via Hoima to Fort Portal. Enjoy views of tea plantations, crater lakes, and the Rwenzori Mountain ranges.

Optional activity: Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary walk for birding and primates.

Accommodation:

  • Budget: Kibale Forest Lodge / Kibale Chimps Villas
  • Mid-Range: Turaco Treetops / Chimpanzee Forest Guest Hous

Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking & Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Track chimpanzees in Kibale Forest with experienced rangers. Spend one hour observing their social behavior and forest interactions.

After lunch, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park with spectacular views of the Rwenzori Mountains.

Accommodation:

  • Budget: Tembo Safari Lodge / Engiri Game Lodge
  • Mid-Range: Bush Lodge / Twin Lakes Safari Lodge

Day 6: Full Day Game Drives – Queen Elizabeth NP

Explore the Kasenyi Plains during morning and afternoon game drives. Expect to see elephants, lions, buffaloes, waterbucks, bushbucks, hyenas, and possibly leopards. The park is also a paradise for bird enthusiasts.

Accommodation:

  • Budget: Tembo Safari Lodge
  • Mid-Range: Bush Lodge

Day 7: Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise & Transfer to Ishasha

Enjoy a morning game drive followed by a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, known for one of Africa’s highest concentrations of hippos and crocodiles.

After the cruise, transfer to the Ishasha sector, famous for its rare tree-climbing lions.

Accommodation:

  • Budget: Topi Lodge
  • Mid-Range: Enjojo Lodge

Day 8: Ishasha Game Drive & Transfer to Bwindi

Start with a morning game drive in search of tree-climbing lions. After lunch, transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Prepare for the highlight of your safari — mountain gorilla trekking.

Accommodation:

  • Budget: Broadbill Forest Camp / Rushaga Gorilla Havens
  • Mid-Range: Rushaga Gorilla Lodge / Gorilla Hills Eco Lodge

Day 9: Gorilla Trekking & Transfer to Lake Mutanda

After an early briefing, begin your gorilla trek. The hike can last between 2–8 hours depending on gorilla movements. Spend one unforgettable hour observing a habituated gorilla family in their natural habitat.

Later, transfer to scenic Lake Mutanda for relaxation.

Accommodation:

  • Budget: Lake Mutanda Eco Resort
  • Mid-Range: Lake Mutanda Resort

Day 10: Golden Monkey Tracking & Transfer to Lake Mburo

Drive to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for golden monkey tracking. Spend one hour observing these playful and endangered primates in the bamboo forest.

After the trek, transfer to Lake Mburo National Park.

Accommodation:

  • Budget: Eagles’ Nest / Hyena Hill Lodge
  • Mid-Range: Rwakobo Rock Lodge / Mburo Safari Lodge

Day 11: Game Drive & Lake Mburo Boat Cruise

Enjoy a morning game drive to spot zebras, elands, impalas, buffaloes, and giraffes.

In the afternoon, take a boat cruise on Lake Mburo for sightings of hippos, crocodiles, and water birds.

Accommodation:

  • Budget: Eagles’ Nest
  • Mid-Range: Rwakobo Rock Lodge

Day 12: Walking Safari & Return to Entebbe

Begin the day with a guided nature walk to the salt lick area, offering close wildlife encounters on foot.

On your return to Entebbe, stop at the Uganda Equator for photos and lunch before your departure transfer.

Inclusions

  • Airport transfers (Day 1 & Day 12)
  • 4×4 safari vehicle with English-speaking driver/guide
  • Full board accommodation
  • Park entry fees
  • Game drives & boat cruises
  • Chimpanzee permit ($250 per person)
  • Gorilla permit ($800 per person)
  • Golden monkey tracking
  • Bigodi wetland walk
  • All government taxes

Exclusions

  • International flights
  • Visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses (souvenirs, drinks, tips)
  • Additional accommodation before or after safari