17-Day Ultimate Primate & Wildlife Safari – Uganda & Kenya
This adventure safari takes you on an unforgettable journey across Uganda’s rich wildlife landscapes, starting and ending in Entebbe International Airport. Experience up-close encounters with mountain gorillas and chimpanzees in their natural habitat—one of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife experiences. Explore Uganda’s stunning national parks, diverse wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant cultures.
This safari also takes you to the world-renowned Murchison Falls, where the mighty Nile River squeezes through a narrow gorge, creating a spectacular waterfall. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, avid birder, or adventure seeker, this journey promises the ultimate African safari experience.
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Welcome to Uganda!
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you’ll be met by our representative, who will assist with airport formalities and transfer you to your hotel for a safari briefing and overnight stay.
- Accommodation: Hotel Number 5 or Similar
- Meals: Bed & Breakfast
Day 2: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park – Rhino Trekking
After an early breakfast, drive northwest towards Murchison Falls National Park, stopping at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided rhino trekking experience. Continue to Masindi for lunch (at your expense) before proceeding to Murchison Falls, arriving in the late afternoon.
- Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge or Similar
- Meals: Full Board
Day 3: Game Drive & Nile Boat Safari
Enjoy an early morning game drive on the northern bank of the Nile, where you may spot elephants, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, hyenas, and even leopards. In the afternoon, take a boat cruise along the Nile, stopping near the Devil’s Cauldron for breathtaking views of Murchison Falls. Optionally, hike to the top of the falls for a panoramic view.
- Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge or Similar
- Meals: Full Board
Day 4: Transfer to Lake Albert
After breakfast, depart for Lake Albert, where you’ll take a short tour around fishing villages and local communities. Optionally, enjoy a boat cruise on the lake before relaxing at your lodge for the evening.
- Accommodation: Lake Albert Safari Lodge or Similar
- Meals: Full Board
Day 5: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
Journey through scenic tea plantations, homesteads, and farmlands, arriving in Kibale National Park in the late afternoon.
- Accommodation: Turaco Treetops or Similar
- Meals: Full Board
Day 6: Chimpanzee Tracking & Bigodi Wetland Walk
Set out early for an exciting chimpanzee tracking experience in Kibale’s rainforest, home to 13 primate species. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided nature walk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, where you may spot colorful birds, butterflies, and more primates.
- Accommodation: Turaco Treetops or Similar
- Meals: Full Board
Day 7: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Drive through the Rwenzori Mountains en route to Queen Elizabeth National Park, where your game-viewing adventure continues.
- Accommodation: Buffalo Safari Lodge or Similar
- Meals: Full Board
Day 8: Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Safari
Embark on a morning game drive in Kasenyi Plains, home to lions, leopards, elephants, and Uganda kobs. In the afternoon, take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, where you’ll see hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife.
- Accommodation: Buffalo Safari Lodge or Similar
- Meals: Full Board
Day 9: Transfer to Ishasha – Search for Tree-Climbing Lions
Travel to Ishasha, famous for its tree-climbing lions. Enjoy a game drive, searching for these unique predators and other wildlife.
- Accommodation: Ishasha Wilderness Camp or Similar
- Meals: Full Board
Day 10: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Enjoy a final game drive in Ishasha before heading to Bwindi, home to nearly half of the world’s mountain gorillas.
- Accommodation: Mutanda Lake Resort or Similar
- Meals: Full Board
Day 11: Ultimate Gorilla Trekking Experience
Set off on an unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure! Led by expert guides, spend one hour observing a habituated gorilla family. If time permits, take a guided community walk in the evening. Optionally, upgrade to a Gorilla Habituation Experience ($900 supplement) for four hours with the gorillas.
- Accommodation: Mutanda Lake Resort or Similar
- Meals: Full Board
Day 12: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
Travel to Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda’s deepest lake, known for its stunning scenery and island-dotted waters. Enjoy optional activities such as canoeing, swimming, or hiking.
- Accommodation: Arcadia Lodges Uganda or Similar
- Meals: Full Board
Day 13: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park
Head to Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda’s smallest savannah park, but rich in wildlife and bird species.
- Accommodation: Mihingo Lodge or Similar
- Meals: Full Board
Day 14: Game Drive & Walking Safari
Embark on an early morning game drive, followed by an optional walking safari, where you can spot wildlife on foot under the guidance of an armed ranger.
- Accommodation: Mihingo Lodge or Similar
- Meals: Full Board
Day 15: Transfer to Entebbe – Equator Visit
Drive back to Entebbe, stopping at the Equator for a water demonstration and photo opportunities. Visit the Mpigi Royal Drum Makers en route.
- Accommodation: Hotel Number 5 or Similar
- Meals: Full Board
Day 16: Shoebill Stork Trek at Mabamba Swamp
Set off early to Mabamba Wetlands, home to the elusive shoebill stork. Explore the wetlands in a motorized canoe, guided by experienced birding experts.
- Accommodation: Hotel Number 5 or Similar
- Meals: Full Board
Day 17: Departure – Flight to Kenya
After breakfast, transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your flight to Kenya or home.
Tour Includes
- All ground transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Professional driver-guide
- Accommodation (based on per-person sharing)
- Park entrance fees
- Boat cruises & game drives
- 1 Gorilla trekking permit per person
- Bottled mineral water
Tour Excludes
• International flights & visas
• Travel insurance
• Meals not specified in the itinerary
• Personal expenses (drinks, tips, calls, etc.)
• Optional activities