7-Day Classic Uganda Primate & Wildlife Safari
This safari offers an unforgettable journey through Uganda’s most renowned national parks, blending chimpanzee trekking, game drives, and breathtaking landscapes. Get up close with wild chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, witness the mighty Murchison Falls, and explore Queen Elizabeth National Park’s diverse wildlife, including tree-climbing lions. The adventure concludes with a visit to Lake Mburo National Park, where you’ll experience a unique mix of savannah wildlife and wetland bird species.
Day 1: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park – Rhino Tracking at Ziwa Sanctuary
Begin your journey northwest to Murchison Falls National Park, making a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for an up-close rhino tracking experience. A guided trek will take you within meters of these majestic creatures, allowing for incredible photo opportunities.
After lunch in Masindi, continue to Murchison Falls National Park, arriving in the late afternoon. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Nile River as it plunges through a narrow 7-meter gorge, forming the world’s most powerful waterfall.
Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge or Similar | Meals: Full Board
Day 2: Morning Game Drive & Afternoon Boat Safari – Visit to the Top of the Falls
Wake up early for a morning game drive on the northern bank of the Nile, offering the best chance to see elephants, lions, buffaloes, Rothschild’s giraffes, hartebeest, and waterbucks. If lucky, you might even spot a leopard.
After lunch, set off on a boat cruise along the Victoria Nile, leading to the base of Murchison Falls. Along the way, watch for hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species, including the rare shoebill stork. The adventure continues with a hike to the top of the falls, where the Nile crashes down 43 meters into the Devil’s Cauldron, creating a dramatic misty spectacle
Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge or Similar | Meals: Full Board
Day 3: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Kibale Forest National Park, passing through Hoima, Fort Portal, and lush tea plantations. This beautiful drive offers an introduction to Uganda’s rolling landscapes, rich farmlands, and traditional villages.
Arrive at the lodge in the late afternoon and settle in for a relaxing evening in the heart of Uganda’s primate capital.
Accommodation: Turaco Tree Tops or Similar | Meals: Full Board
Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking & Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Head to the Kibale Forest headquarters for a chimpanzee tracking briefing, then venture deep into the tropical rainforest to find man’s closest relative. Kibale Forest is home to 1,450 chimpanzees along with 13 other primate species, including black-and-white colobus monkeys, olive baboons, and red-tailed monkeys.
After lunch, begin your journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park, passing through the stunning Rwenzori Mountains backdrop. Arrive in the evening and enjoy dinner at your lodge.
Accommodation: Bush Lodge or Similar | Meals: Full Board
Day 5: Morning Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Safari
Start the day with an early morning game drive in the Kasenyi Plains, famous for its large lion population, elephants, warthogs, and antelopes. The scenic drive offers incredible opportunities for wildlife photography against the Rwenzori Mountains backdrop.
In the afternoon, take a private 2-hour boat safari on the Kazinga Channel, home to one of the world’s largest hippo concentrations. The cruise offers close-up views of crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and diverse birdlife.
Accommodation: Bush Lodge or Similar | Meals: Full Board
Day 6: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park – Boat Safari & Game Drive
After breakfast, travel to Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda’s smallest savannah park yet rich in wildlife. The journey is scenic and immersive, passing through traditional homesteads and rolling green hills.
Arrive in time for a boat safari on Lake Mburo, where you will see hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of wetland birds. Later, enjoy an evening game drive, where you may spot zebras, impalas, elands, and warthogs.
Accommodation: Rwakobo Rock or Similar | Meals: Full Board
Day 7: Transfer to Entebbe – Equator Stop & Departure
Enjoy a relaxed morning before driving back to Entebbe. Along the way, stop at the Uganda Equator for a photo session and a demonstration of the Coriolis effect. You will also visit the Mpigi Royal Drum Makers, where traditional ceremonial drums are handcrafted.
Arrive in Entebbe in the late afternoon in time for your outbound flight.
Meals: Breakfast
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