12-Day Uganda Wildlife & Primate Safari

12-Day Uganda Wildlife & Primate Safari

This 12-day Uganda Wildlife and Primate Safari by Wild Planet starts and ends at Entebbe International Airport. The journey combines primate tracking, classic wildlife safaris, boat cruises, scenic landscapes, and cultural experiences, offering a complete exploration of Uganda’s natural beauty.

Safari Overview

This 12-day Uganda Wildlife and Primate Safari by Wild Planet starts and ends at Entebbe International Airport. The journey combines primate tracking, classic wildlife safaris, boat cruises, scenic landscapes, and cultural experiences, offering a complete exploration of Uganda’s natural beauty.

You will track white rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, explore the dramatic Murchison Falls, enjoy game drives and boat cruises on the River Nile, track chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, encounter diverse wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park, trek the endangered mountain gorillas in Mgahinga, relax at Lake Mutanda and Lake Bunyonyi, and end with walking and night safaris in Lake Mburo National Park.

This safari is ideal for nature lovers seeking to experience Uganda’s incredible biodiversity, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, leopards, giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, antelopes, and iconic primates such as mountain gorillas and chimpanzees—all in their natural habitats.

Detailed Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Welcome to Uganda

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, Wild Planet representative and professional safari guides warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Entebbe (10–20 minutes’ drive).

After check-in and a short rest, you receive a full safari briefing. If time allows, enjoy an evening visit to the Entebbe Botanical Gardens and the shores of Lake Victoria, where you may spot primates, water birds, and enjoy views of Africa’s largest freshwater lake—the source of the River Nile.

Accommodation: 2 Friends Beach Hotel (Mid-range)
Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Entebbe – Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Murchison Falls National Park

After breakfast, depart for Murchison Falls National Park, with a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for an unforgettable on-foot white rhino tracking experience—the only place in Uganda where rhinos roam in the wild.

Continue to Murchison Falls, stopping for lunch en route. Later, visit the top of the falls, where the Nile squeezes through a 7-meter gorge before plunging 43 meters with thunderous force.

Check in to your lodge and relax before an optional night game drive, offering chances to see nocturnal wildlife such as lions, leopards, hyenas, civets, and hippos.

Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge (Mid-range)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Murchison Falls – Game Drive & Nile Boat Cruise

Start the day with an early morning game drive in the northern sector of the park. Spot elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, hartebeests, lions, and—if lucky—leopards.

In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on the Victoria Nile, sailing to the base of Murchison Falls. Along the banks, observe hippos, Nile crocodiles, and a variety of birdlife, including kingfishers, herons, and pelicans.

Return to the lodge for relaxation and overnight.

Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Murchison Falls – Kibale Forest – Bigodi Wetland Walk

Drive south to Kibale Forest National Park, famous for its high concentration of primates. The scenic journey passes villages, tea plantations, and rolling countryside.

After lunch and check-in, visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a guided nature walk. Spot primates, birds, and unique flora, then interact with the local community to learn about traditional livelihoods.

Accommodation: Isunga Safari Lodge (Mid-range)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Kibale Forest – Chimpanzee Tracking & Community Walk

After breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing before embarking on chimpanzee tracking. Spend up to one hour observing chimpanzees as they feed, play, and socialize.

In the afternoon, enjoy a guided community walk around Lake Nkuruba, visiting viewpoints, crater lakes, and local villages while learning about Ugandan culture and traditions.

Accommodation: Isunga Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Crater Lakes Tour – Queen Elizabeth National Park

Explore the stunning Kibale–Ndali–Kasenda Crater Lakes, formed by ancient volcanic activity. Enjoy scenic walks and panoramic views.

After lunch, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, renowned for its diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife. Arrive at your lodge and relax for the evening.

Accommodation: Elephant Safari Lodge (Mid-range)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Queen Elizabeth – Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Cruise

Begin with a morning game drive, spotting lions, elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, warthogs, and numerous bird species.

In the afternoon, take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, one of Africa’s best wildlife viewing experiences, known for its dense population of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and water birds.

Accommodation: Elephant Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Ishasha Tree-Climbing Lions – Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Drive to the Ishasha sector to search for the famous tree-climbing lions, a rare phenomenon found in only two places in Africa.

After lunch, continue to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, home to mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, volcanic peaks, and the Batwa people.

Accommodation: Lake Mutanda Resort (Luxury)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Gorilla Trekking – Lake Mutanda Experience

After an early breakfast, attend a briefing and trek into the forest to encounter mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Spend one magical hour observing their behavior and interactions.

Later, relax with a canoe cruise on Lake Mutanda, explore scenic islands, enjoy otter viewing, and take in breathtaking views of Bwindi Forest and the DR Congo border.

Accommodation: Lake Mutanda Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Lake Bunyonyi – Lake Mburo – Night Game Drive

Drive to Lake Bunyonyi, one of Africa’s most beautiful lakes, and enjoy a guided canoe excursion exploring its historic islands.

Continue to Lake Mburo National Park, stopping at Igongo Cultural Centre. In the evening, embark on a night game drive to spot nocturnal wildlife such as leopards, hyenas, civets, and porcupines.

Accommodation: Rwakobo Rock Lodge (Mid-range)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Lake Mburo – Horseback Safari – Kampala

Enjoy a unique horseback safari, allowing close encounters with zebras, impalas, and elands in a quiet, eco-friendly way.

After breakfast, drive toward Kampala with a stop at the Equator Line for photos, experiments, and souvenir shopping. Continue to your lodge in Kampala for evening relaxation.

Accommodation: Cassia Lodge (Mid-range)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 12: Kampala – Entebbe – Departure

Spend the morning relaxing and enjoying views of Lake Victoria and Kampala city. Later, transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight.

This marks the end of your unforgettable 12-Day Uganda Wildlife & Primate Safari with Wild Planet.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch