12 Days Uganda Wildlife & Primates Safari – Itinerary

Overview

The 12 Days Uganda Wildlife & Primates Safari is an unforgettable journey through some of Uganda’s most remarkable national parks and wildlife destinations. This carefully designed safari combines mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, Big Game viewing, boat cruises and encounters with Uganda’s diverse primates.

From the tropical forests of Kibale and Bwindi to the open savannahs of Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks, this safari allows you to experience the remarkable diversity of Uganda in one extended adventure.

You will have opportunities to search for chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, trek through the ancient Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in search of mountain gorillas, enjoy game drives in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks, cruise the Kazinga Channel and Victoria Nile, and experience Uganda’s spectacular landscapes along the way.

The safari starts from Kampala or Entebbe and ends in Entebbe or Kampala, making it convenient for international visitors arriving through Entebbe International Airport.

Day 1: Kampala or Entebbe to Kibale National Park

Your 12 Days Uganda Wildlife & Primates Safari begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe.

Meet your professional driver-guide and begin the journey west toward Kibale National Park. The drive takes you through Uganda’s countryside, passing local communities, agricultural areas, rolling hills and scenic landscapes.

Enjoy lunch along the way before continuing toward the Kibale Forest region.

Kibale National Park is one of Uganda’s most important primate destinations and is particularly famous for its chimpanzee population. The surrounding forest also supports several other primate species and an impressive variety of birdlife.

Arrive at your lodge in the evening, check in and relax as you prepare for tomorrow’s chimpanzee trekking experience.

Accommodation: Kibale Forest Camp or suitable alternative

Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest

Wake up early and enjoy breakfast before heading to the chimpanzee trekking briefing point.

After registration and briefing, enter Kibale Forest with experienced guides and trackers to search for habituated chimpanzee communities.

Chimpanzee trekking provides an opportunity to observe these intelligent primates in their natural forest environment. Along the trail, you may also encounter other primates such as red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys and olive baboons, together with numerous forest bird species.

The duration of the trek varies depending on the location and movements of the chimpanzees and the conditions inside the forest.

After the experience, return to the starting point and transfer back to your lodge for lunch and relaxation.

Depending on time and interest, an optional community or nature experience can be arranged.

Accommodation: Kibale Forest Camp or suitable alternative

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3: Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, depart Kibale National Park and travel toward Queen Elizabeth National Park.

The journey takes you through scenic countryside and areas surrounding the Rwenzori Mountains. As you approach Queen Elizabeth, the landscape gradually changes from forest and farmland to open savannah.

After arrival, check into your lodge and enjoy lunch.

In the afternoon, enjoy your first game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park if time permits.

The park is home to elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, warthogs, antelopes and numerous bird species. Lions and other predators may also be encountered depending on location and conditions, although wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Tembo Safari Lodge or suitable alternative

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: Queen Elizabeth Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Begin the day with an early morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Explore the savannah in search of wildlife while enjoying the changing morning scenery. You may encounter elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, antelopes, warthogs and other wildlife. With favorable conditions, lions may also be spotted.

Return to the lodge for breakfast and relaxation.

Later, enjoy one of Uganda’s most famous wildlife experiences: a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel.

The channel connects Lake Edward and Lake George and is known for its concentration of wildlife along the shoreline. During the cruise, you may see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes and many species of waterbirds.

The boat cruise also provides excellent opportunities for wildlife photography.

After the cruise, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Tembo Safari Lodge or suitable alternative

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5: Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After breakfast, leave Queen Elizabeth National Park and travel south toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

The journey takes you through some of southwestern Uganda’s most scenic landscapes, including rolling hills, cultivated valleys and local communities.

Depending on your selected gorilla trekking sector, your route and accommodation will be arranged to position you conveniently for the following day’s gorilla trekking.

Arrive at your lodge, check in and relax.

Your guide will provide important information about the next day’s gorilla trek, including what to pack, appropriate clothing and trekking expectations.

Accommodation: Four Gorillas Lodge or suitable alternative in the selected sector

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Today is one of the main highlights of your 12 Days Uganda Wildlife & Primates Safari.

After an early breakfast, proceed to the appropriate Uganda Wildlife Authority briefing point for your gorilla trekking orientation.

Your guides and trackers will explain the trekking regulations and responsible gorilla-viewing guidelines before you enter Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

The trek takes you through a dense rainforest environment with steep slopes, thick vegetation and potentially muddy trails. The duration varies depending on the location of the gorilla family, terrain, weather and other conditions.

Once the gorilla family is located, you will have the permitted viewing experience while following the instructions of your guides and maintaining the required distance.

Watching mountain gorillas in their natural environment is an extraordinary experience and one of Africa’s most memorable wildlife encounters.

After the trek, return to the starting point and transfer to your lodge for lunch and relaxation.

If you still have energy, an optional Batwa or local community experience may be arranged.

Accommodation: Four Gorillas Lodge or suitable alternative

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7: Bwindi to Lake Bunyonyi

After breakfast, leave Bwindi and travel toward beautiful Lake Bunyonyi.

The journey provides spectacular views of southwestern Uganda’s famous terraced hills and rural communities.

Lake Bunyonyi is surrounded by rolling green hills and numerous small islands, making it one of Uganda’s most scenic destinations.

Upon arrival, check into your lodge and enjoy lunch.

Spend the afternoon relaxing beside the lake or take an optional boat or canoe excursion to explore some of the islands.

This is a more relaxed day following the physical challenge of gorilla trekking.

Accommodation: Lake Bunyonyi lodge or suitable alternative

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 8: Lake Bunyonyi to Lake Mburo National Park

After breakfast, depart Lake Bunyonyi and begin your journey toward Lake Mburo National Park.

The drive takes you through Uganda’s countryside before entering the region surrounding Lake Mburo.

After arrival and lunch, enjoy an afternoon game drive.

Lake Mburo is known for wildlife including zebras, impalas, buffaloes, warthogs, waterbucks, topi and other antelope species. The park also offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching.

Depending on availability and your interests, an optional evening nature walk or other park activity may be arranged.

Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Mihingo Lodge or suitable alternative

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 9: Lake Mburo to Entebbe or Kampala – Transfer Toward Murchison Falls

After breakfast, leave Lake Mburo and travel toward Kampala or Entebbe.

Depending on your preferred routing and travel schedule, this day can be used as a long transfer toward the northern part of Uganda, preparing for the Murchison Falls section of the safari.

Lunch will be taken along the way.

Continue toward your overnight destination.

Because the distance between southwestern Uganda and Murchison Falls is considerable, the exact overnight location can be adjusted according to road conditions, accommodation availability and the preferred pace of the safari.

Accommodation: Suitable hotel or safari lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 10: Murchison Falls National Park – Big Game Safari

After breakfast, continue to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest national park.

Enter the park and begin your Big Game safari experience.

The northern sector of Murchison Falls provides extensive savannah landscapes where you may encounter elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, Uganda kobs, hartebeests, waterbucks, warthogs and other antelope species.

Lions may also be encountered in suitable areas, while other predators can sometimes be seen depending on conditions.

Enjoy a game drive before continuing to your lodge.

After lunch and relaxation, enjoy another wildlife-viewing opportunity if time permits.

Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Murchison Falls safari lodge or suitable alternative

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 11: Murchison Falls Game Drive & Nile Boat Cruise

Wake up early for another game drive in Murchison Falls National Park.

The morning provides another opportunity to explore the savannah and search for wildlife.

After the game drive, return to the lodge for breakfast and relaxation.

Later, take a boat cruise along the Victoria Nile toward the base of Murchison Falls.

The river attracts large numbers of hippos and crocodiles, while elephants and buffaloes may be seen along the shoreline. The area is also excellent for birdwatching.

The cruise continues toward the dramatic Murchison Falls, where the Nile is forced through a narrow gorge.

Return to the lodge in the afternoon and enjoy your final evening in the park.

Accommodation: Murchison Falls safari lodge or suitable alternative

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 12: Murchison Falls to Kampala or Entebbe

Enjoy your final breakfast before beginning the journey back toward Kampala or Entebbe.

Depending on your departure flight schedule, lunch can be taken along the way.

If time allows, you may make a brief stop at a selected attraction or viewpoint before continuing your journey.

Your driver-guide will drop you at your hotel in Kampala or at Entebbe International Airport for your onward flight.

This marks the end of your 12 Days Uganda Wildlife & Primates Safari with Abunda Discoveries Uganda.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation Summary

Night 1: Kibale – Kibale Forest Camp or suitable alternative

Night 2: Kibale – Kibale Forest Camp or suitable alternative

Night 3: Queen Elizabeth – Tembo Safari Lodge or suitable alternative

Night 4: Queen Elizabeth – Tembo Safari Lodge or suitable alternative

Night 5: Bwindi – Four Gorillas Lodge or suitable alternative

Night 6: Bwindi – Four Gorillas Lodge or suitable alternative

Night 7: Lake Bunyonyi – Suitable lakeside lodge

Night 8: Lake Mburo – Mihingo Lodge or suitable alternative

Night 9: Suitable overnight accommodation according to the Murchison Falls routing

Night 10: Murchison Falls – Suitable safari lodge

Night 11: Murchison Falls – Suitable safari lodge

Accommodation is subject to availability at the time of booking. Abunda Discoveries Uganda can provide suitable alternatives according to location, accommodation standard, budget and availability.

What’s Included

• Private 4×4 safari vehicle
• Professional English-speaking driver-guide
• Gorilla trekking permit
• Chimpanzee trekking permit
• National park entry fees as specified
• Game drives included in the itinerary
• Kazinga Channel boat cruise
• Murchison Falls Nile boat cruise
• Accommodation as stated or suitable alternatives
• Meals as specified
• Bottled drinking water during the safari
• Airport or hotel pickup and drop-off
• Transportation throughout the safari
• Selected activities mentioned in the itinerary

What’s Excluded

• International flights
• Uganda visa
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses
• Alcoholic beverages
• Laundry services
• Tips for guides and lodge staff
• Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
• Souvenirs and personal shopping
• Any services not specifically listed under inclusions

What to Pack for the 12 Days Uganda Wildlife & Primates Safari

For this safari, pack lightweight and comfortable clothing suitable for both warm savannah environments and cool forest conditions.

Recommended items include comfortable hiking boots, lightweight trousers, long-sleeved shirts, a waterproof jacket, garden gloves, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent and a small backpack.

For gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, sturdy waterproof footwear is particularly useful because forest trails can become muddy.

Bring binoculars and a camera with spare batteries and memory cards if you enjoy wildlife photography.

Best Time for the Uganda Wildlife & Primates Safari

Uganda is a year-round safari destination. The drier periods are popular for wildlife viewing and trekking because some roads and forest trails can be easier to navigate.

The wetter seasons can also be rewarding, with greener scenery, fewer visitors in some destinations and excellent photography opportunities.

Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking takes place throughout the year, although forest conditions can change depending on rainfall.

Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed because animals move freely through their natural habitats.

Important Gorilla Trekking Information

Gorilla trekking requires a reasonable level of physical fitness because visitors may walk through steep, uneven and sometimes muddy forest terrain.

The duration of the trek is not fixed. It depends on the location and movements of the gorilla family, terrain, weather and other conditions.

Gorilla permits are limited, so travelers should reserve them well in advance, especially when traveling during popular periods.

The gorilla trekking sector should be confirmed when the permit is secured because accommodation and routing should correspond with the selected sector.

Why Choose Abunda Discoveries Uganda?

Abunda Discoveries Uganda specializes in creating memorable Uganda safari experiences that combine wildlife, primates, nature and cultural encounters.

This 12 Days Uganda Wildlife & Primates Safari has been designed for travelers who want more than a single wildlife experience. From chimpanzee trekking in Kibale and mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi to Big Game viewing in Queen Elizabeth, Lake Mburo and Murchison Falls, the itinerary provides a broad introduction to Uganda’s extraordinary natural heritage.

The safari can be customized according to your preferred accommodation level, travel dates, interests, budget and available time.

Book Your 12 Days Uganda Wildlife & Primates Safari

Ready for an unforgettable journey through Uganda?

Book your 12 Days Uganda Wildlife & Primates Safari with Abunda Discoveries Uganda and experience mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, Big Game, scenic lakes, tropical forests, savannah landscapes and the mighty Nile River.

Contact Abunda Discoveries Uganda to check gorilla and chimpanzee permit availability, accommodation options and safari arrangements for your preferred travel dates.