12-Day Big Five and Primates Ugandan Safaris and Tours

Itinerary Overview: 12-Day Big Five and Primates Ugandan Safaris and Tours

Engage in an extraordinary 12-Day Big Five and Primates Ugandan safari, immersing yourself in Uganda’s rich wildlife and natural beauty. This unforgettable journey unveils the best of Uganda, from the awe-inspiring Murchison Falls to the playful chimpanzees of Kibale Forest. Discover the vast wildlife of Queen Elizabeth National Park and encounter majestic mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Throughout your journey, unwind at cozy lodges, enjoying an intimate connection with nature. This tour is meticulously crafted to create lasting memories as you experience Uganda’s incredible biodiversity and forge a deep connection with its landscapes and unique wildlife.

Summarized Itinerary: 12-Day Big Five and Primates Ugandan Safaris and Tours

Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport
Day 2: Rhino Tracking at Ziwa & transfer to Murchison Falls
Day 3: Morning game drive and afternoon boat cruise
Day 4: Transfer to Kibale National Park
Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking
Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 7: Game drive and Lion tracking
Day 8: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park via Ishasha
Day 9: Gorilla Trekking and Batwa Cultural Experience
Day 10: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park
Day 11: Morning game drive and afternoon boat cruise
Day 12: Transfer back to Entebbe International Airport

Detailed Itinerary: 12-Day Big Five and Primates Ugandan Safaris and Tours

Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport

Arrive in Uganda’s vibrant capital, where your adventure begins. Upon landing at Entebbe International Airport, you will be greeted by a friendly guide who will take you to a nearby guesthouse, just a short drive from the airport. If time permits, spend the evening unwinding in this tranquil setting or exploring nearby attractions. Rest well as you prepare for the start of your incredible Ugandan safari.

Accommodation Options: Luxury, Midrange, & Budget
Meal Plan: Dinner

Day 2: Rhino Tracking at Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary & Transfer to Murchison Falls

Start your morning with a hearty breakfast before heading to Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary. Here, a knowledgeable ranger will guide you through rhino tracking, offering an up-close encounter with these powerful animals. After an immersive tracking experience, enjoy lunch before journeying to Murchison Falls National Park, home to Uganda’s most dramatic waterfall. Settle into your lodge and enjoy a delightful dinner with views of the African wilderness under the starlit sky.

Accommodation Options: Luxury, Midrange, & Budget
Meal Plan: Full board

Day 3: Morning Game Drive & Afternoon Boat Cruise on the Nile

Rise early for an exciting adventure and kickstart the day with a Big Five safari game drive through the northern part of Murchison Falls National Park. Keep your eyes peeled for a variety of wildlife, including lions, elephants, giraffes, and the elusive leopard. After lunch, embark on a boat cruise along the mighty Nile, heading towards the thunderous Murchison Falls. A short hike to the top of the falls reveals breathtaking views and the sheer power of the falls as they thunder through the narrow gorge. Return to your lodge to relax and recount the day’s adventures over a sumptuous dinner.

Accommodation Options: Luxury, Midrange, & Budget
Meal Plan: Full board

Day 4: Transfer To Kibale National Park

Leave the savannah behind as you journey to Kibale National Park, home to Uganda’s greatest variety of primates, including the iconic chimpanzee. The scenic drive offers views of Uganda’s lush green landscapes and charming villages along the way. Check into your lodge upon arrival and enjoy a restful evening to prepare for the next day’s chimpanzee trek.

Accommodation Options: Enganzi Lodge or Engiri Safari Lodge
Meal plan: Full board

Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking & Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary

Set out in the early morning for a guided chimpanzee tracking adventure. Spend time observing these intelligent creatures as they swing through the trees, feed, and socialize. After lunch at the lodge, head to Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a haven for birdlife and primates. Explore this lush rainforest, spotting rare birds, monkeys, and even forest elephants. The diversity of species makes this an unforgettable experience.

Accommodation Options: Luxury, Midrange, & Budget
Meal Plan: Full board

Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park, a sprawling reserve with a rich array of habitats. In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, where you’ll witness hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and an array of bird species. The park’s harmonious blend of wildlife and human presence offers a unique perspective on Uganda’s natural beauty.

Accommodation Options: Gorilla Mist Camp|Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Meal plan: Full board

Day 7: Game Drive & Lion Tracking

Set off early to join the resident researchers for a special lion-tracking experience. This unique opportunity allows you to learn about lion conservation efforts and observe these magnificent cats in their natural habitat. The rest of the morning will be spent on a game drive, where you’ll have chances to see buffalo, antelope, and even the rare tree-climbing lions.

Accommodation Options: Luxury, Midrange, & Budget
Meal Plan: Full board

Day 8: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park via Ishasha Game Drive

Drive south to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, stopping along the way for a game drive in the Ishasha sector. Famous for its tree-climbing lions, Ishasha offers a rare chance to see these agile cats in acacia trees. Continue to Bwindi, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its mountain gorillas. Enjoy the evening surrounded by the lush beauty of the forest.

Accommodation Options: Luxury, Midrange, & Budget
Meal Plan: Full board

Day 9: Gorilla Trekking & Batwa Cultural Experience

Begin your gorilla trekking journey with a briefing from experienced rangers who will lead your group into the rainforest. Trek through the dense foliage until you reach a family of mountain gorillas. Spending time with these gentle giants is an unforgettable experience that will stay with you forever. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the culture of the Batwa people, learning about their history and traditional ways of life.

Accommodation Options: Luxury, Midrange, & Budget
Meal Plan: Full board

Day 10: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park

Journey to Lake Mburo National Park, where savannah and acacia woodlands create the perfect habitat for zebras, giraffes, and elands. Additionally, keep your eyes peeled for the graceful presence of Rothschild’s giraffes, a symbol of elegance and rarity. Arrive at Rwakobo Rock Resort in time for an afternoon game drive. As the sun sets, relax by the campfire, enjoying the peaceful sounds of the bush and the night sky above.

Accommodation Options: Luxury, Midrange, & Budget
Meal Plan: Full board

Day 11: Morning Game Drive & Afternoon Boat Cruise

Begin the day with a guided walking safari, an intimate way to connect with Lake Mburo National Park’s wildlife and landscapes. Later, take an afternoon boat cruise to see hippos, crocodiles, and colourful birds that thrive around the lake. Revel in the serenity of the park, taking in the spectacular sights that make this final day in the wild unforgettable.

Accommodation Options: Luxury, Midrange, & Budget
Meal Plan: Full board

Day 12: Return to Entebbe & Departure

Depart from Lake Mburo with a scenic stop at the equator, where you can take photos and purchase souvenirs. Return to Entebbe in time for your onward flight, carrying memories of an epic journey through Uganda’s stunning landscapes and unforgettable wildlife.