10 Day Wildlife And Primate Safari

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10 Day Wildlife And Primate Safari

10 Days 9 Nights
$3,510.00
12 +
0/0
English

Overview

Experience the incredible wildlife of Uganda on this 10-day safari, where you’ll see the famous Big Five (lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos), track chimpanzees, and come face-to-face with majestic mountain gorillas. This carefully planned journey takes you through Uganda’s most stunning national parks, offering a mix of thrilling game drives, scenic boat cruises, and unforgettable encounters with primates.

Over ten days, you’ll explore lush forests, vast savannas, and breathtaking landscapes in places like Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Whether you’re spotting wildlife on a game drive, cruising along the Nile, or trekking to meet gorillas, this trip promises an adventure you’ll never forget.

Get ready for the ultimate wildlife experience—combining the thrill of safari with the magic of chimpanzee and gorilla encounters. This is a journey that will stay with you forever.

Schedule Details

Day 1: Arrive at Entebbe, pick-up and overnight at the booked accommodation

Welcome to Uganda, the Pearl of Africa! As soon as you land at Entebbe International Airport, our friendly team will greet you and take you to your hotel in Entebbe to settle in.

If you arrive early, you can unwind at the peaceful Entebbe Botanical Gardens—a perfect introduction to Uganda’s natural beauty. Stroll through lush greenery, spot colorful birds, and maybe even see playful monkeys like black-and-white colobus or vervet monkeys. With its quiet atmosphere and soothing bird songs, the gardens offer a relaxing escape before your adventure begins.

Accomodation

🏡 Via Via  - Entebbe

📞 +256 (0)78 15 24 991

💬 Whatsapp +256 (0)78 15 24 991 

Day 2: Journey to Murchison Falls National Park

Wake up for wonderful breakfast. After breakfast, your expert guide will pick you up from the hotel, and you’ll set off toward Murchison Falls National Park—Uganda’s largest and most spectacular wildlife reserve. You’ll travel in a comfortable safari Land Cruiser or van, enjoying scenic views along the way, but first, Rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

Highlights of the Day:

During the drive, you will have a Lunch stop in Kabalega Dinner (+256 774 582296): A delicious meal in this lively stop over before continuing to the santuary for Rhino Tracking

  • Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: Your first adventure stop! Here, you’ll track white rhinos on foot—an exciting chance to see one of Africa’s Big Five up close. After wonderful Rhino tracking, hit the road to Murchison

Wildlife Encounters: As you enter the park, watch for elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, lions, and antelopes roaming the vast savanna. The Nile River is packed with hippos and massive Nile crocodiles—a sight you won’t forget!

Arrive at your lodge in the evening, where you can relax, enjoy the sounds of the wild, and prepare for tomorrow’s adventures.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Accommodation:

🛏️ Pakuba Safari Lodge

📞 +256 706  725 822

Day 3: Wildlife & Waterfalls in Murchison Falls National Park

Morning Game Drive:
Start your day with a hearty breakfast before heading out on an early morning game drive across the sweeping savannas of Uganda’s largest national park. Your expert guide will help you spot lions, leopards (if lucky!), elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, and antelopes against the stunning sunrise-lit plains. Bird lovers will be thrilled by the park’s diverse birdlife, from majestic raptors to colorful kingfishers.

Midday Relaxation:
Return to your lodge for a chance to rest and enjoy lunch

Afternoon Boat Cruise & Hike to the Falls:
In the afternoon, set off on a scenic boat cruise along the Nile River, where you’ll see hippos, massive crocodiles, and vibrant waterbirds up close. The journey takes you to the base of Murchison Falls, where the Nile explodes through a narrow gorge in a thunderous cascade.

For the adventurous, a hike to the top of the falls is a must! The climb is steep but rewarding, offering jaw-dropping views of the Nile’s powerful rush and the surrounding wilderness.

Evening at Leisure:
After an action-packed day, return to your lodge to relax, enjoy dinner, and soak in the sounds of the wild under a star-filled sky.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge (same lodge)

Day 4: Journey to Kibale Forest – Primate Paradise

Morning Departure:
After breakfast, pack our lunch and we set out on a scenic drive toward Kibale Forest National Park, the primate capital of Uganda! Though the journey is long, the ever-changing landscapes—rolling tea plantations, traditional villages, and misty hills—make it a visual delight.

Welcome to Kibale:
This lush rainforest is home to 13 primate species, including our closest relatives, the chimpanzees, as well as black-and-white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and the rare Uganda mangabeys. The forest echoes with their calls, creating an unforgettable wild symphony.

Afternoon Relaxation:
Arrive at your lodge nestled near the forest, where you can unwind, enjoy a delicious dinner, and soak in the sounds of the jungle. Tomorrow, you’ll trek through the dense foliage to meet the playful chimps up close!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Kibale Forest Lodge (+256 778 566148) near Kibale Forest

Get ready for an unforgettable chimpanzee trekking experience tomorrow!


Note: The drive takes ~6-7 hours, with stops for photos and enjoying packed lunch along the way.

Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking & Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Morning: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest

  • Wake up, Enjoy breakfast, then head to the ranger station for a briefing on chimpanzee trekking rules and etiquette.

  • Venture into the dense rainforest with your expert guide, listening for calls and tracking movements through the trees.

  • Once you find the chimpanzees, spend a magical hour observing them—watch them swing through the canopy, groom each other, and forage for food. It’s an unforgettable wildlife encounter!

  • Return to the lodge for lunch, reflecting on your incredible primate experience.

Afternoon: Scenic Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park

  • After lunch, embark on a picturesque drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, known for its diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife.

  • Arrive in the evening, check in to your lodge, and unwind with dinner under the stars.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge (039 2796773) in Queen Elizabeth NP

Tomorrow: Game drives and a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel!


Travel Note: The drive from Kibale to Queen Elizabeth NP takes ~3-4 hours, with beautiful views of the Rwenzori Mountains en route.

Day 6: Wildlife & Water Adventures in Queen Elizabeth NP

Morning Game Drive on Kasenyi Plains

  • Rise early for a hearty breakfast before heading out on a sunrise game drive across the vast Kasenyi Plains.

  • Your expert guide will help you spot elephants, Cape buffaloes, lions (if lucky!), leopards (rare but possible!), and antelopes roaming the savanna.

  • Birdwatchers, keep your binoculars ready—colorful kingfishers, raptors, and endemic species frequent this area.

Midday Relaxation & Lunch

  • Return to your lodge to unwind and enjoy a delicious lunch while soaking in stunning park views.

Afternoon Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel

  • Embark on a scenic 2-hour boat trip along the Kazinga Channel, a wildlife hotspot connecting Lake George and Lake Edward.

  • Get up close to hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants bathing, and buffaloes along the shores.

  • This is also birding paradise—watch for African fish eagles, pelicans, and rare shoebills (if you’re very lucky!).

  • Return to the lodge

Evening: Dinner & Overnight in Luxury/Midrange Comfort

  • Enjoy a dinner at the lodge, sharing stories of the day’s sightings.

  • Fall asleep to the sounds of the African wilderness.


Accommodation Options

Incase there is need to change the lodge, communicate earlier and here are suggested ones;

Other Luxury Lodges (High-End Comfort)

  1. Kyambura Gorge Lodge – Stunning eco-luxury with private verandas overlooking the park.

  2. Elephant Plains Lodge – Exclusive chalets with infinity pools and top-tier service.

Midrange Lodges (Great Value & Comfort)

  1. Ihamba Lakeside Safari Lodge – Cozy cottages with lake views and excellent hospitality.

  2. Bush Lodge (Upgraded Tents/Bandas) – Rustic charm with modern comforts near the channel.

  3. Enganzi Game Lodge – Friendly atmosphere, great food, and prime wildlife viewing.

Meals sorted: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Next Up: Tomorrow, we head to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest—home of the majestic mountain gorillas!


Note: Optional night game drive (extra cost) available for spotting nocturnal creatures like hyenas and genets!

Day 7: Journey to Bwindi via Ishasha's Tree-Climbing Lions

Morning: Breakfast & Departure

  • Enjoy breakfast at your lodge before setting off toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the legendary home of mountain gorillas.

  • Your route takes you through the Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth NP, famous for its rare tree-climbing lions!

The Hunt for Ishasha's Tree-Climbing Lions

  • With a 70% chance of spotting these unique lions, your guide will expertly scan fig trees and savanna grasslands.

  • If luck is on your side, you’ll witness these majestic cats lounging on branches—a truly unforgettable sight!
    (Note: While we can’t guarantee sightings, the thrill of the search is part of the adventure!)

Afternoon: Arrival in Bwindi

  • Continue through rolling hills and terraced farmland, arriving at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest—a UNESCO World Heritage Site sheltering half of the world’s mountain gorillas (about 400 individuals).

  • Check in to your lodge, where you’ll relax, enjoy dinner, and prepare for tomorrow’s bucket-list experience: gorilla trekking!


Accommodation Options

Luxury Lodges options

  1. Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge (Nkuringo Sector)

    Breathtaking views, exquisite service, and just minutes from the trekking start point.

    📞 (+256 (0) 414 251 182 |+256 (0) 772 489 497)

    📧 | info@wildplacesafrica.com​

  2. Bwindi Lodge

    Eco-luxury with private balconies overlooking the misty forest.

    📞 ( +256 (0) 414 346 464 )

    📧 | enquiries@volcanoessafaris.com

  3. Gorilla Heights Lodge

    Stunning cliffside location with panoramic jungle vistas.

    📩   reservations@newmarkhotels.com

    📞Head Office: +27 21 427 5900  | Reservations: +27 21 427 5901


Midrange Lodges

  1. Bakiga Lodge  (0774 518421)– Comfortable cottages with warm hospitality and great gorilla trekking access.

  2. Silverback Lodge (031 2260260)– Cozy rooms nestled near the forest edge, perfect for trekkers.

  3. Gorilla Mist Camp (0701 563577)– Affordable luxury with a prime location for gorilla encounters.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tomorrow: The highlight of your safari—face-to-face with mountain gorillas! (Pack sturdy hiking boots, rain gear, and your sense of adventure!)


Travel Note: The drive takes ~4-5 hours, including lion spotting in Ishasha. Roads can be bumpy—adventure is guaranteed!

Day 8: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi & Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

Morning: The Gorilla Trekking Experience

  • Early breakfast at your lodge before heading to the ranger station for a detailed briefing on gorilla trekking etiquette and safety.

  • Enter the misty, ancient forest with your guide and trackers, hiking through steep, lush terrain along animal trails.

  • Trek duration varies (1-6 hours) depending on the gorilla group’s location—be prepared for an adventure!

  • Magical Encounter: Once you find the gorillas, spend one unforgettable hour observing them as they feed, play, and interact—an awe-inspiring, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

  • Receive your gorilla trekking certificate to commemorate this bucket-list achievement!

Midday: Lunch & Scenic Drive to Lake Bunyonyi

  • Return to your lodge for a hearty lunch and time to rest your legs.

  • Depart for Lake Bunyonyi ("Place of Little Birds"), Uganda’s deepest lake, famed for its 29 emerald islands and stunning terraced hills.

Evening: Arrival at Lake Bunyonyi

  • Check in to Birdnest Resort (0754 252560) and soak in the panoramic views of the tranquil waters and rolling hills.

  • Optional activities: Canoe ride, island visit, or simply relax with a sundowner as the sun sets over the lake.


Accommodation Options

Luxury Lodges

  1. Bunyonyi Overland Resort (0772 409510)– Eco-luxury cottages with private decks and lake views.

Midrange Lodges

  1. Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort (0702 421519)– Cozy cottages perched on a hill with stunning vistas.

  2. Arcadia Cottages (0772 727955)– Rustic charm with modern comforts, right on the lakeshore.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tomorrow: A leisurely morning at Lake Bunyonyi before returning to Entebbe.


Note: Gorilla trekking is physically demanding but immensely rewarding. Pack:
✔ Sturdy hiking boots
✔ Rain jacket (Bwindi is a rainforest!)
✔ Camera (no flash!)
✔ Packed snacks & water

Day 9: Journey to Lake Mburo National Park & Evening Safari

Morning: Scenic Drive to Lake Mburo

  • Enjoy breakfast before departing for Lake Mburo National Park, a hidden gem of Uganda’s savanna wilderness.

  • Travel via Mbarara town, stopping for refreshments and taking in the rolling Ankole cattle country landscapes.

  • Arrive at your lodge by early afternoon and relax with stunning views of the park.

Late Afternoon Game Drive

  • Set out on a thrilling game drive across Lake Mburo’s open plains, home to:
    ✔ Zebra herds (the only park in Uganda where they’re common)
    ✔ Towering elands (world’s largest antelope)
    ✔ Graceful impalas, topis, and Uganda kobs
    ✔ Buffalo wallows and hippo-filled lakes

  • Keep your camera ready—the golden light makes for spectacular photos!

Optional Night Game Drive (Extra Cost)

  • For adventurers, embark on a rare night safari to spot:
    ✔ Leopards (if luck is on your side!)
    ✔ Hyenas on the hunt
    ✔ Bushbabies, genets, and nightjars
    ✔ Pythons & nocturnal birds like giant eagle owls

Evening: Dinner & Overnight

  • Return to your lodge for a delicious dinner under the stars.

  • Fall asleep to the sounds of the bush, with hyenas whooping in the distance.


Accommodation

  1. Mihingo Lodge

    Ultra-luxurious tented suites with private decks and a infinity pool overlooking a waterhole.
    📞 0752 410509

  2. Kigambira Safari Lodge – Elegant cottages with panoramic lake views.

Option: Midrange Lodges

  1. Rwakobo Rock Lodge (0755 211771)– Eco-friendly and serene, with stunning sunset views.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tomorrow: Morning walking safari & return to Entebbe


Pro Tip: Lake Mburo is one of the few parks where you can do a walking safari—don’t miss tomorrow’s close-up encounters with giraffes and zebras on foot!

Day 10: Walking Safari & Return to Entebbe

Morning: Unforgettable Bushwalk in Lake Mburo

  • Sunrise breakfast before heading out for a guided walking safari—one of Uganda’s most intimate wildlife experiences!

  • Accompanied by an armed ranger, walk quietly through the savanna, getting up close to:
    ✔ Giraffes (gracefully browsing acacia trees)
    ✔ Zebra herds (their stripes glowing in morning light)
    ✔ Elands, topis, and buffalo (grazing peacefully)

  • Hike to a scenic hilltop for a 360° view of Lake Mburo and its sister lakes—a photographer’s dream!

Midday: Return to Entebbe

  • Check out from your lodge and begin the journey back to Entebbe (approx. 4-5 hours).

  • Stop for lunch in Masaka (own cost) and enjoy the rolling green hills of central Uganda.

  • Arrive at Entebbe Airport by late afternoon for your onward flight (recommended after 18:00).


Farewell from Gorilla Destinations Africa Safaris!

As your adventure concludes, we thank you for trusting us to guide you through Uganda’s wild wonders. From gorilla encounters to lion treetop sightings, we hope these memories stay with you forever.

Until next time—travel safe, and may the call of Africa bring you back! 🌍✨

P.S. Loved your trip? Refer a friend and earn a 5% discount on your next safari with us!


Need a day room in Entebbe? Ask us about airport hotel options for late flights!

F.A.Q

When is the best time to go on this safari?
  • Dry seasons (June–September & December–February) are ideal for gorilla trekking and game viewing, as trails are less muddy and animals gather around water sources.

  • Wet seasons (March–May & October–November) offer lush landscapes and fewer crowds, but trekking can be more challenging.

How difficult is gorilla trekking in Bwindi?
  • Moderate to strenuous – Treks range from 1–6 hours over steep, muddy terrain. A reasonable fitness level is required.

  • Porters are available (20–25) to assist with carrying bags and provide support.

What’s the chance of seeing gorillas?
  • Over 98%! Permits guarantee a trek, but sightings depend on the group’s location that day. Rangers track them daily.

Are vaccinations or visas required?
  • Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory (with certificate).

  • Uganda e-visa (50–100) is required for most nationalities (apply online in advance).

What should I pack?
  • Essentials: Sturdy hiking boots, rain jacket, lightweight clothing, binoculars, and a camera (no flash).

  • Extras: Gorilla trekking gloves, reusable water bottle, and malaria prophylaxis (consult your doctor).

Is it safe to travel in Uganda?
  • Yes! Uganda is safe for tourists. Our guides are trained in first aid and wildlife safety.

What’s included in the safari cost?
  • Included: Park fees, permits, accommodations, meals, transport, and guide services.

  • Excluded: Flights, visas, tips, and personal expenses (e.g., souvenirs).

How do I book a gorilla permit?
  • We handle it! Permits ($800 pp) are secured in advance—book 6+ months early for peak season.

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What's Included
  • Accommodation
  • Airport Transfer
  • Breakfast
  • Guide
  • Hotel Rent
  • Meals
  • Transport
  • Welcome Drinks
What's Excluded
  • Flights
  • Outing Ticket
Why Book With Us?
  • Our experienced guides provide in-depth knowledge and insights into Ugandas wildlife and landscapes.
  • Our experienced guides provide in-depth knowledge and insights into Ugandas wildlife and landscapes.
  • Our small group sizes ensure a personalized and immersive experience.
  • We prioritize your safety and security, with careful planning and execution.
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