12-Day Uganda Primates & Wildlife Grand Tour

Overview—12-Day Uganda Primates & Wildlife Grand Tour

The 12-Day Uganda Primates & Wildlife Grand Tour is the ultimate journey through the Pearl of Africa, designed for travelers who want to experience the very best of Uganda’s primates, wildlife, and landscapes. This itinerary blends the thrill of tracking endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with chimpanzee encounters in Kibale Forest, while also delivering game drives and boat cruises in Uganda’s most iconic savannah parks. From Murchison Falls on the mighty Nile to the crater lakes of Fort Portal, the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha, and the rare shoebill storks in Mabamba, every day unfolds with a new highlight.

Over twelve days, you will immerse yourself in Uganda’s incredible diversity. You will trek through misty forests, cruise along hippo-filled rivers, scan the savannah for elephants and lions, and meet local communities living near the parks. This grand tour is perfect for travelers who want an in-depth experience that balances adventure, wildlife, culture, and relaxation in one of Africa’s most enchanting destinations.

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Detailed Itinerary —12-Day Uganda Primates & Wildlife Grand Tour

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe

You arrive at Entebbe International Airport, where you are welcomed by your driver-guide and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may explore the botanical gardens or the shores of Lake Victoria before settling in for dinner and overnight.

Day 2: Birding Excursion at Mabamba Wetland – Transfer to Murchison Falls

The day begins with an early excursion to Mabamba Wetland, famous for the rare shoebill stork and an array of other bird species. Afterward, you drive north to Murchison Falls National Park, with lunch en route. By evening, you reach the park and check into your lodge along the Nile. Dinner and overnight in the park.

Day 3: Game Drive and Boat Cruise at Murchison Falls

After breakfast, you set out on a morning game drive across the northern savannah, where elephants, giraffes, lions, and buffaloes roam freely. In the afternoon, you take a boat cruise along the Nile toward the base of Murchison Falls, watching hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife. A short hike to the top of the falls offers a breathtaking view of the Nile as it crashes through a narrow gorge. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.

Day 4: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

This day is devoted to travel as you leave Murchison and head southwest through scenic landscapes toward Kibale. Along the way, you pass tea plantations and crater lakes before arriving in Fort Portal. Your lodge near Kibale Forest provides a serene setting for dinner and overnight.

Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale – Bigodi Wetland Walk

After breakfast, you join rangers for chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest. The forest echoes with bird calls and monkey chatter as you search for chimp families. Once located, you spend an hour observing them feed, groom, and interact. In the afternoon, you explore Bigodi Wetland, a community project rich in birdlife and primates. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.

Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, you drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, passing the Rwenzori Mountain ranges. Arriving in the park, you enjoy a relaxed afternoon game drive on the Kasenyi plains, where elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes are common. Dinner and overnight at your lodge inside the park.

Day 7: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

The day begins with a sunrise game drive in search of lions, leopards, and hyenas alongside grazing herds of Uganda kob. After lunch, you embark on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, one of the park’s highlights, where hippos crowd the water, crocodiles bask on the banks, and water birds gather in great numbers. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.

Day 8: Drive to Ishasha – Continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After breakfast, you drive through the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth, famous for its tree-climbing lions. With luck, you may see them lounging in fig trees. Continuing south, you enter Bwindi Impenetrable National Park by afternoon, where your lodge is tucked into the highland jungle. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Day 9: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

This is the highlight of your safari. After breakfast, you report for a ranger briefing before trekking into the dense forest. The trek can last several hours but is rewarded with the extraordinary experience of spending an hour with a gorilla family. Watching the silverback, mothers, and playful youngsters in their natural home is a humbling moment. After the trek, you return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. Dinner and overnight at your lodge in Bwindi.

Day 10: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

After the intensity of trekking, you transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, one of Uganda’s most beautiful and peaceful locations. The lake is dotted with 29 islands and surrounded by terraced hills. You arrive at your lakeside lodge for a relaxed afternoon of canoeing, swimming, or simply enjoying the tranquil views. Dinner and overnight by the lakeshore.

Day 11: Lake Bunyonyi Exploration

This day is free to enjoy Lake Bunyonyi at your own pace. You may take a boat ride to explore its islands, learn about the lake’s rich history, or simply relax in the quiet environment. Birdwatchers will find the area rewarding, while others may enjoy cultural visits to the communities nearby. Dinner and overnight at your lodge by the lake.

Day 12: Return to Entebbe and Departure

After breakfast, you begin the return journey to Entebbe. The drive is long but scenic, with lunch along the way and a final stop at the Equator for photographs and souvenirs. By evening, you arrive at Entebbe International Airport for your onward flight, marking the end of your grand Ugandan adventure.