10 Day Uganda Wildlife and Primate Safari – Gorillas, Chimps, Big 5 and Culture

Start your adventure with an early breakfast before heading to Mabamba Swamp on the shores of Lake Victoria. Take a boat ride through the papyrus channels to spot the elusive shoebill stork, along with African fish eagles, kingfishers, and other wetland birds.

Afterward, drive north to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Uganda’s only location to see white rhinos in the wild for relaxation and overnight stay.

Begin the day with an early morning rhino tracking experience at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, offering a unique opportunity to observe Uganda’s southern white rhinos on foot in their natural environment. After the tracking experience, continue north towards Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest conservation area.

Upon arrival, visit the top of Murchison Falls, where the mighty Nile is forced through a narrow gorge before plunging 43 metres below. Later, enjoy a boat cruise along the Nile, watching elephants, hippos, crocodiles and abundant birdlife along the riverbanks.

In the late afternoon, head out on an evening game drive across the savannah, with opportunities to encounter lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, Uganda kobs and other wildlife as the park comes alive towards sunset.

Begin the day with an early morning game drive in Murchison Falls National Park, taking advantage of the golden morning light and cooler temperatures for excellent wildlife viewing and photography. After the game drive, continue south through the scenic Albertine Rift, passing rolling hills, crater lakes and lush countryside along the way.

Continue to Kibale Forest National Park, renowned as one of Africa’s premier primate destinations and home to more than 1,500 chimpanzees. Arrive in the forested landscapes of Kibale and settle in for the next stage of your primate adventure.

Embark on a morning chimpanzee trek in Kibale Forest with experienced guides. Watch chimps feed, groom, and interact, alongside other primates like red colobus and black-and-white colobus monkeys.

In the afternoon, visit the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a cultural and nature experience. Learn traditional crafts, brewing, and farming from the local community.

Travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park, passing the Ndali-Kasenda Craters and scenic landscapes. Upon arrival, enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, spotting hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and birds.

End the day with an evening game drive, encountering lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and giraffes.

Start with a nature walk in Kyambura Gorge, spotting primates and birds along the gorge’s permanent river. Then, drive south to Ishasha, home to the world-famous tree-climbing lions. Enjoy an evening game drive across the savannah.

After breakfast, set out on a morning sunrise game drive in Ishasha, enjoying the beautiful early light as the savannah comes alive. This is also another opportunity to search for the famous tree-climbing lions, especially if they were missed during the previous day’s game drive, alongside elephants, buffalo, topi and other wildlife.

After the game drive, continue south through the scenic landscapes of southwestern Uganda towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, passing rolling hills, lush forests and rural communities along the way. Arrive in the after lunch and settle in near your gorilla trekking sector.

Rise early for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. After breakfast, attend the mandatory gorilla trekking briefing before entering the forest with your ranger guide.

Trek through the ancient rainforest in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family. Once located, spend up to one hour observing silverbacks, females and playful infants in their natural habitat, with time for responsible photography.

In the afternoon, enjoy a Batwa cultural experience, with traditional storytelling, music and dance while learning about the community’s connection to the forest.

After breakfast, drive south towards Lake Mburo National Park, enjoying scenic views of Uganda’s rolling hills, countryside and rural communities along the way.

Arrive in the afternoon and prepare for an evening walking safari, one of Lake Mburo’s unique wildlife experiences. Explore the park on foot with an experienced guide, looking for zebras, impalas, giraffes, topi, warthogs and other wildlife while experiencing the sights and sounds of the African bush at close range.

As the sun begins to set, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Lake Mburo’s savannah landscapes before returning to your lodge for the evening.