19 Day Pearl Of Africa Primates Trek And Safari
- Customisable itinerary
- Private departure
Trip overview
Uganda is the only country in the world where you can combine game drives and primates treks, including Mountain Gorillas, Chimpanzees, Lions, and Boat Safaris which will allow you to see several animals on this excursion. In this 11 Day tour you will have a checklist to tick off all the wildlife and games.
This is a great value for this great wildlife adventure that could only be done in Uganda.
Customise this trip for a perfect match
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Private and tailor-made Your own vehicle, driver guide and pace. Nothing on this page is fixed — days can be swapped, added or dropped.
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Routed by people who drive it Every itinerary here was planned by someone who has driven the road, and the planner who answers you is the one who builds it.
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Licensed and accredited Registered with the Rwanda Development Board and a member of the Rwanda Tours and Travel Association.
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Support while you travel One number reaches the Kigali office around the clock for the whole time you are on the ground.
A draft itinerary costs nothing and commits you to nothing. Tell us what you would change and a planner rewrites it as many times as it takes.
The route
- Countries
- Uganda
Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to Entebbe, Uganda!! Arrival into Uganda, you will meet our VIP meet and greet who will welcome you and help you to go through Immigration services . Visa is bought online before departure from your country as no visa upon arrival to Uganda. Click the link for Visa application. https://www.visas.immigration.go.ug/
Cash machines are available at main towns in Uganda but some time do not work so it is a good idea to withdraw some Uganda shillings from the cash machine in the arrival’s hall for drinks and souvenirs on the way.
After all Airport and immigration’s services, our meet and greet representative will take you to your driver guide who will be right at the arrival hall waiting for you and drive you straight to your accommodation in Entebbe.
Day 2
After an early breakfast, check out at 8:00 am and enjoy the panoramic drive northwest of Kampala through the famous battle zone of the Luwero triangle. It’s a 5-hour drive and we will stop at Rhino Sanctuary where you will do your Rhino trek and hot lunch.
Rhino Trek
The only place to see wild rhinos in Uganda! Enter the territory of the southern white rhinos on foot. Well-trained rangers will guide you through the bush to where the rhinos are on the day of your visit.
You will get the opportunity to watch these endangered, magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. As these rhinos are free to move around on 7 000 hectares of land, it is often necessary to drive to the areas where the rhinos are, before taking the bush trek.
While at the sanctuary you may also encounter a range of other wildlife species including Uganda kobs, oribis, bush bucks, water bucks among others and a number of other bird species.
This activity is a once in a lifetime opportunity and should not be missed. Your guide is there to keep you safe from harm so listening to the safety briefing he gives you is very important.
After the Rhino trek, we will return to our accommodation and relax with accommodation facilities.
Day 3
Today we will have our breakfast at leisure as our check out will be at 8:00am, and embark on our safari vehicle to Murchison falls via Top of the falls.
Top of the Falls. Visit to the Top of the Falls and feel the force of the River Nile under your feet as the half a kilometer-wide river narrows to just 7m wide and cascades down through a 45m drop, known as the Devils Cauldron. The Falls are believed to be the most powerful natural flow of water anywhere on earth.
After the walk we will descend and proceed to check in to our accommodation for lunch and check in. In the afternoon, we will proceed with the game drive. During the game drive we expect to see elephants, water buck, Uganda Kobs, Lions and others.
Day 4
After breakfast, we will Set off early morning on a game drive in the Nyamsika plateau to see the Cape buffaloes, Rothschild’s giraffes, Uganda kob, hartebeest and waterbucks. You may also spot oribi, bushbuck, Bohor reedbuck, bush duiker, warthog and bush pig plus large carnivores including lions, leopards and spotted hyenas and olive baboons head the list of six species of primates found in the park. We will take a packed lunch whilst on safari.
After lunch, we will proceed with afternoon boat safari at the Nile River
Nile River Boat Safari. During the afternoon enjoy a boat safari on the Victoria Nile River. Over a 17 km stretch enjoy sightings of hippos, crocodiles, elephant, waterbuck and Uganda Kob. The boat will stop just tens of metres from the sinister, frothing and bubbling base of the falls where you can take pictures of the majestic Murchison Falls.
After the boat safari, we will return to our accommodation and relax with accommodation facilities.
Day 5
Today After breakfast, we will Set off early morning with our packed lunch on a a full day game drive in the Nyamsika and take other routes we will have missed the previous day. We will see several animals including Cape buffaloes, Rothschild’s giraffes, Uganda kob, Waterbucks, lions, leopards and birdlife.
You may also spot oribi, bushbuck, Bohor reedbuck, bush duiker, warthog and bush pig plus large carnivores including lions, leopards and spotted hyenas and olive baboons head the list of six species of primates found in the park. We will take a packed lunch whilst on safari.
Return to your accommodation and relax with accommodation facilities.
Day 6
Today we will have early breakfast as our check out will be at 7:30 am and embark in our vehicle for 6-hour scenic transfer to Kibale.
Upon arrival, you will be welcomed with a fresh glass of juice proceed for lunch and check in to your accommodation. The whole afternoon is yours at leisure as you enjoy accommodation facilities including the swimming pool. or we may opt for the inclusive afternoon Bigodi Swamp Walk
Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary Swamp Walk.
This is rich in biodiversity and scenic beauty the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary is A 4.5km long walk and this will take you through this important wildlife corridor of Kibale Forest and it’s about 3hours return walk. It’s the home of the Great Blue Turaco” and a real bird watcher’s paradise. This wonderful place shelters over 200 species of birds including Hornbills, Turacos, Parrots, Cranes, Kingfishers, and many more swamp endemics.
After the walk we will return at our Lodge and relax with the accommodation facilities.
Day 7
Today you will have an early breakfast and your driver guide will transfer you to the park office for Chimpanzee trek briefing before you start forest walk for the Chimpanzee trek. You will go with a park ranger to find and track one of the Kibale Forest chimpanzee groups.
Kibale Forest boasts 13 different species of primate, more than in any other East African forest. While in the forest your knowledgeable guides will point out a range of primates, birds, plants, and animal spoor. Chimpanzees are man’s closest relatives and share 98% of our DNA.
The sounds of the chimps carry through the forest very clearly, so approaching and watching these creatures in their natural habitat is a fantastic wildlife viewing experience.
After the trek you will return to your accommodation for freshen up, lunch and the whole afternoon relax with the accommodation facilities.
Day 8
Today we will have our breakfast at leisure as our check out will be at 9:00am. After breakfast we will pick our packed lunch and embark in our vehicle for our 2 hour scenic transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Upon arrival at the park entrance, we will register and immediately proceed with a game safari adventures planned for a game drive in Kasenyi region. This region, normally its where we spot Lions as its’ a good savannah and a breeding area for antilops. This allows us very high odds of finding and viewing the Lions for ourselves.
We will enjoy our scenic picnic lunch and proceed with afternoon game drive as we head towards Kazinga Channel fos Sundowner boat Safari.
Kazinga Channel. At 4 pm we head to Kazinga Channel which links Lake Edward and Lake George. We embark on a Boat Safari which is one of the best in Africa, because Kazinga Channel has possibly the highest density of Hippos in Africa. Not only Hippos, but you will see Water Buffalo, Crocodiles and much birdlife all living and interacting closely together. Sometimes the Elephants comes down in the evening for a drink as well. Keep your eyes open for giant lizards and snakes as well. This is a fascinating boat safari as the sunsets on this wonderful National Park. Afterwards we head to accommodation for check in, dinner and overnight.
Day 9
After your early breakfast, we will leave for Kyambura Gorge for a Chimpanzee trek by 7 am. The Kyambura gorge- is also known as the “Valley of Apes” is situated on the far Eastern side of the renowned Queen Elizabeth National Park, and the second largest in Uganda. This mysterious gorge is about 1 kilometer across-being its widest/broadest point and almost 100 meters deep and is drained by the stunning River Kyambura.
The Landscape of this area is one of the most amazing that you will encounter in Uganda and boasts of a rich wildlife biodiversity that includes several primate species, as well as some bird species. When you enter this gorge that is another world on its own, you will be surprised by its rich and luxuriant Tropical rainforest near the Equator crossing. Guided Nature Forest Walk.
The Kyambura Gorge can be explored on foot during nature walks or forest walks and is done in the company of experienced tour guides who will unveil the true beauty of the Gorge as well as its interesting flora and fauna encountered during the nature walks.
Kyambura Gorge Chimpanzee Trek. This fascinating gorge is home to different mammal species that include primates such as Chimpanzees, which is our main purpose in this Gorge today though a lot of memorable experiences.
Chimpanzees in this Gorge are considered extremely reliable with a trekking success rate of over 95%.
In Uganda today, Efforts to actually conserve the chimpanzees are extensively acknowledged and well supported. Actually, The Jane Goodall Foundation has played a major role in the overall conservation of these Chimpanzees in Uganda.
You will stand a chance to see more animals such as Forest Giant Hog, Vervet monkeys, Red-tailed monkeys, Black and white Colobus monkeys, and Olive Baboons among others.
Besides the wildlife species, there are several avian species found within the Kyambura Gorge and including the Blue-headed Bee-eaters, African Fin foot, and Pink-backed Pelicans, among others. After the walk by 11 am, we will embark on our safari vehicle and drive back to our accommodation for freshen up and have lunch. In the afternoon, we will proceed with the game drive in the Kasenyi plains.
Kasenyi Plains Game Drive. The Kasenyi plains are on the western shores of the adjacent stunning Lake George, just near to the area where the Kazinga Channel confluences with this lake. Kasenyi is found within the north-eastern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This area is also known as the Mweya or the Kasenyi Sector.
The region around Kasenyi is actually an open savannah, and it is swarmed with various wild animals including, Elephants, Buffalos, Water back, Lions with the Uganda Kob being the dominant animals. Actually, this place is the major breeding area for the Uganda Kobs within this park. For that reason, Lions are commonly seen here during the various game drives as they are drawn by the large Kob’s population which is their main prey in this area.
Whereas lions once were uncommon and hard to pin down, are supposed to total up to a big number and these are readily seen within the Kasenyi Plains. In addition, it supports a fascinating diversity of grassland birds, among which are the yellow-throated long crow, red-throat spur fowls as well as the grey-crown cranes. Because of the overall nature of this area (with open savannahs surrounding it), it is very good for tourists interested in taking photographs.
Return to your accommodation in the evening for a freshen up and relax with your accommodation facilities.
Day 10
After breakfast we will begin our transfer to southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park (Ishashsa). The transfer takes around 2 hours and there are game viewing opportunities along the way. We will arrive at Ishasha sector and we proceed for a game drive in search for tree climbing Lions.
Ishasha Sector Game Drive. We game drive in the Ishasha sector which his particularly well known for its Ugandan Kog, Antelope, Warthogs and famous tree-climbing lions, however hippos and elephants are frequently seen here as well. This is only one of two places in Africa where Lions spend a majority of their time in trees and its a 50/50 win to see them. Once we a locate them it’s a unique experience to watch them laze about in the trees.
After the game drive, we will drive to to our accommodation, for lunch, check in, and relax with the accommodation facilities.
Day 11
After your early breakfast we will check out of your accommodation by 8 am and we head to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park as you slowly wind your way up through beautiful steep sided valleys you will see that every spare inch of space is used for cultivation in this densely populated area.
It is estimated that up to 90 people are being supported on every acre that is used for subsistence agriculture. These patchwork mountains dotted with small, thatched villages make the drive most scenic. We will arrive by 1 pm, in time for lunch.
After lunch, we will check in, and return at the reception at 3pm and walk to the nearby Batwa cultural village for a special experience and entertainment.
The Batwa Cultural Village. The Batwa are the original inhabitants of these forests, however today they are a displaced minority since the early 1990’s. This cultural tour is a re-enactment but a very real one as many members still recall living as forest dwellers and these tours now help them earn income, ensure
Their traditions and skills are practiced as well as pass on these traditions to the next generation. Their bush skills are a delight and their small stature will amaze you.
After the Batwa we will return to our accommodation and relax with the accommodation facilities as you prepare for the next day Gorilla adventure.
Day 12
Today is the big day. Prepare yourself for an encounter with one of Bwindi’s gentle giants: the rare Mountain Gorilla. For most people, this is the absolute highlight of their tour in Uganda. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a highlight for many visitors as this is where they will be visiting the home of the gentle giants. The Rare Mountain Gorilla
The park lies in southwestern Uganda on the edge of the Rift Valley. Uganda’s oldest and most biologically diverse rainforests lie on the mist-covered hillsides. This magnificent forest dates back over 25,000 years, even surviving the last Ice Age (most forests disappeared).
The Bwindi forest has an incredible diversity of flora and fauna and is the only forest in Africa that can make claim to hosting both mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. In fact, 1/3 of the world’s population of gorillas live here divided into 15 habituated family groups.
Also, 5 other primate species, 120 species of mammal, over 220 butterflies, and 360 birds species call Bwindi home. This is one of the three places to see the critically endangered mountain gorillas up close for your very own ‘Gorillas in the Mist’ moment in the world.
The gorillas you will trek to belong to one of fifteen family groups that can tolerate the presence of humans for a brief period every day. Your trek will be an exciting (for some also challenging) journey along forested (sometimes slippery) slopes, entwined vines, bushes, and bamboo before you eventually reach the gentle giants.
En route, your guide will point out signs of previous gorilla activity. Think of dung, nests, and chewed bamboo shoots. The time to complete the gorilla trekking can be as little as 2 – 6 hours!
Once the family of gorillas has been located, you will be allowed a maximum of one hour to observe them. Coming face-to-face with the mountain gorillas is a truly humbling and emotional experience.
This is a fantastic part of your tour you will definitely remember for the rest of your life. Return to your lodge for a freshen-up, lunch, and relaxation with the lodge facilities.
Day 13
Today you have a second unique and privileged experience to trek and meet at close quarters the rare Mountain Gorilla. There are only around 1063 of these magnificent creatures left in the world with the biggest number found in in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Early in the morning after breakfast you will be taken to the park headquarters where you are allocated guides before heading into the forest and who will educate you on the trek, Gorilla behavior and assigned into groups of suitable fitness.
The trek can take between 2-6 hours depending on the movements of the Gorillas. The rangers will lead you deep into the forest in search for the Gorillas. You will move up and down the rugged terrain until you finally meet these harmonious creatures that will entertain you with performances for about 1 hour once you find them. This is often described as one of the great natural animal encounters on the planet.
Return to the lodge for freshen up and lunch and relax with the accommodation facilities as you take memorable pictures of the flora around the lodge.
Return to your accommodation for evening relaxing as you enjoy lodge facilities.
Day 14
Today we will have our early breakfast as our check out will be at 7 am. We will embark in our vehicle for 6 hours scenic transfer to Lake Mburo National Park.
Upon arrival at the lodge, we will have lunch and check in before we proceed for our afternoon Boat Safari in Lake Mburo.
Boat Safari. Horseback safaris are an exciting way to see wildlife in and around Lake Mburo National Park. Without any engine sounds and fumes you feel part of nature and often get the chance to see the more timid animals. Experiencing game from horse back is very special: zebra come towards you to check out the strange relative without strips. Even the normally very shy eland curiously look at the horses without running away, just keeping their distance
In the evening, we will return to our accommodation for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 15
Lake Mburo National Park Nature Walk. The walk begins early in the morning at around 6:30 – 7:00 am and runs for 2 hours. All walks should be booked in advance. Guided Nature Walks in Lake Mburo National Park Visitors are allowed to walk anywhere in Lake Mburo National Park in the company of an armed ranger.
During this walk, you will have a chance to see several animals including, Zebras, Waterbucks, Warthogs, Giraffe, Elands to mention but a few. After this walk we will return to our accommodation for a freshen up and breakfast, the whole morning is yours to relax with accommodation facilities until lunch time.
After lunch we will proceed with afternoon game drive.
Game Drive. The best way to fully explore Lake Mburo National Park is by driving. A game drive in Lake Mburo National Park gives you the best opportunity for seeing the impala, zebra and giraffes. Impala and zebras especially define Lake Mburo, because it is the only place in Uganda to see the majestic impala and the only easily accessible place to see Burchell’s zebra (the other being Kidepo which is hard to reach).
After the game drive, we will exit the park and head to your accommodation for dinner and overnight.
Day 16
After breakfast, we will embark on our vehicle for our scenic transfer directly to Jinja to your accommodation for check in and enjoy the hotel facilities.
In the evening at 4:00pm, we will jump in our boat for our Nile River sun set cruise.
Nile Sunset Boat Cruise. Let the good times keep rolling as the sun sets on the majestic Nile River, take to the water and enjoy the awesome nibbles, refreshingly cold drinks and the great views. This is how we
like to end each day at Nile River Explorers. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture not just the sunset, but an array of bird life and beautiful vistas.
After this amazing adventure, we will return to our accommodation and relax with accommodation facilities.
Day 17
A half day white water rafting trip on the Nile offers an adventure experience in Uganda at the source of the Nile River in Jinja.
This day, leave early in the morning by 6:00am. we will drive you to the Nile rafters Start point.
Upon arrival at the Nile, you will have breakfast with the group with the official briefing on how to rafting the Nile and gain its fun time. With also tips of how you will get out of trouble just in case.
After the briefing, you will join the group on the safety boat and there will be some other local kayak masters who will be as life savers and the have lots of expertise in the water experience.
Day 18
Today we will have breakfasr al leisure, have lunch and check out for our 3 hour scenic transfer to Entebbe.
Day 19
Today we will have our breakfast at leisure as our check out will be at 7 am. After check out, we will embark in our vehicle as we transfer to Mabamba Swamp for Shoebill visit.
Mabamba Swamp. The Mabamba Swamp Shoebill Bird Watching activity is located at the Mabamba Ramsar site in Zziba, Kasanje Town Council in the Wakiso District of Uganda. Visitors taking part have a high chance of seeing endangered birds including shoebills, papyrus gonolek, blue swallow, as well as the endangered sitatunga, spotted-necked otter, and monitor lizard among others. The Mabamba Swamp measures over 2424-hectares and is teeming with bird species, plants, butterflies, dragonflies, reptiles and other fauna and flora.
After visiting the Shoe bill, we will transfer for our lunch before our transfer to Entebbe International Airport.
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