16 Days Uganda Primate Safari Wildlife Adventure Uganda Culture Safari – Overview

The 16 Days Uganda Primate, Wildlife, Adventure and Culture Safari is one of the comprehensive safari packages in Uganda that give you n opportunity to explore the Pearl of Africa with ease.

The safari takes to Murchison Falls National Park for the African Big five and the Murchison Falls – the world’s powerful waterfall exploration, Kibale National Park – the home of Chimpanzees, Rwenzori and Virunga Mountains for adventure mountain hiking, Queen Elizabeth and Lake Mburo National Park for more wild game. The recreational encounter at Lake Bunyonyi also adds spice to the magical experience.

16 Days Uganda Primate Safari Wildlife Adventure Uganda Culture Safari – Highlights

• Day 1: Arrive in Uganda – Entebbe International Airport& transfer to the Hotel
• Day 2: Drive to Murchison Falls National Park. Explore the white Rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
• Day 3: Undertake morning game drive, Nile launch cruise in the afternoon and hike to the top of the falls
• Day 4: Transfer to Kibale. Whole day drive exploring the scenic countryside
• Day 5: Undertake chimpanzee trekking in the morning and afternoon Bigodi wetland walk
• Day 6: Drive to Semliki National Park & undertake the Sempaya nature walk exploring the famous hot springs. In the afternoon, explore Amabere g’ Nnyinamwiru caves and hike the Fort portal Crater Lake field
• Day 7: Drive to Kasese on the foothills of the legendary mountains of the moon – Mount Rwenzori. Explore the Visit the Bunyangabu bee keepers, Ruboni community craft village and Rwenzori Art foundation – the only bronze casting center in Africa
• Day 8: Undertake a whole day hike to the Mount Rwenzori exploring the snow capped mountains of the moon as described by the Greek Geographer Ptolemy in 150AD and transfer to Queen Elizabeth NP in the evening
• Day 9: Do game drive in the Kasenyi plains, afternoon Kazinga Channel launch cruise and evening game drive along the channel track
• Day 10: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Undertake an en route game drive in Ishasha in search of tree climbing lions
• Day 11: Undertake mountain gorilla trekking and relax at the lodge. Evening Batwa / Bakiga traditional performances at the lodge
• Day 12: Transfer to Mgahinga National Park. Trek from Bwindi south to Kisoro via Lake Mutanda. Undertake a canoe paddle on Lake Mutanda
• Day 13: Undertake Volcano Climbing / Golden Monkey tracking/ Batwa heritage trail and relax at the lodge in the evening
• Day 14: Drive to Lake Bunyonyi via the fascinating Kisoro – Kabale road. Do an Island hopping experience along with a boat ride exploring the lake of a thousand Islands
• Day 15: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park. Make a stop at Igongo Cultural Center for traditional lunch and do an evening game drive
• Day 16: Undertake a morning game walking safari and drive back to Kampala

16 Days Uganda Primate Safari Wildlife Adventure Uganda Culture Safari – Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Uganda – Entebbe International Airport& transfer To The Hotel

Arrive in Uganda – Entebbe International Airport on the shores of Africa’s largest lake – Lake Victoria where you will be welcomed by our representative, get briefed about the destination and the safari in particular after which you transfer to the hotel for relaxation, dinner and overnight.

If you arrive in the early hours of the day, you can undertake a sightseeing encounter in Kampala or Entebbe depending on the location of your hotel exploring sites of historical, economic, cultural, religious, political and educational significance.

Accommodation: Upmarket / Luxury: Kampala Sheraton Hotel / Lake Victoria Serena Resort Midrange / Standard: Cassia Lodge / Boma Hotel Budget / Basic: Airport Guesthouse / Carpe Diem / Buziga Country Resort

Day 2: Drive to Murchison Falls National Park. Explore The White Rhinos At Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Drive to Murchison Falls National Park 311km about 5 hours drive departing at 6:30am from Kampala. You enjoy the scenic landscapes of central Uganda including the flat stretches of Nakasongora with possible sights of Ankole long horned cows before approaching Nakitooma 115km from Kampala.

At this point, you branch off from the main road to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary 7km to the Headquarters. You undertake the walk in the Savannah thicket of Ziwa in search of the southern white Rhinos and this experience can take 1 – 2 hours from which you settle for lunch at Kabalega dinner before proceeding on the drive to Murchison. Arrive in the evening for relaxation, dinner and overnight

Accommodation: Luxury: Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge / Bakers Lodge Midrange: Murchison River Lodge

Day 3: Do Morning Game Drive, Afternoon Nile Launch Cruise And Hike to The Top of The Falls

After breakfast, you embark on the game drive in the rolling Savannah landscapes of Northern Murchison.

The encounter commences at 7am and can last 3 – 4 hours allowing you to explore the counts of wild game in detail.

The game drive offers you the possibility to explore the Big four namely the elephants, Buffaloes, lions and leopard.

The other wild game in Murchison that might be explored include Rothschild’s giraffes, hyenas, Jackson’s Hartebeest hartebeests, Deffasa waterbucks, bushbucks, oribi, Uganda Kobs among others.

Retreat from the activity to the lodge for relaxation and lunch after which you connect to Paraa Jetty for an afternoon Nile launch cruise.

The boat trip departs at 2:30pm and lasts 3 hours. On the waters of the Nile, you have chances of exploring aquatic species including the Nile crocodiles – world’s second largest reptile, Hippos, Water dwelling birds like the Shoebill stork along with land animals that draw to the river banks to quench their thirst.

Upon reaching the bottom of the falls, you embark on the hike to the top of the falls. The hike takes you through a challenging narrow path following the Nile River as crushes its head on the ancient impermeable rocks that have stood in its way for centuries past.

You enjoy the roaring sound of the Nile which is accompanied by a plume of spray and a trade mark rainbow.

The top of the falls features a nice scenic view impressive for photography. Connect with your driver guide on the top of the falls to connect to the lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Luxury: Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge / Bakers Lodge Midrange: Murchison River Lodge Budget / Basic: Heritage Safari Lodge / Tent @Fort Murchison

Day 4: Transfer to Kibale. Whole Day Drive Exploring The Scenic Countryside

After breakfast, embark on the drive to Kibale 441km about 9 hours drive passing through the verdant lush countryside including Masindi, Hoima, Kagadi before approaching Fort Portal.

You make a lunch stop in Hoima and while approaching Fort Portal, you are welcomed by the fabled mountains of the moon rising to 5,109m above sea level.

The towering palace building of the Kingdom of Tooro also presents an impressive scenic welcome in the backyard of Fort Portal town. Proceed to the lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Up market / Luxury: Primate Lodge / Ndali Lodge / Kyaninga Lodge Midrange / Standard: Chimpanzee Guesthouse / Kibale Forest Camp Budget / Basic: Rwenzori View Guesthouse / Tent @Kibale Forest Camp

Day 5: Undertake Chimpanzee Trekking in The Morning And Afternoon Bigodi Wetland Walk

After breakfast, gather at Kanyanchu Tourism Center to catch up for chimpanzee trekking briefing commencing at 8am.

The briefing is conducted by the Park rangers and can last about 30 minutes after which you head to the jungle in search of the man’s closest cousin – the Chimpanzee.

Besides the chimpanzees, Kibale National Park supports a count of 12 other species of primate including the Black and White colobus Monkeys, the Blue tailed Monkeys, L’Hoest’s Monkeys, the Olive Baboons among others.

The Park also features a count of 371 impressive tree species among which include the Warbughia Ugandensis and Parinari exelsa among other lovely flora.

Kibale is a home to 375 species of birds including the Green-breasted Pitta, Black Bee-eater, Crowned Eagle, Western Nicator, Little Greenbul, Red-chested Owlet, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, African Grey Parrot, Blue-breasted Kingfisher and Brown-chested Alethe among other species.

All these are at your disposal to explore once you are in the Chimpanzee forest. The Chimpanzee trekking tend to take 2 – 5 hours where you have opportunities to explore the Chimpanzees feeding, copulating, patrolling, make pant hooting calls among other interesting aspects about this brilliant apes.

The viewing experience is limited to one hour for purposes of conservation after which you return to the starting point to enjoy your packed lunch.

In the afternoon, you connect to Bigodi wetland for a thrilling wetland walk to stand chances of exploring the sanctuary’s lush flora, the 138 bird species including the Great Blue Turaco and the swamp wildlife like the Sitatunga.

The walk can be extended to explore the community including the home of the traditional healer after which you connect to lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight.

Accommodation Up market / Luxury: Primate Lodge / Ndali Lodge / Kyaninga Lodge Midrange / Standard: Chimpanzee Guesthouse / Kibale Forest Camp Budget / Basic: Rwenzori View Guesthouse / Tent @Kibale Forest Camp

Day 6: Drive to Semliki National Park & Undertake The Sempaya Nature Walk Exploring The Famous Hot Springs. In The Afternoon, Explore Amabere g’ Nnyinamwiru Caves And Hike The Fort Portal Crater Lake Field

Following breakfast at the lodge, you embark on the drive to Semliki National Park 78km from Kibale about 2 hours drive.

You are fronted by the scenic Rwenzori Mountain as you drive to Semliki. Upon arriving, you embark on the Semliki Nature walk traversing the lush jungle of Semliki which is a combination of East Africa and West African jungle with lovely flora, fauna including primates like Black and white colobus and counts of birds.

The Sempaya hot springs are a magical wonder of their own. The female hot spring Nyansimbi and the male hot spring Bitente are thrilling to the encounter.

The water at the female hit spring boil to over 100 degrees Celsius and can sprout to up to 2m high. You can boil some plantains and eggs for picnic experience.

The walk do not exceed 4 hours after which you retreat to the starting point and drive back to Fort Portal for lunch. In the afternoon, you embark on the tour to the Amabere Caves.

The Amabere are breast-like features with milky substance oozing from them to the ground. They are believed to be breasts of Nnyinamwiru the famous daughter of Bukuku who was a self enthroned King of the Bachwezi and tried to prevent her daughter from getting in contact with men as he had been foretold that the daughter’s child will overthrow him.

After listening to the story attached to these caves and enjoying the beautiful Nyakasura falls, you embark on the hike to the Fort Portal Crater field surrounded by the magic explosion crater lakes including Kigere among others.

The summit of Kyeganywa hill offers all round views of the area and the snow caped Rwenzori Mountains at a distance. Retreat from the experience and transfer to Fort Portal for relaxation, dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Upmarket / Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge Midrange / Standard: Mountains of the moon Hotel Budget / Basic: Rwenzori View Guesthouse

Day 7: Drive to Kasese on The Foothills of The Legendry Mountains of The Moon – Mount Rwenzori. Explore The Visit the Bunyangabu Bee Keepers, Ruboni Community Craft Village and Rwenzori Art foundation – The Only Bronze Casting Center in Africa

Following a relaxed breakfast at your lodge, you embark on the transfer to Kasese on the foot hills of the mountains of the moon.

This is day is dedicated to your encounter with the local people, the local developments that will enable you understand their way of life in detail.

You make a stop at Bunyangabu bee keepers to explore the local bee keeping process and the range of products that are extracted from them including the wax candles.

You proceed to visit the Rwenzori Art foundation – the only bronze casting center in Africa. Where a range of sculptures are viewed in the gallery and you can even participate in the casting process.

This is an experiential touch that will form an exciting part of your tour. From the art foundation, you embark on the Ruboni Community exploration.

Ruboni Community is a home to the Bakonjo that have lived in this place for over 300 years back. You explore the local way of life, the black smith, local housing, art and craft and music dance and drama. Retire for relaxation, dinner and overnight.

Accommodation Luxury: Upmarket / Luxury: Equator Snow Lodge Midrange / Standard: Ihamba Safari Lodge Budget / Basic: Ruboni Community Camp

Day 8: Undertake A Whole Day Hike To The Mount Rwenzori Exploring The Snow Capped Mountains of The Moon as Described By The Greek Geographer Ptolemy in 150AD And Transfer to Queen Elizabeth NP in The Evening

Embark on the hike to the legendary mountains of the moon departing at 8am from Nyakalengija ranger post.

The hike offers you the opportunity to explore the snow capped range whose one of its Six peaks – Margarita stands as the third highest on the African continent rising to 5,109m above sea level covered with permanent snow.

The elevated points offer you panoramic views of the Kasese town, Lakes George and Edward and the Savannah stretches of Queen Elizabeth National Park and Semliki Valley.

Retreat in the evening and transfer to Queen Elizabeth NP 72km about 1 – 2 hours drive for relaxation, dinner and overnight.

Accommodation Mweya Safari Lodge / Kyambura Game Lodge Midrange: Enganzi Lodge / Marafiki Safari Lodge Budget / Basic: Pumba Safari Cottages

Day 9: Do Game Drive in The Kasenyi Plains, Afternoon Kazinga Channel Launch Cruise And Evening Game Drive Along The Channel Track

Wake up for an early morning 3 – 4 hour game drive starting at 7am driving though the Kasenyi tracks where you will have chances of viewing a range of wildlife.

Some of these include; lions, elephants, Buffaloes, Antelopes, jackals, among others. You will marvel at them as they gather what to put in their stomachs and others taking a rest.

The Savannah landscape in which they thrive is an attraction in its self. Return to the lodge for relaxation till lunch time after which you will gather at Mweya for a launch cruise on Kazinga channel at 2:00pm.

The 2 hour launch cruise takes you through the offers of the 45m long Kazinga channel including impressive views of the Nile crocodiles, Hippos, abundant bird life and a range of wild game quenching their thirst along the channel waters.

Drive along the channel track exploring more game as you return to the lodge for relaxation and overnight.

Accommodation: Upmarket / Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge / Kyambura Game Lodge Midrange / Standard: Enganzi Game Lodge / Marafiki Safari Lodge Budget / Basic: Pumba Safari Cottages

Day 10: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Undertake An En-route Game Drive in Ishasha in Search of Tree Climbing Lions

Following breakfast at your respective lodge, embark on the drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park departing at 7am.

You make a stop in Ishasha sector to undertake an extensive game drive in search of the famous tree climbing lions.

The Ishasha sector is known to the home of these lions and its low lying tree branches presents a clear viewing opportunity than in other areas where similar lion behavior occurrences are known.

Proceed to arrive in Bwindi in the evening for relaxation, dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Upmarket / Luxury: Chameleon Hill Lodge / Buhoma Lodge Midrange / Standard: Gorilla Mist Camp / Gorilla Valley Lodge Budget / Basic: Broadbill Forest Camp Wild Camping

Day 11: Undertake Mountain Gorilla Trekking And Relax at The Lodge. Evening Batwa / Bakiga Traditional Performances At The Lodge

After a heavy breakfast, you gather at the respective gorilla trekking region headquarters for briefing at 8am by the Uganda Wildlife Authority Park rangers.

During this time, gorilla family allocation takes place and in case one has a special requirement, it would be ideal to raise it for possible consideration.

After this session, head to the jungle to search for the critically endangered apes in their natural habitat.

You hike the steep hills of Bwindi covered with dense forest cover, slope down the narrow valleys, cross streams and minor rivers while enjoying the impressive jungle sounds of birds and other wildlife as draw close to the gorillas.

The gentle giants treat you to a comfortable welcome. Enjoy the sight of the mighty silverback along with the black backs, the adult females and the youngsters that are so playful.

The encounter takes 2 – 8 hours inclusive of one hour of direct viewing. Retreat from the activity and connect back to the lodge for relaxation.

In the evening, you enjoy the group of traditional dancers from the local Batwa or the Bakiga tribal groups at the lodge.

Accommodation: Upmarket / Luxury: Chameleon Hill Lodge / Buhoma Lodge Midrange / Standard: Gorilla Mist Camp / Gorilla Valley Lodge Budget / Basic: Broadbill Forest Camp Wild Camping

Day 12: Transfer to Mgahinga National Park. Trek from Bwindi south to Kisoro via Lake Mutanda. Undertake a Canoe Paddle on Lake Mutanda And Coffee Plantations En-route

After a relaxed breakfast, drive to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. This transfer would involve walking and driving.

You traverse the fascinating hills that stand in the south of Bwindi fronted by the Virunga Volcanoes which is a chain of eight (8) mountains stretching from Democratic Republic of Congo through Rwanda to Uganda.

You take a canoe ride on Lake Mutanda exploring one of the lava dammed lakes in the region famous for its amazing sceneries.

The drive also involves another stop to explore the coffee plantations where you have an opportunity to learn about the coffee growing practices, harvesting and processing.

Proceed to arrive in Mgahinga in the evening for relaxation, dinner and overnight.

Accommodation Upmarket / Luxury: Mount Gahinga Lodge Midrange / Standard: Travellers Rest Kisoro Budget / Basic: Amajambere iwacu Community Camp Wild Camping

Day 13: Undertake Volcano Climbing / Golden Monkey Tracking/ Batwa Heritage Trail And Relax at The Lodge in The Evening

You connect to the Visitor Center at Ntebeko at 8am for the Volcano exploration. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offers a range of options ranging from golden monkey tracking to Volcano climbing, gorilla trekking and Batwa heritage trail exploration.

Thus you can choose between the heritage trail of the Batwa people who used to live in the forest with their main center at Ngarama cave inside the Park.

The encounter can allow you to explore the Batwa’s way of life, their food, medicine, shelter among other aspects when they were still in the forest.

Alternatively, you can hike any of the three volcanoes namely; Muhabura, Sabyinyo and Gahinga which can be done in one for the round trip.

The other option is exploring the endangered golden monkeys known to be thriving in the Virunga massif and Gishwati forest on a world scale.

The golden monkey encounter lasts 4 hours inclusive on one hour of direct viewing. Retreat from the activity and connect to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation Upmarket / Luxury: Mount Gahinga Lodge Midrange / Standard: Travellers Rest Kisoro Budget / Basic: Amajambere iwacu Community Camp Wild Camping

Day 14: Drive to Lake Bunyonyi via The Fascinating Kisoro – Kabale road. Do An Island Hopping Experience Along With a Boat Ride Exploring The Lake of a Thousand Islands

Following a relaxed breakfast, you drive to Lake Bunyonyi via the fascinating highlands of Kigezi creating the most scenic road section in Uganda.

The drive is 80km about 2 hours drive. Upon arrival at Lake Bunyonyi, you embark on the Island hopping experience to explore the main Islands out of the 29 Islands that form Lake Bunyonyi.

You can explore the Punishment Island known for its horrific past where pregnant girls would be dumped and left to die.

The Bushara Island with good eucalyptus forest, Kyahugye Island which a resort Island with wildlife and birds and Njuyera Island which is the historical leprosy treatment centre coupled with a boat ride on Lake Bunyonyi – the second deepest lake in Africa presents a rich magical experience. You will rest for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation Upmarket / Luxury: Birdnest @Lake Bunyonyi Resort Midrange / Standard: Lake Bunyonyi Eco resort Budget / Basic: Byoona Amagara Island Retreat Resort Camping

Day 15: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park. Make a stop at Igongo Cultural Center For Traditional Lunch And Do An Evening Game Drive

After breakfast, undertake a sun rise boat ride on Lake Bunyonyi – the lake of a thousand Islands enjoying amazing scenic views of the lake and its Islands amidst the fascinating Kigezi Highlands.

After this encounter, you embark on the transfer to Lake Mburo National Park 199km about 4 hours drive.

You enjoy the rolling landscapes of Kigezi and Ntungamo before approaching Mbarara town and Igongo Cultural Center 12km past Mbarara for traditional lunch.

You can take an optional tour of the Museum exploring the heritage of all tribes of south western Uganda. Proceed for 45km to reach Lake Mburo National Park for an evening game drive offering you possibilities of exploring the savannah game on the sun set.

The views of Giraffes, Impala, Topis, Zebra, Warthogs, Buffaloes, water bucks among others may thrill you in the very evening. Retire for relaxation, dinner and overnight

Accommodation: Upmarket / Luxury: Mihingo Safari Lodge Midrange / Standard: Rwakobo Rock Budget / Basic: Eagles Nest Wild Camping

Day 16: Undertake a Morning Game Walking Safari And Drive Back to Kampala

After breakfast, embark on the game walking safari commencing at Rwonyo Tourism Center at 7am. You are accompanied by an armed ranger guide who will give you a themed interpretation of the verdant flora and fauna that would cross your eyes.

Exploring the range of wild game including the Rothschild giraffes, the Deffassa water bucks, populations of Burchells Zebra, the Impala antelope among other species on foot would be amazing.

The walk in the savannah as you see the sun rising over it is another memorable experience. Retreat from the 2 hour experience and embark on the transfer to Kampala.

A Stop at Uganda Equator crossing Kayabwe for amazing photo shoots & water experiments that justify the geographical divide between the north and southern hemisphere would be amazing to encounter. You can also secure a souvenir to take home from the craft shops at the site.

End of The 16 Days Uganda Primate Safari Wildlife Adventure Uganda Culture Safari

Safari Inclusions

• Gorilla Permit (for gorilla trekking safaris)
• Chimpanzee Permit (for chimpanzee trekking safaris)
• Full Board Accommodation on Safari
• Transportation in either 4X4 Safari Van or 4X4 Safari Land Cruiser all with Pop up roof & AC
• Fuel
• Professional English Speaking driver guide. Any other foreign language speaking guide can be arranged on request.
• Entrance fees to the tourist sites including Protected areas mentioned
• Activity fees of the tourist activities mentioned
• Bottled water while on safari
• Border crossing fees (for cross border safaris)

Safari Exclusions

• General tips for the driver guide, site guides and service staff at the lodges
• Laundry Services
• Other Beverages / drinks of personal nature like Alcohol
• International Flights (Arranged on request)
• Domestic Flights (Arranged on request)
• Visas
• Optional Activity fees
• Other extras not mentioned in the Itinerary
• Airport Transfer (Arranged on request)
• Accommodation in Kampala or Kigali unless it is part of the Itinerary (Arranged on request)