20 Days Relaxed Uganda Primates Tour

This thrilling Uganda Round Trip focuses on visiting Gorillas, Chimpanzees and Golden Monkeys combined with safaris. We designed this trip as a relaxed tour, where you stay in some regions for even 3 nights.

The tour can start at any date of your choice and includes the Shoebill Boat Safari, walking safari with Rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Murchison Falls NP with Nile Falls Boat Safari in a private boat and the Nile Delta Boat Safari, Kibale with Chimpanzee Tracking, Queen Elizabeth with game drives and Kazinga Channel Boat Safari, Bwindi with Gorilla Tracking and Mgahinga with Golden Monkey Tracking or an optional second Gorilla Tracking, Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Mburo with walking safari.

In the months April, May and November the Primate Permits are reduced.

Highlights

• Shoebill Boat in Mabamba Swamps
• Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary with Rhino Walking Safari
• Murchison Falls NP with Game drives and 2 Nile Boat Safaris
• Kibale Forest NP: with Bigodi Wetland Walking Safari and Chimp tracking
• Queen Elizabeth National Park: Game Drives and Kazinga Channel Boat Safari
• Buhoma with Batwa and Pangoline Rescue Center
• Bwindi: Gorilla Tracking in Rushaga
• Boat Safari Lake Mutanda
• Mgahinga NP: Golden Monkey Tracking or a second Gorilla Tracking
• Lake Bunyonyi with Boattrip
• Lake Mburo National Park with Walking Safari

Day by Day Program

Day 1 & 2 – Entebbe

The moment you've been waiting for has finally arrived: Your Uganda safari begins. Entebbe and its international airport offer a wonderful introduction to this country full of natural treasures. The airport is practically surrounded by the waters of Africa's largest lake, and the jungle-like surroundings of the city give it a special atmosphere. You can already encounter vervet monkeys and observe fantastic birds here in Entebbe – fish eagles and ibises circle screeching, and turacos chatter in the trees.

• After arrival: Transfer upon arrival to Tilapia Lodge arranged by our shuttle driver and the Tilapia Speed Boat. He will pick you up at the airport with a sign of your name. His taxi takes you to Nakiwogo landing site, where the speed boat is waiting for you.
• Morning: Relax in the Lodge, Tilapia Lodge by Entebbe and enjoy the Nature at the shores of Lake Victoria.
• Shoebill Boat Safari and outdoor activity advices: Our boat guide will pick you at the Guesthouse shortly before 1 pm. After a short walk you reach the boat which takes you over the lake to the Mabamba Swamps, a Ramsar wetland whose prolific birdlife includes the eagerly sought shoebill. There you change to a smaller boat. Please apply enough sun lotion - very important, come with a rain poncho in your backpack and wear a hat. Clothes can be leisure, like shorts and sandals depending on temperatures. Use the toilet before you start! The boat trip will last 3-4 hours. Following applies to all outdoor activities in Uganda: • apply sun protection even when it's cloudy, • have your rain poncho with you, even when the sun is shining, • go with a hat or cap • do not forget to take enough water water with you • early morning and towards evening apply insect repellent! • walking safaris: long trousers, closed shoes and trousers inside the socks (ANTS!)

Accommodation: Tilapia Lodge by Entebbe — Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3 – Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch

The thrilling opportunity to track rhinos on foot is the main attraction of Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch, a non-profit organization that protects 7,000ha of dense African bush also inhabited by a wide variety of antelope, small mammals and birds. Starting with six animals relocated from outside Uganda in 2005–6, the white rhinos of Ziwa have now bred up to more than 40 individuals. The long-term plan is to reintroduce rhinos into national parks where they are now locally extinct, but for now, Ziwa is the only place in Uganda where you can see Africa's second-bulkiest land mammal in the wild.

• After Breakfast: Transfer by Road, Entebbe to Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch Transfer time; about 4-5 hours
• Stop at the Pinapple and Fruit Market in Luwero Luwero is the best area for pineapples and other fruits in Uganda. You might stop here, take pictures and ask your guide to buy some fruits for you. These can be used for lunch picnic stops, but as well the lodges can prepare them for you without any extra charge.
• Optional Guided nature walk in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. As it can be very hot in Ziwa, sometimes there is not much to be seen. Our Tipp is to decide on ground, if you would like to relax at the pool or to go for a walk. As there are some waterholes in the Chalet and Pool Area, the animals will come later in the afternoon and during the night. Means this walk can be easily skipped.

Accommodation: Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch - Chalets — Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4 to 6 – Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls National Park is situated at the end of the Albertine Rift Valley and it is Uganda’s oldest and largest safari park. Murchison is located 305 kilometers north of Kampala in Masindi District and can be accessed by road or flights. Murchison Falls National park was first gazetted as a wildlife reserve in 1926 and is home to 76 different mammal species and 451 birds. Murchison Falls Conservation Area is made up of Bugungu, Karuma wildlife reserves and Murchison Falls National Park. Murchison Falls National park is bisected by the Victoria Nile, which plunges 45m over the remnant valley wall, creating the dramatic falls, the park’s unique attraction and the final event in an 80km stretch of rapids. The mighty cascade drains the last of the river's energy, transforming it into a broad, placid stream that flows quietly across the rift valley floor into Lake Albert. This stretch of river provides one of Uganda's most remarkable wildlife spectacles.

• At about 8 am: Rhino walking safari, Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch - please wear long trousers, closed shoes and put your trouser ends inside the socks, that the ants cannot attack you. Come with a hat, enough sun protection and water.
• Transfer by Road, Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch to Murchison Falls National Park Transfer time; about 2-3 hours
• Visit View Point Top of Murchison Falls The Top of the Falls viewpoint is one of the park's highlights. Sturdy shoes are recommended, as it can be muddy and slippery.
• Early Morning: Early Morning Game Drive, Murchison Falls National Park You set off at dawn and are excited to see the animal world awaken. In the morning, it can be chilly in the car with the roof open. Please remember to bring a scarf and a thin jacket.
• You return to the lodge for a short lunch break
• Boat Safari on the Nile to Murchison Falls. A diverse range of wildlife awaits you on the banks and in the water, and at the end, you'll see the Murchison Falls from below. This Boat Safari is booked as a seat on the big boat not in a small private boat.
• At 7 am: Nile Delta Cruise – We have planned the next boat trip to the Nile Delta on Lake Albert for you at 7 a.m. A 4-hour boat trip begins with the sunrise over the Nile. Again there are many mammals and birds to see. The morning sun is ideal for great photos. With luck you might even spot the rare shoebill in the Delta.
• You return to the lodge for a short lunch break
• Afternoon Game Drive in Murchison Falls NP. Enjoy your first encounter with the wild in best afternoon light. The park offers lots of animals and with luck you can complete the spotting of the big five within 24 hours.
• Canopy Walk at Sambiya River Lodge The lodge offers a canopy walk and some other activities as Zip Lining and Giant Swing in the forest and at the river around the lodge.
• Relax at the pool, Sambiya River Lodge

Accommodation: Sambiya River Lodge — Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7 to 9 – Kibale National Park

Today, you continue to the prime chimpanzee country of Kibale National Park. This immense forest is renowned for its rich diversity of primates, but it is chimps – humankind's closest genetic relative – that top the wish list of most visitors. On a good day in Kibale, you might also see half-a-dozen different monkey species, including the extremely localized Uganda mangabey. Other attractions include a bird checklist of 370 species, a kaleidoscopic variety of butterflies, and a scattering of beautiful crater lakes.

• Early Morning optional: Today you can choose these options: OPTION 1 - Either an Early Morning Game Drive, Murchison Falls National Park You set off at dawn and are excited to see the animal world awaken. In the morning, it can be chilly in the car with the roof open. Please remember to bring a scarf and a thin jacket. OR Option 2 you start after a relaxed breakfast to Kibale and have your activity there.
• Transfer by Road, Murchison Falls National Park to Kibale National Park either after Breakfast or after Game Drive Transfer time; about 6-7hours
• Option 2 after arrival in Kibale Guided Nature and Birding Walk at Ensiko Primates Lodge Kibale At Ensiko we invite you for a free of charge guided nature walk around the lodge where you can spot plenty of birds, black colobus monkeys, mangabeys, red tailed monkeys and more or you can choose to stay in your room and watch them from your balcony.
• After Breakfast: Guided Walk, Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary After breakfast, you will walk through the Bigodi Wetlands to see monkeys, birds and a diverse range of flora. Be careful, it can get muddy and wobbly, the "walkways" often consist of loose boards laid over the muddy areas. If you are lucky, you will see red or black and white colobus monkeys and the stately blue turacos.
• Local Lunch at TINKA For lunch today we are organising a typical Ugandan meal at Tinka's in Bigodi. A selection of delicious dishes with explanations of Ugandan food traditions awaits you.
• Chimpanzee Tracking, Kibale National Park The highlight of the day comes at around 2 p.m. You walk into the rainforest with a ranger in search of our closest relatives, the chimpanzees. Good hiking boots, a rain poncho, a face mask and drinking water should be part of the basic equipment here, as well as a camera. Since the chimpanzees are visited in the morning, your ranger knows roughly where the animals are and chimpanzees often give themselves away with their loud roars. As soon as you have found the great apes, they can spend an hour with you. They are used to human visitors and are not disturbed by our presence. After an hour, you return to civilization.
• Visit some community activities in Bigodi depending on the time, you can join these either after Bigodi Walking Safari or after the Chimps Tracking. You have these options: a women cooperative weaving baskets, ⁠the Banana Man, explaining for what bananas are used in Uganda, the coffee experience from the plant to the cup.
• All Day: You can choose several options for this Day in or near Kibale Forest NP • a day trip to near by Semuliki NP with its Hot Springs and Birding areas • a birding day in and around Kibale Forest NP • Hiking some Crater Lakes • visit a Tea Plantation, a Farm or a school • relax around the Lodge
• OPTION 1 Day Tour to Semuliki NP with a short walk through a forest patch alive with birds and monkeys takes us to the palm-fringed Sempaya Hot Springs, which spout up to 2m into the air. You can combine it with an optional guided birding walk in Semuliki NP (this comes with an extra fee)
• OPTION 2 BIRDING in Kibale National Park and its surrounding areas is a premier birding destination. Ranging from dense tropical rainforest to swamp and woodland habitats, the park hosts everything from Albertine Rift endemics to vibrant forest birds and migrants. The park is just a must not miss spot for all bird lovers on Uganda birding tours! Kibale Forest National Park is home to over 370 bird species according to UWA statistics. However, researchers have found about 602 bird species in Kibale Forest, most being forest birds of Uganda. These include the rare Green Breasted Pitta– one of the most sought-after birds for birders on Uganda safari holidays. For a memorable encounter, birding in Kibale Forest normally starts early morning by around 7 am.
• OPTION 3 to 5 • Hiking some Crater Lakes • Visit a Tea Plantation, a farm or a school • Relax and enjoy nature from the balcony of your cottage or our guide takes you around Ensiko to see different animal and bird species near the lodge.

Accommodation: Ensiko Primates Lodge Kibale — Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10 & 11 – Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park (QE NP) is located in western Uganda. It was established in 1952 and was named in honor of Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain during a visit to the Commonwealth country. The park covers an area of approximately 2000 square km and borders Lake Edward and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west, separated from it by the Ishasha River, and the Rwenzori Mountains to the north. Parts of the park lie in the districts of Kasese, Rubirizi, Rukungiri, and Bushenyi. The elevation above sea level ranges from 1,000 to 1,300 m, rising to 5,110 m in the Rwenzori Mountains. Annual rainfall varies from 700 mm in Mweya, in the center of the park, to 1,250 mm in the north and in the Maramagambo Forest. The best-accessible area is around the Kazinga Channel. The Kazinga Channel flows gently from Lake George in the east to Lake Edward in the west of the national park. Boat trips along this natural waterway offer excellent opportunities to observe hippos and pelicans, as well as migratory birds that spend the European winter here.

• After Breakfast: Transfer by Road, Ensiko Primates Lodge Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park Transfer time; about 3 hours net driving time
• Boat Safari, Kazinga Channel from Mweya to Lake Edward We have once again organised a wonderful boat trip for you. This time on the Kazinga Channel from Mweya half peninsula to Lake Edward. Many animals on the banks and hundreds of pied kingfishers, nesting in the cliffs along the banks will be spotted. A dreamlike scenery awaits you.
• With this late afternoon game drive we try to give you the opportunity to spot lions and leopards. The big cats often doze in the heat of the day, hidden in bushes or tall grass, and start to become active towards evening.
• Early Morning optional: In Queen Elizabeth National Park, your early morning game drive gets you close to the wildlife when they’re most active, and the landscapes are at their most beautiful.
• Lion and leopard tracking, Queen Elizabeth National Park A highlight in Queen Elizabeth National Park is lion tracking with the rangers. The big advantage is that you can drive off-road. If you're lucky, you'll get up close to the impressive big cats and even spot a leopard. This project has the background to save the lions and leopards in this region. The park here is a mixture between National Park and communities with farmers. Researchers track the animals to prevent them from getting too close to farmers. The money paid for this activity goes partly to the project and partly to the community to compensate them for the damage and losses caused by lions and leopards.
• You return to the lodge for a short lunch break
• With this late afternoon game drive we try to give you the opportunity to spot lions and leopards. The big cats often doze in the heat of the day, hidden in bushes or tall grass, and start to become active towards evening.
• Visit Katwe Flamingos, Queen Elizabeth National Park

Accommodation: Acacia Wilderness Mweya — Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 12 – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Today you enter Bwindi, the Home of the most Ugandan Gorilla Families. But before your Gorilla Tracking takes place we take you to some special activities around Bwindi. By traveling around from the north western part of Bwindi to Rushaga, the southern gate of Bwindi, you will get an impression of the size and the landscape of this remaining gorilla habitat.

• After early breakfast: Transfer Game Drive As Acacia Lodge is located inside Queen Elizabeth National Park, you start this morning with your luggage to a last Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth Park on your way to Buhoma.
• Transfer by Road, Queen Elizabeth National Park to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Transfer time; about 4-5 hours
• Visit the Pangolin Rescue Project Today, there is the opportunity to visit pangolins at the Pangolin Rescue Center. This is a project run by a former ranger to rescue pangolins, which are often mistaken for snakes and killed by rural populations. Years ago, he began educating people and taking injured or frightened animals for a few days, nursing them back to health, monitoring them, and, as soon as possible, releasing them deep into the forest, far from civilization. We cannot guarantee this visit, as it is never certain whether pangolins will be present. Your guide will inquire a few days in advance about whether there are any pangolins at the center and will announce your visit.

Accommodation: Buhoma Gorilla Camp — Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 13 & 14 – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Supporting almost half the world's mountain gorillas, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is arguably the best place anywhere in the world to track these charismatic gentle giants through their misty forest home. But there is far more to this Unesco World Heritage Site than just gorillas. The lush forest interior is also home to a diversity of other mammals, ranging from L’Hoest’s monkey and chimpanzee to elephant and the yellow-backed duiker. A total of 350 bird species, 23 of which are unique to the Albertine Rift Valley, ensure that Bwindi ranks among East Africa's most rewarding bird-watching destinations. The fees for gorilla tracking are largely used to preserve the mountain gorillas' habitat - to finance the staff, the gorilla doctors, research projects, and support for the local population to prevent further forest clearing for their needs. A small portion goes to wildlife conservation in other national parks that receive few visitors and therefore hardly any income.

• After Breakfast: Buhoma Community Tour and Batwa Experience We planned for you an easy community walk, during which Batwa traditions are demonstrated and explained and if you want as well a coffee- and / or banana-gin experience is offered. The Batwa are a pygmy people who used to inhabit the gorilla forest.This stop in Buhoma gives you the opportunity to drive around most of Bwindi National Park and pass by two or three gorilla gates: Buhoma, Ruhija (and Rushaga). It will give you an impression about the extension of Ugandas biggest Gorilla habitat.
• Transfer by Road, Buhoma Gorilla Camp to Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge Transfer time; about 5 to 7 hours
• Morning to possibly afternoon: Important for gorilla tracking: good waterproof hiking boots, gaiters if necessary, muted colors, long pants and sleeves, gardening gloves, sunscreen, and rain gear. A briefing by the rangers begins at 7:30 a.m. and includes a cultural performance. Afterwards, visitors are divided into groups of up to eight people, each visiting a gorilla family. Our clients are usually back at the lodge between 1 and 3 p.m. at the latest. The ranger trackers go into the forest early in the morning in groups of three people and begin searching for the gorillas, starting from the sleeping areas where the apes were abandoned the previous evening. A ranger and two security guards set out with their group of visitors after the briefing. There will be frequent breaks along the way, as the trail includes steep uphill and downhill sections, often on the elephant trails, which can be slippery depending on the weather. To ensure a safe and relaxed arrival at the gorillas, we recommend booking a porter/supporter. Young women and men from the surrounding, very poor communities accompany the visitors, carry their backpacks, and provide support in difficult areas. A helping hand on steep, slippery terrain, when balancing over streams, and in muddy areas can be very helpful. Once you reach "your" gorillas, your magic hour begins. These mighty animals are unbothered by us humans. It is incredibly fascinating to observe the mighty gorillas so closely and in their natural habitat. Their mostly leisurely but powerful movements, their interactions, their facial expressions. You almost feel like you can read their emotions on their faces. What an experience! After an hour, you must bid a heavy hearted farewell to these impressive great apes. The trackers stay in the forest—they accompany the gorillas until they prepare their night camp—and then receive their tips in the forest, with the ranger and security guards receiving their tips at the end when they hand over their certificates. The happy visitors take the shortest route out of the beautiful rainforest with their ranger, the security rangers, and the porters and return to civilization.

Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge — Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 15 & 16 – Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park sits on Uganda's southwestern border, where three volcanic peaks rise dramatically from the landscape. The park protects part of the Virunga Mountains, a range that reaches 4,127m at its highest point and stretches across Uganda, Rwanda, and the Congo. This is one of only four places in the world where mountain gorillas roam through dense bamboo forests and rainforest. We might also encounter golden monkeys, a rare primate found only in this region. The park covers just 33 square kilometers, making it Uganda's smallest national park, but the terrain varies significantly from the entrance to the volcanic summits. Buffalo and bushbuck live here too, along with colorful high-altitude birds like the Rwenzori turaco. The views are striking, with volcanic cones visible from miles away and lakes Mutanda and Mulehe below the approach road.

• After Breakfast: Transfer by Road, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Transfer time; about 2-3 hours
• Lunch with Samosas or a local lunch buffet in Kisoro, Serena Magadir Kisoro
• After Lunch you can enjoy a perfect brewed local coffee or tea at the Coffee Pot Cafe Kisoro
• During a boat trip on Lake Mutanda, weather permitting, you'll have the best views of the impressive volcanic mountains Muhabura, Gahinga, and Sabinyo. At the summit of the latter, you'll be standing in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo simultaneously. There are good chances to see and photograph otters and native waterfowl., especially the long tailed cormorant, which can be best spotted here. While this boat tour isn't nearly as spectacular as Kazinga Channel or Nile boat safaris, it's still worth it, especially for its scenic beauty.
• Morning: Golden Monkey Tracking, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park The tracking begins with an early morning briefing. Then, as with gorilla or chimpanzee tracking, you'll head off with a ranger guide and security rangers to the Bamboo Zone of the Volcanoes, home to the golden monkeys. Here, too, porters (or support porters) can be booked. Given the terrain, this isn't quite as necessary as in Bwindi, but one porter for every two or four visitors is recommended.
• Instead of Golden Monkey tracking you have the chance to book a second Gorilla Tracking in Mgahinga.

Accommodation: Imbogo Safari Lodge — Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 17 – Lake Bunyonyi

Lake Bunyonyi, nestled in Uganda, is a serene valley bordered by steep green hills stretching 25km from north to south. This freshwater lake, dotted with 29 islands, offers a tranquil escape. The name means "Place of Little Birds," and it is home to many colorful species. Otters are also common, often seen swimming past while resting on the shore. Unlike most African lakes, Bunyonyi has no hippos or crocodiles, making it a safe environment. The peaceful atmosphere, combined with the lush surroundings and diverse wildlife, creates a unique and serene experience.

• After Breakfast: Transfer by Road, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park to Lake Bunyonyi Transfer time; about 3 hours
• View Point Lake Bunyonyi A short detour to the best Lake Bunyonyi View Point is recommendable. The access is only possible inside Arcadia Lodge. Enjoy a coffee or a soda on their terrace and get the best impressions and pictures of the most beautiful lake in East Africa.
• Afternoon guided boat tour on the lake with various possibilities: as short hikings, Health Center Visit, bird watching. You can as well book different activities at the climbing park with ZIP lines or try to use a dugout canoe.

Accommodation: BirdNest Resort — Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 18 – Lake Mburo National Park

From today we're heading back toward Entebbe. But first, we're planning our last game drives in Lake Mburo National Park. Lake Mburo National Park belongs to the ancient Ankole Kingdom and is conveniently located halfway between Kampala and the Gorilla Highlands in southwest Uganda. The park is a small but beautiful savannah park. It's the only place on your trip where you'll find zebras and impalas, as well as giraffes, buffalo, eland, and many beautiful birds.

• After Breakfast: Market Visit , Lake Bunyonyi On Mondays and Fridays there is a market with a special atmosphere at the shores of the Lake as sells and buyers approach the market by boat. We always include a guided market visit these days.
• Transfer by Road, Lake Bunyonyi to Lake Mburo National Park Transfer time; about 4-5 hours
• Lunch at Kigarama Lodge, Kigarama Wilderness Lodge
• Afternoon Game Drive, Lake Mburo National Park

Accommodation: Kigarama Wilderness Lodge — Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 19 – Entebbe

Your Uganda round trip comes to an end. Today you will return to Entebbe.

But before you start we planned a last exciting safari activity for you. A guided game drive combined with a walking safari.

• Early Morning: Walking Safari In Lake Mburo best time as early as possible in the morning: We organised one game drive as walking safari guided by a park ranger for you. This means as soon as a herd is spotted, you leave behind the vehicle and guided by the ranger you walk among the animals. Don't worry, it's safe and an amazing experience to be so close to the animals. Giraffes, in particular, offer a whole new perspective.
• Transfer by Road, Lake Mburo National Park to Entebbe Transfer time; about 5 to 6 hours
• Photostop at Equator Memorial East
• Visit a traditional Drum Manufacturer On the last leg of the journey before Kampala/Entebbe, you'll pass an area home to many traditional drum manufacturers. They're always happy to welcome visitors, explain the purely manual manufacturing process, and are even happy to host a small drum session with guests and guides. As usual, the event is free for anyone who purchases something; otherwise, a donation is expected.

Accommodation: Secrets Guest House — Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 20 – The end of your safari with us

Your time with us on safari in Uganda comes now to an end, but we hope to have given you many fantastic memories that will live on long after you've returned home. Travel home safely, and we hope to see you again.

• TBD: Transfer by Road, Secrets Guest House to Entebbe International Airport Transfer time; about 15 to 20 Minutes

Fully customisable

This trip is fully customisable to your preferences and can be booked as a private trip as well as a group trip. We offer accommodation packages from budget midrange to superior midrange; luxury and high-end lodges are available on request.