Primates of Uganda

Day 1: Entebbe Arrival

Upon arrival in Entebbe, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Overnight Admas Hotel Entebbe or similar. No meals or excursions included today.

Day 2: Ziwa Rhino Tracking - Murchison Falls

The day begins with a drive to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. The sanctuary is home to around 41 southern white rhinos which were reintroduced after their extinction in the 1970s through poaching. A local ranger guide will lead you on foot to an up-close encounter with the rhinos and it may take about 1 and half hours. After lunch at the sanctuary continue to Murchison Falls National Park arriving at your lodge late afternoon. Overnight: Murchison River Lodge or similar (BLD)

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Located north of Kampala in the Nakasongola district of Uganda, The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the only place in the country with wild rhinos. Currently home to twenty two southern white rhinos, the sanctuary offers rhino trekking, shoebill trekking, canoeing, bird watching, and night walks. Visitors may also spot a range of other species including Uganda kobs, oribis, bush bucks, and water bucks. The prehistoric-looking shoebill stork is one of the most sought after birds in Uganda, and the sanctuary is one of the only places where they can almost always be seen. Visitors can see over 300 bird species along bird trails through the woodlands, swamp and savannah.

Murchison Falls National Park

Uganda’s largest protected area and dissected by the Victoria Nile, Murchison Falls is named after its magnificent waterfall, caused by the Nile forcing its way through a narrow gap in the rocks, which in turn was named after Sir Roderick Murchison, president of the Royal Geographical Society at the time that they were ‘discovered’. Wildlife here suffered greatly during Uganda’s succession of bloody conflicts in the 1970’s and 1980’s, with various armies slaughtering game to either eat or sell, and during this time many animals, including rhino, became extinct. Today numbers are recovering and Murchison Falls has good numbers of elephant, lion and buffalo, among other species. Other animals to be found here are giraffe, various species of antelope including waterbuck and bushbuck, leopard, hyena and chimpanzees in the Rabongo Forest. The birdlife here is even greater, with approximately 460 species being recorded in the park, including the shoebill stork.

 Day 3: Murchison Falls National Park – Game drive and the falls

An early start for a game drive on the northern bank of the River Nile in your open-roof vehicle which will give you an excellent opportunity to view and photograph the diverse wildlife. Species may include elephant, lion, cape buffalo, Roth child’s giraffe, hartebeest, waterbuck, oribi, bushbuck, bohor reed buck, hyena and if you are lucky, the leopard. After lunch, cruise upstream the calm Victoria Nile to the base of the falls stopping just few of meters from the ‘Devil’s Cauldron’, marvel at the schools of hippos, crocodiles and over the 17km stretch you may see elephant, waterbuck and Uganda Kob. This is also an area with prolific birdlife, species such as goliath heron, Egyptian goose, pelican bee-eater, kingfisher, hornbill, cormorant and the rare shoebill stork. Continue to the top of the falls, and admire the amazing views where the Nile -world's longest river explodes violently through a narrow cleft in the Rift Valley escarpment to plunge into a frothing pool 43m below. Later, return to your lodge. Overnight at Murchison River Lodge or similar (BLD)

Day 4: Murchison Falls - Kibale National Park (approx. 6 hours’ drive)

Drive south to Fort Portal, past big tea plantations and arrive in Fort Portal town in time for lunch (own expense). The fort may be gone, but this town is definitely a portal to places that offer sublime scenery, abundant nature and genuine adventure. Fort Portal is the heartland of a verdant tea-growing area and an important commercial centre. Upon arrival, visit the Toro King’s palace to learn about the culture of the Batooro and also visit the burial grounds of their kings to understand more on the traditional leadership in Uganda. Learn how they name petty names, and probably get one yourself. Toro Kingdom is one of the few surviving kingdoms in Uganda with the youngest king. Overnight: Chimpundu Lodge or similar (BD)

Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking - Queen Elizabeth National Park (approx. driving 2-3 hours)

After breakfast enjoy one of the highlights of the trip, the Chimpanzee tracking experience in Kibale Forest National Park which is reputed to have the greatest variety and highest concentration of primates in East Africa. With an expert guide, walk in the tropical rainforest in search of the wild chimpanzees, red-tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys and many others. Although chimp sightings are not guaranteed, visitors stand a very good chance of hearing and seeing our distant cousins as they gloom and bond with one another, a sight never to be forgotten. After spending the morning searching for these beautiful animals, head back to the lodge for lunch. This afternoon we take a scenic drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Overnight Buffalo Safari Lodge or similar (BLD)

Please note that long sleeves and trousers and robust walking shoes/boots are recommended in Kibale Forest.

Kibale Forest and Chimp Tracking

Bordering Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale Forest is one of the best places in all of Africa to see chimpanzees in the wild. In addition to chimps it is also home to another twelve primate species, with around sixty mammal species in total, including lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and the giant forest hog although these tend to be difficult to see. The chimpanzees here are habituated to the presence of humans, and although sightings are not guaranteed, the chances of encountering them are good. Closely related to humans, chimpanzees live in large communities headed up by an alpha male. Although they eat mainly fruit, there have been cases of them hunting monkeys in groups as well as using tools to catch termites. Once widely spread throughout Africa, their habitat has been reduced by deforestation and the encroachment of human settlements, and chimpanzees can now be found in twenty-one countries. 

Day 6: Queen Elizabeth NP and Lake Katwe Community Visit

After breakfast, drive through looking for game with the impressive Rwenzori Mountains as a spectacular backdrop. After lunch at the lodge, cruise on the Kazinga Channel, to view buffalo, hippo and other animals at the edge of the channel as they cool off. European migratory birds, including flocks of terns and gulls can also be seen in the area. We visit Lake Katwe community before heading back to the lodge for the evening. Overnight Buffalo Safari Lodge or similar (BLD)

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is almost two thousand square kilometres in size, pressed up against the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mostly made up of savannah grassland, it also contains forest, swamp and lakes. Almost 100 mammal species and a remarkable 606 bird species makes this superb safari territory, with elephant, a profusion of hippos, the elusive giant forest hog and handsome Ugandan Kob all regularly sighted around the Mweya Peninsula. This boasts a marvellous waterfront setting in the shadow of the Rwenzori Mountains. Like Murchison Falls, the park’s wildlife declined dramatically in the 1970’s and 80’s but is now on the increase once more.

Day 7: Queen Elizabeth National Park - Chimpanzee Tracking – Kyambura Gorge

After breakfast, transfer to Kyambura Gorge a few minutes’ drive away from the lodge for a briefing before starting your Chimpanzee trek. Afterwards return to the lodge for lunch afternoon at leisure or you may wish to take an afternoon game drive. Overnight Buffalo Safari Lodge or similar (BLD)

Day 8: Ishasha Game Drive (Climbing Lions) - Bwindi National Park

After breakfast, have a scenic short drive (approx. 2 hours) to the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park famous for the tree climbing lions. Upon arrival, enjoy a game drive where you may have a chance at seeing these infamous animals that this area is known for. The lions climb up the Candelabra trees running away from the hot ground during dry seasons and the small ants that bite them. On the tree branches as they hang, they also get to rest from their hunt and spy for more prey. Whilst driving through the savannah plains you will spot other wildlife like elephants and a good number of birds. This region offers a feeling that you are on that safari just by yourself, enjoying this pristine African Ugandan nature. Afterwards travel onwards to Bwindi (approx. 4-5 hours’ drive). Overnight Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge or similar (BLD)

Day 9: Bwindi National Park - Gorilla Trekking

Today, tick off gorilla tracking from your bucket list! With gorilla permits included in your package, along with a guide and porters who will carry your shoulder pack, set off to the thick forest in search of gorillas. The terrain can be difficult, with steep slopes covered in dense vegetation that gives the park its name. In addition, the altitude of up to 1600m a means participants do need to be reasonably fit. The time taken to track the gorillas will vary enormously, from as little as half an hour to as much as 8-9 hours before returning to camp but coming face to face with these amazing primates will reward you. For those not wishing to participate, you are welcome to relax at the lodge and enjoy the day at leisure. Overnight Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge or similar (BLD)

Please note that long sleeves and trousers and robust walking boots are recommended in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Gorilla Tracking

Deep in the heart of central Africa, the volcanic mountains that straddle the border of Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo are home to the last surviving mountain gorillas in the wild. Numbering roughly 650 in total, the population has dwindled due to pressure of a shrinking habitat, poaching, and the effects of war in the Congo and Rwanda. Today numbers appear to be stabilising, but the gorillas are still seriously endangered. Actually tracking the gorillas is an adventure in itself and can take all day. Please ensure you have the right hiking boots and clothing, are reasonably fit and able to walk in challenging terrain. Sightings are not guaranteed, although chances are good. Sitting high in the dripping forests just a few yards away from a family of mountain gorillas is a truly remarkable experience. Watching them feed is to feel an extraordinary bond with these hugely powerful creatures – the fact that they will calmly tolerate a group of humans nearby is a testament to their placid nature, and it engenders an extraordinary feeling of trust. At times it is easy to see how closely related we are, but you are always aware that you are in the presence of a group of completely wild animals; a knowledge that fills you with awe.

Day 10: Mbarara – Lake Mburo National Park

After breakfast we head to Lake Mburo National Park. En route we stop at Mbarara City or ‘land of the milk’ where we have lunch. Continue to Mburo National Park for an evening boat cruise on the famous Lake Mburo, known for rewarding wildlife such as crocodiles, antelopes, different bird species especially the famous African fin foot, which is quite often spotted here! Overnight Kigarama Wilderness Lodge or similar (BLD)

Lake Mburo National Park

Situated in the southwestern region of Uganda, Lake Mburo National Park is an easily accessible, compact little gem. Renowned for its impressive biodiversity, Lake Mburo National Park shelters almost seventy mammal species and over 300 avian species in its forests, swamps and grasslands. This spectacular landscape features open plains of savanna interrupted by rocky ridges, forested gorges and lush dense woodland. Crocodiles, hippos and a myriad of water birds are found in and around the five lakes, of which Lake Mburo is the largest. Other commonly spotted wildlife include: impala, oribi, eland, zebra, buffalo, Defassa waterbuck, leopard, hyena, hippo and reedbuck.

Day 11: Lake Mburo National Park – Entebbe

After breakfast take a spectacular morning game drive in Lake Mburo National Park. After lunch back at the lodge, we head back to Entebbe, with a stop at the equator. Overnight Admas Hotel Entebbe or similar (BL)

Day 12: Entebbe Departure

Transfer to the airport in time for your departure flight. End of services (B)