10-Day Uganda Primates and Wildlife Safari
10-Day Uganda Primates and Wildlife Safari
Uganda, the “Pearl of Africa,” is one of the most breathtaking safari destinations in the world — a land blessed with lush rainforests, glistening lakes, towering mountains, and golden savannas teeming with wildlife. For travelers seeking a deeper and more diverse African adventure, a 10-day Uganda Primates and Wildlife Safari offers an unforgettable blend of thrilling encounters with mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and golden monkeys, along with classic game drives across Uganda’s national parks. From the rolling plains of Murchison Falls to the misty jungles of Bwindi, this journey immerses you in the raw beauty and untamed spirit of East Africa.
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Welcome to the Pearl of Africa
Your safari begins as you land at Entebbe International Airport, set on the tranquil shores of Lake Victoria. You’ll be warmly greeted by your driver-guide from Moreen Tours & Travel, who will brief you about the exciting days ahead. Depending on your arrival time, you may explore Entebbe’s local attractions — the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, Entebbe Botanical Gardens, or enjoy a boat ride on Lake Victoria to Mabamba Swamp, home to the rare shoebill stork.
Later, check into your hotel and enjoy your first Ugandan sunset over the lake, the golden sky reflecting across calm waters. Overnight in Entebbe.
Day 2: Drive to Murchison Falls National Park – The Mighty Nile Safari
After breakfast, set off for Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest national park, located in the northwest. The drive takes approximately 5–6 hours, with scenic stops along the way. You’ll pass through the Luwero Triangle and stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda where you can track rhinos on foot. It’s an incredible conservation success story and an important step toward restoring the country’s Big Five population.
After the rhino tracking experience, continue to Murchison Falls, entering the park through the Kichumbanyobo gate. The first glimpse of the Nile winding through the savanna is truly breathtaking. Check into your lodge, perched near the river or overlooking the savanna plains, and enjoy dinner while listening to the distant roar of the falls.
Day 3: Game Drive and Boat Cruise on the Nile
Wake up early for a sunrise game drive across the northern section of the park. As the light breaks over the savanna, watch herds of elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and Uganda kobs grazing in the golden grass. Lions and leopards often hunt at dawn, so keep your camera ready for those iconic safari moments.
Return to the lodge for breakfast and rest before embarking on an afternoon boat cruise along the Victoria Nile. The journey takes you upstream to the base of the spectacular Murchison Falls, where the Nile is forced through a narrow 7-meter gorge, creating thunderous spray and rainbows. Along the way, spot hippos wallowing in the river, crocodiles sunning on the banks, and an incredible variety of birds — including fish eagles, bee-eaters, and kingfishers.
If time allows, take a short hike to the top of the falls, where you can witness the Nile plunging with immense power — one of Africa’s most dramatic natural spectacles.
Dinner and overnight in Murchison Falls.
Day 4: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park – The Primate Capital of the World
After an early breakfast, depart for Kibale Forest National Park, known as the “Primate Capital of the World.” The journey takes about 7–8 hours, passing through the beautiful Albertine Rift Valley with scenic views of Lake Albert, traditional villages, and tea plantations.
Arrive in Fort Portal town — a charming base surrounded by crater lakes and rolling hills — then proceed to your lodge near Kibale Forest. Relax in the evening, soaking in the cool forest air as the sounds of nature fill the night.
Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest and Bigodi Wetland Walk
Today you’ll embark on one of Uganda’s most exciting primate experiences — chimpanzee tracking. After a briefing at Kanyanchu Visitor Centre, you’ll venture into the dense forest with your ranger guide. The walk is filled with bird calls, butterflies, and sightings of other primates like red-tailed monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and black-and-white colobus monkeys.
When you finally find a troop of chimpanzees, you’ll spend an hour observing them in their natural habitat. Their playful behavior, grooming rituals, and human-like expressions make this encounter both emotional and educational.
In the afternoon, visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-run conservation project famous for birdwatching and cultural interactions. Stroll through the swamp on wooden boardwalks as you learn about local plants, birds, and traditional village life.
Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight amidst the sounds of the forest.
Day 6: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park – The Medley of Wonders
After breakfast, continue your journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most diverse wildlife reserve. The drive takes about 3–4 hours through scenic countryside dotted with banana plantations and crater lakes.
Arrive in time for an afternoon game drive through the Kasenyi Plains, where lions often stalk Uganda kobs, and elephants and buffaloes roam freely. The park’s backdrop — framed by the Rwenzori Mountains — makes it one of the most picturesque safari landscapes in Africa.
Check into your lodge, overlooking either the Kazinga Channel or the expansive plains, and enjoy dinner as hippos grunt nearby.
Day 7: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Rise early for a morning game drive through the Kasenyi and Mweya sectors, where you’ll have another chance to see lions, leopards, antelopes, and warthogs. The golden light of dawn provides perfect photography opportunities.
In the afternoon, take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway connecting Lake Edward and Lake George. This two-hour experience is one of the highlights of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The channel hosts the highest concentration of hippos in Africa, along with crocodiles, elephants, and countless bird species, including African skimmers and pink-backed pelicans.
The relaxed rhythm of the cruise and the abundance of wildlife make it one of Uganda’s most memorable safari experiences. Dinner and overnight in the park.
Day 8: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – Home of the Mountain Gorillas
After breakfast, set off for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The journey takes about 4–5 hours, winding through the Ishasha sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions. Keep an eye on the fig trees — you might spot these unique predators resting lazily on the branches.
Continue through the highlands into Bwindi’s dense rainforest, arriving at your lodge nestled along the forest edge. The mist, cool air, and birdsong create an enchanting atmosphere.
Enjoy a quiet evening as you prepare for tomorrow’s life-changing gorilla trekking experience.
Day 9: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Today is the day you’ve been waiting for — the mountain gorilla trek. After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking rules and safety. You’ll be assigned to one of the habituated gorilla families, and your adventure begins as you follow your ranger guide deep into the forest.
The trek can be challenging, depending on the gorillas’ location, but every step through the thick vegetation brings anticipation and excitement. When you finally find them, everything stops — a powerful silverback sits regally, mothers nurture their babies, and juveniles play among the vines.
You’ll spend one magical hour with the gorillas, a deeply emotional encounter that connects you to nature in a way words cannot describe.
After descending, receive your certificate and return to your lodge to relax or enjoy a cultural visit to the nearby Batwa pygmy community, where you’ll learn about their ancient forest traditions and way of life.
Day 10: Return to Entebbe – Farewell to Uganda
After breakfast, begin your return journey to Entebbe, driving through the scenic landscapes of southwestern Uganda. Stop at the Equator Line in Kayabwe for photos and souvenir shopping, and enjoy a hearty lunch en route.
By evening, arrive in Entebbe, marking the end of your 10-day Uganda Primates and Wildlife Safari. Depending on your flight schedule, your driver will transfer you to the airport for departure or to your hotel for a final overnight stay.
The Essence of the Uganda Primates and Wildlife Safari
This 10-day adventure showcases the best of Uganda’s natural and cultural treasures — from the thunderous Murchison Falls to the peaceful Kazinga Channel, and from playful chimpanzees to the majestic mountain gorillas of Bwindi. It’s a journey that captures the spirit of Africa in all its forms: adventure, wonder, and connection.
You’ll not only witness the beauty of Uganda’s wildlife but also meet its people — resilient, warm, and proud of their land. This safari offers more than memories; it offers transformation, a deeper appreciation of our shared natural world, and an enduring bond with the Pearl of Africa.
Why Travel with Moreen Tours & Travel
When exploring a destination as rich and varied as Uganda, the expertise and reliability of your travel partner make all the difference. Moreen Tours & Travel is a trusted East African tour operator that specializes in personalized primate and wildlife safaris across Uganda and Rwanda.
Their team of passionate guides, professional drivers, and local experts ensures every detail of your journey runs smoothly — from securing your gorilla permits to choosing the finest lodges and creating immersive cultural experiences. With a deep commitment to sustainable tourism and community support, traveling with Moreen Tours & Travel means your safari leaves a positive impact on the people and wildlife of Uganda.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning explorer, Moreen Tours & Travel promises an authentic, safe, and life-changing adventure through the heart of Africa.
