10 Days Primates & Wildlife safari for Gorilla Trekking, Chimpanzee Tracking, Big Game Itinerary

10-day Uganda Primates & Wildlife safari for, chimpanzee tracking,gorilla trekking, and Big game leads to Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and Lake Mburo National Park.

The 10-day Uganda Primate & wildlife safari includes: gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, and big Five viewing excursions.

Safari Overview of 10 Days Uganda Primates & Wildlife safari

Murchison Falls National Park is renowned for its conventional game drives, stunning waterfalls, and exceptional launch cruises along the Nile. It is Uganda’s most extensive national park and the premier location for wildlife observation. Kibale National Park is perhaps the premier location for seeing primates in Africa. Kibale, recognized as the primate center of the world, is home to around 1,500 chimpanzees and 12 additional primate species. In Kibale, one can observe avian species, various forest fauna, remarkable crater lakes, and stunning landscapes.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is among Uganda’s two most frequented wildlife conservation areas. This region is inhabited by lions, as well as buffaloes, elephants, leopards, and numerous other renowned African species. Additional notable attractions in Queen Elizabeth National Park comprise the remarkable boat tour on the Kazinga Channel, mongoose tracking, tree-climbing lions, expansive crater lakes, and chimpanzee tracking in the Kyambura Gorge.  You will be transported from Queen Elizabeth National Park to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Bwindi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its exceptional biodiversity and the presence of 500 mountain gorillas residing there. In addition to mountain gorillas, Bwindi harbors chimpanzees, forest elephants, many forest animals, avifauna, butterflies, moths, reptiles, and numerous other species. The safari concludes at Lake Mburo National Park, the smallest savannah park in Uganda. Despite its diminutive size, Lake Mburo National Park is an exceptional location for observing wildlife, avifauna, and appreciating the stunning African savannah. It is the premier location for observing leopards and zebras in Uganda.

Upon completion of the 10 Days Uganda Primates & animals Safari Itinerary, you would have gained a profound appreciation for Uganda’s natural beauty, its inhabitants, and its animals. If you desire an extended safari, you may find our 11-day Uganda safari package and 12-day Uganda vacation more appealing. We provide a 15-day Uganda travel package that encompasses nearly all desired activities in Uganda.

 Activities of 10 Days Uganda Primates &  Wildlife Safari

A game drive in Murchison Falls National Park

Visiting the top of the Murchison Falls

A launch Cruise along the river Nile to spot wildlife

Tracking Chimpanzees in Kibale National Park

Visiting the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary during a Nature walk

Two game drives in Queen Elizabeth National park

A Boat cruise along the famous Kazinga channel

Observing tree climbing lions

Gorilla tracking in Bwindi forest

An encounter with the Batwa people

A game drive in Lake Mburo National Park

A boat cruise on Lake Mburo

Visiting the Equator crossing point

Highlights of The 10 Days Uganda Gorillas, Chimpanzees & Wildlife Safaeri Itinerary

Day 1: Head to Murchison Falls National Park – Stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Visit the top of the falls

Day 2: Game drive and a Boat cruise along the Nile

Day 3: Transfer to Kibale Forest – Visit the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary

Day 4: Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale –  Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 5: Morning Game drive – Launch cruise along the Kazinga Channel

Day 6: Nature Walk in Maramagambo forest and the Kyambura Gorge

Day 7: Game drive to see tree climbing lions – Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Day 8: Gorilla Tracking – Visit the Batwa in Bwindi

Day 9: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park – Afternoon boat cruise

Day 10: Morning game drive – Return to Kampala or Entebbe

A Detailed 12 Days Uganda Primates & Wildlife Safari

Day 1: Explore Murchison Falls National Park – Visit the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – Explore the summit of the falls

You will be picked up early in the morning by the safari driver to begin your trip to Murchison Falls National Park. The Guide/Driver will provide an overview of the tour prior to commencing the journey to Uganda’s largest national park. Murchison Falls National Park hosts 76 species of animals and more than 450 species of birds. Prior to arriving at this remarkable park, you will make stops in various small towns including the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary was created to safeguard the last surviving rhinos in Uganda. Uganda was formerly a habitat for rhinoceroses, with more than 1,000 individuals inhabiting its expansive national parks. Unregulated poaching eradicated them, and the few surviving white rhinos were relocated to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. The large refuge currently houses more than 30 individuals, with a strategy in place for their reintroduction into national parks. The Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is among the premier locations globally for acquiring knowledge about rhino conservation.

Following your visit with the white rhinos at the sanctuary, you will have lunch in Masindi town before proceeding to Murchison Falls National Park. The driver will transport you directly to the top of Murchison Falls. Observe the Nile River as it squeezes through a tiny valley before cascading with a tremendous boom, resulting in a stunning rainbow. Following the observation of one of Africa’s most magnificent waterfalls, you will be escorted to your lodge for a shower, refreshments, relaxation, and repose.

Accommodation Options: Heritage Safari Lodge (Economical), Fort Murchison Lodge (Moderate), and Paraa Safari Lodge (Opulent).

Day 2: Game drive and a Boat cruise along the Nile

Awaken early and ready yourself for a day filled with activities in the park. The driver/guide will arrive post-breakfast to escort you on an early morning game drive. Murchison Falls National Park is large, although certain regions exhibit a high density of animals. Anticipate observing lions, giraffes, hyenas, elephants, buffaloes, and numerous antelopes. Following the game drive, you will return to the resort for lunch and relaxation.

In the afternoon, the driver will escort you on a boat ride down the Nile River. This is the location where you will encounter fellow travelers and discover the distinctive wildlife of this segment of the Nile River. Anticipate the observation of hippopotamuses, crocodiles, elephants, waterbucks, bird life, and several other species. The boat ride stops near the base of the falls, thereby providing diverse perspectives and experiences.

Accommodation Options: Heritage Safari Lodge (Basic), Fort Murchison Lodge (Mid-range), and Paraa Safari Lodge (Luxury).

Day 3: Transfer to Kibale Forest – Visit the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary

Awake at your preferred time, have breakfast, and await the Tour Guide for the longer drive to Fort Portal. Enjoy the breathtaking countryside and scenery as you travel to Fort Portal. Along the way, you will travel through rural areas, small villages, rivers, lakes, forests, and even some local farmers and businesspeople. After lunch in the town of Portal, you will continue on to your hotel while admiring the breathtaking views of the Rwenzori mountain ranges.

Following check-in and a shower, the driver will escort you on a guided nature tour through the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary. This sanctuary houses more than 10 species of monkeys and an impressive array of birds. This presents a perfect opportunity to engage with the local populace and gain insights into a women’s initiative in the region.

Accommodation Options: Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse (Budget and Mid-range) and Kyaninga Lodge (Luxury).

Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale – Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Chimpanzee trekking commences in the early morning with a mandatory briefing. With that understanding, ensure you rise early for breakfast and ready for the demanding chore of tracking the chimpanzees. Chimpanzees and bonobos are the most proximate relatives of humans. They possess greater intelligence than gorillas; nevertheless, gorillas may be seen as possessing greater wisdom. Four habituated chimpanzee groups exist in Kibale. Kibale National Park is reputed to be the premier location for observing wild chimpanzees globally.

Additionally, one can view an impressive array of avian species, twelve distinct primate species (including L’Hoest’s monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, Uganda mangabeys, coppery-tailed monkeys, and black-and-white colobus monkeys), forest mammals, ancient woodlands, insects, and more. Chimpanzees have high mobility and allocate considerable time to arboreal activities. It may be necessary to continue pursuing them to obtain optimal photographs. Upon concluding your observation of the chimpanzees, you will return to the hotel for lunch before embarking on the two-hour journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Accommodation options: Bush Lodge (Budget), Park View Safari Lodge (Mid-range) and Mweya Safari Lodge (Luxury).

Day 5: Morning Game drive – Launch cruise along the Kazinga Channel

Awaken early for another significant day and consume breakfast. If time is insufficient, you may forgo breakfast and proceed directly to the morning game drive along the Kasenyi stretch. The morning wildlife drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park offers chances to observe buffaloes, lions, elephants, birds, antelopes, hyenas, and occasionally, leopards. Queen Elizabeth distinguishes itself from the Serengeti and Masai Mara due to its stunning landscape. It remains comparatively verdant even during the arid months of the year. The wide ground in the Kasenyi region helps draw big game, making it a great place to see wildlife. The park possesses remarkable natural characteristics due to volcanic activity that occurred millions of years ago. The creation of the extensive East African Rift Valley and other geological activities resulted in the emergence of vast crater lakes, forests, savannah grasslands, woodlands, and subterranean gorges.

Following the observation of wildlife and distinctive landscapes, you will return to the lodge for lunch. The afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel commences at 2:00 PM. This channel links Lake Edward to Lake George and boasts one of the biggest concentrations of hippos in Africa. A boat excursion along the canal provides travelers with the chance to witness park animals like as hippopotamuses, crocodiles, and an impressive array of bird species, including African fish eagles, Great White Pelicans, Great Cormorants, and African spoonbills. It can end up being the highlight of your park tour, particularly if you go during the dry season.

Accommodation options: Bush Lodge (Budget), Park View Safari Lodge (Mid-range) and Mweya Safari Lodge (Luxury).

Day 6: Kyambura Gorge and Maramagambo Forest Nature Walk

Awaken for a substantial breakfast and await the arrival of the driver to transport you to Maramagambo Forest. The guided walk in Maramagambo is intended for people to watch birds, primates, butterflies, moths, pythons, and bats. The primate species of interest include baboons, wild chimpanzees, red-tailed monkeys, L’hoest’s monkeys, and black-and-white colobus, among others. Bats and pythons can be viewed from a secure vantage point. The pythons inhabit the caves to prey on bats and can be observed anticipating their next meal. After touring the Maramagambo forest, the driver will return you to the resort for lunch and relaxation.

In the afternoon, you will tour the renowned Kyambura Gorge. The formation of this subterranean forest occurred millions of years ago. Following the construction of the Great East African Rift Valley, secondary faulting transpired on its floor, leading to the creation of this canyon. The forest within the Kyambura gorge harbors an extraordinary assemblage of birds and mammalian species. Chimpanzees serve as the primary attractions; nevertheless, guests may also observe hippos, elephants, birds, and lesser primates within the canyon.

Accommodation options consist of Bush Lodge (Economical), Park View Safari Lodge (Moderate), and Mweya Safari Lodge (Opulent).

Day 7: Game drive to observe tree-climbing lions – Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Awaken at 9 AM, partake in breakfast, and await the commencement of the travel to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The driver will escort you on an additional game drive in the Ishasha region of the park en route to Bwindi. The primary objective of the game drive is to observe the renowned tree-climbing lions in Ishasha.  The region is inhabited by lions, Uganda Kobs, elephants, buffaloes, and numerous other antelope species. The optimal time to observe the lions is at noon. At this time of day, they enjoy spending time atop trees to avoid the afternoon heat.

Following the observation of the lions, the expedition proceeds to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, with a lunch break en route. Bwindi hosts 27 species of amphibians, 400 types of plants, 120 species of animals, and around 350 species of birds. The forest encompasses an area of 331 square kilometers. The expedition to your resort in Bwindi will be particularly remarkable, especially for those who like nature and exquisite landscapes. Anticipate traversing extensive banana farms, tea estates, and boundless forests and valleys.

Accommodation Options: Rushaga Camp (Budget), Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge (Mid-range) and Buhoma lodge (Luxury).

Day 8: Gorilla Tracking – Engage with the Batwa in Bwindi

This day will be significant, and you must awaken at approximately 6 AM. While having breakfast, ask the hotel to prepare a packed lunch in case the activity extends until midday. The driver will transport you to the park headquarters to ensure your timely arrival for the briefing commencing at 7:30 AM. The briefing encompasses all pertinent information regarding gorilla trekking, including the gorilla groups within the sector, the forest’s history, and anticipated experiences. Subsequent to the briefing, you will be allocated a gorilla family alongside seven more trekkers. The Park Guides will provide a hiking stick and the option to hire porters for assistance with heavy luggage or cameras. Once everyone has been gathered, you will start tracking the primates.

Gorilla trekking may last from 30 minutes to 6 hours, contingent upon the specific gorilla family being tracked and their position on the day of the expedition. You have only one hour to observe them once you arrive. Take advantage of this time to learn about each member of the group. Make sure you capture some footage and images; otherwise, nobody will ever know that you were involved in such an amazing attempt.

Upon concluding your time with the primates, you will be escorted back to the initial location to get your certificate of participation. Our office Guide will be available to escort you back to the hotel for lunch and relaxation. In the late afternoon, you will be escorted to meet the Batwa pygmies of Bwindi. The Batwa were the original residents of the forests in Bwindi, Mgahinga, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga in Congo. The majority were displaced from the forests without compensation or adequate adaptation to contemporary life. The nature walk will provide an opportunity to explore their old lifestyle and the challenges of adapting to contemporary life beyond the forest.

Accommodation Options: Rushaga Camp (Budget), Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge (Mid-range) and Buhoma lodge (Luxury).

Day 9: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park – Afternoon boat excursion

Following breakfast, you will depart from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to Lake Mburo National Park. The route to Lake Mburo National Park traverses a region referred to as the “Switzerland of Africa.” Anticipate traversing picturesque terraced hills, valleys, and extensive banana farms. We will stop in Mbarara town for lunch before heading to the park.

The total area of Lake Mburo National Park is approximately 371 square kilometers. The park is home to more than 335 species of birds, as well as zebras, buffaloes, impalas, reedbucks, warthogs, leopards, oribi, topis, eland, and waterbucks, among several other fauna.

You will arrive in time to embark on the 2-hour afternoon boat trip on Lake Mburo to observe water fowl, hippos, zebras, crocodiles, and many park animals drinking or bathing along the shoreline.

Accommodation Options: Mihingo lodge (Upper Market), Rwakobo Rock (Mid-range) and Rwonyo Rest Camp (Budget).

Day 10: Morning safari – Return to Kampala or Entebbe

Following the boat ride yesterday, today’s activity will be a typical game drive to see the park’s wildlife and take in the distinctive savannah vegetation. The morning game drive commences post-breakfast, and by its conclusion, you may have observed zebras, warthogs, giraffes, impalas, hyenas, buffaloes, and possibly one or two leopards, if fortunate. Lake Mburo is among the limited parks in Uganda that provide walking safaris, horseback safaris, or game watching by quad bikes. If you prefer not to utilize a vehicle for the game drive, please inform us so that we can arrange other game viewing possibilities for you.

Following the morning wildlife drive, you will commence the return journey to Kampala or Entebbe International Airport. The driver will halt at the equator crossing for lunch, providing you with the opportunity to photograph yourself with one foot in each hemisphere of the Earth. If you do not possess an evening flight, the driver may also halt at the Centre for the Buganda Royal Drum Makers. The Centre assembles some of the premier drum artisans in Buganda. They manufacture large ceremonial drums for traditional events and churches.

Packing List for 10 Primates & Wildlife Safari(Gorilla trekking, Chimpanzee tracking and gameviewing)

A camera and binoculars: Your relatives, coworkers, and acquaintances will remain unaware of your extraordinary experience in Uganda if you possess no evidence of it. Ensure to carry a high-quality camera and a set of binoculars. Flash photography is prohibited during gorilla trekking.

Water: This is essential whenever participating in game drives, gorilla or chimpanzee hiking, and other daytime activities. Uganda can experience high temperatures during the day, particularly when traveling in the dry season. A lot of water will be needed by your body. You should either bring water filter tablets or accept the mineral water that is provided in our tour vans.

Long shirts and trousers: The forests of Bwindi, Maramagambo, and Kibale are characterized by dense undergrowth. Long-sleeved shirts and pants are necessary to safeguard against sharp tree branches and insects.

Gloves and socks: Socks will assist you tuck in your shirts and pants to keep crawling insects out. Gardening gloves are ideal for grasping leaves and tree branches while navigating through dense forests. Additionally, they will shield your hands and feet from savannah thorns.

Durable hiking boots are essential for forest treks and wildlife excursions. Verify that they are both waterproof and comfy. During the rainy season, the park roads and forest trails are frequently covered in mud.

Rain Jacket: Always remember to include a rain jacket, irrespective of the month of your travel. Bwindi The impenetrable forest receives precipitation intermittently throughout the year. Global warming also implies that precipitation can occur at any moment during the year.

Light Snacks: Light snacks are essential while monitoring gorillas and chimpanzees. You may request the hotel to arrange provisions for you before to your morning activities.