Apes and wildlife safaris

12 days—Explore apes and wildlife safaris in Uganda

$5600-8200 USD

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Safari summary

This 12 day apes and wildlife safaris in Uganda From the thunderous spectacle of Murchison Falls to the misty mountains of Bwindi, this 12-day safari takes you deep into Uganda’s most iconic landscapes. Track rhinos on foot, spot lions and elephants on open savannahs, cruise the Nile and the Kazinga Channel, and trek through ancient rainforests to encounter wild chimpanzees and mountain gorillas. Along the way, stay in carefully selected lodges that offer comfort and immersion in nature.

About this tour

	Tour type	Custom, tailor-made, private
	Main focus	Game drives
	Activity level	Moderate activity
	Best months	All months
	Countries	Uganda
	Parks	Bwindi Impenetrable Kibale Lake Mburo Murchison Falls Queen Elizabeth

Fine details

Safari highlights

Bird watching—with professional guide
Boat, canoe, dhow, kayak, mokoro safari
Primate trekking

What’s included?

Accommodation
Airport transfers
All drinks
Meals
Park fees
Private vehicle and driver

What’s not included?

Alcoholic beverages
Hot air balloons
Internal flights
International flights
Laundry
Premium alcoholic beverages
Spa treatments
Tips and gratuities
Visas

Itinerary

Arrival and Transfer to the Hotel

Murchison Falls

Arrive at Entebbe International Airport where you’ll be warmly welcomed by your guide and transferred to Papyrus Guesthouse, a peaceful retreat tucked into a quiet suburb. It’s the perfect place to unwind after your journey and ease into Uganda’s rhythm. Depending on your arrival time, you might explore the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, enjoy a lakeside stroll, or simply relax in the garden with a cool drink as you prepare for the adventure ahead.

Papyrus guest house

Transfer to Murchison Falls NP

Murchison Falls

After breakfast, begin your journey north toward Murchison Falls National Park. En route, stop at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda where you can see white rhinos in the wild. Join a guided walking safari with a ranger to get thrillingly close to these endangered giants Following lunch, continue your drive to Murchison Falls. Upon arrival, visit the dramatic top of the falls, where the Nile River surges through a narrow 7-meter gorge before plunging over 40 meters below.

Pakuba safari lodge

Game Drive and Boat Cruise

Murchison Falls

Start your day with a sunrise game drive on the northern side of Murchison Falls National Park. This region teems with wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, lions, and Uganda kob, set against open plains and acacia woodland. In the afternoon, board a boat cruise along the Nile River, heading toward the base of the falls. Along the way, you’ll spot pods of hippos, crocodiles basking on the banks, and a variety of birdlife including African fish eagles.

Pakuba

Morning Cruise and Evening GDrive

Murchison Falls

This morning offers a quieter exploration of the Nile Delta, where the river fans out into wetland channels—a paradise for birdwatchers. Glide through calm waters in search of the elusive Shoebill stork and other rare species while soaking in the tranquility of this untouched ecosystem. After returning to the lodge for lunch and some rest, we will set out again in the evening for a game drive. As dusk falls, the savannah transforms, predators stir

Pakuba

Transfer to Kibale National Park

Kibale

Following breakfast, depart Murchison Falls and journey south toward Kibale Forest, known as one of the best places in the world to see primates. The drive takes you through picturesque countryside, rural villages, and lush tea plantations, offering glimpses into daily life in western Uganda. Arrive at Turaco Treetops, a stylish eco-lodge perched in the forest canopy. Relax in this serene retreat where birdsong fills the air and monkeys often swing past your balcony. It's the perfect place

Turaco

Chimpanzee Tracking

Kibale

After breakfast, your private guide will drive you to the orientation center for a briefing by the UWA ranger about the activity. After the activity orientation, you'll venture into the lush Kibale Forest for an unforgettable chimpanzee tracking experience with an expert ranger in search of these intelligent primates. Watching a wild chimp family interact, feed, and communicate in their natural setting is both thrilling and humbling. In the afternoon, explore bigodi wetland

Turaco

Transfer to Queen Elizabeth NP

Queen Elizabeth

After a relaxed breakfast, begin your drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The scenic route passes through Uganda’s crater lake region, offering sweeping vistas, volcanic formations, and the opportunity to pause for photographs along the way. You’ll arrive at Aardvark Safari Lodge in time for an afternoon game drive in the Kasenyi plains. This area is known for its large herds of Uganda kob and the lions that hunt them, all set against the dramatic backdrop of the Rwenzori Mountains.

Kazinga

Morning Game Drive and Boat ride

Queen Elizabeth

Begin your day with another early morning game drive to explore more of the park and search for any animals you may have missed. Queen Elizabeth’s diverse habitats—from savannah and wetlands to forests and lakes—support a wide variety of wildlife, so each game drive offers something new. Watch for leopard sightings along fig trees and keep an eye out for giant forest hogs and elusive antelope species. In the afternoon, embark on a relaxing boat cruise along the Kazinga Channe

Kazinga

Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable

Bwindi Impenetrable

After breakfast, depart Queen Elizabeth National Park and journey south toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The route takes you through the remote Ishasha Sector, an area famous for its rare tree-climbing lions, often seen lounging in large fig trees. Keep your camera ready as you traverse this lesser-visited corner of the park, which also supports buffaloes, elephants, topi, and rich birdlife. Enjoy a packed or picnic lunch en route. As you enter the misty highlands

Four gorilla

Gorilla Trekking and Afternoon

Bwindi Impenetrable

This is the pinnacle of your safari, gorilla tracking in Bwindi! After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing by experienced rangers. You’ll then be assigned a group and set off on foot through the dense forest in search of a habituated gorilla family. The trek can take between 2 and 6 hours, depending on the group's location, but the experience is incredibly rewarding. Spend a magical hour observing the gorillas as they feed, groom

Four gorilla

Transfer to Lake Mburo NP

Lake Mburo

Depart Bwindi after breakfast and begin the drive to Lake Mburo National Park, located in Uganda’s central region. The journey offers a chance to reflect on your gorilla experience while passing through scenic countryside, terraced hills, and lively towns. You will have a hot lunch at the lodge. Arrive in the afternoon and check into your lodge, the elegant Mihingo Lodge, known for its eco-friendly design and infinity pool overlooking a waterhole. After settling in, head out on an evening gd

Miningo lodge

Morning Walking Safari

Lake Mburo

Begin your final day with a guided walking safari, one of Lake Mburo’s unique offerings. Accompanied by an armed ranger, you’ll explore the park on foot, observing animals and birds at close range and learning about plants, tracks, and traditional uses of the savannah’s flora. It’s a refreshing and intimate way to end your safari, offering a different perspective from game drives. After breakfast, start the return journey to Entebbe. Along the way, stop at the Equator Line for iconic photo

Entebbe

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