20 Day Uganda wildlife and primate safari

This 20 day Uganda wildlife and primate safari takes you to the prime safari destinations in Uganda. Visit the ultimate wildlife safaris of Murchison falls, Kidepo national park, Zziwa rhino sanctuary and Lake Mburo national park for spectacular wildlife viewing. The primate parks of Kibale and Bwindi offer amazing encounters of the chimpanzees and the endangered mountain gorillas. This wildlife and primate safari begins and ends in Kampala.

20 Day Uganda wildlife and primate safari highlights:

• Day 1: Depart Kampala for Jinja, white water rafting and visit source of the Nile
• Day 2: Transfer to sipi, hike the falls, sun set walk
• Day 3: Transfer to Kidepo national park
• Day 4: Morning and evening game drive
• Day 5: Nature walk, evening sun downer
• Day 6: Transfer to Murchison falls
• Day 7: Morning game drive and afternoon boat cruise
• Day 8: Morning relaxation and evening game drive
• Day 9: Transfer to Zziwa for rhino trekking
• Day 10: Transfer to Kibale national park
• Day 11: Chimpanzee trekking and visit the crater lakes in the afternoon
• Day 12: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth national park
• Day 13: Morning game drive and afternoon boat cruise
• Day 14: Transfer to Bwindi national park
• Day 15: Gorilla trekking
• Day 16: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, island tour and relaxation
• Day 17: Transfer to Lake Mburo national park
• Day 18: Morning game drive and relax at the lodge
• Day 19: Return to Kampala
• Day 20: City tour and transfer to airport

20 day Uganda wildlife and primate safari detailed itinerary

A representative from Getaway Uganda Tours will pick you from the airport and transfer you to your hotel. After some refreshment, the guide will brief you on your 20 day Uganda wildlife and primate safari. You will learn about your safari destinations, drive times and the general information about the country. At this time, your guide will answer all your questions about your safari.

Day 1: Transfer to Jinja for white water rafting and source of the Nile.

Your guide will pick you up very early in the morning for Jinja. This helps in avoiding the morning Kampala traffic. Driving along the Kampala-Jinja highway, you will have scenic views of the sugar plantations as well as the Mabira forest. On arrival in Jinja, you will have a safety briefing about white water rafting. Off you go. White water rafting is a thrilling safari experience. Although the rapids throw you out of the boats, the guides will be there to pick you out of the water into the rafts for yet another rapid encounter. Proceeding the rafting, we will head to the source of the River Nile. This is where the mighty river leaves Lake Victoria for its 6,650km journey into the Mediterranean Sea. Later, we will return to the lodge for a relaxing evening.

Day 2: Transfer to Sipi falls, hike the falls and evening sun set walk.

On the second day of your 20 day Uganda wildlife and primate safari, you will depart Jinja for Sipi falls, a 3 hour drive. This drive offers scenic views of the eastern part of Uganda. Sipi is located at the foot of M Elgon and this offers scenic rock up crops. We will hike up the bottom of 2 falls. At the base of the waterfalls, we will have amazing views of the falls and the sprays created. On the tallest falls, we will abseil besides the waterfalls to the bottom. Although this abseiling can be intimidating, the peace and serenity during the descend is unparalleled. At the bottom, you will hike back to your lodge. In the evening, you will go on a sunset walk to the King’s rock. The views of the Karamoja plains coupled with the sunset is dazzling. A glass of wine or cup of coffee will top off the evening on this sunset walk.

Day 3: Transfer to Kidepo national park

Having had a restful night, we will depart Sipi falls for Kidepo valley national park. This journey takes us through the heart of the Karamajong region. The scenic beauty of this remote region is breathtaking. The Karamajong homesteads known as the manyatta are a sheer work of art. On arrival in Kidepo, we will check into the lodge for the night.

Day 4: Morning and evening game drives in Kidepo national park.  

Kidepo valley national park offers is known as the hidden gem of Africa. Its scenic uniqueness is breathtaking. A game drive here proves you are in the wilderness. With few safari vehicles stirring up dust, you have exclusive adventures in this park. The wildlife in this park include; elephants, giraffes, lions, leopards, hyenas, cheetah, ostriches, Jackson’s hartebeests, kobs, elands, zebras and much more. This morning game drive will last up to 5 hours. A lunch break will ensure we are fit for yet another game drive in the evening. This allows us to view the wildlife we might have missed in the morning game drive.

Day 5: Nature walk and evening sun downer in Kidepo national park.  

The morning of this 20 day Uganda wildlife and primate safari sees us again on the savanna plains for a nature walk. With an armed ranger in tow, we will venture out onto the grasslands for close encounters with the wildlife. On these nature walks, you will get close encounters to the docile wildlife in the parking including zebra, Jackson’s hartebeests, eland, kobs and giraffes.

The evening sun downer takes place on the Amphwas rock. This rock raises up 50meters and gives spectacular views of the park as well as the magnificent sunset. Relax and enjoy a warm cup of coffee, popcorn or a glass of wine.

Day 6: Transfer to Murchison falls national park.

As we check out of our lodge in Kidepo, we will drive through Kitgum making a stop at the beautiful Aruu falls. We will hike to the bottom of the falls for amazing views of the water cascading down the rocks. A dip in the pools made by the water will cool us off. Continuing on our journey, we will have lunch in Gulu before proceeding to Murchison falls national park. The lodge will be awaiting our arrival and we will check in and relax for the evening.

Day 7: Morning game drive and afternoon boat cruise in Murchison falls.

Murchison falls National Park is one of the most parks and offers a variety of wildlife species. This morning game drive will take you to the savanna plains for incredible sightings of elephants, giraffes, lions, hyenas, leopards, buffalo, hippo, antelopes, and many more. Enjoy a picnic breakfast in the heart of the Murchison wilderness. Lasting about 4 hours, you will then return to the lodge for an early lunch before embarking on an afternoon boat cruise.

This boat cruise takes you upstream to the bottom of the mighty Q. Wonderful views of the crushing water are a good photo opportunity. While on the boat cruise, you will have sightings of elephants, hippos, crocodiles and buffalo by the banks of the river. At the bottom of the falls, you will disembark and hike alongside the falls. Beautiful views of the Murchison and Uhuru falls are a highlight of the hike. At the top, you will experience the might of the falls as the Nile is forced through a 7 meter gap, falling 50 meters into the Albert Nile. Return to the lodge for the evening and night.

Day 8: Morning relaxation and evening game drive.

Due to the rapid pace of this 20 day Uganda wildlife and primate safari, we will take some time off and relax at the lodge for the morning. The evening will find us once again on the savanna in search of more wildlife. This game drive is more relaxed and will give us more time to spot the wildlife we might have missed on the previous game drive. Furthermore, we will get to take our time observing each wildlife we encounter.

Day 9: Transfer to Zziwa rhino sanctuary

We shall check out of the lodge after breakfast and drive out of the park through Masindi town. Heading for Zziwa rhino sanctuary, we will check in the sanctuary. After a safety briefing, we will head into the wilderness in search of the rhino families in the sanctuary. On making contact with the big behemoth, we will observe them as they grave. Be sure to follow the instructions given by the rangers because these are still wild animals and can charge if they feel intimidated. Other wildlife in the sanctuary include, bush bucks, white and black colobus monkeys, crocodiles and the rare shoebill. Later we will retire to our lodge in the rhino sanctuary.

Day 10: Transfer to Kibale national park.

On day 10, we will leave the rhino sanctuary through Masindi town and head for Kibale national park. This is a 6 hour drive and on arrival, we will check into the lodge and relax. The sounds and views of the tropical are relaxing and offer an amazing safari experience.

Day 11: Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale

Chimpanzees are some of the most prominent primates in Uganda second to Mountain gorillas. Kibale national park is the prime destination of chimpanzee trekking in Uganda. At the park headquarters, you will be briefed on the rules and regulations of chimpanzee trekking. In your specified groups, you will be led into the forest in search of these habituated chimp families. They live in family groups of up to 30 and they can be spotted as they eat, groom one another and feed. They are more fascinating because they share 95% of their DNA with humans. This gives them facial resemblance to humans. They are smart and are known to use tools for hunting insects which is a delicacy. Depending on the location of these primates, the chimpanzee trekking lasts up to 6 hours. Return to the lodge for lunch and relax. There is an option of exploring the crater lakes in the evening.

Day 12: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth and evening game drive.

The drive to Queen Elizabeth is one of the scenic routes Uganda has to offer. The drive from Fort Portal showcases the foot of Mt Rwenzori with amazing views of the mountain ranges. Queen Elizabeth national park is one of the most popular destinations in Uganda. Its location in the western rift valley provides breathtaking scenery and crater lakes. On the Kasenyi plains, you will embark on an evening game drive hoping to catch glimpses of some of the wildlife in the park. The park is famous for its tree climbing lions. Other wildlife to encounter include elephants, leopards, hippos, hyenas and antelopes. After the game drive, you will retire to the lodge and relax for the night.

Day 13: Morning game drive and afternoon boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth national park

This day of this 20 day Uganda wildlife and primate safari, you will embark on a morning game drive on the plains of Kasenyi for more wildlife viewing. Spend more time in the wilderness with more exciting encounters. We will get to spot those that we missed on the previous game drive. In the afternoon, we will go for an afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga channel. The 600 bird species offer unmatched birding experiences for bird lovers. Elephants, crocodiles, hippos and antelopes can be spotted on the banks of the channel. Return to the lodge for the night.

Day 14: Transfer to Bwindi national park

Departing Queen Elizabeth national park takes us through the Ishasha sector. The majority of the tree climbing lions are found in this sector of the park. Proceed through the rift valley with scenic views of the tea plantations and the escarpments. The tropical forest is pristine and inviting. We will check into the lodge and enjoy the smells, the views, and the bird life in the forest.

Day 15: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi national park.

This day begins with an early breakfast and a transfer to the park headquarters. After registration, you will get a briefing on the rules and regulations from the game rangers. With only 8 people allowed to trek a gorilla family, you will be divided into groups to trek the different gorilla families. Armed with a walking stick, packed lunch and enough bottled water, you will venture into the forest in search of the gorillas. With no trails in the park, you will hack your way through the thick undergrowth. On reaching the location of the gorilla family, you will get to spend an hour with them. You can take pictures, videos or just sit and observe them as they eat and relate with one another. After the hour is up, the rangers will guide you back to the headquarters for you gorilla trekking certificates. That will mark the end of your gorilla trekking excursion. At the lodge, you will relax with the views of the forest as your back drop. You may also visit the local craft shops for souvenirs and to support the local people.

Day 16: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, and island tour   

This morning is a relaxed one with a lazy breakfast. Check out of the lodge and proceed to Lake Bunyonyi. The drive through the forest rewards you with sights of other primates like the L’hoist monkeys and olive baboons. The descent from Bwindi to Kabale is a beautiful winding road with spectacular views of the terraced hills. On arrival in Lake Bunyonyi, you will have lunch and relax by the lake. In the evening, you will embark on an island tour on the lake. With 29 different islands, this island tour allows you to learn more about the lake and its inhabitants. Some of the prominent islands include; Akampene (Punishment island), Sharp’s island, Bushara island and Lepers colony.

Day 17: Transfer to Lake Mburo national park

Following a successful gorilla trekking safari and much needed rest by Lake Bunyonyi, we will depart for Lake Mburo national park. Although the national park is small, it is home to some of the biggest zebra and impala herds in Uganda. On arrival, we will check into the lodge and enjoy the views of the savanna wilderness.

Day 18: Morning nature walk in Lake Mburo and evening boat cruise.

The nature walks in Lake Mburo national park is one of the best ways to have up close and personal encounters with the wildlife. These are guided by armed and knowledgeable rangers who will guide you across the savanna and also provide vital information on all the wildlife. You will come across zebras, impala, giraffes, eland, topi, bush bucks, water bucks, warthogs, leopards and much more. The nature walk will last up to 3 hours. You will return to the lodge for lunch. Later in the evening, you will have options of doing a horse riding safari, boat cruise or a cycling safari.

Day 19: Return to Kampala

As we near the end of our 20 day Uganda wildlife and primate safari, we will check out of Lake Mburo national park and head back to Kampala. At the equator, we will have the opportunity of participating in the hemispheric experiments. We will take pictures at the Equator monument before continuing to Kampala. On arrival, the guide will drop you at your hotel.

Day 20: Kampala city and transfer to the airport

This is the last day of your Uganda wildlife and primate safari. Embarking on a city tour will give us the opportunity to encounter the life in the capital city Kampala. We will visit historic sites like the Kabaka’s palace, the Buganda parliament, the Namugongo shrine, Bahai temple and the local craft markets. Enjoy a nice local lunch before departing for the airport. The guide will drop you at the airport in time for your flight. This will mark the end of your 20 day Uganda wildlife and primate safari

20 day Uganda wildlife and primate safari includes:

• Airport pickups and drop offs
• Transport during the safari
• An English speaking guide
• All meals
• Park entry fees and activities
• All accommodations
• Gorilla and chimpanzee permits
• Local flights (if applicable)

20 day Uganda wildlife and primate safari excludes;

• International flights
• Medical insurance
• Extra activities not included in the itinerary