7-Day Uganda Primate & Savanna Adventure

7-Day Uganda Primate & Savanna Adventure

Exploration of Uganda's Wildlife Jewels: Ziwa, Murchison Falls, Kibale Forest, and Mgahinga

Embark on an unforgettable 7-day journey through the heart of Uganda, "The Pearl of Africa." This action-packed adventure is designed for the budget-conscious traveler, offering an incredible cross-section of East Africa's most iconic wildlife experiences. From tracking rhinos on foot and witnessing the thunderous power of Murchison Falls to trekking with chimpanzees and coming face-to-face with majestic mountain gorillas, this safari is a showcase of Uganda's stunning biodiversity and breathtaking landscapes.

Day 1: Arrival and Journey to Murchison Falls via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Morning (Approx. 7:00 AM): Your adventure begins with an early morning pickup from your accommodation in Entebbe or Kampala by our professional driver-guide. After a briefing, you'll set off on the Gulu highway heading northwest.

Mid-Morning (Approx. 11:00 AM): Your first major stop is the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda where you can see Southern White Rhinos in the wild. You will join an expert sanctuary ranger for a thrilling rhino tracking experience on foot. This unique activity allows you to get incredibly close (from a safe distance) to these magnificent, two-ton creatures as they graze peacefully. The trek lasts approximately 1.5 to 2 hours and is a fantastic opportunity for photography.

Afternoon (Approx. 2:00 PM): Following lunch, the journey continues north to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda's largest and oldest conservation area. As you enter the park, you will drive to the iconic Top of the fall. Here, you will witness the sheer power of the Nile River as it funnels through a narrow 7-meter gorge and plunges 43 meters down, creating a permanent rainbow. The roar is deafening and the view is simply spectacular.

Evening: You will proceed to your lodging for the night to check in, have dinner, and rest up for the exciting day ahead.

Overnight: Red Chilli Rest Camp (Budget)
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Murchison Falls Game Drive, Boat Cruise & Transfer to Kibale

Morning (Approx. 6:30 AM): An early start is essential for your morning game drive on the northern bank of the Nile. This is the prime time to see predators and other animals as they are most active. Keep your eyes peeled for lions, leopards, herds of elephants, Rothschild's giraffes (a species found only here and in Kidepo Valley), Cape buffalo, and numerous antelope species like the Uganda Kob, Oribi, and Jackson's hartebeest.

Mid-Morning (Approx. 9:00 AM): You will return to the river for a boat cruise to the bottom of Murchison Falls. This three-hour voyage is a highlight of the park, offering incredible wildlife sightings along the riverbanks. You'll cruise past enormous pods of hippos, massive Nile crocodiles basking in the sun, and a dazzling array of water birds, including the African fish eagle, herons, and bee-eaters. The cruise culminates in a stunning view of the falls from a "bottom-up" perspective.

Afternoon/Evening (Approx. 2:00 PM onwards): After the boat trip and lunch, you'll embark on a long but incredibly scenic transfer south towards Kibale Forest National Park. The drive takes you through the Albertine Rift valley, passing traditional villages, lush countryside, and beautiful landscapes, offering a true glimpse into rural Ugandan life. You will arrive at your lodge in the late evening.

Overnight: little monkey camp / Chimpanzee Guesthouse (Budget)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale and a Bigodi Swamp Walk

Morning (Approx. 8:00 AM): Today is dedicated to our closest living relatives. After breakfast, you will head to the Kanyanchu Visitor Center in Kibale Forest National Park for a briefing. Then, you'll venture into the forest with an expert ranger in search of a habituated chimpanzee community. Kibale is known as the "Primate Capital of the World," and the trek offers a chance to see not only chimpanzees but also other primates like the red-tailed monkey, black-and-white colobus monkey, and grey-cheeked mangabey. The trek can last 2-4 hours, and you will spend one magical hour observing the chimps as they swing through trees, groom each other, and go about their daily lives.

Afternoon (Approx. 2:30 PM): After lunch, you'll experience a different side of the area's biodiversity with a guided Bigodi Swamp Walk. This community-run project is a birdwatcher's paradise, home to over 200 species, including the magnificent Great Blue Turaco. It's also an excellent place to spot various monkey species in the lush vegetation.

Overnight: Same Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Scenic Transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Full Day: After an early breakfast, you will begin the long but rewarding drive south to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. This journey is one of the most scenic in Uganda, taking you through the crater lakes region, past the sprawling tea plantations of Fort Portal, and with the majestic Rwenzori Mountains often visible in the distance. The landscape transforms dramatically as you approach the far southwest, with rolling terraced hills and the dramatic peaks of the Virunga Volcanoes coming into view. There will be several stopovers for photography and to enjoy the stunning vistas. You will arrive at your camp, nestled in the foothills of the volcanoes, in the late afternoon.

Overnight: Mt.Muhavura bandas (Budget)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: The Ultimate Experience – Mountain Gorilla Trekking

Morning (Approx. 7:30 AM): The day you've been waiting for. After an early breakfast, you will proceed to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking etiquette. You will be assigned to a gorilla family and, with your guides and porters, begin your trek into the dense montane forest of the Virunga volcanoes. The trek can be challenging, lasting anywhere from 2 to 6 hours depending on the gorillas' location, but the reward is immeasurable.

The Encounter: Once you find the gorilla family, you will have exactly one hour to spend with them. Observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat—watching the youngsters play, the females groom, and the dominant silverback keep a watchful eye—is a profoundly moving and unforgettable experience.

Afternoon: After the trek, you will return to the lodge for a well-deserved rest. Spend the afternoon relaxing and soaking in the incredible views of the volcanoes, reflecting on one of Africa's most powerful wildlife encounters.

Overnight: Same Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Optional Hiking or Relaxation in the Virunga Foothills

Today is a flexible day to recover from the gorilla trek and explore this beautiful region further. You can choose from several optional activities:

Optional Hike: For the active traveler, embark on a guided hike on the trails of Mount Sabinyo or Mount Gahinga. These hikes offer incredible scenery, birdwatching opportunities, and a different perspective of the volcanic landscape.
Relaxation: Alternatively, you can choose to simply relax at the lodge or explore the nearby Lake Mutanda area, known for its serene beauty and stunning island-studded waters.

This day is at your leisure to enjoy as you wish.

Overnight: Same Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Departure Day – Return to Entebbe

After a final Ugandan breakfast, it's time to begin your journey home. Depending on your flight arrangements, you have two options:

Drive to Entebbe (Approx. 9-10 hours): A long drive back to Entebbe International Airport (EBB) for your departure flight. There will be a stop for lunch en route and a final stop at the Equator for photos and souvenir shopping.

This marks the end of your incredible Ugandan safari.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Safari Highlights

Rhino Tracking: Get up close with Southern White Rhinos on foot at Ziwa.
Murchison Falls: Experience a classic safari with a game drive and a wildlife-rich boat cruise to the base of the world's most powerful waterfall.
Chimpanzee Trekking: Track our closest primate relatives in the dense jungles of Kibale Forest.
Bigodi Swamp: Explore a birding paradise and spot multiple monkey species on a community walk.
Gorilla Trekking: Enjoy a life-changing encounter with a family of mountain gorillas in the volcanic mountains of Mgahinga.
Stunning Scenery: Journey through the diverse and breathtaking landscapes of "The Pearl of Africa."

The package includes:

· Ground transportation in a comfortable safari van.

· Accommodation for 6 nights in carefully selected lodges and camps

· All meals (as specified in the itinerary).

· Services of a professional English-speaking safari guide/driver.

· Park entrance fees for all specified national parks.

· Gorilla trekking permits (one per person).

· Chimpanzee trekking permits (one per person).

· Rhino trekking permits (one per person).

· All activities as per the itinerary.

· Bottled water throughout the trip.

The package excludes:

· International flights to and from Entebbe International Airport (EBB).

· Uganda tourist visas (required for most nationalities).

· Travel insurance (highly recommended).

· Alcoholic beverages, laundry, and other personal expenses

· Tips and gratuities for guides, trackers, and lodge staff.

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