15-Day Unforgettable Classic Wildlife and Primate Moments Safari in Uganda

Embark on a 15-day adventure through Uganda's diverse landscapes and encounter unforgettable wildlife and primate moments. From thrilling game drives in iconic national parks to intimate encounters with mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, this safari promises an unparalleled journey into the heart of Africa's wilderness.

The Itinerary

You will be welcomed by an assigned Tour Guide of Maraka Tours and  Safaris who will transfer you to your hotel in Entebbe or Kampala. Depending on the time of arrival, our guide will take you on a city tour for an exciting introduction with the capital. Visit some interesting and historical sites, including the Namugongo Martyrs Shrine, the Uganda Museum and of course the African Craft Village. We also advise you to have money changed today. Overnight at Orchidea Guesthouse.
For upgrade you can stay at Le Petit Village or 2 Friends Beach Hotel.

On the first day we will depart for the most beautiful and visited protected area in Uganda: Murchison Falls National Park. Enjoy a lunch stop in Masindi before we enter the park. We will visit the magnificent falls where you will enjoy and marvel at the mighty Nile. The famous and most powerful waterfall in the world, is being forced into a seven meter gorge, to thunder 45 meters below in a series of cascades. This spectacular scenery can be viewed from different points up at the baler’s summit. Dinner and overnight at Red Chilli Rest Camp.
For upgrade you can stay at Pakuba Safari Lodge or Paraa Safari Lodge.

After an early morning breakfast you will enjoy a half-day game drive on the northern bank of the Nile, escorted by a ranger. Game in this part includes the African Elephant, Rothschild giraffe, Jackson hartebeest, lions, oribis, waterbucks and a variety of savannah woodland birds. After lunch we will go on a Nile cruise for game viewing at close range. Watch how hippos take a bath, elephants come to drink and crocodiles lying lazily at the shores. Dinner and overnight at Red Chilli Rest Camp.
For upgrade you can stay at Pakuba Safari Lodge or Paraa Safari Lodge.

We depart Murchison Falls NP and head towards Fort Portal via Hoima, Kagadi and Kyenjojo. The drive is almost eight hours but will provide you with some stunning views as you pass through beautiful landscapes covered by Hyperenia rufa spp, small African villages, green Tea and banana plantations. The lovely tourism City of Fort Portal rests in the shadow of the fabled Mountains of the Moon and is famous for the many tea plantations. Dinner and overnight at the cottages of Chimpanzee Guest House or for upgrade at the deluxe safari tents of Primate Lodge Kibale.

After breakfast we will drive on Fort Portal - Bwamba Road towards Semliki National Park. The scenic view of Rwenzori Mountain ranges, winding road will lead us through green mountains and offers you a magnificent view at the River Semliki and its valley that forms the boundary between Uganda and  the Democratic Republic of Congo. After arriving in the protected area, a ranger will accompany us on a beautiful nature walk through the Ituri Rainforest. Enjoy the peacefulness of the forest, look out for the rich birdlife in this Park- The True Birders Haven. At the Semliki Hot springs (swamp) you can boil an egg in the hot springs, which are the interesting natural attraction. It will be completed with a picnic lunch provided by the guide, while you explore the real Africa. Later in the afternoon we will return to Kibale Forest NP. Dinner and overnight will be at the cottages of  Chimpanzee Forest Guest House.
For upgrade you can stay at the deluxe safari tents of Primate Lodge Kibale.

This day is great. The forest opens it doors for a sensational chimp tracking. Kibale Forest NP is the Primate Capital of the World. It is reputable of having the greatest variety and highest concentration of primates in East Africa. Enjoy a guided nature walk in the tropical rainforest in search of the wild chimpanzee, red-tailed monkey, black-and-white colobus monkey and many others. After a hearty lunch we transfer to the Bigodi Swamp for another, totally different nature walk. The Bigodi Swamp Walk is an initiative of the local community and takes approximately two hours. The swamp is known for its rich diversity of birds and primates. Dinner and overnight at the Chimpanzee Forest Guest House or For upgrade you can stay at the deluxe safari tents of Primate Lodge Kibale.

After breakfast, we will transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park. It is a beautiful route via Kasese, with the Rwenzori Mountains on your right side and the green valley on the left. As we drive through, you will enjoy the view of the simmering blue crater lakes. A game drive on our way to the accommodation in the middle of the national park gives us the chance to spot waterbucks, warthogs and other wildlife. After lunch we take on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural channel between Lake Edward and Lake George. Thanks to the elephants, buffaloes and hundreds of hippos, this cruise will definitely be one of the highlights of your safari. Dinner and overnight at Simba Safari Camp or Engiri Safari Lodge. For upgrade you can stay at Mweya Safari Lodge.

We shall start our day early as we head for the mating ground of the Uganda kobs. We will search for lions, elephants, Warthogs, buffaloes and other wild animals in their natural habitat, before returning for hot lunch at our accommodation. In the afternoon you will have the opportunity to stretch your legs as we will visit the Maramagambo Forest for a walk through the tropical rain forest. It is known for the Blue Lake and the Bat and Hunters Cave. You will get the chance to have a close look at the bats and maybe even the rock python and forest cobras, that feed on the bats. The same walk will provide you with views of primates, different bird species and other beautiful fauna. Dinner and overnight at Simba Safari Camp or Engiri Safari Lodge.
For upgrade you can stay at Mweya Safari Lodge.

After breakfast you may choose for the optional activity of exploring Kyambura Wildlife Reserve (optional). Driving through a grassland area, all of a sudden we come across an amazing gorge of one hundred meters deep, covered with tropical rainforest. You will hike into the gorge of the Kyambura River in search of the wild chimpanzees. It is a beautiful walk through the river valley, home to many birds and butterfly species.
Later we will leave Queen Elizabeth National Park (the Medley of Wonders) and head towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where we shall encounter the Ultimate Gorilla Experience. The scenic route runs through a verdant countryside while you pass traditional homesteads and farms. In Bwindi dinner and overnight at Buhoma Community Bandas.
For upgrade you can stay at Mahogany Springs Or Buhoma Safari Lodge.

Another highlight of your safari: a meeting or close encounter with the gentle giants of Bwindi!

After breakfast, we shall carry our packed lunch and we'll drive to the briefing point, to be there by 8.30 am.

Especially hikers will love the tracking in the beautiful ecosystem of the park. It is difficult to foresee how many hours you will hike, it may take two to eight hours. Expect to walk a long distance in steep, slippery and muddy conditions, sometimes with rain overhead, before you encounter any gorillas. But it will definitely be worthwhile as you observe them closely while they eat, play and rest. Sure! this will be a unique and unforgettable experience! For conservation purposes, time spent with the gorillas is limited to one hour. The ranger guide always briefs you on how to behave with these giant apes. Dinner and overnight at Buhoma Community Bandas.
For upgrade you can stay at Mahogany Springs r Buhoma Lodge.

After breakfast you can choose to have a guided village walk for a closer meeting with the local community. Learn about their way of living as you walk through coffee, tea and banana plantations. Afterwards we depart to Lake Bunyonyi, the deepest lake in Uganda. This area is often called “Little Switzerland of Uganda” and boosts one of the most beautiful parts of the country. Relax or go for a canoe trip while you watch the beautiful sunset. Dinner and overnight at Bunyonyi Overland Camp.
For upgrade you can stay at Bird's Nest Resort.

After the challenging and strenuous hike in Bwindi, some relaxing moments on the shores of this peaceful lake are most welcome. The options here are birding, nature walks, swimming or canoeing (optional). Dinner and overnight at Bunyonyi Overland Camp.
For upgrade you can stay at Bird's Nest Resort.

After breakfast we drive to Lake Mburo National Park which takes us about four hours with lunch en route. As we enter the park and head towards the accommodation it is likely that you will see some wildlife, like impalas, topis, warthogs, zebras, Giraffes and buffaloes. Lake Mburo NP, is the only park where we find Impalas in Uganda.  After checking in you will go on a boat ride on the lake and enjoy the rich birdlife and the hippos that are cooling off. Dinner and overnight at Mburo Safari Lodge.
For upgrade you can stay at Mihingo Lodge.

We'll wake up early and go for a guided nature walk. Lake Mburo is the only national park where you can experience a safari on foot. After the walk, we shall return to our lodge for breakfast. We'll transfer to Kampala with a stop at the equator for photographic opportunities or shopping. Arrival late in the afternoon in Kampala. Overnight at Orchidea Guesthouse or proceed to Entebbe for overnight at 2 Friends Beach Hotel.

Enriched with an experience of a lifetime and unforgettable memories you will say goodbye to the Pearl of Africa. Depending on the time of departure you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home. We are looking forward to seeing you again! or seeing someone recommended to us by you.

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