Best of Uganda – Primates and Wildlife adventure.

This tour showcases the rich diversity of Uganda, combining encounters with the Big Five, rare primates, vibrant communities, and abundant birdlife. It offers a range of experiences—from gorilla and chimpanzee trekking to game drives—set against stunning landscapes and opportunities for rare wildlife sightings.

The journey includes visits to key destinations such as Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and Lake Mburo National Park. Each stop offers unique wildlife experiences, including rhino tracking, viewing the world’s most powerful waterfall, primate encounters, and sightings of tree-climbing lions and giraffes.

Overall, this budget safari provides a high chance of seeing Uganda’s Big Five (depending on nature), while highlighting the country’s natural beauty, biodiversity, and mild climate. It’s designed as an immersive adventure for nature lovers, blending rainforest exploration, savannah landscapes, and classic safari experiences.

Highlights:

  • Coming face to face with the Mountain Gorillas
  • Chimpanzee trekking
  • Scenic road trip
  • Nature lovers
  • Community encounters with the locals.
  • Boat Safaris on both Kazinga channel and the Nile river.

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1 – Arrival at Entebbe International Airport.

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will proceed through the immigration process, which typically takes between 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the time of day, airport traffic and baggage claiming. After going through customs, you will then exit to the arrivals area where you will find a representative of Golden Tusk Journeys who will warmly welcome you, after a brief meet and greet, the driver will then put all the luggage in the vehicle and transfer to the guest house/hotel.

At the guest house you will check in and unwind, relax and cool off the jetlag from the long journey, have the rest of the evening at leisure before settling in for a comfortable overnight.

Accommodation: Cycad Guest House
Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast

Day 2 – Transfer north to Murchison Falls National Park via the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

In the morning of this day, you will meet again with you driver for your pick up to start on the journey toward the north, after breakfast, luggage ready for the journey, drive to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary (approx. 4 hours drive), upon arrival, you will ne met by rangers for briefing and allocation of the group to track, after the briefing, you will then drive to the starting point where you will start tracking Rhino on foot, after locating them, you will be with them for 1 hour and then head back to the station for a hot lunch and proceed to Murchison Falls National Park gate for clearance and enter the park through the lush Budongo forest as you make your way to the ”Top of the falls”

In the late afternoon, you’ll drive to the lodge located outside the park, where you will relax and enjoy the wildlife around you. This scenic drive will offer additional opportunities to spot animals along the way, giving you a taste of this area’s rich biodiversity. Upon arriving at the lodge, unwind in comfort and reflect on a day filled with memorable wildlife encounters and natural beauty.

Accommodation: Murchison River Lodge
Meal Plan: Full board (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 3 – Full day in Murchison Falls National Park.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the lodge (driver to advise on the actual time), fueling up for an exciting day of wildlife exploration, after breakfast, you will set off on an early morning game drive in search of elusive predators, including cats still busy with their kills or perhaps hiding from the wet grass. Keep your eyes peeled for leopards, lions, hyenas among others as we drive through the lush landscape, you may also encounter herds of elephants, Cape buffalo, towering giraffes, playful baboons, and curious monkeys. The early hours provide the best chance to spot wildlife before the heat of the day sets in.

Mid-morning – we embark on a boat cruise along the mighty Nile River, making our way towards the base of the falls. As we glide along the river, you’ll have a chance to observe a variety of animals that come to the riverbanks to drink and cool off. Watch for large herds of elephants, graceful waterbucks, and massive buffaloes. Nile crocodiles bask on the shores, while monitor lizards dart across the rocks. Hippos will likely be spotted lounging in the river, and the area is a birdwatcher’s paradise with a variety of species flitting about. After the boat cruise, we head back to the vehicle for another thrilling game drive as we head to our lodge for a hot lunch. Relaxed afternoon and evening game drive where we’ll continue our search for more wildlife and the opportunity to capture stunning photos on our evening game drive. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Accommodation: Murchison River Lodge
Meal Plan: Full board (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 4 – Transfer to Kibale National Park with afternoon relaxation at the lodge.

Begin a long drive to Kibale Forest, one of Uganda’s most visited parks, The park is home to 13 different primate species including chimpanzee’s After settling at the lodge, either have a stroll around the lodge or a walk to the community village next to your lodge or even opt to stay at the lodge for an afternoon relaxation.

Accommodation: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge.
Meal Plan: Full board (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 5 – Chimpanzee tracking and afternoon Bigodi community swamp walk.

After breakfast, proceed to the park headquarters for a briefing on chimpanzee tracking,  This park offers thrilling primate tracking experiences, Kibale National Park provides some of the best chances to observe wild chimps. The guided trek leads you into the dense rainforest, where you will spend an hour observing the social behaviors of habituated chimpanzees. After lunch, opt for a nature walk through Bigodi Wetland, where Uganda’s rich biodiversity unfolds through sightings of birds and monkeys.

Accommodation: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge.
Meal Plan: Full board (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 6 – Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park via the crater lakes region.

Begin the day with breakfast before setting off to Queen Elizabeth National Park one of Uganda safari parks known for its diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife. Stop by the crater lakes of Kasenda and explore the Amabere Ga Nyina Mwiru caves, rich with historical and cultural significance. After lunch, continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park where you’ll check in at your lodge. Uganda safari parks provide immersive experiences, and a guided nature walk here introduces you to the region’s plant and animal life.

Accommodation: Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge.
Meal Plan: Full board (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 7 – Game drives and Boat safari on Kazinga channel.

An early morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, takes you through Kasenyi plains, a prime location for spotting lions, elephants, buffaloes, and Uganda kob. The vast savanna of Uganda safari parks offers excellent viewing opportunities, making morning safaris especially rewarding. After lunch, embark on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, where hippos, crocodiles, and diverse aquatic wildlife thrive. Uganda safari parks like Queen Elizabeth feature a rich ecosystem that supports both land and water-based species.

Accommodation: Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge.
Meal Plan: Full board (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 8 – Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park via the Ishasha sector in search for the Tree – climbing lions.

Start the day with breakfast and travel to the Ishasha sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions. Uganda safari parks rarely host this unique behavior, making Ishasha one of the best places to witness it. Spotting the lions perched on fig trees is a remarkable sight, though their location varies depending on prey movements. After observing wildlife, proceed to Bwindi Impenetrable National  Park, Uganda’s parks like Bwindi promise incredible encounters with mountain gorillas and this could be the highlight of the following day.

Accommodation: Buhoma Haven Lodge.
Meal Plan: Full board (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 9 – Gorilla Tracking – Buhoma sector.

Start your day with an energizing breakfast, preparing you for an unforgettable experience. Afterward, we’ll take a short drive to the UWA Briefing Center, where you’ll receive a detailed briefing on the dos and don’ts of gorilla tracking. This informative session ensures you are well-equipped with the knowledge to safely interact with these magnificent creatures, helping you make the most of the adventure ahead.
Once the briefing is complete, you’ll be assigned to one of the gorilla families and join a small group of no more than 8 people. Accompanied by experienced ranger guides, you’ll venture into the dense, mist-covered forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Your guides will lead you as you track down the gorillas, following their fresh tracks and calls through the lush undergrowth.
Upon locating the gorillas, you’ll be granted a full one-hour encounter with them, observing them from a respectful distance of 7-10 meters. Watch in awe as they go about their daily activities-feeding, grooming, and interacting with one another in their natural habitat. The peace and wonder of these gentle giants will leave a lasting impression.

After the thrilling experience, you will then transfer back to the lodge.

Accommodation: Buhoma Haven Lodge.
Meal Plan: Full board (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 10 – Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park.

Enjoy breakfast and travel to Lake Mburo, the smallest of Uganda safari parks but one of the best for viewing antelope species, giraffes and Zebras,  After settling in at your lodge, venture out for an afternoon game drive, spotting elands, zebras, topis, Uganda Kob, and buffalos, Lake Mburo National Park has fewer predators, making wildlife encounters more relaxed. The park’s rolling hills and scattered acacia trees provide excellent photographic opportunities before you return to the lodge for dinner.

Accommodation: Hyena Hill Lodge.
Meal Plan: Full board (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner).

Day 11 – Nature walk and transfer back to Entebbe via the Equator.

Start your morning with a guided bush walk, allowing you to explore the park on foot. The proximity to giraffes, Zebras and buffaloes offers a unique perspective on the park’s ecosystem. After breakfast, check out and begin the journey back to Kampala/Entebbe. A stop at the Uganda Equator provides a chance to take memorable photos and learn about its geographical significance, after the experience, proceed to Entebbe and later transfer to the airport for your out bound flight – actual time to be advised, a day room use can be booked on request.

Lunch en route

Included in the above safari

  • Accommodation as mentioned above
  • 1 Gorilla tracking permit per person.
  • 1 Chimpanzee tracking permit per person.
  • 4×4 Landcruiser with an experienced English speaking safari guide.
  • Drinking water in the vehicle all through the safari
  •  All excursions mentioned in the safari
  • Government taxes
  • All transfers.

Excluded in the above safari.

  • Uganda entry visa fee
  • International air flights
  • Any optional activities not indicated in the above
  • Laundry services
  • Gratuities and Tips