Uganda Primates, Big Five & Rwenzori Adventure

After an early breakfast, depart for Murchison Falls National Park with a stopover at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for an on foot rhino tracking experience a rare opportunity to see Uganda’s only wild rhinos. Continue your scenic drive to Murchison Falls, entering the park through the Kichumbanyobo Gate. Visit the top of the falls to witness the mighty Nile squeezing through a narrow gorge, creating the world’s most powerful waterfall.

Overnight: Lodge in Murchison Falls National Park

Rise early for a rewarding morning game drive across the savanna plains of Murchison Falls National Park. Look out for elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, lions, and possibly leopards. In the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely boat cruise along the Nile to the base of Murchison Falls a prime spot for seeing hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife such as the African fish eagle and kingfishers.

Overnight: Lodge in Murchison Falls National Park

Today you’ll embark on a scenic drive southwest through the Albertine Rift Valley towards Fort Portal, the gateway to Kibale Forest. Enjoy views of rolling tea plantations and the dramatic Rwenzori Mountains in the distance. Arrive in the lush rainforest area by evening and settle into your lodge on the edge of the primate capital.

Overnight: Lodge in Kibale Forest National Park

After an early breakfast, head into Kibale Forest for an exciting chimpanzee trekking adventure. Meet your ranger guide for a briefing before entering the forest in search of these lively primates. Once found, spend an hour observing their social antics up close. In the afternoon, visit the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a haven for birdlife and other primates  look out for the great blue turaco and red colobus monkeys.

Overnight: Lodge in Kibale Forest National Park

After breakfast, drive south towards Kasese town at the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and receive a full briefing from your mountain guide about your upcoming hike. Take the rest of the day to relax and prepare for the adventure ahead.

Overnight: Lodge in Kasese

Start your Rwenzori Mountains adventure with an early morning transfer to the park headquarters. Meet your porters and guide before beginning your trek through montane forest and bamboo zones. This rewarding hike offers stunning scenery, cascading rivers, and unique high-altitude flora. Spend the night in a mountain hut, surrounded by the misty peaks of the legendary Mountains of the Moon.

Overnight: Rwenzori Mountain Hut

After breakfast on the trail, descend the Rwenzori slopes back to the base. Celebrate your mountain accomplishment before driving south to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Arrive in time for an evening at leisure at your lodge overlooking the sweeping plains.

Overnight: Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Head out early for a game drive in Queen Elizabeth’s Kasenyi plains a prime area for spotting lions, elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, and sometimes elusive leopards. In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, famous for its large populations of hippos, Nile crocodiles, and prolific birdlife.

Overnight: Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, drive through the scenic Ishasha sector, keeping an eye out for the famous tree climbing lions resting in fig trees. Continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home of the endangered mountain gorillas. In the evening, you may opt for a cultural experience with the Batwa pygmies to learn about their forest traditions and way of life.

Overnight: Lodge in Bwindi

Today is the ultimate highlight of your safari. After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing. Hike through the misty rainforest in search of one of Bwindi’s habituated gorilla families. Spend an unforgettable hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat. After your trek, return to your lodge for lunch before your transfer back to Entebbe or Kigali for your departure flight.

After breakfast, trek the final stretches through the rainforest back to the Kilembe Base Camp. Celebrate with your guides and porters before transferring to your lodge in Kasese for a hot shower and well earned rest. Optional overnight or onward travel.

Hiking time: 4 to 5 hours
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch