The ultimate Uganda Safari Experience – Gorillas, Chimpanzees, Big Game, Culture & Breathtaking Landscapes
One Country. Three Great Primate Encounters. Endless Wildlife Adventures.
If you have ever dreamed of experiencing Africa in its purest form, this is the safari that delivers it all. It offers you to track endangered mountain gorillas through ancient rainforests. Stand just meters away from wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Walk alongside rhinos. Witness lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species roaming Uganda’s spectacular wilderness.
This 12-Day Uganda Primates, Culture & Wildlife Safari combines Uganda’s most iconic wildlife experiences with authentic cultural encounters, breath-taking scenery, luxury safari lodges, and unforgettable adventures.
From the thunderous power of Murchison Falls to the mystical forests of Bwindi and the serene beauty of Lake Bunyonyi, every day unveils a new chapter of Africa’s greatest story.
This is not just a safari. This is Uganda at its absolute best.
Safari Highlights
- Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest
- Rhino Tracking on Foot at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
- Big Five Wildlife Encounters
- Multiple Safari Game Drives
- Nile River Boat Safari
- Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
- Tree-Climbing Lions of Ishasha
- Bigodi Wetland & Cultural Experience
- Lake Bunyonyi Relaxation Experience
- Lake Mburo Walking, Cycling & Horseback Safaris
- Spectacular Landscapes, Crater Lakes & Rwenzori Mountains
- Authentic Ugandan Cultural Encounters
Detailed Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Uganda – Welcome to the Pearl of Africa
You will be welcomed by a representative of Amethyst Wild Safaris who will transfer you to your hotel in Kampala. Depending on the time of arrival, our guide will take you on a city tour for an exciting introduction within the capital. Visit some interesting and historical sites, including the Namugongo Martyrs Shrine, the Uganda Museum, Kabakas palace and of course the African Craft Village. We also advise you to have money changed today.
Overnight at Cassia Lodge.
For upgrade you can stay at Le Petit Village.Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Rhino Tracking & Murchison Falls National Park
The adventure starts immediately. After breakfast, travel north toward Uganda’s largest and most famous protected wilderness Murchison Falls National Park.
You will enroute, enjoy an exhilarating rhino tracking experience at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Uganda’s only destination where rhinos can be tracked on foot in the wild. Accompanied by expert rangers, you will get remarkably close to these magnificent giants.
We will enjoy a lunch stop in Masindi before we enter the park. We will visit the magnificent legendary Top of the Falls viewpoint where, where the mighty Nile River squeezes through a seven meter crevice, to thunder 45 meters below in a serie of cascades exploding into one of the most powerful waterfalls on Earth. This spectacular scenery can be viewed from different points up at the baler’s summit. This is truly unforgettable spectacle which you will enjoy and marvel at the mighty Nile
Meal Plan –Breakfast, Lunch and Supper
Accommodation
Budget – Hornbill Bush Lodge/ Mama Washindi Lodge
Midrange – Pakuba Safari Lodge /Fort Murchison Camp
Luxury – Paraa Safari Lodge
Day 3: Big Game Safari & Nile Boat Adventure
At this exciting day, you will wake up early for your first full safari experience to explore the vast savannahs of Murchison Falls National Park in search of Lions,Leopards, Elephants,Rothschild’s Giraffes,Buffaloes,Hyenas, Uganda Kobs, Jackson’s Hartebeests
The afternoon brings a spectacular boat safari along the Nile River toward the base of Murchison Falls.Along the riverbanks, expect close encounters with hippos, Nile Crocodiles, Elephants,Buffaloes, Waterbucks, Countless Bird Species
This dramatic sight of the Nile crashing through the narrow gorge is one of Africa’s greatest natural wonders.
Day 4: Final Safari in Murchison & Journey to Kibale Forest
You will enjoy another exciting morning game drive before departing for Kibale Forest National Park which is known worldwide as the “Primate Capital of Africa,” Kibale hosts the highest concentration of primates on the continent. The forest shelters Chimpanzees, Red Colobus Monkeys, blue monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys, Olive Baboons, Bush Babies and several species of batterflies.
You will arrive at your lodge surrounded by lush rainforest and prepare for tomorrow’s chimpanzee encounter.
Meal plan – breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation
Budget – Kibale Forest Camp (Safari Tent)
Midrange – Chimpanzee Forest Lodge/Turaco Tree tops
Luxury- Primate Lodge /Kyaninga Lodge
Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Wetland Experience
Today, you will meet humanity’s closest living relatives. After a briefing from experienced rangers, you will enter the dense tropical rainforest in search of wild chimpanzees.
The excitement builds as you hear their calls echo through the forest canopy. You will spend one unforgettable hour observing these intelligent primates as they feed, communicate, groom, and interact within their family groups.In the afternoon, explore the famous Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary.
This exceptional nature walk offers opportunities to spot:colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, vervet monkeys, olive baboons, rare bird species, traditional village life. This is an enriching blend of wildlife, conservation, and culture.
Day 6: Queen Elizabeth National Park & Evening Safari
Travel through the breathtaking Kasenda Crater Lakes region while enjoying panoramic views of the legendary Rwenzori Mountains, often called the Mountains of the Moon.
Arrive in Queen Elizabeth National Park and embark on an afternoon game drive through the wildlife-rich Kasenyi plains.Keep your camera ready for:lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs,waterbucks, warthogs.The African wilderness comes alive before your eyes.
Day 7: Wildlife Safari & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Begin the day with an early morning safari drive across one of East Africa’s most diverse ecosystems.This region offers excellent opportunities to spot predators, large herds of buffalo, elephants, antelopes, and countless bird species.
In the afternoon, enjoy a world-class boat safari on the Kazinga Channel.Often described as one of Africa’s finest wildlife cruises, the channel boasts an extraordinary concentration of animals gathering at the water’s edge. Expect sightings of hippos,crocodiles,elephants, buffaloes,monitor lizards, pelicans, African fish eagles, kingfishers and many more. The scene is an incredible photographer’s paradise.
Meal plan – Breakfast, lunch, and supper
Accommodation
Budget – Tembo Safari Lodge/Pumba Safari Cottages
Midrange – The Bush Lodge/Buffalo Safari Lodge
Luxury-Mweya Safari Lodge/ Katara Lodge
Day 8: Tree-Climbing Lions & Transfer to Bwindi Forest
Today you will search for one of Africa’s rarest wildlife spectacles in south of Queen Elizabeth in the Ishasha Sector which is globally famous for its unique tree-climbing lions.You will watch as these magnificent predators lounge lazily in giant fig trees, a behavior found in only a few places worldwide. They tend to lay in fig trees in the mid-day hot sun , other animals to watch include elephants, topi, kobs, leopards and many more.
After the game drive you will continue to the world-renowned Bwindi Impenetrable Forest which is the home to over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, Bwindi represents one of Africa’s most important conservation areas. You will also see more mammals which include black and white colobus monkeys, L’hoest monkeys and also forest elephants. Tomorrow brings the safari’s greatest highlight.
Day 9: Gorilla Trekking – The Ultimate Wildlife Encounter
This is the moment travellers cross continents to experience. After an early breakfast, you will head to park headquarters to get a briefing from park rangers, after which you venture deep into the ancient rainforest in search of a habituated gorilla family. The trek can last from one to six hours depending on the gorillas’ location. Then suddenly, through the forest vegetation, they appear a massive silverback, mothers nurturing infants, young gorillas playing and a complete family thriving in the wild. You will spend one magical hour observing these gentle giants at close range. For many travelers, this becomes the single most emotional and unforgettable wildlife encounter of their lifetime as they stand face to face with mountain Gorilla which is the most powerful and muscular primate on earth.
In the afternoon, you will have an option to to relax or have a batwa cultural experience. Batwa are the indigenous inhabitants of Bwindi Forest before it was gazzetted for gorilla tourism or enjoy a community walk
Meal plan – Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation
Budget – Ride for a woman/Ruhija Rest Camp
Midrange – Bakiga Lodge/Gorilla Mist Camp
Luxury- Gorilla Safari Lodge/ Gorilla Leisure Lodge
Day 10: Lake Bunyonyi – Uganda’s Most Beautiful Lake
After the excitement of gorilla trekking, you will unwind at the breathtaking Lake Bunyonyi for relaxation. Surrounded by terraced hills and dotted with mysterious islands, this stunning freshwater lake is one of Africa’s most scenic destinations where you will enjoy canoeing, nature walks, bird watching, swimming, Island exploration, panoramic photography or simply relax and absorb the serenity of one of Uganda’s hidden gems as lake Bunyonyi’s serene beauty, clear waters, and unique islands make it a highlight for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and those seeking relaxation
Meal plan – Breakfast, lunch and supper
Accommodation
Budget – Bunyonyi Overland Resort
Midrange – Bunyonyi Rock Resort
Luxury – Birdnest Resort/Arcadia lodges Bunyonyi
Day 11: Lake Mburo National Park & Evening Safari
On this day you will travel to Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda’s smallest savannah park but one of its most charming. The park is renowned for: large zebra herds, impalas, elands, topis,elands, topis, buffaloes, giraffes. You will enjoy an evening game drive and experience the golden African sunset over the savannah. You will also have an optional night game drives opportunities to spot leopards, civet cats, bush babies, genets,porcupines as an entirely different side of African wildlife emerges after dark.
Day 12: Walking Safari & Departure
You will conclude your adventure with an exhilarating guided walking safari. Unlike traditional game drives, this experience allows you to explore the wilderness on foot while observing wildlife from a completely different perspective. Your optional activities will include horseback Safari cycling safari,boat cruise
After lunch, you will begin your journey back to Entebbe with a stop at the Equator for photos and souvenir shopping. Finally you will arrive at Entebbe International Airport in time for your outbound flight. There your unforgettable Ugandan adventure comes to an end—but the memories will last forever.
Meal plan- Breakfast and lunch
Accommodation – Not included
What’s Included
- Airport Transfers
- Luxury 4×4 Safari Vehicle
- Professional English-Speaking Driver Guide
- All Accommodation
- All Meals Throughout the Safari
- All Park Entrance Fees
- Rhino Tracking Permit
- Chimpanzee Permit (USD 250 Value)
- Gorilla Permit (USD 800 Value)
- All Scheduled Game Drives
- Top of the Falls Visit
- Nile Boat Safari
- Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
- Bottled Drinking Water Throughout Safari
What’s Excluded
- International Flights
- Visa Fees
- Tips & Gratuities
- Optional Activities
- Porter Fees During Gorilla & Chimpanzee Trekking
- Alcoholic & Soft Drinks
Recommended Packing List
- Waterproof Jacket
- Waterproof Trousers
- Hiking Boots
- Gaiters
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Insect Repellent
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Personal Medication
- Day Backpack
Why choose this safari?
It’s because this safari combines Uganda’s greatest wildlife experiences into one expertly crafted journey. From tracking endangered mountain gorillas and wild chimpanzees to witnessing lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and hippos in spectacular national parks, this safari delivers an unmatched African adventure.
You will experience Uganda’s wildlife, landscapes, and people, culture, and conservation success stories in a way few travellers ever do.
Gorilla permits are limited.
Prime Travel Dates Sell Out Fast.
Book now and discover why Uganda is Africa’s most rewarding safari destination. Your Adventure Starts Here.