9 Days Wildlife, Primate, and Birding Safari in Uganda
Overview
Kidepo Valley National Park
Situated in the northeastern region of Uganda, Kidepo Valley National Park lies in the semi-arid Karamoja area. It boasts a remarkable variety of wildlife and is the only national park in Uganda where you can spot cheetahs and ostriches. The park offers exceptional game viewing along its scenic tracks through golden savannah grasslands. Visitors can expect to see approximately 475 bird species and 77 mammal species, including zebras, elephants, lions, cape buffaloes, giraffes, leopards, and cheetahs. Kidepo is truly regarded as “The True African Wilderness.”
Murchison Falls National Park
As one of Uganda’s most frequently visited parks, Murchison Falls lies along the shores of Lake Albert, located in Masindi district, northeastern Uganda. The park features a variety of ecosystems grasslands, woodlands, tropical forests, wetlands, and open water supporting 476 bird species and over 70 mammal species, including four of the Big Five (excluding rhinos). Murchison is globally recognized for having the most powerful waterfall in the world, where the Nile explodes through a narrow gorge in a thunderous display.
Kibale National Park
Known as “The Primate Capital of the World,” Kibale is located in western Uganda, stretching through Kamwenge district and Fort Portal. It is home to 13 primate species, including Uganda’s largest population of chimpanzees (about 1,450). Other notable species include the nocturnal bush baby and potto, L’Hoest’s monkey (endemic to the Albertine Rift), the Uganda mangabey (Uganda’s only endemic monkey), red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, and black-and-white colobus monkeys. The park is also popular among birdwatchers with about 335 species including forest, grassland, and swamp birds, four of which are endemic to Kabale. Birding activities take place along the Kanyanchu and Sebitoli trails and at the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Referred to as “The Ultimate Gorilla Experience,” Bwindi is a dense, primeval forest located in southwestern Uganda in Kanungu district. Its name comes from the Runyakitara word “Mubwindi,” meaning “a place full of darkness.” Spanning 325 km², the forest has existed on the edge of the Albertine Rift Valley for over 25,000 years and is home to immense biodiversity, including over 50 bird species, 310 butterflies, 200 tree species, 51 reptiles, 88 moth species, and 120 mammals. Among its primates are chimpanzees, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and the world-famous mountain gorillas. With around 800 mountain gorillas remaining globally, half are found in Bwindi, making it a premier destination for gorilla tracking. With 15 habituated gorilla families, each trailhead offers 8 permits per day 120 permits available daily. Other attractions include forest hikes, waterfalls, and cultural walks with the Bakiga and Batwa (Pygmy) communities. Bwindi is also among Uganda’s top birding destinations, especially in the Ruhija sector.
Trip Highlights
- Day 1: Transfer from Kampala to Kidepo Valley National Park
- Day 2: Game drive and nature walk
- Day 3: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
- Day 4: Game drive and boat cruise
- Day 5: Transfer to Kibale National Park
- Day 6: Chimpanzee trekking and Bigodi Swamp Walk
- Day 7: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Day 8: Gorilla tracking
- Day 9: Transfer to Entebbe Airport
Day 1: Transfer from Kampala to Kidepo Valley National Park
Begin your safari early in the morning after breakfast, departing from Kampala towards Kidepo Valley National Park. You will make a stopover in Gulu for lunch and relaxation en route. Arrive in the evening and check in for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 2: Game Drive and Nature Walk
After breakfast, embark on a morning game drive through the Narus Valley, spotting animals such as lions, cheetahs, buffaloes, ostriches, elephants, warthogs, and various bird species. Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the evening, take a guided community walk in the community and meet the Karamajong people. Learn about their culture, traditional attire, food, and local drinks. After returning to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay
Day 3: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
After breakfast, depart for Murchison Falls National Park. Upon arrival, visit the top of the falls, where you’ll witness the mighty Nile surging through a narrow gorge. Check in at the Lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 4: Game Drive and Boat Cruise
Start your day with an early breakfast, then head out for a morning game drive, with chances to spot lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, warthogs, Uganda kobs, and various bird species. Explore different vegetation zones like savannah, thickets, and shrubs. After lunch, embark on an afternoon boat cruise on the Victoria Nile, offering views of crocodiles, hippos, water birds, and the breathtaking base of the falls, then return to the lodge for dinner and rest.
Day 5: Transfer to Kibale National Park
After breakfast, check out and drive to Kibale National Park, stopping for lunch in Fort Portal. Visit the Tooro Kingdom Palace (Omukama Kabamba Iguru) and take a brief city tour. Proceed to Kibale and check in to the Lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 6: Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi Swamp Walk
After breakfast, attend a briefing at the park headquarters before heading into the forest for chimpanzee tracking with packed lunch and water. You’ll encounter chimpanzees and other primates, along with various plant species. After returning and refreshing at the lodge, head to Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for an afternoon nature walk, a hotspot for bird species and wetland biodiversity. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 7: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, depart Kibale and drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, approximately 4.5 hours away. Upon arrival in the evening, take a community walk to interact with locals and learn about their farming and daily activities. Check in to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 8: Gorilla Tracking
Begin the day with an early breakfast and head to the park headquarters for a pre-trek briefing. With a packed lunch and water, embark on a gorilla trekking expedition; the duration will depend on the gorilla family’s movement. Encounter these majestic primates in their natural habitat. Afterward, receive a certificate of participation, then return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 9: Transfer to Entebbe Airport
After an early breakfast, check out and drive back to Kampala via Mbarara–Masaka–Kampala Road, continuing to Entebbe International Airport for your departure.
Safari Package Includes:
- Accommodation and meals
- Ground transport and transfers
- Park entrance fees
- All listed activities
- Gorilla trekking permit
- Chimpanzee tracking permit
- Soft drinks
Exclusions:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal souvenirs
Recommended Items to Carry
- Hiking boots/shoes
- Warm jackets
- Sunglasses
- Hat or cap