Custom East Africa Safari Holidays | Santaviva Luxury Tours

17-Days Iconic Uganda-Primates & Wildlife Tour

This trip combines a challenging hike up the mystical Rwenzori Mountains, an intimate encounter with mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and an exhilarating chimpanzee trek in Kalinzu Forest. Complete your journey with a thrilling Big Five safari in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks, where you’ll witness lions, elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, and leopards in their natural habitat. This once-in-a-lifetime experience is perfect for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers looking to immerse themselves in the unparalleled beauty of Uganda.

What do I need to bring?

Essential Gear

Rain jacket
Hiking Boots
Long sleeved shirt and trouser
Face Mask

Cancellation policy

Bookings are non-refundable. All sales are final.

Please note

Passport required
Dress code

More Info

Experience type

Multi day tour, Private

Difficulty

Demanding

Booking in advance

Can be booked until last minute

Live tour guide

English

Know before you go

Minimum age of participants is: 18

Duration

19 days

Categories

Adrenaline and extreme, Day trips and excursions, Adventure, Family friendly, Group friendly

Accommodation & Meals

Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost

Day

Accommodation

Meals

Nile Bridge Cottages

Day 1: Lunch & Dinner Included

Lodge near the source of the Nile

Nile Bridge Cottages

Day 1: Lunch & Dinner Included

Lodge near the source of the Nile

Rafiki Lodge

All Meals Included

Lodge in Sipi Falls

Karatunga Safari Lodge

All Meals Included

Lodge in Moroto Town

Karatunga Safari Lodge

All Meals Included

Lodge in Moroto Town

Kidepo Savannah Lodge

All Meals Included

Lodge inside Kidepo National Park

Kidepo Savannah Lodge

All Meals Included

Lodge inside Kidepo National Park

Pakuba

All Meals Included

Lodge inside Murchison Falls National Park

Pakuba

All Meals Included

Lodge inside Murchison Falls National Park

Bweza Kibale Lodge

All Meals Included

Lodge near Kibale National Park

Acacia Wilderness Mweya

All Meals Included

Lodge inside in Queen Elizabeth

Acacia Wilderness Mweya

All Meals Included

Lodge inside in Queen Elizabeth

Bweza Gorilla Lodge

All Meals Included

Lodge near Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Birdnest Resort Bunyonyi

All Meals Included

Lodge near shores of Lake Bunyonyi

Kigambira safari Lodge

All Meals Included

Lodge inside Lake Mburo

Papyrus Guesthouse

All Meals Included

Lodge near Entebbe National Airport

End of Tour

Breakfast & Lunch included

No accommodation

What's included?

National park entrance fee
Parking fees
Food & drinks
Park fees (For non-residents)
Gorilla permits (One per person, non-resident)
Chimp permits (One per person, non-resident)
All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
A professional driver/guide
All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
All Taxes/VAT
Roundtrip airport transfer
Meals

Exclusions

Tip or gratuity
International flights (From/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)

Day 1: Transfer to Jinja – Source of the Nile Experience

Arise in the morning for your transfer to Jinja, Uganda’s adventure capital. Enjoy a scenic drive through lush countryside, vibrant roadside markets, and expansive sugarcane plantations as you journey eastwards.

Upon arrival, visit the historic Source of the Nile, where the mighty Nile River begins its remarkable journey northwards. Take a guided tour of this iconic landmark, enjoy the serene atmosphere, capture memorable photographs, and, if you wish, embark on an optional boat ride to explore the exact point where the Nile flows out of Lake Victoria.

Later, proceed to your lodge for check-in and relaxation as you prepare for the exciting adventures ahead.

Day 2: White water Rafting on the Nile

Arise in the morning and prepare for an exhilarating adventure on the mighty Nile River in Jinja. After a safety briefing from professional rafting guides, set off downstream to conquer thrilling rapids and powerful waves that make this stretch of the Nile one of the best white-water rafting destinations in the world.

Paddle as a team through a series of graded rapids, feel the rush of the river, and enjoy moments of calm between the waves where you can take in the scenic beauty along the riverbanks. Whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced rafter, this adventure promises excitement, teamwork, and unforgettable memories.

After the rafting experience, relax with refreshments and return to your lodge to unwind after an action-packed day.

Day 3: Transfer to Sipi Falls – Scenic Highlands & Waterfall Hike

Arise in the morning and set off on a scenic drive to the breathtaking Sipi Falls, located on the foothills of Mount Elgonin eastern Uganda. The journey offers sweeping views of rolling hills, fertile farmlands, and vibrant local communities as you ascend into the cool highlands.

Upon arrival, embark on a guided hike to explore the spectacular series of waterfalls that make Sipi Falls one of Uganda’s most picturesque destinations. Walk through lush vegetation, coffee farms, and dramatic cliffs while learning about the local Sabiny culture. Enjoy panoramic views of the Karamoja plains and take unforgettable photos beside the cascading falls.

Day 4: En Route to Karamoja – Safari in Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve

Arise in the morning and begin your journey towards the rugged landscapes of the Karamoja Region. Along the way, enjoy ever-changing scenery of rolling plains and distant mountain ranges as you head into one of Uganda’s most untouched regions.

En route, we make a thrilling stop at Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, Uganda’s second-largest protected area, for an exciting game drive. Explore its vast savannahs in search of unique wildlife such as cheetahs, ostriches, roan antelopes, zebras, and other plains game. The reserve’s open landscapes provide excellent viewing opportunities and stunning backdrops for photography.

After your safari experience, continue onward to the Karamoja Region, arriving at your lodge or camp for relaxation and an evening at leisure.

Day 5: Cultural Encounter with the Karamojong

Arise in the morning for an immersive cultural experience in the heart of the Karamoja Region. Today, you will engage with the proud and resilient Karamojong people, known for their rich traditions, pastoral lifestyle, and vibrant cultural heritage.

Visit a traditional manyatta (homestead) and gain insight into daily life, cattle-keeping practices, traditional dress, and social structures. Listen to captivating stories, witness traditional dances and songs, and learn about the deep cultural values that define the Karamojong way of life. This authentic interaction offers a meaningful opportunity to connect with the community and understand one of Uganda’s most unique cultures.

Return to your lodge later in the day with a deeper appreciation of Karamoja’s heritage and traditions.

Day 6: Transfer to Kidepo Valley National Park – Into the Wild North

Arise in the morning and set off for the spectacular Kidepo Valley National Park, one of Africa’s most remote and breathtaking wilderness destinations. The journey takes you deeper into Uganda’s wild north, where dramatic savannah plains, rugged mountain ranges, and expansive horizons define the landscape.

As you approach Kidepo, the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic, with wildlife occasionally visible along the route. Upon arrival, check into your lodge and take time to relax while soaking in the panoramic views of the vast Narus Valley.

Prepare for the exciting safari experiences that await in one of Uganda’s most pristine and less-traveled national parks.

Day 7: Full-Day Game Drive – Kidepo Valley National Park

Arise in the morning for an unforgettable full-day safari in the spectacular Kidepo Valley National Park, widely regarded as Uganda’s most pristine wilderness. With its vast savannah plains framed by rugged mountain ranges, Kidepo offers some of the most dramatic landscapes in East Africa.

Set out on an extended game drive across the Narus and Kidepo Valleys, where wildlife congregates around seasonal water sources. Keep watch for lions, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and large herds of antelope roaming freely across the open plains. The park is also known for unique species such as cheetahs and ostriches rarely seen elsewhere in Uganda.

Enjoy a picnic lunch in the wild, surrounded by breathtaking scenery, before continuing your exploration in search of more wildlife encounters. Return to your lodge in the evening for relaxation after an exhilarating day in the African wilderness.

Day 8: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park – Journey to the Mighty Nile

Arise in the morning and depart from the wild landscapes of Kidepo, beginning your journey southwards to the iconic Murchison Falls National Park. The drive offers ever-changing scenery—from vast savannah plains to rolling countryside and local villages—providing a deeper glimpse into Uganda’s diverse landscapes.

Upon arrival, enter the park where the legendary Murchison Falls awaits, dramatically forcing the mighty Nile Riverthrough a narrow gorge before plunging into a powerful cascade below. Depending on arrival time, enjoy views of the surrounding wilderness as wildlife begins to emerge in the golden afternoon light.

Proceed to your lodge for check-in and relaxation as you prepare for the exciting safari and river experiences ahead.

Day 9: Murchison Falls – Game Drive, Waterfall Hike & Nile Cruise

Arise in the morning for a full day of adventure in Murchison Falls National Park, where dramatic landscapes and abundant wildlife converge. Begin with a guided game drive through the park’s diverse habitats, keeping an eye out for elephants, giraffes, lions, buffaloes, and a variety of antelope grazing across the savannah plains.

Next, embark on an invigorating hike to the top of the mighty Murchison Falls, where the Nile River squeezes through a narrow gorge before plunging powerfully below. From the top, marvel at panoramic views and the sheer force of this natural wonder.

After descending, relax on a scenic boat ride along the Nile, passing hippos, crocodiles, and a rich variety of birdlife. This combination of game drive, waterfall hike, and river cruise offers an unforgettable experience of one of Uganda’s most iconic landscapes. Return to your lodge in the evening to unwind.

Day 10: Transfer to Kibale – Chimpanzee Trekking Adventure

Arise in the morning for a scenic drive southwards to the lush forests of Kibale National Park, renowned for its rich primate population. The journey takes you through rolling hills, tea and coffee plantations, and picturesque rural villages, offering glimpses into Uganda’s vibrant countryside.

Upon arrival, embark on an afternoon chimpanzee trekking experience in the forest. Accompanied by expert guides, track these fascinating primates through the dense tropical rainforest, observing their playful interactions and hearing their distinctive calls echoing through the trees. Along the way, enjoy the sights and sounds of a forest alive with other wildlife and bird species.

After the trek, return to your lodge for relaxation, surrounded by the serenity of the forest and the sounds of nature.

Day 11: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Scenic Drive & Wildlife Views

Arise in the morning and depart from the lush forests of Kibale National Park, beginning your journey towards the iconic Queen Elizabeth National Park. The scenic drive winds through rolling hills, tea and banana plantations, and charming local villages, offering plenty of opportunities to enjoy Uganda’s vibrant countryside.

Along the way, keep an eye out for wildlife that may be spotted near the Kasese plains, including baboons, monitor lizards, and various bird species. Upon arrival at the park, check into your lodge and take some time to relax, preparing for the upcoming safari adventures in one of Uganda’s most diverse wildlife destinations.

Day 12: Queen Elizabeth National Park – Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Cruise

Arise in the morning for an exciting day of wildlife encounters in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Begin with a guided game drive through the park’s diverse habitats, where open savannahs, woodlands, and crater lakes host an incredible variety of wildlife. Keep watch for lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and numerous antelope species as your expert guide shares insights into their behaviors and habitats.

In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic boat ride along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway connecting Lake George and Lake Edward. This wildlife-rich river is lined with hippos, crocodiles, and countless bird species, offering unique photo opportunities. The combination of land and water safari provides an unforgettable perspective of the park’s rich biodiversity and dramatic landscapes.

Return to your lodge in the evening for relaxation after a day filled with remarkable wildlife experiences.

Day 13: Transfer to Bwindi – Journey to Gorilla Country

Arise in the morning and set off for the spectacular Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to the world-famous mountain gorillas. The scenic drive takes you through lush hills, tea and banana plantations, and small rural villages, offering a glimpse into Uganda’s vibrant countryside and local culture.

Along the way, enjoy occasional wildlife sightings and the stunning landscapes of southwestern Uganda. Upon arrival, check into your lodge nestled near the forest, relax, and prepare for the unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure that awaits in the coming days.

Day 14: Gorilla Trekking & Journey to Lake Bunyonyi – Primate Adventure and Tranquil Lakeside

Arise early in the morning for a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience in the lush Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Accompanied by expert park rangers, hike through dense rainforest trails to encounter a family of magnificent mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Witness their playful interactions, hear their distinctive calls, and capture unforgettable photographs of these gentle giants.

After the trek, embark on a scenic drive to Lake Bunyonyi, one of Africa’s most serene and picturesque lakes. Marvel at the terraced hillsides, tranquil waters, and abundant birdlife as you arrive at your lodge, where you can relax and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.

Day 15: Transfer to Lake Mburo with an Afternoon Nature Walk

Experience a delightful morning as you rise early and a delicious breakfast. Afterward, take in the beauty of Lake Bunyonyi with a relaxing boat ride. Later, embark on an exciting journey to Lakeuro, where you'll check in to your hotel. In the evening, enjoy a refreshing nature walk in Lake Mburo before returning to your lodge to unwind for the night.

Day 16: Transfer to Entebbe with an Afternoon Shoebill bird Experience

An early morning rise and a hearty breakfast, we set off for Entebbe. Upon our arrival, we check into our hotel and enjoy a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, we venture to Mabamba Swamps for an exciting opportunity to observe the elusive shoebill bird. Later we return to the lodge to unwind and relax.

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