Private 12-Day Highlights of Uganda Luxury Safari-Primates plus Big-5

The Highlights of Uganda – Great Apes and Wildlife

Take a Private 12-Day Highlights of Uganda Luxury Safari.

The Private 12-Day Highlights of Uganda Luxury Safari-Primates plus Big-5 give you some of the Best the Pearl of Africa – Uganda offers.   Our Primates plus the Big-5 Safari takes you to 5 of the best parks. Only in Uganda can you combine such Biodiversity plus the Scenic Wonders of the Western Rift Valley, the Explosion Craters, the Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon, and the Virunga Volcanoes.

Uganda is the Pearl of Africa. Africa Condensed into a Small Country, Africa, without the crowds. On your safari, visit five of Uganda’s 10 National Parks, Stay in some of its best Luxury Lodges, and get to know Uganda, including its culture and people.

This Private 12-Day Highlights of Uganda Luxury Safari-Primates plus Big-5 begins in Entebbe. 

The Vehicle used for this Safaris is a Toyota Land-Cruiser with a pop-up roof for best game viewing – Porter Services and Walking Sticks for Gorilla Trek are included, as is Bottled Water in the Vehicle for your Comfort.

 

Highlights of the Private 12-Day Highlights of Uganda Luxury Safari

• Chimpanzee Trekking – Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary Jungle Swamp

• Rhino Trekking on Foot – Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

• Top of the Falls Hike – Murchison Falls

• Rare Rothschild Giraffes in Large Numbers – Murchison Falls Park

• Optional Hot Air Balloon Safari – Murchison Falls Park

• Lion Tracking Research- Queen Elizabeth Park

• Explosion Crater Drive in Queen Elizabeth Park

• Tree Climbing Lions of Ishasha

• Optional Guided Village Walk 

• Optional Batwa Experience can be worked in on the day of Trekking 

• Nocturnal Game Drive – Lake Mburo National Park

• Horseback Riding Safari -Lake Mburo National Park – or Walking Safari – Bike Safari

 

Private 12-Day Highlights of Uganda Luxury Safari in Detail

Arrival in Entebbe – Welcome to Uganda:

Your 14-Day Explore Uganda Luxury Primate – Wildlife Safari Begins: Arrive at Entebbe International Airport. Current Arrival and Departure information can be found here. Your Driver-guide will welcome you at the tourist arrivals and take you to the 2-Friends Beach Hotel, where you have a deluxe Lake View Room with air conditioning.

There are more luxurious hotels, but they do not share the idyllic, romantic setting on Lake Victoria with its private, sandy beach, treehouse bar, and splendid views of Lake Victoria and the Ssese Islands.

The service and meals are excellent. You have a swimming pool to enjoy while you are here. In addition, they have an extensive Wine List. 

The boutique hotel is perfect for your first night in Africa. It is just ten minutes from the airport and the ideal place to stay on your arrival or departure day in Uganda.

Additionally, a recent local survey showed it was the preferred hotel by women because of the views, sandy, private beach, and ambiance.  Read more about 2-Friends Hotel.

Activities at or near 2-Friends Beach Hotel:

• Swimming Pool: Take a dip in the pool.
• 
• Wine and Cheese Sunset Cruise: Take a Sunset Cruise.

• Golfing: Golf on the African Continent.

• Entebbe Botanical Gardens: Take a guided tour of the over 100-year-old Botanical Gardens. Local legend states that one of the first Tarzan movies was filmed here.

• Shop at the nearby Victoria Mall: Here, you will find the items you might need for your Safari.

• Read a Book: Curl up in a beachside hammock and read a book about Uganda.

Meal Plan: Lunch – Dinner depending on your arrival time.

 

Day 1 – Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary:

Your Private 12-Day Highlights of Uganda Luxury Safari-Primates plus Big-5 begins. We will pick you up at your hotel in Entebbe or Kampala at 7 am. The drive to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is through Kampala. Then the Ugandan countryside, which includes the Luweero area with its many farms and villages, will take about 3 1/2 hours.

Amuka Lodge:

The Amuka Lodge is the only upmarket lodge in the Area. They are well-known for their excellent food, a fusion of South Africa and Uganda, extensive South African wine list, and excellent service. The lodge has a small swimming pool where you can take a refreshing dip after your drive from Kampala.

The Deluxe Cottages are comfortable and made from the local material found here – the wood comes from an abandoned sawmill, and the Tent material was locally made.

The Meals here are excellent, according to our clients that have stayed here in the midst of Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

Ziwa was a large ranch with a similar landscape to Murchison Falls Park. The Sanctuary is guarded around the clock, and no poachers have entered it.

The perfect stay-over halfway to Murchison Falls Park from Kampala.

 

Rhino Trekking on Foot:

Uganda Wildlife Rangers guide you to within 10 meters of the Rhinos. You can get some tremendous up-close pictures of the Rhinos. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary e Sanctuary is where Rhinos are bred to restock parks with Rhinos. Some will be released into Wildlife Reserves in northern Uganda.

The Rhino Trek will take about ninety minutes. The one-of-a-kind experience is one of those rare encounters in the wild of Uganda.

Lugogo Swamp Shoebill Encounter:

Take a boat ride with guides into the Lugogo Swamp, an excellent place to see the elusive Shoebill Stork and other swamp birds.

You will also see the sitatunga antelopes, bush pigs, and other mammals in the late afternoon toward sunset.

Meal Plan:   Lunch – Dinner

 

Day 2 – Murchison Falls Park: 

We drive to Murchison Falls Park, where we check in at the exclusive Nile Safari Lodge. Read more about Murchison Falls Park here.

Nile Safari Lodge:

Check into the exclusive, intimate, eco-friendly Nile Safari with only eight Bandas overlooking the River Nile. This is one of Murchison Falls Park’s best luxury Lodges. It is a cut above the rest with its subdued elegance and style, and nothing compares to it.  The perfect luxury lodge without the crowd is undoubtedly an out-of-the-ordinary one.

This Lodge is away from where most lodges are in a tranquil location and a club befitting the discerning African traveler. Although away from other lodges with the Paraa Bridge, you have easy access to game drives on the northern side of the Nile.

Nile Safari Lodge is a notch above the rest regarding rooms, meals, and service. The main Lodge has a bar, dining area, and a superb swimming pool with views of the Nile.

Since there are only eight rooms, an early booking of this Safari is required to ensure that you can stay here.

Read more about Nile Safari Lodge:

 

Late Afternoon Game Drive:

This is a late afternoon Game Drive in Murchison Falls National Park, where you will see Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Buffaloes, Giraffes, even patas monkeys, and much more.

On each game drive, you are accompanied by an experienced Uganda Wildlife Ranger with a weapon. The ranger will give you insights and information about the Park and the game you see. There is not much you will miss on a game drive between your driver-guide and the ranger.

The vehicle has a pop-up so that you can stand up for better game viewing and photographs. You can not climb on cars since that is against park rules. 

Back at the Lodge, we suggest that you have the excellent Nile Beer while on the Nile. We are referring to one of Uganda’s favorite Beers, the Nile.

For a sundowner, try Uganda Waragi with Krest Bitter Lemon. Waragi is a term from War Gin that the British gave to Ugandan soldiers to give them courage as they went into battle.

Meal Plan: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

 

Day 3 – Murchison Falls Park: 

Early Morning Game Drive:

Enjoy an early morning game drive and see the predators return after a night’s hunt. A Ranger and your driver-guide accompany you and point out the wildlife that you otherwise might miss. The game drive is up to three hours in length.

You can have breakfast at the Lodge after the Game Drive.

Afternoon Boat Cruise on the Nile:

Another highlight of your Safari is the Boat Cruise, not just on any River but the historic Nile River. You will see pods of Hippos, sun-basking Nile Crocodiles, Monitor Lizards, elephant herds, groups of Buffaloes, and lots of water birds.

In the opinion of many visitors, this is the best Wildlife Boat Cruise in Uganda. The reason is the vastness of Wildlife that you see here, from Paraa to the Bottom of the falls. Idi Amin frequently steered his boat on this section of the Nile while he was president. 

Sir Samuel and Lady Florence Baker: A hippo capsized their boat as they came up to the falls. They were the first Westerners to see the World’s most potent Waterfall. Read more here. 

The Movie “African Queen”: Portions of the Movie were filmed here. The 1951 movie with Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn was filled right here. Read more here.

As you reach the Bottom of the falls, you can choose to stay on the boat for the return trip or hike up to the top.

Top of the Falls Hike:

The guided Hike up to the top of the falls takes about 45 minutes. You are taking the trail that, in 1907, Winston Churchill took down where he was met by a boat that took him to Khartoum in Sudan. 

Above the falls, you see how wide the falls are and on the descent down the Western Rift escarpments. It pours through a six-meter-wide cauldron. You will be amazed by the sight, sounds, and mist.

Near here, Ernest Hemingway crash-landed in 1954 and was given up as dead, only to be rescued by a tourist boat launch.

A few years back, someone came up with the idea of building a dam. However, there was such an uproar from conservationists and the tourism industry that it quietly faded away.

Your driver-guide will meet you here and take you back to Nile Safari Lodge, where you can relax and chill out before dinner.

Please Note: The Top of the Falls Hike is not possible at present since the water level of the Nile is too high to disembark safely. You will cruise back down the river to the Paraa area.

Please Note: The high-water levels on the Nile make the top of the fall hike impossible. However, we will incorporate a visit to the top of the falls into your Safari. Read more about the most Powerful Waterfall in the World here.

Meal Plan: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

 

Day 4 – Kibale Forest Park:

We depart at 7:00 AM for Kibale Forest. We arrive at Crater Lake Safari Lodge in time for a late lunch.

Crater Lake Safari Lodge – Lakeside Cottage:

This luxury lodge is along Uganda’s Crater Trail.  It is a grand luxury lodge near Kibale Forest and Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary.

The closest Luxury Lodge to Kibale Forest is only a 7-kilometer drive to Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary and Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest.

Superb views, cottages with WiFi, elegant furnishings, and elegantly decorated solar-powered lights in the houses 24 hours a day, all added plus items while on Safari in Uganda.

Crater Lake Safari Lodge is a lovely addition to the Area and has already become a favorite among visitors to Kibale Forest.

Crater Lake Safari Lodge is the closest Luxury Lodge to Kibale Forest and Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary.

Relax and enjoy the Lake and pool during the afternoon.

Meal Plan:  Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

 

Day 5 – Kibale Forest-Chimpanzee Trekking:

Morning Chimpanzee Trekking:

Breakfast is off for an encounter with our closest relatives, the chimpanzees. It is best to take a light daypack, one liter of water, your camera equipment, and a good set of binoculars; wear some jeans or long trousers, a long-sleeved shirt, lightweight hiking boots, and a hat. Read more about what to wear while Chimpanzee Trekking.

Chimpanzee Tracking is usually about 3 1/2 hours long and the most memorable time for you.

You have the choice here to track chimpanzees or participate in all day chimpanzee habituation experience where you are with researchers and others who are habituating the chimpanzees. Both chimpanzee habituation and chimpanzee tracking must be well-planned. (if you co the all-day Chimpanzee Habituation Experience, we will eliminate the Bigodi Wetlands Walk-Hike.

There are many other primates that you might see during chimp tracking, generally between 5 to 7 other species, plus a wide variety – one thing you will find quite striking is the vegetation of the park, striking different from other areas of Uganda and East Africa.

 

Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary:

During the afternoon, visit Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary, a jungle swamp. It is next to Kibale Forest, and during the afternoon, you can often see chimpanzees here. The swamp is home to many primates and birds.

It is also home to the semi-aquatic Sitatunga Antelope and is the most exciting place. In this jungle swamp, you can see primates scurrying through the trees, hundreds of different species of colorful butterflies, and more.

Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary is a UNESCO Sustainable Eco-Site where the local community has done an excellent job maintaining the balance between people and nature.

Bigodi Wetland is a shining example of what can be done to maintain a balance between nature and human development.

 

Day 6-Queen Elizabeth Park:

Explosion Crater Drive:

Breakfast and we are off for Queen Elizabeth Park and its tapestry of Natural wonders – a short drive of 2 1/2 hours. Before checking in, we take the scenic 27-kilometer Explosion Crater Drive where you will see various explosion craters, some as lakes, others covered by Savanna Grass or woodland. It is the highest point of the park from where you have expansive views of the Western Rift Escarpment – Lake George, Lake Edwards, and the savanna. One of the craters was recently featured by National Geographic online.

We have an Uganda Wildlife Authority Ranger on board for the drive to give you detailed background information that will enhance this drive. Regarding wildlife, elephants and buffaloes are often seen along this route, but one takes it primarily for the scenery, and the view is simply stunning.

Check into the Lodge chosen in the Mweya Area of Queen Elizabeth Park.

 

Kyambura Gorge Lodge – Luxury:

Kyambura Game Lodge took an old coffee plantation and gave it new life in the form of a luxury Lodge bringing another level of service to the Area.

The Cottages have their style and design, unique to the Volcanoes Lodges in Uganda and Rwanda.

View-wise, you overlook the Kyambura Gorge, that gash in the Savannah with its underground forest, its River of the Blind, and the Chimpanzees at home here.

The lodge has a lovely swimming pool where you can take a break from the Equatorial Sun while enjoying a cool drink.

 The lodge is also near some villages you can visit while staying at Kyambura Gorge Lodge.

The Lodge provides activities to its guests, such as a coffee plantation and production facility run by women.

 

Late Afternoon Game Drive

Afternoon game drive across the candelabra euphoria tree-studded Savannah; the vehicle has a pop-up roof so you can stand and take better pictures where you will see lions, leopards, bush pigs, giant forest hogs, elephant herds, buffaloes, various species of antelopes, savannah birds, hyenas, monitor lizards, an occasional rock python, and lots more.

Meal Plan: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

 

Day 7 – Queen Elizabeth Park:

Morning Game Drive:

Breakfast before or after the game drive. You can begin your first game drive at the crack of dawn at about 6:30 am.

As we head out for the game drive, we pick up an Uganda Wildlife Authority Ranger to go with us. Mornings are also when more predators return from their night of stalking, and there is nothing like a Savannah Sunrise.

Queen Elizabeth Park has a thriving wildlife population, including an elephant population like in the 1960s.

Optional Activities that you can participate in:

Lion Tracking Research – this is an option where you go with researchers searching for collared lions, and this is in cooperation with the Uganda Carnivore Project and Uganda Wildlife Association. This is also a time of learning about the habits and ways of the lions.

There is also the Banded Mongoose Research Project – this project takes place on the Mweya Peninsula and is on foot with Rangers and Researchers observing the habits and ways of the banded mongoose.

Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise:

Take an afternoon Boat Safari ride on the  Kazinga Channel with one of Africa’s highest concentrations of hippos.  The Boat Safari is a highlight of any Queen Elizabeth Park Visit.

This is a pleasant boat ride where you can get some great pictures of elephants, antelopes, crocodiles, monitor lizards, predators in the late afternoon, and buffaloes on the shore. Hopefully, you will get an open-mouthed hippo shot with your camera.

The  Kazinga Channel is also home to thousands of birds. You will be amazed by the many birds you will see along the shore, in the air, and in the water.

The Kazinga Channel Boat cruise is about two hours long, and various boats can be used for the boat cruise, including Uganda Wildlife Authority Boats and boats from Mweya Safari Lodge. Private boat cruises can be arranged.

Meal Plan: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

 

Day 8 – Ishasha – Tree Climbing Lions:

Meal Plan:  Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner

 

Day 9 – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – Buhoma Area

This morning we drive to Buhoma, where we arrive before noon and check into Bwindi Lodge.

^{Bwindi Lodge in Buhoma:}

Bwindi Lodge overlooks the primeval Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Guests have stunning views of the forest canopy across a serene stream. Bwindi Lodge is one of Uganda’s unique and outstanding lodges. 

The property has dramatic views of the impenetrable Forest and is a great place to spot the primates and birds hidden in the foliage.

In 2021 two new deluxe Bandas opened, the eight standard Bandas were rebuilt and upgraded, and the lounge and library were reimagined.

Enjoy the world-class service where you have your butler service. The meals served here are exquisite. 

After a Gorilla Trek, you can take advantage of Humula Spa and unwind before having a sundowner on your terrace.

Read more about Bwindi Lodge here.

Activities you can do here besides Gorilla Tracking:

• The Batwa Experience: See the Forest and how the Batwa lived there. This is an interactive, authentic Cultural Encounter with the Batwa, who are today Conservation Refugees.

• Visit the Bwindi Community Hospital: This is one of Uganda’s finest hospitals, dental clinics, and training centers. The hospitable has dramatically increased the life expectancy of the Batwa and other ethnic communities. 

• Bike Riding: Go on a guided bike ride with the Ride for a woman project.

• Village Walk: Go on a three-hour guided village walk where you will see various demonstrations of how Banana Beer, a Gin called Waragi, is made. Listen to the traditional healer as he shows you the medicines from the Forest. Visit a school and watch the dance of the Batwa Community.

• Nature Walk: Take a guided nature walk which can include birding in and outside the Park.

Meal Plan: Lunch – Dinner

 

Day 10: Gorilla Trekking-Your Encounter with the Gentle Giants of the Forest

Day 11 – Lake Mburo Park:

Breakfast, and we head to Lake Mburo Park, which is a 5-hour plus drive from Buhoma.

Mihingo Safari Lodge

We reach Mihingo Safari Lodge, the best Lodge in or around the Park, and it sets the standard for what a luxury tented camp should be like in Uganda. Your room is a private permanent tent covered with a thatched roof, and a lovely verandah gives you a sweeping view of the Park. 

The main Lodge has a fabulous swimming pool with a fantastic view of the Park below. Meals that delight the senses are served in the dining room, which also has a breathtaking view of the Park and the saltlick where animals gather, and you can see them.

The Lodge offers wellness services such as a therapeutic massage where you can view the Park. 

Activities offered by Mihingo Safari Lodge at extra cost:

Horseback Riding: See Wildlife on horseback. This is the only National Park where you can do so.

Mountain Biking: Take a guided Bike Ride through the Park seeing wildlife while on a bike.

Morning Run: Take a guided morning run in the Park, where the scenery is quite different from what you are used to.

Read more about Mihingo Safari Lodge:

 

Scheduled Afternoon and Evening Activities

Wildlife Boat Cruise on Lake Mburo

This is ninety-minute Wildlife and birding cruise on Lake Mburo. Here you will see Crocodiles, monitor lizards, and hippos. There are four species of otters in the lake. Some animals come to water here, including various antelopes and zebras.

Game Drive:

Here you will see herds of zebras, giraffes, the large Elanda antelopes, and the endangered Ankole Cattle owned by pastoralists who live near the Park. They have been given a special dispensation to graze their animals on Parkland. The majestic Ankole Cattle are an endangered species due to crossbreeding, and unless measures are taken, the famed Watusi cattle, as you know, will no longer exist in Uganda.

Nocturnal Game Drive:

Mihingo Lodge takes you on a nocturnal game drive, an out-of-the-ordinary adventure. Here the creatures of the night come out, such as Leopards that you will see, bushbabies, pottos, and at times the not often seen pangolin. The Lodge uses spotlights to eliminate the night, and you can see the game and other creatures, such as birds and owls.

Meal Plan: Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner

 

Day 12 Kampala -Entebbe: 

Breakfast and a three-hour horseback safari guided across the rolling savannah, zebras, buffaloes, antelopes, and the large Eland Antelope.

Lunch at Mihingo Lodge

Depart for Entebbe – but we first stop at the equator – we reach Entebbe in the late afternoon as your 12-Day Luxury-Gorilla-Chimpanzee-Trekking Wildlife Safari comes to an end.

Meal Plan:  Breakfast – Lunch

Depending on your departure time, Lodging can be arranged, such as a day room; also, at the beginning of the Safari, accommodation can be arranged at Entebbe if you arrive in the evening or at night.

Lodging can be changed to fit your wishes during this 12-Day Highlights of Uganda Luxury Great Apes and Big-5 Wildlife Safari.

 

 

What is included in your Private 12-Day Highlights of Uganda Luxury Safari-Primates plus Big-5?

• Full-Board stays at safe, secure quality Lodges: We choose welcoming, friendly, and hospitable quality lodges for your Safari, including the incoming hotel in Entebbe or Kigali, Rwanda. 

• Vegetarian and Vegan Meals: We can accommodate vegetarians and vegans on a safari. Additionally, there are kid-friendly meals for families with children. Kosher Friendly meals can also be provided. Other dietary needs, such as gluten- and sugar-free, can be met if we are notified.

• Gorilla – Chimpanzee – Golden Monkey Permits: Permits are included in the Safari.

• Porter Services for Gorilla Treks: Porter Services are automatically included in your Safari. You are walking sticks; we supply bottled water for your treks, volcano climbs, and hikes.

• Private 4×4 Safari Vehicle equipped with Pop-Up Roof: You have an experienced driver-guide that will guide you on a Safari through the Pearl of Africa. The vehicle has a refrigerated unit, and bottled water and fruit snacks are available on longer drives. WiFi is available. We can make arrangements for a MiFi Router for you, which would give you access to the internet even in your cottage since, at most lodges, WiFi is available only in the leading club. You would incur a small charge for the use and data of a MiFi Router.

• AMREF-Flying Doctors Medivac Insurance: Your Well-being is foremost on our mind, and we automatically include emergency air-evac insurance for your Safari. 

 

If you are interested in this 12-Day Highlights of Uganda’s Luxury Great Apes and Big-5 Wildlife Safari – please get in touch with us:

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