8-Day Uganda Wildlife and
Primate Safari
Ziwa, Murchison Falls, Fort Portal, Kibale Forest, & Queen Elizabeth National Park
This 8-day safari takes you through some of Uganda’s most diverse landscapes, combining savannah wildlife, river experiences, crater lakes, and unforgettable primate encounters.
Your journey begins in Entebbe and continues through Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch, Murchison Falls National Park, Fort Portal, Kibale Forest, and Queen Elizabeth National Park, before returning to Entebbe.
Day 1: Entebbe to Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch- Rhino Tracking
Upon your arrival, your professional guide will warmly welcome you and pick you up from your preferred location in Kampala. Your adventure begins with a scenic drive through the lush countryside as you head north toward the Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch.
On arrival, check in to your lodge and enjoy a refreshing lunch. In the afternoon, set out on an exciting guided rhino tracking experience within the ranch. This rare opportunity allows you to get remarkably close to the endangered southern white rhinos while learning about the conservation efforts that protect them.
As you walk across the open plains accompanied by trained rangers, you can also expect to encounter other wildlife species such as antelopes, along with a variety of birdlife.
Later, return to the lodge and spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing and enjoying the peaceful surroundings of the ranch. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner in a serene bush setting before retiring for the night.
Day 2: Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch to Murchison Falls – Top of the Falls
After breakfast, depart from Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch and drive to Murchison Falls National Park (approximately 2 hours).
En route, visit the Top of the Falls, where the mighty River Nile forces its way through a narrow 7-metre gorge before plunging dramatically below. Feel the ground tremble beneath your feet as you witness the raw power of the world’s longest river.
After checking in at your lodge, head out for an evening game drive across the savannah. Expect to see elephants, giraffes, Jackson’s hartebeest, and, with luck, lions or leopards.
Alternatively, you may choose to spend time relaxing at the lodge, perhaps by the swimming pool.
Day 3: Game Drive and Boat Cruise on the Nile River
Start early (around 6:30 AM) with a sunrise game drive along the Buligi Circuit, one of East Africa’s most scenic safari routes.
Look out for predators such as lions returning from a night hunt, as well as herds of buffalo, Rothschild’s giraffes, Uganda kobs, and warthogs.
After lunch, enjoy a boat cruise along the Nile to the base of Murchison Falls. Along the riverbanks, you will see hippos wallowing, crocodiles basking, and elephants coming down to drink. Birdlife is spectacular — keep an eye out for the rare shoebill stork.
Later, return to the lodge with an evening game drive en route. Enjoy dinner and relax for the night.
Day 4: Scenic Drive to Fort Portal
After breakfast, begin your journey to Fort Portal, a town known for its scenic beauty and proximity to the Rwenzori Mountains.
The drive takes you through changing landscapes, from open savannah to lush highlands.
Stop for lunch at Gardens Restaurant, a popular spot offering a relaxed atmosphere and good food. After lunch, continue to your accommodation at Rwenzori Guest House, where you can unwind and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Day 5: Crater Lakes Region and Transfer to Kibale
After breakfast, explore the crater lakes region around Fort Portal.
You will visit the historical site of Amabere ga Nyina Mwiru, where you will learn about local legends and cultural history while enjoying views of waterfalls and caves.
Continue to Semuliki National Park to visit the hot springs, where boiling water emerges from the ground — a fascinating geothermal phenomenon set within a lush forest environment. Lunch will be enjoyed along the way.
Later, transfer to Kibale National Park, known as the primate capital of East Africa. Upon arrival, check in at Kibale Forest Camp and relax for the evening.
Day 6: Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Swamp Walk
Start the day early with breakfast before heading into the forest for chimpanzee trekking.
Accompanied by experienced rangers, you will walk through the forest in search of chimpanzees. Once located, you will spend time observing them as they feed, play, and interact. Their loud calls and energetic movements make this an exciting and immersive experience.
In the afternoon, visit Bigodi Wetland for a guided swamp walk. This community-run project offers the chance to see a variety of monkeys, birds, and other wildlife, while also supporting local conservation efforts.
You will also have the opportunity to interact with the local community and learn more about their way of life.
Return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 7: Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most popular wildlife destinations.
On arrival, enjoy lunch before heading out for an afternoon boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake Edward and Lake George. This area is rich in wildlife, with large concentrations of hippos, buffalo, elephants, and a wide variety of bird species.
In the evening, enjoy a game drive as the sun begins to set. This is a great time to spot predators such as lions becoming active for the night, as well as other animals moving across the plains.
Afterwards, head to Bush Lodge for dinner and an overnight stay
Day 8: Morning Game Drive and Return to Entebbe
Wake up early for a final game drive in the park — your last chance to spot animals you may have missed, including hyenas, elephants, antelopes, and possibly lions.
After the game drive, begin your journey back to Entebbe. The drive offers scenic views of the countryside and time to reflect on your safari experience.
Stop for lunch along the way before continuing to Entebbe, where you will be dropped off in the evening.
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8-Day Uganda Wildlife and
Primate Safari
If this sounds like your perfect safari adventure, then let us know and we’ll make it happen…
Looking for something Different?
We offer several other safari tours, depending on how long you have to stay in Uganda. Or, if you prefer, you can just spend a few days here at Ziwa. We have plenty of adventures, including rhino trekking, birding tours and our poplular shoebill trek.