15 DAYS PEARL OF AFRICA GRAND WILDLIFE AND PRIMATE SAFARI

Introduction

This 15 Days Pearl of Africa Grand Wildlife and Primate Safari leads you on a remarkable journey across Uganda’s richly diverse landscapes – from savannah plains to tropical rainforests and volcanic foothills. It weaves together iconic wildlife encounters, breathtaking natural wonders and authentic cultural exchanges. Starting in the tranquil Lake Mburo, you can cruise calm waters and spot zebras and elands, then venture into the forested mountains of Bwindi to stand face to face with endangered mountain gorillas. You will also get to spot lions in Queen Elizabeth, listen to chimpanzees’ hoot in Kibale and marvel at the thunder of Murchison Falls. You will also explore untouched the valleys of Kidepo, meet the proud Karamojong warriors, hike to stunning Sipi Falls and stand at the historic Source of the Nile. This immersive journey captures Uganda’s wild beauty, vibrant traditions and unforgettable spirit.

Activities

  • Boat cruises.
  • Game Drives.
  • Chimpanzee tracking.
  • Gorilla trekking.
  • Batwa Cultural encounter.
  • Coffee Plantations Tour.
  • Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary Walks.
  • Sipi Falls.
  • Amabeere Ga Nyina Mwiru.
  • Source of the Nile.
  • Short Jinja City Tour.

Safari Highlights

Day 1: Transfer to Lake Mburo – Afternoon Boat cruise.

Day 2: Morning Game drive – Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking – Batwa cultural visit.

Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Evening Game Drive.

Day 5: Morning game drive – Afternoon Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise.

Day 6: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park – Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary Walk.

Day 7: Chimpanzee Tracking – Amabeere Ga Nyina Mwiru.

Day 8: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

Day 9: Morning Game Drive – Afternoon Boat Cruise.

Day 10: Transfer to Kidepo – Evening Game drive.

Day 11: Morning Game Drive – Transfer to Kotido.

Day 12: Karamojong Visit – Transfer to Kapchorwa.

Day 13: Sipi Falls – Coffee Plantations Tour.

Day 14: Transfer to Jinja – Source of the Nile.

Day 15: Transfer to Entebbe.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer to Lake Mburo – Afternoon Boat cruise

You will begin your journey with a scenic drive westward to Lake Mburo National Park. Along the way, rolling hills and roadside markets will welcome you into Uganda’s heartland. After checking in and enjoying lunch at your lodge, you will take to the water for a tranquil afternoon boat cruise. As you glide across the lake, you will spot hippos bobbing in the shallows, crocodiles sunbathing along the banks, fish eagles calling overhead. This peaceful introduction to Uganda’s wild is the perfect prelude to your adventure. You will then head back to your lodge for dinner and an overnight rest completed by the sound of the wild.

 

 

Accommodation

Mihingo Lodge

Day 2: Morning Game drive – Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

At sunrise, you will set out for a game drive through Lake Mburo’s acacia woodlands and savannah. You will spot zebras grazing in the open field, elands moving silently among trees, and warthogs darting into the bush. After breakfast back at the lodge, you will check out and then embark on a scenic transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, winding through hilly terrain and rural villages. You will arrive just in time for dinner and rest under the canopy of the ancient forest.

 

Accommodation

Broadbill Forest Camp.

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking – Batwa cultural visit

After an early breakfast, you will report to the park headquarters for a briefing before venturing into Bwindi’s misty jungle. Guided by expert trackers, you will hike through thick foliage, the forest alive with birdcalls and rustling leaves. When you finally encounter the gorillas, you will spend one magical hour observing them in their natural habitat – feeding, playing, resting, grooming and perhaps breastfeeding. You will then head back to your lodge for a freshly prepared lunch and some rest before you head out for the Batwa community visit. While here, you will hear stories, songs and learn how this forest-dwelling people lived harmony with the land for centuries. After here, you will head back to your lodge for a well-deserved dinner and an overnight.

 

 

 

Accommodation

Broadbill Forest Camp.

Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

You will depart Bwindi after breakfast and journey north to Queen Elizabeth National Park, with a stop at the historic Lake Katwe Salt mines. Here, local guides will share the process of traditional salt harvesting – a practise passed down for generations. Upon arrival, you will check into your lodge, enjoy the golden light settling over the savannah, have dinner and a well-deserved rest.

Accommodation

Enganzi Game Lodge.

Day 5: Morning game drive – Afternoon Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

As the sun rises, after breakfast, you will head into the Kasenyi plains for a thrilling game drive. You will spot herds of Uganda Kob, lions, elephants roaming in a distance and buffalos grazing near the tracks. After a hearty lunch, you will embark on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. You will drift past elephant herds, hippos in the shallows and a dazzling array of waterbirds. From here, you will head back to your lodge for dinner and a restful overnight.

 

Day 6: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park – Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary Walk

After breakfast, you set off for Kibale Forest National Park, also known as the primate capital of East Africa. The journey winds through scenic landscapes, tea plantations and small villages. Upon arrival, you will check into your lodge and enjoy a freshly prepared lunch. Later, you will take a guided walk through the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-run conservation area known for its rich biodiversity including monkeys, butterflies and over 200 bird species such as the great blue turaco.

Accommodation

Turaco Treetops

Day 7: Chimpanzee Tracking – Amabeere Ga Nyina Mwiru

After breakfast, you will report to the park headquarters for a briefing before heading into the forest in search of chimpanzees. With guidance from expert trackers, you will follow their hoots and rustles through the forest until you find them. You will spend an hour watching these intelligent creatures interact and forage in their natural home. After lunch, you will take an excursion to the Amabeere Ga Nyina Mwiru, a cultural site rich in folklore, waterfalls and caves associated with ancient legends of the Tooro Kingdom.

Accommodation

Turaco treetops

Day 8: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park – A walk to the top of the falls
After breakfast, you will embark on a scenic drive north to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area. You will pass through traditional villages and colourful roadside markets. Upon arrival, you will take a short hike to the top of Murchison Falls, where the mighty Nile squeezes through a 7-meter gorge, creating a thunderous roar and misty spray. The view from above is awe-inspiring. You will then proceed to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

 

 

 

Accommodation
Pakuba Safari Lodge.

Day 9: Morning Game Drive – Afternoon Boat Cruise

You will start the day with an early game drive across the norther sector of the park. Look out for giraffes, lions, elephants, Jackson’s hartebeest, hyenas and even leopards if lucky. After lunch, you will enjoy a boat cruise along the Victoria Nile, which takes you close to the base of Murchison Falls. Along the riverbanks, expect to see hippos, Nile crocodiles and a variety of birds including the rare shoebill stork.

Accommodation

Pakuba Safari Lodge

Day 10: Transfer to Kidepo – Evening Game drive

After an early breakfast, you will begin your journey to Kidepo Valley National Park, one of Africa’s most remote and pristine wildernesses. The road trio takes you through changing landscapes and lesser-travelled routes of northern Uganda. On arrival, you will go for an evening game drive in Narus valley where you may encounter lions lounging on rocks, elephants grazing and buffalo herds roaming freely.

Accommodation

Kidepo Savannah Lodge.

Day 11: Morning Game Drive – Transfer to Kotido

You will rise early for a morning game drive across Kidepo’s open plains, enjoying sightings of cheetahs, ostriches, giraffes and large herds of buffalo. Afterward, you will transfer to Kotido, the cultural heart of Karamoja. This scenic drive will give you a glimpse into the traditional way of life in Uganda’s northeastern frontier.

 

 

Accommodation

Kotido Resort Hotel.

Day 12: Karamojong Visit – Transfer to Kapchorwa

You will have your sumptuous breakfast before heading out to visit the Karamojong community, known for their cattle-keeping heritage, colourful beadwork and strong warrior traditions. You will participate it a cultural experience that includes traditional dances, homestead tours and storytelling. Afterward, you will drive to Kapchorwa, near Mount Elgon, stunning views of the eastern highlands.

Accommodation

Sipi River Lodge

Day 13: Sipi Falls – Coffee Plantations Tour

After breakfast, you will hike to the three stunning Sipi Falls, each offering a different perspective and level of adventure, including cave visits and breathtaking panoramas of Karamoja plains. After lunch and a short rest, you will tour a local Arabica Coffee plantation and learn about the bean-to-cup process and even roasting your own coffee.

 

 

 

 

Accommodation

Sipi River Lodge.

Day 14: Transfer to Jinja – Source of the Nile

You will transfer to Jinja, Uganda’s adventure capital and second most vibrant city after Kampala. After lunch, you will take a relaxing boat ride to visit the Source of the Nile, where the mighty river begins its journey northward from Lake Victoria. Depending on the time, you may enjoy a short city tour of Jinja, visiting local crafts or colonial-era architecture.

Accommodation

Jinja Nile Resort.

Day 15: Transfer to Entebbe

After breakfast, you will begin your journey back to Entebbe, reflecting on the incredible diversity of landscapes, cultures and wildlife you have encountered. You may stop for lunch en route or make a detour for souvenirs depending on your flight schedule.

End of Safari

Inclusions

  • Gorilla trekking permit.
  • Chimpanzee trekking.
  • All activities mentioned in the itinerary
  • All ground transportation in 4×4 safari vehicle.
  • Full-time professional English-speaking guide.
  • All park entry fees.
  • Government taxes.
  • Full board accommodation as stated.
  • Bottled drinking water.

Exclusions

  • International Flights and Visas.
  • Travel and medical insurance.
  • Personal expenses
  • Alcoholic drinks.
  • Any activities not mentioned in the itinerary.