19 Days Uganda Gorilla, Primates & Wildlife Safari Holiday.

The Ultimate East–West–North Uganda Safari Experience.

The Most Complete Uganda Safari You Can Experience.

The 19 Days Uganda Gorilla, Primates & Wildlife Safari Holiday is the most comprehensive and immersive safari itinerary in Uganda, carefully designed for travelers who want to experience everything the Pearl of Africa has to offer from rare primates and classic African wildlife to dramatic landscapes, vibrant cultures, and unforgettable natural wonders.

This expertly crafted safari takes you across Uganda from East to West, North to South, revealing the country’s astonishing ecological and cultural diversity.

You will explore savannah plains, tropical rainforests, volcanic highlands, river systems, waterfalls, crater lakes, and remote wilderness areas, while enjoying carefully selected mid-range safari lodges that balance comfort, location, and value.

Uganda is one of the only countries in Africa where you can combine Big Game safaris with world-class primate trekking, and this itinerary is built around that unique strength.

You will track the endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, observe the fast-moving chimpanzees of Kibale Forest, and encounter over 20 primate species, alongside iconic African wildlife such as lions, elephants, giraffes, buffalo, leopards, hippos, zebras, crocodiles, and rhinos.

In addition to wildlife, this safari places strong emphasis on culture and scenery. You will hike the dramatic Sipi Falls, meet the proud and resilient Karamojong people, explore the source of the Nile, cruise along major waterways, and enjoy peaceful moments at Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Mburo.

This 19-day Uganda safari is ideal for travelers who want a deep, unrushed, authentic African experience, combining adventure, education, conservation, and relaxation guided by professional safari experts who know Uganda intimately.

Why Choose This 19-Day Uganda Safari?

Covers all major safari regions of Uganda
Combines gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking & Big Five wildlife
Includes Kidepo Valley, Uganda’s most remote and spectacular park
Rich cultural encounters with the Karamojong people
Scenic highlights: Sipi Falls, Rwenzori Mountains, Nile River, crater lakes
Balanced pacing with relaxation days
Carefully selected mid-range safari lodges
Ideal for first-time and repeat Africa travelers

Detailed 19-Day Uganda Gorilla, Primates & Wildlife Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Welcome to Uganda

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be met by your professional safari guide and transferred to a comfortable hotel near the airport. Depending on arrival time, enjoy a relaxed evening recovering from your journey.

Overnight: Entebbe
Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Entebbe – Sezibwa Falls – Mabira Forest – Jinja (Source of the Nile)

After breakfast, drive east toward Jinja, Uganda’s adventure capital. En route, visit Sezibwa Falls, a spiritual and cultural site linked to Buganda folklore, followed by a guided walk in Mabira Forest Reserve, home to forest birds, monkeys, and butterflies.

Continue to Jinja to visit the Source of the Nile, where the world’s longest river begins its epic journey to the Mediterranean Sea.

Overnight: Jinja
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Jinja – Mbale – Sipi Falls

Depart Jinja and drive east toward Mbale, passing through fertile farmland and rolling hills. Continue to the foothills of Mount Elgon, arriving at Sipi Falls, one of Uganda’s most scenic mountain regions.

Enjoy stunning views of the plains below and the sound of cascading waterfalls.

Overnight: Sipi Falls
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Sipi Falls Hiking & Cultural Experience

Spend the day exploring Sipi Falls, with guided hikes to multiple waterfalls, coffee plantation visits, and interactions with local communities. This area offers cool mountain air, panoramic views, and excellent photography opportunities.

Overnight: Sipi Falls
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Sipi Falls – Moroto – Karamojong Cultural Experience

Travel north-east to Moroto, entering the heartland of the Karamojong people, one of Uganda’s most traditional pastoral communities. Visit a Karamojong manyatta (homestead) to learn about their culture, cattle traditions, music, and dance.

This authentic cultural encounter offers insight into a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for centuries.

Overnight: Moroto Area
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Moroto – Kidepo Valley National Park (Evening Game Drive)

Continue to Kidepo Valley National Park, Uganda’s most remote and least visited park, often ranked among Africa’s best wilderness destinations.

Arrive in time for an evening game drive, spotting elephants, buffalo, zebras, giraffes, and predators against dramatic mountain backdrops.

Overnight: Kidepo Valley National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Full-Day Safari in Kidepo Valley National Park

Spend a full day on safari in Kidepo Valley, exploring the Narua Valley and Kidepo plains. This park boasts some of the highest wildlife densities in Uganda and is one of the best places to see cheetahs, lions, leopards, and large buffalo herds.

Kidepo’s isolation ensures a crowd-free, raw African safari experience.

Overnight: Kidepo Valley National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8: Kidepo Valley – Murchison Falls National Park

Depart Kidepo and journey south-west toward Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest protected area. Enjoy scenic countryside views and rural life along the way.

Arrive in Murchison Falls National Park in the evening.

Overnight: Murchison Falls National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 9: Murchison Falls Game Drive & Nile Boat Safari

Begin with an early morning game drive on the northern bank of the Nile, searching for lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, buffalo, and antelopes.

In the afternoon, enjoy a boat safari on the Nile River to the base of Murchison Falls, where hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and abundant birdlife are commonly seen.

Overnight: Murchison Falls National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10: Murchison Falls – Kibale National Park

Drive south-west toward Kibale National Park, passing through scenic landscapes, tea plantations, and the Albertine Rift Valley.

Arrive in the afternoon and relax at your lodge in preparation for chimpanzee tracking.

Overnight: Kibale National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 11: Chimpanzee Tracking & Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary

Track chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, home to over 1,500 chimpanzees and 13 primate species. This is one of Africa’s best chimpanzee trekking experiences.

In the afternoon, visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-run conservation project rich in birds, monkeys, and cultural interaction.

Overnight: Kibale National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 12: Fort Portal – Crater Lakes – Amabeere Caves – Queen Elizabeth National Park

Explore Fort Portal, the scenic crater lakes region, and visit Amabeere ga Nyinamwiru caves, a site of geological and cultural significance.

Continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park, arriving in the afternoon.

Overnight: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 13: Game Drives & Kazinga Channel Boat Safari

Enjoy morning game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park, followed by a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel, one of Africa’s richest wildlife corridors.

Expect close encounters with hippos, elephants, buffalo, crocodiles, and diverse birdlife.

Overnight: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 14: Maramagambo Forest Walk & Ishasha Tree-Climbing Lions

Take a guided forest walk in Maramagambo Forest, exploring bat caves, forest wildlife, and lush vegetation.

Later, drive to the Ishasha Sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions, often seen resting in fig trees.

Overnight: Ishasha Sector / Bwindi Area
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 15: Ishasha Game Drive – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Enjoy another game drive in Ishasha, then proceed to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.

Overnight: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 16: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Today is the highlight of your safari mountain gorilla trekking. Trek through dense rainforest with expert rangers to locate a habituated gorilla family.

Spending one hour with mountain gorillas is widely regarded as one of the most powerful wildlife experiences on Earth.

Overnight: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 17: Bwindi – Lake Bunyonyi (Relaxation Day)

Drive to Lake Bunyonyi, one of Africa’s most beautiful lakes. Spend the rest of the day relaxing by the lakeside, enjoying canoeing, swimming (bilharzia-free), or simply unwinding after your gorilla trek.

Overnight: Lake Bunyonyi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 18: Lake Bunyonyi – Lake Mburo National Park

Enjoy a relaxed morning before driving to Lake Mburo National Park, known for its open savannah, lakes, and unique wildlife such as zebras and elands.

Overnight: Lake Mburo National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 19: Lake Mburo Game Drive & Canoe Safari – Entebbe

Begin with a morning game drive, followed by a canoe ride on Lake Mburo, offering close wildlife encounters.

Later, drive back to Entebbe for your international departure, marking the end of your 19 Days Uganda Gorilla, Primates & Wildlife Safari.

FAQs

Is this safari suitable for first-time visitors to Africa?

Yes. This itinerary is ideal for first-time travelers seeking a complete introduction to Africa’s wildlife, primates, culture, and landscapes.

How difficult is gorilla and chimpanzee trekking?

Moderate fitness is required. Treks vary in duration, but guides adjust the pace to guests’ abilities.

What accommodation standard is used?

Carefully selected mid-range lodges offering comfort, excellent locations, and value.

When is the best time for this safari?

The best months are June–September and December–February, though Uganda is a year-round destination.

Conclusion: The Ultimate Uganda Safari Journey

The 19 Days Uganda Gorilla, Primates & Wildlife Safari Holiday is the most in-depth, well-rounded, and immersive safari experience in Uganda.

By combining primate trekking, Big Five safaris, cultural encounters, scenic wonders, and relaxation, this itinerary delivers a true end-to-end exploration of the Pearl of Africa.