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12 Days Primate Paths & Untamed Plains: Uganda’s Hidden Gems Tour

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(Entebbe Arrival, Bwindi, Ishasha Sector, Kazinga Channel, Semuliki, Kidepo Valley, Entebbe/Depart)

Safari Itinerary

Tour Overview: This 12-day safari is designed for those who seek to explore the wild and less-traveled regions of Uganda. From the dense jungles of Bwindi and the Ishasha Sector, known for tree-climbing lions, to the remote wilderness of Kidepo Valley and the unique Semuliki National Park, this itinerary offers an unforgettable adventure through Uganda’s most pristine and isolated landscapes.

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe

Accommodation: Protea Hotel by Marriott Entebbe (or similar)

Meals: Dinner

Arrive at Entebbe International Airport where your guide will meet and transfer you to your hotel. Take time to relax after your flight and prepare for the exciting journey ahead.

Day 2: Entebbe to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Travel Distance: 500 km (approximately 8-9 hours)

Accommodation: Mahogany Springs Lodge (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Begin your journey with a scenic drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas. The long drive offers an introduction to Uganda’s diverse landscapes. Arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon, where you can unwind and prepare for the gorilla trekking experience.

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Accommodation: Mahogany Springs Lodge (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Start the day with an early breakfast before heading to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking. Trek through dense rainforest to find one of the gorilla families, an experience that is both physically challenging and profoundly moving. Spend an hour with the gorillas before returning to your lodge for a restful evening.

Day 4: Bwindi to Ishasha Sector (Queen Elizabeth National Park)

Travel Distance: 60 km (approximately 2-3 hours)

Accommodation: Ishasha Wilderness Camp (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, depart for the Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions. Enjoy a leisurely game drive upon arrival, focusing on spotting these unique lions resting in fig trees. The area is also home to elephants, buffalo, and various antelope species.

Day 5: Ishasha Sector Game Drives

Accommodation: Ishasha Wilderness Camp (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Spend the day exploring the Ishasha Sector with morning and afternoon game drives. Besides the tree-climbing lions, this area offers excellent opportunities to see large herds of buffalo, elephants, and birdlife. Enjoy the serene atmosphere of this less-visited part of the park.

Day 6: Ishasha Sector to Kazinga Channel (Queen Elizabeth National Park)

Travel Distance: 150 km (approximately 3-4 hours)

Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, drive to the northern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Arrive at your lodge near the Kazinga Channel, and in the afternoon, embark on a boat cruise along the channel, which is teeming with hippos, crocodiles, and a rich variety of bird species.

Day 7: Kazinga Channel to Semuliki National Park

Travel Distance: 150 km (approximately 3-4 hours)

Accommodation: Semuliki Safari Lodge (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After an early breakfast, drive to Semuliki National Park, known for its hot springs and unique blend of Central and East African flora and fauna. Arrive at your lodge in time for lunch, followed by an afternoon visit to the Sempaya Hot Springs, where you can witness boiling geysers and soak in the natural beauty of the forest.

Day 8: Nature Walks & Game Drive in Semuliki National Park

Accommodation: Semuliki Safari Lodge (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Explore Semuliki’s unique ecosystem with a guided nature walk in the morning, where you’ll have the chance to spot rare bird species and possibly forest elephants or chimpanzees. In the afternoon, take a game drive to spot wildlife in the open savannas of the park.

Day 9: Semuliki to Kidepo Valley National Park

Travel Distance: 510 km (approximately 9-10 hours)

Accommodation: Apoka Safari Lodge (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Depart early for the long drive to Kidepo Valley National Park, one of Uganda’s most remote and beautiful parks. The journey offers a glimpse into rural Uganda, passing through traditional villages and changing landscapes. Arrive in Kidepo in the evening, where you can relax after the long drive.

Day 10: Game Drives in Kidepo Valley National Park

Accommodation: Apoka Safari Lodge (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Spend the day exploring Kidepo Valley National Park, known for its rugged landscapes and large herds of buffalo, elephants, giraffes, and zebras. Morning and afternoon game drives will give you the chance to see lions, cheetahs, and possibly even leopards. The park’s isolation makes for a truly wild experience.

Day 11: Kidepo Valley to Entebbe

Travel Distance: 565 km (approximately 10-11 hours)

Accommodation: Protea Hotel by Marriott Entebbe (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After an early breakfast, begin the long journey back to Entebbe. You’ll travel through the remote Karamoja region, offering a last look at Uganda’s diverse cultures and landscapes. Arrive in Entebbe in the evening for a relaxing night at your hotel before departure.

Safari InclusionsSafari Exclusions
Airport Transfer ServicesInternational and local flights
Transport in a spacious 4 x 4 WD safari land cruiserTips and gratuities
Full board accommodation in your preferred luxury lodge/campExcursions
All park fees and government taxes
Game drives
Visa
Schedule Flights as specified on itineraryTravel & Medical Insurance
Mineral waterAll expenses of personal nature (e.g. telephone, drinks, laundry, optional activities, souvenirs etc.)
Services of a professional English speaking driver guidePremium Drinks

This itinerary offers a deep dive into Uganda’s most remote and beautiful wilderness areas

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