Uganda Safari: Primates & Predators

Today you’re off to Murchison Falls National Park, but you have an exciting stop on the way at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. While you track the rhinos also keep an eye out for leopard, crocodiles, bushbuck, Uganda kob, oribi, hippo and other wildlife. The birdlife is abundant too, with the rare and prehistoric-looking shoebill stork present in the Lugogo Swamps. In the afternoon you’ll see the legendary Murchison Falls, an impossibly narrow seven-metre gap in a cleft rock creating a powerful explosion of white water. The Falls are believed to be the most powerful natural flow of water anywhere on earth. You’ll stay nearby at Baker’s Lodge, situated on the south bank of the mighty Nile River. The views of the river are vast and magnificent with islands hosting nesting egret birds, elephants bathing and pods of hippos regularly viewed.

Each of the thatched safari suites has a private deck overlooking the river. Care has been taken to ensure each of the 10 suites has privacy as well as excellent views up or down the river.

After an early breakfast, it’s time for your first game drive. Keep an eye out for elephant, Cape buffalo, Rothschild’s giraffe, Uganda kob, hartebeest and waterbuck. You may also spot predators such as lion, leopard and spotted hyena. After lunch, the excitement continues with a boat safari up the calm Victoria Nile. En-route, marvel at the toothsome hippos and crocodiles. Over this 17-kilometre stretch you may see elephant, waterbuck and Uganda Kob. This is also a zone of many bird species like Goliath heron, Egyptian goose, pelican bee-eater, kingfisher, hornbill, cormorant and the shoebill stork. The boat will stop just tens of metres from the sinister, frothing and bubbling base of the falls. Soak it up before heading back to your lodge for a sumptuous dinner.

Your journey continues with a full day scenic drive to Kibale National Park with a lunch stop en route. Passing through Ugandan villages. This enchanting region is full of charms. You’ll pass through the shadow of the fabled Mountains of the Moon, Uganda’s mighty range of mountains called the Rwenzoris. Primate Lodge’s greatest attribute is its location as its tucked deep in the Kibale National Park, a rainforest that is Uganda’s primates’ paradise and home to over 13 different species of primates, numerous other mammals, reptiles, butterflies and birds. Lodge amenities include a spacious dining terrace, a well-stocked bar, a secluded lounge area with a small library and an evening campfire.

Go in search of chimpanzees on a morning walk tracking these incredible animals as well as 10 other primates including red colobus monkeys, blues, red-tailed and grey-cheeked mangabeys. The guide will provide detailed explanations, not only on primates, but on all the forest fauna and flora and ensure your walk is both informative and enjoyable. This walk is excellent for viewing birdlife and seeing primates at close quarters. In the afternoon, you have the option to visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary to search for smaller mammals and primates. Look out for the rare red colobus monkey and the sitatunga. The guided 4.5km circular trail through the swamp is also one of the best guided bird trails in East Africa as well as offering a realistic opportunity to see up to six different primate species in a space of a few hours. End your day with dinner at Primate Lodge.

After breakfast, you’ll travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park following the mystical Rwenzori Mountain range for much of the journey. You’ll arrive at your new lodge, Elephant Plains, in time for lunch. This luxurious accommodation has a lounge, spacious restaurant with outside deck, a bar, craft shop and swimming pool. It has breathtaking views of the national park and all rooms have private verandas. On your evening game drive you may be rewarded with sightings of lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo, hyena and a variety of antelope species before returning to the lodge for dinner.

Explore the incredible Queen Elizabeth National Park on a morning game drive. The park’s diverse ecosystem of grassy plains, tropical forest, rivers, swamps, lakes and volcanic craters is home to an incredible abundance of wildlife. Game drives in this park, with the massive Rwenzoris as a backdrop, provide excellent opportunities to see lion (Queen Elizabeth is known for its tree-climbing lions), leopard, giant forest hog, Cape buffalo, elephants, defassa waterbuck, Uganda Kob, Topi and bushbuck. In the afternoon, take a unique two-hour boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel and into Lake Edward. This trip passes through possibly the highest concentration of hippos in the world and many animals may be seen drinking at the water’s edge. This launch cruise offers an excellent platform for photography, bird watching and game viewing. The prolific bird life is colourful and stupendous with well over 550 resident species.

After breakfast, you’ll transfer to Mweya airstrip for your scheduled flight to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where you’ll end your trip on a high. A road transfer from Kisoro airstrip will take you to Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge. Set on a forested ridge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge has spectacular views of the Virunga Mountains of Rwanda and Nyiragongo Volcano in the Congo. Each cottage features an ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower and separate lounge. Meals are made from fresh local ingredients and served in front of a roaring fire in the dining area or in the privacy of your stone cottage. The lodge is situated within easy walking distance of the trail where guests can begin their gorilla tracking adventure.

It’s time to go in search of the gorillas in this spectacular rainforest. An early-morning expedition will see you set off through Bwindi’s dramatic and steeply forested landscape, which is incredibly dense, but criss-crossed by numerous animal trails allowing access for tourists. Mammals recorded include the endangered mountain gorilla, rare golden monkey, buffalo, elephant, black-fronted duiker, bushbuck, leopard, giant forest log and others. Experienced guides will take you within touching distance of the mighty gorillas. The thrill of spending time and observing the gorillas is a rare, moving, awesome and exciting adventure. The gorilla is a shy and peaceful animal and it’s an unforgettable experience to watch and photograph them as they interact. After your eventful morning you’ll return back to your lodge for the day to rest and enjoy dinner.