17 days · Uganda
17 Days Primates & Uganda Natural History
A seventeen-day journey combining Uganda's natural history with its cultural heritage, taking in Kampala, Jinja, Mbale, Sipi Falls, Fort Portal and the primate forests of Kibale and Queen Elizabeth. Includes chimpanzee tracking and visits to historic sites.
- Length
- 17 days
- Country
- Uganda
- Experiences
- Cultural Tour · Nature Walk · Scenic Drive
Along this route
The world this journey moves through
Representative photography of the landscapes and wildlife on this route — tap any photo to view it full screen.
The route
How this journey unfolds, 11 stops in 17 days
Day by day
The journey, morning by morning
Arrive in Entebbe and Kampala
Arrival at Entebbe and transfer to Kampala, with an evening of Ugandan drumming and dancing at the Ndere Centre.
KampalaKampala historical tour
A tour of Buganda Kingdom sites including the Kasubi Tombs and the Kabaka's Palace, with the Uganda National Museum.
KampalaKampala cultural tour
A visit to the Naggalabi Coronation Site and the Wamala Tombs to learn about Buganda traditions.
KampalaKampala city centre tour
A tour of Kampala landmarks including the Independence Monument and Makerere University.
KampalaJinja and the Source of the Nile
A drive to Sezibwa Falls and on to the Source of the Nile, with a short tour of Jinja town.
JinjaJinja historical tour
A walking tour of Jinja, Uganda's industrial heartland, taking in its historic buildings.
JinjaMbale town historical tour
A drive to Mbale in eastern Uganda to explore the Semei Kakungulu and Wanale trails.
MbaleSipi Falls
A drive to Sipi Falls on the foothills of Mount Elgon, with a guided walk through coffee-growing hills.
Sipi FallsNyero rock paintings
A visit to the prehistoric Nyero rock paintings and the palace of the Emorimor chief, before returning to Mbale.
MbaleTransfer to Kampala
A morning drive back to Kampala, arriving with time to explore the city.
KampalaNakayima Tree and Fort Portal
A drive to Fort Portal, stopping at the historic Nakayima Tree.
Fort PortalToro Kingdom and Amabere Caves
A visit to the Toro Kingdom palace, then the Amabere Caves and a short hike past crater lakes.
Fort PortalSemuliki hot springs and Batwa trail
A nature walk to the Sempaya hot springs in Semuliki, followed by a half-day Batwa Heritage Trail.
Semuliki National ParkKibale chimps and Bigodi
Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest in the morning, then a guided swamp walk at Bigodi.
Kibale National ParkQueen Elizabeth boat cruise
An early game drive in Queen Elizabeth, then an afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel.
Queen Elizabeth National ParkGame drive and Katwe
A game drive for elephants, buffalo and lions, plus a visit to the salt lake at Katwe.
Queen Elizabeth National ParkTransfer to Kampala
A morning transfer back to Kampala, marking the end of the safari.
Kampala
What the price covers
Included and not included
Included
- Your chimpanzee tracking permit — arranged and secured as soon as your booking is confirmed, because daily numbers are strictly limited; we confirm in writing whether it sits inside your package price or is quoted separately
- All ground transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof
- Full-board accommodation throughout the safari
- Services of an English-speaking driver-guide
- All park entrance fees
- Game drives, boat cruises and activities listed in the itinerary
- Drinking water in the vehicle
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
Not included
- International flights
- Visas
- Travel and medical insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Drinks and meals not listed in the itinerary
- Items of a personal nature, such as laundry and souvenirs
Provisional — this list is being confirmed with the operator and may change before booking.
Good to know
Questions travellers ask about this trip
- How long is the 17 Days Primates & Uganda Natural History and where does it start and end?
- 17 days across Uganda, beginning and ending in Kampala.
- How fit do I need to be for this safari?
- Moderate fitness is enough for most travellers. The chimpanzee trek can last from one to several hours depending on where the family has moved to that morning, on steep and often muddy forest ground; porters are available and recommended, and the pace is set by the group. Everything else on this itinerary is done from the vehicle or on level ground.
- When is the best time to take this trip?
- January to February and June to July suit it best for the chimpanzee tracking at Kibale Forest. Drier trails make the morning treks easier, and sighting success in Kibale is high year-round — May and December are also good. The route runs year round — the wetter months are greener and quieter, and only the forest walking really changes with the season.
Ready when you are
Share your dates and party and we'll shape this journey around you — a real reply from the people who'll be driving.