10-Day Uganda Primate Wildlife Luxury Safari

Uganda

Rates From $8,455

FamilyLuxury10+ DaysUganda
Explore Uganda Safaris

About This Tour

Uganda offers a rare chance to see both great primates and diverse savannah wildlife in a single journey. This luxury circuit connects the historic capital of Kampala to the deep forests of Bwindi and the open plains of Murchison Falls. Travelers experience a changing landscape of craters, waterfalls, and ancient jungles.

The journey is designed for comfort and deep immersion. It moves from the thunderous Murchison Falls to the quiet tracking trails of Kibale and Bwindi. Each location offers a distinct ecosystem and unique animal encounters. The focus remains on high-end service and expert-led wildlife viewing.

Guests will see the “Big Five” and the “Great Two” primates in their natural habitats. The flow of the itinerary ensures steady excitement while allowing for evening relaxation in premium lodges. This is a comprehensive exploration of the “Pearl of Africa.”

Our Community Impact

Johnbow Tours supports local communities by employing Ugandan guides and sourcing food from nearby farms. Part of your trekking permit fees goes directly to community projects around the parks. These funds help build schools and clinics for the people living near wildlife borders. By visiting, you help make conservation a viable livelihood for local families.

Our Sustainability Promise

We partner with lodges like Buhoma and Paraa that use solar power and manage waste responsibly. Our guides follow strict “Leave No Trace” principles during forest treks to protect primate health. We use fuel-efficient 4×4 vehicles to reduce our carbon footprint across the long circuits. We also discourage single-use plastics by providing refillable water options.

Why This Safari Works

This route works because it covers the three most iconic parks in Uganda without backtrack travel. It balances high-energy activities like gorilla trekking with relaxing boat cruises and game drives. The inclusion of luxury lodges ensures that even after long days in the bush, you return to total comfort. Starting in Kampala allows for a soft entry before heading into the rugged wilderness. It is a seamless blend of adventure and high-end hospitality.

Your Trip at a Glance

A snapshot of your entire experience, from key highlights to where you'll stay and what to expect each day.

  • 4x4 Land Cruiser
  • Bird Watching
  • Boat Safaris
  • City Tours
  • Couple
  • Cultural Visits
  • Family
  • Family Safari
  • Flight Transfer (Fly-in)
  • Friends
  • Full Board
  • Game Drives
  • Gorilla Trekking
  • Group Travel
  • Hiking / Trekking
  • Luxury Safari
  • Photography Safaris
  • Walking Safari

Trip Summary

  • Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Kampala Serena Hotel
  • Day 2: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
  • Day 3: Game Drive and Boat Cruise to the Falls
  • Day 4: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
  • Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Swamp Walk
  • Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • Day 7: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Cruise
  • Day 8: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
  • Day 9: Gorilla Trekking Experience
  • Day 10: Flight to Entebbe and Departure

Destinations

  • Kampala City
  • Murchison Falls National Park
  • Kibale Forest National Park
  • Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Where You Stay

  • Kampala Serena Hotel – 2 nights
  • Paraa Safari Lodge – 2 nights
  • Primate Safari Lodge – 2 nights
  • Mweya Safari Lodge – 1 night
  • Buhoma Lodge – 2 nights

Safari Highlights

  • Standing at the top of the thunderous Murchison Falls.
  • Private boat cruise on the Nile among hippos and crocodiles.
  • Tracking wild Chimpanzees in the lush Kibale Forest.
  • Bird watching in the vibrant Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary.
  • Searching for tree-climbing lions in Ishasha.
  • Crossing the Kazinga Channel on a luxury boat.
  • Meeting a Silverback gorilla face-to-face in Bwindi.
  • Flying over the rolling hills of southwestern Uganda.

Featured Destinations

Where You Stay

Route Map

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Itinerary Highlights

  • Meet and greet at Entebbe Airport.

  • Luxury transfer to Kampala.

Itinerary information

Upon arrival at Entebbe, a Johnbow representative will welcome you. You will be driven through the green outskirts to the heart of the capital. Spend your first evening at the Kampala Serena, enjoying the city’s finest gardens and pool. This is a quiet start to prepare for the wild days ahead.

  • Accommodation: Kampala Serena Hotel

Itinerary Highlights

  • Scenic drive north.

  • Visit the top of the falls.

Itinerary information

Leave the city early for a drive toward the north. You will reach the top of Murchison Falls where the Nile squeezes through a narrow gap. The power of the water is a sight to behold. Cross the river to your lodge for a sunset drink overlooking the Nile.

  • Accommodation: Paraa Safari Lodge

Itinerary Highlights

  • Sunrise game drive.

  • Afternoon boat cruise to the base of the falls.

Itinerary information

Start the day with a game drive across the Borassus palm-dotted plains. Look for lions, leopards, elephants, and Rothschild giraffes. In the afternoon, a boat takes you up the Nile to the base of the falls. You will see massive herds of buffalo and pods of hippos along the banks.

  • Accommodation: Paraa Safari Lodge

Itinerary Highlights

  • Transfer to Kibale Forest.

  • Views of the Rwenzori mountains.

Itinerary information

Today is a long but beautiful drive toward the west. You will pass through traditional tea plantations and small villages. As you approach Kibale, the forest thickens and the air becomes cooler. Your lodge is nestled right at the edge of the primate-filled jungle.

  • Accommodation: Primate Safari Lodge

Itinerary Highlights

  • Chimpanzee tracking.

  • Guided walk in Bigodi Swamp.

Itinerary information

Enter the forest to find our closest relatives, the Chimpanzees. Listen for their loud hooting as they move through the canopy. In the afternoon, visit the Bigodi Wetland. Here, you can spot rare birds like the Great Blue Turaco and several other monkey species.

  • Accommodation: Primate Safari Lodge

Itinerary Highlights

  • Drive to the rift valley floor.

  • Evening game drive.

Itinerary information

The journey continues to Queen Elizabeth National Park. This park sits in the shadow of the “Mountains of the Moon.” The landscape is filled with crater lakes and open savannah. An evening drive offers a chance to see predators beginning their nightly hunt.

  • Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge
9-Day Uganda Big Five Gorilla & Chimpanzee Trekking Safari

Itinerary Highlights

  • Game drive in the Kasenyi plains.

  • Afternoon Kazinga Channel cruise.

Itinerary information

Explore the northern sector of the park where kobs and lions are frequently seen. After lunch, board a boat for the Kazinga Channel. This waterway has the highest concentration of hippos in Africa. You will also see elephants and buffaloes coming to the water to drink.

  • Accommodation: Buhoma Lodge (Transfer starts)

Itinerary Highlights

  • Search for Ishasha’s tree-climbing lions.

  • Arrival in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Itinerary information

Drive through the Ishasha sector of the park. Keep your eyes on the large fig trees where lions often sleep during the day. Afterward, continue your climb into the misty mountains of Bwindi. You are now in the home of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.

  • Accommodation: Buhoma Lodge

Itinerary Highlights

  • Gorilla trekking in Bwindi.

  • Forest relaxation and massage.

Itinerary information

This is the highlight of the safari. Led by expert rangers, you will hike into the thick jungle to find a gorilla family. Spending one hour with these gentle giants is a life-changing experience. Return to the lodge for a celebratory drink and a soothing foot massage.

  • Accommodation: Buhoma Lodge

Itinerary Highlights

  • Domestic flight from Kihihi to Entebbe.

  • International departure.

Itinerary information

Enjoy a final breakfast in the forest before a short drive to the airstrip. A domestic flight will save you a long drive and provide stunning aerial views of the hills. Connect to your international flight at Entebbe Airport to conclude your journey.

  • Accommodation: N/A

JohnBow Safari Expert Insight

❝ Uganda is unique because you don't have to choose between a classic savannah safari and primate trekking. This 10-day route ensures you get the best of both worlds in complete luxury. ❞

~JohnBow Safari Expert Team

Rates

Competitive rates for unforgettable experiences

Season2 Guests4 Guests6 Guests
Peak Season ( July – Oct, 22 Dec – 3 Jan, 2027)$10,545$9,025$8,455

Important Rate Notes

  • Gorilla and Chimpanzee permits are subject to availability and are non-refundable.
  • Yellow Fever vaccination is a mandatory requirement for entry into Uganda.
  • The domestic flight has a strict luggage limit of 15kg in soft-sided bags.
  • Tracking involves hiking in humid, hilly terrain; a basic level of fitness is required.

What's Included

  • All luxury lodge accommodations.
  • Private 4x4 Safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof.
  • Flight tickets
  • Game drives in a 4x4 vehicle
  • Full board meal plan as listed
  • All park entrance fees and activities listed.
  • Boat-cruise, Rhino trekking & Zip-lining at Griffin Falls
  • Chimpanzees Permits, Bigodi nature walk, & Batwa Cultural experience and community Nature walk

Optional Addons

  • Chimpanzee Habituation Experience (Full day).
  • Batwa Cultural Experience in Bwindi.
  • Hot Air Balloon Safari in Murchison Falls.
  • Extended stay at Lake Bunyonyi.

What's Not Included

  • International flights to Kenya
  • Uganda Tourist Visa (apply online).
  • Personal travel insurance.
  • Gratuities for guides and lodge staff.
  • Premium alcoholic drinks and cigars.

Ready to start planning your Safari? Tell us your travel dates, who you are traveling with, and what matters most to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

You will stay at a distance of 7 to 10 meters, though gorillas sometimes move closer of their own accord.
The success rate for finding them is over 99%, as trackers head out early in the morning to locate them before you start.
We provide treated or bottled water at all times; we recommend using it even for brushing your teeth.

See What Our Travellers Have To Say

Posted on Google Google
Dorcas Munga profile picture
Dorcas Munga
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Great planning and communication. My trips have been smooth. All expectations met 💯
Posted on Google Google
Mike Bourassa profile picture
Mike Bourassa
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Our driver, Patrick, made the experience even more special with his outgoing personality and his knowledge of each park. He always made certain that he positioned his vehicle just right so we could get a perfect photo. He shared a lot about African culture an answered our questions. His keen eye spotted a cheetah from a long distance and we experienced the animal stalk and catch his prey (only to have a hyena steal it from him at the end). The accommodations were excellent at Massai Mara but were a bit too primitive at Amboseli. The large openings between the sleeping area and the bathroom brought way too many bugs into the tent. Wonderful memories of the entire experience!! We hope to come back next year and Patrick will be our choice of guide.
Posted on Google Google
Kate Mandere profile picture
Kate Mandere
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Wonderful team, very warm, helpful and well coordinated!
Posted on Google Google
Emmy Chepkoech profile picture
Emmy Chepkoech
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I recently booked my 1st trip with Johnbow Tours and Travel and it was an outstanding experience from the start to finish. The team was professional, well-organised, helpful and incredibly friendly. Transfer to my hotel room and back was handled smoothly allowing us to relax and enjoy our journey. The fact that they allow lipa mdogo mdogo was not overwhelming paying for the package...I can't wait to book again with Johnbow 😊
Posted on Google Google
Gloria Kikete profile picture
Gloria Kikete
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Jonbow has offers seamless travel service with a personal touch.
Posted on Google Google
Lolo Chgn profile picture
Lolo Chgn
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Safaris de 5 jours depart Nairobi et arrivée à Diani beach Visite des parcs d’amboseli, tsavo ouest et est , t.hills Découverte d une faune magnifique Notre chauffeur Chombo a tout fait pour rechercher les animaux et il était à notre écoute ! Dépaysement total garanti Les hôtels étaient tout confort avec des conditions d’alimentation en eau et électricité précaire ! Nous remercions vraiment Morris et Chombo pour ce magnifique Safari
Posted on Google Google
Irene Nduku profile picture
Irene Nduku
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Excellent services, the team was friendly, efficient and went above and beyond to meet my need.Their service was prompt and effective. I highly recommend
Posted on Google Google
Cheyenne van den B profile picture
Cheyenne van den B
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We had a two day tour with Johnbow Tours & Travel to Tsavo West. The park itself is not that good to be honest, but we stayed at Salt Lick lodge and that was amazing. The animals are coming so close to the lodge, it is really beautiful to see. The driver Pius was also really nice and he had a lot of knowledge about the animals. I have been in contact with Morris and that was also really pleasant because of the arrangement we had.
Posted on Google Google
virginia mumo profile picture
virginia mumo
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
As a team of 12pax..we had an exceptional good experience with the Johnbow team. Well informed and humble team who contributed a lot to an enjoyable trip and creating memories.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Stay06810033473 profile picture
Stay06810033473
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Customer Servive Customer service was great!Communication was timely and effective especially as there were some flight changes.Either way the bookings were perfect, customer service was exceptional and we even got a treat for our anniversary, at no extra costElijah and Sam were very helpful.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Annette M profile picture
Annette M
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Exceptional Experience with Johnbow Tours and Travel! I had an unforgettable trip to Bali and Thailand, the guides were amazing, the places beautiful and the itinerary on point. Bali has very many temples and beautiful rice terraces, the swings and sunset views unforgettable. thank you Johnbow for the tour.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
KSP profile picture
KSP
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Memorable Safari with a Great Team and Guide We had a really good experience with Johnbow Tours during our Kenya safari. Morris, our main point of contact, was communicative and professional throughout. He stayed in touch via WhatsApp both before and during the trip, answering all our questions quickly and clearly, which gave us a lot of confidence going in.The pricing felt fair for what we received, and the Land Cruiser was comfortable, especially considering the long drives. They also provided snacks at the start of the trip upon request, which was thoughtful.Our guide, Paul, was very knowledgeable. He had a sharp eye for spotting animals and shared interesting facts about everything we saw. We had plenty of game drives and were lucky to spot a wide variety of wildlife.The only small issue was around water. We had been told water would be included throughout, but at a couple of the lodges, we were charged for drinking water, tea, or coffee during meals. It wasn’t a big deal, but having clarity on that from the start would’ve been helpful.Overall, it was a smooth and enjoyable safari. The team was dependable, the schedule was well planned, and we felt taken care of from start to finish. I’d absolutely recommend Johnbow to anyone planning a private safari in Kenya.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Alain V profile picture
Alain V
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
A great experience, a must for everyone who reads this Jonbow, our driver who has the same name as the agency, took very good care of us. He was on time for the appointment. Once on the road he was super attentive. In the park he was always the first to spot the game. He gave us very good explanations about all the animals we saw. No effort was too much to make us spot all the game. Super friendly and helpful guy. He operates from Mombasa/Diani Beach. He made sure that our safari will remain unforgettable.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
winnie a profile picture
winnie a
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Dubai tour 2024 was a birthday gift to my son who turned lucky number seven. I writing to thank you for coordinating our trip to UAE, dubai. Everything was perfect; the flight, the hotel was clean and all staff were friendly and professional. Special thanks to Mary Gathua as she was the one who coordinated everything for us.The tour guides were excellent! They made things as easy for us as possible. I really appreciate these and that indicate the quality services that they provide.We had dubai town tour and our guide, Mr. Albert did exceptionally well. We learnt about the origin of UAE and the important features in dubai. We had dhow cruise with dinner, and the dessert safari with dinner.Desert safari was the best of the trip (the driver , Mr . Zaheer was very professional, and the overall experience was thrilling and amazing). The desert safari remains in my priority to do list when I visit dubai next.I would certainly recommend Johnbow Tours and travel to anyone wanting to visit Dubai. Thank you again and look forward to plan our next vacation with you.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
maryanne o profile picture
maryanne o
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Awesome Best tour company ..travelled to Dubai in Emirates .Booked the best hotel in Dubai..Johnbow staff are friendly and accommodatve I rate them10/10 they're affordable too .
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
M A profile picture
M A
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Superb service Happy New Year! Eunice managed our travel plans superbly, and I’m grateful. Our stay at Pride Inn was delightful; the staff’s service, food, attention, and entertainment made our holiday special and memorable. Thanks again for your excellent services.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
gladys n profile picture
gladys n
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Efficient Eunice of John Bow ,was pretty helpful from getting us a hotel to SGR tickets, and transfers to the hotel.She also called to ensure we arrived safely.I loved the seamless process and especially because we chat on whatsapp mostly. Johnbow tours keep their word! I would choose them again.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Christine N profile picture
Christine N
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Awesome experience This travel company was very efficient. I engaged them on whatsapp in the morning and by afternoon they had finalised everything including the sgr tickets. Their staff Eunice was readily available even at night because we did night travel. And early morning at 4 am, she called to find out if the driver had picked us. I would recommend them anytime
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Sabina M profile picture
Sabina M
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
It was a time of relaxation and fun. The trip was well planned from Nairobi to Maasai Mara. We had so much fun and took so many photos. We saw lions, cheetahs, elephants and other animals. If we could do it again, we would still chose Johnbow tours and travel.