15 days of mammal watching in uganda

Uganda is an amazing destination for mammal watching, with its diverse habitats ranging from tropical rainforests to savannahs and wetlands. This 15-day itinerary will allow you to experience some of Uganda’s best wildlife hotspots, offering the chance to see primates, big cats, elephants, and many other fascinating mammals.

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe, Uganda

• Arrive at Entebbe International Airport.
• Transfer to your hotel in Entebbe, where you can rest and prepare for the adventure ahead.

Overnight in Entebbe (comfortable mid-range or luxury options available).

Day 2-4: Kibale National Park (Chimpanzee & Primate Watch)

• Drive from Entebbe to Kibale, Kibale is known for its large population of primates, including the famous                                             Chimpanzees, Monkeys and many more.
• After and early dinner set off to kibale national park for the big Golden cart search.
• The African Golden Cats are solitary  and nocturnal mammals that live in the tropical rain forests of Uganda mostly spotted in Kibale and Bwindi impenetrable national park
• Overnight at a lodge near the park. Turaco tree tops.

Day 3: Full day of wildlife exploration in Kibale National Park.

• Start the day with a chimpanzee tracking trek in the morning. Kibale has one of the highest densities of chimpanzees in the world.
• Afternoon walk or visit to the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for birdwatching and spotting mammals like red colobus monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys blue monkeys, and bushbucks.

Day 4: Explore the forest trails

• Explore the forests in search of more primates, such as grey-cheeked Mangabeys and L’Hoest’s monkeys. You might also encounter forest antelopes like the duiker.
• In the evening set off for a night walk in the Bigodi wetland targeting the Eastern Common potto, bush babies, bats, palm civet cats, Janet cats and the majestic golden cat.

Day 5: Queen Elizabeth National Park (Savannah & Wildlife)

• Travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park (3-4 hours’ drive).
•  Queen Elizabeth offers a combination of savannah, wetlands, and forest, making it one of Uganda’s best places for a variety of mammal species.
• Overnight in or near the park.

Day 6: Full day in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

• Early morning game drive to spot elephants lions, buffaloes, hippos, leopards, and spotted hyenas
• Afternoon boat trip on the Kazinga Channel to see large herds of hippos, crocodiles, and various antelopes like, waterbucks, kobs, and defassa waterbuck.

Day 7: Early morning game drive and afternoon transfer to Ishasha for the tree climbing lions.

• Ishaha is in the southern part of the park, it famous for its tree-climbing lions.
• Look out for other mammals like topis, warthogs, and baboons and cats like Leopards, Hyena, jackal and monkeys.

Day 8: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Mountain Gorilla Trekking

• Day 8: Travel to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (5-6 hours’ drive)
• Bwindi is famous for its mountain gorillas and rich biodiversity.
• The forest is known for its dense and home to a variety of species, including various primates and forest elephants.
• Overnight near the park

Day 9; Gorilla trekking day!

• Early morning trekking to see the critically endangered mountain gorillas. This experience is a highlight of any wildlife adventure and one of the most memorable in the world.
• In the afternoon, visit Bwindi’s local communities or go for a nature walk to spot other mammals like blue monkeys, black-and-white colobus, and small antelopes such as the duiker

Day 10: Golden monkey trekking

• Explore the nearby Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, known for its golden monkeys and forest elephants.
• Alternatively, explore the trails for additional wildlife sightings or Batwa experience .

Day 11: Lake Mburo National Park (Savannah Wildlife)

• Travel to Lake Mburo National Park (4-5 hours drive).
• Lake Mburo is a smaller park with a beautiful savannah landscape. It is one of the best places to see Uganda’s zebras, impalas, and topis, along with other mammals like elands and warthogs.
• Overnight at a lodge near the park.

Day 12: Full day in Lake Mburo National Park.

• Morning game drive for herds of buffaloes, eland, zebra, and antelope species.
• Afternoon boat cruise on Lake Mburo to spot hippos, crocodiles, and various water birds.

Day 13-14: Murchison Falls National Park (Big Game & River Mammals}

• Day 13: Travel to Murchison Falls National Park (7-8 hours drive from Lake Mburo).
• Murchison Falls is Uganda’s largest national park and home to elephants, lions, giraffes, leopards, baboons, and buffaloes.
• Overnight in the park.

Day 14: Full day in Murchison Falls National Park.

• Early morning game drive to see elephants, hippos, buffaloes, and predators like lions and leopards.
• Afternoon boat cruise to the base of Murchison Falls to see hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of waterbirds. You may also spot baboons and monkeys near the riverbanks.
• After a morning game drive or leisure time, you’ll begin your journey back to Entebbe (around 5-6 hours drive).

Day 15: Travel back to Entebbe airport

• Depending on your flight time, you may have the chance to explore Entebbe’s Uganda Wildlife Education Centre to see some of the mammals you encountered during your trip.
• Departure in the evening or following day.

Mammals You Might See

• Primates: Mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, L’Hoest’s monkeys, blue monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, olive baboons, black-and-white colobus.
• Big Mammals: Elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, buffaloes, hippos, warthogs, zebras.
• Antelopes & Other Mammals: Uganda kob, topi, impala, duiker, waterbuck, bushbuck, oribi, eland, and several small mammals like civets, genets, and mongooses.
• Carnivores: Spotted hyenas, jackals, African wild dogs, and leopard.