Uganda, the “Pearl of Africa,” is a sanctuary for mammal enthusiasts, boasting an astonishing 380 mammal species across its diverse landscapes, from the towering montane forests to the golden savannahs and hidden wetlands. This specially curated mammal-watching expedition offers an extraordinary opportunity to observe Africa’s most iconic species alongside some of its rarest and smallest mammals.
While Uganda is famed for its Big Five—lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes, and rhinos—it is also home to an incredible variety of lesser-known and elusive species. Trek through the primate-rich forests of Kibale and Bwindi to encounter Mountain gorillas, Chimpanzees, and the nocturnal Potto. Explore the rugged plains of Pian Upe in search of the fleet-footed Cheetah, Roan Antelope, and Aardvark. As night falls, embark on guided nocturnal excursions to uncover Uganda’s hidden world of small mammals, including:
This exclusive Mammal adventure is designed for dedicated mammal watchers, researchers, and nature enthusiasts eager to explore Uganda’s rich and diverse ecosystems. With expert guides leading the way, you’ll delve deep into the country’s hidden wildlife havens, encountering both majestic megafauna and the secretive, small creatures that make Uganda an unparalleled mammal-watching destination.
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our expert team, who will ensure a seamless arrival experience. After a meet-and-greet session, you will receive a briefing about Uganda’s rich culture, diverse climate, and travel expectations.
You will then be transferred to a luxurious lakeside hotel, where you can unwind and prepare for the adventure ahead. For those arriving early and eager to explore, we offer an optional visit to the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, a lush sanctuary teeming with biodiversity. Stroll through the gardens and look out for Vervet monkeys, Black-and-White Colobus monkeys, and various rodent species. Bird lovers can spot vibrant species such as the Great Blue Turaco, Palm-nut Vulture, and African Grey Parrot.
After a hearty breakfast, drive to Mabira Forest, one of Uganda’s last remaining tropical rainforests, known for its extraordinary biodiversity.
Accompanied by an expert guide, you will set off on a nature walk through the forest’s winding trails, offering incredible encounters with primates such as the Uganda Mangabey, Red-tailed Monkeys, and Forest Squirrels. The dense canopy is also home to a variety of colorful butterflies and unique bird species, including the African Pitta and Nahan’s Francolin.
For those seeking a deeper nocturnal adventure, with special permission, we may have an opportunity to search for Pottos, bush Babby, and Tree Hyraxes, elusive nocturnal mammals rarely seen during the day. However, please note that night activities are restricted for forest conservation purposes.
Wake up to the soothing sounds of the Nile and enjoy a sumptuous breakfast before visiting the source of the Nile, where this legendary river begins its epic journey across Africa. Enjoy a tranquil boat ride on the Nile, surrounded by stunning scenery and abundant birdlife.
Afterward, embark on a breathtaking drive through eastern Uganda’s rolling plains and rugged landscapes, heading towards Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve—one of Uganda’s most untouched and pristine conservation areas.
Arriving in the afternoon, you will check into a tented safari camp, or basic ensuit rooms. Despite its remote nature, we provide private catering services, ensuring comfort and a delightful culinary experience.
As the sun sets, head out for an evening game drive, where you will have the rare chance to spot some of Pian Upe’s iconic and elusive wildlife, including:
Roan Antelope & Eland – among Africa’s most majestic antelopes, Lelwel Hartebeest & Mountain Reedbuck – thriving in the open savannah, Cheetah – some of Uganda’s only remaining populations, Aardvark & White-tailed Mongoose – nocturnal rarities of the African wilderness, Impala, Blotched Genet, Waterbuck & Topi – classic East African wildlife
As the night falls over the vast plains, unwind at your camp and enjoy the tranquil wilderness under a starlit sky.
Overnight Stay: Pian Upe | Accommodation: Basic Tented Camp with Private Catering
Your adventure in Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve begins with a thrilling full-day game drive, offering an unparalleled opportunity to observe some of Uganda’s most fascinating mammals in their natural habitat. This remote and pristine reserve is home to several rare species:
Elands – The largest antelope species, elands are known for their impressive size and agility, despite their bulk. They are shy creatures and spotting one in the wild is always a privilege.
Topis – These swift and social antelopes are closely related to the hartebeest and are known for their reddish-brown coats and striking black facial markings.
Jackals – Highly adaptable predators, jackals are expert scavengers that also hunt small mammals and birds.
Hartebeests – Recognizable by their elongated faces and high shoulders, hartebeests are among Africa’s fastest antelopes.
Roan Antelopes – One of the most sought-after sightings in Pian Upe, these large, powerful antelopes are named for their reddish-brown coats and distinctive white facial markings.
African Wildcats – The ancestors of domestic cats, African wildcats are elusive and primarily nocturnal.
Bat-eared Foxes (Night Game Drive) – With their large ears and exceptional hearing, bat-eared foxes are adept at detecting insects underground, which form a large part of their diet.
After an enriching day of wildlife viewing, you will settle in for the night at Roan Antelope Lodge or the Tented Camp.
Leaving Pian Upe, you will travel through the rugged landscapes of the Karamoja region in some areas, arriving at Kidepo Valley National Park in the late afternoon—one of Africa’s most remote and spectacular wildlife reserves. This park boasts vast open savannahs teeming with wildlife.
Zebras – Recognizable by their distinctive black-and-white stripes, zebras are social animals often found in herds.
Giraffes (Rothschild’s giraffes) – These rare giraffes are among the tallest land mammals, with unique coat patterns that distinguish them from other subspecies.
Lions – The iconic kings of the savannah, Kidepo’s lions are often found lounging on rock outcrops or stalking prey in the golden grasslands.
Elephants – These gentle giants are a keystone species in Kidepo, shaping the ecosystem by uprooting trees and creating water holes.
Buffaloes – One of Africa’s Big Five, Cape buffaloes are formidable animals known for their unpredictable nature and strong herding instincts.
Spotted Hyenas – Masters of endurance, hyenas are intelligent and social carnivores with powerful jaws capable of crushing bones.
Honey Badgers (Night Game Drive) – Fearless and tough, honey badgers are known for their ability to take on predators much larger than themselves.
Wild Cats (Night Game Drive) – These elusive felines are best spotted after dark when they emerge to hunt.
You will spend the night at Savannah Lodge Kidepo, a perfect location to unwind amid the wild beauty of the park.
Night Game Drive. A full day in Kidepo Valley National Park presents even greater opportunities to encounter its impressive array of wildlife. Morning and evening game drives increase our chances of seeing a variety of species, while a night game drive introduces you to the park’s nocturnal hunters.
Leopards – Masters of stealth and camouflage, leopards are among the most elusive big cats, often spotted draped over tree branches.
Warthogs – These rugged-looking animals are surprisingly fast and are known for their habit of sprinting with tails held high.
Hartebeests – Kidepo is home to Jackson’s hartebeest, a unique subspecies adapted to open grasslands.
Rothschild’s Giraffes – With fewer than 2,000 individuals left in the wild, these giraffes are an extraordinary sight.
Aardwolves (Night Game Drive) – Despite resembling hyenas, aardwolves primarily feed on termites, using their long tongues to lap them up.
Serval Cats (Night Game Drive) – These slender, long-legged felines are skilled hunters, known for their remarkable ability to leap high into the air to catch birds.
More Lions may be spotted during a Night Game Drive – As the apex predators of the park, lions become more active at night, increasing the chances of seeing a hunt in action.
You will spend another night at Savannah Lodge Kidepo, ensuring a comfortable stay amid the untamed wilderness.
Morning: Early breakfast at the lodge. Depart for Murchison Falls National Park, passing through scenic landscapes and local villages with a Lunch: Stop at a local restaurant in Masindi town for a hearty Ugandan meal.
Afternoon: Arrive at Murchison Falls. Visit the top of the falls, where the Nile River forcefully plunges through a narrow gorge. We may have chances of seeing:
Side-striped Jackals – These nocturnal canids are distinguished by a pale stripe running along their sides and are more elusive than their black-backed relatives.
Uganda Kobs – The national antelope of Uganda, known for its elegant leaps and reddish-brown coat. Males have striking spiral horns.
Jackson’s Hartebeests – A robust antelope species with a sloped back and elongated forehead, built for endurance running.
Elephants – The largest land mammals, known for their intelligence, strong family bonds, and impressive trunks used for grasping and communication.
Leopard – A solitary and elusive predator, known for its spotted coat that provides camouflage in trees and dense vegetation.
Hippos – Semi-aquatic giants that spend most of their time submerged to keep cool, with powerful jaws and sharp tusks for defense.
African Civets – Nocturnal, cat-like mammals with bold facial markings and a musky scent used for communication.
Evening: Sunset drive to Pakuba Safari Lodge. Enjoy a relaxing dinner at the lodge.
Overnight: Pakuba Safari Lodge.
After our hearty breakfast, we shall head out for the morning game drive in the northern section of the park and later Kanio Papidi where we might have chances of encountering the Thomas’s Galago (Bush Baby)—small primates with large eyes adapted for night vision and powerful hind limbs for jumping between trees.
Pangolins—Covered in keratin scales, these rare mammals roll into a ball when threatened and use their long, sticky tongues to eat ants and termites.
Vervet Monkeys— Recognizable by their black faces and blue skin around males’ genitalia, they live in complex social groups.
Bushbucks—A shy, medium-sized antelope with a reddish-brown coat and white markings that provide camouflage in the forest.
Brunch: Mid-morning break with light refreshments and snacks.
Afternoon: Boat safari along the Nile to the base of Murchison Falls. Spot crocodiles, hippos, and elephants drinking along the riverbanks. Later, lunch: picnic lunch near the river with scenic views.
Evening: Relax at the lodge before the night game drive.
+256767936081
contact@kajutours.com
Bring lightweight, breathable clothing in neutral colours, a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, a good pair of binoculars, and sturdy walking shoes. Don’t forget a waterproof jacket for unpredictable weather and a camera to capture your encounters.
Most lodges and camps are able to accommodate dietary restrictions with prior notice. Be sure to inform your travel agent or the accommodation directly well in advance.
Most visitors will need a visa to enter Uganda. Visas can be obtained on arrival at the airport or online before travel through the official Ugandan Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control website.
It’s advisable to consult with a travel doctor about vaccinations for diseases such as yellow fever and malaria prophylaxis. Also, ensure you have adequate health insurance that covers medical evacuation.
The Ugandan shilling (UGX) is the local currency. US dollars are widely accepted, though they must be dated 2006 or newer and in good condition. Credit cards may be used at hotels and some restaurants, but carrying some local currency is recommended.
Mobile phones work in most urban areas, and SIM cards are readily available for purchase at very reasonable rates. Check with your provider about international roaming charges, or consider purchasing a local SIM card on arrival.
A remarkable 6 day Uganda Wildlife and Gorilla Safari with Kaju Tours to discover Uganda’s natural treasures, a nation rich in wildlife and striking scenery.
