7-Day Uganda Primate Safari: Gorillas and Chimpanzees

Embark on a thrilling 7-day Uganda primate safari that takes you deep into Uganda’s vibrant wilderness, offering close encounters with the endangered mountain gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and the playful chimpanzees of Kibale Forest National Park.

This 7-day Uganda primate safari also includes unforgettable wildlife experiences in Queen Elizabeth National Park, where game drives reveal lions, elephants, and antelopes, and a serene boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel showcases hippos, crocodiles, and a dazzling array of birds.

From the dense rainforests to the open savannahs, this 7-day Uganda primate safari highlights Uganda’s remarkable biodiversity, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you are navigating mist-covered mountains or enjoying scenic drives through rolling hills and tea plantations, this safari is a truly immersive exploration of Uganda’s natural wonders.

Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be met by a tour guide who will brief you about your 7-day Uganda primate safari and transfer you to your hotel in Entebbe for relaxation. If time allows, you can visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre for a sneak peek at Uganda’s diverse flora and fauna.

Accommodation Options: Luxury: Protea Hotel by Marriott Entebbe / Midrange: 2 Friends Beach Hotel / Budget: Airport Guesthouse.

Meals: Dinner, Breakfast

Day 2: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park and Bigodi Wetlands Walk

After an early breakfast, depart for Kibale Forest National Park, known as the “Primate Capital of the World,’ in western Uganda. This park is home to over 1,500 chimpanzees and 12 other primate species including the rare blue monkey. Kibale is the best place in Uganda to trek chimpanzees – one of Uganda’s most sought-after great apes. Along your way, enjoy scenic views of tea plantations, roadside fruit and vegetable markets, as well as local villages, all showcasing the natural beauty and heritage of Uganda.

Enjoy your lunch stop in Fort Portal town and proceed to Kibale, upon whose arrival you will check into your lodge and relax. Later in the afternoon, explore the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary on a guided nature walk. This sanctuary is a haven for bird lovers and is home to over 200 bird species, including the Great Blue Turaco, and various primates like colobus monkeys.

Travel Time: Approximately 6 to 7 hours.

Accommodation Options: Luxury: Papaya Lake Lodge / Midrange: Kibale Forest Camp / Budget: Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Begin the day with a thrilling chimpanzee trekking experience in Kibale Forest. The trek starts at 8 am, with a briefing at the Kanyanchu Tourism Center, and you will be taken through the trekking exercise, what to expect, and the guidelines for chimpanzee trekking. Accompanied by a guide, embark on an adventurous trek through the forest to observe these playful primates in their natural habitat. Once you find them, you will have an hour to observe and watch them feed, groom each other, and jump between tree canopies.

Return to your lodge for lunch, check out, and proceed to Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife including tree-climbing lions. Along the way, enjoy views of the endless Rwenzori Mountains and crater lakes.

Trekking time: 1 to 5 hours (depending on chimpanzee location)

Travel Time: 3 to 4 hours

Accommodation Options: Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge / Midrange: Enganzi Game Lodge / Budget: Pumba Safari Cottages.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Morning Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Safari

Start the day with an early morning game drive at 6:30 am in the Kasenyi Plains, renowned for its concentration of lions, leopards, and large herds of Uganda kob. The game drive will last about 3 to 4 hours and you will return to your lodge for late breakfast. Relax at your lodge and then have lunch.

In the afternoon, embark on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a haven for hippos, crocodiles, and countless bird species including the rare shoebill stork. You may also spot elephants and buffaloes drinking at the water’s edge. Enjoy the sunset over the channel before heading back to your lodge for dinner and relaxation.

Accommodation Options: Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge / Midrange: Enganzi Game Lodge / Budget: Pumba Safari Cottages.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

After breakfast, set off for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The park lies in the south-western region of Uganda, bordering the famous Virunga Mountain Ranges.

Expect to drive through the scenic Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you are likely to encounter the famous tree-climbing lions lounging in fig trees – an exhilarating sight to catch. Arrive at your lodge in Bwindi and relax in preparation for the next day’s gorilla trek.

Travel Time: Approximately 4-5 hours.

Accommodation Options: Luxury: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp / Midrange: Buhoma Lodge / Budget: Bakiga Lodge.

Day 6: Gorilla Trekking Experience in Bwindi

Wake up early at 7 am and have breakfast before heading to the park headquarters for a briefing by rangers. You will be put in groups of eight people and assigned to a gorilla family to trek, in addition to an expert guide and ranger to lead you into the dense forest. Gorilla trekking can take anywhere between 1 to 6 hours, depending on the gorillas’ location in the forest. Once you find them, you will be allocated an hour to spend time observing their behavior, and social interactions and enjoy photography.

After the trek, return to your lodge and spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring the local Batwa community on a cultural tour. The Batwa are one of Uganda’s most popular ethnic groups. Visiting these people offers great insight into their traditions and lifestyle.

Trekking time: 1 to 6 hours (depending on gorilla location) 

Accommodation Options: Luxury: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp / Midrange: Buhoma Lodge / Budget: Bakiga Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Return to Entebbe and Departure

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive back to Entebbe. Stop along the way for lunch, souvenir shopping, and at the equator crossing for photos.

You will arrive in Entebbe in time for your onward flight. Alternatively, you can opt for a domestic flight from Kisoro or Kihihi airstrip to Entebbe to save time.

Travel Time: Approximately 8-9 hours.

Flight time: 1hr 45minutes

Safari Inclusions.

• Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits.
• Park entry fees.
• Safari activities (Guided game drives, boat safaris, and nature walks)
• Accommodation and meals as per the itinerary.
• Transfers in a 4×4 safari vehicle with a knowledgeable safari guide.
• Bottled mineral water

Safari Exclusions.

• International flights.
• Visa fees.
• Any optional activities not included in the itinerary
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses such as tips, drinks, and souvenirs.

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