This 6-Day Wildlife & Primate Safari combines Uganda’s most iconic wildlife and primate experiences, offering travelers the ultimate adventure, from chimpanzee tracking in Kibale to gorilla trekking in Bwindi and game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
6-Day Wildlife & Primate Safari: Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
- Gorilla Trekking Permit in Bwindi Forest
- Chimpanzee Trekking Permit in Kibale Forest
- Accommodation in lodges or camps as per itinerary
- All meals specified in the itinerary
- Transport in 4x4 safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Kazinga Channel boat cruise
- Cultural visits to Batwa communities
Exclusions
- International flights to/from Uganda
- Personal travel insurance
- Drinks and meals outside the itinerary
- Medical expenses and vaccinations
- Tips and gratuities for guides and lodge staff
- Personal camera or photography fees
Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
Your safari begins with arrival at Entebbe International Airport or Kampala, where you will meet your professional safari guide. From there, embark on a scenic drive to Kibale Forest National Park, home to one of Uganda’s largest primate populations. The drive, which takes approximately 5–6 hours, passes through picturesque Ugandan countryside, tea plantations, and small towns.
Upon arrival, check into your lodge or eco-camp. Relax and enjoy dinner as you prepare for the exciting primate encounters ahead.
Accommodation Options: Chimpanzee Forest Guest House, Primate Lodge, or budget-friendly alternatives nearby.
Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest
After an early breakfast, attend a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers on chimpanzee trekking. You will then enter the dense Kibale Forest in search of chimpanzees and other primates, including red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, and L’Hoest’s monkeys.
The trek usually lasts 2–5 hours, depending on the location of the chimpanzees. Once spotted, you will have the opportunity to observe these intelligent primates, take photographs, and appreciate their natural behavior. Return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation.
In the afternoon, enjoy a nature walk or bird-watching tour, as Kibale Forest is home to over 350 bird species, making it a haven for birding enthusiasts.
Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP), approximately 3–4 hours by road. Check into your lodge and prepare for an afternoon game drive, exploring the park’s vast savannahs and woodlands.
QENP is home to elephants, lions, leopards, hippos, buffaloes, and various antelope species, as well as over 600 bird species. The afternoon game drive provides your first chance to see the wildlife up close and enjoy the park’s scenic landscapes.
Accommodation Options: Mweya Safari Lodge, Ishasha Wilderness Camp, or budget lodges within the park.
Day 4: Morning Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Begin the day with an early morning game drive, ideal for spotting elusive animals such as leopards and hyenas. Return to your lodge for breakfast and then embark on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel.
The Kazinga Channel is famous for its dense populations of hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds. This unique experience allows you to observe wildlife from a different perspective and enjoy the spectacular scenery. Return to the lodge in the late afternoon for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 5: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, depart for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, approximately 6–7 hours’ drive through the beautiful southwestern Ugandan countryside. On arrival, check into your lodge and prepare for gorilla trekking the following day.
In the evening, some lodges offer optional short nature walks or cultural encounters with local Batwa communities. This is a chance to immerse yourself in the local culture and learn about their traditional ways of life.
Accommodation Options: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, or budget alternatives nearby.
Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest & Departure
The highlight of your safari occurs on the final day. After an early breakfast, attend a gorilla trekking briefing led by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. Embark on a guided trek into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in search of a habituated gorilla family.
The trek can last 1 to 6 hours, depending on the gorillas’ location. Once found, spend up to one hour observing and photographing these magnificent creatures, witnessing their social behavior and gentle interactions.
After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch before beginning the journey back to Kampala or Entebbe by road or take a scenic flight from Kisoro to shorten travel time. Arrive in time for your departure flight or continue your Uganda adventure.