Uganda is popularly known for its remarkable primate species that motivate thousands of visitors into the country each year, but the most sought-after are Mountain gorillas and Chimpanzees. Our 8 days Primates Safari brings visitors closer to the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park and golden monkeys in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Safari details

Day 1: Welcome to Uganda, the land of endless beauty and priceless safari adventures

On getting into Entebbe International Airport, our professional driver will be ready to receive and connect you to your booked place of stay in Kampala City before officially kicking off the safari tomorrow.

Day 2: Transfer to the Primate Capital of the World, Kibale Forest National Park

After a delicious breakfast, we leave Kampala for the spectacular Kibale Forest National Park for your chimpanzee trekking adventure. The road trip takes visitors through the lush countryside, arriving in the Tourism City of Fort Portal on-time for Lunch at one of the best restaurants. Continue to the booked Lodge for check-in, refreshment, dinner and overnight.

Day 3: Chimpanzee trekking within Kibale Forest National Park, the Primate Capital of the World

After enjoying breakfast, we transfer for registration and briefing at Kanyanchu Visitor center prior to undertaking the chimpanzee trekking tour in the jungles of Kibale. The Uganda Wildlife Authority Ranger guides who will take you through the trek are well trained and are conversant with the forest trails as well as identifying different animals and birds encountered during the chimpanzee trek. Make good use of your time with the magical Great Apes after locating them for a moment of photography and observation that lasts for only one hour. The time seems little but rewarding as you get to learn different chimpanzee behavior and watch their daily routine.

In the afternoon enjoy a swamp walk in Bigodi through which views of primates and wetland bird species are relished. This walk continues with a community visit to learn about basket weaving, banana brewing and coffee experiences. On this day, visitors also have an option of undertaking the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience that lasts the whole day.

Day 4: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, with beautiful sceneries

After your amazing time with chimpanzees in the jungles of Kibale, we journey to the beautiful Queen Elizabeth National Park for a glimpse of some savannah wildlife and birds while relishing the views of snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains. Reach the Park on-time for Lunch and later undertake the Kazinga Boat cruise with views of the largest concentrations of Hippos and crocodiles. Retire from the day’s activities with a cold bathe and peaceful night at the reserved Lodge.

Day 5: Game Drive and transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable forest, home to the mountain gorillas

On this day we journey to Bwindi Impenetrable forest, haven to half the World’s remaining population of mountain gorillas. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers gorilla trekking in four dramatic sectors/regions (Rushaga, Buhoma, Nkuringo and Ruhija) while encountering other animals and bird species. As you drive through Queen Elizabeth Park, make a stop at Ishasha sector for the tree climbing lions and proceed with the transfer to Bwindi. Get enough rest and save your energy for the next day’s physically-demanding activity.

Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mountain gorillas are the main reason for visitors choosing Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and therefore have breakfast and with so much expectation we transfer to the Park headquarters. The safari driver leads visitors to the briefing point and make sure that you have your Lunch Box because duration of the entire trek is not predictable. After briefing and allocation into a gorilla group as well as being assigned a Ranger guide, follow the guide through the jungles to search for the mountain gorillas. It takes 30 minutes to 4 hours to locate the mountain gorillas with the help of trackers and expert guides, but will be allowed to spend only one hour with the gorillas. Later begin your trek back to the Park Headquarters for your certificate and finally to the Lodge. Pack your bags for a transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Day 7: Golden Monkey tracking and Cultural tour

Golden monkeys are frisky and interesting primates that exhibit so much energy. Your safari driver will drive you to Ntebeko Visitor Center for briefing after an amazing breakfast. Be briefed and assigned a golden monkey troop of which you will trek for 30 minutes to only 3 hours. These treks are shorter than gorilla treks because unlike the latter that live in the high altitudes, golden monkeys occupy the lower slopes of Virunga Mountains marked by Bamboo forest. After the expedition, return to the Lodge for Lunch and afternoon siesta. In the evening undertake a cultural tour in the Batwa Community to learn about their unique culture and traditions.

Day 8: Journey back to Kampala/Entebbe

On this day have breakfast and bid farewell to the jungles as you journey back to Kampala or Entebbe, with stopover at Igongo Cultural Center for Lunch as well as Equator monument for photography, cup of coffee and leg stretching. This marks the end of our 8 days Primates Safari.