The 8 Days Uganda Primates Safari gives primate lovers a true meaning of Jungle Paradise by trekking the endangered Bwindi Mountain gorillas, Kibale Forest chimpanzees and Mgahinga Golden Monkeys in addition to a bonus wildlife viewing experience in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Given the riveting things visitors are expected to see during this trip, it is undeniably the ideal safari for travellers with passion for primates and starts/ends within Kampala City. Mountain gorillas, chimpanzees and golden monkeys are the main primates of this safari but the vervet monkeys, olive baboons, black and white colobus monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, Patas and others alongside African forest and bush elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, warthogs, duikers, bushbucks, Topis, Uganda Kobs and spotted hyenas should also be expected during this long safari.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Kampala to Kibale Forest National Park, western Uganda via Mubende

Once you leave Kampala in our customized and comfortable 4WD Vehicle, head westwards along the Kampala-Mityana-Mubende-Fort Portal Highway. Stop for a brief cultural tour at Nakayima Ancestral Tree then another 3 hours westwards, make a stop at Fort Portal Town for Lunch. Perhaps enjoy a Crater tour before continuing to your booked Lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 2: Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park, in the western part of Uganda

Before leaving your Safari Lodge for briefing at Kanyanchu Visitor Center, enjoy a delicious breakfast and meet other trekkers for a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority Ranger guide. Then begin the 1-4 hour search for the endangered chimpanzees passing open and heavily forested areas on the way and come across different primates especially grey-cheeked mangabeys, olive baboons, red-tailed monkeys and many others while sights and sounds of different bird species is also a must. If you are done with the chimpanzee trekking experience, return back to the Lodge for Lunch.

Close the day with a guided nature walk through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, filled with different wetland bird species, a number of primates and surrounded by lush wetland vegetation. Spend the night and enjoy a delicious meal at one of the beautiful Safari Lodges in or around Kibale Forest National Park.

Day 3: Kibale Forest National Park to Queen Elizabeth National Park, boat cruise

Proceed 3-4 hours’ to Queen Elizabeth National Park, the home to over 95 species of mammals and about 600 species of birds in varying ecosystems. Refuel with lunch on arrival at the Park and later enjoy a boat cruise at Kazinga Channel. The most popular and rewarding experience in this Park is undoubtedly the boat cruise where the highest concentration of Hippos and Nile crocodiles as well as elephants, buffaloes, Uganda Kobs and Defassa waterbucks can be spotted. There are plenty of options for places to stay in this Park and you will get to experience one of them.

Day 4: Game Viewing and trip to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla trekking experience

After breakfast, dedicate half the day exploring the spectacular Queen Elizabeth National Park through a game drive where different landscapes, animals and birds will be spotted. There are numerous scenic game tracks in this Park, where lions, Defassa waterbucks, Uganda Kobs, Cape buffaloes, Topis, warthogs, leopards, spotted hyenas, Oribis and Hippos will be seen. The afternoon will find you in Ishasha sector for a chance to see the tree-climbing lions and continue driving to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with lunch en-route at Savannah Resort Kihihi. Stay overnight within any of the outstanding Safari Lodges in the jungles, where you will relish a deliciously fresh meal.

Day 5: Bwindi Gorilla trekking Experience and option cultural tour

After an early morning breakfast, move or drive to the Park Headquarters (based on the chosen trekking sector/region). Attend briefing from the UWA Ranger guide lasting 20-30 minutes and later start the trek through the jungles of Bwindi to find the allocated gorilla group. As their name suggests, mountain gorillas live high in the mountains hence trekkers require basic to moderate physical fitness and treks last up to 6 hours through rugged terrains, valleys and sometimes crossing streams. Spend one hour with the gorillas and descend to the starting point to receive your gorilla trekking certificate.

Spend your afternoon/evening in the community exploring their riveting traditional dances, unique way of life (crop cultivation and grinding millet with grinding stones). Stay at the same safari Lodge offering comfortable rooms and delicious meals.

Day 6: Bwindi Impenetrable Park to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, cultural experience

From Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, it is about 2-4 hours’ drive to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (depending on the trekking sector/region) via spectacular rolling hills. Arrive to a hot meal and in the evening get a chance to learn about the aboriginal culture of Batwa people, prepare and taste local dishes, be treated to an interesting traditional dance experience and later stay at some of the exquisite accommodation facilities providing cozy rooms and mouth-watering meals.

Day 7: Mgahinga Golden Monkey tracking experience

This day you will move or be picked up from your accommodation for the briefing at Ntebeko Visitor Center, before undertaking the Mgahinga Golden Monkey tracking experience. While this adventure is the main highlight of the day, Mgahinga (Uganda’s smallest Park) is also haven to extraordinary bird species including Albertine Rift endemics. Spend one hour with the golden monkeys after hours of searching for them.

Afterwards, drive for one and a half hours to Lake Mutanda for a boat cruise and also get a chance to soak in the warm Tropical sunshine. This beautiful adventure returns you to your beautiful place of stay for dinner and fresh delicious meal.

Day 8: All-day drive back to Kampala City or Entebbe International Airport

On the last day of the safari, rise early because of the long drive (8-9 hours) to Kampala or Entebbe. Along the way refuel with a hot meal and arrive your final destination in the evening. This marks the end of our 8 days Uganda Primates Safari.