Embark on a captivating adventure through Uganda's lush forests, where the echoes of primates beckon. This safari is tailored for those eager to connect deeply with our closest animal relatives - in their natural habitats.
Your journey begins in Kibale National Park, renowned for its rich primate diversity. Here, you'll get to track chimpanzees, observing their playful interactions and complex social structures. The experience offers a profound insight into behaviours strikingly similar to our own.
Next, venture into the enchanting Kyambura Gorge within Queen Elizabeth National Park. Often referred to as the "Valley of Apes," this lush chasm is home to a unique community of chimpanzees. A guided trek through the dense forest provides an intimate glimpse into their daily lives amidst the backdrop of the gorge's stunning scenery - and dry savannah above.
The pinnacle of your expedition awaits in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Here, you'll embark on a trek to meet the endangered mountain gorillas. Standing in the presence of a silverback and his family is a humbling experience, offering a window into the profound bond shared between humans and these majestic creatures.
Throughout this journey, you'll also encounter other primate species, such as the red colobus and L'Hoest's monkeys, each adding to the rich tapestry of Uganda's wildlife.
This safari is more than an adventure; it's a soulful exploration into the heart of primate life.
If you seek meaningful connections with nature and unforgettable wildlife encounters, this is the journey for you. Explore the full itinerary and let us guide you in crafting this extraordinary experience.
Detailed Trip Plan
Day 1: Drive to Kibale National Park
In the morning, your safari guide will meet you at your residence/accommodation to start the safari by driving to Kibale National Park.
Along the way, you will pass many small towns, farms and tea plantations that define this beautiful part of Uganda. You will stop in Fort Portal Town for lunch and then continue to the nearby Kibale National Park.
In the evening, you will visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary to start off your tour with some mammals, birds, and 12 primate species. Bigodi is a community-led eco-tourism project that protects the swamp's ecosystem through sustainable tourism.
Bigodi is an astounding example of what can be done towards conserving fragile ecosystems - especially when communities come together for one goal.
Day 2: Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park
After breakfast, you will attend a chimp tracking briefing by park officials before embarking on your search for chimpanzees in the forest.
An experienced ranger will lead the tracking, offering insights into the chimps, other primates, and the surrounding ecosystem, enhancing your experience.
Once you encounter the chimpanzees, you will spend approximately one hour with them before returning to the hike's starting point. The entire experience lasts about 3 to 4 hours, depending on the group's pace and the chimps' movement.
You will then have the rest of the day for leisure or to explore nearby attractions, particularly the crater lakes.
Day 3: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park
In the morning, depart from Kibale and drive two hours to Queen Elizabeth National Park, arriving in time for a game drive and lunch.
As you travel, enjoy views of the mystical Rwenzori Mountains. A game drive along the way may reveal lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, hyenas, and various antelope species.
In the evening, embark on a relaxing two-hour boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel and into Lake Edward. This cruise offers a chance to see a high concentration of hippos and other animals drinking at the water's edge, providing excellent opportunities for photography, bird watching, and game viewing.
Day 4: Morning & Evening safari game drives
Today, you will explore the parks through two game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park, which features diverse ecosystems, including grassy plains, tropical forests, rivers, swamps, lakes, and volcanic craters, all teeming with wildlife.
These drives offer a fantastic chance to see lions, leopards, giant forest hogs, buffalo, elephants, waterbucks, Uganda kobs, hyenas, and hippos.
This experience is an excellent way to discover the rich wildlife, birdlife, and breath-taking landscapes of Uganda's most popular safari park.
Day 5: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Today, you will leave Queen Elizabeth and drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
The journey from the hot rift valley to the cool Kigezi highlands offers stunning views of steep, cultivated hills and winding roads, earning Kigezi the nickname 'Switzerland of Africa.'
In Bwindi, you'll check into your accommodation, where you can relax or take a leisurely visit to nearby communities to meet the locals.
After a restful night, you'll prepare for an early start for gorilla tracking the next day.
Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable N.P
Today is your day to meet the mountain gorillas - our evolutionary cousins in the forest.
Gorilla trekking starts with a briefing by the UWA (Uganda Wildlife Authority) officials to give you a grounding about gorillas, the forests they live in, the conservation as well as the rules and guidelines you must follow on your trek.
You will then be led by experienced rangers who know the forest and your search for the gorillas will start. The gorilla trek takes you through thick rainforests and steep slopes where the trails are basic footpaths, and yet the beauty overshadows the challenge of the hike.
Once you reach the gorillas, the challenge of the hike goes out of your mind, and you are glad for every weird tree root you had to step over or hold on to as you trekked to the gorillas.
As a group, you will spend 1 hour with the gorillas, watching them go about their day with the silverback leading the family, the females taking care of the young ones as well as the young gorillas playing around with each other.
After your time with the gorillas, you will leave the forest taking with you memories that will last a lifetime. We'll then go back to the lodge for some relaxation- to let it all sink in.
The rest of the evening can be spent at leisure at the lodge, or you can go for a walk around the neighbourhood.
Day 7: Drive Back to Entebbe, Departure
You will depart from Bwindi and drive back to Kampala, stopping for lunch in Mbarara. You'll have time to take photos and buy souvenirs at the Equator.
Your guide will drop you off at your accommodation or the airport if you have a same-day flight.
- 1 Gorilla Permit Per Person
- 1 Chimpanzee Permit Per Person
- All local Transportation
- Accommodation & Meals
- Professional Tour Guide
- Park & Activity Fees
- International Flights
- Visa Fees
- Personal Insurance
- Personal Spending & Tips
- Extra Activities not specified in your Final Itinerary
Ask About This Trip
Does this safari package seem like it would work for you? Just talk to someone us. Whether you like it as it is, or would like to make some adjustments to your preference, we'll help you plan and enjoy the safari that is perfect for YOU.