7 Day Primate Safari
7 Days | 6 Nights
Safari Overview
This 7-day primate safari takes you through Uganda’s top wildlife destinations. Begin in Entebbe, exploring local attractions before heading to Kibale Forest for chimpanzee trekking. Then, visit Queen Elizabeth National Park for game drives and a boat cruise. On Day 5, stop in Ishasha to see the famous tree-climbing lions before reaching Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for a memorable gorilla trek. End the trip with a visit to Lake Bunyonyi before returning to Entebbe. This safari offers an ideal mix of wildlife, primate tracking, and scenic beauty.
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Transfer from Entebbe to Kibale NP
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your guide. After your introduction, you’ll begin your scenic 5-6 hour drive to Kibale Forest National Park, renowned for its large population of chimpanzees. The journey offers a great opportunity to take in the beautiful landscapes of Uganda’s countryside. Once you arrive in Kibale, check into your lodge, where you can unwind and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the forest. You’ll have the rest of the day to relax and prepare for your upcoming chimpanzee trekking experience the following day.
Overnight: Turaco Treetops
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking and Community Visit
After a hearty breakfast, head out for an exciting chimpanzee tracking experience in Kibale Forest, home to over 1,400 chimpanzees. This trek usually lasts about 3-4 hours, giving you the opportunity to observe these fascinating primates as they interact with each other and their natural surroundings. In the afternoon, visit a local community near the park, where you can immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of the people living in the area. This visit provides a unique opportunity to learn about the community's way of life, engage in cultural exchanges, and explore local crafts and traditions. Afterward, return to your lodge to relax and reflect on the day's experiences.
Overnight: Turaco Treetops
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Morning Bigodi Wetland Walk and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, set off for a guided walk through the Bigodi Wetland, a rich and biodiverse area just outside Kibale Forest. The walk offers a fantastic opportunity to observe a variety of bird species, including the rare papyrus gonolek, as well as primates such as the black-and-white colobus monkeys. You’ll also encounter unique plant life and gain insights into the wetland’s ecological importance. In the afternoon, you’ll begin your scenic drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park (approximately 2-3 hours). Upon arrival, check into your lodge and take some time to relax, enjoying the park’s stunning surroundings before your safari activities the next day.
Overnight: Buffalo Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Explore Queen Elizabeth National Park
Start your day with an early morning game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most diverse wildlife reserves. This drive offers a chance to see a variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, buffaloes, and various antelope species. The early morning hours provide the best opportunity for wildlife sightings as animals are more active. In the afternoon, embark on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a waterway that connects Lake George and Lake Edward. This serene cruise offers fantastic views and a chance to observe wildlife such as hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species, including waterfowl and the iconic African fish eagle.
Overnight: Buffalo Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Transfer to Bwindi Forest via Ishasha
After breakfast, you’ll embark on a morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you may spot more wildlife before continuing your journey. Then, you’ll drive through the southern part of the park, known as Ishasha, famous for its tree-climbing lions. These incredible lions are often found lounging in the branches of fig trees, a behavior that offers great photo opportunities. After spending some time observing these unique lions, you’ll continue your scenic drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (approximately 2-3 hours). Upon arrival, check into your lodge, where you can relax and prepare for the exciting gorilla trekking adventure the following day.
Overnight: Haven Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Gorilla Tracking and Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
After an early breakfast, you’ll head to the park headquarters for a briefing before beginning your gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The trek can vary in difficulty, but with the help of your experienced guides, you’ll navigate through the dense forest in search of one of the habituated gorilla families. Once you locate the gorillas, you’ll have one hour to observe them in their natural habitat, experiencing their fascinating behavior up close. After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and some relaxation before embarking on the scenic drive to Lake Bunyonyi (approximately 2-3 hours). Upon arrival, check into your lodge and unwind, taking in the serene beauty of the lake and its surrounding hills.
Overnight: Acardia Lodges
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Transfer Back to Entebbe or Kigali
After breakfast, you’ll begin your journey back to either Entebbe or Kigali, depending on your travel plans. If you’re heading to Entebbe, the drive will take approximately 7-8 hours, offering a final opportunity to enjoy Uganda’s scenic landscapes. Alternatively, if you’re returning to Kigali, the drive will take about 4-5 hours, passing through beautiful views of the countryside and rolling hills. You’ll arrive at your destination in time for your flight or an overnight stay, concluding your unforgettable primate safari.
Overnight: No Accommodation but can be arranged.
Meal Plan: BreakfsasLunch
Ready for Your Adventure?
Book your unforgettable primate safari today and explore the heart of Uganda’s wildlife! From chimpanzee trekking in Kibale to observing mountain gorillas in Bwindi, this once-in-a-lifetime journey will create memories to last forever.
