Uganda · Primate Tours

9-Day Uganda Ape Trekking Safari with Gorillas, Chimps and Big Five

9 Days Round trip from Entebbe Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Track mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
02 Search for chimpanzees in Kibale and Kalinzu forest areas
03 Explore Murchison Falls, home to the world's most powerful waterfall
04 Look for tree-climbing lions in Ishasha, Queen Elizabeth National Park
05 Walk with white rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
06 Unwind at Lake Bunyonyi, described as the most beautiful lake in Africa

This trip is designed to give you a summarized experience of what Uganda can offer within the shortest time possible. Carefully selected prime parks increase your chances of encountering the Big 5, starting with the rhinos and continuing through Uganda's remarkable wildlife. The primate experiences include, but are not limited to, gorillas and chimpanzees, as each forest or sanctuary explored offers different species. The journey is crowned by a stay at Lake Bunyonyi, the most beautiful lake in Africa.

After the briefing, you will be distributed into groups of eight and led by a park ranger into the forest, where you will spend one hour with the gentle giants.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 9 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Entebbe, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kibale National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Lake Bunyonyi

Languages English, French, German

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Entebbe and Hotel Transfer

Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by our representative from Big Apes Africa Safaris, who will transfer you to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to have a detailed briefing of your travel itinerary on the same day, or go through the details the following morning.

Day 02

Transfer to Murchison Falls via Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Today, you will drive west to one of the most loved national parks. Along the way, you will take a walking safari to track the white rhinos and stop for lunch en route.

Before heading to the lodge, drive to the top of Murchison Falls. You can take a walk to the bottom of the falls and enjoy the amazing views. This is the most scenic part of the park, and Murchison Falls is the most powerful waterfall in the world.

Day 03

Morning Game Drive and Nile Boat Trip

Today, you will have an early morning game drive. You will have an opportunity to search for elephants, hartebeests, antelopes, and many different birds. On a good day, you may be able to see lions and a leopard in a single drive.

After lunch, you will explore the River Nile up to the bottom of the falls, where the 1951 movie Queen of Africa was shot. In the evening, you can choose to take an extra game drive or simply relax.

Day 04

Top of the Falls Visit and Transfer to Kibale

Today, you will drive to the top of the falls. After enjoying this magnificent spot, proceed south to the jungle of Kibale. You will have lunch along the way.

After the long drive, you can choose to relax at the lodge or take a guided walk through the community.

Day 05

Bigodi Wetland Walk and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth

Today begins with a Bigodi Swamp walk, which offers some of the finest birding and monkey viewing in Uganda. This 4.5 km circuit gives you an opportunity to see forest and swamp specials, as well as a good number of monkeys.

Afterward, you will be transferred to Queen Elizabeth National Park for a game drive in search of wildlife. Lunch will be taken en route.

Day 06

Chimp Tracking in Kalinzu, Boat Trip, and Game Drive

After breakfast, drive to Kalinzu Forest, managed by the National Forest Authority, where you will do chimpanzee tracking.

After chimpanzee tracking, you will have a UWA boat cruise followed by a game drive. You have a chance to see elephants, lions, leopards, and many more animals.

Day 07

Ishasha Game Drive and Transfer to Bwindi

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Bwindi National Park. On the way, you will drive through Ishasha, the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is famous for its tree-climbing lions.

After the drive, you will immediately proceed to Bwindi, with lunch along the way.

Day 08

Gorilla Tracking and Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

After an early breakfast, you will drive to the briefing point in the forest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to be enlightened about your adventure with the mountain gorillas. You are advised to carry enough drinking water and a lunch box.

At a cost of 15 US dollars, you can hire a porter to carry your bag and give you a hand on slippery or steep parts of the forest. After the briefing, you will be distributed into groups of eight and led by a park ranger into the forest, where you will spend one hour with the gentle giants. Rain gear is important, considering that Bwindi is a tropical rainforest.

After the trek, you will be transferred to Lake Bunyonyi, where you can take a swim in Uganda's most beautiful lake or enjoy a walk in nature and explore the surrounding communities.

Day 09

Return to Entebbe via the Equator

After your beautiful stay at Lake Bunyonyi, you will drive back to Entebbe to embark on your journey back home. You will have an opportunity to cross the Equator and do some souvenir shopping.

Should you feel that you need to stay a little longer or do an extra activity, this is possible at an extra cost.

Where this trip takes you

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kalinzu Forest, Murchison Falls, Lake Bunyonyi

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Entebbe 7 cities · 9 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Gorilla permits (one per person, non-resident)
Chimp permits (one per person, non-resident)
All accommodation (unless listed as an upgrade)
All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
All activities (unless labeled as optional)
Park fees (for non-residents)
A professional driver/guide
Roundtrip airport transfer
All taxes/VAT

What's Not Included

Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government-imposed increases in taxes and/or park fees
Some meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
Tips (tipping guideline: US$10.00 per person per day)
International flights (from/to home)
Drinks

What to bring

Essential Packing List for Your Ugandan Safari

Clothing & Footwear

Lightweight, breathable clothing: Opt for long-sleeved shirts and long trousers in neutral colors like khaki or olive to protect against insects and sun exposure.
Sturdy hiking boots: Essential for gorilla trekking in Bwindi and forest walks in Kibale. Ensure they are waterproof and well broken-in.
Rain gear: A waterproof jacket or poncho is crucial, especially in rainforest areas where showers can be unpredictable.
Gardening gloves: Useful during gorilla trekking to protect your hands from thorny vegetation.
Warm layers: Evenings and early mornings can be chilly, so pack a fleece or lightweight sweater.
Swimwear: For relaxing at lodges or swimming in Lake Bunyonyi.

Gear & Accessories

Daypack: A comfortable backpack to carry essentials during treks and game drives.
Binoculars: Enhance wildlife viewing, especially for birdwatching and spotting animals from a distance.
Camera with extra batteries and memory cards: Capture the breathtaking landscapes and wildlife encounters.
Reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated during activities.
Headlamp or flashlight: Useful in areas with limited lighting.

Health & Hygiene

Insect repellent: Protect against mosquitoes and other insects; choose one with DEET.
Sunscreen: High SPF to guard against sunburn.
Personal medications and a basic first aid kit: Include antiseptics, band-aids, and any prescription medications.
Hand sanitizer and wet wipes: Maintain hygiene during your travels.

Documents & Essentials

Passport and visas: Ensure they are valid and meet entry requirements.
Gorilla trekking permit: Mandatory for Bwindi; arrange it in advance.
Travel insurance: Covers medical emergencies and trip cancellations.
Cash in small denominations: Useful for tips and purchases in areas where cards are not accepted.
Travel adapter: Uganda uses the British-style plug (Type G).

Know before you go

Essential Preparations

Permits: Secure gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits well in advance, as they are limited and in high demand.
Health precautions:
- Ensure vaccinations for yellow fever and hepatitis A.
- Take malaria prophylaxis and carry insect repellent.
Packing List:
- Lightweight, long-sleeved clothing in neutral colors.
- Sturdy hiking boots for forest treks.
- Rain gear, as weather can be unpredictable.
- Binoculars and a good camera for wildlife viewing.
Travel insurance: Obtain comprehensive insurance covering medical emergencies and trip cancellations.

Accommodation Options

Murchison Falls: Consider lodges like Baker's Lodge, offering Nile River views and close proximity to the park.
Kibale Forest: Crater Safari Lodge provides comfort near the forest, ideal for chimpanzee trekking.
Queen Elizabeth National Park: Kyambura Gorge Lodge offers luxury stays with views of the park and gorge.
Bwindi: Mahogany Springs Safari Lodge is a popular choice for gorilla trekkers.
Lake Bunyonyi: Stay at Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort for serene lake views and relaxation.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Hire a reputable tour operator with 4x4 vehicles suitable for Uganda's varied terrains.
Local guides: Engage local guides for treks and park tours to enhance your experience and support the community.
Cultural etiquette: Respect local customs and traditions; always ask before photographing people.

Logistics