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Uganda · Primate Tours
The journey
Take a journey through Uganda's three national parks, from Entebbe to Kibale Forest National Park, home to 13 different kinds of primates, including chimpanzees. Visit the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, known for its rich birdlife and monkey species, then continue with exciting game drives and a boat ride on the Kazinga Channel. In Queen Elizabeth National Park, look out for the famous tree-climbing lions of Ishasha before heading to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for the unforgettable experience of gorilla trekking.
Once you find the gorillas, you will spend up to one hour sitting near these amazing animals and looking into their large, round eyes.
From the itinerary
At a glance
Day by day
When you arrive at Entebbe International Airport, a member of our team will welcome you with a smile and assist you from there. You will then be transferred to your accommodation for the night. The hotel offers a friendly and cozy environment where you can unwind and prepare for your thrilling safari adventure.
After breakfast, we will drive to western Uganda via the Mityana-Mubende highway. Along the way, we will make interesting stops at places such as Tanda village and the Nakayima tree, where you will have the opportunity to learn about the area's history and culture.
We will also stop in Mubende near the local market, where you can buy snacks, drinks, fruits, and anything else you may like. This journey is especially enjoyable because it offers views of pretty homes, tea farms, and everyday farmland across Uganda's beautiful countryside. After lunch at Duchess Restaurant, continue to your lodge.
After breakfast, head into the warm, wet rainforest of Kibale National Park for chimpanzee tracking. This forest is famous for having the highest concentration of primates, and while searching for chimpanzees, you may also spot other species such as grey mangabeys, pottos, colobus monkeys, bush babies, baboons, and more.
Return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a walk through Bigodi Wetland, an area known for its unique plants and animals. After the walk, return to the lodge for dinner and your overnight stay.
After breakfast, we will board our safari vehicle and drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, a protected area known for its wide variety of plants and animals. We will arrive in the afternoon and then enjoy a boat ride on the Kazinga Channel.
This boat trip is a very rewarding experience, offering chances to see hippos, buffaloes, elephants, and many birds that live near Lakes George and Edward. After the boat ride, you will go on a short game drive before continuing to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
After breakfast, set out for Kyambura Gorge in search of the fast-moving and elusive chimpanzees. Although sightings can be unpredictable, watching these chimpanzees move through their habitat is an amazing experience.
In the afternoon, if you did not take the boat ride on the Kazinga Channel the previous day, you can do it today and enjoy sightings of many hippos, buffaloes, and different bird species. If you have already done the boat ride, you can instead go on a game drive to look for more exciting wildlife. Return to the lodge for dinner and your overnight stay.
After breakfast, travel through the Ishasha sector, where you may see tree-climbing lions as well as other animals such as Uganda kob, elephants, topi, and more. Afterward, continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, arriving in the afternoon.
Later, take a stroll through the nearby communities, enjoy local performances, and shop for crafts.
In the morning, enjoy a cup of coffee and get ready for a briefing with Uganda Wildlife officials. After that, head into the jungle to search for the shy mountain gorillas and observe how they live in their natural habitat.
Once you find the gorillas, you will spend up to one hour sitting near these amazing animals and looking into their large, round eyes. Gorilla trekking requires a reasonable level of fitness and good walking shoes. You should also bring food, water, insect repellent, sunscreen, and your accommodation arrangements should already be in place. The tracking experience can last either half a day or a full day, depending on the gorillas' movements.
This is a valuable and unforgettable life experience. After the trek, return to the lodge for dinner and your overnight stay.
After breakfast, check out and drive back to Entebbe. On the way, stop at the Igongo Cultural Centre for lunch. We will also stop at the Equator for photos and to enjoy the experience before arriving in Entebbe in the evening.
Depending on your flight time, you will be transferred to the airport for check-in, or for a day room or overnight stay if needed. End of services.
Where this trip takes you
Kibale Forest National Park, Bigodi Wetland, Kazinga Channel, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
The route
The fine print
Essential Packing List for Your Ugandan Safari
Clothing & Footwear
Gear & Accessories
Health & Personal Items
Important Documents
Kibale Forest National Park: The Primate Capital
Kibale Forest National Park, often dubbed the "Primate Capital of the World," boasts 13 primate species, including over 1,500 chimpanzees. Chimpanzee trekking is a highlight, with permits costing approximately $250 USD. The park is also home to red colobus monkeys, L'Hoest's monkeys, and a variety of bird species.
Best Time to Visit: The dry seasons, from December to February and June to August, offer clearer trails and better wildlife viewing opportunities.
What to Pack:
Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary: A Birdwatcher's Paradise
Located just outside Kibale Forest, Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is a community-run reserve known for its rich biodiversity, including over 200 bird species such as the Great Blue Turaco and numerous primates. Guided swamp walks offer insights into the local ecosystem and culture.
Activities:
Entrance Fees:
What to Bring:
Queen Elizabeth National Park: Diverse Wildlife and Scenic Landscapes
Queen Elizabeth National Park is renowned for its diverse ecosystems, including savannahs, wetlands, and forests. It is home to over 95 mammal species and 600 bird species. The Ishasha sector is famous for its unique tree-climbing lions.
Highlights:
Travel Advisory: Some government advisories recommend caution when traveling to areas near the DRC border, including parts of Queen Elizabeth National Park. It is advisable to check the latest travel advisories and consult local tour operators.
General Travel Tips for Uganda
Logistics
Your 8 days finish where they began, in Entebbe.
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