9 day – Uganda Primate Safari 2025

Day 1: Arrival – Entebbe (10mins drive)

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be met by a Great Lakes Safaris’ representative and transferred to your guest house in Entebbe.

Overnight at Karibu Guest House – Standard Room (B&B)

Day 2: Entebbe – Kibale Forest National Park (Approx. 370km / 6hrs drive)

After breakfast, we drive west to Kibale National Park via the lovely town of Fort Portal, resting in the shadow of the fabled Mountains of the Moon and famous for its many tea plantations. After stopping for lunch at a local restaurant, continue on to the park and check in at Primate Lodge.

Kibale Forest National Park: An extensive biodiversity haven in southern Uganda, Kibale is famously called the “Primate Paradise.” It boasts one of the highest diversities and concentrations of primates in Africa, including chimpanzees, red colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, black-and-white colobus, and olive baboons. The park also offers sightings of forest elephants, unique birdlife, and a lush rainforest ecosystem.

Dinner and overnight at Primate Lodge Kibale – Luxury Cottage (B-L-D)

Day 3: Kibale Forest National Park – Chimpanzee Tracking & Bigodi Swamp Walk

Today the forest opens its doors for a sensational chimpanzee tracking experience. After a pre-tracking briefing, walk or drive to the trailhead to begin hiking through the forest in search of habituated chimpanzees. Along the way, your guide will share stories about the forest’s wildlife including other primates and birdlife.

Once the chimpanzees are located, you will spend an hour observing them in their natural environment – feeding, grooming, playing, and vocalizing. It’s a magical experience.

After lunch at the lodge, enjoy an afternoon guided walk through the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. This 4km community-led eco-tour showcases a rich diversity of birds and primates. The path can be muddy after rain, so gumboots are recommended. Proceeds from this initiative support local community projects.

Dinner and overnight at Primate Lodge Kibale – Luxury Cottage (B-L-D)

Day 4: Kibale – Queen Elizabeth National Park (Approx. 185km / 3hrs drive)

After an early breakfast, check out and visit the scenic crater lakes surrounding Kibale National Park. Enjoy the stunning landscapes before continuing south along the Rwenzori Mountains (Mountains of the Moon) to Queen Elizabeth National Park. On arrival, check in for lunch and relaxation, followed by an evening game drive through the park.

Dinner and overnight at Elephant Plains Lodge – Cottage (B-L-D)

Day 5: Queen Elizabeth National Park – Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Cruise

Start the day with a morning game drive across the Kasenyi Plains, searching for lions, elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and other wildlife. This area is a mating ground for the Uganda Kobs and attracts predators like lions and leopards.

In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a 33-kilometer natural waterway linking Lake Edward and Lake George. This is one of Africa’s best wildlife-viewing experiences, offering close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and a variety of bird species.

Dinner and overnight at Elephant Plains Lodge – Cottage (B-L-D)

Day 6: Queen Elizabeth – Ishasha Sector (Approx. 80kms/2hrs drive)

After breakfast, we transfer to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famously known for its tree-climbing lions. Enjoy an en-route game drive as we search for these unique predators lounging in fig trees. The Ishasha plains also support a rich population of wildlife including buffaloes, elephants, and antelopes.

Dinner and overnight at Ishasha Wilderness Camp – Luxury Tent (B-L-D)

Day 7: Ishasha – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Approx. 150kms/4hrs drive)

After a relaxed breakfast, enjoy a final game drive through Ishasha in search of tree-climbing lions. Then proceed to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Check-in at the lodge for a relaxing afternoon surrounded by the sights and sounds of the forest.

Dinner and overnight at Buhoma Lodge – Cottage (B-L-D)

Day 8: Gorilla Tracking – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Today is the highlight of your safari – gorilla tracking in Bwindi! After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing before heading into the forest. The trek through the dense forest can last several hours depending on the location of the gorillas, but the experience of seeing these gentle giants in their natural habitat is truly unforgettable.

Note: Porters are available to assist and highly recommended. Gorilla permits must be pre-booked.

After your trek, return to the lodge to relax or take a short walk around the community.

Dinner and overnight at Buhoma Lodge – Cottage (B-L-D)

Day 9: Bwindi – Lake Mburo National Park (Approx. 250kms/6hrs drive)

After breakfast, drive to Lake Mburo National Park, a compact gem with an abundance of wildlife including zebras, impalas, elands, buffaloes, and hippos. Check-in at the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a game drive or boat ride on Lake Mburo.

Dinner and overnight at Mihingo Lodge – Luxury Tent (B-L-D)

Day 10: Lake Mburo – Entebbe (Approx. 260kms/5hrs drive)

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and possibly a morning nature walk before checking out. Drive back to Entebbe, stopping at the Equator for photo opportunities and souvenir shopping. Later, transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your outbound flight.

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