Explore Uganda’s extraordinary primate and wildlife diversity on this 8 Days Uganda Primates and Wildlife Safari with Verdant Safaris. This carefully designed journey combines thrilling wildlife experiences with unforgettable encounters in Uganda’s tropical forests. You will explore the primate-rich Kibale National Park, home to chimpanzees and several other primate species, before travelling to Queen Elizabeth National Park for exciting game drives and a boat cruise along the famous Kazinga Channel. Your adventure continues to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where you will have the opportunity to trek through the ancient rainforest in search of mountain gorillas. Along the way, you will experience Uganda’s beautiful landscapes, crater lakes, rolling hills, forests and local communities. With carefully selected accommodation, experienced guiding and well-planned activities, this safari provides an excellent combination of primates, wildlife and scenic beauty in the Pearl of Africa.
Day 1: Kampala or Entebbe to Kibale National Park
Your safari begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe as you start your journey towards Kibale National Park in western Uganda. You will travel through Uganda’s beautiful countryside, passing local villages, farms, plantations and rolling green hills along the way. The journey provides an opportunity to see everyday life in rural Uganda while enjoying the changing scenery. You will have lunch en route before continuing towards the Kibale Forest region, an area renowned for having one of Africa’s highest concentrations of primates. As you approach the park, the landscape becomes increasingly lush, with dense vegetation and forested hills surrounding the area. You will arrive at your lodge later in the afternoon, check in and relax after the journey while preparing for your exciting chimpanzee tracking experience the following day.
Accommodation options: Turaco Treetops, Kibale Forest Camp, Primate Lodge Kibale
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi Wetland Walk
After breakfast, you will head to the Kibale National Park headquarters for a briefing before beginning your chimpanzee tracking adventure. You will enter the forest with experienced guides and trackers who will help you locate one of the habituated chimpanzee communities. The trek takes you through a beautiful tropical forest filled with towering trees, vines, birds, butterflies and other fascinating wildlife. Besides chimpanzees, you may encounter red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys and grey-cheeked mangabeys. After completing your chimpanzee tracking experience, you will return to your lodge for lunch and some time to relax. In the afternoon, you will visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a guided nature walk, where you can enjoy birdwatching, search for additional primates and learn about the wetland ecosystem and communities surrounding Kibale Forest.
Accommodation options: Turaco Treetops, Kibale Forest Camp, Primate Lodge Kibale
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 3: Kibale National Park to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, you will leave Kibale National Park and travel towards Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most popular wildlife destinations. The journey takes you through scenic western Uganda, with tea plantations, crater lakes, rolling hills and rural communities providing beautiful views along the way. You will have lunch en route before continuing towards Queen Elizabeth National Park. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy an introductory game drive as you enter the park, offering an early opportunity to see elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, warthogs and other wildlife. The park also supports lions and leopards, making it an excellent destination for wildlife viewing. You will continue to your lodge, check in and enjoy dinner before relaxing in the peaceful surroundings of the park.
Accommodation options: Buffalo Safari Lodge, Enganzi Game Lodge, Kasenyi Safari Camp
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 4: Queen Elizabeth National Park Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Cruise
You will begin your day with an early morning game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park, exploring its open savannah plains and woodland habitats. The morning hours are ideal for wildlife viewing as many animals are active before the temperatures become warmer. Your guide will take you through different areas in search of elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, waterbucks, warthogs and various antelope species. You will also explore areas where lions may be encountered, while leopards can sometimes be spotted with good fortune. After the game drive, you will return to your lodge for breakfast and some relaxation before lunch. In the afternoon, you will embark on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, where you can observe hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants and buffaloes along the shoreline, together with a remarkable variety of water birds.
Accommodation options: Buffalo Safari Lodge, Enganzi Game Lodge, Kasenyi Safari Camp
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 5: Queen Elizabeth National Park to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, you will leave Queen Elizabeth National Park and travel towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwestern Uganda. The journey takes you through some of the country’s most beautiful highland landscapes, with rolling hills, farms, tea plantations and local communities creating spectacular scenery. You will have lunch en route before continuing towards the Bwindi region. As you approach the forest, the landscape becomes increasingly mountainous and lush, providing a dramatic introduction to the home of Uganda’s mountain gorillas. Depending on the route, you may enjoy views of the Virunga volcanic ranges in the distance. On arrival, you will check into your lodge and have time to relax following the journey. Your guide will also brief you about the following day’s gorilla trekking experience and help you prepare for your time in the rainforest.
Accommodation options: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Bakiga Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Today is the highlight of your Uganda safari as you embark on a memorable mountain gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. After an early breakfast, you will report to the appropriate park headquarters for a briefing before entering the ancient rainforest with experienced guides and trackers. You will follow forest trails through dense vegetation and sometimes challenging terrain while searching for a habituated gorilla family. The duration of the trek varies depending on the location and movements of the gorillas, but the forest itself offers a fascinating experience filled with unique plants, birds and other wildlife. Once you locate the gorillas, you will have an unforgettable opportunity to observe their natural behaviour while following the instructions of your ranger. After completing the trek, you will return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation, with the rest of the afternoon available for you to enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Accommodation options: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Bakiga Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 7: Bwindi to Entebbe or Kampala via the Equator
After breakfast, you will leave the Bwindi region and begin your journey towards Entebbe or Kampala. The drive takes you through the scenic countryside of southwestern and central Uganda, passing rolling hills, farms, villages and local trading centres. You will have lunch en route as you continue towards the Uganda Equator crossing. You will make a stop at the Equator, where you can take photographs, visit local craft shops and purchase souvenirs made by Ugandan artisans. The stop provides a memorable geographical and cultural experience as you stand at the point where the northern and southern hemispheres meet. After the Equator visit, you will continue towards Entebbe or Kampala, enjoying views of Uganda’s countryside along the way. You will arrive at your accommodation in the evening, check in, enjoy dinner and relax after your journey.
Accommodation options: Papyrus Guest House, Airport View Hotel, Best Western Premier Garden Hotel Entebbe
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 8: Departure
After breakfast, you will have a relaxed morning depending on your international flight schedule. If your flight is scheduled for later in the day, you can use the available time to rest at your accommodation, explore a little of Entebbe or purchase final souvenirs and locally made crafts. Your Verdant Safaris guide will arrange your transfer to Entebbe International Airport in good time for your scheduled departure. As you travel to the airport, you will have an opportunity to reflect on the incredible experiences you have enjoyed during your safari. From tracking chimpanzees through the lush forests of Kibale to observing wildlife in Queen Elizabeth and trekking mountain gorillas in Bwindi, this journey offers an impressive introduction to Uganda’s natural heritage. Your 8 Days Uganda Primates and Wildlife Safari ends at Entebbe International Airport, marking the conclusion of your adventure through the Pearl of Africa.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch)
Safari Inclusions
- Airport pick-up and drop-off in Uganda.
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle throughout the safari.
- Services of an experienced English-speaking safari driver-guide.
- Fuel and transportation as specified in the itinerary.
- Accommodation as outlined in the itinerary.
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary.
- All applicable national park entrance fees.
- Chimpanzee tracking permit in Kibale National Park.
- Guided Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary walk.
- Queen Elizabeth National Park game drives.
- Kazinga Channel boat cruise.
- Mountain gorilla trekking permit in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
- Uganda Equator crossing visit.
- Bottled drinking water during safari journeys and game drives.
- All applicable government taxes and service charges.
Safari Exclusions
- International flights to and from Uganda.
- Uganda entry visa.
- Travel and medical insurance.
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls and telephone charges.
- Alcoholic drinks and premium beverages.
- Tips and gratuities for your safari guide, lodge staff and other service providers.
- Porter fees during gorilla trekking.
- Souvenirs, crafts and personal shopping.
- Optional activities not specifically included in the itinerary.
- Additional accommodation before Day 1 or after Day 8.
- Any services not specifically listed under the inclusions.
- Expenses arising from changes to the itinerary caused by circumstances beyond the control of Verdant Safaris.