Signature Primate Safari
9 DAYS | 8 NIGHTS
Uganda
Silver, Gold and Beyond
Experience the beauty of Uganda on this 9-day journey, exploring lush forests, expansive savannahs, and captivating cultures. Start in Entebbe and head to Kibale Forest for an exhilarating chimpanzee tracking experience. Continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park for thrilling game drives and a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. Venture to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to encounter the majestic mountain gorillas and learn from the Batwa people. Conclude your adventure in Kisoro with a challenging hike up Mount Sabinyo before returning to Entebbe. This itinerary blends wildlife encounters, cultural immersion, and breathtaking landscapes for an unforgettable experience.
Itinerary Details:
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Transfer to Kibale Forest
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, meet your safari guide and embark on a scenic drive to Kibale Forest National Park. The journey takes about 6-8 hours, offering picturesque views of Uganda's countryside, lush green hills, and tea plantations. Stop for lunch en route before arriving at your lodge in the afternoon. Check-in and relax, soaking in the tranquil surroundings of Kibale Forest. Enjoy dinner while listening to the forest sounds in the evening, setting the tone for an adventurous trip.
Overnight at Primate Lodge or similar (HB)
Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi Wetland Walk
Start your day early with a briefing at Kibale Forest headquarters before venturing into the forest to track chimpanzees. Follow expert guides as they lead you through the dense vegetation, pointing out various primates and birds. Spend an hour observing the chimps' fascinating behaviors and interactions.
Return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, take a guided nature walk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, where you’ll encounter unique flora, bird species, and cultural stories from the local community.
Overnight at Primate Lodge or similar (FB)
Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, take a 2–3-hour drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The journey offers scenic views of Uganda’s crater lakes and rolling landscapes. On arrival, enjoy lunch and prepare for an afternoon game drive in the Kasenyi Plains. Here, you’ll spot wildlife such as lions, elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes. Capture memorable moments as the golden light bathes the savannah with the Rwenzori blue mountains in the backdrop. End the day with a hearty dinner at your lodge.
Overnight at The River Station or similar (FB)
Day 4: Game Drive and Boat Cruise
Wake up early for a thrilling game drive, exploring the park’s diverse ecosystems. While in this beautiful part of the park, we will try our luck with predators like hyenas and leopards, along with herbivores grazing in the morning sun, as well as all nature has got to offer. After lunch, embark on a relaxing boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. Enjoy close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and an array of bird species, including African fish eagles and kingfishers. The boat ride provides a serene perspective of the park’s abundant wildlife.
Overnight at The River Station or similar (FB)
Day 5: Transfer to Bwindi via Ishasha Sector
Depart Queen Elizabeth National Park and drive through the Ishasha sector, renowned for its unique tree-climbing lions lounging in fig trees. Pause for a game drive in this area before continuing to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Arrive in the afternoon, settle into your lodge, and enjoy the serene forest ambiance while preparing for the next day’s adventure
Overnight at Gorilla Forest Lodge or similar (FB)
Day 6: Gorilla Tracking and Batwa Cultural Experience
This is the day you’ve been waiting for – a chance to stand in the presence of one of the planet’s most endangered and majestic creatures: the Mountain Gorilla. The day begins early with an energizing breakfast before heading to the park headquarters for a detailed briefing from expert rangers. Then, it’s time to trek into the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bwindi. Every step of the journey feels like an exploration into an ancient, untouched world, with towering trees, colorful bird species, and the occasional rustle of wildlife in the underbrush. After hours of anticipation, your patience pays off as you encounter a gorilla family in their natural habitat. Watch in awe as they play, groom, and move through the forest, their sheer presence leaving you breathless. The magic of locking eyes with a silverback is a moment that words can hardly capture.
After this once in a life-time experience, return to your lodge for an afternoon relaxation or a community visit to one of the community projects around the park.
Overnight at Gorilla Forest Lodge or similar (FB)
Day 7: Transfer to Kisoro
Drive to Kisoro (4–5 hours), passing through stunning landscapes, including terraced hills and vibrant local villages. Arrive at your lodge and unwind, taking in the peaceful surroundings. This day offers a chance to relax or explore Kisoro town, known for its friendly locals and artisan crafts.
Overnight at Gahinga Lodge or similar (FB)
Day 8: Golden Monkey Tracking in Mgahinga
On this day, you will challenge yourself with an exhilarating trek to track the endangered and endemic Golden Monkeys in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. This unique experience takes you through the dense bamboo forests, where you will encounter these playful and energetic primates as they leap between trees and forage on the forest floor. The trek offers an incredible opportunity to observe their social interactions up close while enjoying the serene beauty of the park.
After the trek, return to the lodge to relax and reflect on the day's adventure. Enjoy a well-deserved meal and unwind in the comfort of your accommodation.
Overnight at Gahinga Lodge or similar (FB)
Day 9: Fly to Entebbe
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kisoro Airstrip (-/+ 1 hour) for your flight back to Entebbe. Arrive in the afternoon, marking the end of your Ugandan adventure. Reflect on your journey, filled with wildlife encounters, cultural exchanges, and scenic landscapes.
Overnight at Day Room use can be arranged upon request (HB)
More Journey Inspirations