Classic Uganda Primates Safari

Our representative will pick you up from Entebbe International Airport and check you into your hotel in Entebbe within 15 minutes. You'll meet your trip specialist for a briefing just before dinner.

For those arriving early and wanting to stay active, there are various optional activities available in Entebbe. Bird watchers can visit the world-famous botanical gardens or Mabamba Swamp to search for the prehistoric shoebill. Alternatively, you can take a stroll through local markets or explore modern shopping malls.

After enjoying an early breakfast, begin your journey to Western Uganda. As you travel, you'll pass through vast cultivated plains, banana plantations, and cattle farms. Make a brief stop in Mpambire, where artisans create traditional wooden drums, before continuing to the Equator, where you can take some fantastic photos.

Arrive at Rwakobo Rock Lodge in time for lunch. This lodge is a wilderness retreat situated on a rocky outcrop at the northern border of Lake Mburo National Park, offering private cottages that provide stunning views over the savannah plains.

After lunch, take a game drive to encounter resident wildlife such as buffalo, impala, zebra, eland, warthogs, and bushbuck.

Optionally, enjoy a one-hour boat safari to observe crocodiles, hippos, and diverse water birds, or take a horseback safari (not included in the package).

Embark on an exhilarating expedition through the heart of Uganda’s wilderness!

At dawn, set out on a thrilling game drive across Lake Mburo National Park, your last chance to witness zebra, impala, buffalo, and eland roaming free before your adventure takes an epic turn. As you hit the road toward Bwindi Impenetrable National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the crown jewel of your primate safari—prepare for a journey as breathtaking as the destination itself.

The road twists through Western Uganda’s rolling hills, endless tea plantations, and dense tropical rainforests, drawing you ever closer to the legendary Virunga Volcanoes. Along the way, pass through the lively towns of Mbarara and Kabale before tackling the rugged final stretch—a 32-km dirt road winding through the untamed countryside, leading you to the Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, dramatically perched on a ridge at the very edge of the Impenetrable Forest.

As you ascend, feast your eyes on a landscape straight out of a dream—terraced hills spill into mist-laden valleys, while the jungle looms ahead, daring you to step into its depths. Your lodge fuses luxury with raw nature, offering secluded cottages tucked into the forest, where sweeping views stretch beyond Bwindi’s emerald canopy to the majestic Virunga Volcanoes.

After settling in, dive into the rich local culture with a community walk. Meet the Batwa indigenous people, the forest’s first inhabitants, who will share captivating tales of their ancient ways before the land became a sanctuary for mountain gorillas.

This is the moment your adventure takes a thrilling turn—from the golden savannah to the depths of the rainforest, setting the stage for your epic gorilla trekking experience the following day. Get ready to lose yourself in the wild!

The piercing alarm at 5:30 AM shatters the misty silence of Bwindi, jolting you into action. A quick hot shower shakes off the morning chill, and a strong Ugandan coffee fuels you for the adventure ahead.

By 7:30 AM, you arrive at the park headquarters, joining a small group of eager trekkers. The head ranger’s briefing heightens the anticipation—respect the gorillas’ space, avoid sudden movements, and embrace the silence of the rainforest.

The trek begins gently, winding through towering mahogany trees and a chorus of exotic birds. Soon, the trail dissolves into dense jungle—muddy streams, tangled vines, and steep, root-laced paths test your endurance. Then—a deep grunt. The ranger signals to stop. Heart pounding, you inch forward.

There they are—a family of mountain gorillas, lounging in their emerald sanctuary. The massive silverback meets your gaze, while young ones tumble playfully in the undergrowth. For an hour, time stands still as you watch their world unfold, their gestures strikingly familiar.

Too soon, it’s time to leave. As you trek back, the echoes of gorilla calls fade into the jungle. By evening, settled into a cozy chair on the lodge’s veranda, you gaze at the misty Virunga Mountains, reflecting on an encounter that has changed you forever.

Set off on an unforgettable journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park, passing through the Ishasha Sector—home to Uganda’s legendary tree-climbing lions. With a bit of luck, you’ll spot these elusive predators sprawled across fig tree branches, surveying the golden savannah for prey.

Upon arrival, settle into your lodge before embarking on an afternoon game drive. Keep your eyes peeled for herds of buffalo, elephants, Uganda kob, topi, and bushbuck, and if fortune smiles upon you, perhaps a glimpse of prowling lions, stealthy leopards, or the elusive giant forest hog.

Optional: For the ultimate adventure, begin the day with a thrilling hike across Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Trek through the jungle’s tangled undergrowth, listening to the calls of exotic birds and scanning for monkeys, duikers, and even gorillas in their natural sanctuary. This immersive forest crossing offers a rare, eco-friendly alternative to the long drive, bringing you face-to-face with Uganda’s untamed wilderness.

Afterward, rejoin your journey through Ishasha’s endless plains, where more surprises await before reaching your lodge—a haven of comfort nestled in the heart of the wild.

Kick off your day with an early morning game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park, a haven of untamed beauty teeming with wildlife. As the Kasenyi tracks unfold before you, expect close encounters with vast elephant and buffalo herds, graceful Uganda kob, topi, and bushbuck. With a bit of luck, a stealthy leopard or the elusive giant forest hog may appear, adding to the thrill.

Kazinga Channel Boat Safari – A Wildlife Spectacle
In the afternoon, glide along the Kazinga Channel, one of Africa’s greatest wildlife hotspots. Watch as hippos jostle for space in the water, elephants and buffalo cool off along the banks, and Nile crocodiles lurk in the shallows, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Keep your camera ready—predators and rare birds emerge as the afternoon drifts into dusk, making this an unforgettable safari experience.

Journey to Kibale National Park – Into the Primate Capital of the World
After the boat safari, embark on a scenic drive toward Kibale National Park, where the towering Rwenzori Mountains frame the horizon. Arriving just in time for dinner, settle into your forest lodge and prepare for another extraordinary adventure—chimpanzee tracking in the heart of Uganda’s primate paradise.

Rise early and head to the Kibale Forest visitor center by 7:30 AM for an electrifying primate tracking experience—one of the most thrilling highlights of your Uganda safari.

Kibale National Park, the undisputed primate capital of Africa, boasts an astonishing diversity of species, with over 1,500 chimpanzees roaming its ancient rainforests. Alongside them, 12 other primates thrive, including the elusive L’Hoest’s monkey and the striking red colobus.

The Chimpanzee Trekking Experience
Venture into the dense jungle as your expert tracker searches for fresh signs—broken branches, scattered fruit, and the distant echoes of chimpanzee calls. The trek, lasting anywhere from two to six hours, winds through towering trees and tangled vines, offering glimpses of black-and-white colobus, red-tailed monkeys, olive baboons, and more.

Then, the moment arrives. Your guide signals for silence—you’ve found them.

A Rare and Intimate Encounter with Kibale’s Chimpanzees
A troop of human-habituated chimpanzees moves effortlessly through the canopy, their presence commanding the forest. The dominant male asserts his authority while juveniles tumble playfully below. Some females groom each other, reinforcing their intricate social bonds. For one unforgettable hour, you’ll witness their intelligence, emotions, and gestures—reminders of our shared ancestry.

Return to the Lodge – Reflecting on a Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience
After this extraordinary wildlife encounter, trek back through the forest, returning to your lodge for a well-earned rest. As night falls, you’ll reflect on the privilege of stepping into the world of Africa’s great apes—an experience that will stay with you forever.

After breakfast, set off on a scenic drive through the stunning Fort Portal countryside, watching as the towering Rwenzori Mountains fade into the horizon. As you journey back to Entebbe via Kampala, take a moment to reflect on the unforgettable experiences of the past week—trekking gorillas in Bwindi, tracking chimpanzees in Kibale, and encountering Africa’s iconic wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Upon arrival in Entebbe, you may choose to rest and freshen up at Papyrus Guesthouse before your international flight. While accommodation for this night isn’t included, we can arrange a booking at your discretion.

As your adventure comes to an end, you’ll depart with incredible memories, breathtaking photographs, and a deep appreciation for Uganda’s remarkable biodiversity.