5 Days Uganda Primates and Wildlife Safari

The 5 Days Uganda Primates and Wildlife Safari is a thrilling journey crafted by Deks Safaris & Tours to combine Uganda’s most iconic wildlife encounters with its breath-taking landscapes and rich biodiversity. This itinerary provides a perfect blend of primate tracking adventures, immersive gorilla experiences, and game-viewing safaris across some of East Africa’s most enchanting national parks. It is an ideal safari for travelers seeking an extraordinary balance of wildlife, scenery, and cultural immersion within a short time frame.

Your Uganda Primates and Wildlife Safari journey begins with a drive from Entebbe to the mystical Kibale Forest National Park, fondly known as the “Primate Capital of the World.” Here, you will embark on a fascinating afternoon chimpanzee tracking experience, walking beneath the towering forest canopy as you listen to the calls of our closest relatives echoing through the jungle. From Kibale, the adventure continues to Queen Elizabeth National Park, where vast savannahs, crater lakes, and the Kazinga Channel await. The park is home to elephants, hippos, buffaloes, tree-climbing lions, and over 600 bird species making every game drive and boat cruise an awe-inspiring spectacle.

A Journey to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

The Uganda Primates and Wildlife Safari then takes you to the legendary Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Unlike a standard trek, you will take part in a rare Gorilla Habituation Experience in the Rushaga sector, granting you extended time to observe, photograph, and learn about these gentle giants in their natural habitat. This unique activity provides a deeper understanding of gorilla conservation efforts while giving you life-changing moments of connection with these critically endangered primates.

To crown the Uganda Primates and Wildlife Safari, you’ll retreat to the tranquil highlands of Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda’s most scenic lake dotted with 29 emerald islands. This serene stopover offers relaxation after days of adventure, with breathtaking views, canoe rides, and cool breezes. The journey concludes with a scenic road transfer back to Entebbe for your departure, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Uganda’s primates and wildlife wonders.

This well-curated itinerary not only showcases Uganda’s remarkable natural treasures but also ensures comfort and exclusivity with carefully selected lodges, professional guiding, and seamless planning by Deks Safaris & Tours.

5 Days Uganda Primates and Wildlife Safari

Day	Activities	Accommodation
Day 1	Pickup from Entebbe and Drive to Kibale Forest National Park (Have Afternoon Chimpanzee Tracking Experience)	Turaco Treetops Lodge Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 2	Adventure in Queen Elizabeth National Park (Game Drives and Boat Cruise)	Twin Lakes Safari Lodge Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 3	Morning Game Drive and Road Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park (Evening Relaxation)	Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 4	Go Mountain Gorilla Habituation Experience in Rushaga Sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Afternoon Relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi for Scenic Views	Arcadia Lodges Bunyonyi Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 5	Morning Road Transfer Back to Entebbe Airport for Departure	None Meal Plan: Half Board

 

Tour Quotation Based on Two People Sharing

• Rate Per Person: US$3,341
• Total for Two People Sharing: US$6,682

 

Detailed 5 Days Uganda Primates and Wildlife Safari

Day 1: Pickup from Entebbe – Drive to Kibale Forest National Park and Afternoon Chimpanzee Tracking

Your Uganda Primates and Wildlife Safari begins with a warm welcome from our Deks Safaris & Tours driver-guide at Entebbe International Airport or your hotel. After introductions and a short briefing, you will embark on a scenic road journey through central Uganda, driving past lush tea plantations, rolling hills, and small rural towns that offer glimpses of authentic Ugandan life. The drive to Kibale National Park is approximately 6 hours, with plenty of opportunities for photography and short stopovers.

Kibale Forest, often hailed as the Primate Capital of the World, is home to 13 primate species, including chimpanzees, red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus, and the rare L’Hoest’s monkey. In the afternoon, you will head straight into the forest for your Chimpanzee Tracking Experience. With the help of experienced rangers, you will follow fresh nests, feeding sites, and calls to locate a troop of wild chimpanzees. Once found, you’ll spend one hour observing their fascinating behavior from grooming each other to swinging acrobatically through the treetops and even displaying bursts of intelligence that reflect their close relation to humans.

Encounter with the Chimpanzees

The chimpanzee encounter is an exhilarating introduction to Uganda’s wildlife and sets the tone for the rest of the safari. After the trek, you will settle in at the luxurious Turaco Treetops Lodge, surrounded by lush greenery and birdcalls. In the evening, enjoy a hearty dinner as you recount the day’s adventures, with the forest’s nocturnal creatures beginning their symphony under the starry sky.

• Accommodation: Turaco Treetops Lodge
• Meal Plan: Full Board

 

Day 2: Adventure in Queen Elizabeth National Park – Game Drives and Boat Cruise

After breakfast, you will take a leisurely drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most popular and diverse wildlife reserve. Spanning savannah grasslands, volcanic crater lakes, and the famous Kazinga Channel, the park is a mosaic of habitats that support one of the highest biodiversity levels in Africa. The drive itself is scenic, often dotted with roadside markets selling fresh fruits and offering great views of the Rwenzori Mountains.

Upon arrival, you’ll check into Twin Lakes Safari Lodge, a boutique property perched on the escarpment overlooking the park’s sweeping plains. Soon after, the adventure begins with an afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway linking Lake Edward and Lake George. This cruise is one of the highlights of Queen Elizabeth, bringing you up close to hippos wallowing in herds, Nile crocodiles basking on the shores, and elephants quenching their thirst at the water’s edge. The birdlife here is extraordinary, with sightings of kingfishers, fish eagles, pelicans, and the vibrant malachite kingfisher.

Game Drives After a Scenic Boat Cruise

Later in the day, you’ll embark on an evening game drive across the Kasenyi Plains, where herds of Uganda kob, buffalo, and elephants roam. With some luck, you may spot the park’s famous lions or even a leopard stealthily moving in the twilight. The setting sun paints the savannah in golden hues, creating magical photo opportunities.

The day closes with a sumptuous dinner back at your lodge, as you enjoy panoramic views of the twin lakes and reflect on your encounters with Uganda’s rich wildlife.

• Accommodation: Twin Lakes Safari Lodge
• Meal Plan: Full Board

 

Day 3: Morning Game Drive – Road Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Your day begins with an early morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The morning hours are the most rewarding for wildlife viewing, as animals are most active before the heat of the day sets in. You may spot prides of lions returning from a night hunt, elephants grazing, or herds of antelopes dotting the open plains. Birdwatchers will also be delighted by the park’s incredible avian diversity.

After the game drive, you will proceed on a road Uganda Primates and Wildlife Safari journey southward to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to almost half of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas. The drive takes you through the scenic Ishasha sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions that rest on the branches of giant fig trees a unique sight found only in a few locations in Africa.

By late afternoon, you’ll arrive at Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, strategically located near Bwindi’s Rushaga sector. The lodge offers breath-taking views of the forested hills and warm hospitality that blends modern comforts with authentic local charm. The evening is free for relaxation, allowing you to prepare for the once-in-a-lifetime gorilla habituation adventure scheduled for the next day. As the mist settles over the forested hills, enjoy the tranquility and anticipate tomorrow’s extraordinary encounter.

• Accommodation: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
• Meal Plan: Full Board

 

Day 4: Gorilla Habituation Experience in Rushaga and Afternoon Relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi

This is the highlight of your Uganda Primates and Wildlife Safari a full-day Gorilla Habituation Experience in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi. Unlike standard gorilla trekking, which allows one hour with a gorilla family, habituation offers up to four hours of interaction with a semi-habituated group. Accompanied by researchers, trackers, and guides, you will gain deeper insight into the process of acclimating gorillas to human presence.

Tracking begins early in the morning, often involving several hours of hiking through dense vegetation, muddy trails, and steep slopes. While physically challenging, the reward is unmatched. Standing a few meters away from a silverback gorilla, watching infants play, and observing mothers tenderly care for their young is a humbling, transformative experience. The extended time allows you to witness a wider range of behaviors, take photographs, and truly connect with these gentle giants.

After the habituation experience, you’ll transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, often referred to as the “Switzerland of Africa.” Known for its crystal-clear waters and 29 lush islands, the lake provides a perfect place to unwind after the demanding trek. At Arcadia Lodges Bunyonyi, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the lake and surrounding hills. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the terrace, take a canoe ride, or simply absorb the serenity of this magical landscape. The cool highland air and the tranquil setting make this stopover a fitting conclusion to your adventure.

• Accommodation: Arcadia Lodges Bunyonyi
• Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 5: Morning Road Transfer Back to Entebbe for Departure

After breakfast overlooking the misty waters of Lake Bunyonyi, you’ll begin your return journey to Entebbe. The drive takes approximately 7–8 hours, passing through picturesque countryside, terraced hills, and small bustling towns that give you a last taste of Uganda’s rural charm. Along the way, you’ll stop at the Equator for photographs and souvenir shopping a symbolic point where the northern and southern hemispheres meet.

Arriving in Entebbe in the evening, your Uganda Primates and Wildlife Safari driver-guide will drop you at the airport in time for your outbound flight or at your preferred hotel for an overnight stay. This marks the end of your 5 Days Uganda Primates and Wildlife Safari, but the memories of gorilla encounters, roaring lions, and serene lakes will remain with you forever.

• Accommodation: None
• Meal Plan: Half Board

 

5 Days Uganda Primates and Wildlife Safari Inclusions and Exclusions

Safari Inclusions

• Airport pick-up and drop-off in Entebbe
• Ground transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle with an English-speaking driver-guide
• Accommodation as listed in the itinerary (on a full board basis except last day half board)
• All meals as per the itinerary
• Park entrance fees for Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
• Chimpanzee tracking permit in Kibale National Park
• Gorilla habituation permit in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel
• Bottled drinking water during transfers and activities
• Government taxes and levies

 

Safari Exclusions

• International and domestic flights
• Visa fees and travel insurance
• Optional activities not included in the itinerary
• Personal expenses (souvenirs, tips, laundry, etc.)
• Alcoholic and soft drinks at lodges
• Porter services for gorilla habituation trek
• Pre- and post-safari accommodation in Entebbe