6-Day Uganda Habituation Safari

Transfer to Kibale National Park & Guided Primates Walk in Bigodi Swamp

After an early breakfast in Entebbe or Kampala, your Deks Safaris guide will pick you up in a customized 4×4 safari vehicle and begin your scenic journey westwards to Kibale Forest National Park, the primate capital of the world. The drive, which takes approximately 5-6 hours, weaves through vibrant markets, tea plantations, and traditional homesteads, offering a rich introduction to Uganda’s beautiful countryside.

Upon arrival in Kibale, you will check into your lodge and enjoy a hot lunch before proceeding to the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for an afternoon guided walk. Bigodi is renowned for its astonishing biodiversity and is home to over 8 species of primates, including red colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, black-and-white colobus, and grey-cheeked mangabeys. The sanctuary is also a paradise for bird lovers, boasting species like the great blue turaco, papyrus gonolek, and African pitta.

This 2-3 hour walk introduces you to the smaller, often-overlooked forest life while engaging with local community guides trained in conservation. The lush trails wind through wetlands and forest edges, offering excellent photo opportunities. It’s an inspiring start to your deep-dive primate safari.

In the evening, return to your lodge for dinner and a briefing about the next day’s chimpanzee habituation experience.

Overnight in Kibale

• Standard Option: Isunga Lodge / Turaco Treetops
• Luxury Upgrade: Crater Safari Lodge / Kyaninga Lodge

Chimpanzee Habituation Experience in Kibale National Park

Today is dedicated to the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience (CHEX), a rare and immersive 6-Day Uganda Habituation Safari journey that takes you beyond the usual chimp tracking. You will rise early and, after a quick breakfast and packed lunch, transfer to Kanyanchu Visitor Centre where the day begins just before sunrise.

Led by park rangers and researchers, you will join a semi-habituated chimpanzee family as they begin their day in the dense forest of Kibale. You will observe behaviors such as nest dismantling, feeding, hunting, playing, social bonding, and even midday rest, gaining a full understanding of chimpanzee life. The CHEX experience can last up to 6 hours, giving you ample time to observe their natural behaviors without haste.

Alongside chimpanzees, the forest is alive with other primates like the red-tailed monkey, olive baboon, and blue monkey. The biodiversity in Kibale is extraordinary, and the 6-Day Uganda Habituation Safari guides will enrich your experience with insights into the ecology, conservation efforts, and the symbiotic relationships in this thriving ecosystem.

By the end of the day, you’ll walk away not just with photos, but with a deeper emotional and intellectual connection to our closest living relatives.

Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight rest.

Overnight in Kibale

• Standard Option: Isunga Lodge / Turaco Treetops
• Luxury Upgrade: Crater Safari Lodge / Kyaninga Lodge

Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After breakfast, depart Kibale and begin your 6-Day Uganda Habituation Safari journey southward to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home of the endangered mountain gorillas. This scenic drive, approximately 6-8 hours depending on the route, takes you through beautiful rural Uganda: rolling hills, crater lakes, local farms, and vibrant communities.

Along the way, you may stop at Igongo Cultural Centre in Mbarara for lunch and an optional cultural insight into the Ankole Kingdom. Exhibits on traditional music, clothing, food, and architecture enrich your understanding of southwestern Uganda’s heritage.

As you near Bwindi, the terrain becomes mountainous and cloaked in mist. The park itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its biodiversity and ecological significance. Your lodge will be nestled on the forest edge, offering panoramic views and a peaceful atmosphere to prepare for tomorrow’s Gorilla Habituation Experience.

Check in, enjoy dinner, and rest.

Overnight in Rushaga or Nkuringo Sector of Bwindi

• Standard Option: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge / Rushaga Gorilla Camp
• Luxury Upgrade: Four Gorillas Lodge / Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge

Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

This is the highlight of your 6-Day Uganda Habituation Safari. After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla conservation, habituation, and safety protocols. The Gorilla Habituation Experience is only offered in Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors, where semi-habituated families are slowly being introduced to human presence under the guidance of researchers.

Accompanied by rangers, researchers, and trackers, you will trek deep into the forest to find the designated gorilla family. Once located, you will spend up to 4 hours observing their behavior. This extended time allows for a deeper connection and more thorough photography and learning. You may witness grooming, feeding, chest-beating displays, juvenile play, and maternal care.

The 6-Day Uganda Habituation Safari offers a far more intimate, relaxed, and informative encounter than the standard 1-hour gorilla trek. You become part of a slow process that ensures the conservation and survival of these gentle giants.

After the trek, return to your lodge to relax and reflect on this unforgettable day.

• Overnight in Rushaga or Nkuringo Sector of Bwindi
• Standard Option: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge / Rushaga Gorilla Camp
• Luxury Upgrade: Four Gorillas Lodge / Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge

Golden Monkey Habituation Experience in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

After an early breakfast, drive to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda’s smallest but most dramatic park located in the Virunga Volcanoes region. Here, you will participate in the Golden Monkey Habituation Experience, a unique and rewarding adventure that lasts about 4 hours.

Golden monkeys are colorful, playful primates found only in the Virunga Mountains. With a small group and experienced researchers, you will trek into the bamboo forests to observe their foraging, grooming, and acrobatic play. The habituation experience allows you to see a side of the golden monkeys that few visitors witness.

After this magical encounter, you will transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, often called the “Switzerland of Africa,” known for its scenic islands and tranquil waters. You may choose to take a canoe ride or just relax at the lodge by the lakeside.

Overnight at Lake Bunyonyi

• Standard Option: Bunyonyi Rock Resort / Crater Bay Cottages
• Luxury Upgrade: Arcadia Cottages / BirdNest @ Bunyonyi Resort

Return to Kampala or Entebbe

After a leisurely breakfast with stunning lake views, begin your drive back to Kampala or Entebbe, which takes approximately 7-8 hours. Along the way, stop at the Equator for photos and souvenirs.

Alternatively, guests may opt for a fly-in transfer from Kisoro or Kihihi Airstrip to Entebbe International Airport. This convenient option saves time and offers spectacular aerial views of the Ugandan landscape. Flights can be arranged on request by Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd.

Once in Entebbe, our guide will drop you off at the airport for your onward flight, or at your hotel.