Uganda Primates Tour 5-Day Safari

Arrival in Entebbe or Kampala

Your Uganda Primates Tour 5-Day Safari begins with a warm welcome from your safari guide at Entebbe International Airport or your hotel in Kampala. If you are arriving from Kigali, Rwanda, we can also arrange for a customized pick-up. The guide will brief you on the exciting journey ahead and the incredible experiences in store.

Scenic Drive to Kibale National Park

From Entebbe or Kampala, you’ll embark on a scenic 5-6 hour drive to Kibale National Park, which is located in Uganda’s southwestern region. The journey will take you through rolling hills, vast tea plantations, and small rural villages, giving you an authentic glimpse of Uganda’s countryside and vibrant culture.

During the drive, you’ll pass through Mbarara, a bustling town that offers a chance for a quick rest, a snack, or a local coffee before continuing on your way. As you approach Kibale, the landscape begins to shift, with dense forests and lush green vegetation signaling your arrival at one of the most biodiverse areas in Uganda.

Afternoon: Bigodi Wetland Walk

After arriving at Kibale National Park, check in to your chosen lodge for lunch and some relaxation. In the afternoon, you’ll embark on a guided primates walk through the Bigodi Wetland. The Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, located just outside Kibale, is known for its incredible biodiversity and scenic beauty. During this walk, you will encounter a variety of monkey species including red-tailed monkeys, colobus monkeys, and blue monkeys.

In addition to the monkeys, the sanctuary is also home to several species of birds, and there’s always a chance of spotting a troupe of chimpanzees along the way. The wetland walk offers an introduction to the wildlife of Kibale and is an excellent way to ease into your Uganda Primates Tour 5-Day Safari experience.

Overnight in Kibale National Park

After a thrilling afternoon, return to your lodge for a delicious dinner and a relaxing evening. You’ll stay at a charming lodge, nestled amidst the forest, where you can enjoy a peaceful night surrounded by the sounds of nature.

• Accommodation: Kibale Forest Lodge
• Meal Plan: Full Board Basis

Morning: Chimpanzee Tracking Adventure

Following an early breakfast, you will head to the Kibale National Park headquarters to meet your Uganda Primates Tour 5-Day Safari ranger guides for a briefing session. Here, you will learn about the park’s ecosystem, safety guidelines, and what to expect during your chimpanzee trek. Kibale is home to over 1,400 chimpanzees, making it one of the best places in the world to track these fascinating primates.

The trek can range from 1-4 hours depending on the location of the chimpanzees. The park’s forest trails lead you deep into the jungle, where you’ll be surrounded by towering trees, vibrant vegetation, and the sounds of the forest. Once the chimpanzees are located, you’ll spend an unforgettable hour observing them as they feed, groom each other, or play in the trees.

Encounter with Other Primate Species

In addition to chimpanzees, Kibale National Park is home to 13 other primate species, including grey-cheeked mangabeys, red colobus monkeys, and baboons. Your Uganda Primates Tour 5-Day Safari guide will point out other wildlife as you move through the forest, enhancing your experience and helping you gain a deeper understanding of the park’s incredible biodiversity.

Afternoon: Relaxation and Optional Activities

After your chimpanzee trek, enjoy a delicious lunch at your lodge. The afternoon is free for relaxation or for participating in optional activities. You may choose to visit a nearby local community, where you can learn about the culture, traditions, and lifestyle of the indigenous people who live in and around Kibale National Park.

For those looking for more adventure, you can opt for a nature walk through the forest or a visit to the nearby crater lakes, where you can enjoy scenic views and spot birdlife.

Overnight in Kibale National Park

After a full day of primate tracking and relaxation, enjoy a peaceful evening at your lodge. Dinner will be served, and you can unwind while reflecting on your chimpanzee experience and the beauty of Kibale.

• Accommodation: Kibale Forest Lodge
• Meal Plan: Full Board Basis

Journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After breakfast, you’ll leave Kibale and embark on a scenic 4-5 hour drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The drive offers more stunning views of the Ugandan countryside, including vast farmlands, lush valleys, and the rippled hills of the Great Rift Valley.

As you approach Bwindi, the terrain becomes more rugged, with thick forests and towering trees signaling your arrival at one of the world’s most biodiverse and ecologically rich forests. Bwindi is renowned for being home to over 19 habituated mountain gorilla families, providing one of the most sought-after wildlife experiences on the planet.

Arrival and Relaxation in Bwindi

Upon arrival at Bwindi, check into your lodge or camp for a restful afternoon. You’ll be staying in a beautiful eco-lodge, with spectacular views of the forest and the surrounding landscape. After some relaxation and a hearty lunch, you’ll have time to explore the lodge grounds or visit a nearby community village for a cultural experience.

Overnight in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Enjoy your first night in Bwindi with a relaxing dinner at your lodge. Rest up in preparation for tomorrow’s exhilarating Uganda Primates Tour 5-Day Safari adventure.

• Accommodation: Four Gorillas Lodge
• Meal Plan: Full Board Basis

Gorilla Trekking Experience

Today is the highlight of your Uganda Primates Tour 5-Day Safari —the unforgettable experience of gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. After an early breakfast, you’ll head to the park headquarters for a briefing session, where you’ll receive instructions on how to behave around the gorillas to ensure both your safety and theirs.

The trek can range from 2 to 8 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family you are visiting. Bwindi’s terrain is steep and can be challenging, so be prepared for a physical hike through dense forest, with a chance to encounter a variety of other wildlife, including monkeys, birds, and unique plants along the way.

Once you locate the gorilla family, you’ll have one hour to spend with them. This is your opportunity to observe the gentle giants up close as they feed, play, and interact. The encounter is both humbling and thrilling, as you witness these majestic animals in their natural habitat.

Afternoon: Return to Lodge

After your trek, return to your lodge for a delicious lunch and some relaxation. The afternoon is free to relax or engage in additional activities such as a village walk or nature walk in the park. These walks allow you to further explore the beauty of Bwindi’s diverse ecosystem while learning about local communities and conservation efforts.

Overnight in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Spend another peaceful night in Bwindi, enjoying a meal at your lodge and reflecting on your incredible Uganda Primates Tour 5-Day Safari experience.

• Accommodation: Four Gorillas Lodge
• Meal Plan: Full Board Basis

Return Journey to Kampala/Entebbe or Kigali

After breakfast, you’ll begin your Uganda Primates Tour 5-Day Safari journey back to Kampala or Entebbe or, if you’re continuing on to Rwanda, you can opt for a transfer to Kigali. The drive to Kampala or Entebbe takes approximately 8-9 hours, but you’ll enjoy the scenic beauty of Uganda’s countryside one final time.

For those departing from Kigali, the journey is much shorter, taking approximately 4 hours. We can customize your transfer to ensure a seamless and convenient travel experience, whether you’re heading to Uganda’s capital or Kigali.