5 Days Primates Safari

5 DAY PRIMATES SAFARI

This 5-day safari will take you to Kibale Forest National Park, the primate capital of East Africa, and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Along the way, you’ll also explore the savannahs of Queen Elizabeth National Park and cruise the hippo-filled Kazinga Channel.

 Day 1: Arrival & Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

Depart early from Entebbe or Kampala for a scenic drive west toward Kibale Forest, the primate capital of East Africa. Along the way, pass through tea plantations, lush countryside, and the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains. Arrive in Fort Portal for lunch, then continue to your lodge near Kibale. Check in and relax amidst the tranquil forest setting. Optional afternoon nature walk in the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for birding and community interaction. Enjoy dinner at your lodge and prepare for the next day’s chimpanzee tracking adventure. Overnight stay in or near Kibale Forest.

Accommodation: Kibale guest cottages

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking & Transfer to Queen Elizabeth NP

After breakfast, head to the Kibale Forest Park headquarters for a briefing, then begin your thrilling chimpanzee tracking experience. Follow expert rangers through the rainforest, listening for chimp calls and observing their behavior up close. You may also spot other primates like red colobus and Lhotse’s monkeys. After the trek, return for lunch and check out. Drive south to Queen Elizabeth National Park, with views of crater lakes and the Rwenzori ranges en route. Arrive in the late afternoon, check into your lodge, and relax. Enjoy dinner overlooking the savannah or the Kazinga Channel.

Accommodation: Kyambura Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 Day 3: Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Safari

Start the day with a morning game drive in the Kasenyi plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Look for lions, elephants, Uganda kobs, warthogs, and possibly leopards. After brunch or packed breakfast, relax at the lodge after lunch, head out for an afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. This natural waterway links Lakes Edward and George and is famous for its large population of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and prolific birdlife. Return to your lodge at sunset for dinner and rest. Optional evening game drive or cultural performance depending on time and lodge offerings.

Accommodation: Kyambura Lodge

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 Day 4: Transfer to Bwindi & Optional Community Visit

After breakfast, check out and take a scenic drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to nearly half the world’s mountain gorillas. The journey passes through the southern Ishasha sector—if lucky, spot the famous tree-climbing lions resting in fig trees. Enjoy packed lunch or stop en route. Arrive in Bwindi in the late afternoon and check into your lodge. Spend the evening at leisure or take an optional community visit to learn about Batwa culture and local traditions. Prepare for the next day’s gorilla tracking. Dinner and overnight in Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija, or Nkuringo sector (depending on permits).

Accommodation: Gorilla Safari Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 Day 5: Gorilla Trekking & Return/Departure

Rise early for a hearty breakfast before heading to the Bwindi park headquarters for a gorilla trekking briefing. Join a small group led by rangers into the dense forest to track a habituated mountain gorilla family. The trek can take 2–6 hours depending on their location. Once found, spend one magical hour observing the gorillas’ behavior—an unforgettable wildlife encounter. Return to the trailhead for your trekking certificate. Freshen up, have lunch, and begin your return to Kampala or Entebbe (or transfer to Kihihi/Kisoro airstrip for a domestic flight). Arrive in the evening, marking the end of your primate adventure.

Accommodation: no accommodation

Meal plan: Breakfast & Lunch

Includes:

• Accommodation on Full-board
• Park entry fees
• English Speaking Guide
• Gorilla & Chimpanzee trekking permits
• Bottled drinking water
• Transport in a Safari Van

Excludes:

• Domestic & International flights
• Visa fees
• Personal expenses
• Alcoholic drinks