8 Days Uganda Primate Safari | Gorilla, Chimpanzee Trekking,

This 8-day classic Uganda primate safari offers an extraordinary journey through some of the most diverse ecosystems in East Africa. The itinerary combines rare birding experiences, wildlife safaris, mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, and cultural encounters, creating a well-balanced adventure across Uganda’s most remarkable destinations.

The safari begins with a search for the legendary shoebill stork in the wetlands near Entebbe before heading west to the scenic landscapes of Lake Mburo National Park. From there, the adventure continues to the mist-covered jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.

The journey then leads into the savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions and the spectacular Kazinga Channel boat safari, before concluding in the lush tropical forests of Kibale National Park, known as the primate capital of the world.

This safari is ideal for travelers seeking a complete Uganda wildlife and primate experience, combining unforgettable wildlife encounters with breathtaking landscapes and authentic cultural interactions.

Detailed Itinerary

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional safari driver-guide and transferred to your hotel to freshen up after your journey.

Later in the day, you will head to Mabamba Swamp, one of the best places in Africa to search for the elusive shoebill stork. Traveling by traditional motorized canoe with an experienced local guide, you will explore the papyrus channels of the wetland.

This remarkable ecosystem is also home to numerous bird species including the Papyrus Gonolek, malachite kingfishers, and migratory birds arriving from Europe and Asia, making it a paradise for bird lovers and wildlife photographers.

Accommodation: Via Via Guesthouse
Meals: Dinner

After breakfast, begin your journey westward through Uganda’s scenic countryside toward Lake Mburo National Park. Along the way, you will stop at the Uganda Equator in Kayabwe for memorable photographs and a short cultural break.

Continuing the drive, the landscape changes into rolling hills dotted with traditional farms and herds of the iconic Ankole long-horned cattle.

Arriving at Rwakobo Rock Lodge, perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the wilderness, you will enjoy lunch before heading out for an evening game drive.

Lake Mburo is home to zebras, impalas, elands, buffaloes, and numerous bird species. The park also offers excellent chances of spotting leopards and other nocturnal wildlife.

Accommodation: Rwakobo Rock Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After an optional morning nature walk or short game drive, depart Lake Mburo and travel toward the legendary Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

The drive offers spectacular views of southwestern Uganda’s terraced hills, lush forests, and endless tea plantations.

You will arrive at Ride 4 a Woman Lodge, a unique community-based lodge located just outside the forest. The lodge supports local women through craft-making initiatives and sustainable tourism.

Accommodation: Ride 4 a Woman Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (packed) & Dinner

Today is the highlight of the safari — mountain gorilla trekking.

After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing before entering the forest with experienced rangers and trackers. Small groups of visitors are assigned to specific gorilla families, ensuring a personal and respectful wildlife encounter.

The trek can take between 30 minutes and several hours, depending on where the gorillas are located within the dense rainforest.

Once found, you will spend one magical hour observing these gentle giants, watching them feed, interact, and care for their young.

After returning from the trek, you may choose to visit the Batwa community, the original forest dwellers who once lived within Bwindi.

Accommodation: Ride 4 a Woman Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, depart Bwindi and travel toward Queen Elizabeth National Park.

The journey passes through the Ishasha sector, famous for its rare tree-climbing lions, often seen resting in large fig trees.

During the drive, you may also encounter elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and other wildlife that migrate through this remote section of the park near the Congo border.

You may also stop at Kasenyi Landing Site on Lake Edward, where local fishing communities live and work along the shores.

Accommodation Options:
Katara Lodge
Elephant Hab Lodge
Twin Lakes Safari Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (packed) & Dinner

Begin the day with an early morning game drive across the Kasenyi plains, where lions, elephants, Uganda kobs, and buffalo herds are commonly spotted.

In the afternoon, embark on the famous Kazinga Channel boat cruise, one of the most rewarding wildlife viewing experiences in Uganda. The channel connects Lake Edward and Lake George and attracts enormous concentrations of animals.

Expect to see:

Hundreds of hippos, Nile crocodiles, Elephants along the riverbanks, Buffalo herds, Monitor lizards, African fish eagles

After the boat safari, continue your journey to Kibale National Park, with the majestic Rwenzori Mountains forming a dramatic backdrop.

Accommodation: Kibale Forest Camp / Turaco Treetops
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (packed) & Dinner

Kibale National Park is widely known as the Primate Capital of the World, home to over 1,500 chimpanzees and more than 12 species of primates.

After an early breakfast, attend a briefing before setting off into the rainforest with expert guides in search of chimpanzees.

The tracking experience lasts 2–6 hours, depending on the location of the chimpanzee groups. Once found, you will spend one hour observing their fascinating social behaviors as they communicate, feed, and swing through the forest canopy.

Other primates you may encounter include black-and-white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and olive baboons.

Accommodation: Kibale Forest Camp / Turaco Treetops
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (packed) & Dinner

After breakfast, begin the journey back to Entebbe, traveling through the beautiful town of Fort Portal, located near the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains.

The drive continues through Kampala, Uganda’s vibrant capital, before arriving in Entebbe in the late afternoon.

Optional day-use accommodation can be arranged at Via Via Guesthouse for travelers needing to freshen up before their departure flight.

Meals: Breakfast & Packed Lunch

End of Safari