7 Days / 6 Nights

7 Days Primates and Wilderness Safari

Kibale National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Overview

Embark on a comprehensive 7-day safari through Uganda's most iconic national parks Kibale, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi Impenetrable National Parks. This extended itinerary offers the perfect blend of primate encounters and classic African wildlife. Begin in Kibale National Park, the primate capital of Africa, for chimpanzee tracking. Then journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park for spectacular savanna wildlife viewing, including tree-climbing lions and boat cruises on the Kazinga Channel. Finally, experience the highlight of any Uganda safari - mountain gorilla tracking in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This carefully crafted itinerary combines incredible wildlife encounters with scenic diversity and cultural experiences.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer to Kibale National Park

Your primate adventure begins with a scenic drive from Kampala or Entebbe to Fort Portal, the tourism hub of western Uganda. Enjoy views of lush tea plantations, traditional homesteads, and the distant Rwenzori Mountains. Arrive at your lodge near Kibale National Park in time for lunch. In the afternoon, take a guided nature walk through the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-run project rich in biodiversity. Look out for black-and-white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, L'Hoest's monkeys, and numerous bird species. This gentle walk serves as a perfect introduction to Uganda's primate diversity.

Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Swamp Walk

After an early breakfast, report to Kanyanchu Visitor Centre for a briefing by park rangers. Enter the dense rainforest of Kibale National Park in search of chimpanzees. Kibale is home to approximately 1,500 chimpanzees and offers one of Africa's highest success rates for chimpanzee viewing. You'll spend an unforgettable hour observing these fascinating primates as they feed, play, groom, and swing through the forest canopy. The forest also hosts 12 other primate species including red colobus, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and blue monkeys. After lunch, enjoy a swamp walk or visit the nearby crater lakes region before returning to your lodge.

Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda's most popular savanna reserve. The journey takes you through the scenic Crater Lake region with breathtaking views. Arrive at your lodge in time for lunch with panoramic views of the park. In the afternoon, embark on your first game drive in the Kasenyi plains, known for its high concentrations of wildlife. Look out for elephants, buffalo, Uganda kob, waterbuck, warthogs, and with luck, lions and leopards. The park boasts over 95 mammal species and 600 bird species, making it one of Africa's most biodiverse protected areas.

Day 4: Morning Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Start your day with an early morning game drive when wildlife is most active. Search for predators like lions, leopards, and hyenas returning from their night hunts, as well as herds of elephants and buffalo. After breakfast and some relaxation at the lodge, proceed for the famous Kazinga Channel boat cruise in the afternoon. This 2-hour cruise offers arguably the best wildlife viewing in Uganda - hippos by the hundreds, Nile crocodiles, buffalo, elephants coming to drink, and numerous water birds including pelicans, kingfishers, and fish eagles. The boat cruise provides excellent photographic opportunities from a unique perspective.

Day 5: Transfer from Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi via Ishasha

After breakfast, depart for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park via the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Ishasha is famous for its unique tree-climbing lions that lounge in fig trees during the day. Enjoy a game drive through this remote southern sector in search of these remarkable lions and other wildlife. After lunch, continue to Bwindi, ascending into the highlands with spectacular views of the Virunga volcanoes. Arrive at your lodge in the afternoon, situated on the edge of the ancient rainforest. Enjoy the stunning views of the mist-covered forest and prepare for tomorrow's gorilla tracking adventure with a briefing from your guide.

Day 6: Mountain Gorilla Trekking Day

This is the day you've been waiting for! After an early breakfast, report to the park headquarters for a comprehensive briefing by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. You'll be assigned to a gorilla family group and accompanied by experienced trackers and rangers. The trek through the dense, ancient forest can be challenging but immensely rewarding. When you encounter the gorillas, you'll have one magical hour to observe them in their natural habitat. Watch in awe as they go about their daily lives - feeding, playing, grooming, and caring for their young. This is often described as a life-changing experience. In the afternoon, you may visit the local Batwa community or simply relax at your lodge, reflecting on this incredible encounter.

Day 7: Return to Kampala or Entebbe

After a leisurely breakfast, begin your journey back to Kampala or Entebbe. The drive takes you through beautiful scenery with opportunities for photography and last-minute souvenir shopping. Stop for lunch at the Equator line for photos and optional craft shopping. Arrive in Kampala/Entebbe in the late afternoon, marking the end of your unforgettable primate and wildlife safari. Depending on your flight schedule, we can arrange for a day room or transfer directly to the airport.

What's Included

Gorilla tracking permit (US$800 per person)
Chimpanzee tracking permit
Queen Elizabeth National Park fees
Kazinga Channel boat cruise
Accommodation (6 nights)
Meals as specified in itinerary
Professional English-speaking driver/guide
4x4 safari vehicle with fuel
Drinking water in vehicle

What's Not Included

International flights & visas
Travel insurance (mandatory)
Alcoholic beverages
Tips for guides and lodge staff
Personal shopping & souvenirs
Activities not mentioned in itinerary

Helpful Tips

Gorilla permits must be booked 6+ months in advance
Minimum age for gorilla tracking is 15 years
Yellow fever vaccination certificate required
Fitness level: Moderate to strenuous for tracking
Packing: Waterproof gear, hiking boots, gloves
Best time: June-September & December-February

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