7 Days Uganda Primates and Wildlife Safari

Wake up early and enjoy a delicious breakfast at your lodge before setting off in your safari vehicle on a five to six hour journey west towards the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains, passing through rolling hills, lush tea plantations, and traditional homesteads that offer a glimpse into rural Ugandan life. Along the way, stop in Fort Portal where you will enjoy a well prepared lunch enroute. After lunch, proceed to Kibale National Park, a rich tropical forest known for having the highest concentration of primates in Africa with thirteen different species recorded. Arrive in the afternoon and check into your eco lodge located next to the forest, settle in, and later enjoy an evening nature walk along the forest edge where you may spot smaller wildlife and birds as the forest comes alive, before returning for dinner and an overnight stay surrounded by the distant sounds of chimpanzee calls echoing through the trees.

This day is one of the key highlights of your seven day journey, beginning with an early breakfast before heading to the Kanyanchu Visitor Center for a detailed briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers on trekking guidelines and what to expect in the forest. After the briefing, enter the ancient rainforest in search of a habituated chimpanzee community, moving through dense vegetation with your guide as you track their movements, and once located you will spend one unforgettable hour observing them as they groom, play, feed, and swing through the canopy, while also encountering other primates such as red tailed monkeys and grey cheeked mangabeys along with a variety of colorful forest birds. After the trek, return for a hot lunch and some time to relax before beginning a two to three hour transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, enjoying the changing scenery as the landscape opens into savannah plains. Arrive in the evening and head out for a scenic game drive in the crater lake region where you may spot wildlife as the day cools down, then proceed to your lodge overlooking the savannah to check in, unwind, and enjoy dinner and overnight.

Wake before dawn and set out for a sunrise game drive across the Kasenyi Plains, widely regarded as one of the best areas in Uganda to see lions and leopards on the hunt, as the early morning light reveals active predators and a wide range of wildlife including elephants, waterbucks, warthogs, and large herds of Uganda kob spread across the savannah. After the drive, return to the lodge for a late breakfast and time to relax. In the afternoon, head out for a two hour boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway connecting Lake Edward and Lake George and known for its incredible concentration of hippos, where you will see hundreds gathered in the water while others move along the shores, alongside Nile crocodiles basking in the sun, buffaloes coming down to drink, and a variety of birdlife including African Fish Eagles and kingfishers. After the cruise, return to your lodge, unwind, and enjoy dinner followed by an overnight stay.

Wake up and enjoy breakfast before checking out and beginning your journey south through the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, an area renowned for its rare tree climbing lions often seen resting on the branches of large fig trees, as you drive slowly through the open plains dotted with these trees while searching for the prides and taking in the quiet beauty of this remote part of the park. Along the way, enjoy a picnic lunch set within the wilderness before continuing the drive through the stunning Kigezi Highlands, often referred to as the Switzerland of Africa, where rolling terraced hills and cool mountain air create a dramatic change in scenery. Arrive at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the afternoon and proceed to your lodge perched on the edge of the dense forest, where you can settle in, relax, and take in the atmosphere as you prepare for the next day’s once in a lifetime gorilla trekking experience.

This day is the true highlight of your seven day journey, beginning with an early morning breakfast before your guide transfers you to the visitor centre where Uganda Wildlife Authority staff will provide a detailed briefing on trekking guidelines, safety, and how to behave respectfully when encountering the gorillas in their natural habitat. After the briefing, head into the dense jungle in search of a habituated gorilla family, trekking through thick vegetation and rugged terrain with experienced guides leading the way, and once you find them you will spend one unforgettable hour observing these gentle giants as they interact naturally, watching young ones play, mothers care for their infants, and the dominant silverback assert his presence within the group. After the trek, return to the starting point to receive your Gorilla Trekking certificate before heading back to your lodge for a well deserved hot meal and time to relax. In the afternoon, you may choose to visit the Batwa community for a cultural experience that offers insight into their traditional forest lifestyle, or simply unwind at the lodge and take in the peaceful surroundings.

Wake up early and enjoy breakfast before beginning your journey back to where it all started, setting off on a scenic drive through the countryside as you pass through Mbarara and surrounding landscapes. Along the way, stop for a well prepared lunch at a popular Ugandan restaurant where you can try local dishes such as roasted goat and other regional specialties. After lunch, continue the drive towards Kampala or Entebbe, taking in the final views of your journey before arriving in the evening to check into your lodge for a restful overnight stay as you reflect on your safari experience. For those departing on this day, your professional guide will transfer you directly to Entebbe International Airport, ensuring you arrive in good time for your flight and bringing your trip to a smooth and memorable close.