8-Day Best of Uganda Primate Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park via Entanda Cultural Experience

Your safari begins with a scenic drive to Kibale Forest. Along the way, you'll stop at Entanda Cultural Center in Kijjude Village for an authentic cultural experience. Taste a variety of fresh tropical fruits, learn to prepare traditional Ugandan meals, and enjoy cultural storytelling, basket weaving, and gender-specific counseling from the Senga (for women) and Kojja (for men).

Arrive at Kibale National Park and check into your lodge in preparation for tomorrow's chimpanzee trekking adventure.

Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Kibale Forest Lodge or similar

Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Community Walk

After an early breakfast, transfer to Kanyanchu Visitor Center for a briefing before embarking on a chimpanzee trekking experience in Kibale Forest. Led by an expert ranger, track these playful primates in their natural habitat and spend up to one hour observing them.

In the afternoon, enjoy a community walk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, led by a local guide. Learn about banana beer brewing, traditional medicine, basket weaving, and coffee processing. You’ll also have the opportunity to plant a tree as part of a local conservation effort.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Kibale Forest Lodge or similar

Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park through the beautiful crater lakes region, with a chance to visit the Rwenzori Sculptors Gallery en route. Enjoy scenic views of the Rwenzori Mountains, also known as the "Mountains of the Moon."

Later, take the crater drive within the park to enjoy panoramic views of volcanic crater lakes and wildlife. Visit Katwe Salt Lake to learn about traditional salt mining methods and the region's history. End the day with a relaxing evening at your lodge.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Queen Elizabeth Safari Lodge or similar

Day 4: Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Safari

Start your day with an early game drive, joining the lion tracking team for a unique research-based wildlife viewing experience. Spot elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, lions, and possibly leopards.

In the afternoon, embark on a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway connecting Lake Edward and Lake George. This cruise offers one of the best bird-watching and wildlife viewing experiences in Africa.

Optional: Evening or night game drive to spot nocturnal animals.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Queen Elizabeth Safari Lodge or similar

Day 5: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After breakfast, begin your journey to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, famous for its population of endangered mountain gorillas. Enjoy scenic views of terraced hills, traditional farms, and local villages along the way.

Check in at your lodge and rest in preparation for tomorrow’s gorilla trek.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Bwindi Lodge or similar

Day 6: Gorilla Trekking Experience

Today is the highlight of your safari – the once-in-a-lifetime mountain gorilla trekking experience. After a morning briefing, join an expert ranger guide and venture into the dense rainforest in search of a gorilla family. The trek can last from 1 to 6 hours depending on their location.

Once located, you'll spend a magical hour observing the gentle giants in their natural habitat – an emotional and unforgettable wildlife encounter.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Bwindi Lodge or similar

Day 7: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park & Nature Walk

After breakfast, depart for Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda’s smallest savannah park. Stop at Igongo Cultural Center for lunch and a tour of the Ankole Cultural Museum.

Arrive at Lake Mburo and enjoy a guided nature walk led by a Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger. Encounter wildlife like zebras, impalas, elands, and bushbucks on foot, and gain insights into the ecosystem.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Lake Mburo Safari Lodge or similar

Day 8: Return to Entebbe via the Equator

After a relaxed breakfast, begin your return journey to Entebbe. Stop at the Equator monument for souvenir shopping and photos – a perfect conclusion to your unforgettable safari.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch