Introduction

This 7-day safari is the ultimate primate adventure in Uganda, combining three unforgettable wildlife experiences: tracking wild chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, encountering mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and trekking to find rare golden monkeys in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Along the way, you’ll pass through lush forests, scenic savannahs, and misty mountains, while enjoying Uganda’s rich culture and welcoming hospitality. This itinerary is perfect for adventurous travelers and primate lovers seeking a once-in-a-lifetime immersion into the wild heart of Africa.

Day 1: Arrival & Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport or after a morning pick-up from your Kampala hotel, your driver-guide will brief you before heading west to Kibale Forest National Park. The 5–6 hour drive offers scenic views of tea plantations, local towns, and lush countryside. You’ll arrive at your lodge near the forest in the afternoon and have time to relax and enjoy the peaceful forest atmosphere.

Accommodation: Lodge near Kibale
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary

After breakfast, you’ll head to the Kanyanchu Visitor Centre for a briefing before beginning your chimpanzee trek. Kibale Forest is home to over 1,500 chimpanzees, and you’ll spend up to an hour observing them once they’re found. Watch them play, groom, and communicate in their natural habitat. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walk through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a birder’s paradise and a haven for monkeys, butterflies, and other wildlife.

Accommodation: Same lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, begin your drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, located just 3–4 hours away. This scenic journey takes you through the crater lake region and lush landscapes of western Uganda. Upon arrival, you can enjoy a game drive in the Kasenyi plains, where you may spot elephants, lions, antelope, and buffalo. In the evening, settle in at your lodge with views of the savannah or crater lakes.

Accommodation: Lodge near Queen Elizabeth NP
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Game Drive & Boat Safari on Kazinga Channel

Start the day with an early morning game drive, the best time to catch predators and grazing animals in action. Expect sightings of lions, leopards, warthogs, and large herds of Uganda kob. Later in the day, enjoy a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake Edward and Lake George. This relaxing cruise offers up-close views of hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, elephants, and a variety of waterbirds.

Accommodation: Same lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Today, you’ll drive southward to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Depending on your route, you may travel through the Ishasha sector, known for its rare tree-climbing lions. You’ll arrive at your lodge in the afternoon, nestled on the edge of the forest, ready for tomorrow’s unforgettable gorilla trek.

Accommodation: Lodge near Bwindi
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest

After an early breakfast, you’ll head to the park headquarters for a pre-trek briefing. Guided by expert rangers, you’ll trek through the dense forest in search of a gorilla family. The trek can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours depending on the gorillas’ location. Once found, you’ll spend one hour with these gentle giants—an awe-inspiring and humbling encounter. After the trek, you can choose to relax or participate in an optional Batwa community visit to learn about the culture of Bwindi’s indigenous forest people.

Accommodation: Same lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Packed Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Golden Monkey Trekking in Mgahinga – Return to Entebbe

Early in the morning, transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located in the Virunga mountain range, about 2–3 hours from Bwindi. Here, you’ll embark on a Golden Monkey Trek, a rare and exciting experience. These playful primates are endemic to the region and are known for their golden-orange fur and acrobatic movements through the bamboo forests. After the trek, begin your journey back to Entebbe or Kigali (if preferred), marking the end of an incredible 7-day primate safari.

Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
Note: Late flights or overnight stay in Entebbe/Kigali may be necessary.

Included in the Safari:

• Gorilla trekking permit ($800 USD)

• Chimpanzee tracking permit ($250 USD)

• Golden monkey trekking permit

• All park entrance fees

• Ground transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle

• English-speaking guide/driver

• Accommodation & meals as per itinerary

• Bottled drinking water

• Game drives & boat cruise on Kazinga Channel

Not Included:

• International flights & visas

• Travel insurance

• Personal expenses & tips

• Alcoholic drinks

• Optional activities not listed

What to Bring:

• Hiking boots & rain jacket

• Long-sleeved clothing for forest treks

• Insect repellent & sunscreen

• Hat, gloves, and gaiters

• Camera (no flash for gorillas)

• Daypack & refillable water bottle