6-Day Uganda Primate Safari (Chimps & Gorillas)
Destinations: Uganda (Kibale NP, Queen Elizabeth NP, Bwindi NP)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Brief Overview | The classic Uganda primate circuit combining chimpanzee tracking, savannah wildlife, and the iconic mountain gorilla experience. Ideal for first-time visitors wanting a comprehensive primate-focused safari with diverse ecosystems from rainforest to savannah. This itinerary delivers the full “Pearl of Africa” experience. |
DAY-BY-DAY BREAKDOWN
Day 1: Arrival & Transfer to Kibale
- Morning: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport. Meet your guide after clearing immigration and customs.
- Late Morning (10:00 AM recommended): Depart Entebbe for the scenic 4-5 hour drive to Kibale National Park, known as the “Primate Capital of the World.”
- En Route: Stop at the Uganda Equator (30 minutes) for photos, experiments (see water drain direction change), and craft shopping.
- Afternoon: Continue through traditional villages and tea plantations. Arrive at your Kibale lodge by mid-afternoon. Check in and refresh.
- Evening: Lodge check-in, dinner, briefing about tomorrow’s chimpanzee tracking. Your guide will explain trekking protocols.
- Meals: Lunch en route, Dinner at lodge
- Accommodation: Kibale area lodge
Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale & Bigodi Wetland
- Early Morning (6:30 AM): Breakfast at lodge.
- Morning (7:30 AM): Transfer to Kanyanchu Visitor Center (15-30 minutes) for briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers (30 minutes).
- Late Morning (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Chimpanzee tracking through Kibale Forest. Trek 2-4 hours through tropical rainforest to find a habituated community. Your guide and trackers will follow calls and signs. Once located, spend 1 hour observing chimpanzee behavior—grooming, playing, feeding, and social interactions.
- Mid-day (12:30 PM): Return to lodge for lunch and well-deserved rest.
- Afternoon (2:30 PM): Guided nature walk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary (2-3 hours) for:
- Bird watching: Great Blue Turaco (almost guaranteed), Papyrus Gonolek, various kingfishers
- Primates: black-and-white colobus, red-tailed monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabey
- Community experience: The sanctuary is community-run, directly benefiting locals
- Evening: Dinner and overnight at lodge.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Same Kibale lodge
Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Morning (8:00 AM): Breakfast, check out.
- Late Morning: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park (3 hours) through the scenic Rwenzori foothills. Stop at viewpoints overlooking the Rwenzori Mountains (“Mountains of the Moon”).
- Mid-day: Arrive at Queen Elizabeth, check into lodge, enjoy lunch.
- Afternoon (4:00 PM): Afternoon game drive on Kasenyi Plains (3-4 hours) searching for:
- Lions (excellent population)
- Leopards (possible with patience)
- Elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs
- Hyenas, jackals
- Over 600 bird species
- Evening: Return to lodge at sunset, enjoy dinner.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Queen Elizabeth lodge
Day 4: Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise & Game Drive
- Early Morning (7:00 AM): Transfer to Mweya Peninsula for Kazinga Channel boat cruise.
- Morning (8:00 AM – 10:00 AM): 2-hour boat cruise on the channel connecting Lake George and Lake Edward. Wildlife highlights:
- Hundreds of hippos (one of Africa’s highest concentrations)
- Nile crocodiles basking on banks
- Elephants and buffaloes drinking at water’s edge
- Abundant birdlife: African fish eagles, pelicans (great white and pink-backed), kingfishers, cormorants, herons, storks
- Possible shoebill sighting (rare but possible with good guide)
- Late Morning (10:30 AM): Return to lodge for brunch and rest during heat of day.
- Afternoon (3:30 PM): Optional afternoon game drive (different area) or relaxation at lodge with pool.
- Evening: Dinner at lodge.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Same Queen Elizabeth lodge
Day 5: Transfer to Bwindi via Ishasha (Tree-Climbing Lions)
- Early Morning (7:00 AM): Breakfast, check out.
- Late Morning: Drive south to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth NP (2-3 hours). The landscape changes to rolling savannah with fig trees.
- Mid-day (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Game drive in Ishasha searching for its famous tree-climbing lions. These lions habitually rest in fig and acacia trees during hot afternoons—a unique behavioral adaptation. Also look for:
- Elephants, buffaloes
- Topis (handsome antelope)
- Uganda kobs
- Afternoon: Picnic lunch in Ishasha, continue drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (2-3 hours). The road winds through terraced hillsides and traditional villages.
- Late Afternoon: Arrive at Bwindi lodge, check in, rest.
- Evening: Gorilla trekking briefing by lodge manager, dinner. Prepare gear for tomorrow.
- Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Bwindi lodge
Day 6: Gorilla Trekking & Departure
- Early Morning (6:00 AM): Early breakfast, prepare packed lunch.
- Morning (7:00 AM): Transfer to park headquarters (sector depends on lodge: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, or Nkuringo). Register and attend briefing.
- Late Morning (8:30 AM onwards): Gorilla trekking (2-6 hours). Enter the forest with your guide, ranger, and trackers. Trek through dense vegetation, steep slopes, and possibly muddy conditions. Once gorillas are located, spend 1 magical hour with them.
- Afternoon: Descend and return to lodge (time varies based on trek duration).
- Late Afternoon: Transfer to Kihihi airstrip for flight to Entebbe (1.5 hours) OR begin drive back to Entebbe (if driving, overnight in Entebbe and depart next day).
- Evening: Arrival Entebbe, transfer to airport hotel if connecting next day.
- Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch
- Accommodation: None (departure) or pre-departure hotel
INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS
| Inclusions | Exclusions |
|---|---|
| Airport transfers (arrival and departure) | International airfare |
| Private 4×4 safari vehicle | Uganda visa ($50 e-visa) |
| Professional English-speaking driver-guide | Travel insurance (mandatory) |
| Accommodation (5 nights full-board) | Personal expenses |
| Gorilla tracking permit ($800) | Alcoholic and soft drinks |
| Chimpanzee tracking permit ($250) | Porter fees ($15-20 for gorilla trek) |
| Kazinga Channel boat cruise ($100) | Tips for guides, lodge staff |
| Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary walk ($20) | Laundry services |
| Park entrance fees | Optional activities |
| Bottled water throughout | Flights (if choosing fly-out option) |
| All applicable government taxes |
BEST TIME TO VISIT
| Season | Months | Conditions | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak Dry | June – September | Best for all parks, driest trails for trekking, excellent game viewing in Queen Elizabeth. Prime time. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Short Dry | December – February | Good conditions, lush scenery, good for birding, fewer tourists than peak. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Short Rains | October – November | Muddy for trekking, green landscapes, fewer tourists, lower rates. Birding excellent with migrants. | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Long Rains | March – May | Heavy rains, challenging trekking, some lodges closed. Not recommended. | ⭐⭐ |
WHAT TO PACK
| Category | Essential Items |
|---|---|
| Clothing | Long pants (quick-dry, 4-5 pairs), long-sleeved shirts (4-5), shorts (2), t-shirts (3), fleece/warm jacket, waterproof jacket, gardening gloves, wide-brimmed hat, swimwear |
| Footwear | Waterproof hiking boots (gorilla trekking, well broken-in), comfortable walking shoes (game drives), sandals, gaiters (essential for trekking) |
| Gear | Binoculars (essential), camera with zoom lens (200-400mm for game drives, 70-200mm for gorillas), extra batteries, power bank, headlamp, daypack with waterproof cover |
| Health | DEET repellent (30%+), sunscreen (SPF 30+), lip balm, blister care, personal medications, anti-malarial |
| Documents | Passport, visas, Yellow Fever certificate, travel insurance, gorilla/chimp permits (confirmations), cash (USD) |
| Extras | Reusable water bottle, high-energy snacks, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, sunglasses |
RECOMMENDED LODGES & CAMPS
| Category | Kibale Lodges | Queen Elizabeth Lodges | Bwindi Lodges | Price Range (per person/night) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | Kibale Forest Camp, Chimpanzee Gate | Enganzi Lodge, Simba Safari Camp | Broadbill Camp, Bwindi View Bandas | $100-150 |
| Mid-Range | Primate Lodge Kibale, Kibale Forest Cottages | Ihamba Lakeside Safari Lodge, Mweya Safari Lodge | Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Bakiga Lodge, Mahogany Springs | $200-350 |
| Luxury | Kyaninga Lodge, Ndali Lodge | Kyambura Gorge Lodge, Elephant Plains Lodge | Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Buhoma Lodge, Clouds | $500-900 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Is the driving distance too much?
A: Uganda is compact; transfers are 3-5 hours daily, which is manageable with scenic stops. The roads are good, and stops at viewpoints, the Equator, and lunch breaks break up the journey. Consider internal flights to reduce road time (adds cost).
Q: Can I see tree-climbing lions year-round?
A: Yes, but they’re most visible in Ishasha during dry months (June-October, January-February) when game concentrates near rivers and lions rest in trees to escape heat and flies.
Q: What’s the Kazinga Channel boat cruise like?
A: One of Africa’s best wildlife boat safaris—expect hundreds of hippos, buffalo along shores, elephants drinking, and abundant birdlife. It’s a highlight for most visitors.
Q: How fit do I need to be for both treks?
A: Moderate to high fitness. Chimpanzee trek is 2-4 hours on moderate terrain; gorilla trek is 2-6+ hours on steep, muddy slopes. Hire porters for gorilla trek ($15-20) to carry your pack and help you on difficult sections.
Q: Can I do both treks if I have mobility issues?
A: Discuss with your operator. Some gorilla families are accessible with shorter treks (ask for “easy” families). Advanced booking essential. Porters can provide significant assistance.
Itinerary 6: 7-Day Rwanda & Uganda Double Gorilla Safari
Destinations: Rwanda (Volcanoes NP) & Uganda (Bwindi NP, Queen Elizabeth NP, Lake Bunyonyi)
DAY-BY-DAY BREAKDOWN
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda
- Morning/Afternoon: Arrive at Kigali International Airport (KGL). Meet your guide after immigration. Kigali is immaculately clean and efficient.
- Afternoon: Kigali city tour (if time permits):
- Kigali Genocide Memorial (2-3 hours) – essential context for understanding modern Rwanda. Book online in advance.
- Caplaki Crafts Village (1 hour) for souvenirs supporting local artisans.
- Mount Kigali viewpoint for city panorama and photos.
- Inema Arts Centre for contemporary Rwandan art.
- Evening: Transfer to hotel, welcome briefing with your guide, dinner.
- Meals: Dinner (if arrival allows)
- Accommodation: Kigali hotel (Radisson Blu, Serena, or similar)
Day 2: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
- Morning (8:30 AM): Breakfast, check out.
- Late Morning: Scenic 2.5-hour drive to Musanze, base for Volcanoes NP. Views of the Virunga Volcanoes (Karisimbi, Bisoke, Sabyinyo) appear as you approach.
- Mid-day: Check into lodge near Volcanoes NP, enjoy lunch with volcano views.
- Afternoon (2:30 PM): Choose activity:
- Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village (2-3 hours) – traditional Rwandan experience with drumming, dancing, and meeting the king. Highly recommended.
- Gorilla Doctors HQ visit (if open, limited availability)
- Musanze Caves exploration (1-2 hours)
- Relax at lodge with volcano views and spa treatments
- Evening: Trek briefing by lodge manager, dinner, early night (trekking starts very early).
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Volcanoes NP lodge
Day 3: First Gorilla Trekking (Volcanoes NP, Rwanda)
- Very Early Morning (5:00 AM): Wake-up, light breakfast/coffee.
- Morning (6:00 AM): Transfer to Kinigi Park Headquarters.
- Morning (7:00 AM): Registration, briefing, group allocation. Rwanda’s briefing is well-organized with cultural performances sometimes.
- Late Morning (8:00 AM onwards): Trek gorillas in Volcanoes NP (average 2-4 hours). The terrain is steep but often more open than Bwindi. Spend 1 hour with the family.
- Afternoon: Return to lodge, lunch, rest. Celebrate your first gorilla encounter.
- Evening: Dinner, share stories with fellow trekkers.
- Meals: Breakfast (early), Packed Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Same Volcanoes lodge
Day 4: Cross Border to Bwindi, Uganda
- Morning (7:00 AM): Breakfast, check out.
- Late Morning: Drive to Cyanika or Katuna border crossing (1 hour). Your guide will assist with exit formalities.
- Mid-day: Complete border formalities (East Africa Tourist Visa valid for both countries). The process typically takes 30-60 minutes.
- Afternoon: Continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda (2-3 hours). The landscape becomes lusher as you approach the forest.
- Late Afternoon: Check into Bwindi lodge, rest, enjoy the different atmosphere.
- Evening: Briefing for tomorrow’s gorilla trek (different country, different protocols), dinner.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch en route, Dinner
- Accommodation: Bwindi lodge (Uganda)
Day 5: Second Gorilla Trekking (Bwindi, Uganda)
- Early Morning (6:00 AM): Early breakfast, prepare packed lunch.
- Morning (7:00 AM): Transfer to park headquarters (sector depends on lodge location).
- Morning (7:30 AM): Briefing, group allocation. Bwindi’s briefing is more rustic but equally informative.
- Late Morning (8:30 AM onwards): Trek gorillas in Bwindi (2-6 hours, different terrain from Rwanda). Bwindi is denser, more tropical, and often more challenging. Spend 1 hour with a different family.
- Afternoon: Return to lodge (trek back), rest, compare experiences with Rwanda.
- Evening: Celebratory dinner, certificate collection, share stories.
- Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Same Bwindi lodge
Day 6: Bwindi to Lake Bunyonyi
- Morning (8:00 AM): Breakfast, check out.
- Late Morning: Scenic 2-3 hour drive to Lake Bunyonyi, one of Africa’s deepest lakes (estimated 900m) and famously bilharzia-free. The terraced hillsides are breathtaking.
- Mid-day: Arrive at Lake Bunyonyi lodge, enjoy lunch with stunning lake views.
- Afternoon (2:30 PM): Canoe ride (2 hours) in traditional dugout canoe to explore some of the 29 islands:
- Visit Punishment Island (historical significance)
- Stop at local communities on islands
- Bird watching (over 200 species)
- Swim in safe, clean water
- Evening: Relaxation, dinner with lake views, watch sunset over the hills.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Lake Bunyonyi lodge
Day 7: Lake Bunyonyi to Kigali for Departure
- Morning (8:00 AM): Breakfast, check out. Take final photos of the beautiful lake.
- Late Morning: Drive to Katuna border (1 hour), cross into Rwanda.
- Mid-day: Continue to Kigali (2-3 hours), enjoy lunch en route or in Kigali.
- Afternoon: Arrive Kigali, transfer to airport for departure (allow 3+ hours before international flight).
- Optional: If time permits, visit Inema Arts Centre or local markets for last-minute shopping.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch en route
- Accommodation: None (departure)
INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS
| Inclusions | Exclusions |
|---|---|
| Airport transfers (arrival and departure) | International airfare |
| Private 4×4 safari vehicle (both countries) | Visas (East Africa Tourist Visa $100 recommended) |
| Professional English-speaking guide | Travel insurance (mandatory) |
| Accommodation (6 nights full-board) | Personal expenses |
| Gorilla permits: Rwanda ($1,500) + Uganda ($800) | Alcoholic and soft drinks |
| Park entrance fees (both countries) | Porter fees ($15-20 per trek) |
| Lake Bunyonyi canoe ride | Tips for guides, rangers, lodge staff |
| Kigali city tour (Genocide Memorial) | Laundry services |
| Bottled water throughout | Premium drinks |
| All applicable government taxes | Optional activities (cultural visits) |
BEST TIME TO VISIT
| Season | Months | Conditions | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak Dry | June – September | Best for both countries, driest trails, excellent trekking, clear volcano views. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Short Dry | December – February | Good conditions, occasional showers, lush scenery, fewer tourists. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Short Rains | October – November | Muddy trails, fewer tourists, lower rates possible, green landscapes. | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Long Rains | March – May | Heavy rains, challenging trekking, some lodges closed. Not recommended. | ⭐⭐ |
WHAT TO PACK
| Category | Essential Items |
|---|---|
| Clothing | Long pants (quick-dry, 5+ pairs), long-sleeved shirts (5+), thermal base layers (high altitude), fleece (essential), waterproof jacket, gardening gloves (2 pairs), wide-brimmed hat, swimwear |
| Footwear | Waterproof hiking boots (broken in, 2 pairs ideal to rotate), gaiters (essential), comfortable shoes for lodges, sandals |
| Gear | Binoculars (essential), camera with extra batteries (cold drains batteries), power bank, headlamp, daypack with waterproof cover, walking sticks (park provides) |
| Health | DEET repellent (30%+), high-SPF sunscreen, lip balm, blister care, personal medications, anti-malarial, wet wipes, hand sanitizer |
| Documents | Passport (multiple copies), visas (EATV printout), Yellow Fever certificate, travel insurance, permit confirmations, cash (USD, both currencies) |
| Extras | Reusable water bottle, high-energy snacks, small backpack rain cover, laundry soap (for hand washing) |
RECOMMENDED LODGES & CAMPS
| Category | Rwanda (Volcanoes) | Uganda (Bwindi) | Lake Bunyonyi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mid-Range | Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Hotel Muhavura | Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Bakiga Lodge | Bunyonyi Eco Resort, Arcadia Lodge |
| Luxury | Bisate Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge | Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Buhoma Lodge | BirdNest Lodge, Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort |
| Ultra-Luxury | Singita Kwitonda Lodge, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest | Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge | Private villa rentals |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Is trekking different in Rwanda vs. Uganda?
A: Yes—Rwanda’s terrain is steeper (volcano slopes) but often shorter treks with more open bamboo forest; Uganda’s Bwindi is denser, more tropical, with longer, more variable treks through true rainforest. Both are exceptional and worth experiencing for the contrast. Scientists even consider Bwindi’s gorillas possibly a different subspecies .
Q: Do I need two visas?
A: East Africa Tourist Visa ($100) covers Rwanda and Uganda for single entry. Apply online before travel. This is more economical than separate visas.
Q: Is it worth doing two gorilla treks?
A: Absolutely—each family has unique dynamics, the forests feel completely different, and you’ll appreciate the contrast. Two treks allow for better photography (different light conditions) and deeper understanding of gorilla behavior. You’ll see approximately 20 individual gorillas, representing 2-3% of the global population .
Q: How fit do I need to be for two treks?
A: Very fit. Two consecutive days of challenging trekking requires good stamina. Consider a rest day between if concerned. Hire porters for both treks ($15-20 each).
Q: What’s Lake Bunyonyi like?
A: Stunningly beautiful—terraced hills, 29 islands, safe swimming (no bilharzia, no hippos/crocodiles), and excellent birding. Perfect relaxation after trekking.
Q: Can I add chimpanzee tracking?
A: Yes, extend itinerary by 2-3 days to include Kibale Forest (Uganda) or Nyungwe Forest (Rwanda) for chimpanzee tracking.