7 Days Uganda Primates and Wildlife Safari

7 Days Uganda Primates and Wildlife Safari

Safari Overview

The 7 Days Uganda Primates and Wildlife Safari is an unforgettable journey through Uganda’s most iconic wildlife destinations. This adventure combines thrilling encounters with mountain gorillas and chimpanzees with exceptional wildlife viewing experiences in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Travelers will explore lush tropical rainforests, vast savannah plains, scenic crater lakes, and traditional rural communities while discovering why Uganda is known as the Pearl of Africa.

The safari begins in Entebbe or Kampala and takes you to Kibale Forest National Park, renowned for its incredible primate diversity and chimpanzee trekking experiences. From there, you will continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park for game drives and a memorable boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel before proceeding to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for the ultimate gorilla trekking adventure. This carefully designed itinerary offers the perfect blend of primate encounters, wildlife viewing, breathtaking landscapes, and cultural experiences.

Safari Highlights

  • Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park
  • Guided nature walk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
  • Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • Kazinga Channel boat cruise
  • Tree-climbing lion search in Ishasha Sector
  • Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
  • Scenic drives through Uganda’s countryside
  • Opportunities for wildlife photography
  • Professional English-speaking safari guide

Day 1: Transfer from Entebbe/Kampala to Kibale Forest National Park

Your safari guide from Kurikayo Africa Adventures will pick you up from Entebbe International Airport or your hotel in Kampala for a briefing before beginning the journey to Kibale Forest National Park in western Uganda. The drive takes you through beautiful countryside landscapes characterized by rolling hills, traditional villages, tea plantations, and fertile farmlands.

You will stop en route for lunch before continuing to Fort Portal, one of Uganda’s most scenic towns located in the shadow of the Rwenzori Mountains. Upon arrival in Kibale, check into your lodge and spend the remainder of the day relaxing and enjoying the forest surroundings as you prepare for the next day’s chimpanzee trekking adventure.

Accommodation: Chimpanzee Forest Guest House / Turaco Tree Tops / Kyaninga Lodge

Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary Walk

After an early breakfast, proceed to the Kibale Forest National Park headquarters for a briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. Kibale Forest is home to over 1,500 chimpanzees and thirteen species of primates, making it one of Africa’s premier primate destinations.

Your trek through the forest will be guided by experienced rangers who will help locate a habituated chimpanzee community. Once found, you will spend one hour observing these fascinating primates as they feed, groom, communicate, and move through the forest canopy.

After lunch, enjoy a guided walk through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community conservation area famous for its rich biodiversity. The sanctuary offers opportunities to spot monkeys, birds, butterflies, and unique wetland vegetation while learning about local conservation initiatives.

Accommodation: Same as Day 1

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Following breakfast, depart Kibale Forest and travel south toward Queen Elizabeth National Park. The route offers spectacular views of crater lakes, tea plantations, and the majestic Rwenzori Mountains.

Arrive at the park in time for lunch before heading to the Kazinga Channel for an afternoon boat cruise. This natural channel connects Lake George and Lake Edward and supports one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Uganda.

During the cruise, expect to see large schools of hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and numerous bird species gathering along the water’s edge. The cruise provides excellent photographic opportunities and a unique perspective of the park’s ecosystem.

Accommodation: Pumba Safari Cottages / Twin Lakes Safari Lodge / Mweya Safari Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: Morning Game Drive and Transfer to Ishasha Sector

Wake up early for a morning game drive in the Kasenyi Plains, one of the most productive wildlife viewing areas in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Early morning offers the best chance of spotting predators and other wildlife before temperatures rise.

Look out for lions, elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, warthogs, hyenas, waterbucks, and a variety of bird species. The park is home to over 95 mammal species and more than 600 bird species, making it one of Africa’s most biodiverse protected areas.

After breakfast, continue south to the Ishasha Sector, famous for its rare tree-climbing lions. During your afternoon game drive, search for these unique lions resting on the branches of large fig trees while also keeping an eye out for elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes.

Accommodation: Enjojo Lodge / Ishasha Jungle Lodge / Ishasha Wilderness Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After breakfast, enjoy a final wildlife viewing opportunity before departing for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The drive takes you through scenic countryside featuring rolling hills, terraced farms, and traditional villages.

Bwindi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to nearly half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas. The forest is also one of Africa’s oldest ecosystems and supports a remarkable variety of flora and fauna.

Upon arrival, check into your lodge and spend the afternoon relaxing while preparing for the highlight of your safari—gorilla trekking.

Accommodation: Broadbill Forest Camp / Bakiga Lodge / Mahogany Springs Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Today is the most anticipated day of your safari. Following an early breakfast, report to the park headquarters for a briefing before being assigned a gorilla family to track.

Accompanied by experienced guides and trackers, you will trek through the dense rainforest searching for mountain gorillas. The duration of the trek varies depending on the location of the gorilla family and may range from a few hours to most of the day.

Once the gorillas are located, you will spend one magical hour observing them in their natural habitat. Watching a silverback interact with his family, mothers caring for infants, and young gorillas playing is an extraordinary wildlife experience that few travelers ever forget.

After the trek, return to the lodge for relaxation and celebration of this once-in-a-lifetime achievement.

Accommodation: Same as Day 5

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7: Return to Entebbe or Kampala

After breakfast, begin your journey back to Entebbe or Kampala. Along the way, enjoy scenic views of southwestern Uganda’s rolling hills and vibrant rural landscapes.

You will stop at the Equator for photography, souvenir shopping, and lunch before continuing to Entebbe. Upon arrival, your guide will transfer you to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight or to your preferred hotel, marking the end of your unforgettable Uganda safari experience.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Safari Inclusions

  • Gorilla trekking permit
  • Chimpanzee trekking permit
  • Park entrance fees
  • Kazinga Channel boat cruise
  • Game drives as indicated in the itinerary
  • Professional English-speaking safari guide
  • 4x4 safari vehicle with fuel
  • Accommodation as specified
  • Meals as indicated
  • Bottled drinking water during the safari
  • Airport transfers

Safari Exclusions

  • International flights
  • Uganda visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary

Why Book This Safari with Kurikayo Africa Adventures?

Kurikayo Africa Adventures specializes in authentic wildlife and primate safaris throughout Uganda and Rwanda. Our experienced guides, carefully selected accommodations, personalized service, and commitment to responsible tourism ensure that every guest enjoys an unforgettable African adventure. This 7 Days Uganda Primates and Wildlife Safari is designed to deliver the perfect balance of wildlife encounters, primate experiences, comfort, and breathtaking scenery while creating memories that will last a lifetime.