7 Days Primates of Uganda Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe, Transfer to Kibale Forest

Your primate experience begins upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, where your driver-guide warmly welcomes you. After a short briefing, begin the scenic drive to Kibale Forest National Park, the primate capital of East Africa (approx. 5–6 hours).

Along the route, enjoy views of tea plantations, banana farms, and rolling green hills as you move toward the crater lakes region. You’ll arrive at your forest lodge in the afternoon. Relax on your veranda as you listen to the chorus of monkeys, birds, and cicadas welcoming you to this lush ecosystem.

Overnight: Lodge in Kibale Forest / Crater Lakes region

Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Swamp Walk

Wake up early and prepare for your chimpanzee trekking adventure. After a briefing at the park headquarters, set off into the forest with your ranger guide. Kibale is home to over 1,500 chimpanzees, making sightings highly likely.

As you trek, keep an eye out for red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and countless bird species. Once you find a chimp family, enjoy one full hour watching them feed, groom, play, and interact.

Return to the lodge for lunch.
In the afternoon, head to Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-run conservation area rich in monkeys, birds, butterflies, and swamp-loving plants. Expect to meet the friendly locals who protect the area and learn about their community initiatives.

Return to the lodge for dinner and relaxation.

Overnight: Lodge in Kibale Forest

Day 3: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Rushaga/Buhoma)

After breakfast, depart for the stunning drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the ultimate destination for mountain gorilla trekking (approx. 6–7 hours).

You’ll pass through the dramatic hills of southwestern Uganda, farmlands, and beautiful rural landscapes. Lunch is provided en route.
Arrive at your lodge nestled on the forest edge, offering excellent views of Bwindi’s mist covered canopy. Relax by the fireplace or sip a warm drink as you prepare for the next day’s highlight: gorilla trekking.

Overnight: Lodge at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Day 4: Gorilla Trekking Experience

Today is the most anticipated moment of your safari meeting the mountain gorillas. After a detailed briefing at the park headquarters, your ranger guide leads you through dense rainforest, tracking a habituated gorilla family. The trek can take 2–6 hours depending on the gorillas’ location.

Once you find them, you are allowed one magical hour to watch these gentle giants as they feed, play, groom one another, and care for their young. The experience is emotional, rare, and unforgettable.

Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation.
Optional activities in the afternoon include:

• Community village walk

• Batwa cultural experience

• Lodge-based nature walk

Overnight: Lodge in Bwindi

Day 5: Transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before driving to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (2–3 hours), located in the Virunga Volcanoes region. This is Uganda’s only home of golden monkeys and the scenic backdrop of volcanic peaks.

Arrive at your lodge around lunchtime. Spend the afternoon resting or exploring the views around your lodge, with optional nature walks or cultural visits.

Overnight: Lodge in Mgahinga

Day 6: Golden Monkey Tracking & Cultural Experience

After breakfast, head to the park for your golden monkey tracking. These rare, playful primates are found only in the Virunga region. Follow your ranger guide into the bamboo forest, watching the monkeys leap between branches, feed on bamboo shoots, and interact in large, lively groups.

The trek is generally easier than gorilla trekking, and the experience is full of action and photographic moments.

In the afternoon, enjoy one of the following optional activities:

• Visit the Batwa community, learning about their forest traditions

• Mountain hiking along the lower slopes of the volcanoes

• Scenic photography around the park

Return to the lodge for dinner and a relaxing evening.

Overnight: Lodge in Mgahinga