8 Day Uganda Primates safar Overview
Welcome to the 8-Day Uganda Primates Safari Tour, an extraordinary journey into the world of chimpanzees and Uganda’s breathtaking beauty. From Kibale National Park’s lush forests for chimpanzee trekking to Lake Mburo National Park’s savannahs for diverse wildlife, this adventure is a gateway to discovery. In addition to chimpanzees, you’ll encounter mountain gorillas, tree-climbing lions, and explore diverse ecosystems. Get ready for an unforgettable journey!
Safari Summary
- Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
- Day 2: Kibale Forest Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
- Day 3: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park and Ishasha Sector Game Drive
- Day 4: Kasenyi Game Drive, Craters Tour, Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise, and Katwe Salt Lake
- Day 5: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Day 6: Day 6: Gorilla Trekking and Batwa Community Cultural Tour
- Day 7: Lake Mburo National Park Safari
- Day 8: Lake Mburo Game Walk, Return to Entebbe, and Departure
8 Day Uganda Primates safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
Your 8 Day Uganda Primates Safari starts at Entebbe International Airport, where your knowledgeable tour guide warmly welcomes you. From there, you embark on a scenic drive to Kibale National Park, passing charming villages, bustling markets, and captivating scenery along the way.
Kibale National Park, known as “The Primate Capital of the World,” boasts a pristine tropical rainforest and abundant primate populations, especially chimpanzees. Upon arrival, you’ll immerse yourself in the park’s rich biodiversity and captivating landscapes, setting the stage for primate tracking, birdwatching, and nature exploration in the days ahead. After reaching your lodge or accommodation in Kibale National Park, take the opportunity to relax, soak in the natural surroundings, and prepare for the exciting adventures awaiting you in Uganda’s wilderness.
Day 2: Kibale Forest Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
After breakfast at your Kibale National Park lodge, you’ll receive a briefing at the Kanyanchu Tourism Centre. Experienced rangers will provide essential information about chimpanzee trekking, ensuring your safety and understanding of these remarkable creatures’ behavior and conservation efforts.
Next, venture into Kibale Forest, home to a thriving chimpanzee population. Trekking through the dense jungle is both challenging and thrilling, with the anticipation of encountering primates in their natural habitat. Along the way, spot other primate species like red colobus monkeys and grey-cheeked mangabeys, as well as colorful birdlife, enriching your journey through this biodiverse ecosystem. After returning to your lodge for lunch, visit the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary in the afternoon, a community-managed wetland for birdwatching and nature walks. As the day winds down, head back to your lodge within Kibale National Park to unwind and reflect on your incredible encounters.
Day 3: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park and Ishasha Sector Game Drive
Your day begins with a hearty breakfast at your Kibale National Park lodge, providing the necessary energy for the day’s adventures. After breakfast, you’ll bid farewell to Kibale and embark on a picturesque drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, known for its diverse wildlife. Upon arrival at Queen Elizabeth National Park, you’ll check in at your lodge, ideally situated within the park.
Following a satisfying lunch, you’ll head out for an afternoon game drive in the Ishasha sector, renowned for its tree-climbing lions. Your knowledgeable guide will be there to assist you in spotting these incredible lions, as well as other fascinating wildlife like elephants, buffalo, and antelopes, as you navigate the rugged terrain. As the day gently transitions into evening and the sun sets over the sprawling savannah, you’ll make your way back to your comfortable lodge nestled within the heart of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Here, you can unwind and fully relish the extraordinary wildlife encounters that have made your day truly remarkable.
Day 4: Kasenyi Game Drive, Craters Tour, Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise, and Katwe Salt Lake
On the fourth day of your 8-Day Uganda Primates Safari Tour, you’ll experience diverse activities within Queen Elizabeth National Park. Begin with an early morning game drive in the Kasenyi plains, famous for lion, elephant, and antelope sightings. Afterward, explore the picturesque craters created by ancient volcanic activity, offering unique geological views.
In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway connecting Lake George and Lake Edward, for close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species. Your adventure continues at Katwe Salt Lake, where you’ll learn about traditional salt mining. As the sun sets, return to your lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, reflecting on the day’s adventures and looking forward to more exciting experiences on your Uganda Primates Safari Tour.
Day 5: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Your day starts with breakfast at your Queen Elizabeth National Park Lodge, followed by a scenic drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for gorilla trekking. The journey takes you through Uganda’s southwest landscapes, winding past hills, valleys, and vibrant villages, offering glimpses of local life and culture. Upon arrival in Bwindi, check in at your forest lodge, nestled in this biodiverse paradise. Your overnight stay in Bwindi sets the stage for the remarkable gorilla encounters on Day 5 of your Uganda Primates Safari Tour.
Day 6: Gorilla Trekking and Batwa Community Cultural Tour
Begin your day with an early breakfast at the lodge, gearing up for the safari’s highlight: gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Head to the park headquarters for a comprehensive briefing on gorillas, their habitat, and trekking guidelines. Led by an expert guide, venture into the dense rainforest in search of these magnificent creatures.
The trek duration varies, lasting from 30 minutes to 7 hours, but the moment you encounter a gorilla family in their habitat is awe-inspiring. Spending an hour observing their behaviors and familial bonds is a privileged experience that will leave lasting memories. After the trek, return to the lodge for relaxation. In the afternoon, explore the Batwa community’s culture through a cultural tour, gaining insight into their traditional way of life, hunting techniques, medicinal plant knowledge, and cultural practices. As the day ends, return to your Bwindi lodge to reflect on the extraordinary experiences of the day.
Day 7: Lake Mburo National Park Safari
Start your day with breakfast at your Bwindi lodge and then embark on a scenic drive to Lake Mburo National Park, known for its distinctive savannah landscape. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge within the park, enjoy lunch, and in the afternoon, head out for a game drive and guided walk. You’ll have the opportunity to encounter giraffes, zebras, topis, impalas, buffalos, and various bird species, gaining diverse perspectives of the park’s habitats and wildlife with insights from your guide.
After these thrilling wildlife experiences, return to your lodge in Lake Mburo National Park, where you can relax and reflect on the day’s adventures. The serene surroundings and nature encounters promise a memorable overnight stay as you prepare for the final day of your Uganda Primates Safari Tour.
Day 8: Lake Mburo Game Walk, Return to Entebbe, and Departure
On your last day, begin with an early morning game walk in Lake Mburo National Park, offering an up-close wildlife observation experience led by an expert guide. After the walk, enjoy a final lodge breakfast while savoring Uganda’s cuisine flavors and reflecting on your journey.
Start your drive back to Entebbe, witnessing changing landscapes and local life along the way. You’ll arrive in Entebbe with ample time for your departing flight, ensuring a smooth departure from Entebbe International Airport. As you bid farewell to Uganda, carry cherished memories of your transformative 8-Day Uganda Primates Safari Tour, filled with nature, culture, and adventure. Your journey has been an exploration of the country’s beauty and biodiversity, leaving you with a deep appreciation for this East African gem.
