8 Days Uganda Primate Safari – DETAILED SAFARI ITINERARY

Day 1 of the 8 Days Uganda Primate Safari: Transfer to Kibale with en-route visits to Amabere caves and tea estates

You will wake up very early in the morning at 6:00 am and have breakfast after which you will be picked by one of our highly professional guide using any of our 4×4 safari cars and you embark on an awesome 300 km or 5-6 hour road adventure to Kibale which is filled with lots of fascinating road sightings. Along this adventurous journey, expect to have several stops such as one at the Mityana local market and this gives you an opportunity to take your taste buds on a culinary journey as you taste some Uganda’s purely organic tropical fruits that will tantalize your taste buds due to their absolute sweetness. Other things that may come your way is Uganda’s very own KFC version of chicken and this will be a roasted chicken skewered on sticks and if you aren’t a fussy feeder, this is your moment to have a taste of this fire-grilled finger lingering goodness. From here you drive through fascinating tea plantations of Fort portal that seem like expansive playing fields when viewed from afar. You will finally proceed with the rest of your journey to your lodge in Kibale. Upon your arrival here, you will have a lunch break then transfer to Bigodi community where you get to engage in a community encounter with the locals and see how they live their daily lives, watch them or even engage in some of their days to day activities such coffee picking, local brew making and as you undertake this community thriller, you will take part in the coffee-making process right from planting process, harvesting red ripe coffee berries, sun drying process, then coffee pounding and finally making your own cup of coffee that is freshly brewed from the coffee that’s grown by these locals. After this really exciting cultural mash-up you’ve just had, you will retire back to your lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight.

The highlight of the day: Enjoy the scenic drive through Uganda’s countryside

Accommodation: –

• Top-notch / Exclusive: Kyaninga Lodge/ Ndali Lodge

• Luxury/ Upmarket: Crater Safari Lodge/ Primate Lodge Kibale
• Mid-range/ Moderate: Chimpanzee Forest Guest House- Cottages
• Budget/ Basic: Chimpanzee Forest Guest House-Main House/ Kibale Forest Camp- Tents

Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner

Drive Distance & time: Approx. 300km or 6-7 hours

Activities & Services: –

• Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
• Visit the Amabere ga nyina mwiru caves in Fortportal
• Cycling in Mpanga tea  estate

Optional activities: –

• Nocturnal walk in Kibale National Park which enables you to encounter some of the nocturnal creatures such as Bushbabies, Nightjars, Tree hyrax, Ginet & Mongoose
• Empaako ceremony

Day 2 of the 8 Days Uganda Primate Safari: Do Chimpanzee trekking, transfer to Kasese with a stop at Ruboni community centre

The morning of this day kicks off with an amazing breakfast that is aimed at energizing for the thrilling chimpanzee trek that’s ahead of you. You will be transferred by your guide to the park centre in Kanyanchu where you get to go through a short briefing about the entire chimpanzee trekking experience. From here in a company of park ranger, embark on jungle walk as you search for these great humans of the wild the chimpanzees and the highlight of the day will be when you get to meet these exciting creatures you will be wowed by how much in common we do have with these great apes as they laugh, hug and kiss just like humans do and also look after the young ones. Besides the chimpanzees, you should also not miss out on the sightings of several other primates that call this forest their home and these include the black and white colobus monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys, Grey monkeys. After the chimpanzee encounter which lasts an hour of pure enjoyment return to the park centre where your trekking efforts are rewarded with a trekking certificate. After having this lunch, you will check out of your lodge and embark on the transfer to Kasese town which is 75km or a 1-1.5 hours drive away from Kibale. You will pass via Ruboni community centre where you will find local women selling an assortment of art and craft materials. You can buy a souvenir for this trip form here. this way, you will have played a pivotal role in supporting the local community here as the proceeds from the sales are used by these ladies to support their families’ livelihoods. If you wish, you can also spare a minute or two and indulge yourself in a learning process from these expert weavers on how to make some the impressive art products just like those on display.  You will proceed with the rest of your journey to your hotel in Kasese town with magnificent views of the Rwenzori ranges. You will arrive at your lodge late in the evening for relaxation, dinner and overnight.

The highlight of the day: An encounter with the chimpanzees will fascinate you on this day

Accommodation: –

• Luxury/ Upmarket: Equator Snow Lodge
• Mid-range/ Moderate: Springs International Hotel Kasese
• Budget/ Basic: Sandton Hotel Kasese

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Drive distance & time: Approx. 157km or 2-3 hours

Activities & Services: –

• Chimpanzee trekking
• Cultural experience as you visit the Bigodi wetland community
• Transfer to Queen Elizabeth Park

Optional activities: –

• Afternoon birding session in the park
• Nocturnal walk in the forest

Day 3 of the 8 Days Uganda Primate Safari: Do a full-day Rwenzori hiking experience and transfer to Queen Elizabeth Park

This day of this safari leads on an expedition through the foothills of the Rwenzori mountains. You will have an early morning breakfast at your hotel at 6:30 am then you will transfer to Nyakalengija park station early in the morning to embark on the whole day hike to the Rwenzori Mountains. This hike will cover a course of 10km as you explore the lower ranges of the mountain. As you hike you will start your ascent at 1727m above sea level and you will go as high as 2373m above sea level although the entire Rwenzori Mountain rises to 5,109m above sea level with snowcapped peaks despite its closeness to the world’s main latitude – the Equator. During this hike, you’re likely to encounter impressive flora species such as the giant lobelias and groundsels that are lovely to encounter. On a clear day, you can have glimpses of the peaks such as Baker and Stanley that can be viewed at a distance, the sights of glaciers flowing down the mountain is beautiful not forgetting the savannah landscapes of Queen Elizabeth National Park, the rift valley lakes of George and Edward and Kasese town below. You will have lunch while on the mountain and in the evening you will descend back to Nyakalengijja where your safari guide will be waiting for you. You will drive to your lodge in Queen Elizabeth Park arriving there late in the evening at around 5 pm for relaxation, dinner and overnight.

Enjoy the magnificent views of the diverse wildlife that exists on the Rwenzori Mountain

Accommodation: –

• Luxury/ Upmarket: Mweya Safari Lodge / Katara Safari Lodge / Mazike Valley Lodge
• Mid-range/ Moderate: Enganzi Game Lodge/ Marafiki Safari Lodge
• Budget/ Basic: Pumba Safari Lodge / Bush Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Drive distance & time: Approx. 30km or 40min-1 hour

Activities & Services: –

• Rwenzori hike
• Transfer to Queen Elizabeth Park

Other optional activities you can choose to do on this day include: –

• Night game drive experience in Queen Elizabeth park
• Birding

Day 4 of the 8 Days Uganda Primate Safari: Morning game drive in Kasenyi & afternoon boat cruise on Kazinga Channel

The 4^th day starts quite early as you have an early morning breakfast at 6:00 am after which you get to engage in a morning game drive experience as you explore of more the Kasenyi sector of this park which is filled with a wide variety of animals such as 4 out of the 5 big five mammals which include lions, leopards, cape buffaloes, large herds of African bush elephants, Topis and many other antelope species. Retreat from the encounter which tends to take 2 – 5 hours, settle for lunch after which you transfer to Mweya jetty for an afternoon Kazinga Channel boat cruise which is the highlight of the day as it is considered the best boat cruise experience on the African savanna plains. During this boat cruise, you have the opportunity to sail on the tranquil but turbid waters of the Kazinga channel a 40 km long channel that connects Lake George to Lake Edward. This cruise offers you an opportunity to see at close range the highest concentration of water submerged Hippos which is close to 5000 individuals and Nile crocodiles that are seen basking along the shores of the channel. If you are interested in birding then this boat cruise in a good place for you to be because it offers you the chance to several of the waterbird species that constitute a big part of the 600 bird species that are found in this park alone. The cruise offers an excellent platform for photography, bird watching, and game viewing. You retreat from the boat cruise and engage in an evening game drive along the Channel track to explore more wild game in their evening moments. Continue to the lodge for overnight.

Today’s highlight be will the incredible boat cruise on the Kazinga channel

Accommodation: –

• Luxury/ Up market: Mweya Safari Lodge / Katara Safari Lodge / Elephant Plains Safari Lodge
• Mid-range/ Moderate: Enganzi Game Lodge/ Mazike Valley Lodge
• Budget/ Basic: Pumba Safari Lodge / Bush Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities & Services: –

• Morning game drive
• Afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga channel

Other optional activities you can choose to do on this day include: –

• Night game drive experience in Queen Elizabeth park
• Chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu Forest/ Kyambura Gorge
• Hot air ballooning experience early in the morning at 5:30am
• Birding
• Cultural encounters

Day 5 of the 8 Days Uganda Primate Safari: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Do Ishasha game drive en route

You will wake up early in the morning at 6:30 am for breakfast then get comfortable into the safari car and begin your 2-3 hours journey towards the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. On arrival here, you will engage in a stunning game drive in this sector while you search for the tree-climbing lions that have made this park and particularly this sector a must-visit place for numerous Africa safari adventurers who are interested in having encounters with these rather unique lions as they usually find them taking a mid-morning rest while lodging their bodies in between tree branches. After your game drive which lasts between 3-4 hours, transfer to a convenient lodge in this park sector for your lunch break which also helps you stretch your body for a while before you then embark on the remaining part of your journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park arriving in the evening for relaxation, dinner and overnight stay.

A sighting of the tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector logged in between tree branches is the highlight of the day

Accommodation

• Top-Notch / Exclusive: Gorilla Forest Camp/ Buhoma Lodge
• Luxury/ Upmarket: Haven Lodge Buhoma
• Mid-range/ Moderate: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
• Budget/ Basic: Trekkers Tavern Ruhija

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Drive distance &time: Approx. 140- 240 or 6-8 hours

Activities & Services

• Transfer to Bwindi
• Game drive in Ishasha

Day 6 of the 8 Days Uganda Primate Safari: Do gorilla trekking in Bwindi and transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

On this day, you will have an early morning breakfast served at 6:30 am comprising of a wide assortment of bites ranging from truly delicious tropical organic fruits and confectionaries to give an energy boost for the gorilla trekking in Bwindi experience ahead of you where you get to meet one of the gorilla families in this park for a full hour. Depart from the lodge with your packed lunch and gather at the park centre where you will be welcomed by the park sector warden who will take you through the history of gorilla conservation in this particular park sector and Bwindi park in general. While here still you get to have a miniature cultural performance from the local Batwa people who will showcase their musical skills to you. With your armed ranger in the lead, embark on a trek, searching for your allocated gorilla family, On seeing the gorillas, count yourself among the lucky people who have managed to see these endangered mountain giants in their natural habitat. You will be granted a full hour with these magical beings to watch them as they go about their daily lives and if you’re lucky you might get to see the young gorillas break the 7-meter rule as they get closure to you to have you incorporated in their games. After the full hour contact with these gorillas, you will transfer back to the park centre where you get awarded a Gorilla tracking certificate for your tracking efforts.  From here, transfer to Lake Bunyonyi where you get to relax from the rather a bit tedious gorilla trekking experience. On arrival to this beautiful tropical gem of the Kigezi highland, you will be fascinated by the tranquil waters of this lake and the numerous islands that are dotted all over this lake hence leading to its famous name The Lake of A Thousand Islands.

Having a close moment with the majestic gorillas surely makes this day a one to remember for a very long time in your lifetime

Accommodation: –

• Luxury/ Upmarket: Birds nest @ Bunyonyi
• Mid-range/ Moderate: Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort
• Budget/ Basic: Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Drive distance & time: Approx. 55-85 km or 1-3 hours

Activities & Services: –

• Enjoy a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Bunyonyi
• Gorilla trekking

Optional activities: –

• A nature walk in Bwindi
• Batwa community walk

Day 7 of the 8 Days Uganda Primate Safari: Explore Lake Bunyonyi for a full day.

This day is a bit laid back as you get to wake a bit late at 8:00 am and listen to the sweet melodies of birds that will be singing their hearts off to the dawn of a new day and this will fairly make you understand why this Lake in called Bunyonyi which means a Lake of many small birds as you will hear interjecting voices of many birds singing together in uniformity as they welcome the day. Grab yourself a cup of coffee or tea and choose from any of the available wide selection of confectionaries. After having breakfast, you will embark at Lake Bunyonyi and embark on the whole day Island hopping boat cruise exploration visiting the main Islands of Lake Bunyonyi. You explore the Bucuranuka (Upside down) Island which is believed to have buried people alive after refusing to offer local brew to an old woman and she cursed the Island turn upside down burying its inhabitants. You also visit the Akampane (Punishment) Island where the girls with unwanted premarital pregnancies would be dumbed to die of hunger or as they as try to swim back the mainland. Njuyera Islands which is a traditional leprosy healing centre which can also be visited. Have a lunch break then in the evening, embark on a hike to the top of the world point here which takes you 2200meters above sea level and if you manage to get to the top your efforts will be rewarded with spectacular views of the entire Bunyonyi lake which will forever be imprinted in your memory. While at the top take time off to catch your breath and enjoy a picnic evening tea that comes with a warm cup of coffee & an assortment of snacks while you appreciate nature’s work and also re-energize before you slope down. After this hike, set off for a community tour as you visit some of the local schools if the school term is open. While here, you will get to meet the local students who are striving for a better future, if it’s fine with you, you can donate a few scholastic items to the school to enable these students to have a comfortable stay in school. From the school visit. Retire from the activity return to the lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight.

An experiential boat cruise on Lake Bunyonyi will make be the highlight of the day

Accommodation: –

• Luxury/ Upmarket: Birds nest @ Bunyonyi
• Mid-range/ Moderate: Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort
• Budget/ Basic: Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Drive distance & time: Approx. 55-85 km or 1-3 hours

Activities & Services: –

• Enjoy a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Bunyonyi
• Bakiga community walk

Day 8 of the 8 Days Uganda Primate Safari:  Transfer back to Kampala with en-route stops along the way

You will wake up at 8:00 am to the sweet melodies of birds that will be singing their hearts off to the dawn of a new day and this will fairly make you understand why this Lake in called Bunyonyi which means a Lake of many small birds as you will hear interjecting voices of many birds singing together in uniformity as they welcome the day. Grab yourself a cup of coffee or tea and choose from any of the available wide selection of confectionaries. After having breakfast, you will embark on the transfer to Kampala 420km and Entebbe 470km from Lake Bunyonyi. During this 470km return journey to Entebbe, you will drive through the rolling hills of Mirama which will fascinate you given how the locals here have managed to tame these wildlands by cultivating along these steep slopes. Along the way back you will encounter many local men carrying farm produce on their bicycles headed towards the nearest local markets. You will make an en-route stop for lunch at Igongo country hotel and just a few kilometres outside Mbarara town to enjoy a locally inspired lunch buffet and if you wish, you can try out the Ishabwe dish wish is a local delicacy in this region. After having this sumptuous lunch buffet, you will proceed and visit the 1520AD solar eclipse monument which is found in Biharwe village. If you wish you can hike up the hill on which this monument is set and enjoy spectacular views of the undulating Ankole plains which form a nice background for you to take photos. While here, the guide will take you through the intriguing history behind this solar eclipse and how it managed to greatly change the destiny of three great ancient kingdoms all at once. From here proceed to the Equator point where another stop will be done to allow enjoy an experience of living in 2 separate halves of the world at the same time as this is the line that divides the earth into 2 equal halves! You should take a number of photos of yourself while here to allow have this magical moment captioned for eternity. You will also undertake a water experience which teaches how to differentiate the northern from the Southern hemisphere hence helping you to always be in the know of which half of the world you’re in anywhere in the world! You will finally continue with the rest of your journey back to Entebbe airport where your safari will come to an end as you catch your departure flight back home.

Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

Drive distance & time: Approx. 450km or 7-8 hours

Activities & services: –

• Transfer back to Kampala
• Traditional Lunch buffet at Igongo country hotel

End of the 8 Days Uganda Primate Safari- Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi, Wild Game Viewing in Queen Elizabeth Park & Chimpanzee Tracking Tour in Kibale National Park

8 Days Uganda Primate Safari – SAFARI INCLUSIONS

  Full-time English professional safari driver-guide

   4×4 safari van/ 4×4 Safari land cruiser with pop up roof for game viewing with functional A/C

   Full board accommodation

   Gorilla & chimpanzee trekking permit fees

   Boat cruise fees

   Wi-Fi Internet on board the safari vehicle

   Bottled water

8 Days Uganda Primate Safari – SAFARI EXCLUSIONS

  Visa fees

  Laundry services

  Items of personal nature

  Gratuities and tips

  Other beverages/ drinks

  Other extras not mentioned in the itinerary above

8 Days Uganda Primate Safari – GETTING THERE 

8 Days Uganda Primate Safari – PRICE PER PERSON

Number of people against price per person

2 – $na pp

3 – $na pp

4 – $na pp

5 – $na pp

6 – $na pp

8 Days Uganda Primate Safari – RELATED SAFARI ACCOMMODATION 

RELATED 8 DAYS UGANDA PRIMATE SAFARI ITINERARIES – Tour Packages

Gorilla Safaris Uganda

• – Gorilla Safari in Uganda 3 days
• – Bwindi Gorilla Safari & Wildlife 4 days
• – Gorillas & Wildlife Uganda Safari Tour 5 days
• – Primate Trekking Uganda Safari 6 days
• – Gorilla trekking Safari Tour 8 days
• – Rwanda Uganda Gorilla trekking Safari 8 days
• – Uganda Safari tour 9 days
• – 9 days Wilderness Camping Gorilla safari in Uganda
• – Gorilla Trekking Safari in Uganda & Chimps 10 days
• – Uganda Rwanda Gorilla Safari 11 Days
• – Uganda & Rwanda Safari 13 days
• – Birding & Gorilla trekking Uganda Safari 14 days

Chimpanzee Trekking Safaris In Uganda

• – Chimpanzee Trekking Uganda Safari-Kibale 3 days
• – Uganda Safari Tour-Chimpanzees & Wild Life 5 days
• – Primate Safari in Uganda 6 days
• -Chimps Trekking & Wildlife Safari in Uganda 6 days
• – Gorilla Trekking & Chimps Safari in Uganda 10 days

Wildlife Safaris In Uganda

• – Queen Elizabeth National Park Wildlife Safari in Uganda 3 days
• – Murchison Falls National Park Uganda safari Tour 3 days
• – Kibale Forest National Park Chimpanzee Trekking Safari in Uganda 3 days
• – Bwindi & Queen Elizabeth Uganda safari 4 days
• – Game Viewing Safari in Uganda 5 days
• – Murchison Falls & Kibale Uganda safari- 5 days
• – Chimpanzee trekking & Wildlife safari in Uganda 6 days
• – Wildlife Tour in Uganda 8 days
• – Enjoy Agro Safaris in Uganda
• – Mountain Elgon Hiking Uganda Tour -8 days
• – Rwenzori Mountain Hiking safari in Uganda 9 days
• – Wildlife Camping Safari in Uganda 14 days
• – Birding Safari in Uganda 7 days
• – Birding Africa Safari in Uganda 21 days

Luxury Uganda Safaris

• – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Gorilla Safari Trek in Uganda 3 days
• – Queen Elizabeth Uganda Safari 3 days
• – 3 days Murchison Falls Park
• – Chimpanzee trekking Safari in Uganda 5 days
• – Gorilla Tracking safaris in Uganda 6 days
• – Chimps & Wildlife Safari in Uganda 6 day

Short Safaris in Uganda

• – Bwindi Gorilla Tracking Safari in Uganda 3 days
• – Chimpanzee trekking in Uganda Kibale-3 days
• – Gorilla Trekking safari & Wildlife in Uganda 5 days
• – Chimpanzee Trekking Safari in Uganda- 5 days
• – Uganda Primate Safari 6 days
• – Chimpanzee Tracking & Wildlife safari in Uganda 6 days

Long Safaris in Uganda

• – Uganda Rwanda Gorilla trekking Safari 8 days
• – Wildlife Safari in Uganda 8 days
• – Wildlife & Primates trekking Uganda Safari 9 days
• – Wilderness Camp Safari 9 days
• – Uganda Safari to Gorillas & Chimpanzee trekking- 10 days
• – Uganda & Rwanda Gorilla safari- 13 days
• – Birding Watching Safari in Uganda- 14 days
• – Uganda Birding Watching Safari -21 days

Day Tours in Uganda

• – Kampala City Tour
• – Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Day Tour
• – Entebbe City Short Tour
• – Jinja Source of the Nile Tour
• – White Water Rafting
• – Uganda Short Safari to Lake Mburo NP
• – Sipi Falls safari in Uganda
• – Mabamba Swamp Birding Excursion

Fishing Safaris In Uganda

• – 1 Days Fishing trip to Lake Victoria in Uganda
• – 1 Day Jinja Fishing Tour in Uganda
• – 3 Days Uganda Fishing & Wildlife Safari
• – 4 Days Luxury Fishing and Wildlife safari in Uganda
• – 5 Days Uganda Fishing Safari to Lake Victoria and Ssese Islands
• – 7 Days Luxury Fishing Safari in Uganda
• – Fishing Safari to Lake Victoria, Ssese Islands & Murchison Falls NP
• – 9 Days Nile Perch Fishing Safari in Uganda

Cultural Safaris

• – 3 Days Short Cultural tour in Uganda
• – 7 Days Culture Safari in Uganda with Gorilla trekking
• 8 Days Uganda Cultural Tour
• – 20 Days Grand Cultural Tour in Uganda

8 Days Uganda Primate Safari – GORILLA TREKKING TIPS 

•   Mountain gorillas sometimes nest far from the start of your gorilla trek, you should ready yourself for a long walk and drink plenty of water.
•    Eating, drinking and smoking near the gorillas is forbidden – designated time and place will be communicated.
•    Smoking while inside the forest is strictly forbidden
•    Bwindi being a tropical forest, it can rain anytime so we encourage you to carry a rain poncho
•    Waterproof walking shoes or hiking boots are essential.
•    Gardening gloves for protection against stinging plants
•    Long trousers and long-sleeved sweaters or shirts while in the forest to avoid insect stings.
•    Photography is permitted, although you must not use flash
•    Porters are available to help you carry your day pack for a small charge
•    As you prepare to come for your Uganda gorilla adventure, please do some exercises so that you prepare your body for gorilla trekking which can last between 3-8 hours
•    In case you can’t walk for a very long time, you shouldn’t really worry about not being able to do gorilla trekking because there are potters who can carry you throughout at a small extra cost.
•    Carry your sunscreen lotion to keep your skin safe from the tropical heat & sun rays
•    When you get to the gorillas, don’t make noise because this agitates the gorillas
•    For more information about gorilla trekking tips please follow these links to read more about gorilla trekking tips and advice.

At Prime Safaris and Tours Ltd, your safety is our utmost priority. We have thus undertaken the necessary safety measures in compliance with the approved Standard Operating Procedures by the Governments of ALL African countries in which we operate with a goal of protecting our customers while travelling and on their Africa safari. The following guidelines will be applicable for your  Safari in Uganda, Rwanda, Congo and other African Countries.