8 Day Uganda Primates Adventure

Upon landing at Entebbe International Airport, a Journey Maker Africa representative will warmly welcome you. A brief transfer brings you to the eco-friendly Karibu Guest House, designed with sustainability in mind.

Depending on your arrival time, consider an optional excursion to the nearby botanical gardens, home to diverse plant species and birdlife. Settle in for a restful night, preparing for the adventure ahead.

• Driving distance: 10-20 minutes
• Activities: Optional like shoebill excursion/botanical gardens depending on arrival time
• Overnight: Karibu Guest House (Bed & Breakfast)

After a hearty breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Kibale National Park, often referred to as the "Primate Capital of the World." The journey offers glimpses of Uganda's rich landscapes and rural life.

Upon arrival, check into the Primate Lodge, a facility committed to eco-conscious practices. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walk through the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-run initiative that supports local conservation efforts.

• Driving distance: 5-6 hours
• Activities: Bigodi swamp walk
• Overnight: Primate Lodge
• Meal plan: FB-bed and breakfast, lunch and dinner included

At 8:00 AM, gather at the park headquarters for a comprehensive briefing led by experienced rangers. Here, you'll receive insights into chimpanzee behavior, conservation efforts, and trekking etiquette. By 8:30 AM, venture into the dense tropical rainforest, accompanied by expert trackers who follow the telltale signs of chimpanzee activity. The crisp morning air carries a symphony of bird calls and rustling leaves as you navigate the undergrowth, stepping over gnarled roots and winding vines.

By mid-morning, the moment arrives—your guides signal that a troop of chimpanzees is nearby. As you quietly approach, observe their lively interactions: juveniles tumbling through the canopy, dominant males asserting their status, and mothers cradling their young. The experience is nothing short of mesmerizing, a true privilege to witness these intelligent creatures in their natural domain.

After a rewarding trek, return to the lodge for a well-earned lunch. In the afternoon, embark on a guided walk through the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a thriving ecosystem managed by the local community. The walk offers opportunities to spot additional primate species, such as red colobus monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabeys. Bird enthusiasts will delight in sightings of over 200 species, including the striking great blue turaco. The day concludes with reflections on the incredible biodiversity of Kibale and the vital conservation efforts that sustain it.

• Driving distance: 5-10 minutes
• Activities: Chimpanzee tracking and Bigodi wetland walk
• Overnight: Primate Lodge
• Meal plan: FB: bed and breakfast, lunch and dinner

Depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda's most biodiverse reserve. The drive offers views of the Rwenzori Mountains and the chance to spot wildlife en route. After settling into the Elephant Plains Lodge, embark on an afternoon game drive across the Kasenyi plains, seeking elephants, buffaloes, and if fortunate, the elusive leopard.

• Driving distance: 2-3 hours
• Activities: Game drive
• Overnight: Elephant plains lodge
• Meal plan: FB: bed and breakfast, lunch and dinner

At 6:00 AM, embark on an exhilarating dawn game drive across the vast savannahs of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The golden morning light provides the perfect backdrop as predators such as lions and leopards finish their nocturnal hunts.

Keep your eyes peeled for grazing antelopes, towering elephants, and the occasional hyena trotting along the dusty paths. Your expert guide will share insights into the behaviors and habitats of the park’s diverse wildlife, making this an educational as well as thrilling experience.

After a refreshing late breakfast at the lodge, enjoy some leisure time before heading to the Kazinga Channel for an afternoon boat cruise. By 2:00 PM, board a comfortable boat and set sail along the waterway that links Lake Edward and Lake George. This natural paradise teems with wildlife—hippos cluster in pods, crocodiles bask on the riverbanks, and a rich array of birdlife flutters above.

Look out for African fish eagles, kingfishers, and great cormorants, all competing for their next meal. As the sun dips lower, soak in the serene atmosphere and capture stunning photographs of the pristine wilderness. The boat docks back in the late afternoon, marking the end of a remarkable day in the heart of Uganda’s wild landscapes.

• Driving distance: 3-4 hours
• Activities: Am game drive, pm boat cruise on kazinga channel
• Overnight: Elephant plains lodge
• Meal plan: FB: bed and breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park via the Ishasha sector, a rare haven where lions have adapted to an arboreal lifestyle. The drive through this remarkable landscape unveils vast savannahs dotted with ancient fig trees, the very perches where these elusive predators rest during the heat of the day.

As your guide expertly navigates the rugged terrain, keep your eyes peeled for golden coats draped over thick branches, tails swaying lazily in the breeze. Witnessing these majestic creatures lounging above ground—a behavior rarely seen elsewhere—adds an unparalleled thrill to the safari experience.

Pause at prime viewing spots to observe their behavior, whether it’s a playful cub clambering to join its mother, or a dominant male surveying the grasslands from his elevated throne. Beyond the lions, the Ishasha sector teems with other wildlife, including herds of Uganda kob, elephants, and elusive leopards lurking in the shadows.

After an unforgettable wildlife encounter, continue to Mahogany Springs Lodge, nestled at the edge of the forest, providing a serene base for the adventures ahead.

• Driving distance: 4-6 hours
• Activities: Game drive in ishasha-Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Overnight: Mahogany springs Lodge
• Meal plan: FB: bed and breakfast, lunch and dinner

Today is the pinnacle of your Uganda Primates Adventure. At 8:00 AM, gather at the park headquarters for a comprehensive briefing from experienced rangers. Here, you'll receive guidelines on trekking protocols, conservation efforts, and gorilla behavior, ensuring a responsible and enriching experience.

By 8:30 AM, you embark on your journey into the mist-covered hills of Bwindi, navigating through dense foliage, steep ridges, and winding trails. The trek can last anywhere from one to four hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family assigned to your group. Along the way, guides interpret the rich biodiversity surrounding you, pointing out various bird species, monkeys, and medicinal plants used by local communities.

As you approach the gorillas, the anticipation builds. Your guide signals to lower voices and move cautiously. Then, suddenly, you spot them—a majestic silverback sitting peacefully, juveniles tumbling playfully, and mothers cradling their young. You spend an awe-inspiring hour in their presence, observing their behaviors, interactions, and the striking similarities they share with humans.

After your trek, return to the lodge for a well-deserved lunch and reflect on the once-in-a-lifetime encounter. The afternoon is at leisure, offering optional activities such as visiting a local community project to learn about the Batwa people, or simply unwinding at the lodge while absorbing the breathtaking views of Bwindi’s lush rainforest.

• Driving distance: 5 minutes
• Activities: Full day gorilla tracking
• Overnight: Mahogany springs
• Meal plan: FB- bed and breakfast, lunch and dinner

After breakfast, transfer to Kihihi Airstrip for a domestic flight back to Entebbe. Upon arrival, depending on your international flight schedule, you may opt for a day room at Karibu Guest House to relax and freshen up.

Reflect on the incredible experiences of your Uganda Primates Adventure before your onward journey.

• Driving distance: 1.5 hours
• Activities: Domestic flight
• Overnight: optional
• Meal plan: Breakfast