Overview
This 5 Days Uganda Primate Safari offers an immersive adventure into Uganda’s tropical rainforests, teeming with wildlife, particularly primates. This safari focuses on unforgettable gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, as well as scenic wildlife experiences in the heart of Africa. Get ready to explore Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Kibale Forest National Park, two of Uganda’s most treasured ecosystems.
Highlights
- Arrival in Entebbe and Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
- Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest
- Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
- Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Return to Entebbe or Kampala
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be greeted by your safari guide, who will brief you on the exciting adventure ahead. You’ll embark on a scenic drive to Kibale Forest National Park, known for its large population of chimpanzees. The journey takes you through stunning Ugandan landscapes, from lush farmlands to tea plantations, as you ascend to the cooler highlands near the park.
Upon arrival, check into your lodge or camp and relax after the day's travel. If time allows, you may opt for a nature walk in the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, famous for bird watching and encounters with other primates like the colobus monkeys.
Overnight: Kibale Forest Lodge or a similar option
Meal Plan: Lunch and dinner
The second day begins with an early breakfast before heading into Kibale Forest for a chimpanzee trekking experience. Kibale is renowned for its dense population of chimpanzees and is considered the best place in Uganda for up-close encounters with our closest relatives.
After a briefing by the park rangers, you'll hike into the forest in search of the chimps. As you walk through the forest, you’ll hear the lively hoots of the chimps, and soon after, you’ll encounter them swinging in the treetops or grooming each other on the ground. Along the way, you may also spot other primates, such as red-tailed monkeys and blue monkeys.
The trek lasts between 2-4 hours, depending on how quickly you locate the chimpanzees. Afterward, you’ll return to your lodge for lunch and some relaxation. In the afternoon, you may explore the Bigodi Swamp for more wildlife sightings or visit a local community for a cultural experience.
Overnight: Kibale Forest Lodge or a similar option
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
After breakfast, the safari continues with a drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, home to over half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas. The journey takes you through Uganda's beautiful countryside, passing scenic lakes, mountains, and rural villages.
Upon arrival at Bwindi, you’ll check into your lodge nestled near the edge of the forest. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure, enjoying the serene views of the surrounding mountains and preparing for the next day's gorilla trekking adventure.
Overnight: Buhoma Lodge or a similar option
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
This is the highlight of your safari—the opportunity to trek and observe the magnificent mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. After an early breakfast, you'll head to the Bwindi park headquarters for a briefing by experienced trackers who will guide you through the day.
Trekking through Bwindi’s dense and rugged forest can be challenging but incredibly rewarding. Depending on the location of the gorillas, the trek can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours. Once you find a gorilla family, you'll spend a magical hour observing these gentle giants as they go about their daily routines—feeding, playing, and bonding with each other. This close encounter is a life-changing experience and the pinnacle of any primate safari in Uganda.
After the trek, return to your lodge for relaxation and celebration of your successful gorilla experience. You can also choose to take a community walk in the evening to visit the Batwa pygmies, the original inhabitants of the forest.
Overnight: Buhoma Lodge or a similar option
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
On the final day, enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your lodge before beginning your journey back to Entebbe. The return trip gives you more chances to soak in Uganda’s natural beauty. You’ll stop for lunch en route and reach Entebbe by late afternoon.
Depending on your flight schedule, you can either proceed directly to the airport for your departure flight or opt for a short city tour of Entebbe, visiting attractions like the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre or the Entebbe Botanical Gardens.
Meal Plan: Breakfast and lunch
Cost
The Cost Includes
- Gorilla Trekking Permits
- Transport Costs
- Professional Guide
- Full board Accommodation (meals of your choice)
- Chimpanzee Permits
- Park Entrance
- Park entrances
- Snacks and Water
- Wi-fi On Board
- All activities mentioned in the itinerary.
The Cost Excludes
- International Airfare
- Visa Charges
- Alcoholic drinks
- Your travel and medical insurance
- Personal Expenses such as shopping, bar bills, hot shower, telephone, laundry.
FAQs
Both gorilla and chimpanzee trekking can be physically demanding due to the terrain. Gorilla trekking, especially, can involve hiking through dense forests, up and down steep hills, and sometimes in muddy conditions. Trekking can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours depending on the location of the animals. Moderate physical fitness is recommended, and porters are available for hire to assist with carrying gear and providing support on the trek.
It is recommended to wear:
- Sturdy hiking boots for comfort and stability
- Long trousers and long-sleeved shirts to protect against insects and vegetation
- A lightweight, waterproof rain jacket (since the weather in the forest can be unpredictable)
- A wide-brimmed hat or cap for sun protection
- Gloves to help with grip while trekking
Additionally, you should carry sunscreen, insect repellent, a reusable water bottle, and binoculars for bird watching. A walking stick (often provided by the park) may also be useful for added support.
During both gorilla and chimpanzee treks, you will be allowed to get as close as 7 meters (about 21 feet) from the animals. This distance is enforced to protect both the visitors and the primates. Gorillas and chimpanzees are habituated to humans but remain wild animals, so maintaining a respectful distance is essential for safety and to avoid disturbing them.
The cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda is approximately $800 USD per person for foreign non-residents, while permits for foreign residents and East African citizens are available at a lower rate. A chimpanzee trekking permit costs about $250 USD per person for foreign non-residents. Both permits must be secured in advance, as availability can be limited, especially during peak seasons.
The minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years, and for chimpanzee trekking, the minimum age is 12 years. These age restrictions are in place to ensure the safety of both the visitors and the primates, as younger children may find it difficult to handle the challenging trekking conditions.
To secure your spot on the 5 Days Uganda Primate Safari, a deposit of at least 40% of the total trip cost is required. This deposit confirms your booking and allows for the reservation of accommodations, permits, and other safari essentials. The remaining balance is typically due before the trip begins, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience as you embark on your unforgettable primate adventure.
Yes, proof of a Yellow Fever vaccination is required for entry into Uganda. It is also advisable to be up-to-date on routine vaccinations like Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Typhoid. Consult with your healthcare provider about necessary vaccinations and medications, including malaria prophylaxis, as Uganda is a malaria-endemic country.
For the Annapurna region, pay for guides range from $20 to $30 per day and porters take $15 to $25 per day.
Most visitors to Uganda arrive via Entebbe International Airport (EBB), located near the capital city, Kampala. From there, the safari operator will provide transport to the various parks and accommodations. You will also be picked up from the airport upon arrival, and drop-offs can be arranged after the safari. We can help you on processing your visa to Uganda. Contact kenlinktours@gmail.com