10 Day Primates and Wildlife Safari in Uganda

Arrive at Entebbe International Airport, where our experienced tourist guide will meet you and transfer you to The Boma Entebbe for check-in.

Depending on your arrival time, we can take a relaxed walk through the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, an excellent introduction to Uganda's tropical vegetation and birdlife.

Enjoy your first evening in Uganda and prepare for the adventure ahead.

Searching for Uganda's Prehistoric Bird

After breakfast, we travel to Mabamba Wetland, one of Uganda's best-known destinations for the extraordinary Shoebill.

The journey into the wetland takes place in a traditional community canoe, navigating quietly through narrow channels surrounded by papyrus and tall wetland vegetation.

The Shoebill is one of the world's most sought-after birds, and finding one in the wild is an unforgettable experience. As we move quietly through the channels, we search for the unmistakable silhouette of this prehistoric-looking bird while keeping an eye out for the many other wetland species that inhabit Mabamba.

Into Uganda's Primate Capital

After breakfast, we begin our journey westward towards Kibale National Park.
The scenic drive takes us through Uganda's countryside and extensive tea plantations before reaching Kibale Forest, widely regarded as one of Africa's premier destinations for primate experiences.

The forest is home to at least 13 species of primates, including both diurnal and nocturnal species.
As we approach Kibale, the landscape changes from open countryside to lush tropical forest, setting the stage for the next chapter of our adventure.

Face-to-Face with Our Closest Relatives

Today begins with one of the highlights of the safari: chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest.

Chimpanzees share approximately 98.7% of their genetic makeup with humans, making an encounter with them a fascinating opportunity to observe behaviours that can feel surprisingly familiar. As we follow the forest trails, we search for chimpanzees while enjoying the extraordinary biodiversity of Kibale.

After the chimpanzee experience, we head to Bigodi Wetland for an afternoon nature walk.
The wetland and surrounding forest provide opportunities to encounter several species of monkeys and other wildlife, including the elusive Ashy Red Colobus. Bigodi is also an excellent destination for birdwatching and community-based ecotourism.

From Forest to Savannah

After breakfast, we depart Kibale and travel towards Queen Elizabeth National Park.

The journey takes us through changing landscapes as we move from the forested foothills into the open savannahs of the park. Depending on time and conditions, there may be opportunities for wildlife viewing along the way.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is renowned for its diverse ecosystems, including savannah, wetlands, lakes, and forests, supporting an impressive variety of wildlife. Today provides a relaxed transition between the primate-rich forests of Kibale and the mountain landscapes of southwestern Uganda.

Savannah Wildlife and the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

We begin the morning with an early game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, when wildlife activity is often at its most rewarding.

After the game drive, we continue south towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
The landscape gradually changes as we approach the Albertine Rift, with rolling hills and forested mountains replacing the open savannah.

Our accommodation will be at the Mahogany Springs or Buhoma Haven Lodge, overlooking the magnificent Bwindi forest.

The camp provides an opportunity to stay close to the forest while supporting conservation and community initiatives.

An Encounter You Will Never Forget

Today is one of the defining moments of the journey: Mountain Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

After an early breakfast, we drive to the trekking briefing point, where you receive information about the trek, gorilla behaviour, and responsible viewing guidelines.

We then enter the ancient forest in search of one of Africa's most iconic animals.
The trek can take several hours depending on the location of the gorilla family on the day. The forest itself is part of the experience, with towering trees, dense vegetation, birds, primates, and spectacular mountain scenery.

When the gorillas are finally located, the effort becomes worthwhile.
Watching a Mountain Gorilla family in its natural environment is a deeply moving wildlife experience—one that stays with you long after you leave the forest.

Into the Land of the Golden Monkey

After breakfast, we depart Bwindi and travel towards Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, part of the larger Virunga conservation landscape.

Mgahinga is a spectacular mountainous environment of forests and volcanic peaks.
While the park is also home to Mountain Gorillas, today our focus turns to another remarkable primate:

The Golden Monkey

With its distinctive golden-orange coat and energetic behaviour, the Golden Monkey is one of the most fascinating primates of the Albertine Rift.

We settle into our accommodation and prepare for the following day's forest adventure.

In Search of the Golden Monkeys

After an early breakfast, we head into the forest for a Golden Monkey tracking experience.
The trek takes us through the beautiful montane forest of Mgahinga, where we search for troops of these lively and charismatic primates.

The forest is also home to a variety of bird species and other wildlife, making the journey as rewarding as the destination.

After the trek, we continue to Lake Bunyonyi, one of Uganda's most scenic highland lakes.
The name Bunyonyi is commonly associated with "the place of many little birds," reflecting the area's rich birdlife.

Surrounded by steep green hills and dotted with numerous small islands, Lake Bunyonyi provides the perfect setting to relax after several days of trekking and wildlife adventures

Journey's End

After breakfast, we begin our transfer towards Kigali International Airport in Rwanda for your onward flight.

As we leave the beautiful landscapes of southwestern Uganda behind, we reflect on an incredible journey through some of East Africa's most remarkable wildlife habitats.

From the mysterious Shoebill of Mabamba to chimpanzees in Kibale, Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi, and Golden Monkeys in Mgahinga, this safari offers an extraordinary introduction to Uganda's wildlife and conservation story.