Uganda: 6-Day Primate & Big Game Safari — Chimpanzees, Gorillas & Lions

Uganda: 6-Day Primate & Big Game Safari — Chimpanzees, Gorillas & Lions

Experience Uganda’s complete primate story — from the mighty mountain gorillas of Bwindi to the energetic chimpanzees of Kibale Forest, with classic big game safaris in between. Uganda is the world’s primate capital, home to 20 primate species including over half the world’s mountain gorillas. This 6-day itinerary covers the country’s major wildlife highlights: chimpanzee tracking in Kibale’s tropical rainforest, tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and the iconic gorilla trek in Bwindi. A safari that showcases why Winston Churchill called Uganda the “Pearl of Africa.”

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Kampala/Entebbe — Kibale Forest National Park
Depart Kampala/Entebbe early for the 5-6 hour drive west to Kibale Forest National Park. Pass through lush tea estates and rural villages. Arrive at your lodge near Kibale in the late afternoon. Evening nature walk to the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary — a community-run project with exceptional birding (over 200 species) and opportunities to spot several monkey species including black-and-white colobus and red-tailed monkeys. Overnight at Kibale.

Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking — Kibale National Park
Early breakfast, transfer to Kanyanchu Visitors’ Center for 8:00 AM briefing. Enter the forest to track chimpanzees — Kibale holds the highest density of primates in Africa, with over 1,500 chimpanzees across 13 communities. The thrill of hearing the pant-hoot calls echo through the forest followed by the sight of chimps swinging through the canopy is unforgettable. Afternoon drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Evening game drive in the Kasenyi sector — spot elephants, buffalo, antelope, and possibly lions. Overnight at Queen Elizabeth NP.

Day 3: Queen Elizabeth — Game Drives & Boat Safari
Morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s most popular savanna reserve. Search for tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector (these lions are famous for lounging in fig trees during the heat of the day). Afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel — one of Africa’s best water-based wildlife experiences, with hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants at the water’s edge, and spectacular birdlife including African fish eagles and kingfishers. Overnight at Queen Elizabeth NP.

Day 4: Queen Elizabeth — Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Morning game drive through Ishasha sector (tree-climbing lion territory). Continue south through scenic highlands to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The drive takes you through the “Switzerland of Africa” — terraced hills, misty valleys, and village communities. Arrive at your lodge near Bwindi. Evening at leisure. Overnight.

Day 5: Gorilla Trekking — Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
The main event: gorilla trekking in Bwindi. Early breakfast, briefing at park headquarters, and trek into the ancient forest. The terrain is challenging but the reward — an hour with a gorilla family — makes every step worth it. Return to lodge. Afternoon Batwa cultural experience. Celebration dinner. Overnight.

Day 6: Bwindi — Return to Kampala/Entebbe
After a leisurely breakfast, begin the scenic drive back to Kampala/Entebbe (8-9 hours with stops). Cross the equator (photo opportunity). Lunch en route. Arrive Entebbe in the evening for your departure flight.

Inclusions

• 5 nights accommodation (lodges, full board)
• 1 chimpanzee tracking permit ($200 value)
• 1 gorilla trekking permit ($800 value)
• All game drives and boat safari
• Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary walk
• Professional guide-driver, 4×4 vehicle
• Bottled water, airport transfers