Classic Uganda Primate Itinerary
This Classic Primate tour combines the highlights of the country including exciting chimp walks, wildlife viewing and of course the unforgettable gorilla tracking.
Highlights:
- Exciting night walk in the African rainforest
- Chimp tracking in Kibale Forest with an optional full day chimp habituation experience
- Excellent game viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Optional second chimp tracking in Kyambura Gorge
- Unforgettable meeting with the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
This is just one option for exploring Africa. Our resident adventure Travel Advisor helped plan this particular sample itinerary. It depends on how much time you can spend and what interests you have for this destination. Our consultation includes time with your Travel Advisor to figure out where to go and what activities you want to do in Africa. We excel at crafting a custom itinerary designed just for you! Contact us to get started today.
Day 1: Arrive Entebbe International Airport
Upon arrival in Entebbe, we will meet you at the airport and transfer to your accommodation in Entebbe.
Optional Extra: in the afternoon (departure from the hotel must be max at 14.30/15.00 hours) departure by car and local canoe to Mabamba Swamp, one of the best places for spotting the rare shoebill storks. Of course, some fortune is needed but rarely does one leave the swamp without seeing one! Many other water birds have chosen this area as their home so birding is always very interesting. Enjoy a relaxing sundowner on Lake Victoria and then return to the Guest House.
Accommodation: Papyrus Guesthouse. Breakfast.
Day 2: Entebbe to Kibale Forest National Park
After breakfast with driver/guide will set off to Western Uganda, to Fort Portal. This lively town is the base for activities around Kibale Forest National Park. The national park offers one of the most varied tracts of tropical forest in Uganda, 70 mammal species and 13 primate species.
The drive takes 5 to 7 hours so we will arrive in time in Fort Portal for lunch. After lunch we will shake off the long drive with a walk to the “top of the world” along crater lakes which this area is also famous for.
Accommodation: Crater Safari Lodge. Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 3: Chimpanzee tracking & Queen Elizabeth National Park
An early start and a long day are ahead of you! Today you will track chimpanzees and will not only learn about them but also about the flora and fauna of the national park.
After the tracking, equipped with a packed lunch you will drive towards Queen Elizabeth National Park. It is the most popular park in Uganda as it offers diverse ecosystems, classic big game, 10 primate species and over 600 bird species. You will drive leisurely southwards; explore the park in a extensive game drive.
Accommodation: Katara Lodge. Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 4: Queen Elizabeth National Park
You will spend the whole day exploring the park further. Starting off with an early morning game drive, a boat trip on Kazinga Channel continued by the drive southwards to the Ishasha sector which is re-known for its tree climbing lions. You will carry a packed lunch.
Accommodation: Ishasha Jungle Lodge. Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 5: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
You are warming up for the gorilla tracking… We will drive further south to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park which is of Uganda´s oldest and most diverse rain forests. The “impenetrable” forest is also home to more than 320 mountain gorillas, 400 species of plants, 120 species of mammals and over 350 species of birds.
In Buhoma which is the northern side of the park you will meet our Nkuringo Walking Safari guide who will walk with you 7 hours through the forest to Nkuringo, on the southern side.
Your safari guide will meanwhile drive around to the lodge and will meet you there so we recommend you pack a little day pack as chances are high that you will arrive before him. A packed lunch will be provided.
Accommodation: Nkuringo Gorilla Camp En-suite Cottage. Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 6: Gorilla tracking
The most exciting day of your safari! The briefing is at 8 am and you will learn about gorilla etiquette. Then you will start walking and hiking in the impenetrable forest until you find the gorillas. For one hour you are allowed to watch those majestic giants!
Depending on the duration of the track you can either relax in the afternoon at the lodge and just enjoy the view or go for another walk around and explore the village or walk up to the highest football field with the best view ever. Also today, you will carry a packed lunch.
Accommodation: Nkuringo Gorilla Camp En-suite Cottage. Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 7: Lake Mutanda
Today you will take it a little easier by exploring the area around Nkuringo. You will spend the whole day walking and canoeing but after yesterday´s hike today is really a walk.
Our Nkuringo Walking Safari guide will take you past villages, farms, churches at your own pace. Once you reach Lake Mutanda, enjoy your packed lunch before you get into the dugout canoes (life vests are provided and you do not need to paddle) that will take you to the other side. Sit back, relax, stick a foot into the water and enjoy.
When you get to the shore, we will pick you up and bring you back to the lodge.
Accommodation: Nkuringo Gorilla Camp En-suite Cottage. Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 8: Nkuringo to Kigali International Airport
Transfer to Kigali with possible visit to the Genocide memorial. To later transfer to Kigali International Airport for evening Flight.
Breakfast | Lunch
Are You Ready Or Need More Information?
Inclusions: All activities and accommodations as mentioned per above itinerary (walks, drives, transfers, gorilla tracking permit, chimpanzee habituation experience, park fees, boat trips, meals), water in the vehicle, French speaking driver guide, English speaking Nkuringo Walking Safari guide with a 4WD safari vehicle with pop up roof (fuel also included), transport in a 4x4 land cruiser,
Excludes: International airfares, visa fees, insurance, drinks, tips/gratuities, curio shopping
We are happy to book this itinerary option for you or your own custom itinerary. Our consultation fee includes setting aside time to get to know you, your travel style and your travel desires to create a personal and tailor-made itinerary that you will love.
Contact us today for more information about this itinerary or for our Africa Specialist to create your very own customized itinerary.
Terms and conditions: Some restrictions may apply. Availability of accommodation and activities is not guaranteed; reservations will be made after receiving confirmation of the final itinerary and the payment of the requested deposit. Should any of the quoted accommodations not be available, we reserve the right to substitute it with an alternative suitable option, which might affect the final quoted price.
All clients who participate in this tour must be adequately covered by medical insurance as well as travel insurance to protect them in case of unforeseen circumstances.