8-Day Uganda Great Apes Safari
Embark on an unforgettable 8-Day Uganda Great Apes Safari and immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of this extraordinary African nation. Meanwhile Uganda, often referred to as the “Pearl of Africa,” is a land of breathtaking landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and a rich tapestry of cultures. Furthermore this meticulously designed safari offers an incredible opportunity to witness the magnificence of the great apes that inhabit this lush country.
Kibale Forest National Park:
Specifically known for its remarkable chimpanzee population, Kibale Forest allows visitors to go chimpanzee tracking and observe these primates in their natural habitat. It’s an enriching experience to learn about the behavior of these intelligent creatures and witness their interactions. However you will engage in more exciting activities like the Bigodi wetland swamp walk. The Bigodi Swamp Walk is a fascinating eco-tourism activity located near Kibale Forest National Park in Uganda. Furthermore, it is a community-based initiative that offers visitors a chance to explore the unique wetland ecosystem of Bigodi and encounter its diverse flora and fauna.
Wildlife in Kibale NP; Chimpanzee, Elephant, Buffalo, Leopard, Hippo, Lion
Queen Elizabeth National Park:
This park offers a game drive and a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, where visitors can spot a wide array of wildlife and bird species. The diverse landscape for instance crater lakes and the Rwenzori Mountains, adds to the allure of this park.
Wildlife in Queen Elizabeth NP; Chimpanzee, Elephant, Lion, Buffalo, Hippo, Leopard
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park:
The highlight of the trip, gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, provides a rare opportunity to get up close with the magnificent mountain gorillas. This experience is often considered one of the most memorable wildlife encounters in the world.
Wildlife in Bwindi NP; Gorilla, Chimpanzee, Elephant, White Rhino, Black Rhino, Lion
The Ishasha Sector.
specifically renowned for its population of tree-climbing lions, which is a rare behavior observed in only a few places in the world. These lions are known to rest and perch in the branches of fig trees, providing a remarkable sight for visitors. However, it is believed that they climb the trees to escape from the heat on the ground and to get a better vantage point for spotting prey. Apart from the unique tree-climbing lions, the Ishasha Sector is also home to other wildlife, including elephants, buffalos, antelopes, and various bird species, making it an excellent spot for wildlife viewing and photography.
Lake Bunyonyi
The last part of the Safari will take you for relaxation by beautiful Lake Bunyonyi.Lake Bunyonyi is a mesmerizing and tranquil lake located in southwestern Uganda, near the town of Kabale. It is often regarded as one of the most beautiful lakes in Africa, attracting travelers with its stunning scenery, serene waters, and a myriad of islands scattered throughout its expanse. The name “Bunyonyi” means “place of many little birds” in the local Rukiga language, a fitting description for the abundance of birdlife found around the lake.
Highlights:
Arrival in Uganda
Drive to Kibale Forest National Park
Chimpanzee tracking & visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
Drive to Queen Elizabeth NP
Game drive & boat cruise along Kazinga channel
Drive to Bwindi via Ishasha Sector
Gorilla tracking/trekking & transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
Drive to Entebbe & Departure
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Uganda
You arrive at Entebbe International Airport specifically located on a peninsula that juts out into Lake Victoria – the largest fresh water lake in Africa, where a representative or a driver/guide will welcome you to Uganda and transfer you to the Airport Guest House in Entebbe.
Main Destination: Entebbe International Airport
Accommodation Option:
Luxury: Serena Hotel.
Mid-range: via via guest house
Budget: via via guest house
Meals plan
Water and fruits throughout
Break first, lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Drive to Kibale Forest National Park
At 7.00am, with your breakfast out of the way, you will be met by your driver/guide who will brief you on what to expect and straightaway transfer to Kibale Forest National Park – the number one primate destination in Africa. With your bags packed and already in the safari van, commence your transfer to Kibale Forest National Park. The journey will surely take you through the lush green countryside on the Mityana-Mubende road to Fort portal. In the afternoon, you will visit the crater region and then in the evening, complete your transfer to Kibale Forest National Park for overnight stay at Kibale Forest Camp.
Main Destination: Kibale Forest National Park (Chimps)
Main Destination- Kibale Forest National Park
Accommodation Option:
Luxury: Crater safari lodge / Kyaninga safari lodge.
Mid-range: Chimpanzee Guest house/ Turaco tree tops.
Budget: Rweteera Safari Park
Meals plan;
Break first, lunch & Dinner
Water & fruits throughout
Day 3:Chimpanzee tracking & visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
Today you are in for some real monkey business! After breakfast, head to the park HQ at Kanyachu. You go on a guided nature walk in the tropical rain forest in search for the chimpanzees and many other primates. The guides and rangers provide detailed explanations on primates, forest fauna and flora and will ensure that your walk is both informative and enjoyable. Once you locate the chimpanzees, you will spend an hour in their presence. After the mandatory 1-hour is finished, you are led back to Kanyachu and on to the lodge for lunch.
After lunch, you visit the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary – a community project run. The swamp offers visitors a platform to see more primates, swamp and forest birds. The walk is 4.5 kilometres in length and lasts 3 hours and should not be missed by birders. Money generated from the activities in Bigodi is used to fund community projects including a school and a clinic. Later, return to the lodge (Kibale Forest Camp) for dinner and overnight stay.
Main Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Main Destination- Kibale Forest National Park
Accommodation Option:
Luxury: Crater safari lodge / Kyaninga safari lodge.
Mid-range: Chimpanzee Guest house/ Turaco tree tops.
Budget: Rweteera Safari Park
Meals plan;
Break first, lunch & Dinner
Water & fruits throughout
Day 4: Drive to Queen Elizabeth NP
You wake up at leisure and enjoy breakfast. Then check-out and commence your transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – a short but beautiful drive with the Rwenzori Mountains in the backdrop as you lose altitude to arrive in or around the park. Later arrive and check-in at the Bush Lodge. Enjoy lunch and relax in and around the lodge. In the evening, head to the Katwe Crater Lake where locals have mined salt through the ages.
This lake – situated just north of the impressive Mweya peninsula, is far too salty to support any wildlife. However, since the 16th Century, it has ensured the survival of the Katwe locals, who spend their days under the equatorial sun, harvesting salt from its milky waters. The salt is sold to traders from across Uganda, and as far as Congo and Rwanda. Later, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Main Destination: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation option;
Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge / Katara lodge
Mid-Range: Irungu Forest Lodge/ Elephant hub Lodge
Budget: Bush lodge / Pumba safari cottages
Meals plan:
Break first, lunch & Dinner
Water & fruits throughout
Day 5: Game drive & boat cruise along Kazinga channel
After your breakfast, at 6.30am, head out for the mating grounds of the Uganda Kobs. We search for the lions in their natural habitat, elephants, buffaloes etc. before returning for lunch. After your lunch, at 3.00pm, you will embark on a boat cruise along the Kazinga channel – a major highlight of the safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
On the boat cruise, you will have the opportunity to view great numbers of wildlife including elephants, crocodiles, hippos, buffaloes and large numbers of birds. For instance eagles, kingfishers, sparrows, doves, weaver birds, eaglets and sun birds converging at the channel waters to enjoy a sip of the natural waters. On the cruise abundant bird life is sighted and perhaps the highest concentration of hippos in Africa – there are 1500 hippos found along the channel. Elephant herds that can number 50 in the dry season such as buffalos, and crocodiles can all be seen during the boat cruise. Dinner and overnight at the Bush Lodge.
Main Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorillas)
Best Time To Visit: June to August and December to February
High Season: June to September (Gorilla permits are scarce)
Best Weather: June to July and December to February (Less rainfall)
Main Destination- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Accommodation Option:
Luxury: Gorilla Safari Lodge /Buhoma lodge.
Mid-Range: Silverback lodge / Gorilla Mist Camp.
Budget: Buhoma Community Rest camp
Meals plan:
Break first, lunch & Dinner
Water & fruits throughout
Day 6: Drive to Bwindi via Ishasha Sector
You are up early and enjoy your breakfast. At 8.00am, you start the drive to the Ishasha sector. The drive, which will serve as our morning game drive will last between 2-3 hours. Have your eyes peeled for more game. On arrival in the Ishasha sector, search for the famous and unique tree-climbing lions. If it is a hot day, be sure to find them atop the sycamore fig trees or the acacia trees that dominate this part of the park.
There are about 4 Prides of lions in the area numbering more than 40. Look out for the males with their black mane, which is a notable attribute. Also, there are about 1000+ elephants present in the area and you normally see large numbers. There are Topi and Uganda Kob antelopes in large numbers. You complete this game drive and exit the park headed to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. We arrive in the late afternoon or early evening and check-in at Engagi Lodge.
Main Destination- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Accommodation Option:
Luxury: Gorilla Safari Lodge /Buhoma lodge.
Mid-Range: Silverback lodge / Gorilla Mist Camp.
Budget: Buhoma Community Rest camp
Meals plan:
Break first, lunch & Dinner
Water & fruits throughout
Day 7: Gorilla tracking/trekking & transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
You are up early and enjoy your breakfast. Then transferred to the Buhoma or Ruhiija sector where rangers of Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) will brief you on what to expect on the trek. With packed lunch in your carry-on, you will be allocated the Gorilla family. After the briefing, you will commence your gorilla trek.
When you finally locate the family that you are tracking, take in everything as you watch the gorillas feed and generally go about their day. Take lots of pictures (and a selfie if you happen to have a gorilla in your selfie frame) and a video as the one-hour will be over before you know it. Furthermore, it is an extraordinary feeling sitting in the dense rainforest with the knowledge that you are in the presence of the few remaining wild mountain gorillas. However, after the mandatory one hour is up, the rangers will lead you back to the starting point where you will find your guide to commence your transfer to the picturesque Lake Bunyonyi. Later Dinner and overnight at Birdnest Resort.
Main Destination- Lake Bunyonyi
Accommodation option:
Luxury: Mihingo Lodge.
Mid-Range: Mburo Safari Lodge.
Budget: Rwakobo Rock.
Meals plan:
Break first, lunch & Dinner
Water & fruits throughout
Day 8: Drive to Entebbe & Departure
Firstly, today you wake up at leisure and enjoy your breakfast. Secondly after your breakfast, you commence the 7-hour drive to Entebbe with a lunch stop in Mbarara town at the Igongo Culture Centre & Museum. After your lunch, you continue towards Entebbe with a stop at the Equator Crossing. Meanwhile at the Equator crossing, you can take some fun photos and you can buy a souvenir/crafts that will be pride of place on the mantelpiece in your house to remind you about this trip. From the Equator Crossing, you will continue onto Entebbe International Airport where you will be dropped off in time for you to check-in for your onward flight home. Thus the end of 8-Day Uganda Great Apes Safari
Main Destination: Entebbe International Airport (Entebbe)
Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour)
Meals and Drinks: Breakfast and lunch (Dinner not included)
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)
End of tour
Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
You’ll be dropped off at the airport.
Price Includes:
Transportation in a 4×4 WD safari Land Cruiser
Accommodation and meals as per the itinerary
Park entrance fees.
Gorilla trekking permit in Uganda
Game drive
Ranger guide
Services on an English speaking guide
Community walk Bwindi
Enroot lunches
Price Excludes:
International flights
Hire / purchase of Hiking Gear
Personal Travel insurance
Visa Fees, Drinks, Cigarettes
Tips, Souvenirs
Thanks for specifically, choosing bonobos African safari holidays…..we love to see you once more!!!
