Overview
This 6-day Uganda primate safari offers the ultimate primate safari experience in Uganda. Embarking on a primate safari in Uganda is a journey through lush landscapes and encounters with some of the most majestic creatures on earth. This six-day adventure starts in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, traverses the dense forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, explores the rich biodiversity of Kibale National Park, and concludes with the serene beauty of Lake Bunyonyi. Here is a detailed day-by-day itinerary:
Tour Highlights
- Day 1: Pick up from Kigali and drive to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
- Day 2: Golden monkey trekking and Transfer to Bwindi impenetrable forest National Park
- Day 3: Gorilla trekking and Batwa community Tour
- Day 4: Drive to Kibale forest National Park
- Day 5: Chimpanzee trekking and afternoon Bigodi nature walk
- Day 6: Departure to Kigali
Day to Day Detailed Itinerary
The adventure begins in the vibrant city of Kigali, Rwanda. After breakfast, you will embark on a scenic drive to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, crossing the border at Cyanika. The drive offers picturesque views of rolling hills, terraced farms, and local villages, giving you a glimpse into the daily lives of the Rwandan and Ugandan people. Upon arrival in Mgahinga, you will check into your lodge, nestled at the edge of the park, providing a tranquil setting with views of the Virunga Volcanoes. Spend the afternoon at leisure, preparing for the gorilla trekking adventure the next day.
Accommodation options: Travelers rest hotel Kisoro (Mid-range), Chameleon hill lodge(luxury), Mutanda Lake Resort (Budget)
Meal plan: lunch and dinner
After an early breakfast, you will head to the park headquarters for a briefing on Golden monkey trekking rules and guidelines with your trekking gear, you will set off into the dense forest in search of the Golden monkeys. Compared to gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking is less hectic since are so loud and playful jumping from one tree to another, makes it easier to locate them. Once you have found them, you will be allowed one hour with them as you watch them go about their daily activities. After, you will exit the forest and return to the lodge for lunch and thereafter, check out of the lodge and drive to Bwindi impenetrable forest national park. on arrival, you will check in to the lodge for evening relaxation. Later dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation options: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla lodge (Luxury), Ichumbi gorilla lodge/ gorilla mist camp (Budget), Rushaga Gorilla haven lodge (Budget/mid-range)
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
After an early breakfast, you will head to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking rules and guidelines. Equipped with your packed lunch, water, and trekking gear, you will set off into the dense forest in search of the endangered mountain gorillas. The trek can take several hours, depending on the gorillas' location, but the experience of observing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat is immensely rewarding.
After the trek, you will return to the lodge for relaxation and in the evening, you may opt for Batwa community walk to visit the nearby communities living in surrounding areas of the park. the Batwa experience is amazing sine you will interact with the locals and learn more about them and their culture. You will enjoy local dances by the locals among other community activities. Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Following breakfast, you will depart Bwindi and head towards Kibale National Park, a journey that takes you through lush countryside, tea plantations, and rural villages. Known as the primate capital of the world, Kibale is home to 13 primate species, including the largest population of chimpanzees in Uganda. Upon arrival, you will check into your lodge near the park. In the evening, you can enjoy a guided nature walk to explore the diverse flora and fauna around the lodge.
Accommodation options: Primate lodge (Luxury), Chimpanzee Forest Guest house (Mid-range), Turaco Tree tops(budget).
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
After morning breakfast, wake up early to track chimps near Kanyanchu. This can take you half a day. There are 13 other primate species that live in Kibale forests and you will therefore encounter some of them during your chimp trek, these include the golden monkey, L’Hoest monkey, baboons, white and black colobus monkeys, grey checked mangabey, red colobus, blue monkeys and pottos. Other animals include forest elephants unique from the common type, giant forest hogs and a striking tree species.
Enjoy Lunch and later take a guided nature walk to Bigodi swamp sanctuary, a good site for birders. The Great Blue Turaco and Papyrus Gonolek can easily be marked among the other bird 137 species. There is also an array of butterfly species. Later return for dinner and overnight as above.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Wake up to a relaxed breakfast, and thereafter, check out of the lodge and start your return journey back to Kigali. On arrival, depending on your flight schedules, you may opt for Kigali city to visit some the unique and top safaris destinations in Kigali including the Rwandan Genocide memorial, the Kimironko Market. Inema Art center among others. After you will be dropped off at the Airport for your departure flight ack home.
Meal plan: Breakfast and lunch
End of tour
Tour Includes & Excludes
The Tour Includes
- Gorilla and Chimpanzee trekking permits
- All activities on itinerary & park entry fees
- Accommodation and meals
- Transport in Standard Safari vehicle
- Professional Tour Guide
The Tour Excludes
- International Flights
- Items of Personal Nature
- Tips and Gratuity