12 Days Uganda Luxury Primate Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport on your 12 days luxury primate safari you’ll be greeted by your guide and transferred to your luxury hotel in Entebbe. Located by the shores of Lake Victoria, this charming town offers a relaxing atmosphere after your long international flight. At your luxurious accommodation, enjoy a warm welcome drink and relax by the lake or in the garden while taking in the peaceful surroundings. You can unwind and prepare for your adventure over a delightful dinner before retiring for the night.

Accommodation:

• Luxury: Hotel, Protea Hotel Entebbe.

Day 2: Fly to Kibale Forest National Park

After breakfast, you’ll board a short flight to Kibale Forest National Park, which is renowned for its chimpanzee tracking opportunities. The scenic flight offers stunning views over the Ugandan countryside. Upon arrival, your guide will transfer you to your luxury lodge situated on the edge of the forest.

This afternoon, you will have the chance to relax at the lodge, enjoying the pristine natural surroundings. You may choose to take a guided nature walk in the forest to observe the variety of birdlife and monkeys or simply relax and take in the tranquility of the area.

Accommodation:

• Luxury: Primate Lodge Kibale, Chimpundu lodge 

Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest

After an early breakfast, you’ll head to the park headquarters for your chimpanzee trekking experience. Kibale Forest is home to over 1,000 chimpanzees, and tracking them is a unique and exciting experience. Accompanied by an experienced ranger, you’ll hike through the dense forest, where you may also encounter other primates, such as the red-tailed monkeys or the black-and-white colobus.

Once you locate the chimpanzees, you’ll spend an hour observing them in their natural habitat, watching them interact, forage, and play. Afterward, return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, you have the option to visit the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a scenic walk through the swamp, where you may spot birdlife, other primates, and a range of flora.

Accommodation:

• Luxury: Primate Lodge Kibale, Chimpundu lodge 

Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Your 4th day of 12 days luxury primate safari starts with breakfast, your guide will drive you to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most iconic safari destinations. The 3-hour drive offers you the chance to admire the ever-changing landscapes, from lush green hills to expansive savannahs. Upon arrival, check in at your luxury lodge and enjoy a delicious lunch.

In the late afternoon, you’ll embark on your first game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park. This park is home to a wide array of wildlife, including elephants, lions, buffalo, and various species of antelope. Your game drive will take you through diverse ecosystems, including savannah, wetlands, and acacia forests, providing a fantastic introduction to the park’s wildlife.

Accommodation:

• Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge, Kyambura Gorge Lodge.

Day 5: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Safari

This morning, you’ll embark on an early morning game drive, where you’ll have a chance to see the park’s predators at their most active. As you travel through the park, you may encounter lions, leopards, and the unique Uganda kob, known for its impressive antlers. As the day warms up, wildlife becomes less active, so your guide will ensure you take breaks to enjoy the scenery.

In the afternoon, take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. The 40-kilometer-long waterway connects Lake George to Lake Edward and is one of the best spots for observing wildlife. On the boat, you’ll see herds of hippos lounging in the water, crocodiles basking on the banks, and a wide variety of birdlife, including the African fish eagle and pelicans. This boat safari offers an excellent opportunity for wildlife photography and an incredibly peaceful experience.

Accommodation:

• Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge, Kyambura Gorge Lodge.

Day 6: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After breakfast, your guide will drive you to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, the home of the famous mountain gorillas. The drive offers scenic views as you pass through lush valleys, terraced hillsides, and rural villages. Upon arrival at your luxurious lodge, you’ll check in and have the rest of the day at your leisure. You can relax, enjoy the views, or visit the local Batwa Pygmy community to learn about their traditional way of life.

Bwindi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and your stay here promises to be an unforgettable experience. Prepare for your gorilla trekking adventure the next day.

Accommodation:

• Luxury: Chameleon Hill Lodge, Mahogany springs lodge 

Day 7: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Today, you will experience one of the most exciting and rewarding wildlife encounters in the world: gorilla trekking. After an early breakfast, you’ll head to the park headquarters for a briefing by the park rangers. The trek through the dense forest can vary in difficulty, depending on the location of the gorilla family you are tracking. However, it is always a thrilling adventure.

Once you locate the gorilla family, you’ll spend an hour observing them in their natural environment. Watching these gentle giants up close as they forage, play, and interact with one another is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Your guide will provide fascinating insights into gorilla behavior, conservation efforts, and the biodiversity of the forest.

After the trek, return to the lodge for a relaxing afternoon. You may also choose to visit the Batwa community again or simply enjoy the lodge’s amenities and views.

Accommodation:

• Luxury: Chameleon Hill Lodge, Mahogany springs lodge 

Day 8: Transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

After breakfast, you’ll embark on a scenic drive to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. This small park, nestled in the southwestern corner of Uganda, is part of the Virunga Massif and offers a quieter, more intimate experience compared to Bwindi. The drive through the dramatic Virunga Mountains is incredibly picturesque, with sweeping views of the volcanoes and the surrounding countryside.

Upon arrival at your luxury lodge, take in the breathtaking views of the Virunga Volcanoes before settling in for a relaxing evening. You’ll be surrounded by the beauty of the mountains, making it a perfect place to unwind and reflect on your gorilla trekking experience.

Accommodation:

• Luxury: Mount Gahinga Lodge

Day 9: Golden Monkey Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

This morning, you’ll embark on a trek to see the golden monkeys in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Unlike the more strenuous gorilla trek, the golden monkey trek is a moderate walk through the park’s bamboo forest. The golden monkeys are playful and highly social, making for an exciting and delightful wildlife experience. As you watch them leap from tree to tree, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of their behavior and the importance of protecting their habitat.

After the trek, you’ll return to the lodge for a relaxing afternoon. You can opt for a guided walk around the park or visit the local community. The evening is yours to unwind and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the lodge.

Accommodation:

• Luxury: Mount Gahinga Lodge

Day 10: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

After breakfast, you’ll enjoy a leisurely drive to Lake Bunyonyi, one of Uganda’s most beautiful lakes. The journey will take you through terraced hillsides, farmlands, and picturesque villages. Upon arrival at your lakeside lodge, check in and enjoy lunch while taking in the stunning views of the lake surrounded by lush hills.

In the afternoon, you’ll take a boat ride on Lake Bunyonyi, which is famous for its clear waters and over 29 islands. The boat ride offers a unique perspective of the surrounding landscape, and you may visit some of the islands for cultural interactions with the local communities. Alternatively, you can enjoy a peaceful walk or relax by the lake.

Accommodation:

• Luxury: Arcadia Lodge

Day 11: Transfer to Entebbe via Kabale

After a relaxed breakfast, your guide will drive you back to Entebbe. En route, you’ll pass through the town of Kabale, known for its beautiful hills and valleys. The scenic drive allows you to experience the vibrant countryside before arriving at your luxury hotel in Entebbe for your final night.

You’ll have the evening at leisure to relax, enjoy your surroundings, or take a last-minute stroll around the town. Prepare for your departure the next day, reflecting on your extraordinary adventure in Uganda.

Accommodation:

• Luxury: Entebbe Forest Lodge

Day 12: End Of Your 12 days luxury primate safari

On your final day  of 12 days luxury primate safari depending on your flight time, you can enjoy a relaxed breakfast at the hotel before being transferred to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight. Your guide will ensure that you’re comfortably transferred to the airport, marking the end of your unforgettable 12 days luxury primate safari