Overview
This classic Uganda journey is designed
for travelers who want it all: the thrill of a
savannah safari, the life-changing
encounter with mountain gorillas, the
drama of tree-climbing lions, the beauty
of a Kazinga Channel cruise, and the
intimacy of chimpanzee trekking.
Traveling overland from Entebbe through
western Uganda’s lush landscapes, you’ll
end your safari in comfort with a short
flight from Kasese back to Entebbe.
Expect stunning scenery, diverse wildlife,
cultural insights, and luxury or mid-range
accommodation choices—every detail is
crafted for unforgettable memories.
Itinerary
8 Days Uganda Primate & Wildlife Safari
Lake Mburo • Bwindi • Ishasha • Queen
Elizabeth NP • Kibale
Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
Style: Mid-Range or Luxury
(customizable)
Day 01 :
Arrival in Entebbe – Gateway to Uganda
- Upon arrival at Entebbe International
Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed by
your driver-guide from Savannah Explore
Africa. - Transfer to your boutique hotel where
tropical gardens and Lake Victoria breezes
greet you. - Depending on your arrival time, you may
enjoy a sunset boat cruise on Lake
Victoria, the world’s largest tropical lake,
or a gentle stroll in Entebbe Botanical
Gardens—famous for birdlife and playful
vervet monkeys. - Accommodation:
- Luxury: Hotel No.5 or Protea Hotel by
Marriott Entebbe - Mid-Range: 2Friends Guesthouse
Day 02 :
Lake Mburo National Park
- After breakfast, begin your safari with a
4–5 hr drive southwest. - Stop at the Equator Monument, where
you can straddle both hemispheres and
watch a fun water experiment
demonstrating the Coriolis effect. - Arrive at Lake Mburo National Park, a
compact savannah gem dotted with
acacia woodlands and five lakes. - Afternoon game drive: expect large
herds of zebra, graceful impalas, topi, and
Uganda kob. You may also see
Rothschild’s giraffes and hippos wallowing
in swamps. - As night falls, opt for a night drive—a
rare opportunity in Uganda—to spot
leopards, hyenas, and bush babies. - Accommodation:
- Luxury: Mihingo Lodge (perched on a
kopje with infinity pool & sweeping
savannah views) - Mid-Range: Rwakobo Rock Lodge
(eco-friendly cottages overlooking the
park).
Day 03 :
Lake Mburo – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Begin with a unique walking safari
guided by a ranger. On foot you’ll notice
details missed in a vehicle: zebra hoof
prints, medicinal plants, and the haunting
call of the African fish eagle. - After breakfast, drive deeper southwest
(6–7 hrs) into the Kigezi Highlands. This
mountainous region, with its terraced
hillsides and misty valleys, is nicknamed
the “Switzerland of Africa.” - Arrive at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a
UNESCO World Heritage Site. The forest
is ancient, dense, and magical—home to
half of the world’s surviving mountain
gorillas. - Evening relaxation at lodge: enjoy views
of the rainforest canopy with the sound of
distant chimp calls or bird songs. - Accommodation:
- Luxury: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
(stone cottages with fireplaces and views
over the Virungas) - Mid-Range: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge or
Buhoma Haven Lodge.
Day 04 :
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi – A Life-Changing Encounter
- Early breakfast, then transfer to the
park HQ for briefing by rangers. - Trekking through Bwindi is challenging
but rewarding: steep slopes, tangled
vines, moss-covered trees, and shafts of
light breaking through the mist. Along the
way, watch for forest duikers, butterflies,
and colorful birds like the great blue
turaco. - After 2–6 hrs, the moment arrives: you
come face-to-face with a gorilla family.
Spend one sacred hour watching
them—silverbacks exuding power,
mothers tenderly caring for babies,
youngsters tumbling playfully. The
connection is profound and emotional. - Return to lodge, certificate
presentation. Afternoon at leisure or
optional Batwa cultural experience, where
the forest’s original inhabitants share
music, dance, and survival traditions. - Overnight at lodge.
Day 05 :
Bwindi – Ishasha (Southern Queen Elizabeth NP)
- After breakfast, drive north (3–4 hrs)
into the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth
National Park. - Afternoon game drive searching for the
famous tree-climbing lions, often seen
lounging in fig trees. Also keep an eye out
for elephants, buffalo herds, topi, and
giant forest hogs. - Evening at leisure by the river or
campfire, with hippos grunting in the
distance. - Accommodation:
- Luxury: Ishasha Wilderness Camp
(tented safari camp on Ntungwe River) - Mid-Range: Enjojo Lodge (spacious
cottages amid an acacia grove).
Day 06 :
Ishasha – Northern Queen Elizabeth NP (Kazinga Channel)
- Morning game drive in Ishasha before
heading north (3 hrs) to Mweya sector of
Queen Elizabeth NP. - Afternoon Kazinga Channel boat
cruise—a highlight of Uganda safaris.
Watch elephants cooling off at the
water’s edge, buffalo mingling with
hippos, crocodiles basking, and over 600
bird species, from African fish eagles to
pied kingfishers. - Evening game drive in the Kasenyi
plains, prime lion and hyena territory. - Accommodation:
- Luxury: Kyambura Gorge Lodge (stylish
eco-lodge overlooking the Rift Valley) - Mid-Range: Enganzi Game Lodge.
Day 07 :
Queen Elizabeth NP – Kibale Forest
- After breakfast, drive 3–4 hrs to Fort
Portal, passing scenic crater lakes and tea
plantations framed by the Rwenzori
Mountains. - Arrive at Kibale Forest, home to the
largest population of chimpanzees in East
Africa and 13 other primate species. - Afternoon options: visit a local
vanilla/coffee farm, enjoy a crater lake
hike, or simply relax at your lodge with
views of the rolling hills. - Accommodation:
- Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge (luxury
cottages on a crater lake) or Ndali Lodge - Mid-Range: Turaco Treetops Lodge.
Day 08 :
Chimpanzee Trekking – Fly Kasese to Entebbe
- Morning chimpanzee trekking in Kibale.
Walk through tropical forest listening for
the loud pant-hoots that signal chimp
groups nearby. Watch them groom, feed,
and swing through the canopy at
incredible speed. Other primates like red
colobus and L’Hoest’s monkeys are also
common. - Return to lodge for early lunch.
- Afternoon transfer to Kasese Airstrip
for your short flight back to Entebbe
(approx. 1 hr). - Connect to your international departure
flight or spend an additional night in
Entebbe.
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- • 1 Gorilla trekking permit ($800)
- • 1 Chimpanzee trekking permit ($250)
- • 7 nights’ accommodation (luxury or
- mid-range, full board)
- • Private 4x4 safari vehicle with
- professional English-speaking
- driver-guide
- • Domestic flight Kasese – Entebbe
- • All park entrance fees & scheduled
- activities (game drives, walking safari,
- Kazinga cruise)
- • Drinking water throughout safari
Cost Excludes
- • International flights & visas
- • Travel & medical insurance
- • Tips & gratuities
- • Optional activities (night drives, cultural
- shows, spa treatments)
- • Alcoholic drinks & personal expenses