Destinations: Kibale Forest National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Lake Bunyonyi

Safari Overview

This 10-day Western Uganda Primates and Wildlife Safari combines some of Uganda’s most rewarding primate and wildlife experiences. The journey takes you through the lush forests of Kibale Forest National Park, famous for chimpanzee trekking, followed by the diverse wildlife of Queen Elizabeth National Park, including a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel.

The safari continues to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for the unforgettable mountain gorilla trekking experience before concluding with relaxation and scenic exploration around Lake Bunyonyi.

This itinerary is ideal for travellers looking for a balanced combination of chimpanzee trekking, gorilla trekking, wildlife viewing, boat safari, forest scenery, birding and cultural experiences.

Safari at a Glance

Itinerary

Day 1: Kampala or Entebbe – Kibale Forest National Park

Begin your safari early in the morning from Kampala or Entebbe with your Afriquest Travels professional driver-guide.

Travel westwards through Uganda’s scenic countryside, passing through traditional villages, plantations, rolling hills and rural communities. Enjoy a lunch stop en route before continuing towards Kibale Forest National Park.

Arrive in the afternoon and check into your lodge. Depending on your arrival time, you may relax at the lodge or enjoy a short nature walk around the surrounding area.

Your guide will brief you about the following day’s chimpanzee trekking experience, including what to carry and the trekking guidelines.

Overnight: Kibale Forest Lodge
Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking – Kibale Forest National Park

After an early breakfast, proceed to the Kibale Forest chimpanzee trekking headquarters for registration and briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers.

Begin your trek into the beautiful Kibale rainforest in search of habituated chimpanzee communities.

Kibale is one of Uganda’s premier primate destinations, and during the trek you may encounter several other primate species, including red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys and blue monkeys.

Once you locate the chimpanzees, spend the designated viewing time observing their behaviour, taking photographs and learning about their social structure and forest habitat.

Return to the lodge after the trek for lunch and relaxation.

Optional: Afternoon Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary and community walk, depending on time and energy.

Overnight: Kibale Forest Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3: Kibale Forest – Queen Elizabeth National Park

Enjoy breakfast before checking out and driving towards Queen Elizabeth National Park.

The journey takes you through beautiful countryside and tea-growing areas before entering the Queen Elizabeth conservation area.

Arrive in the park and have lunch at your lodge.

In the afternoon, embark on your first game drive through the park’s scenic savannah plains. Keep your eyes open for elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kob, warthogs, antelopes and, with luck, lions.

Return to your lodge in the evening for relaxation and dinner.

Overnight: Pumba Safari Cottages
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: Queen Elizabeth National Park – Morning Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Wake up early for a morning game drive when wildlife is most active.

Explore the park’s Kasenyi plains in search of lions, elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kob, warthogs and other wildlife.

Return to the lodge for breakfast and relaxation.

After lunch, proceed to the Kazinga Channel for an afternoon boat cruise.

The cruise provides an excellent opportunity to observe large concentrations of hippos, crocodiles, elephants and buffaloes along the water’s edge. The channel is also an excellent location for birdwatching.

Return to your lodge after the cruise and enjoy a relaxing evening.

Overnight: Pumba Safari Cottages
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5: Queen Elizabeth National Park – Ishasha Sector – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After breakfast, depart for the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Enjoy a game drive through this remote and scenic section of the park, famous for its tree-climbing lions. You may also encounter elephants, buffaloes, topi, Uganda kob and other wildlife.

Continue towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

The drive takes you through the spectacular landscapes of southwestern Uganda, including terraced hills and rural communities.

Arrive at your lodge in the afternoon or evening, check in and relax.

Your guide will brief you about the following day’s gorilla trekking experience.

Overnight: Bweza Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6: Gorilla Trekking – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After an early breakfast, proceed to the relevant Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Headquarters for registration and briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers.

Begin your trek into the ancient Bwindi forest in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family.

The trek may take several hours depending on the location of the gorillas and the terrain.

Once the gorillas are located, spend the designated viewing time observing their behaviour, taking photographs and enjoying one of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife experiences.

After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation.

Optional: Afternoon Batwa cultural or community experience, depending on time and energy.

Overnight: Bweza Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7: Bwindi – Mgahinga Golden Monkey Trekking-Bunyonyi

After breakfast, depart Bwindi for Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for an exciting Golden Monkey Trekking Experience. Trek through the beautiful bamboo forests in search of the endangered golden monkeys, with opportunities to observe their playful behaviour and enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery.

After the trek, continue to Lake Bunyonyi for relaxation and an overnight stay. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings of one of Uganda’s most scenic lakes.

Overnight: Bunyonyi Overland Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 8: Lake Bunyonyi Canoe Excursion and Community Visit

After breakfast, enjoy a relaxing canoe boat excursion on Lake Bunyonyi, exploring its scenic waters, beautiful islands and surrounding terraced hills. Later, visit a nearby local community to experience the traditional way of life, interact with local residents and learn about their culture and daily activities.

Return to the lodge in the afternoon for relaxation and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Lake Bunyonyi.

Overnight: Bunyonyi Overland Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 9: Lake Bunyonyi – Lake Mburo National Park

After breakfast, depart Lake Bunyonyi and begin your journey towards Lake Mburo National Park.

Enjoy scenic views as you travel through the rolling hills of southwestern Uganda.

Arrive at Lake Mburo National Park and have lunch before undertaking an afternoon game drive.

The park is home to zebra, impala, eland, buffaloes, warthogs and several antelope species.

Optional: Evening game drive or nature walk, subject to park regulations and time.

Overnight: Eagles Nest Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 10: Lake Mburo National Park – Kampala or Entebbe

Wake up early for a final wildlife experience in Lake Mburo National Park.

Depending on your preference, enjoy an early morning game drive or an optional guided nature or walking safari.

Return to the lodge for breakfast before checking out.

Continue towards Kampala or Entebbe, with lunch en route.

You may make a stop at the Equator crossing for photographs and souvenir shopping before continuing to your final destination.

Arrive in Kampala or Entebbe in the late afternoon/evening, marking the end of your 10 Days Western Uganda Primates and Wildlife Safari.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

END OF SAFARI

Package Includes

  • Private safari vehicle
  • Professional English-speaking driver-guide
  • Fuel
  • 9 nights’ accommodation
  • Meals as indicated
  • Chimpanzee trekking permit
  • Gorilla trekking permit
  • Uganda national park entry fees
  • Ranger-guided chimpanzee trek
  • Ranger-guided gorilla trek
  • Game drives as indicated
  • Kazinga Channel boat cruise
  • Lake Bunyonyi boat excursion
  • Bottled drinking water
  • Equator stops
  • All activities specifically mentioned in the itinerary

Package Excludes

  • International flights
  • Uganda visa
  • Travel insurance
  • Porter fees during trekking
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Personal expenses
  • Optional activities
  • Laundry
  • Souvenirs
  • Additional accommodation outside the itinerary
  • Items not specifically mentioned under Package Includes

Destination Map

  • Money Back Guarentee.
  • Your Safety is Our Top Priority.
Bonus Activity Included – Limited Time!