6 Days Uganda Primates and Wildlife Safari

6 Days Uganda Primates and Wildlife Safari

The 6 Days Uganda Primates and Wildlife Safari is a carefully designed adventure that combines Uganda’s most iconic primate encounters with classic savannah wildlife experiences. Crafted and operated by Wild Planet, this safari takes you deep into the western and southwestern regions of Uganda, where dense rainforests, open plains, crater lakes, and mountain landscapes create one of Africa’s most diverse safari circuits.

This journey gives you the rare opportunity to trek endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, track wild chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park, and enjoy unforgettable game drives and boat cruises in Queen Elizabeth National Park. To balance adventure with relaxation, the safari ends at the tranquil Lake Bunyonyi, one of the most scenic lakes in East Africa.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park covers approximately 331 square kilometers and protects nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population. The park also shelters more than 120 mammal species, 348 bird species, 220 butterfly species, and an extraordinary diversity of trees, ferns, and medicinal plants. Trekking through this ancient forest is both physically rewarding and emotionally moving.

Kibale Forest National Park stands as the primate capital of East Africa, hosting 13 primate species, including large and well-habituated chimpanzee communities. Each chimpanzee group can number over 100 individuals, offering some of the best chimp trekking experiences on the continent.

Queen Elizabeth National Park, located about 376 kilometers from Kampala, completes the safari with classic wildlife viewing. The park protects over 95 mammal species, 10 primate species, and more than 500 bird species. Highlights include elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, hippos, crocodiles, and the famous tree-climbing lions of the Ishasha sector, as well as a scenic boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel.

With Wild Planet, every detail of this safari is handled professionally—from experienced driver-guides and carefully selected lodges to smooth transfers and responsible wildlife encounters—ensuring a seamless and memorable Ugandan adventure.

Safari Highlights

• Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park
• Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Guided nature walks in rainforest ecosystems
• Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel
• Cultural encounters and scenic drives
• Canoe boat experience on Lake Bunyonyi

Detailed Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival / Pick-Up and Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

Your adventure with Wild Planet begins with a warm welcome from your professional safari guide, who will pick you up either from your hotel in Kampala after breakfast or directly from Entebbe International Airport upon arrival. After a short briefing, you set off on a scenic drive westward toward Kibale Forest National Park.

The journey takes you through Uganda’s beautiful countryside, characterized by rolling hills, tea plantations, traditional homesteads, and roadside markets. You will pass through Fort Portal, a charming town nestled beneath the Rwenzori Mountains, where you stop for lunch and enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding landscapes.

After lunch, you continue to Kibale Forest, arriving in the late afternoon. Upon arrival, you check in at your lodge and take time to relax after the long drive. As evening falls, enjoy dinner surrounded by the sounds of the forest and prepare for the exciting primate encounter ahead.

Accommodation options:

• Luxury: Primate Lodge Kibale
• Mid-range: Chimpanzee Forest Guest House / Isunga Lodge
• Budget: Isunga Lodge

Meal plan: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest & Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After an early breakfast, your Wild Planet guide drives you to the park headquarters for a detailed chimpanzee trekking briefing conducted by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers. The briefing covers trekking rules, safety guidelines, and what to expect while in the forest.

You then enter the lush rainforest with armed ranger guides, following forest trails as you listen for chimpanzee calls echoing through the canopy. Once you locate a chimpanzee community, you spend one unforgettable hour observing them as they feed, groom, play, climb trees, and interact socially.

In addition to chimpanzees, you may spot grey-cheeked mangabeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and a variety of forest birds. After the trek, you return to the lodge for lunch, check out, and begin your drive south to Queen Elizabeth National Park.

The drive offers scenic views of crater lakes and open savannah. You arrive at your lodge in the evening, check in, enjoy dinner, and relax overnight.

Accommodation options:

• Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge
• Mid-range: Enganzi Game Lodge
• Budget: Simba Safari Camp

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 3: Morning Game Drive & Afternoon Boat Cruise on the Kazinga Channel

After an early breakfast, you head out for a morning game drive along the Kasenyi plains. With the guidance of your Wild Planet safari expert, you search for wildlife at its most active. Expect to see elephants, Uganda kob, waterbuck, warthogs, buffaloes, and a wide variety of birdlife. Lions often appear in this area, especially during the early hours.

Following the game drive, you return to the lodge for lunch and a short rest. In the afternoon, you embark on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway connecting Lakes Edward and George.

The cruise provides incredible close-up views of large hippo pods, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and countless waterbirds along the banks. This relaxed safari experience offers excellent photography opportunities and a different perspective of the park.

After the cruise, you return to the lodge, freshen up, enjoy dinner, and stay overnight.

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 4: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park via Ishasha

After breakfast, you depart Queen Elizabeth National Park and travel south through the Ishasha sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions. Your guide keeps a keen eye on the fig and acacia trees where these lions often rest.

You stop for lunch en route before continuing to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, you check in at your lodge, relax, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the highlight of your safari—mountain gorilla trekking.

Accommodation options:

• Luxury: Mahogany Springs Lodge
• Mid-range: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge / Gorilla Mist Camp
• Budget: Trekkers Tavern Cottages / Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi & Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

You rise early for breakfast and then drive to the park headquarters with your packed lunch. Rangers conduct a thorough briefing on gorilla trekking etiquette and safety before assigning you to a gorilla family.

Accompanied by experienced ranger guides, you hike through dense forest, steep terrain, and mist-covered trails. The trek can last anywhere from 2 to 8 hours, depending on the gorillas’ location. When you finally meet the gorillas, you spend one magical hour observing them at close range—watching silverbacks lead, mothers nurture infants, and juveniles play.

After the trek, you return to the park headquarters and receive a gorilla trekking participation certificate. You then transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, a peaceful destination ideal for relaxation after an intense trekking day.

Accommodation options:

• Luxury: BirdNest at Lake Bunyonyi
• Mid-range: Bunyonyi Rock Resort
• Budget: Bunyonyi Overland Resort

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 6: Canoe Boat Ride on Lake Bunyonyi & Departure

After breakfast, you enjoy a canoe boat experience on Lake Bunyonyi. Your guide takes you around several islands, including the famous Punishment Island, while explaining the cultural history and legends associated with each island.

You observe local communities, terraced hillsides, birdlife, and daily village activities along the shoreline. After the excursion, you return to the lodge, check out, and begin your journey back to Kampala.

You stop in Mbarara for lunch and later pause at the Equator line for photographs and souvenir shopping. In the evening, your Wild Planet guide transfers you to Entebbe International Airport in time for your departure flight.

Meal plan: Breakfast and Lunch

End of Tour

This 6 Days Uganda Primates and Wildlife Safari with Wild Planet offers the perfect balance of adventure, wildlife, culture, and relaxation—leaving you with unforgettable memories of Uganda’s natural wonders.