Day 1: Pick up and Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
Your 6-day Uganda primates and wildlife safari begins with a warm welcome from our representative at your location in Kigali. Following a brief introduction and orientation about the safari, we will embark on our journey to Kibale National Park in Uganda. The drive, which takes approximately 6 to 7 hours, will take us through the scenic landscapes of Rwanda and Uganda.
Departing from Kigali, we will travel towards the Katuna border in Kabale. This route offers an array of breathtaking views, including lush green farmlands, expansive tea plantations, and the majestic Rwenzori Mountains. Along the way, we’ll stop for lunch, providing an opportunity to sample local cuisine and stretch your legs while enjoying the stunning surroundings.
The journey also showcases the beauty of Lake George and several crater lakes, each presenting a unique and captivating sight. The tranquil waters and vibrant greenery surrounding these lakes make for perfect photo opportunities. As we continue, the anticipation of reaching Kibale National Park builds, promising an unforgettable experience with Uganda’s primates.
Upon arrival at Kibale National Park, we will check into a comfortable lodge where you can relax and unwind after the day’s travel. The lodge provides a serene setting, surrounded by nature, allowing you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area. Dinner will be served at the lodge, offering a chance to enjoy a delicious meal while discussing the exciting plans for the days ahead. After dinner, you can retire to your room for a restful night’s sleep, preparing for the adventure that awaits.
Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
The second day of your safari begins with an early breakfast at the lodge. After breakfast, we will meet our driver-guide and head to the Kanyachu Visitors Centre for a chimpanzee trekking briefing. Here, you will receive essential information about the trekking experience, including guidelines to ensure both your safety and the safety of the chimpanzees.
You will be divided into groups of six, with each group assigned a park guide who is knowledgeable about the forest trails and the behavior of the chimpanzees. Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours, depending on the location of the chimpanzees, as they move frequently in search of food. As you trek through the forest, keep an eye out for other primates such as the grey-cheeked mangabey, black and white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and l’hoest monkeys. Bird enthusiasts will also be delighted by the variety of bird species present in the forest.
Once the chimpanzees are located, you will have the incredible opportunity to spend one hour observing them in their natural habitat. This close encounter allows you to witness their behaviors, including feeding, breastfeeding, fighting, hunting, and playing. The experience of seeing these intelligent creatures up close is both educational and awe-inspiring. Don’t forget to capture these moments with your camera, as they will be memories to cherish forever.
After the chimpanzee trekking experience, we will return to the lodge for lunch. Following lunch, we will check out of the lodge and embark on our journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The drive offers more stunning views of Uganda’s diverse landscapes, including crater lakes and tea plantations. Upon arrival at Queen Elizabeth National Park, we will check into our lodge for the evening. Dinner will be served, providing an opportunity to relax and reflect on the day’s adventures before retiring for the night.
Day 3: Morning Game Drive/Lion Tracking and Afternoon Boat Cruise
On the third day, we will start with a hearty breakfast at the lodge. After breakfast, we will meet our driver-guide and head out for a morning game drive or lion tracking experience in the Kasenyi plains. The game drive offers the chance to see a wide variety of wildlife, including large herds of elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kobs, bushbucks, waterbucks, and warthogs. If we’re lucky, we might even spot predators such as lions and leopards. Bird watchers will also enjoy the diversity of bird species in the area.
After the game drive, we will return to the lodge for lunch, ready to continue our safari adventure.
In the afternoon, we will embark on an exciting boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, a water body that connects Lake George and Lake Edward. During the 2-hour boat cruise, you will have the opportunity to view a variety of wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, waterbucks, and warthogs drinking along the shores. The channel is also home to large concentrations of hippos and Nile crocodiles. Bird enthusiasts will be delighted with sightings of water birds such as martial eagles, papyrus gonoleks, pelicans, hornbills, African skimmers, cormorants, African spoonbills, fish eagles, and kingfishers. Additionally, you will see fishermen organizing their fishing nets along the water banks, adding a cultural touch to the natural spectacle.
After the boat cruise, we will return to the lodge for an evening of relaxation, dinner, and an overnight stay, reflecting on the incredible experiences of the day.
Day 4: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
On the fourth day of your exhilarating 6-day Uganda primates and wildlife safari from Kigali, you will start with a delightful breakfast at your lodge. After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to Queen Elizabeth National Park as you check out and meet your driver-guide for the journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
As you depart Queen Elizabeth National Park, you will venture through the Ishasha sector in its southern part. This area is renowned for its unique tree-climbing lions that often seek refuge in the branches of fig trees. Keep your eyes peeled as you traverse through this scenic region, where spotting these majestic creatures in their natural habitat is a highlight of the safari experience.
After an exciting game drive through Ishasha sector and a rewarding wildlife viewing experience, we will pause for a well-deserved lunch. Energized by the flavors of Uganda, we continue our journey towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The drive to Bwindi takes you through breathtaking landscapes, offering glimpses of lush forests, rolling hills, and picturesque villages.
Upon arrival at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, settle into your lodge where you can unwind and absorb the serene surroundings. Nestled amidst the forested hills, the lodge provides a perfect retreat after a day of exploration. Enjoy a relaxing evening with dinner served at the lodge, reflecting on the day’s adventures and preparing for the thrilling gorilla trekking experience ahead.
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Rise early on the fifth day for an exhilarating adventure into the heart of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. After a hearty breakfast, gather your packed lunch and meet your driver-guide for transfer to the park headquarters. Here, you will receive a comprehensive briefing on the rules, regulations, and expectations for gorilla trekking.
You will be divided into groups of eight individuals, each group accompanied by an experienced park guide familiar with the behavior and habitats of the mountain gorillas. The trek through Bwindi’s dense forest can range from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family allocated to your group. Along the trekking trails, keep an eye out for diverse forest birds, other primates like l’hoest monkeys and baboons, as well as unique plant and tree species that thrive in this biodiverse ecosystem.
Upon encountering the mountain gorillas, you will spend a precious hour in their presence. This intimate experience allows you to observe their daily routines, social interactions, and natural behaviors up close. Capture photographs, listen to their vocalizations, and absorb the tranquility of being in their presence—an unforgettable wildlife encounter that leaves a lasting impression.
After the awe-inspiring gorilla trekking experience, trek back to the park headquarters where you will be awarded a certificate for participating in this remarkable conservation activity. Meet your driver-guide and return to the lodge for an evening of relaxation, dinner, and overnight stay, recounting the day’s extraordinary wildlife encounter.
Day 6: Departure to Kigali
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on the final day of your safari, soaking in the natural beauty of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park one last time. After breakfast, check out of the lodge and meet your driver-guide to commence the journey back to Kigali. The scenic drive offers more opportunities to appreciate Uganda’s landscapes, with a stopover for lunch along the way.
As we approach Kigali, reflect on the incredible experiences and memories made during your 6-day safari. Upon arrival in Kigali, your driver-guide will drop you off at Kigali International Airport for your departure flight, or at any advised location within the city, concluding your unforgettable Uganda primates and wildlife safari from Kigali.
