Ultimate Primates And Wildlife Itinerary (With Hidden Gems)!

Itinerary Overview: Primates And Wildlife

Primate interactions (including golden monkeys, chimpanzees, and gorillas), game watching, and a visit to the Batwa community are all part of this 11-day, 10-night Primates and Wildlife safari through Uganda. Spend the first two nights in Entebbe at the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, where you can get up close and personal with these primates in their native habitat. The next stop on your adventure is Kibale, in southern Uganda, where you may see chimpanzees and twelve other primate species at Kibale Forest National Park. In the Bidgodi wetlands, you can go on a guided stroll or go chimpanzee trekking. After that, you’ll head to Queen Elizabeth National Park for some wildlife viewing, where you might spot elephants, buffalo, and the uncommon Ugandan cob. The next stop is the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a place of breathtaking natural beauty with its volcanoes, valleys, lakes, and mountain ranges. Bwindi Lodge, where you’ll spend the night, has breathtaking views of the dense forest and is a good vantage point from which to see the birds and primates that live there. You will spend two nights here before trekking through the thick forest on the second day, when you will have a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with mountain gorillas. The next stop on your primate trip is a night at the Volcanoes Mount Gahinga lodge in Mount Mgahinga National Park, reached after a scenic drive through the forest. Located at the foot of the Virunga Volcanoes, this forest offers a unique opportunity to see the endangered Golden Monkey up close. After that, you may immerse yourself in the Batwa culture and hear their stories from the locals.

But wait, let me tell you something:

Detailed Primates And Wildlife Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport

As the “Cradle of the Nile,” Uganda is a hidden gem in Africa. Very few places on Earth can boast such a rich and varied wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. Anyone visiting Africa for the first time or the hundredth time will find much to see and do in Uganda. If you are flying into Entebbe International Airport, the Boma is a great place to lay over before seeing the sights of the country. It is located on the outskirts of town and is only a 5-minute drive away. Staff and management at Boma are committed to providing guests with the kind of warm hospitality that has long been associated with this picturesque lakeside town. There are six bedrooms in the Boma, each with its own bathroom and an African motif. The combination of a landscaped garden with views of the lake and a bar that is open to both residents and diners creates an inviting and informal ‘country house’ atmosphere. There is a living room and a private dining veranda in the main home where guests can stay the night.

Meet our local representative on arrival at Entebbe International Airport
Private transfer to The Boma Hotel (± 10 minutes)
Stay at The Boma Hotel in a Standard Room for 2 nights
Breakfast included

Day 2: Mabamba Swamp

Birding Uganda – Shoebill in Mabamba Swamp

Set out for Mabamba Swamp first thing in the morning. Here, you can go birdwatching on a boat ride through the papyrus-lined canals of the area. Many international birding and conservation groups have identified Mabamba as an important habitat. The wetlands provide a fantastic opportunity to see the local bird population, making them popular destinations for wildlife photographers and birdwatchers.

After lunch, you’ll have the opportunity to visit Ngamba Island. Take a boat ride out from Entebbe’s dock to the island’s shoreline, where you can observe the chimpanzees as they eat from a viewing platform and hear everything about their rehabilitation. As they interact with one another for food, play, and care, these curious and energetic creatures are a sight to behold because they share 98% of our DNA. Get back to the mainland at about 6:00 p.m., then head to the hotel for supper and the night.

Day 3: Transfer from The Boma Hotel to Entebbe Airport

The southern Ugandan park known as Kibale Forest National Park is reputed to have the greatest concentration of primates anywhere in Africa. The habituated chimpanzees are the park’s main attraction, but visitors can also see a wide variety of monkeys in the treetops, such as the red-tailed monkey, L’Hoest’s monkey, grey-cheeked mangabey, red colobus, and black and white white colobus. You can occupy yourself with the more than 250 kinds of butterflies and 300 species of birds when you’re not on the hunt for monkeys. Guests can anticipate guided nature walks, chimpanzee tracking, and birding excursions. Lodge for Primates Located in the heart of the forest, Kibale is adjacent to two of the world’s most breathtaking wildlife attractions: the Chimpanzee Habituation and the Chimpanzee tracking expedition. The luxurious cottages are tucked away in the woods, providing seclusion while also offering breathtaking views from their verandas.

Scheduled flight from Entebbe Airport to Kasese Airport
Transfer from Kasese Airport to Primate Lodge (± 2 hours)
Stay at Primate Lodge in a Cottage for 2 nights
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

Day 4: Kibale Forest National Park

Adventures in Uganda: Tracking chimpanzees in Kibale

You will go into the jungle in quest of the mischievous apes after you have registered and received a briefing. Twelve other primate species call this woodland home. Take a guided stroll around Bigodi Swamp after you’ve packed a picnic lunch. Located on the outskirts of Kibale National Park, the Bigodi marsh Sanctuary is a community development initiative that offers guided tours of the marsh and, on occasion, a boardwalk route. With 138 kinds of birds already recorded, Bigodi is a birdwatcher’s dream come true. Among them is the lovable Great Blue Turaco. Eight primate species call the refuge their home, including the vervet monkey, L’Hoest, black and white colobus, red tail, mangabey, and red colobus.

Morning transfer from Primate Lodge to Kibale Forest National Park
Chimpanzee Trek
Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary Guided Walk

Day 5: Transfer overland from Primate Lodge to Elephant Plains

Take a morning ride to the world-renowned Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you may see animals, plants, and artefacts from all over the world. Lions that sleep in the shade of the park’s picturesque fig trees can be found in the secluded Ishaha sector in the park’s southern section. As they graze on the plains, the tree lions keep a close eye on the Uganda Kob, an antelope species. Spend some time fishing and game viewing around Lake Edward; keep an eye out for crocodiles, elephants, chimpanzees, and both resident and migratory bird species.

Guests of Elephant Plains Lodge may relax in rooms that front the lake and watch the elephants and buffalo that come to drink from it.

Transfer overland from Primate Lodge to Elephant Plains Lodge via Queen Elizabeth National Park
Stay at Elephant Plains Lodge in a Cottage for 2 nights
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

Day 6: Queen Elizabeth National Park

Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Elephants, rare aquatic sitatunga antelopes, enormous forest hogs, Uganda kobs, Defassa waterbucks, and the world’s greatest concentration of hippos are among the animals found in the Kazinga Channel. Keep in mind that the Kyambura Gorge is a sanctuary for habituated chimpanzees. An unforgettable game viewing experience awaits you on the Kazinga Channel boat ride, where you may see countless hippos, birds, and other river animals—and, if you’re lucky, buffalo, elephants, and even lions.

Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise ( 2 hours)

Day 7: Queen Elizabeth National Park

Before leaving the park, have breakfast early. Then, take a drive via the southern end of the Ishasha sector to cross the park. Continue via Kihihi to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest’s Buhoma sector. The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, in Uganda’s southwestern region, is often believed to be the oldest rainforest in Africa. The area’s stellar reputation for gorilla sightings has brought it international notoriety. The wild terrain is characterised by vast valleys, high slopes, glistening mountain streams, dense vegetation, and waterfalls. Incredible in its ecological importance and stunning in its pristine beauty, this virgin forest is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Highlights include a network of forest pathways, a variety of butterflies, and over 340 kinds of birds to spot, in addition to the wonderful gorilla interactions. You should not pass up the chance to see the breathtaking Virunga Volcanoes.

Bwindi Lodge is one of a kind in Africa; it sits above the primordial Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and offers breathtaking views of the forest canopy from across a calm stream. You can see monkeys and birds hiding in the vegetation from this property, which also provides breathtaking views of the dense jungle. The area’s trendiest and most vibrant watering hole is the multi-award winning Bwindi Bar, located on the main drag of the neighbouring village. Casual tapas-style meals influenced by Ugandan cuisine are also available to guests.

Travel overland with game drive in the Ishahsa Sector of Queen Elizabeth Park en route to Bwindi Forest (± 3 hours)
Stay at Bwindi Lodge in a Standard Banda for 2 nights.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

Day 8: Gorilla trekking

Why You Need to Go Gorilla Trekking in Uganda – Bwindi and Mgahinga Parks

Drive the short distance to the park headquarters after breakfast to meet the knowledgeable local guides and trackers who will brief you on proper gorilla trekking protocol. Hike into the jungle to the spot where you saw the gorillas the previous night, and follow their trail from there. The hike can reach elevations of more than 7,500 feet and last anything from one to six hours. The ground can be somewhat rocky and even muddy. Despite the exertion required during the walk, the stunning natural surroundings and lush forest make it all worthwhile. Finding the gorillas is like finding the most profound natural history event in the world; you’ll forget about your exhaustion in an instant. Bring lots of water and use the offered picnic sandwiches. Bring your cameras and lots of high-speed film. You should always have waterproof gear on hand, including zip-lock bags for your camera and film, because rain can fall at any moment. By mid-afternoon, you should be back at the lodge.

Insider’s Tip
Please note that trekking is at altitudes of approximately 7000 – 9000 feet above sea level and does require a minimum level of fitness.

± 6:00am Transfer to park headquarters for safety briefing and assignment to a gorilla trekking group
Spend a magical hour with the rare Mountain Gorilla

Day 9: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Part of the considerably larger Virunga Conservation Area, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is situated in the Kisoro District in southern Uganda. The unique mountain gorillas who call these woods home inspired the establishment of this nature preserve. Three spectacular conical volcanoes, part of the Virunga Range that borders Rwanda, Congo, and Uganda, provide drama to the breathtaking scenery. The park is home to a wide variety of animals and birds, including mountain gorillas, elephants, buffalo, golden monkeys, and many more. Numerous hiking paths may be found on the three dormant volcanoes. Located in the southeastern corner of Uganda, Mount Gahinga Lodge is a breathtaking luxury adventure lodge that is concealed at the foot of the Virunga Volcanoes. Its classic good looks are a result of using time-honoured methods of construction. The Mount Gahinga Lodge provides an ideal home base from which to explore the Central African rain forest, where the Batwa pygmies have lived for thousands of years, go gorilla tracking, climb a volcano, visit local villages, and, most importantly, learn about their culture. Views of the Kisoro valley and the surrounding volcanoes are breathtaking from the lodge’s sun room, patio, and living room. The distinctive colours of the luxury bandas capture the enchantment of the Bufimbira people’s aesthetic traditions. As an added bonus, each Banda comes with its own patio, fireplace and deluxe bathroom with a shower.

Travel overland from Bwindi Lodge to Mgahinga (± 5 hours)
Stay at Mount Gahinga Lodge in a Standard Room for 2 nights
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

Day 10: Golden Monkey Trek

Golden Monkey Tracking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

The Golden Monkey, one of the world’s rarest primates, is found in Uganda’s Mgahinga National Park, near the base of the volcanic highlands. A delight to behold, these joyful apes are defined by a brilliant golden coat, cheeks, and tail, contrasted with contrasting black limbs, crown, and tail end. Whether you embark on your journey from Rwanda or Uganda, the path winds its way through bamboo stands and a wooded valley at the volcanoes’ base, before ascending to high heath and moorland.

Embark on a cultural excursion with the indigenous Batwa people in the afternoon.