Uganda Primates Tour

10 Days Chimpanzee and Gorilla Trekking Tour - Queen Elizabeth National park, Kibale Forest, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

 10-Day 9 Night Uganda Primates (Chimpanzee and Gorilla) Wildlife Safari Tour - Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale Forest, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park., Uganda
 12th Feb - 12th Jul
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Overview

10-Day Uganda Safari: Gorilla Trekking, Chimpanzees & Big Five Wildlife

10 Days / 9 Nights | Private Uganda Safari | Entebbe Start & Finish

Discover the Pearl of Africa on an unforgettable 10-day Uganda safari with Ultimate Wild Safaris Ltd. This private Uganda wildlife and primate safari combines mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest, classic African game drives, scenic landscapes and extraordinary cultural encounters.

Track white rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, explore the spectacular Murchison Falls, search for lions and elephants in Queen Elizabeth National Park, cruise the wildlife-rich Kazinga Channel and discover the beautiful landscapes of Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Mburo National Park.

Whether you are planning your first African safari, a gorilla trekking holiday or a wildlife photography adventure, this 10-day Uganda gorilla and chimpanzee safari offers an incredible opportunity to explore Uganda's remarkable biodiversity.

Travel with Ultimate Wild Safaris Ltd. and discover Africa beyond the ordinary.

Uganda Safari Highlights

  • Track white rhinos on foot at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

  • Explore the dramatic Top of Murchison Falls.

  • Enjoy game drives and a Nile boat safari in Murchison Falls National Park.

  • Trek wild chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park.

  • Search for lions, leopards, elephants and buffaloes in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

  • Take a boat safari along the famous Kazinga Channel.

  • Search for tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector.

  • Experience mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

  • Relax beside the scenic islands and green hills of Lake Bunyonyi.

  • Enjoy a guided walking safari in Lake Mburo National Park.

  • Stop at the Uganda Equator for photographs.

Detailed 10-Day Uganda Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Welcome to Uganda

Arrive at Entebbe International Airport, where your Ultimate Wild Safaris driver-guide will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Entebbe or Kampala.

Depending on your arrival time, you may arrange an optional boat excursion to Mabamba Wetland on Lake Victoria to search for the remarkable shoebill stork and other wetland birds. If you arrive late or need time to recover from your international journey, relax at your hotel before the safari begins.

Overnight: Entebbe or Kampala.

Day 2: Ziwa Rhino Tracking and Murchison Falls National Park

Travel north through Uganda's countryside to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where you will join a guided walking experience in search of white rhinos. Continue to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda's largest national park, and visit the Top of Murchison Falls.

Watch the mighty River Nile squeeze through a narrow rocky gorge before plunging into the river below, creating one of Uganda's most dramatic natural spectacles.

Overnight: Murchison Falls National Park.

Day 3: Murchison Falls Game Drive and Nile Boat Safari

Start the morning with a game drive across the park's savannah plains. Look out for elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, antelopes and, with luck, lions and leopards.

In the afternoon, enjoy a boat safari along the Victoria Nile towards the base of Murchison Falls. Observe hippos, Nile crocodiles, waterbirds and other wildlife gathering along the riverbanks.

Overnight: Murchison Falls National Park.

Day 4: Scenic Journey to Kibale Forest National Park

Leave Murchison Falls and travel southwest towards Kibale Forest, one of East Africa's outstanding destinations for primate encounters. Enjoy views of rural communities, fertile farmland, rolling hills and tea plantations along the journey.

Prepare for the following day's chimpanzee trekking adventure.

Overnight: Kibale Forest area.

Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Enter Kibale Forest National Park with trained ranger-guides to search for wild chimpanzees. Observe their behaviour in the forest and learn about the ecology and conservation of these fascinating primates.

After your trekking experience, continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park, a celebrated Uganda wildlife safari destination known for its diverse habitats and rich wildlife.

Overnight: Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Day 6: Queen Elizabeth Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Enjoy a morning game drive across the park's savannah plains in search of elephants, buffaloes, antelopes and predators such as lions and leopards.

Later, take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake Edward and Lake George. The channel is famous for its concentrations of hippos, crocodiles and waterbirds, as well as elephants and other animals that come to drink along the shores.

Overnight: Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Day 7: Ishasha Tree-Climbing Lions and Transfer to Bwindi

Travel through the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, renowned for its tree-climbing lions. Keep your eyes open during the game drive, although sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Continue towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, passing through beautiful countryside as the savannah gives way to forested hills and mist-covered mountains.

Overnight: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or a nearby lodge, depending on your gorilla trekking sector.

Day 8: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi and Lake Bunyonyi

Today brings one of the most memorable experiences of your Uganda safari: mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Accompanied by trained park rangers, follow forest trails in search of a habituated gorilla family. Once the gorillas are located, you will be allowed to observe them for the permitted one hour, following all park rules.

After the trek, transfer to Lake Bunyonyi, a beautiful highland lake surrounded by terraced hills and dotted with scenic islands. Relax and enjoy the tranquil setting.

Overnight: Lake Bunyonyi.

Day 9: Lake Bunyonyi and Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park

Enjoy the peaceful scenery of Lake Bunyonyi. An optional morning boat trip can offer views of the lake's islands and surrounding communities.

Later, travel towards Lake Mburo National Park, a compact but rewarding wildlife destination known for zebras, impalas, elands, giraffes and other savannah species.

Overnight: Lake Mburo National Park.

Day 10: Walking Safari, Equator Crossing and Departure

Start the day with a guided walking safari in Lake Mburo National Park, accompanied by an experienced ranger. Discover the smaller details of the African wilderness and look for wildlife on foot.

Afterwards, travel towards Entebbe, stopping at the Equator crossing for photographs if time allows. Continue to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight, ensuring the schedule allows sufficient time for the road transfer and airport check-in.

End of your 10-day Uganda safari.

Gorilla Trekking Preparation Tips

  • Pack sturdy hiking boots with good grip.

  • Wear long trousers, long sleeves and a lightweight rain jacket.

  • Carry drinking water and any personal essentials recommended by your operator.

  • Follow your ranger's instructions throughout the trek.

  • Do not use flash photography and maintain the distance required by park authorities.

  • Consider hiring a local porter to help carry your bag and support the surrounding community.

  • Book gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits well in advance, especially during popular travel periods.

Gorilla trekking can be physically demanding, and the duration depends on the gorilla family's location and the terrain on the day.

Best Time for a Uganda Gorilla and Wildlife Safari

Uganda is a year-round safari destination. The relatively drier periods, commonly June to August and December to February, are popular for gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking and wildlife viewing.

Rain can occur at any time, especially in tropical forests. The wetter months can also offer lush scenery and rewarding birdwatching opportunities. Your ideal travel dates will depend on your interests, preferred conditions and permit availability.

Why Choose Ultimate Wild Safaris Ltd.?

Ultimate Wild Safaris Ltd. is an Africa-based safari and destination management company offering private, tailor-made journeys that connect wildlife, nature and local cultures.

When travelling with us, you benefit from:

  • Local safari knowledge and experienced driver-guides.

  • Private itineraries tailored to your travel dates and interests.

  • Assistance arranging gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits.

  • Accommodation options across different comfort and budget levels.

  • A carefully planned combination of primates, wildlife and landscapes.

  • Personalised support before and during your safari.

Our aim is to help you discover Uganda beyond the ordinary, with meaningful encounters and a well-organised travel experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About a 10-Day Uganda Safari

Is 10 days enough for gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking in Uganda?

Yes. Ten days allows you to combine gorilla trekking in Bwindi, chimpanzee trekking in Kibale, wildlife viewing in Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks, and visits to Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Mburo. The itinerary is active and involves several long road transfers.

Can I see the Big Five on this Uganda safari?

Uganda is home to lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and rhinos. This itinerary includes rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and opportunities to look for the other four species in the national parks. However, wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, and seeing all five during one trip is not assured.

How much does a 10-day Uganda safari cost?

The price depends on your travel dates, group size, accommodation standard, trekking permits, transport and included activities. Contact Ultimate Wild Safaris Ltd. for a personalised quotation.

Are gorilla and chimpanzee permits included in the safari price?

This depends on your selected package. Your quotation should clearly state whether permits, accommodation, meals, park fees, transport and activities are included.

How difficult is mountain gorilla trekking?

Trekking difficulty varies with the gorilla family's location, the terrain and weather conditions. Some treks are relatively short, while others require several hours of hiking. A reasonable level of fitness and suitable footwear are recommended.

Can this Uganda safari be customised?

Yes. Ultimate Wild Safaris can tailor the itinerary to your dates, interests, accommodation preferences and budget, subject to permit availability and practical travel times.

Book Your 10-Day Uganda Safari

Ready to experience mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, spectacular waterfalls and Uganda's remarkable wildlife?

Contact Ultimate Wild Safaris Ltd. to check gorilla and chimpanzee permit availability and request a personalised quotation for your 10-day Uganda safari.

Ultimate Wild Safaris Ltd.
Email: info@ultimatewildsafaris.com
Phone: | +256 783 067204 | WhatsApp: +256 705 087906

Discover the Undiscovered. Touch the Unknown. Explore the Unique Before It Disappears.

Explore Africa beyond the ordinary.

4.0/5

(5 Reviews)

Tour Overview

Availability

Nov 18- Mar 17

Duration

7D/6N

Pickup Location

pickup avaiable from airport, train and also cruise

Language

English

Car PickUp

Available

Tour Guide

Included

Included

  • Experienced and qualified guide
  • Breakfast
  • SightSeeing
  • Hotel Accomodation

Excluded

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Camp Fire
  • Sports Elements

Itenary

Day 1
  • 08:00 AM

    Arrival at Entebbe International Air Port.
    You will arrive at Entebbe International airport where you will be picked by your waiting guide and transfer to the hotel either in Entebbe or Kampala.

    Accommodation Category:
    (Entebbe Protea Hotel - Luxury option)
    (2 Friends Beach Hotel - Midrange option)
    (Central Inn Hotel - Budget option)

Day 2
  • 08:00 AM

    Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi; Canoeing, swimming/sunbathing, birding & visiting the pygmies.
    On your way to Bunyonyi, you will have a stopover at the Equator. While there, you can do a guided water experiment to see the difference between the southern hemisphere and the northern hemisphere. You will also visit the crafts shops and have lunch en-route.

    Accommodation Category:
    (Bunyonyi Birdnest - Luxury option)
    (Bunyonyi Safari Resort - Midrange option)
    (Bunyonyi Gorilla View Resort - Budget option)

Day 3
  • 08:00 AM

    Transfer to kisoro/Bwindi impenetrable park for gorilla trekking.
    After your lunch, you will start your journey to Kisoro of which you will have stopovers for taking pictures of the beautiful sceneries of Uganda as you proceed with your journey to Kisoro. This town is mostly famous for the rare Mountain gorillas from the surroundings with incredible scenery, passing through various local villages and the lush green countryside & hills which characterize so much of southwestern Uganda.
    It is near the border between Rwanda, Congo & Uganda and it provides habitat for some 120 species of mammals, 348 species of birds, 220 species of butterflies, 27 species of frogs, chameleons, geckos, and many endangered species. Floristically Bwindi impenetrable is amongst the most diverse forests in East Africa, with more than 1,000 flowering plant species including 163 species of trees and 104 species of ferns.

    Accommodation Category:
    (Silverback Lodge - Luxury option)
    (Buhoma Haven Lodge - Midrange option)
    (Buhoma Rest Camp - Budget option)

Day 4
  • 08:00 AM

    Gorilla Tracking Special Day!!!
    Have early breakfast today as you prepare for a drive to the park for briefing by your ranger guide. Here you begin tracking the Mountain gorillas through the ancient Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. This can take a couple of hours or a whole day depending on the location of the apes. Keep an eye out for forest species such as buffaloes, elephants, black fronted duikers and bushbucks.
    It is a humbling experience to stand just meters from man’s distant cousins as they eat rest, play, and bond with their young. Follow the Mountain gorillas as they range freely in the impenetrable forest and discover their gorgeous natural habitat and the many species they share it with. The Gorilla group you will track belongs to one of the habituated family groups who can tolerate the presence of humans for a brief period every day. After a well-earned trip to the gorillas, you will be transferred back to your hotel for overnight. You can rest your tired legs and restorative massage, offered from the gorilla experience!

    Accommodation Category:
    (Silverback Lodge - Luxury option)
    (Buhoma Haven Lodge - Midrange option)
    (Buhoma Rest Camp - Budget option).

Day 5
  • 08:00 AM

    Transfer to queen Elizabeth National Park.
    Today you will start your journey to the famous Queen Elizabeth National park. The Park covers an area of about 1978 km2; its position provides a magnificent view of the rift valley floor that occupies Lake Edward and Gorge. The park has one of the highest bio diversity ratings of any national park in the world as its well known to be habitat of about 95 mammals along with 612 species of birds.

    Accommodation Category:
    (Mweya Safari Lodge - Luxury option)
    (Enganzi Lodge - Midrange option)
    (Pumba Safari Cottage - Budget option)

Day 6
  • 08:00 AM

    Game drive and Boat cruise in the afternoon.
    After early morning breakfast, you go for your first game drive through the park. Your guide will help you spot the plethora of wildlife found in the Park. You will be able to spot a lot of the African animal wildlife for example elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards, different species of antelope, and many tropical birds.
    They are all there! After lunch, you will take a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel. Here, you will see a lot of hippos (more than you can possibly imagine!), as well as a variety of other animals which come to the waterhole to drink or bathe. You can expect to see: Buffalo, Crocodile, bathing Elephant, and a range of beautiful birds. This will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of your tour.

    Accommodation Category:
    (Mweya Safari Lodge - Luxury option)
    (Enganzi Lodge - Midrange option)
    (Pumba Safari Cottage - Budget option)

Day 7
  • 08:00 A.M

    Optional Activity at Queen and relaxations

    Accommodation Category:
    (Mweya Safari Lodge - Luxury option)
    (Enganzi Lodge - Midrange option)
    (Pumba Safari Cottage - Budget option)

Day 8
  • 08:00 A.M

    Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park.
    After early morning breakfast, you will drive to Kibale Forest National Park, home of 13species of primates, and have a stop on the way for the crater hike walk.

    Here you will be able to interact with the local people shaking hands a sign of welcome to their community. You will also take a walk to the tea plantation and see how it is processed from the leaves to a drink. Drive to the lodge later for your dinner and overnight.

    Accommodation Category:
    (Papaya Lake Lodge - Luxury option)
    (Chimpanzee Guest Cottages - Mid Range option)
    (Chimpanzee Guest House - Budget option)

Day 9
  • 08:00A.M

    Chimpanzee tracking.
    In the morning after breakfast you will have a drive to the park's gate for briefing about your chimpanzee tour and then proceed with the trek. Kibale National Park has one of the most lovely and varied tracts of tropical forest in Uganda. The Forest is interspersed with patches of grassland and swamp, dominant in the northern and central parts of the park on an elevated plateau. The park is home to a total of 70 mammal species, mostly 13 species of primates which includes the chimpanzee.

    It also has over 375 species of birds. Kibaale neighbors Queen Elizabeth National Park to the south to create a 180 KM Long corridor for wildlife between Ishasha, the remote southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Sebitoli in the north of Kibaale National Park. The Kibaale-Fort Portal area is one of Uganda’s most appealing destinations to explore. The park lies close to the quiet Ndali-Kasenda crater area and within half a day’s drive of Queen Elizabeth, the Rwenzori Mountains, and Semuliki National Parks, as well as the Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve.

    Accommodation Category:
    (Papaya Lake Lodge - Luxury option)
    (Chimpanzee Guest Cottages - Midrange option)
    (Chimpanzee Guest House - Budget option)

Day 10
  • 08:00 A.M

    Return Back to Kampala/Entebbe and Departure
    Today after breakfast you will be transferred from Kibale national park to either Kampala or Entebbe. You decide on where your driver drops you either for your flight in Entebbe or accommodation. This is one of the inspirational, educational, and magical tours you can havel!

"I should start with one thing you might find unusual which was that Rashida (the lady that helped me plan my Safari) asked me to pay for it before getting there through a pesapal transfer(bank account). I am mentioning this because I also did some research at that point and other tripadvisor posts help me decide to do it. The company and the means to pay are trustworthy, I had no problem with that. Moving on to the actual Safari experience, my guide, Musa, was absolutely amazing, he went out of his way to help me enjoy the trip and learn as much as possible about the amazing country I was visiting."

Malin

"This was my 5th trip to Africa, but first trip to Uganda. Using Ultimate Wild Safaris for our trip proved to be an excellent decision. William, our guide, was knowledgeable, courteous, helpful, and a pleasure throughout the safari. The lodges we visited (all recommendations ) all exceed our expectations. We visited the top attractions (gorillas in bwindi impenetrable forest park, Queen Elizabeth National Park,Kibale forest national Park), It was a nice slice of Uganda - a beautiful country with warm, welcoming people."

Radriengo

"We had such a fantastic time on this trip. My husband and I have been on safari in Kenya's Masai mara. we have good things to compare it to and for a safari that incorporates some of what we loved of each of those trips (drives, hikes, boat rides, variety of animals) the 10 day Uganda trip was perfect. "

Kess

"This was my 5th trip to Africa, but first trip to Uganda. Using Ultimate Wild Safaris for our trip proved to be an excellent decision. William, our guide, was knowledgeable, courteous, helpful, and a pleasure throughout the safari. The lodges we visited (all recommendations ) all exceed our expectations. We visited the top attractions (gorillas in bwindi impenetrable forest park, Queen Elizabeth National Park,Kibale forest national Park), It was a nice slice of Uganda - a beautiful country with warm, welcoming people."

Radriengo

"I should start with one thing you might find unusual which was that Rashida (the lady that helped me plan my Safari) asked me to pay for it before getting there through a pesapal transfer(bank account). I am mentioning this because I also did some research at that point and other tripadvisor posts help me decide to do it. The company and the means to pay are trustworthy, I had no problem with that. Moving on to the actual Safari experience, my guide, Musa, was absolutely amazing, he went out of his way to help me enjoy the trip and learn as much as possible about the amazing country I was visiting."

Malin

5/5

Provider

4.0/5

Customer Review

  • Malin

    29th May, 2020

    I should start with one thing you might find unusual which was that Rashida (the lady that helped me plan my Safari) asked me to pay for it before getting there through a pesapal transfer(bank account). I am mentioning this because I also did some research at that point and other tripadvisor posts help me decide to do it. The company and the means to pay are trustworthy, I had no problem with that. Moving on to the actual Safari experience, my guide, Musa, was absolutely amazing, he went out of his way to help me enjoy the trip and learn as much as possible about the amazing country I was visiting.

    0.0

  • Malin

    29th May, 2020

    I should start with one thing you might find unusual which was that Rashida (the lady that helped me plan my Safari) asked me to pay for it before getting there through a pesapal transfer(bank account). I am mentioning this because I also did some research at that point and other tripadvisor posts help me decide to do it. The company and the means to pay are trustworthy, I had no problem with that. Moving on to the actual Safari experience, my guide, Musa, was absolutely amazing, he went out of his way to help me enjoy the trip and learn as much as possible about the amazing country I was visiting.

    5.0

  • Kess

    29th May, 2020

    We had such a fantastic time on this trip. My husband and I have been on safari in Kenya's Masai mara. we have good things to compare it to and for a safari that incorporates some of what we loved of each of those trips (drives, hikes, boat rides, variety of animals) the 10 day Uganda trip was perfect.

    5.0

  • Radriengo

    29th May, 2020

    This was my 5th trip to Africa, but first trip to Uganda. Using Ultimate Wild Safaris for our trip proved to be an excellent decision. William, our guide, was knowledgeable, courteous, helpful, and a pleasure throughout the safari. The lodges we visited (all recommendations ) all exceed our expectations. We visited the top attractions (gorillas in bwindi impenetrable forest park, Queen Elizabeth National Park,Kibale forest national Park), It was a nice slice of Uganda - a beautiful country with warm, welcoming people.

    5.0

  • Radriengo

    29th May, 2020

    This was my 5th trip to Africa, but first trip to Uganda. Using Ultimate Wild Safaris for our trip proved to be an excellent decision. William, our guide, was knowledgeable, courteous, helpful, and a pleasure throughout the safari. The lodges we visited (all recommendations ) all exceed our expectations. We visited the top attractions (gorillas in bwindi impenetrable forest park, Queen Elizabeth National Park,Kibale forest national Park), It was a nice slice of Uganda - a beautiful country with warm, welcoming people.

    5.0