8 Days Primates Safari

Overview of 8 Days Primates Safari

Embark on an exhilarating 8-days primates safari through Uganda, a journey that takes you deep into the country’s lush forests and stunning national parks. The 8-days Primates safari is designed to immerse you in the heart of Uganda’s rich biodiversity, with a special focus on its extraordinary primate species. From the chimpanzees in Kibale National Park to the majestic mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, this tour offers a unique opportunity to observe these incredible creatures in their natural habitats. Beginning from Entebbe or Kampala, the safari also includes visits to Queen Elizabeth National Park and Lake Mburo National Park, ensuring a well-rounded wildlife experience.

Highlights

• Kibale National Park: Experience the thrill of tracking chimpanzees and other primates in one of Africa’s most biodiverse forests.
• Queen Elizabeth National Park: Enjoy game drives and boat safaris, with the chance to see a wide variety of wildlife, including the famous tree-climbing lions.
• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Trek through dense forests to encounter the awe-inspiring mountain gorillas, one of the most profound wildlife experiences in the world.
• Lake Mburo National Park: Explore the park’s diverse landscapes, home to zebras, impalas, and more, with opportunities for walking safaris and boat rides.
• Scenic Landscapes and Cultural Encounters: Travel through Uganda’s varied landscapes, from rolling hills to dense forests, and engage with local communities.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe/Kampala – Transfer to Kibale National Park

 Arrival and Departure

Arrive in Entebbe or Kampala and meet your safari guide. After a brief introduction and orientation, embark on a scenic drive to Kibale National Park. The journey takes approximately 5-6 hours, passing through picturesque landscapes, tea plantations, and traditional Ugandan villages.

Arrival in Kibale National Park

Arrive at your lodge in Kibale National Park in the late afternoon. Check-in and relax, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere of the forest. Enjoy dinner at your lodge, where you can prepare for the next day’s chimpanzee tracking adventure.

Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale National Park

 Chimpanzee Tracking

Start your day with an early breakfast before heading to the park headquarters for a briefing on chimpanzee tracking. Accompanied by an experienced guide, venture into the forest to track one of the habituated chimpanzee groups. Kibale National Park is home to around 1,500 chimpanzees, making it one of the best places in Africa to see these primates. Spend an hour observing the chimpanzees as they feed, play, and interact with each other. The experience is both thrilling and educational, offering a rare glimpse into the lives of our closest relatives.

Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary

Return to your lodge for lunch and a short rest. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-run project known for its rich biodiversity. Explore the wetlands on a guided walk, where you might spot various bird species, including the great blue turaco, and other primates such as red colobus monkeys.

Cultural Interaction

Engage with the local community, learning about their culture and way of life. Participate in traditional dances, visit a local school, or interact with community members. Return to your lodge for dinner and a relaxing evening, reflecting on the day’s experiences.

Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

 Scenic Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park, a drive of approximately 3-4 hours. The route takes you through the scenic landscapes of western Uganda, with views of the Rwenzori Mountains. Arrive at your lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park around midday.

Game Drive in Kasenyi Plains

After lunch at your lodge, embark on an afternoon game drive in the Kasenyi Plains. This area is known for its large herds of Uganda kobs and other antelopes, which attract predators such as lions and leopards. Enjoy the diverse wildlife and beautiful savannah landscapes as you explore one of Uganda’s premier national parks. Return to your lodge for dinner. Spend the evening relaxing and enjoying the sounds of the African wilderness.

Day 4: Game Drive and Boat Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park

 Game Drive in the Ishasha Sector

Start your day with an early morning game drive in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions. With a bit of luck, you may spot these lions lounging in the branches of fig trees. The game drive also offers opportunities to see elephants, buffaloes, and various bird species.

 Boat Safari on the Kazinga Channel

After lunch, take a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway that connects Lake Edward and Lake George. The channel is known for its high concentration of hippos and crocodiles, and it attracts a wide variety of birdlife, including African fish eagles and pelicans. The boat cruise provides excellent opportunities for wildlife photography and close-up views of animals along the water’s edge. Return to your lodge for dinner and a relaxing evening, with time to reflect on the incredible wildlife encounters of the day.

Day 5: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

 Departure from Queen Elizabeth

After breakfast, depart for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The drive takes approximately 4-5 hours, passing through the scenic Kigezi Highlands, often referred to as the “Switzerland of Africa.” Enjoy the stunning views of terraced hillsides and lush valleys as you travel towards Bwindi.

 Arrival in Bwindi

Arrive at your lodge in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the early afternoon. Check-in and relax, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere of the forest. Use the rest of the day to prepare for the gorilla trekking adventure, with a briefing on what to expect and how to prepare.

 Relaxation and Dinner

Enjoy dinner at your lodge, with the sounds of the forest providing a natural backdrop. Rest up for the exciting day ahead.

Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

 Gorilla Trekking Adventure

After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking. You will be assigned a group based on your fitness level, and then set off into the dense forest with your guide and porters. The trek can take anywhere from 2 to 8 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family. The terrain can be challenging, but the reward is immense – the chance to spend up to an hour with a group of mountain gorillas, observing their behavior and interactions. This intimate encounter with one of the world’s most endangered animals is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave a lasting impression.

 Relaxation and Optional Activities

Return to your lodge for lunch and some rest after the trek. In the afternoon, you can choose to relax or engage in optional activities such as a community walk, visiting local villages, or exploring the nearby Bwindi Community Hospital and Conservation Effort.

 Dinner and Reflection

Enjoy a well-deserved dinner at your lodge. Reflect on the extraordinary experience of gorilla trekking and the incredible biodiversity of Bwindi.

Day 7: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park

Departure from Bwindi

After breakfast, depart for Lake Mburo National Park, a journey of approximately 5-6 hours. The drive takes you through the rolling hills and small towns of southwestern Uganda. Arrive at Lake Mburo National Park in the early afternoon and check into your lodge.

Game Drive or Walking Safari

After lunch, you have the option to go on a game drive or a walking safari. Lake Mburo is unique in that it offers walking safaris, allowing you to explore the park’s diverse landscapes on foot. During the walk, you might encounter zebras, impalas, and various bird species. The park is also home to elands, buffaloes, and other wildlife.

 Boat Safari on Lake Mburo

In the late afternoon, embark on a boat safari on Lake Mburo. The lake is known for its large hippo population, as well as crocodiles and a variety of birdlife, including the African fish eagle and kingfishers. The boat cruise offers a relaxing end to the day, with beautiful views of the park’s landscapes. Return to your lodge for dinner. Spend the evening around a campfire, sharing stories of your safari experiences.

Day 8: Return to Entebbe/Kampala

Final Game Drive

After an early breakfast, enjoy a final game drive in Lake Mburo National Park. This is a great opportunity to spot any wildlife you may have missed the previous day. After the game drive, begin your journey back to Entebbe or Kampala, a drive of approximately 4-5 hours.

 Arrival in Entebbe/Kampala

Arrive in Entebbe or Kampala in the early afternoon. Depending on your flight schedule, you can spend some time shopping for souvenirs or exploring the town.

Transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight, or continue to your next destination if you are extending your stay in Uganda.

Conclusion

The 8 Days Primates Safari offers an immersive experience into Uganda’s unique wildlife and stunning landscapes. From the thrill of tracking chimpanzees and gorillas to exploring diverse national parks, this 8 days primates safari provides a perfect blend of adventure, wildlife encounters, and cultural interactions. It’s an unforgettable journey that leaves you with lasting memories of Uganda’s remarkable natural beauty and biodiversity.