Monkey and gorilla trails An exhilarating primate safari in search of monkeys, chimpanzees and mountain gorillas – treading through mist-shrouded forests, just as early explorers did. This is an intrepid journey through some of Uganda’s most beautiful parks in the company of Africa’s fabulous wildlife.
Enriching tailormade journeys – for you This bespoke journey features some of our favourite spots in Uganda. You can choose to take our destination experts’ recommendations and travel just as you see the itinerary here, or contact us to add your own special touches; maybe a an eco-camp with tree-climbing lions nearby or a special programme designed for you to spend time with orphaned chimpanzees. We’re here to design your perfect holiday. Call us on 0844 875 1890.
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Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel in the capital city Kampala. The atmosphere and infrastructure of this equatorial city are strong indications of the country’s more recent political and economic stability.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++)
in Cassia Hotel
Cassia Hotel
The Cassia Hotel is located on Buziga Hill, one of the highest hills of Kampala, close to Lake Victoria. Rooms are furnished safari-style, with ensuite bathrooms and balconies with a lake view. There is a restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating and the hotel has a full-size swimming pool.
Day 3:
Journey to Kibale Forest
Drive to Kibale Forest National Park, home to the greatest variety and concentration of primates in East Africa, including over 1,000 chimpanzees. Enjoy an afternoon relaxing in your lodge amidst the colourful sights and sounds of the surrounding lush forest.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++)
in Primate Lodge Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Primate Lodge
Primate Lodge is a small camp set in the heart of Kibale Forest National Park. All the tents and cottages are situated around the main lodge, and have en-suite facilities and a large veranda. There’s also an open-fronted lounge, restaurant and bar, perfect for enjoying the sounds of the forest.
Day 4:
Trekking to see Uganda's primates
Start your adventure with a guided walking safari in search of the park’s many chimpanzees and monkeys, not forgetting the huge variety of birdlife too. After an energetic morning, spend the afternoon at the Bigodi swamp, famous for many species of birds and primates.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++)
in Primate Lodge Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Primate Lodge
Primate Lodge is a small camp set in the heart of Kibale Forest National Park. All the tents and cottages are situated around the main lodge, and have en-suite facilities and a large veranda. There’s also an open-fronted lounge, restaurant and bar, perfect for enjoying the sounds of the forest.
Day 5:
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Leave Kibale for the majestic Queen Elizabeth National Park. Its vast savannah lands provide home to herds of elephant, buffalo and antelope.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++)
in Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge
This small camp (there are only six tents) is in a great location. It’s set-up to maximise your experience of the fantastic natural surroundings and wildlife, which can wander through the camp! Each room has river views and a double outside shower for starlit showers.
Day 6:
Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Start the day with an exciting game drive in search of Uganda’s indigenous wildlife; lions, elephants, buffalos and antelopes. An afternoon river cruise on the Kazinga Channel allows an up-close encounter with hippos and aquatic birds.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++)
in Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge
This small camp (there are only six tents) is in a great location. It’s set-up to maximise your experience of the fantastic natural surroundings and wildlife, which can wander through the camp! Each room has river views and a double outside shower for starlit showers.
Day 7:
Trek with Mountain Gorillas
A free morning (or time for chimpanzee trekking at Kyambura Wildlife Reserve) before driving to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for an unforgettable mountain gorilla experience.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++)
in Engagi Lodge Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Engagi Lodge
Engagi Lodge has eight en-suite cottages, each with their own private veranda. The lodge is constructed from local materials, including banana leaves for thatching, eucalyptus trees and locally hewn rocks. With a 'rock' bar, lounge and dining area, the lodge offers fantastic views from its forest canopy location.
Day 8:
In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Spend a day in and around the park. Head into the depths of the rainforest with expert guides as you track the magnificent mountain gorilla. Observing these magnificent primates in their natural habitat is one of life’s most unforgettable experiences.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++)
in Engagi Lodge Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Engagi Lodge
Engagi Lodge has eight en-suite cottages, each with their own private veranda. The lodge is constructed from local materials, including banana leaves for thatching, eucalyptus trees and locally hewn rocks. With a 'rock' bar, lounge and dining area, the lodge offers fantastic views from its forest canopy location.
Day 9:
Lake Bunyonyi
After breakfast, journey to Lake Bunyonyi - the deepest lake in Africa. Here you can relax and contemplate your encounters with the magnificent mountain gorillas or may be go for a sunset canoe ride.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++)
in Bushara Island Camp Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Bushara Island Camp
Bushara Island Camp is a community-run resort on Lake Bunyoni, offering a clean and rustic camp. Tents are lake view, each walk-in tent having an eco toilet and outside shower with hot water on request. The Camp supports many local community projects which guests can visit during their stay.
Day 10:
Lake Bunyonyi
Relax on the shores of Lake Bunyonyi, or enjoy optional activities such as birding, nature walks, swimming or canoeing.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++)
in Bushara Island Camp Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Bushara Island Camp
Bushara Island Camp is a community-run resort on Lake Bunyoni, offering a clean and rustic camp. Tents are lake view, each walk-in tent having an eco toilet and outside shower with hot water on request. The Camp supports many local community projects which guests can visit during their stay.
Day 11:
Game drive in Lake Mburo National Park
Head to Lake Mburo National Park. The park is home to a number of mammal species not found elsewhere in Uganda, including the eland antelope, whilst it is also one of only a few places left to spot zebra. This afternoon enjoy a boat ride on the lake, seeing rich bird life and hippos.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++)
in Arcadia Cottages Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Arcadia Cottages
These rustic cottages command impressive views over Lake Mburo National Park. Each guest room is set in its own private cottage with en-suite facilities. There is a bar and a restaurant onsite, where you may be able to spot hippos grazing on the water’s edge.
Day 12:
Game drive in Lake Mburo
Lake Mburo National Park is renowned for its rich birdlife and beautiful lakes. On your final day on safari, enjoy a nature walk searching for zebra, warthog, buffalo, impala and, if you’re lucky, see the largest of Africa’s antelope – the beautiful eland. This afternoon transfer back to Kampala, stopping en-route at the equator.
Overnight Comfortable Hotel (H++)
in Cassia Hotel Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Cassia Hotel
The Cassia Hotel is located on Buziga Hill, one of the highest hills of Kampala, close to Lake Victoria. Rooms are furnished safari-style, with ensuite bathrooms and balconies with a lake view. There is a restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating and the hotel has a full-size swimming pool.
Day 12:
Depart Entebbe
Transfer back to Entebbe in time for your return flight home
