5 Days Uganda Primates Safari- Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi, Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest

5 Days Uganda Primates Safari – Overview

This 5 days Uganda primates safari tour is a remarkable 4 nights and 5 days safari in Uganda tour featuring gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and a Chimpanzee tracking tour in Kibale Forest National Park.

It gives you a great opportunity to trek the endangered Mountain gorillas in Bwindi National Park as well as go for chimp trekking in Kibale National Park- the world’s primate capital!

Our 5 days Uganda tour also offers you a thrilling encounter with the classic wildlife of Uganda in Queen Elizabeth National Park. While here, you’ll spot a range of gems counting the rare tree climbing Lions in the Ishasha sector.

More so, this exciting 5 days Uganda trip gives you a golden chance to undertake authentic African community tours where you’ll encounter the local people. For example, visiting the Bigodi village.

This memorable 5 days primate safari and wildlife in Uganda tour further takes you to explore Lake Bunyonyi’s unmatched scenic beauty. While on a boat ride on Lake Bunyonyi, you’ll truly believe that this lake has the most scenic views in the whole world probably!

A stop over at the Uganda Equator crossing point Kayabwe marks the end of your 5 days Uganda safari tour. This charming trip starts and ends in Entebbe.

Please note that this lovely tour in Uganda can be arranged based on budget, mid-range as well luxury accommodation to suit your safari interests. Book now this short Uganda tour for a remarkable experience!

5 Days Uganda Primates Safari – Prime Safari Activities

• Having an encounter with the gentle forest giants (Mountain gorillas)
• Tracking Chimpanzees as well as other amazing primate species in Kibale Forest
• Exciting wildlife encounter in Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Encountering the mysterious tree-climbing Lions in Ishasha
• Visiting Amabere caves for fascinating folklore stories
• Relaxing from the hectic gorilla adventure with a soothing boat cruise on Lake Bunyonyi
• Standing in 2 different hemispheres of the world at the same point as you visit the Equator

5 Days Uganda Primates Safari – Featured Safari Destinations

• Day 1: Kibale National Park & the Amabere caves
• Day 2: Kibale National Park & Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Day 3 & 4: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Day 5: Lake Bunyonyi

5 Days Uganda Primates Safari: Highlights

Day 1: Transferring to Kibale park, visit Amabere Ga’ Nnyinamwiru Caves, and the scenic crater fields.

Day 2: Chimpanzee trekking in the morning & afternoon Bigodi village walk.

Day 3: Transferring to Bwindi impenetrable park with an en-route game drive in Ishasha sector.

Day 4: Have Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi park & transfer to Lake Bunyonyi for an evening boat cruise

Day 5: Transferring back to Kampala, enjoy several en-route stops along the way.

5 Days Uganda Primates Safari – Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Transferring to Kibale Park, Visit Amabere Ga’ Nnyinamwiru Caves, and the Scenic Crater Fields

On day 1 of your 5 days Uganda primate tour, you’ll wake up for an early breakfast at around 6:30 am from your lodge. Then after, get picked up by our experienced driver guide and transfer 326km (5-6 hours) journey to Kibale National Park.

Along this impressive drive, you should expect several amazing stopovers for example at a lovely local market in Mityana town. While here, you’ll have an opportunity of buying and taste a variety of purely organic tropical sweet fruits of Uganda.

Another great thing that you’ll come across on the drive is Uganda’s own KFC- a delicious roasted chicken skewered on sticks! And therefore, if you are not a fussy feeder, this is a great moment for you to taste this fire-grilled finger lingering goodness.

On arrival in the lush Mpanga Tea Estate around mid-morning, you’ll have a cycling adventure tour exploring this scenic tea plantation on a mountain bike.

This tea picturesque tea plantation spreads over a wide area of undulating beautiful landscape. And therefore, exploring it on a mountain bike is a memorable experience worth undertaking! You’ll encounter the staff plucking tea leaves and you’re free to take part to gain the exact touch.

Retire and proceed driving to Fort Portal town, settle for lunch, and after transfer to visit Amabere Ga Nyinamwiru cave in Nyakasura village.

Note:

Upon arrival, we shall be welcomed by a local guide who knows the fascinating cultural heritage and history of this great site.

You’ll visit Amabere Ga Nnyinamwiru caves- the breast-like features that resemble the twin breasts of a woman. There’s a local legend which has it that, these belonged to Nyinamwiru a daughter of Bukuku who was a self-enthroned King of the Bachwezi- the demi-gods around the 14 century.

Nyinamwiru was denied an opportunity of breastfeeding her baby Ndahura as the father had been alerted that this child will take over his throne.

Therefore, up-to-date milk continues to flow out of Nyinamwiru’s breasts- according to the legend! This historical and unique area is worth visiting on your Uganda safari!

You’ll retreat from this great cultural encounter and undertake a charming hike to Fort Portal Crater Lake Field. On this lovely hike, you’ll transverse the slightly challenging Kyeganywa hill which is bounded by several dazzling crater lakes and crater hollows.

The area presents one of the most beautiful sites in Uganda ideal for photo shoots. Normally on clear days, visitors can enjoy great views of the beautiful snow-capped peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains.

Retreat from this activity and drive to Kibale forest national park 26km from Fort Portal town. On arrival check in at your lodge for relaxation, dinner, and an overnight stay.

The Highlight Of This Day:

• Enjoying fascinating local legends behind the existence of Amabere Ga Nyinamwiru

Accommodation Includes: Budget, Mid-range, and Luxury

Drive Distance And Time: 326km journey (5-6 hours drive)

Activities On This Day:

• Transferring to Kibale National Park
• Cycling in the lush Mpanga Tea Estate
• Visiting Amabere Ga Nyinamwiru Caves in Fort Portal Nyakasura area
• A scenic hike to Fort Portal Crater Lakes

Amazing Optional Activities:

• Undertaking a nocturnal walk in Kibale Forest to spot some of the nocturnal creatures like Bush-babies, Genets, Pottos, Tree Hyrax, and Night-jars.

Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking In The Morning & Afternoon Bigodi Village Walk

Wake up for an early breakfast around 6:30 am from your lodge and then transfer with your packed lunch to Kanyanyu Visitor’s Center for a chimpanzee trekking briefing at 8 am.

During the briefing, a senior park ranger will take you through the rules and regulations of the chimpanzee trekking adventure. Then from here, you’ll embark into the jungle (with park rangers and trackers) in the search of the chimps- man’s close cousins!

According to research carried out, chimps share over 98-99% of their DNA similar to that of man. And therefore, Chimpanzees are the closest genetic relatives of man among primates.

Please note that chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park can take 2-5 hours depending on the movement of the chimps.

On encountering these exciting creatures finally, you’ll be wowed as you watch them feeding, laughing, swinging in trees, and hugging as well. You’ll be fascinated by the great care that mother Chimpanzees give to their babies just like humans do!

You are free to take photos only when using a flash less camera. Besides a memorable encounter with man’s close cousins, you’ll also encounter several beautiful birds and primates in Kibale park such as Red-tailed Monkeys, Black and white colobus, Olive Baboons, and L’hoest’s Monkeys.

On finishing this thrilling adventure, return to park headquarters to be awarded a Chimpanzee trekking certificate and meet your driver guide.

Note:

From here, you’ll have a lunch break and later transfer to the Bigodi community where you’ll engage in a community encounter with the locals.

While here, you’ll explore the daily lives of locals as well as watch them as they carry on their amazing daily activities. And among these include coffee picking and the making of the local brew.

For a remarkable cultural experience, visitors can always participate in the coffee-making process and the planting process, harvesting red coffee berries, sun drying process, and finally coffee pounding.

After, you’ll make your cup of coffee from freshly brewed coffee grown by locals.

From this experience, embark on a 157km drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge for dinner and as well as overnight.

The Highlight Of This Day:

• A trek to see the Chimpanzees and spend time with them, analyzing their closeness to humans 99.8 DNA!!

Accommodation Includes: Budget, Mid-range, and Luxury

Drive Distance And Time: 157km journey (2-3 hours drive)

Activities On This Day:

• Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale
• A thrilling cultural encounter as you visit the Bigodi community
• Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Amazing Optional Activities:

• Afternoon birding session in the park
• Nocturnal walk in the forest

Day 3: Transferring To Bwindi Impenetrable Park With An En-Route Game Drive In Ishasha Sector

After enjoying a lovely breakfast and a cup of Ugandan coffee around 8 am, you’ll check out and transfer a 160km (4-7 hours drive) journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

This scenic drive will take your Ishasha sector in the south of Queen Elizabeth- the best place for spotting the amazing tree climbing Lions in the world. Upon arrival in this area, you’ll undertake a stunning game drive in search of these mysterious creatures.

On encountering them, you’ll enjoy watching them resting up in beautiful big Fig tree branches watching their prey the Uganda Kobs feeding in the plains. Normally, on this amazing drive, visitors encounter Elephants, Buffaloes, Topis, Hippos, and Uganda Kobs, plus numerous birds.

On finishing the drive, you’ll settle for lunch from a premium lodge in this sector and later embark on a 62km drive to Bwindi. Upon arrival in the evening, check in at your lodge to relax, have dinner, and have an overnight stay.

The Highlight Of This Day:

 A sighting of the rare tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector logged in between tree branches

Accommodation Includes: Budget, Mid-range, and Luxury

Drive Distance And Time: 160km journey (4-7 hours drive)

Activities On This Day:

• Driving to Bwindi national park
• A game drive in Ishasha sector in search of tree-climbing Lions

Day 4: Have Mountain Gorilla Trekking In Bwindi Park & Transfer To Lake Bunyonyi For An Evening Boat Cruise

You’ll rise early around 6:30 am, and enjoy your delicious breakfast comprising of various bites ranging from delicious organic tropical fruits to freshly baked confections. All this is aimed at boosting you for your adventure of Uganda gorilla trekking in Bwindi ahead of you.

Following breakfast, you’ll transfer to the park headquarters with your packed lunch to catch up with the gorilla trekking briefing at 8 am.

During the briefing, an experienced park ranger will share with you all the history of the gorilla conservation program in Bwindi as well as the rules and regulations of the activity.

After, you’ll embark into the misty and hilly Bwindi jungle (in the company of armed rangers and trackers) to search for the allocated gorilla family. The trek in search of these gentle giants can take 2-8 hours basing on the movement of these shy gentle giants.

Along the trail, expect to encounter some of the 350 bird species in Bwindi Forest as well as several primates such as the Black-and-white Colobus and L’hoest Monkeys. Visitors can encounter also various Lizards species as well as the 3-horned Chameleon, etc.

Finally, on encountering these wonderful gentle giants of the forest, count yourself among the lucky people who have managed to spot the endangered Mountain gorillas in their misty and hilly habit!

You’ll spend one hour watching these magical beings as you learn about their daily lives. Infrequently, young gorillas can break the 7m rule and get close to incorporate you into their games!

However, if this happens, you’re advised to remain cool, don’t attempt to run!

After this once-in-a-lifetime adventure, trek back to park headquarters to be awarded a gorilla tracking certificate for your great tracking efforts and meet your driver guide as well.

You’ll enjoy your picnic lunch and later transfer to Lake Bunyonyi- Uganda’s most beautiful lake where you’ll unwind from your long day of gorilla trekking.

Upon arrival on this picturesque lake, you’ll get amazed by its serene waters which are dotted by many dazzling islands, leading to its famous name the “Lake of a Thousand Islands”

You’ll take a tranquil boat cruise on Lake Bunyonyi to explore the numerous historical islands on this lake.

And among these include Akampene Island also called Punishment Island where unmarried pregnant girls could be taken and abandoned by their parents due to shaming the family. These girls could die here of hunger or drown in Lake as they could try to escape!

The other prominent island is the Up-side down Island. A local legend has it that, this got cursed by an old lady after the young people refused to give her a local brew. This wonder woman cursed it and it turned upside down, barring these people!

Retire from this exciting adventure, and transfer to your lodge for dinner as well as overnight.

The Highlight Of This Day:

Trekking and seeing the Mountain Gorillas and taking a boat cruise on Lake Bunyonyi.

Accommodation Includes: Budget, Mid-range, and Luxury

Drive Distance And Time: 55-85km journey (1-3 hours drive)

Activities On This Day:

• Enjoy a tranquil boat cruise on Lake Bunyonyi
• A remarkable adventure of Gorilla trekking in Bwindi national park

Amazing Optional Activities:

• Nature walking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Batwa community tours
• Birding watching in the Bwindi forest

Day 5: Transferring Back To Kampala, Enjoy Several En-Route Stops Along The Way

Wake up early around 7 am, and enjoy your charming breakfast at your lodge. While eating breakfast, you’ll enjoy the beautiful songs of the nearby little birds as they welcome this new day singing together in uniformity!

This will make you comprehend why this lake is known as Lake Bunyonyi, which is a translation of the phrase “Lake of little birds.”

On finishing breakfast, check out and embark on a 420km journey to Kampala or 470km to Entebbe. During this scenic drive, you’ll enjoy the breathtaking views of the undulating hills of Mirama. These fascinating steep hills will make you wonder how locals manage to cultivate along them!

Along the way, you’ll also encounter several native men carrying agricultural produce on their bicycles amazingly to nearby local markets.

Upon reaching Mbarara, we shall have a stopover for lunch at Igongo Country Hotel. This hotel is just a few meters passed Mbarara town. While here, you’ll enjoy a locally inspired delicious lunch buffet, and if you wish, you can taste out Ishabwe- a lovely native delicacy in this region.

Note:

After lunch, you’ll visit the amazing 1520AD solar eclipse monument in Biharwe village nearby. If you wish, you can hike up this charming hill where this monument is set. Reaching the top, this hill offers you fascinating views of the rolling plains of Ankole, ideal for incredible photo shoots.

While on this beautiful monument, the guide will give you its interesting history.

Then from here, continue driving to the Uganda Equator crossing point for amazing photo shoots while standing in the center of the earth. You can go ahead to carry out the Equator water experiment. This will teach you how to differentiate between the northern and the southern hemispheres of the earth.

You can buy beautiful handcrafts from craft shops around to act as souvenirs of your African safari in Uganda.

Finally, continue the drive to Kampala or Entebbe airport to catch up with your departure flight back home.

Drive Distance And Time: 450km journey (7-8 hours drive)

Activities On This Day:

• Transferring back to Kampala
• Traditional lunch at Igongo Country Hotel

End Of This 5 Days Uganda Primates Safari

Safari Inclusions

• A full-time experienced English-speaking safari driver guide
• 4×4 safari van or 4×4 safari Land Cruiser all having a pop-up roof for game viewing plus a functioning A/C
• Full board accommodation on a safari
• Chimpanzee trekking permit fees
• Entrance fees to all tourist places mentioned
• Activity fees for all tourist activities mentioned
• Gorilla trekking permit
• Wi-Fi Internet on board in the safari vehicle
• Bottled water

Exclusions

• Fees for international and domestic flights
• Fees for Uganda Visa
• Laundry services
• Items of personal nature
• Gratuities and tips while on the safari
• Extra beverages (drinks) for example alcohol
• Other expenses not included in the itinerary