8 Days Primates & Wildlife Safari

Day 1-2: Lake Mburo National Park

Kampala to Lake Mburo National Park

Key species highlights: zebras, impalas, elands, giraffes

• Scenic drive through rural Uganda

• Stop at the Equator for photos and coffee

• Afternoon game drive

• Wildlife: zebras, impalas, elands, buffaloes

• Optional boat ride on Lake Mburo

• Overnight: Lake Mburo lodge (mid-range or luxury)

Lake Mburo National Park is the closest of Uganda's national parks to the capital, reached by road between Kampala and Mbarara. Its rolling acacia hills, sparkling lakes, zebras, elands, hippos, and impalas create a calm but very alive safari setting. The park is smaller and quieter than Uganda's larger reserves, with game drives, boat safaris, horseback rides, walking safaris, and an Equator stop along the way.

Highlights of Lake Mburo National Park

• Boat rides on Lake Mburo with hippos and crocodiles

• Game drives and walking safaris in open plains

• Night game drive offers a thrilling chance to see nocturnal animals like leopards, hyenas, and bush babies

• Horseback riding safaris - a unique optional experience

• Over 300 bird species, including the rare papyrus gonolek

• Rich cultural experiences with local communities

• Peaceful and less crowded compared to larger parks

• Cycling safari in the park as an optional activity

Day 3-4: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

One of the world's best places for mountain gorilla trekking

After breakfast at your lodge in Lake Mburo, continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the heart of Uganda's gorilla conservation story. Set on the edge of the Rift Valley in southwest Uganda, this ancient mist-covered rainforest protects exceptional biodiversity and some of the world's rarest wildlife.

Bwindi is most famous for being home to nearly half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas. Trekking through dense forest to observe a gorilla family in its natural habitat is an unforgettable encounter and a powerful reminder of why conservation matters.

Highlights

• Early briefing and start of the trek

• One of the world's best mountain gorilla trekking areas

• Trek through dense forest to find gorillas

• Meet a gorilla family and spend one hour observing

• Learn about conservation and gorilla behavior

• Afternoon relaxation at the lodge

• Overnight: same lodge in Bwindi

Community Tour

This village walk shows how life unfolds in a Ugandan community. You meet people across generations, learn about local routines, and may visit traditional healers as part of the cultural experience.

The Batwa Trail shares the culture of the forest's original inhabitants through local guides, forest knowledge, herbal traditions, bamboo water vessels, and demonstrations of traditional shelter building.

Day 5-6: Queen Elizabeth National Park

Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda's second-largest national park, set near Lakes Edward and George at the base of the Rwenzori Mountains. Its savannah plains support elephants, leopards, antelope, lions, buffaloes, hippos, and rich birdlife.

This western Uganda reserve is one of the country's most diverse protected areas, spanning rolling savannah, crater lakes, forest, and the wildlife-rich Kazinga Channel.

On arrival, check in at your lodge for relaxation.

Explore Queen Elizabeth National Park

• Sunrise game drive in Kasenyi plains

• Big cats including lions and leopards, plus elephants and buffaloes

• Afternoon boat cruise on Kazinga Channel

• Massive hippo and crocodile sightings

• Overnight: same lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park

• Morning game drive at sunrise, followed by an afternoon boat cruise with hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and birds

• Evening game drive when temperatures are cooler and animals are more active

Day 7-8: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

After an early breakfast, travel to Kibale National Park in western Uganda, a tropical rainforest known as the Primate Capital of the World. The park protects chimpanzees, red colobus, L'Hoest's monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, rich birdlife, and forest trails that connect beautifully with Uganda's wild side.

On arrival, check in at your lodge for relaxation.

• Morning or afternoon chimpanzee tracking

• Guided trek to find wild chimpanzees

• Observe chimps in their natural habitat

• Learn about chimp behavior and conservation

• Other primates: red colobus, mangabeys, baboons

• Overnight: same lodge in Kibale National Park

The safari package includes:

✔ Return airport transfers (pick up and drop off)

✔ Transport for 8 days in a 4x4 WD, air-conditioned vehicle with pop-up roof (safari van or Land Cruiser)

✔ Fuel for 8 days

✔ English-speaking safari guide for 8 days

✔ Private standard, mid-range, or luxury accommodation for 7 nights on full board

✔ Bottled mineral water and all en-route meals

✔ All park entrance fees and itinerary activities

✔ One chimpanzee tracking permit in Kibale Forest National Park per person

✔ One gorilla trekking permit in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest per person

✔ Boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park

✔ Boat cruise at Lake Mburo National Park

✔ Night game drive in Lake Mburo National Park

✔ Morning jungle walking safari

The safari package excludes:

✘ International flights to/from Uganda

✘ Visa fees

✘ Travel and medical insurance

✘ Tips and gratuities

✘ Personal shopping and items of a personal nature

✘ Alcoholic drinks and beverages

✘ Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary

What to take with you on the entire safari

• Neutral-colored clothing and long-sleeved shirts

• Comfortable closed shoes

• Sunblock or sunscreen, as afternoon sun can be intense

• Insect repellent

• Personal medication if needed

A spirit of adventure is essential, of course.