Uganda Primates & Wildlife Safari - 8 Days

Drive west through Uganda's lush countryside, passing through Mubende and Fort Portal, a picturesque town beneath the Rwenzori Mountains - the legendary 'Mountains of the Moon'. Arrive at Kibale Forest National Park, which boasts the highest density and diversity of primates in Africa - 13 species including our closest relatives, the chimpanzees. After lunch, explore the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-run conservation area supporting 8 primate species and over 200 bird species. Spot red colobus monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and the striking great blue turaco. Evening forest sounds create a magical atmosphere.

Rise early for one of Africa's most exciting primate encounters - chimpanzee tracking! After breakfast and briefing, enter the ancient rainforest with expert guides. Kibale's 1,500 chimps live in several habituated communities, making sightings highly likely. Trek through cathedral-like forest, listening for the distinctive pant-hoot calls that signal chimp presence. Watching chimpanzees - who share 98.7% of our DNA - is extraordinarily moving: observe their complex social interactions, tool use, grooming rituals, and playful behavior. You'll spend one hour with a chimp community before returning for lunch. Afternoon at leisure - options include crater lake hikes, additional forest walks, or relaxing at the lodge.

Drive south through the stunning crater lake region to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda's most visited park spanning 1,978 square kilometers of diverse habitats. Arrive for lunch then embark on the famous Kazinga Channel boat cruise - a 32-kilometer natural waterway connecting Lakes Edward and George. This 2-hour cruise offers unparalleled wildlife viewing: hundreds of hippos wallow in the shallows, Nile crocodiles bask on banks, elephants come to drink, and buffalos graze the shoreline. The birdlife is spectacular with fish eagles, pelicans, kingfishers, and African skimmers. Watch the African sun set over the water.

Drive to the remote southern Ishasha sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions - one of only two populations in Africa with this unusual behavior. These lions have learned to climb fig trees, draping themselves over branches to escape the heat and biting insects of the plains below. Game drive through this pristine wilderness, home to large elephant herds, buffalo, topi, Uganda kob, and the elusive leopard. The landscape is dramatically different from northern Queen Elizabeth - acacia woodland, papyrus swamps, and the meandering Ishasha River. Overnight at a wilderness camp where lions sometimes wander through at night.

After an early morning game drive searching for any lions missed yesterday, drive through the dramatic Kigezi highlands to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The route passes through the 'Switzerland of Africa' - terraced hillsides, emerald tea plantations, and traditional homesteads. Bwindi is one of Africa's most biologically diverse areas - a UNESCO World Heritage Site protecting over 400 plant species, 200 butterfly species, and critically, half of the world's mountain gorillas. Arrive at your forest lodge perched on the edge of the impenetrable forest. Evening gorilla trekking briefing prepares you for tomorrow's life-changing experience.

Today is the pinnacle of your Uganda safari - mountain gorilla trekking. After breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for registration and assignment to one of Bwindi's 20+ habituated gorilla families. With your armed ranger guides, trek into the world's oldest rainforest - the terrain is challenging but the reward is incomparable. When you finally encounter your gorilla family, time seems to stop. Watch silverbacks weighing 200kg move through the forest, mothers nursing infants, juveniles wrestling playfully, and blackbacks maintaining order. Your one hour passes too quickly, but these memories last forever. Return to your lodge for a celebratory dinner, receiving your official gorilla trekking certificate.

After breakfast with final misty forest views, begin the journey back to Entebbe. The drive takes you through some of Uganda's most beautiful countryside - a fitting finale to your primate and wildlife adventure. Stop at the Equator for photos (if not done on the outward journey) and visit a local craft cooperative. Arrive in Entebbe with time for a final lunch overlooking Lake Victoria or visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (Entebbe Zoo) to see any species you may have missed. Transfer to the airport for your departure, taking home incredible memories of gorillas, chimps, tree-climbing lions, and the warmth of Ugandan hospitality.