Uganda is often referred to as the primate capital of the world, and this 5-day journey proves why. You’ll hear the dawn chorus of chimps hooting across the canopy in Kibale Forest, and sit just meters away from a mountain gorilla family in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Along the way, spot red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus, and countless birds that bring these forests to life.
This is more than a safari; it’s an immersion into the wild heart of Uganda. A favourite among wildlife photographers and primate enthusiasts, the trip can be tailored to suit budget-friendly stays or exclusive luxury lodges.
Before booking, use our super-handy entry requirements guide to make sure you’ve got all the right documents to enter and travel through the countries on your adventure. Check out our Entry Requirements guide!
Meet your Ikigai guide in Entebbe for the drive west to Kibale National Park. The journey (5–6 hours) winds through lush countryside, tea plantations, and crater lakes. Arrive at your lodge near the forest edge, where the evening chorus of frogs and insects welcomes you.
At dawn, enter Kibale Forest National Park, the best place in East Africa to track wild chimpanzees. The forest comes alive with the calls of red colobus, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and countless birds. Then a high-pitched hoot echoes through the trees. Moments later, you spot them: a family of chimps swinging through the canopy, grooming, or cracking nuts on the forest floor. The encounter is fast-paced, noisy, and unforgettable. Afternoon options include a walk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary or relaxing at your lodge.
Today is a full-day scenic drive south to Bwindi (7–8 hours). The landscapes shift from crater lakes to rolling, terraced hills, eventually giving way to the misty slopes of Bwindi. Arrive in the late afternoon and settle into your lodge at the edge of the forest.
After an early briefing, step into Bwindi’s dense rainforest. The trek can take several hours, guided by trackers who are familiar with the gorillas’ movements. When the forest finally opens to reveal a gorilla family, you’ll sit in awe just meters away as a silverback surveys his domain, mothers groom their young, and playful juveniles tumble in the undergrowth. Few experiences in the world match this. Return to the lodge to relax or join an optional cultural walk.
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast as the morning mist lifts off the forest. Begin the drive back to Entebbe (8–10 hours), with memories of chimpanzees hooting in the canopy and gorillas gazing into your eyes. Drop off at the airport or hotel in the evening.
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