9 Days Uganda Primates Trekking Safari
Book this safari with Katland Safaris for expertly planned trips led by experienced local guides. Each safari is personalised, responsibly run, and focused on authentic wildlife encounters. Seamless planning ensures a smooth and unforgettable journey.
Overview
The 9 Days Uganda Primates Trekking Safari is a comprehensive journey designed for travelers who want to experience Uganda’s extraordinary primate diversity in depth. This safari focuses on Uganda’s most important primate habitats, combining chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest, optional golden monkey tracking in Mgahinga, and mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The itinerary is carefully paced to allow acclimatization, immersive forest experiences, and scenic travel through western Uganda’s most beautiful landscapes.
This safari is ideal for primate lovers, photographers, researchers, and travelers seeking meaningful wildlife encounters beyond classic game drives.
Tour Highlights
- Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe and transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
- Day 2: Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest
- Day 3: Bigodi wetland experience and transfer to Queen Elizabeth area
- Day 4: Kyambura Gorge chimpanzee tracking or forest walk
- Day 5: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Day 6: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest
- Day 7: Second primate experience or forest exploration in Bwindi
- Day 8: Transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
- Day 9: Golden monkey trekking and departure
Detailed Itinerary: 9 Days Uganda Primates Trekking Safari
Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
Your primates trekking safari begins upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport. After meeting your professional safari guide, you travel west toward Kibale Forest National Park, passing lush countryside, tea plantations, and crater lake regions. This scenic drive introduces you to Uganda’s green landscapes and relaxed pace of life.
You arrive at your lodge near Kibale Forest in the evening, surrounded by forest sounds and cool air, perfect for rest before trekking.
Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest
Kibale Forest National Park is widely regarded as the best place for chimpanzee trekking in East Africa. After an early morning briefing, you enter the forest with expert guides to track a habituated chimpanzee community. The experience is dynamic, as chimpanzees move quickly through the canopy, vocalizing and interacting.
The remainder of the day is spent relaxing at the lodge or enjoying the forest environment after this exhilarating primate encounter.
Day 3: Bigodi Wetland Experience and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth Area
The morning begins with a guided walk in the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. This community-managed area is rich in birdlife and primates, offering opportunities to see red colobus monkeys, black-and-white colobus, and other forest species.
Later, you travel south toward the Queen Elizabeth region, enjoying scenic views of crater lakes and open savannah landscapes. You settle into your lodge near the park, preparing for the next primate-focused experience.
Day 4: Kyambura Gorge Chimpanzee Tracking or Forest Exploration
Today explores the unique Kyambura Gorge, often referred to as the Valley of Apes. This dramatic forested gorge cuts through the savannah of Queen Elizabeth National Park and is home to a small but fascinating chimpanzee population. Tracking here is more challenging and adventurous, offering a different primate experience compared to Kibale.
Depending on trekking conditions, the day may also include a guided forest walk, birding, and wildlife observation within the gorge environment.
Day 5: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
You depart the Queen Elizabeth area and journey south toward Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The drive passes through the Ishasha sector, rural villages, and rolling highlands before ascending into the misty forested hills of Bwindi.
Arrival at your lodge near the forest allows time to relax and mentally prepare for the highlight of the safari.
Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Gorilla trekking is the defining experience of this safari. After an early morning briefing by Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers, you trek through dense forest in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family. The trek duration varies depending on gorilla movement, but the reward is a powerful one-hour encounter with these gentle giants.
The afternoon is spent resting at the lodge, reflecting on one of the most emotional wildlife experiences in Africa.
Day 7: Second Primate Experience or Forest Exploration in Bwindi
This day allows deeper exploration of Bwindi’s rich biodiversity. Depending on permits and preference, you may enjoy a second gorilla-related activity such as a different forest walk, a community cultural experience, or relaxed nature exploration around the forest edge.
This flexible day enhances appreciation of Bwindi beyond gorilla trekking, highlighting birds, butterflies, and smaller primates.
Day 8: Transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Today you travel to the scenic Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located in Uganda’s far southwest. The journey offers breathtaking views of volcanic landscapes, terraced hills, and the Virunga Mountains.
You arrive near Mgahinga and settle into your lodge with views of the volcanoes, preparing for your final primate trekking experience.
Day 9: Golden Monkey Trekking and Departure
The safari concludes with golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga National Park. After a morning briefing, you hike into the bamboo forests to observe these rare and energetic primates. Their playful behavior and vibrant coloring provide a unique contrast to gorillas and chimpanzees.
After the trek, you begin your return journey to Entebbe, connecting to your outbound flight and concluding the 9 Days Uganda Primates Trekking Safari.
Safari Includes
- Safari Park fees
- All Tour activities
- All Tour accommodation
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation ( To & From )
- All Taxes/VAT
- Everyday Meals ( As specified )
- Drinking water ( On all days )
Safari Excludes
- International flights ( From / to home )
- Additional Accommodation
- Tips
- Personal items(Souvenirs
- etc.)
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Gov increase of taxes and/or park fees
Request A Quote For this;
9 Days Uganda Primates Trekking Safari
Choose Your Location & Safari Type
Decide where you want to go, how long you will stay, and the kind of safari you want, such as game drives or gorilla trekking. This helps define your budget, travel dates, and overall plan.
Confirm the Safari Itinerary
Select a trusted safari operator and review the itinerary, including parks, accommodation, activities, and what is included. Confirm availability for lodges and permits before proceeding.
Make Payment and Prepare to Travel
Pay the required deposit to secure your safari bookings and confirm all arrangements. After confirmation, review the travel advice provided and prepare for your safari trip.
First-Time Safari Guide To Get Ready For Your Holiday
This East Africa Safari 101 guide explains everything a first-time safari traveler needs to know, from wildlife and game drives to costs, safety, and the best time to visit. It helps beginners understand what to expect on safari and how to plan a smooth, rewarding experience in East Africa.
