Explore the world of Primates Chimps, Gorillas (x2), Golden Monkeys & More
- Information
- Tour Plan
- Gallery
- Similar Safaris
- Notes & Packing
What's included
- 1 Gorilla tracking permit per person
- Accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary
- Bottled drinking water throughout the safari
- English-speaking driver/guide
- Ground transportation in 4WD safari car
- Meals indicated in the itinerary
- Park / Activity Fees
- International flights
- Personal expenses
- Personal travel insurance
- Services not specifically stated in the itinerary
- Tips and gratuities
- Visa fees
7 Days Going Ape Uganda Primates Safari
Quick Overview
This 7 Day Going Ape Uganda primates safari takes you to see the chimpanzees, gorillas (twice), golden monkeys and much more in southwestern Uganda’s forests and mountains.
You will start this safari by visiting Queen Elizabeth for some Savannah wildlife and chimps. You will see elephants, lions, buffaloes, hippos, antelopes and much more before driving on to Bwindi Impenetrable where you will get to meet the gorillas face-to-face.
After seeing the gorillas in Bwindi, you will go to Mgahinga to see gorillas once again, as well as the playful golden monkeys, and then drive back to Kampala.
This safari is designed to suit both solo travelers and small groups, and the 2 gorilla treks are to double your fun with the mountain gorillas.
Highlights
Destinations: Kampala, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Activities: Wildlife game drive, boat cruise, chimpanzee tracking, Gorilla trekking, Golden monkey tracking.
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- Day 2:
- Day 3:
- Day 4:
- Day 5:
- Day 6:
- Day 7:
Drive To Queen Elizabeth National Park
Meet and greet at 7:30 am in Kampala or Entebbe, and then transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
You will drive through Ugandan countryside with farms, ranches and small towns along the way. There will be a stopover at the equator for some photography moments, and another one in Mbarara for lunch.
You will reach Queen elizabeth late in the afternoon, the perfect time to go for a relaxing 2-hour boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel - and into Lake Edward. This will take you through possibly the highest concentration of hippos and many animals will be seen drinking at the water's edge. The launch cruise offers an excellent platform for photography, bird watching and game viewing.
Accommodation
- Budget: Simba Safari Camp
- Midrange: Marafiki Lodge
- Luxury: Mweya Lodge
Kyambura Gorge, Tranfer to Bwindi
You will start the day early by visiting the Kambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park for chimps and other primates.
The guided walk in Kyambura Gorge provides excellent opportunities to view chimpanzees, l’Hoest’s, red colobus monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys and more.
From Kyambura, you will have a short game drive to see some animals and then return to the lodge for lunch before leaving for Bwindi.
After lunch, you will drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park - home of the mountain gorillas. The drive will go through the hilly and breathtaking Kigezi highlands - commonly referred to as the 'Switzerland of Africa' - because of their undulating majesty. You will reach your accommodation in Bwindi just in time for a relaxing evening and overnight stay.
Accommodation
- Budget: Buhoma Rest Camp
- Midrange: Engagi Lodge
- Luxury: Mahogany Springs Lodge
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi
After an early breakfast, you will be transferred to the park offices for a briefing about gorilla trekking. After the briefing, you will be assigned the gorilla family and experienced ranger guide to lead your gorilla tracking experience.
The rangers are experienced and know the forest very well and will lead your hike to see the gorillas. Your hike goes through dense untamed rainforest, steep slopes and simple trails and it can take 2-8 hours depending on how the gorillas move around.
During your gorilla trek, the rangers will share a lot of information and insights about the gorillas and the forest. You can ask any questions you have and they will answer you.
Upon meeting the gorillas, you will spend 1 hour with them, watching them play, eat, groom and go about their day. You will ask more questions, get to take pictures and take in the moment of peace among the gorillas.
After your time with gorillas, you will hike back to the starting point for your gorilla trekking certificate.
You will go back to the lodge to refresh and then transfer from Bwindi to Lake Bunyonyi where you will spend the night. Depending on the time when you are done with the gorilla trek, you might have time for an optional community visit before leaving Bwindi.
Accommodation
- Budget: Buhoma Rest Camp
- Midrange: Engagi Lodge
- Luxury: Mahogany Springs Lodge
Drive from Bwindi to Kisoro
You will start the day at a leisurely pace and will travel to Kisoro Town after your breakfast.
Depending on which side of Bwindi you are, Kisoro is 2 to 3 hours away and you can enjoy slow drives as you see the steep gorges, terraces small farms and distant volcanoes reminding you of where you are going - to their foothills.
You will reach Kisoro when it is early for a stroll around the town before taking a rest in preparation for your second gorilla trek.
Accommodation
- Budget: Travellers Rest Hotel
- Mid range: Mutanda Lake Resort
- Luxury: Mount Gahinga Lodge
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla NP
Today is another day for you to see gorillas in the wild, but this time in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
While the briefing and trekking procedures are similar to those of Bwindi which you have already experienced, the terrain is different and the gorillas are totally different too.
The terrain in Mgahinga is a bit easier than that of Bwindi, and the bamboo forests give even better opportunities for photography.
After spending 1 hour with the gorillas, you will come down the mountain and back to your lodge for some time to relax and rest.
Accommodation
- Budget: Travellers Rest Hotel
- Midrange: Mutanda Lake Resort
- Luxury: Mount Gahinga Lodge
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Golden Monkey Tracking in Mgahinga
Today, you will go back to the park for primates - the jolly golden monkeys.
Golden monkeys, like mountain gorillas, are yet another species of primates which only live in Uganda, Rwanda and DRC. In Uganda, they can only be found in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
While most people barely know about golden monkeys, you will be fascinated by their social nature - and of course the distinct golden fur.
Accommodation
- Budget: Travellers Rest Hotel
- Midrange: Mutanda Lake Resort
- Luxury: Mount Gahinga Lodge
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive Back to Kampala, Airport dropoff
Today, you will leave Kisoro and drive back to Kampala/Entebbe for your flight back home.
This is a whole's days of driving and you will have some stops for photography and lunch. You will reach Kampala in the evening and your guide can take you to your accommodation or the airport if your outbound flight is on the same day.
Accommodation
- (X) - Last day
Notes of Chimp & Gorilla Trekking
Here are some important things to know about tracking gorillas or chimps in Uganda and Rwanda.
- Minimum age allowed to track chimps is 12 years old.
- Minimum age allowed to track gorillas is 15 years old.
- Tracking gorillas is quite strenuous and one should be physically fit to best enjoy the experience.
- Anyone with signs of communicable diseases will not be allowed to track chimps or gorillas.
- Maximum time allowed with the gorillas or chimps is 1 hour.
Packing Recommendation
Here are some general safari packing recommendations to consider. Your agreed itinerary will have recommendations based on your trip and schedule.
- Lightweight rain poncho
- Long sleeve shirt
- Sturdy hiking shoes
- Waterproof trousers
- gardening-type gloves
- Sunscreen
- Wide brim hat
- Insect repellent
- Camera with extra batteries and cards
- Your regular medication
- Phone/gadget chargers
Visas for Uganda or Rwanda
Both Rwanda and Uganda have simple to use online visa self-service portals where you can apply and get your visa in a few days. Here are the full articles to guide you about visas.
- Uganda visa requirements and processes for tourist
- Rwanda visa requirements and processes for tourist
Best time to visit Uganda or Rwanda
For most people, it is more pleasant and enjoyable to visit Uganda or Rwanda during the dry season months (June to September and December to February). The general climate is warm and sunny all year round, and you can visit at any time of the year.
If you don't enjoy crowds, the shoulder seasons are ideal since the tourist numbers are lower and the attractions are more intimate to explore.
Safety. Is its safe to visit?
Both Uganda and Rwanda are very safe countries to visit and live in. They are some of Africa's most visited countries and hailed for the friendly locals and warm welcoming smiles.
If you have any safety concerns or specifics your are worried about, simply reach out to us and we'll do everything to help you.
Why Choose Exclusive African Safaris
We are a full service Destination Management Company started and operating in Uganda since 2008. In more than 15 years, we have served guests from all parts of the world and helped them to enjoy wonderful experiences of the wild places, cultures and people in Uganda and Rwanda.
Choosing us, is choosing to go with a trusted company whose wide network, experienced guides and staff will make sure that your safari experience is all that you wanted - and more.
Customizing your safari experience
All our safari packages can be customized and personalized to fit your budget, preferences and schedule. You can start the process through an already existing safari which is speaking to you - but not quite fully, and we shall tailor that trip to your wishes.
You can also directly reach out for us and request for a custom safari, and we shall work closely with you, start from scratch and build a safari that is 100% you.
