10 days / 9 nights

Primates & Big Five Wildlife

Track chimpanzees in Kibale, see big game in Queen Elizabeth, trek gorillas in Bwindi, and wind down at the shores of Lake Bunyonyi. Uganda's two great primates plus a full wildlife safari in ten days.

Route Overview

This ten-day route is built for travellers who want both great primates and a proper wildlife safari. Starting from Entebbe, you head west to the chimpanzee forests around Fort Portal, then south through Queen Elizabeth's savannah before reaching the mountain gorillas of Bwindi. The trip ends with a couple of nights at Lake Bunyonyi — one of the most peaceful spots in East Africa.

Day 1: Arrive Entebbe

Land at Entebbe International Airport and transfer to your hotel. If you arrive early enough, the Entebbe Botanical Gardens or a visit to the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre make a gentle introduction to the country.

Where to stay — Entebbe

Day 2: Drive to Fort Portal / Kibale Area

Drive west to the Fort Portal area (5 to 6 hours). The road passes through lush tea plantations and the dramatic crater lake region. Arrive in the afternoon and visit the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a guided swamp walk — a great warm-up for primates, with red colobus monkeys, L'Hoest's monkeys, and over 200 bird species.

Where to stay — Kibale area

Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest

Report to Kanyanchu visitor centre by 7:30 am. Kibale Forest has the highest density of primates in Africa — over 1,500 chimpanzees live here alongside 12 other primate species. The trek typically lasts 2 to 4 hours. Once you locate a chimpanzee community, you have one hour to observe their feeding, grooming, and social behaviour. Spend the afternoon exploring the crater lakes or relaxing at your lodge.

Where to stay — same lodge as Day 2

Day 4: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Head south to Queen Elizabeth National Park (2 to 3 hours). The approach from the north passes through the Kichwamba escarpment with sweeping views across the park's savannah and the distant Rwenzori Mountains. Check in and enjoy a late afternoon game drive along the park's northern tracks, where you might already spot elephants, buffalo, and various antelope.

Where to stay — Queen Elizabeth (Mweya / Kasenyi area)

Day 5: Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Safari

A full day in Queen Elizabeth. Start with an early morning game drive through the Kasenyi Plains — lion, leopard, hyena, and large buffalo herds are all possible. After lunch, board a boat on the Kazinga Channel. This 32-kilometre natural channel connects Lake Edward and Lake George, and its banks teem with hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and spectacular waterbirds. The two-hour cruise is consistently rated as one of Uganda's best wildlife experiences.

Where to stay — same lodge as Day 4

Day 6: Drive to Bwindi via Ishasha

Drive south through the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth NP, famous for its tree-climbing lions. Stop for a game drive in the Ishasha plains before continuing to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (total drive 5 to 6 hours with the game drive included). Arrive at your lodge by late afternoon for an early night before the gorilla trek.

Where to stay — Bwindi (Buhoma sector)

Day 7: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

The highlight of the trip. Report to the Buhoma park headquarters by 7:30 am for the briefing. The trek can range from 2 to 6 hours through dense mountain forest. Once you find your assigned gorilla family, you have one hour of close-range observation — watching a silverback interact with his family is an unforgettable experience. Return to your lodge in the afternoon. For more on the permit process, see our gorilla permit guide.

Where to stay — same lodge as Day 6

Day 8: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

After breakfast, drive to Lake Bunyonyi (2 to 3 hours from Buhoma). This deep, scenic lake is surrounded by terraced hills and dotted with 29 islands. The afternoon is yours — swim in the bilharzia-free water, take a dugout canoe to one of the islands, or simply sit on the deck and watch the light change over the water. After a week of active trekking and game drives, this is a welcome change of pace.

Where to stay — Lake Bunyonyi

Day 9: Lake Bunyonyi Relaxation

A full free day at the lake. Paddle a canoe to Punishment Island for its haunting history, hike to a viewpoint above the lake, visit a local community project, or do absolutely nothing. Most lodges offer bird walks, cultural visits, and fishing excursions. This is your day to decompress before heading home.

Where to stay — same lodge as Day 8

Day 10: Departure

Transfer to Kihihi or Kisoro airstrip for a domestic flight back to Entebbe (about 1 hour), connecting with your international departure. Alternatively, the drive back to Entebbe takes 8 to 9 hours — only recommended if your flight departs the following day.

Practical Tips

  • Permits needed: Gorilla permit ($700) and chimpanzee permit ($200). Book both well in advance for peak season.
  • Best time: June to September and December to February offer the driest conditions for trekking.
  • Fitness: Both primate treks involve hiking through forest on uneven terrain. Reasonable fitness is required.
  • Budget estimate: $2,600 to $8,000 per person depending on lodge choices and transport.

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