7-Day Primates & Wildlife Safari

Tour Overview

Our classic primates-and-savannah loop at a comfortable pace: two nights each in Kibale, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi for chimps, lions, hippos and mountain gorillas. This 7-day private safari visits Kibale National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Highlights: Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale; Kazinga Channel launch cruise; Tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector; Game drives on the Kasenyi plains; Bigodi wetland walk for birds and monkeys; Fort Portal crater lakes.

Best time to go: Year-round; best Jun-Sep and Dec-Feb.

Accommodation Options (Budget, Midrange, Luxury):

Choose the comfort level that suits you; the vehicle, guide and activities stay the same. Price per person (2 people sharing, 2027): Budget $3,018 · Midrange $3,969 · Luxury $7,622.

• Kibale / Fort Portal (2 nights): Budget – Isunga Lodge; Midrange – Turaco Treetops; Luxury – Primate Lodge Kibale
• Queen Elizabeth NP (2 nights): Budget – Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge (explorer tent); Midrange – Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge (signature banda); Luxury – Ishasha Wilderness Camp or Kyambura Gorge Lodge
• Bwindi – Buhoma (2 nights): Budget – Buhoma Community Rest Camp; Midrange – Buhoma Community Haven Lodge; Luxury – Buhoma Lodge

Lodges shown are examples, or similar, subject to availability. Gorilla and chimp permits are included at cost.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Entebbe to Kibale

Drive to Kibale via Fort Portal; crater lakes en route. Overnight: Turaco Treetops (midrange) or similar.

Day 2: Chimp tracking & Bigodi

Chimp tracking in the morning; afternoon optional Bigodi swamp walk. Overnight: Turaco Treetops (midrange) or similar.

Day 3: To Queen Elizabeth

Drive to Queen Elizabeth; afternoon Kazinga Channel launch. Overnight: Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge (signature banda) (midrange) or similar.

Day 4: Kasenyi game drive

Morning game drive for lion, elephant and kob; afternoon at leisure. Overnight: Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge (signature banda) (midrange) or similar.

Day 5: Ishasha to Bwindi

Through the Ishasha sector to Buhoma. Overnight: Buhoma Community Haven Lodge (midrange) or similar.

Day 6: Gorilla trekking

Gorilla trek with UWA rangers. Overnight: Buhoma Community Haven Lodge (midrange) or similar.

Day 7: Bwindi to Entebbe

Drive back to Entebbe.

Inclusions:

• Private 4x4 safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof, English-speaking driver-guide and fuel
• Airport or hotel pick-up and drop-off in Entebbe or Kampala
• Accommodation as listed, sharing a double or twin room; full board on safari
• Chimpanzee tracking permit in Kibale
• Gorilla trekking permit and a guided trek with UWA rangers
• Queen Elizabeth park entry (3 days)
• Kazinga Channel launch cruise
• UWA ranger-guides on game drives
• Bottled drinking water in the vehicle
• All government taxes

Exclusions:

• International flights and Uganda visa (single-entry e-visa about $50, or the East Africa Tourist Visa at $100)
• Travel and medical insurance; a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry
• Tips for guides, porters and lodge staff
• Drinks unless the lodge includes them, laundry and personal items
• Optional activities and anything not listed
• Single room supplement (on request)

How to Get There:

Book an international flight to Entebbe International Airport (EBB), about 45 minutes from Kampala. Your Mwema Safaris driver-guide meets you at arrivals or at your hotel. About 5 to 6 hours by road from Entebbe or Kampala via Fort Portal, or a domestic flight to Kasese and a 2-hour drive.