8 Days Uganda Primate Safari – Gorillas, Chimpanzees & Wildlife Adventure

8 Days Uganda Primate Safari: Embark on the ultimate 8 Days Uganda Primate Safari with Gorilla Nests Safaris – an unforgettable journey into the heart of Africa’s primate capital.

Uganda is home to almost half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas and the highest density of chimpanzees on the continent, making it the undisputed primate paradise of Africa.

This carefully crafted Uganda gorilla and chimp safari combines thrilling gorilla trekking in the ancient Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, chimpanzee tracking in the primate-rich Kibale Forest National Park, classic Big 5 wildlife viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and serene relaxation at the breathtaking Lake Bunyonyi.

Whether you are a luxury traveler seeking exclusive lodges, an adventure enthusiast craving raw nature experiences, or a wildlife photographer chasing the perfect shot, this primate-focused itinerary delivers it all.

At Gorilla Nests Safaris, we take away every worry. You’ll enjoy seamless planning, comfortable 4×4 safari vehicles, expert English-speaking guides, pre-booked gorilla and chimpanzee permits, and 24/7 support from the moment you land until you depart. Book your 8 Days Uganda Primate Safari with us for reliable transport, professional guides, and a life-changing adventure that supports local communities and conservation.

8 Days Uganda Primate Safari Key Safari Highlights

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (once-in-a-lifetime encounter with mountain gorillas)
Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest – the best place on earth to see chimps in the wild
Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary community walk – meet rare monkeys and bird species
Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park with chances to see lions, elephants, buffalo, and Uganda kob
Scenic boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel – hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife
Search for the famous tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector
Relaxation and optional canoeing at stunning Lake Bunyonyi – “the place of many little birds”
Authentic Batwa pygmy cultural experience – learn from the original forest dwellers

8 Days Uganda Primate Safari – Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Entebbe → Transfer to Kampala (overnight Kampala)
Day 2: Kampala → Kibale Forest NP (5–6 hr scenic drive)
Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking (Kibale) + Bigodi Wetland Walk
Day 4: Kibale → Queen Elizabeth NP + Afternoon Game Drive
Day 5: Morning Game Drive + Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Day 6: Ishasha (tree-climbing lions) → Bwindi Impenetrable NP
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi + Batwa Cultural Experience
Day 8: Bwindi → Lake Bunyonyi (relaxation) → Transfer to Entebbe & departure

Key Experiences: Mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, tree-climbing lions, Big 5 wildlife, boat cruise, and Batwa culture in just 8 days!

8 Days Uganda Primate Safari Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport – Transfer to Kampala

Your Uganda primate tour begins! Our driver-guide will welcome you at Entebbe International Airport and transfer you to your Kampala hotel (approximately 1 hour drive). After a long flight, relax and enjoy a briefing about your upcoming gorilla and chimpanzee adventure.

Overnight: Latitude 0° Hotel (mid-range) | Protea Hotel by Marriott (luxury) | Forest Cottages (budget)

Day 2: Kampala → Kibale Forest National Park (≈5–6 hours)

After breakfast, depart for Kibale Forest, driving through lush countryside, tea plantations, and the beautiful crater lake region near Fort Portal. Enjoy lunch en route and arrive in time for an optional nature walk or visit to the scenic Amabere Caves (if time allows).

Overnight: Primate Lodge (luxury) | Kibale Forest Camp (mid-range) | Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse (budget)

Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest + Bigodi Wetland Walk

Early breakfast, then head to Kibale National Park headquarters for chimpanzee tracking briefing. Enter the forest in search of one of the 13 primate species, including the habituated chimpanzee community. The trek lasts 2–5 hours depending on chimpanzee movement. In the afternoon, enjoy the community-run Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary walk – a paradise for birders and monkey lovers (black-and-white colobus, red-tailed monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys).

Overnight: Same as Day 2

Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Afternoon Game Drive

Morning drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, passing through the rolling hills of western Uganda. After lunch and check-in, embark on an afternoon game drive in the Kasenyi plains. Look out for lions, elephants, Uganda kob, and giant forest hogs.

Overnight: Mweya Safari Lodge (luxury) | Kasenyi Safari Camp (mid-range) | Bush Lodge (budget)

Day 5: Morning Game Drive + Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise

Dawn game drive for the best predator sightings, followed by breakfast. In the afternoon, enjoy a 2-hour boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel – one of Africa’s greatest wildlife spectacles. Expect close encounters with hippos, Nile crocodiles, buffalo, and hundreds of water birds.

Overnight: Same as Day 4

Day 6: Ishasha Sector (Tree-Climbing Lions) → Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Morning drive to the remote Ishasha sector, famous for its rare tree-climbing lions. Continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, arriving in the late afternoon. Prepare your trekking gear and enjoy the misty mountain views.

Overnight: Mahogany Springs Lodge (luxury) | Silverback Lodge (mid-range) | Buhoma Community Rest Camp (budget)

Day 7: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi + Batwa Cultural Experience

The day you’ve been waiting for! After early breakfast and briefing at park headquarters, enter the ancient forest for Bwindi gorilla trekking. Trek duration varies from 2–8 hours depending on gorilla family location. Spend one magical hour with these gentle giants. In the afternoon, visit the Batwa pygmies – the original inhabitants of the forest – for a cultural performance and forest walk.

Overnight: Same as Day 6

Day 8: Lake Bunyonyi Relaxation → Transfer to Entebbe & Departure

After breakfast, drive to beautiful Lake Bunyonyi. Enjoy optional canoeing, swimming, or bird watching. Have lunch overlooking the lake before the final drive (or optional domestic flight) back to Entebbe for your international departure flight. End of your 8 Days Uganda Primate Safari.

End of the 8 Days Uganda Primate Safari

Primate Species You Will See

Uganda is home to 15 primate species – more than any other African country. On this safari you can expect:

Mountain gorillas (Bwindi)
Chimpanzees (Kibale)
Black-and-white colobus monkeys
Red-tailed monkeys
L’Hoest monkeys
Blue monkeys
Vervet monkeys
Olive baboons
Grey-cheeked mangabey
Golden monkeys (optional add-on in Mgahinga)

Gorilla Trekking Information – Everything You Need to Know

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi is the highlight of any Uganda gorilla safari. Here are the key details:

Difficulty: Moderate to challenging. Treks can last 2–8 hours on steep, muddy slopes at high altitude (up to 2,500 m). Good fitness is required.
Gorilla Permit Cost: USD 800 per person (foreign non-residents)
Minimum Age: 15 years
Best Time: Dry seasons – June to September & December to February (less rain and.org rain, easier trekking)
Group Size: Maximum 8 visitors per gorilla family per day
Time Allowed with Gorillas: 1 hour

Packing List for Gorilla Trekking

Waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support
Long-sleeved shirt & trousers (protection against stinging nettles)
Gardening gloves (for grip on vegetation)
Rain jacket / poncho
Daypack with plenty of drinking water and snacks
Camera (no flash allowed)

Gorilla Trekking Rules in Uganda

Keep 7 meters distance
No eating or drinking near gorillas
No flash photography
If sick, you will not be allowed to trek (to protect gorillas)

Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale – What to Expect

Permit Cost: USD 200 (tracking) or USD 250 (full-day habituation experience)
Trek Duration: 2–5 hours
Group Size: Max 6 visitors per chimp community
Differences from Gorillas: Chimps are faster, more vocal, and often seen in trees. They are our closest relatives (98.7% DNA shared).
Photography Tips: Use fast shutter speed (1/500 or higher) and silent mode – chimps move quickly!

8 Days Uganda Primate Safari Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions :

Airport transfers
Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
English-speaking professional driver-guide
All park entrance fees
Gorilla trekking permit (USD 800)
Chimpanzee tracking permit (USD 200)
Boat cruise & game drives
Full-board accommodation (7 nights)
Bottled drinking water in the vehicle
All activities mentioned

Exclusions :

International flights
Visa fees
Travel insurance
Tips & gratuities
Alcoholic beverages
Laundry & personal expenses

Best Time for the 8 Days Uganda Primate Safari

The best months are during the dry seasons:

June – September
December – February

These periods offer:

Less rain = easier trekking conditions
Lower vegetation = better gorilla & chimpanzee visibility
Comfortable temperatures

March–May and October–November are low season – fewer tourists and lower lodge rates, but trails can be muddy.

What to Pack for Your Uganda Primate Safari

Waterproof hiking boots
Long-sleeved lightweight shirts & trousers
Rain jacket / poncho
Warm layers (evenings in Bwindi can drop to 10°C)
Insect repellent (DEET 30–50%)
Sunscreen & hat
Binoculars
Camera + extra batteries + zoom lens
Energy snacks
Reusable water bottle
Small daypack
Personal medication & first-aid kit

Accommodation Options – From Budget to Luxury

Kibale Forest

Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge | Primate Lodge (private cottages)
Mid-range: Kibale Forest Camp | Turaco Treetops
Budget: Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge | Kyambura Gorge Lodge
Mid-range: Kasenyi Safari Camp | Enganzi Game Lodge
Budget: The Bush Lodge (tented banda)

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Luxury: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp | Mahogany Springs | Buhoma Lodge
Mid-range: Silverback Lodge | Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge
Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp

Lake Bunyonyi

Luxury: Birdnest Resort | Arcadia Lodge
Mid-range: Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort
Budget: Bunyonyi Overland Resort

Why Choose Gorilla Nests Safaris?

10+ years specializing in Uganda gorilla and primate safaris
Expert local guides with deep knowledge of gorilla families and chimpanzee behavior
Comfortable, well-maintained 4×4 vehicles with guaranteed window seats
Pre-secured gorilla & chimpanzee permits (no stress!)
Flexible payment plans & free itinerary customization
24/7 emergency support line
Trusted by travelers from USA, UK, Australia, Germany, Canada & beyond
We contribute part of every booking to community and conservation projects

Frequently Asked Questions about this safari

How difficult is gorilla trekking in Bwindi?
It ranges from moderate to challenging. Some groups find gorillas within 1–2 hours, others trek up to 8 hours on steep terrain. Porters are available for $20 to carry your bag.
How much does Gorilla Nests Safaris charge for the 8 Days Uganda Primate Safari?
Prices start from USD 3,800 per person sharing (mid-range accommodation). Luxury options available from USD 5,500+. Contact us for your personalized quote.
Is Uganda safe for tourists?
Yes. Tourist areas are very safe. We use experienced driver-guides and stay in secure lodges. Uganda has been welcoming visitors safely for decades.
Can children join the primate safari?
Children 15+ can participate in gorilla trekking. Younger children can join the rest of the safari (game drives, boat cruise, Lake Bunyonyi).
When is the best month to see mountain gorillas and chimpanzees?
June–September and December–February offer the driest conditions and best trekking experience.
Do I need to be very fit for this safari?
Moderate fitness is required for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking. The rest of the safari (game drives, boat cruise) is easy for all ages.
Are gorilla and chimpanzee permits included?
Yes – we pre-book and guarantee your permits when you confirm your booking.
What happens if it rains during trekking?
Rain is common in the forest. We provide ponchos, and trekking continues (gorillas don’t mind rain!).

Ready to Experience the Trip of a Lifetime?

Don’t leave your dream Uganda gorilla and chimp safari to chance. Gorilla permits sell out 6–12 months in advance, especially in peak season.

Contact Gorilla Nests Safaris TODAY for the best available dates, secure your gorilla & chimpanzee permits, and let us craft your perfect 8 Days Uganda Primate Safari.