Safari Overview
Gorillas in Bwindi, chimpanzees in Kibale and the tree-climbing lions of Queen Elizabeth on a one-week primate safari.
This week-long safari focuses on Uganda's remarkable primates. From Kampala, travel west past the Equator and Ankole cattle country to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for a full day tracking mountain gorillas, with the gorilla permit included. Continue to the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park for tree-climbing lions, enjoy game drives and a Kazinga Channel cruise, then track chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, home to one of Uganda's largest chimpanzee populations. It suits all ages (gorilla trekking from 15) and runs year-round.
Highlights
- Equator photo stop and Igongo Cultural Centre
- Mountain gorilla tracking in Bwindi (permit included)
- Tree-climbing lions of the Ishasha sector
- Kazinga Channel boat cruise
- Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest
Ideal for: Travellers who want gorillas and chimpanzees in one week, including families with teenagers aged 15+, couples and photographers.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Welcome to Uganda. You are met at Entebbe International Airport and transferred to your Kampala hotel (Imperial Royale, Metropole or Tristar Hotel, bed and breakfast).
Drive west with a photo stop at the Equator, passing long-horned Ankole cattle and the terraced Kigezi highlands. Lunch at the Igongo Cultural Centre near Mbarara, with the chance to visit the Ankole museum. Dinner and overnight at Mahogany Springs, Silverback Lodge or Buhoma Community Rest Camp (full board).
After an early breakfast and briefing, set off at around 8:00 to track mountain gorillas, carrying a packed lunch, rain jacket and boots. Time to find the gorillas varies with their movements, and meeting a silverback is unforgettable. Dinner and overnight at your lodge (full board).
Game drive through the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park in search of lions resting in the fig trees, then continue to the Mweya Peninsula. Dinner and overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge, Ihamba Lodge or Bush Lodge (full board).
An early game drive along the Kasenyi track and Queen's Mile for lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, hyenas, kobs and topi. After lunch, cruise the Kazinga Channel among hippos, crocodiles, elephants and water birds, then transfer to Fort Portal. Dinner and overnight at Mountains of the Moon Hotel, Fort Motel or Ataco Resort (full board).
Track chimpanzees and other primates in Kibale Forest National Park, home to one of the largest chimpanzee populations in Uganda. Dinner and overnight in Fort Portal (full board).
After breakfast, drive back to Kampala or Entebbe for your onward journey.
Accommodation: Kampala hotel (1 night), Bwindi lodge (2 nights), Queen Elizabeth lodge (1 night) and Fort Portal lodge (2 nights). Classic, mid-range and budget options are available.
What's Included
Included
- Gorilla tracking permit (subject to availability; non-refundable once purchased)
- Meet-and-greet and safari briefing
- Accommodation as outlined or similar
- Full-board meals on safari (breakfast, lunch and dinner) as per itinerary
- Private safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Park and reserve entrance fees
- English-speaking professional driver-guide
- Drinking water during the safari (1 litre per person per day)
- All applicable taxes
- Hotel or airport transfers as per itinerary
Not included
- Chimpanzee tracking permit
- International flights
- Visas
- Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry and telephone calls
- Tips and gratuities for guides, porters and waiters
- Travel insurance
- Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
Prices
| PER PERSON | CLASSIC ACCOMMODATION (USD $) | MID RANGE ACCOMMODATION (USD $) | BUDGET ACCOMMODATION (USD $) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Pax- | 3335 | 2845 | 2470 |
| 4 Pax | 2935 | 2455 | 2075 |
| 6 Pax | 2800 | 2325 | 1940 |
Rates are per person sharing, by group size, season and accommodation level. SRS = single room supplement. Prices are a guide and are confirmed at the time of booking.
Map & Destinations
Photos
Frequently Asked Questions
Gorilla and primate trekking runs year-round. The drier months (June to September and December to February) usually mean easier forest trails. Permits are limited, so book well in advance.
Our prices are based on a private safari vehicle for your group, with your own driver-guide. Shared departures may be possible on request.
A 4x4 safari Land Cruiser or safari minibus with a pop-up roof for game viewing and photography.
Yes. Gorilla trekking is only permitted for visitors aged 15 and over. Treks can take from one to several hours on steep, muddy trails, so a reasonable level of fitness helps.
Yes. We can adjust the travel dates, length, destinations, pace and activities to suit you.
Yes. We can quote for upgraded lodges and tented camps, subject to availability on your dates.
Yes. We can add domestic flights, a Kenyan coast or Zanzibar beach stay, or extra safari days before or after this itinerary.
Lightweight neutral-coloured clothing, warm layers for early mornings, comfortable shoes, a sun hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars and a camera. See our Safari Travel Information page for a full checklist.
9 Days
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Tell us your travel dates and group size and our safari team will send a personalised quote. Every itinerary can be customised.
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From the Coast
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Flying Dove Safaris creates memorable East African safari experiences across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Zanzibar.
Safaris
Destinations
Experiences
Company
From the Coast
Start Planning Your Safari
Flying Dove Safaris creates memorable East African safari experiences across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Zanzibar.
