5 Days Uganda Primates’ Safari

November 2, 2023

5 days Uganda primates’ safari tour

Safari vacations and travel services’ 5 Days Uganda primates safari is designed for travelers who are only interested in observing wild primates. The package includes chimpanzee tracking in Kibale and gorilla trekking in Bwindi. While searching for the two big primates, visitors also have a chance of spotting baboons, vervet monkeys, Pottos, red-tailed monkeys, Colobus monkeys and many of the smaller primates/monkeys. We have included a nature walk around the Bigodi swamp to spot even more species of primates.

Kibale Forest is often referred to as the Primates capital of the world. It has over 15000 chimps and 4 groups that are habituated. There are also 2 groups that are open for the chimpanzee habituation process. Kibale forest is the best place to spot wild chimpanzees in the world. Chimpanzee tracking is therefore the leading attraction in Kibale National Park.

The chances of seeing chimps in the forest is very high – over 91%. Apart from chimpanzees, travelers can expect to spot 12 other species of primates, butterflies, moths, forest creatures and rare vegetation. While touring Kibale, you will also visit the Bigodi Wetlands sanctuary for a chance to watch birds and see more of the 13 species of primates. 5 Days Uganda Primates’ Safari

Bwindi on the other hand is one of the most visited national parks in Uganda. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and has the highest number mountain gorillas in the world. Bwindi also has chimpanzees, other smaller primates and forest mammals. There are now 17 gorilla groups open to tourism in Bwindi. Bwindi is also the only park where tourists can take part in the gorilla habituation experience. One of the top things to do in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is visiting the Batwa pygmy community for an amazing cultural experience. Our driver will take you to learn about their interesting history after gorilla trekking. 5 Days Uganda Primates’ Safari

If you don’t have time and the 5 days are too much, you can also check out our 4 days Uganda wildlife safari package. If you have ample time and you are interested in more days and wildlife, you can check on our 9 days Uganda tour package.

Safari Highlights

Kibale chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park
Visiting the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary
Gorilla tracking in Bwindi
Visiting the Batwa Pygmies

Full Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer to Kibale National Park

A knowledgeable guide/driver from safari vacations and travel services will pick you from your hotel after breakfast and head for Kibale National park. The journey takes between 4 to 5 hours through amazing countryside. You will have a stop in Fort Portal City for lunch and then go for a city tour. Fort Portal is an extremely beautiful town and one of the best places to live in Uganda for its great weather and green landscape. It has now been turned into Uganda’s tourism city because of its proximity to some of the best tourist attractions in the country. Expect to visit the palace of the King of Toro where you learn about the kingdom, current young ruler and cultural practices. 5 Days Uganda Primates’ Safari

Dinner and overnight stay at Kyaninga Lodge (Luxury), Primates Lodge (Mid-range) and Chimpanzee Guest House (budget).

Day 2: Chimpanzee tracking and visiting the Bigodi Swamp

After waking up, take a quick cup of coffee and then set off to the Kibale National Park headquarters for briefing. The park Warden/Guides will share important information about chimpanzee trekking and how to conduct yourself during the activity. Chimpanzee trekking is different from gorilla tracking in many ways. One is that chimps are very mobile and rarely stay in one place for too long. Chimps are also very vocal with groups that are very dramatic.

The dominant chimp has to always be vigilant against stubborn members of the group while a silverback only needs to show charisma to win the respect of his family. Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park usually takes between 3-5 hours but you will only be allowed one hour with them. After the one hour, you will return to your hotel for lunch and rest. In the evening, you will head out for a nature walk along the Bigodi swamp were you will spot more of the 13 primates in the park but also a great collection of birds. 5 Days Uganda Primates’ Safari

Dinner and overnight at Primates lodge (Luxury and Mid-range) and Chimpanzee Guest house (Budget).

Day 3: Transfer to Bwindi National park – Nature Walk and Relaxation around your hotel

After tracking the chimps and visiting the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary, you will wake up at your own time. Take breakfast and check out as you also wait for the driver. The driver will start the journey to Bwindi at around mid-day and reach in the evening. Once you reach your hotel, check in, shower and relax by the hotel premises as you take a drink as you chat with other travelers.

Dinner and overnight at Mahogany Springs (luxury), Lake Mulehe (Mid-range) and Broadbill Forest Camp (Budget)

Day 4: Mountain gorilla trekking – Batwa Pygmies visit

You will wake up early to take your breakfast and then wait for the driver to take you to the park offices for the briefing. Briefing for gorilla trekking starts at 7:00 am. During the briefing, you will learn about the history of the park, the gorilla groups and other creatures in the forest. The Rangers will also let you know about how to act or react around mountain gorillas and what to carry along. Gorilla families are assigned based on the overall fitness and age of participants.

This is because some of groups are located deep into the forest requiring extra hours of tracking. If you wish to visit a certain group, let your tour company know in advance. You can also talk to the Rangers during the time for briefing and let them know of your preferences. If you have extra luggage/camera equipment, hire a porter to help out after the briefing.

Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable forest involves passing through thick forests, steep and sometimes muddy terrain. Once you spot the gorilla family, take as many photos as possible. Listen to what the Rangers tell you. You will have one hour with the gorilla family. Ensure that you complete the activity with great photos and record short videos

After the one hour has elapsed, you will go back to the starting point where our guide will be waiting to take you to the lodge for lunch and rest. Later in the evening, you will go to visit the Batwa Pygmy community. The Batwa pygmies lived in Bwindi Impenetrable forest for thousands of years before they were relocated to their current home. The government thought that their continued presence in the forest crippled gorilla conservation efforts. Unfortunately, the Batwa have never completely adjusted to a modern life. You will find out why during the visit but also be entertained through traditional dance performances.

Dinner and overnight at Mahogany Springs (luxury), Lake Mulehe (Mid-range) and Broadbill Forest Camp (Budget).

Day 5: Transfer back to Kampala for departure

After yesterday’s demanding activities, wake up at your own time and take breakfast as you wait for the company Guide/Driver. The driver will start the 8-hour journey back to Kampala using another route. This time you will pass through Mbarara town and finally to Masaka. The journey will not be boring as there is so much to see along the way. You will have a stop at the Igongo Cultural Centre, the equator crossing in Kayabwe and also to visit the Buganda Royal drum makers as you approach Kampala. Lunch will be taken either at the Igongo Cultural Centre or at the equator crossing. The Driver will take you to the airport for your flight or to a hotel if you are still in the country.

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Accommodation

Mahogany Springs Lodge:

This is one of the finest luxury lodges found in Bwindi Impenetrable forest. It offers privacy and a serene environment that will make you wonder why you have to stay for a short time. The property consists of only 7 large cottages with thatched roofs overlooking river Munyaga and its clear waters. The cottages are private and very spacious. Each cottage is furnished with double doors, sun-soaked windows, modern showers, mosquito nets, hardwood floors, ultra-clean linens and private terraces with great views of the forest. Other amenities include a bar, a restaurant, barbecue nights, private bush dinners/breakfast, exotic gardens and a high-end pool.

Primate Lodge:

Primates’ lodge is one of the best lodges close to Kibale National Park. It offers both luxury and mid-range accommodation facilities. The lodge is built in the middle of a tropical rain-forest hence offering residents that amazing feeling of being out in the jungle. The rooms are in form of luxury tents, forest cottages and a sky tree house.

The luxury tents are 8 in number and built on wooden platforms. The forest cottages are 8 in number but there is only one sky tree house. All rooms are self-contained and designed with an African touch. Expect to find modern bathrooms, flush toilets and beautiful wall paintings. The Sky Tree House has its own bedroom and overlooks the Elephant lurch, where the forest elephants gather to rest for the night. Other amenities include a bar, restaurant, central lounge area and an evening fireplace where cultural performances are staged.

Broadbill Forest Camp:

Broadbill forest camp is a budget lodge found in the Ruhijja sector of Bwindi. Although the lodge is categorized as budget, they do not disappoint when it comes to quality. Their tents are self-contained and offer all the comfort that you will need during your safari. The tents are 4 in number but there is a main building with a bar and restaurant. Broadbill Forest camp is built in a part of the forest with a high concentration of birds. If you are a birder, this is the place you want to be. The lodge organizes birding expeditions to spot the residents birds including the amazing Broadbill. The evenings are full of fun as all residents gather around the evening fire place for entertainment.

Safari includes;

Fulltime private vehicle with a driver for the entire itinerary
Fuel for your safari
Cultural/ community visit to the Batwa
Pick and drop off at your desired location in Entebbe and Kampala
Gorilla permits (each at usd600)
Accommodation
Bottled drinking water
Park entry fees
Fuel
Experienced English speaking tour guide/driver
Park ranger and guiding

Safari excludes;

Insurance
Individual expenses for example tips, cigarettes, crafts, and beverages(soft and hard drinks)

Accommodation (can be arranged on request)

Key notes:

The itinerary does not include arrival, accommodation/dinner (but all this can be arranged on request)
Minimal age for chimpanzee trekking is 13 years ad gorilla trekking 15
Visa and immunization card are a must have
Online visa application is necessary before you travel, depending on the nationality and with respect to the nation you intend to visit.

Safari Vacations and Travel Services designs itineraries in Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC with over 10 years of experience and we are proud of our reputation for executing some of the most highly-rated vacation experiences. Our local consultants plan your preferred itinerary using expert ground knowledge. We take care of all the local logistics like permits, accommodation, and transport. And also, manage your entire trip, from start to finish.

And for inquiries, advice on how to plan for this safari, booking the hiking permits; organizing transport and accommodation, getting in touch with safari vacations and travel services, we help you to avoid inconveniences after you have arrived for the safari.