This itinerary is perfect for anyone interested in an in-depth primate experience, featuring Gorillas, Chimpanzees, and other primate species. This itinerary includes unforgettable visits to Kibale Forest—home to one of the highest concentrations of Chimpanzees in East Africa—followed by bird-rich wetlands at Mabamba, renowned for the elusive Shoebill. You will also visit Queen Elizabeth National Park, to enjoy classic safari experiences, scenic crater lakes, and the famous boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. The journey concludes in the serene savannahs of Lake Mburo National Park for relaxing game drives, walking safaris, and encounters with zebras, eland, and other plains wildlife.
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Place | Highlights | Hotel |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Entebbe | Arrival & transfer to your Hotel | Protea Hotel |
| 2 | Mabamba and depart for Kibale Park | Game watching and boat ride, then depart to Kibale Rainforest | The Primate Lodge |
| 3 | Kibale Rainforest National Park | Chimpanzee Trekking & guided walk in Bigodi swamp | The Primate Lodge |
| 4 | Kibale - Queen Elizabeth Park | Afternoon game drive | Elephant Plains Lodge |
| 5 | Queen Elizabeth National Park | Chimpanzee trek with boat ride | Elephant Plains Lodge |
| 6 | Queen Elizabeth to Ishasha | Afternoon game drives | Ishasha Wilderness Camp |
| 7 | Ishasha - Bwindi National Park | Morning game drive & Travel to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park | Mahogany Springs Lodge |
| 8 | Bwindi Impenetrable National Park | Gorilla Trekking, overnight in Bwindi National Park | Mahogany Springs Lodge |
| 9 | Bwindi - Lake Mburo National Park | Game viewing in the afternoon | Kigambira Safari lodge |
| 10 | Lake Mburo - Entebbe | Morning guided hike & travel to Entebbe Int, Airport for departure | N/A |
$ Pricing
| Travel Date | Price per person | Single Room Supplement |
|---|---|---|
| June-Sept & Dec 2026 | 2pax: USD. 8,700.00 pps 4pax: USD. 7,900.00 pps 6pax: USD. 7,500.00 pps | USD. 1,406.00pp |
| March-May & Oct-Nov 2026 | 2pax: USD. 8,300.00 pps 4pax: USD. 7,500.00 pps 6pax: USD. 7,100.00 pps | USD. 1,390.00pp |
$ Pricing
Travel Date
Jan-Feb, June-Sept & Dec 2026
Per Person Sharing
2pax: USD. 8,700.00 per person sharing
4pax: USD. 7,900.00 per person sharing
6pax: USD. 7,500.00 per person sharing
Single Room Supplement
USD. 1,406.00 Per Person Per Day
Travel Date
March-May & Oct-Nov 2026
Per Person Sharing
2pax: USD. 8,300.00 per person sharing
4pax: USD. 7,500.00 per person sharing
6pax: USD. 7,100.00 per person sharing
Single Room Supplement
USD. 1,390.00 Per Person Per Day
Other Information
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure in Entebbe
- Transport and exclusive use of custom-made 7-seater safari land cruiser accompanied by an English-speaking driver/guide
- Park entrance fees
- One Gorilla trek permit
- One Chimp trek permit
- Swamp walk in Bigodi area.
- Shared Kazinga channel cruise
- Mabamba excursion
- Game drives in Lake Mburo and Queen Elizabeth National Park as per itinerary
- Scheduled one-way light flight Entebbe/Kasese
- 1 night bed & breakfast accommodation in Protea Hotel Entebbe, deluxe rooms
- 2 nights full board accommodation in Primate Lodge, luxury cottages
- 2 nights full board accommodation in Elephant Plains Lodge, luxury cottages
- 1 night full board accommodation in Ishasha Wilderness Camp, standard tents
- 2 nights full board accommodation in Mahogany Springs Lodge, superior room + laundry services, a glass of cask wine or a local beer or a soft drink at dinner time, visit to the Ride 4 a Woman and Buhoma hospital
- 1 night full board accommodation in Kigambira Safari Lodge, deluxe bandas
- Unlimited bottled mineral water in the safari vehicles
- Emergency medical evacuation insurance
- Any items of personal nature such as beverages, telephone calls, souvenirs, etc
- International flights and visas to Kenya
- Tips / gratuities for the camp / lodge staff and your driver / guide
- Medical / Travel insurance
- Entrance fees for cultural visits and schools
- Change in itinerary
- Any extras not mentioned above such as extra meals or activities
Important notes;
Visas;
Ugandan visas are required by citizens of the European Union, the USA and Japan; other nationals basically with the principle of reciprocity. Entry visas can be applied online http://www.visas.immigration.go.ug/ or gotten on arrival, applicants must have a valid travel document not less than 6 months from the date of departure. A single entry visa costs US$ 50, and is valid for three months.
NB- The EAC Tourist visa allows you to visit Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda within 90 days and costs US$ 100
Booking Terms & Conditions
1) All quotations are net /non-commissionable and inclusive of statutory taxes/levies.
2) Once a booking is confirmed, an invoice will be sent, after which payment should be made immediately to secure bookings.
3) We shall NOT be liable for any excursions or extra services NOT booked through our offices while on tour.
4) For payments made in cash, US Dollar notes older than 2006 are not accepted, US$ 2 bills not accepted as well.
5) Invoices are subject to a fee of US$ 35.00 towards International Bank Telegraphic transfer charges.
Gorilla Permits
Gorilla permits are confirmed via payment of US$ 600 per permit to Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), who confirm the permits on first come first serve basis. Primate Expeditions Ltd shall NOT be held responsible if at the time of receipt of payments the permits will not be available.
NB:
a) Gorilla Permits based on current Government Park Tariffs. Park fees are subject to change without prior notice.
b) Gorilla permits are non-refundable & non-transferable
Cancellation Policy: The cancellation policy for safari sector excludes permits policy:
a) To cancel any reservation, Primate Expeditions Ltd must be notified in writing as soon as possible.
b) Notice of cancellation is only effective when it is received in writing.
c) In such case the following cancellation charges will be payable on accommodation and related services:
i. If cancelled 60 days and over – No charges.
ii. If cancelled 59 – 36 days and under, 45% cancellation charges will apply
iii. If cancelled 35 – 16 days and under, 75% cancellation charges will apply
iv. If cancelled 15 days and under, 100% cancellation charges will apply
d) Unused portion of any Safari or Tour is not refundable.
e) The small and up market properties such as Apoka Lodge, Clouds Gorilla Mountain Lodge, Semliki lodge and Pineapple Bay and any other as advised at the time of quotation/booking may require a non-refundable deposit to guarantee bookings. This will be communicated at the time of booking.
Sonal Parekh
Senior Safari Planner+44 740 2230993
Key
| BB | Bed & Breakfast |
| Half Board: | 2 Meals per day (Breakfast / Dinner) |
| Full Board: | 3 Meals per day (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner) |
| Eco-status: | Indicates the Environmentally friendly/ sustainable approach of the hotel |
| Eco-friendly status: | Bronze: | Silver: | Gold: |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Entebbe
Arrival at Entebbe Int. Airport. You will be met and transferred to Protea Hotel to check in. Thereafter transfer to the jetty for your Mabamba excursion (boat departs at 1400hours). You will board a small boat, so-called Mokoro i.e. dugout boats to explore the narrow canals of the Papyrus marsh. You will come across many different species of birds whilst searching for the legendary bird, SHOEBILL named after its mighty beak and one of Uganda’s landmarks. Return to your hotel for overnight stay.
Accommodation
Primates Intensive Safari in Uganda
Hotel Type: Luxury Lodge
Location
This luxurious 4 star resort hotel is ideally located on the glistening shores of Lake Victoria and a convenient 1km from the Entebbe airport. Protea Hotel Entebbe offers a wide variety of services and amenities including a restaurant that offers an exciting and truly inviting a la carte menu 7 days of the week. Specialties include Tilapia and Nile Perch, while guests can also relax on the terrace and bar. Its a hotel that complements your travel style. With elegant furnishings and a warm, inviting feel, the hotels decor and rooms create a luxurious atmosphere. The outside terrace, with its own special ambiance and superb lake views is the perfect place to take it all in
Rooms
Executive Suites: 12
Junior Suites: 2
Other Rooms / Guest Rooms: 72 (86 total minus 14 suites)
Room categories include standard guest rooms (single/twin), queen or king rooms, lake-view deluxe rooms, and larger guest rooms.
Facilities/Amenities
Sustainability, Restaurant On-Site, 1 Restaurant, Gift Shop, Convenience Store, Outdoor Pool, Meeting Space, Spa, Fitness Center, Complimentary, On-Site Laundry, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Free for Marriott Bonvoy Members, Mobile Key, Valet Dry Cleaning, Same Day Dry Cleaning, Room Service, Wake-Up Calls, Turndown Service, Service Request, Daily Housekeeping, Bicycle Rental, Complimentary, Billiards/Snooker
Meal Plan: All Meals Payable Direct
Day 2
Excursion to Mabamba (Shoebill Tour) and thereafter depart for Kibale Rainforest National Park
Early breakfast and transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your morning schedule flight to Kasese ETD 0700 ETA1005 (Baggage allowance is strictly 15kgs in soft sided duffel bags). Upon arrival at the airstrip, you will be met and transferred to your lodge (approx. 2hours) for lunch. Check in and the rest of the day at leisure. Dinner and overnight in Primate Lodge – Luxury cottage LDBB
Accommodation
Primate Lodge
Hotel Type: Standard Lodge
Location
Rooms
16 Rooms comprising of:
- 9 luxury cottage
- 7 standard cottages
Facilities/Amenities
- Spacious dining terrace
- A secluded lounge area with a small library
- Complimentary room service
- Evening camp fire
- Complimentary WiFi in public areas
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 3
Full day in Kibale Rainforest National Park
Breakfast at your lodge and transfer to the chimpanzee trekking base. After a brief orientation start trek with your local ranger to see these amazing creatures closest to us. Chimps are highly social animals, care for their offspring for years and can live to be over 50 years. The probability of finding the primates is 95%. Sometimes they hide up in the trees and it’s not easy to spot them. In addition to the chimpanzees, there are also other primates that are native in this forest such Colobus monkeys, red monkeys, diadem black-backed, white-nosed meerkats etc. Over 300 species of birds and 140 species of butterflies make the forest an oasis for nature lovers. The chimpanzee trekking takes about 2 – 4 hours and you cover 3 – 5km back. Afternoon at leisure or take a guided walk in the Bigodi Swamp excellent for birders as well as other primates. All meals and overnight at Primate Lodge – Luxury cottage LDBB
Accommodation
Primate Lodge
Hotel Type: Standard Lodge
Location
Rooms
16 Rooms comprising of:
- 9 luxury cottage
- 7 standard cottages
Facilities/Amenities
- Spacious dining terrace
- A secluded lounge area with a small library
- Complimentary room service
- Evening camp fire
- Complimentary WiFi in public areas
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 4
Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park (Northern sector)
In the morning proceed to Queen Elizabeth National Park driving along the mighty Ruwenzori Mountains to arrive at your accommodation in time for lunch. Rest of the evening at your leisure with dinner and overnight in Elephant Plains Lodge – Luxury cottage LDBB
Accommodation
Elephant Plains Lodge
Hotel Type: Luxury Lodge
Location
Elephant Plains Game Lodge is situated on the dry Manyeleti riverbed, overlooking an open area and watering hole. The main lodge houses the reception, dining room, bar, lounge & wine cellar, as well as a small library and curio shop. Facilities include two swimming pools, a gym and games room. The lodge caters for the discerning traveller, offering different types of accommodation to cater for a variety of needs.
Rooms
With only 12 Units, Guests can choose between Rondavels, Luxury Suites, and The Manyeleti, our romantic honeymoon suite.
Mealtimes are sumptuous affairs, with a combination of international cuisine and South African specialities. Breakfast and lunch are enjoyed in the dining room, or on the pool deck, overlooking the open area. Dinner is served around a log fire in the boma, whilst enjoying the mystical nocturnal sounds under the African sky.
Facilities/Amenities
Sustainability, Restaurant On-Site, 1 Restaurant, Gift Shop, Convenience Store, Outdoor Pool, Meeting Space, Spa, Fitness Center, Complimentary, On-Site Laundry, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Free for Marriott Bonvoy Members, Mobile Key, Valet Dry Cleaning, Same Day Dry Cleaning, Room Service, Wake-Up Calls, Turndown Service, Service Request, Daily Housekeeping, Bicycle Rental, Complimentary, Billiards/Snooker
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 5
Full day in Queen Elizabeth National Park. (Northern sector)
Breakfast at the lodge and depart for a full day game drive with packed lunches in search for lions, buffalos, elephants, Uganda Kobs and other antelopes. In the afternoon embark on a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel (2 hours approx.). In addition to the hippos and crocodiles in the water you can see much wildlife near the shore – a great opportunity to observe the animals from the boat up close and take pictures. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight in Elephant Plains Lodge – Luxury cottage LDBB
Accommodation
Elephant Plains Lodge
Hotel Type: Luxury Lodge
Location
Elephant Plains Game Lodge is situated on the dry Manyeleti riverbed, overlooking an open area and watering hole. The main lodge houses the reception, dining room, bar, lounge & wine cellar, as well as a small library and curio shop. Facilities include two swimming pools, a gym and games room. The lodge caters for the discerning traveller, offering different types of accommodation to cater for a variety of needs.
Rooms
With only 12 Units, Guests can choose between Rondavels, Luxury Suites, and The Manyeleti, our romantic honeymoon suite.
Mealtimes are sumptuous affairs, with a combination of international cuisine and South African specialities. Breakfast and lunch are enjoyed in the dining room, or on the pool deck, overlooking the open area. Dinner is served around a log fire in the boma, whilst enjoying the mystical nocturnal sounds under the African sky.
Facilities/Amenities
Sustainability, Restaurant On-Site, 1 Restaurant, Gift Shop, Convenience Store, Outdoor Pool, Meeting Space, Spa, Fitness Center, Complimentary, On-Site Laundry, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Free for Marriott Bonvoy Members, Mobile Key, Valet Dry Cleaning, Same Day Dry Cleaning, Room Service, Wake-Up Calls, Turndown Service, Service Request, Daily Housekeeping, Bicycle Rental, Complimentary, Billiards/Snooker
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 6
Drive to Ishasha – Southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park
Depart after breakfast for Ishasha area, famous for its tree climbing lions that can sometimes be spotted resting in the branches of the large fig trees. Arrive at your camp set along a river in time for lunch. Afternoon game drive at your convenience. Dinner and overnight at ISHASHA WILDERNESS CAMP – Standard tent LDBB
Accommodation
Ishasha Wilderness Camp
Hotel Type: Luxury Tented Camp
Location
Situated within the Southern Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park on the Ntungwe River, an idyllic retreat for people who truly enjoy the wilderness
Being within the park, the wildlife is free to also pass through the camp and elephants can be seen bathing in the river, buffalo enjoy grazing and resident troops of Black-and-White Columbus and Vervet monkeys are frequently viewed.
Rooms
10 spacious canvas tented rooms, with private verandah’s overlooking the river. All tents have large mosquito nets, with en-suite bathrooms, hot bush showers, running water for hand basins and a flushing eco-friendly toilet.
Facilities/Amenities
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Complimentary WiFi
- Curio Shop
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 7
Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Depart after breakfast and drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to half of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas. Check in on arrival and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Dinner and overnight in Mahogany Springs Lodge – Superior room LDBB
Accommodation
Primates Intensive Safari in Uganda
Hotel Type: Luxury Lodge
Location
Mahogany Springs Lodge is located in the Buhoma region of Bwindi Imenetrable National Park, within a 5-10 minute walk or 2 minute drive of the gorilla trekking starting point. Set in exotic gardens overlooking the Munyanga River, this is the perfect place to relax and discover the beauty of the plants and birds that make Bwindi such a remarkable place.
Rooms
Mahogany Springs Lodge has a total of 14 suites:
12 Superior Deluxe Suites
2 Premium Deluxe Suites
Facilities/Amenities
Main Facilities: Panoramic terrace with forest and river views, Restaurant (à la carte dining), Full bar, Lounge with fireplace and library, Gift/craft shop
Wellness: On-site spa (massages, facials)
Dining: Afternoon tea, Weekly BBQ night, Private bush breakfasts / private dining (on request)
Room Amenities: En-suite bathrooms, Mosquito nets, Private terraces, 220V charging points, Hot water
Guest Services: Wi-Fi in common areas, Laundry service, 24-hour security, Front desk/concierge
Grounds & Environment: Beautiful gardens and birdwatching areas, Vegetable/herb garden, Tree-planting guest activity
Activities: Gorilla trekking access, Bird watching, Nature walks, Community / cultural tours
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 8
Gorilla Trekking – Overnight at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Early breakfast at your lodge followed by transfer to the park reception – for check-in/registration of your Bwindi Forest gorilla trek adventure. The largest of the great apes, gorillas are stocky animals with broad chests and shoulders, large, human-like hands and small eyes set into hairless faces. Gorillas display many human-like behaviours and emotions, such as laughter and sadness. They even make their own tools to help them survive in the forest. In fact, gorillas share 98.3% of their genetic code with humans, making them our closest cousins after chimpanzees and bonobos. After the trek, drive to your lodge for lunch. Rest of the day at leisure with dinner and overnight in Mahogany Springs Lodge – Superior room LDBB
Accommodation
Primates Intensive Safari in Uganda
Hotel Type: Luxury Lodge
Location
Mahogany Springs Lodge is located in the Buhoma region of Bwindi Imenetrable National Park, within a 5-10 minute walk or 2 minute drive of the gorilla trekking starting point. Set in exotic gardens overlooking the Munyanga River, this is the perfect place to relax and discover the beauty of the plants and birds that make Bwindi such a remarkable place.
Rooms
Mahogany Springs Lodge has a total of 14 suites:
12 Superior Deluxe Suites
2 Premium Deluxe Suites
Facilities/Amenities
Main Facilities: Panoramic terrace with forest and river views, Restaurant (à la carte dining), Full bar, Lounge with fireplace and library, Gift/craft shop
Wellness: On-site spa (massages, facials)
Dining: Afternoon tea, Weekly BBQ night, Private bush breakfasts / private dining (on request)
Room Amenities: En-suite bathrooms, Mosquito nets, Private terraces, 220V charging points, Hot water
Guest Services: Wi-Fi in common areas, Laundry service, 24-hour security, Front desk/concierge
Grounds & Environment: Beautiful gardens and birdwatching areas, Vegetable/herb garden, Tree-planting guest activity
Activities: Gorilla trekking access, Bird watching, Nature walks, Community / cultural tours
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 9
Drive to Lake Mburo National Park
After an early breakfast, you will head to Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda’s smallest national park. It is en route to Kampala and offers beautiful scenery and birds paradise. More than 250 different species such as the papyrus bush shrike, black-headed lapwing or the white winged warbler can be found here. Afternoon game drive to view Buffalo, Elan antelope, Oribis and other animals. Dinner and overnight in Kigambira Safari lodge – Deluxe Banda LDBB
Accommodation
Kigambira Safari Lodge
Hotel Type: Luxury Lodge
Location
Kigambira Safari Lodge in Lak Mburo National Park is a luxury eco-lodge built in the Southern part of Uganda’s smallest park. Nestled between Lake Kigambira and the Rubanga Forest, the location provides the ideal base for the adventurous traveller with a range of activities from game drives & boat trips on Lake Mburo, to exhilarating hikes through the low canopied forest or the looping trail around Lake Kigambira.With 20% of the park featuring wetlands, this is an ornithologist’s paradise.
Rooms
Kigambira Safari Lodge has only 12 tastefully decorated ensuite bandas, you are assured of the finest hospitality in an intimate setting.
2 family bandas provide the perfect set-up for those with children, a family reunion, or even a group of friends.
Our honeymoon suite is guaranteed to give newlyweds lifelong memories, with extra care and detail to ensure your every whim is catered for.
9 deluxe bandas offer double or twin accommodation options.
No matter which cottage of the lodge you choose to stay in, you are assured of an astonishing view of Kigambira, an expansive freshwater lake that teems with birds and wildlife. All cottages are cozy, kept remarkably clean and adjacent to lush whistling acacia trees that attract lots of bird species, most of which have very serenading calls and tweets, perfect music for the soul!
Thanks to the availability of mosquito nets, you are assured of a peaceful & comfortable night.
Facilities/Amenities
Sustainability, Restaurant On-Site, 1 Restaurant, Gift Shop, Convenience Store, Outdoor Pool, Meeting Space, Spa, Fitness Center, Complimentary, On-Site Laundry, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Free for Marriott Bonvoy Members, Mobile Key, Valet Dry Cleaning, Same Day Dry Cleaning, Room Service, Wake-Up Calls, Turndown Service, Service Request, Daily Housekeeping, Bicycle Rental, Complimentary, Billiards/Snooker
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 10
Drive back to Entebbe and outbound departure
Check out after an early breakfast and embark on a morning game drive before your departure for Entebbe. Short stopover at the equator in Kayabwe. Lunch on arrival and thereafter drop off at the Entebbe International airport for your int. flight departure.
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