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. Let’s discuss more about the major destination beginning with Kibale: –
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 key 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.
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.
If the 5 days are too much, you can also check out our 4 days Uganda wildlife safari package. If you are interested in more days and wildlife, you can read about 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 guide/driver from Mission Africa Safaris 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 at 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.
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.
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 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.
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 hampered 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.
End of Tour
Tour Inclusions and Exclusions
The cost of the 5 days primates safari in Uganda includes: –
- Gorilla Permits
- Chimpanzee Permits
- Visiting the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary
- The Batwa cultural Experience
- A Driver/Guide who speaks excellent English
- A safari vehicle and fuel for the 5 days
- Lunch and bottled drinking while traveling
- Accommodation for 4 nights (including meals and water)
- Pickup and drop-off at your desired location within Uganda
The cost of the 5 days Uganda primates safari will exclude international flights, Visas, personal insurance and expenses.
Practical Guide
If you want to have the best experience while tracking gorillas and chimps, then you need to pack the right items. You will need a light raincoat, suitable hiking boots, hand gloves, drinking water and light snack. We recommend that you hire a porter if you have any heavy cameras or bag. Some of the porters were ex-poachers and have since been given a chance to earn a living by helping tourists. Their services cost between $10 to $15. It is also a good gesture to tip the Guides and Park Rangers when they go out of their way to make your tour memorable.
Note: The tour cost will not include accommodation a day before and after the start of the tour. You can request us to recommend for you the hotels to stay in before and after the trip in Entebbe. Remember that the minimum age for chimpanzee trekking is 13 years. To track gorillas, you need to be 15 years and above. It is important to ensure that you are vaccinated against yellow fever because you will be required to show the certificate. The Uganda Visa can be got at border crossings, online or right at the airport.
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 Munyanga 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. This is 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 Ruhiija sector of Bwindi. Although the lodge is categorized as budget, they do not compromise on 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.
