Day 1: Arrive & Transfer from Entebbe to Kibale Forest National Park
Your journey begins with a morning pick-up from Entebbe or Kampala, followed by a scenic drive through lush countryside, tea plantations, and crater lakes as you head toward Kibale Forest. The drive offers beautiful views and photo opportunities along the way. Arrive at your lodge on the edge of the forest and check in. Depending on your arrival time, you may take an optional nature walk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-run conservation area known for primates and birdlife. Enjoy dinner and settle in for the night.
Accommodation options:
- Kibale forest camp, Chimpanzee guest cottages (Moderate)
- Isunga lodge, Turraco treetops lodge (Midrange)
Meals: Bed & Breakfast
Destination: Kibale National Park
Day 2: Chimpanzee tracking – Bigodi swamp walk
After an early breakfast, head to Kanyanchu Visitor Centre in Kibale Forest National Park for a briefing before your chimpanzee trek. Accompanied by a trained ranger-guide, you’ll venture into the forest in search of one of the habituated chimpanzee families. The trek may take between 2–4 hours depending on where the chimps are located. Once found, you’ll have one hour to observe and photograph them as they interact in their natural environment. Return to the lodge for lunch and a short rest. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a community-based conservation area known for its biodiversity and birdlife. The guided walk through the swamp and forest fringes offers chances to spot more primates and learn about local conservation efforts.
Accommodation options:
- Kibale forest camp, Chimpanzee guest cottages (Moderate)
- Isunga lodge, Turraco treetops lodge (Midrange)
Meals: Full board
Destination: KIBALE NATIONAL PARK
Day 3: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Depart after breakfast for the scenic drive south to Bwindi, approximately 6–8 hours depending on your overnight sector (Buhoma or Rushaga). The route winds through the foothills of the Rwenzori's, tea estates, crater lakes, and local communities before entering the highland regions of southwestern Uganda. You'll have lunch enroute and continue to your lodge near Bwindi, arriving in the afternoon or early evening. Settle into your room and prepare for the next day’s gorilla adventure.
Accommodation options:
- Rushaga Gorilla Camp (Moderate)
- Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Bwindi Orugano Lodge (Midrange)
Meals: Full board
Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
6-Days Pure Primate Expedition
Wake up early for a hearty breakfast and transfer to the park headquarters for a pre-trek briefing by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. You'll be assigned to a gorilla group and guided into the forest by armed rangers and trackers. The trek can range from 2 to 6 hours depending on the group’s location and terrain. Once you locate the gorillas, spend one hour in their presence, observing their movements, feeding habits, and family interactions. This intimate encounter is a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience. After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and rest. The afternoon is free to relax, enjoy the forest atmosphere, or take an optional community visit or guided walk, depending on your energy level.
Accommodation options:
- Rushaga Gorilla Camp (Moderate)
- Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Bwindi Orugano Lodge (Midrange)
- Four gorilla lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge (Luxury)
Meals: Full board
Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 5: Transfer to Mgahinga for Golden Monkey Tracking / Lake bunyonyi
After breakfast, depart Bwindi for Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located within the stunning Virunga mountain range. Upon arrival, proceed to the park offices for a briefing on golden monkey tracking. The trek leads you through bamboo forests and gentle volcanic foothills until you find the lively golden monkeys, known for their playful behavior and striking colors. Spend time observing and photographing them before returning to your lodge for lunch, after the journey contiues towards lake bunyonyi. the drive is one hour and half. Often described as one of Africa’s most beautiful lakes, Bunyonyi offers a perfect setting to unwind after days of trekking. Check in at your lakeside lodge and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. You may take a dugout canoe ride between the islands, stroll along the hillsides, swim in the bilharzia-free waters, or simply relax with panoramic views of the lake and terraced slopes.
Accommodation options:
- Birdnest Resort (Midrange)
- Arcadia cottages (Luxury)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, dinner
Destination: lake Bunyonyi
Day 6: Return to Kigali for Departure
After breakfast, begin the journey back to Kigali. Enroute, you will stop at the Equator crossing for photographs and souvenir shopping. Continue to Entebbe, arriving in time for your evening flight or overnight arrangements depending on your travel plans.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
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