Journey Details
- Start / End
- Entebbe International Airport, Uganda → Entebbe, Uganda
- Languages
- English, French, German (on request)
- Guide
- Expert Local Guide
- Group Size
- 2–12
- Accommodation
- Luxury
About This Journey
Overview
Experience Uganda’s extraordinary primate diversity on this 7-day Uganda primate safari, combining chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest, wildlife encounters in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
This carefully paced journey takes you from lush rainforest to open savannah and finally into the misty forests of southwestern Uganda. It’s an ideal choice for travellers who want to experience Uganda’s chimpanzees, mountain gorillas and iconic wildlife in one week, without trying to cover too many destinations.
The Route Ahead
Every stop, stay and meal — laid out so you know exactly what each day holds.
Arrival at Entebbe International Airport, Uganda
Your journey commences as you land at Entebbe International Airport in Uganda. You'll receive a warm welcome and be transferred to your hotel in Entebbe, where you can unwind and prepare for the extraordinary days ahead.
Transfer to Kibale National Park
Depart for Kibale National Park, a haven for chimpanzees and other primates. Check-in at your lodge or campsite near the park, nestled in the heart of the lush forest.
Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale National Park
Embark on a thrilling day of chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park, a place renowned for its high chimpanzee population. Witness these intelligent primates in their natural habitat, making for an unforgettable wildlife experience.
Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to the majestic mountain gorillas. Check-in at your lodge or campsite near the park, where you'll be surrounded by the sights and sounds of the jungle.
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Prepare for a life-changing adventure as you embark on gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Encounter these gentle giants in their natural habitat, an experience that will stay with you forever.
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Continue your gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, with another chance to observe these incredible creatures up close. Each encounter with gorillas is a unique and awe-inspiring moment.
Departure
Bid farewell to the magnificent primates and pristine jungles of Uganda. After breakfast, you'll be transferred to the departure point, taking with you cherished memories of your primate-focused safari.
Departure Dates & Pricing
Available on request — tell us your preferred dates and we'll tailor a departure around them.
What's Included
- Airport transfers
- Accommodation as specified
- Ground transportation for all transfers and activities
- Permits for chimpanzee tracking and gorilla trekking
- Expert guides for primate tracking experiences
What's Excluded
- International flights to/from Entebbe International Airport
- Visa fees (if required)
- Travel Insurance
- Alcoholic beverages and personal expenses
Frequently Asked Questions
East Africa — including Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania — welcomes hundreds of thousands of international visitors every year, and the overwhelming majority return home with wonderful memories and no safety issues.
The main tourist areas (national parks, gorilla trekking zones, established lodges, and well-travelled routes) are generally very safe when you travel with a reputable operator. Crime against tourists is relatively rare in these environments. Like any destination in the world, larger cities require normal urban awareness, especially after dark.
Safety can vary by country and by region, and the situation can change. For this reason we always recommend that you check the latest official travel advice from your own government’s embassy or foreign office before you book and again closer to your departure date. This is the most reliable and up-to-date source of information.
At Tuntu Safaris we take safety extremely seriously. We use experienced local guides, well-maintained vehicles, carefully selected lodges, and proven routes. Your wellbeing is our highest priority from the moment you arrive until you leave.
This is one of the best questions you can ask, and the answer depends on the kind of experience you want.
Uganda is ideal if you want exceptional variety in a single country. Here you can trek mountain gorillas, track chimpanzees, enjoy classic game drives, boat safaris, and beautiful scenery — all without excessive travel days. It feels less commercial than some of its neighbours and offers outstanding value, especially for gorilla trekking.
Rwanda is perfect for a short, high-end, polished trip focused on mountain gorillas. The infrastructure and service standards are excellent, and the experience is very exclusive.
Kenya and Tanzania are the classic choices for big open savannahs, large numbers of the Big Five, and (in season) the Great Migration. They deliver the iconic “endless plains” safari experience many people picture when they think of Africa.
Many of our guests combine two countries. Uganda + Rwanda is a particularly popular pairing for primate lovers. We’re happy to help you decide based on the length of your trip, your interests, and your budget.
Uganda can be visited year-round, but conditions change with the seasons.
The two dry seasons — June to September and December to February — are generally considered the best times for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking. Trails are less muddy and hiking is more comfortable. Wildlife viewing in the savannah parks is also excellent during these months as animals gather around water sources.
The rainy seasons (March to May and October to November) bring lush green landscapes, excellent birdwatching, fewer visitors, and sometimes better availability of gorilla permits and lodge rooms. Trekking is still very possible, though you should expect some mud and rain.
If your main goal is comfortable gorilla trekking, aim for the dry seasons. If you prefer quieter parks and don’t mind a bit of rain, the green seasons can be wonderfully rewarding.
A standard gorilla trekking permit in Uganda currently costs USD 800 per person for foreign non-residents. This allows you one hour with a habituated gorilla family in Bwindi or Mgahinga.
A gorilla habituation experience permit (which lets you spend up to four hours with a group still being habituated) costs USD 1,500.
Permits are limited and sell out quickly in peak season, so we recommend securing them as early as possible. We handle the entire permit booking process for our clients.
