Uganda Primate Habituation Safari

Your Ugandan adventure begins as you touch down at Entebbe International Airport. Our representative will welcome you and transfer you to your comfortable accommodation near the shores of Lake Victoria. Take this evening to rest and prepare for the extraordinary experiences ahead.

Start your day with a scenic flight to Kasese, followed by a drive through western Uganda's beautiful landscapes to Kibale National Park. In the afternoon, embark on your first primate encounter with a chimpanzee tracking experience. Watch in wonder as these intelligent primates play, feed, and navigate through their forest home, offering a preview of the remarkable primate experiences to come.

Rise early for a truly special experience - a full day of chimpanzee habituation. Unlike regular tracking, this exclusive activity allows you to spend extended time with a chimpanzee community that's being gradually accustomed to human presence. Observe their complex social interactions, listen to their distinctive calls, and witness their tool use and feeding behaviors. This intimate experience offers unparalleled insights into chimpanzee life.

Take a morning flight to Kihihi, then journey to the remote Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. After lunch, set out on a game drive in search of the area's famous tree-climbing lions. This remarkable behavior, rarely seen elsewhere in Africa, provides extraordinary photographic opportunities as these majestic cats drape themselves over fig tree branches. Keep watch for elephants, buffalo, and various antelope species that also call this paradise home.

Begin with a final morning game drive in Ishasha, searching for any wildlife you might have missed. Then, venture towards the mysterious Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to half the world's remaining mountain gorillas. The journey offers stunning views of the Virunga Mountains and terraced hillsides as you ascend to Ruhija.

Today offers a unique glimpse into authentic Ugandan village life in Kiyebe, one of the country's most remote communities. Participate in daily activities like honey collection and tree planting, savor organic local cuisine, and experience the vibrant singing and dancing traditions of the community. In the afternoon, drive to Rushaga, positioning yourself for tomorrow's gorilla encounter. The route offers breathtaking views of the surrounding volcanic landscapes.

Embark on the pinnacle of primate experiences - up to four hours with a mountain gorilla family undergoing habituation. After a briefing from your guides, trek through the misty forest to spend time with these gentle giants. Watch as they interact, play, and care for their young, experiencing behaviors few people ever witness. This profound encounter often moves visitors to tears and creates memories that last a lifetime.

Journey to Mgahinga National Park, set dramatically against the Virunga volcanoes. Track the rare golden monkeys through bamboo forests, watching these playful and beautiful primates leap through the canopy. In the afternoon, connect with the indigenous Batwa people, learning about their forest heritage and traditional way of life through a guided community walk.

After breakfast, take a scenic flight back to Entebbe, carrying with you unforgettable memories of Uganda's remarkable primates and people. For those seeking more adventure, consider an extension to the remote Kidepo Valley National Park, where exclusive safari experiences and exceptional wildlife viewing await in one of Africa's most spectacular landscapes.