8 Day Primates Encounter and Game Safari Adventure from Entebbe to Kigali, Uganda

Day 1: Arrive and transfer to the hotel

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will have a meet and greet by an Oikos Safaris representative who will transfer you to your hotel in Kampala. Please be advised that it's recommended to overnight in Entebbe for late arrivals as opposed to Kampala.

• Overnight at Cassia Lodge
• Bed-and-breakfast basis

Day 2: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

This morning, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to Kibale Forest National Park by road. This park is home to some 13 species of primates including the red colobus, chimpanzee, and L'Hoest's monkeys, as well as 70 mammal species.

• Overnight at Chimanzee forest Cottages
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 3: Chimpanzee trekking and Bigodi swamp walk

Today, go chimp tracking in Kibale Forest National Park. Chimp tracking takes about 2 to 3 hours depending on where the chimps are. On the trek, you can see other primates such as grey-cheeked mangabeys along with red-tailed and blue monkeys. Your expert guide will share the secrets of the forest's flora and fauna, ensuring that the trail is both informative and enjoyable. Lunch will be served at the lodge.

Later in the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, which is rich in bird species, vegetation, and wildlife. This is also a great opportunity to support local tourism initiatives which benefit social and economic development in the area.

• Overnight at Chimpanzee forest Cottages
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

This morning, you will drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park through volcanic crater lakes, and on a clear day, one can see the famous “Mountains of the Moon”, The Rwenzori Mountains. This park boasts one of the highest biodiversity ratings of any game park or reserve in the world and is also Uganda’s second-largest national park, the 1,978 square kilometers have everything from open savannah to rain forest. %Queen Elizabeth has over 100 mammal species and an astounding 606 bird species, making it a premier safari destination. Have a game drive while entering the park and later go for another evening game drive and overnight at your lodge.

• Overnight at Bush lodge or similar.
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 5: Morning game drives and afternoon boat on the Kazinga channel

Enjoy a morning game drive in the Queen Elizabeth National Park whose diverse ecosystems include sprawling savanna, shady, humid forests, sparkling lakes, and fertile wetlands that make it the ideal habitat for a classic big game, primates, and over 600 species of birds. Set against the backdrop of the jagged Rwenzori Mountains, the park’s magnificent vistas include dozens of enormous craters carved dramatically into rolling green hills and the panoramic views of the Kazinga Channel. Return for lunch at the lodge.

In the afternoon, you will take a boat trip on the Kazinga Channel, 32 kilometers long, followed by a game drive. This water system has the highest concentration of hippos in the world and you will get quite close to them. See also crocodiles, buffalos, and other game that drink from the channel, also marvel at the abundant ornitho-life that is supported here.

• Overnight at Bush lodge or similar.
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 6: Transfer to Bwindi impenetrable or Mgahinga Gorillas National Park

Today, you will continue to Mgahinga National Park for two nights. Mgahinga was formed to protect the rare mountain gorillas that inhabit its dense forests. Interacting with these gentle giants is one of the most moving experiences that Africa has to offer and should not be missed! It is also an important habitat for the endangered golden monkeys. Relax in the evening and get ready for the following day’s gorilla tracking.

• Overnight at travelers or similar
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 7: Gorilla trekking and optional activities

Today, after an energizing breakfast, you will embark on your gorilla trek. Before 8 a.m., report to the ranger station for registration and briefing by one of the rangers; the guides will then lead you through the undergrowth, parting thick creepers, to track the gorillas.

The trek can take anywhere from half an hour to 7 hours, a reasonable degree of fitness is required as well as a sturdy pair of walking boots. It is an extraordinary feeling sitting in the dense rainforest knowing you are with a few of the last remaining mountain gorillas.

Later in the afternoon, you can engage in optional activities like Batwa (pygmy) community visit, a canoe boat ride on the lake, curio shopping, to mention but a few.

• Overnight at Travelar or similar.
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 8: Golden monkey tracking and transfer to Kigali for your outbound flight

After your breakfast, you will head for briefing at the starting point for the golden monkey tracking. This tracking will take you about 2 to 3 hours. Coming into contact with these lovely creatures is an amazing experience. It is because of these monkeys that Mgahinga National Park is called a place where gold meets silver.

Later on, you will have lunch and then cross the border to head to Kigali. If time allows, you can have a city tour of Kigali town. While here, you will get to learn more about the amazing culture of the Rwanda people, not forgetting to visit the genocide memorial sites. You will then be transferred to the airport to catch your flight back home.