Arrival and Road Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park (5 Hours Drive)

Your 11-Day Uganda Primate Habituation Safari begins as you arrive at Entebbe International Airport, where you’ll be warmly welcomed by your Renai Venture Safaris guide. After completing the necessary formalities and brief introductions, your journey to Kibale Forest National Park begins. This scenic 5-hour road transfer takes you through the stunning Ugandan countryside, with opportunities to witness local villages, lush farmlands, and captivating views of Lake Victoria along the way. Your destination, Kibale Forest National Park, is a tropical rainforest known for its rich biodiversity, particularly its resident population of chimpanzees.

Upon arrival in Kibale, you’ll check into your accommodation, nestled within the lush forest surroundings. After a long day of travel, you have the evening to relax and unwind at your lodge, savoring the peaceful atmosphere of the forest. Prepare for an exciting and adventurous start the following day, as you gear up for the chimpanzee habituation experience.

• Accommodation: Kibale Forest Camp or Turaco Treetops Lodge

Chimpanzee Habituation and Afternoon Bigodi Swamp Walk

On Day 2 of your 11-Day Uganda Primate Habituation Safari, you’ll rise early for an unforgettable day of chimpanzee habituation. Kibale Forest is home to over 1,500 chimpanzees, and through this exclusive experience, you’ll have the rare opportunity to observe their daily activities up close. The chimpanzee habituation experience allows you to join researchers as they observe and interact with these incredible primates, who are becoming increasingly accustomed to human presence. Your guide will lead you through the forest, pointing out signs of chimpanzee activity such as nests, food remnants, and footprints, as you track them.

During your chimpanzee encounter, you will be amazed by the intelligence and social structure of these primates. Watching them play, communicate, and interact within their natural environment offers profound insights into their behaviors and the complex relationship between humans and other primates. This experience typically lasts up to 4 hours, and it will certainly leave you with lasting memories of your time in the forest.

In the afternoon, you’ll explore the Bigodi Swamp, a rich wetland ecosystem just outside Kibale Forest. The Bigodi Swamp Walk offers a chance to witness a different side of Uganda’s wildlife, as the swamp is home to an array of bird species, including the endangered Papyrus Gonolek. You’ll also have the opportunity to see primates like the red-tailed monkey, as well as a variety of other wildlife and plant species that thrive in this unique environment.

• Accommodation: Kibale Forest Camp or Turaco Treetops Lodge

Chimpanzee Habituation in Kibale Forest and Afternoon Relaxation

Day 3 provides another opportunity to engage with the chimpanzees of Kibale Forest. You’ll be back in the forest early in the morning, tracking and observing these fascinating primates in their natural habitat. The chimpanzees’ behavior is often dictated by the time of day, so this second session provides a chance to see them during different activities—whether it’s foraging for food, interacting with each other, or building nests for their nightly rest. The chimpanzees’ community dynamics are an intriguing aspect of the experience, and the forest’s thick canopy and rich biodiversity provide the perfect backdrop for your adventure.

In the afternoon, you’ll have time to relax and unwind at your lodge. Whether you prefer to enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool, take in the natural surroundings, or simply relax on the veranda with a refreshing drink, the serene environment of Kibale Forest offers a tranquil retreat. Use this time to reflect on the incredible experiences you’ve had thus far and prepare for the upcoming wildlife adventures.

• Accommodation: Kibale Forest Camp or Turaco Treetops Lodge

 Chimpanzee Habituation in Kibale Forest and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park for Evening Game Safari

Day 4 of your 11-Day Uganda Primate Habituation Safari begins with a final chimpanzee habituation experience in Kibale Forest. By now, you’ve already gained a deep appreciation for these fascinating creatures and their forest home, and this session will offer further insights into their behavior, interactions, and ecology. Whether you’re watching a group forage for food or observe their social bonds, your guide will provide in-depth commentary, making the experience even more enriching.

In the afternoon, after your chimpanzee encounter, you’ll embark on a scenic transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most iconic wildlife destinations. Known for its diverse ecosystems, Queen Elizabeth National Park offers abundant opportunities to spot various wildlife species, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, and leopards. Upon arrival, you’ll check into your lodge before embarking on an exciting evening game drive. As the sun sets, you’ll venture out into the park to witness the wildlife at their most active during the cooler hours of the evening. Your 11-Day Uganda Primate Habituation Safari guide will expertly navigate the park, ensuring that you have the best possible chance to view the wide array of animals that call Queen Elizabeth home.

• Accommodation: Bush Lodge or Buffalo Lodge

Morning Game Drive & Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel, and Evening Game Drive

On Day 5, you’ll experience the diverse wildlife of Queen Elizabeth National Park through a morning game drive. The park is renowned for its varied ecosystems, which include savanna grasslands, forests, and wetlands. This variety makes it an ideal location for observing a wide range of wildlife, including herds of elephants, buffaloes, and various antelope species. Additionally, Queen Elizabeth is famous for its tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector, and while sightings can never be guaranteed, your expert 11-Day Uganda Primate Habituation Safari guide will take you to the best spots to maximize your chances.

In the afternoon, you’ll take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, which serves as the lifeblood of the park’s wildlife. This 32-kilometer waterway links Lake Edward and Lake George and is teeming with wildlife. During the boat cruise, you’ll have the opportunity to see a variety of animals up close, such as hippos, crocodiles, and a wide array of bird species, including the rare shoebill stork. The cruise offers a unique perspective of the park, and the surrounding landscape, coupled with the abundant wildlife, creates an unforgettable experience.

As the day winds down, you’ll embark on another exciting game drive in the evening, where the cooler temperatures bring the park’s animals out to forage, drink, and interact. The evening game drive is an excellent opportunity to catch sightings of nocturnal creatures or witness the incredible beauty of the park at dusk.

• Accommodation: Bush Lodge or Buffalo Lodge

 Morning Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Afternoon Transfer to Ishasha Sector

Day 6 starts with an early morning game drive, providing a great opportunity to observe the park’s wildlife as they begin their day. Early mornings are often the best time for wildlife sightings, as many animals are more active before the heat of the day sets in. The open plains and acacia woodlands of Queen Elizabeth National Park provide the perfect habitat for a variety of species, and your 11-Day Uganda Primate Habituation Safari guide will ensure that you make the most of this exciting early morning adventure.

After the game drive, you’ll enjoy a leisurely lunch at your lodge before embarking on an afternoon transfer to Ishasha Sector, which is located in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Known for its famous tree-climbing lions, Ishasha offers a unique wildlife experience. On your 11-Day Uganda Primate Habituation Safari journey to this remote sector, you’ll pass through lush landscapes and scenic views, making the transfer just as exciting as the activities themselves.

Upon arrival, you’ll check into your accommodation and have the evening to relax before preparing for a full day of exploration in Ishasha.

• Accommodation: Enjojo Lodge

Full Day Adventure in Ishasha Sector (Queen Elizabeth National Park)

Day 7 is dedicated to exploring the enchanting Ishasha Sector, known for its diverse wildlife and especially its tree-climbing lions. These lions are a rare phenomenon, and Ishasha is one of the few places in the world where you can observe this extraordinary behavior. During your full-day adventure, your 11-Day Uganda Primate Habituation Safari guide will take you to the best spots to witness these lions lounging in the branches of fig trees, often in plain sight. In addition to the lions, Ishasha is also home to a variety of other animals, including elephants, buffaloes, and numerous antelope species.

In the afternoon, you’ll continue your exploration of Ishasha’s wilderness, with the opportunity to observe the vast open savannah and interact with the local wildlife. Whether you’re in search of more lions or hoping to spot a rare bird, the Ishasha Sector offers an abundance of opportunities for wildlife viewing.

• Accommodation: Enjojo Lodge

Morning Game Drive in Ishasha Sector and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Rushaga Sector)

Your final morning in Ishasha starts with a game drive to see what wildlife you can spot before departing for your next destination. After the morning safari, you’ll enjoy a scenic drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rugged terrain and its population of endangered mountain gorillas. Upon arrival in the Rushaga Sector, you’ll check into your lodge, which is nestled in the heart of this pristine forest, preparing for an unforgettable gorilla habituation experience the next day.

• Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Camp

Mountain Gorilla Habituation Experience in Rushaga Sector and Optional Afternoon Batwa Cultural Experience

On Day 9, the highlight of your 11-Day Uganda Primate Habituation Safari awaits—the mountain gorilla habituation experience in the Rushaga Sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. This is a rare and exclusive opportunity to spend extended hours with a family of mountain gorillas in their natural environment. Under the guidance of experienced rangers, you’ll follow the gorillas through the forest, watching them interact, feed, and play. The experience lasts approximately 4 hours and provides a profound connection with these magnificent creatures.

In the afternoon, you have the option to experience the Batwa Cultural Experience. The Batwa are the indigenous people who once lived in the forests of Bwindi and the surrounding areas. This cultural encounter offers you the chance to learn about their traditional way of life, their customs, and their deep connection to the forest.

• Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Camp

Second Mountain Gorilla Habituation Experience in Rushaga Sector and Overnight in the Forest

Your gorilla adventure continues on Day 10 with a second opportunity to participate in the mountain gorilla habituation experience. This session offers a deeper immersion into the daily lives of the gorillas and provides a chance to observe different behaviors. After your gorilla encounter, you’ll spend the night in the heart of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, experiencing the forest’s serene beauty under the stars.

• Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Camp

Scenic Road Transfer to Entebbe Airport for Departure Flight (End of Safari)

On the final day of your 11-Day Uganda Primate Habituation Safari, you’ll enjoy a scenic road transfer back to Entebbe, where your guide will ensure you arrive at the airport in time for your departure flight. As you reflect on your 11-day journey through Uganda’s incredible wildlife sanctuaries, you’ll carry with you unforgettable memories of chimpanzee and gorilla encounters, thrilling game drives, and a deep connection with the natural world.

Your Renai Venture Safaris experience will undoubtedly leave you with a greater appreciation for the extraordinary biodiversity of Uganda and the importance of conservation in preserving these remarkable creatures for future generations.

• Accommodation: End of Safari