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14 Days East African Primate Safari – Gorillas
BOOK TOURThis 14 Days East African Primate Safari – Gorillas, Chimpanzees & Wildlife offers an immersive experience across Uganda, Rwanda, and parts of Tanzania, combining gorilla trekking in Bwindi and Volcanoes National Park, chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest, and wildlife safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Serengeti (optional extension). Travelers will witness East Africa’s most iconic primates and savannah wildlife, enjoy lush forests, scenic landscapes, and cultural encounters.
14 Days East African Primate Safari – Gorillas
Tour highlights
- Destinations: Kibale Forest National Park (Uganda), Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Uganda), Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda), Queen Elizabeth National Park (Uganda), optional Serengeti National Park (Tanzania)
- Attractions: Gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, golden monkey trekking, wildlife safaris, forest walks, cultural visits, birdwatching
- Activities: Guided primate treks, wildlife game drives, boat cruise, cultural immersion, forest exploration, photography
14 Days East African Primate Safari – Gorillas
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe – Transfer to Fort Portal
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, meet your guide and transfer to Fort Portal, passing through scenic hills, tea and coffee plantations, and local villages. Check in at your lodge and enjoy dinner while preparing for chimpanzee trekking.
Accommodation options:
- Budget: Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse
- Mid-range: Primate Lodge Kibale
- Luxury: Kibale Guest Cottages
Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest
After breakfast, embark on a guided chimpanzee trekking expedition in Kibale Forest National Park. Trek through dense rainforest with rangers, tracking chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Spend up to one hour observing them as they feed, play, and interact. Return to the lodge in the afternoon to relax and enjoy dinner.
Accommodation options:
- Budget: Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse
- Mid-range: Primate Lodge Kibale
- Luxury: Kibale Guest Cottages
Day 3: Bigodi Wetland Walk & Cultural Visit
After breakfast, take a guided walk through Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, spotting birds, primates, and other wildlife. In the afternoon, visit local communities to learn about traditions, crafts, and conservation efforts. Return to your lodge for dinner.
Accommodation options:
- Budget: Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse
- Mid-range: Primate Lodge Kibale
- Luxury: Kibale Guest Cottages
Day 4: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Following breakfast, drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Check in at your lodge and enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Prepare for gorilla trekking the next day. Dinner is served at the lodge.
Accommodation options:
- Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp
- Mid-range: Gorilla Mist Camp
- Luxury: Bwindi Lodge / Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
After an early breakfast, embark on a guided gorilla trekking expedition in Bwindi. Trek through dense forest to locate a habituated gorilla family. Spend up to one hour observing these gentle giants. Return to the lodge for relaxation and dinner.
Accommodation options:
- Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp
- Mid-range: Gorilla Mist Camp
- Luxury: Bwindi Lodge / Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Day 6: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
After breakfast, cross into Rwanda and drive to Volcanoes National Park. Check in at your lodge and enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Dinner is served at the lodge.
Accommodation options:
- Budget: Volcanoes Guest House
- Mid-range: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
- Luxury: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
After an early breakfast, embark on gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Trek through bamboo forests in search of a habituated gorilla family and spend up to one hour observing them. Return to the lodge for lunch, relaxation, and dinner.
Accommodation options:
- Budget: Volcanoes Guest House
- Mid-range: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
- Luxury: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
Day 8: Golden Monkey Trekking & Cultural Visit
After breakfast, go on golden monkey trekking, following these playful primates through bamboo forests. In the afternoon, visit local communities to learn about Rwandan culture and conservation practices. Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.
Accommodation options:
- Budget: Volcanoes Guest House
- Mid-range: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
- Luxury: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
Day 9: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
After breakfast, drive back to Uganda and proceed to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Check in at your lodge and enjoy an evening game drive or relaxation. Dinner is served at the lodge.
Accommodation options:
- Budget: Enganzi Game Lodge
- Mid-range: Ihamba Lodge
- Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge
Day 10: Game Drive & Ishasha Tree-Climbing Lions
Enjoy a morning game drive in the Ishasha Sector to spot tree-climbing lions and other savannah wildlife. Afternoon at leisure for optional nature walks or lodge relaxation. Dinner at the lodge.
Accommodation options:
- Budget: Enganzi Game Lodge
- Mid-range: Ihamba Lodge
- Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge
Day 11: Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise & Afternoon Game Drive
After breakfast, embark on a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, viewing hippos, crocodiles, and diverse bird species. In the afternoon, go on a game drive to spot elephants, buffalo, lions, and other wildlife. Return to the lodge for dinner.
Accommodation options:
- Budget: Enganzi Game Lodge
- Mid-range: Ihamba Lodge
- Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge
Day 12: Morning Game Drive & Transfer to Fort Portal
After an early morning game drive, drive back to Fort Portal. Stop at scenic viewpoints, tea plantations, and local villages along the way. Check in at your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation options:
- Budget: Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse
- Mid-range: Primate Lodge Kibale
- Luxury: Kibale Guest Cottages
Day 13: Optional Chimpanzee or Primate Walks
After breakfast, enjoy optional primate walks, forest exploration, or cultural visits to nearby communities. Afternoon at leisure. Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.
Accommodation options:
- Budget: Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse
- Mid-range: Primate Lodge Kibale
- Luxury: Kibale Guest Cottages
Day 14: Departure
After breakfast, check out and transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your onward flight, concluding your 14-day East African primate safari.
Accommodation options:
(No overnight stay unless extending your trip.)
Best Time to Go on Safari
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June to October (Dry Season):
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Best overall wildlife viewing across East and Southern Africa.
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Animals gather around rivers and waterholes, making sightings easier.
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Ideal time for the Great Migration river crossings in the Serengeti and Maasai Mara (July–October).
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December to March:
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Great time for calving season in the Southern Serengeti and Ndutu plains.
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Fewer crowds and lush green landscapes.
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Excellent for birdwatching with migratory species present.
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April to May (Long Rains):
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Some camps close due to heavy rains and muddy roads.
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Cheaper prices and fewer tourists.
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Beautiful, dramatic skies for photography, though game viewing can be harder.
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What to Pack for a Safari
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Clothing
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Neutral-colored, lightweight clothing (khaki, beige, green—avoid bright colors and dark blue/black which attract insects).
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Long-sleeved shirts and trousers for sun protection and cooler evenings.
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A warm fleece or jacket for chilly mornings and nights.
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Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots.
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A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
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Gear & Essentials
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Binoculars for close-up wildlife viewing.
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Camera with extra batteries and memory cards.
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Reusable water bottle.
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Sunscreen and insect repellent.
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Small backpack or daypack for game drives.
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Travel Essentials
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Valid passport and required visas.
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Travel insurance documents.
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Vaccination certificates (Yellow Fever often required).
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Personal medications and a small first aid kit.
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Local currency and/or cards for expenses and tips.
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For more info or to book this tour
Consult our specialist to design a personalized safari itinerary!