The Great Ape

DAY 1 | ENTEBBE | 1 NIGHT

Welcome to Uganda. Your professional local guide, who will remain with you for entire safari, will collect you from the airport and take you the short distance to your boutique hotel accommodation for your overnight stay. Time to unwind after your journey. We recommend you add another night to enjoy some of the activities on offer here, such as a behind-the-scenes close-up encounter at the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre where you can join younger rescued chimps during their daily exercise routine.

DAY 2 | BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST NATIONAL PARK | 2 NIGHTS

This morning, board a light aircraft for a scenic flight to Kihihi airstrip, a journey of just over an hour offering breathtaking aerial views of Uganda’s emerald landscapes. On arrival, transfer through charming villages and weave your way along picturesque mountain roads towards Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – a journey of approximately 90 minutes.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bwindi is Uganda’s most biologically diverse forest and one of East Africa’s richest ecosystems. Home to an astonishing array of wildlife, it shelters over 120 mammal species, 345 species of birds, 200 types of butterflies, and 160 species of trees. Most notably, this ancient rainforest harbours nearly half of the world’s remaining Mountain Gorillas, making it one of the most important conservation areas on the planet.

Settle in for a restful night at Buhoma Lodge, an intimate retreat nestled on the forest’s edge, where the sounds of the wilderness lull you into a deep and peaceful sleep.

DAY 3 | BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST NATIONAL PARK

An encounter with wild Mountain Gorillas is a truly humbling experience—an intimate wildlife moment that words can hardly capture. Led by expert trackers, set off at dawn for a trek deep into Bwindi’s lush rainforest, navigating steep, mist-clad slopes in search of a gorilla family.

Trekking can be strenuous, lasting from 45 minutes to eight hours at high altitudes in humid conditions. We recommend hiring a local porter for support. While sightings are never guaranteed, success rates exceed 95%. Once found, spend a magical hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat—an unforgettable privilege.

Permits are typically secured for Buhoma or Ruhija, with some requiring a scenic road transfer to the trailhead. After your trek, unwind with a complimentary massage at Buhoma Lodge, or explore the nearby Bwindi community.

DAY 4 | QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK (ISHASHA REGION) | 2 NIGHTS

For those seeking another unforgettable encounter, this morning presents the opportunity for a second gorilla trek, allowing you to further immerse yourself in the world of these remarkable primates.

Later, depart Bwindi and journey towards Ishasha, the wild and remote southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This scenic 2–3 hour drive offers a glimpse into rural Uganda, with a brief stop at a meaningful community project near Ishasha Village.

Time permitting, embark on a late afternoon game drive in search of Ishasha’s iconic tree-climbing lions, often found draped across ancient fig branches. The region is also home to vast buffalo herds, elephants, and Uganda kob, creating a classic East African safari experience.

Settle into the intimate Ishasha Wilderness Camp, where the calls of the wild provide the perfect soundtrack to your evening.

DAY 5 | QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK (ISHASHA REGION)

At dawn, set off in your custom safari vehicle as the first golden light spills across the savannah. The morning game drive takes you in search of Africa’s iconic wildlife—big cats, elephants, buffalo, and an array of antelope species. The Ishasha sector is renowned for its legendary tree-climbing lions, often spotted draped across fig tree branches.

As the afternoon cools, embark on another game drive, ending with a classic sundowner—a timeless safari tradition. Arrive at a secluded spot in the park where a beautifully arranged setup of comfortable chairs, freshly prepared snacks, and ice-cold drinks awaits. Sip on a chilled gin and tonic or a crisp glass of wine as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the plains in rich amber hues.

For an extra special touch, we highly recommend pre-booking a bush breakfast—a magical start to another day in the wild.

DAY 6 | QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK (MWEYA REGION) | 2 NIGHTS

Journey north into the Mweya sector, a wildlife-rich savannah where towering Euphorbia trees, or “candelabra trees,” stand sentinel over rolling plains. This striking landscape is framed by dramatic crater lakes and distant mountain ranges, offering spectacular scenery along the way.

In the afternoon, embark on a leisurely cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a 32-kilometre natural waterway linking Lake Edward and Lake George. Drift past vast herds of buffalo cooling in the shallows, pods of hippos wallowing in the water, and elephants gathering at the banks to drink. The shores teem with birdlife, from vibrant kingfishers to elegant African fish eagles, while crocodiles bask in the sun. Gliding past traditional fishing villages, soak in the tranquil rhythms of life along this remarkable waterway.

Retreat for the evening to Elephant Plains Lodge, perched high on the escarpment with breathtaking panoramic views over Queen Elizabeth National Park. With its elegant, spacious cottages, warm hospitality, and endless vistas, this is the perfect place to unwind and reflect on the day’s adventures.

DAY 7 | QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK (MWEYA REGION)

This morning, venture into the mystical Kyambura Gorge, a sunken rainforest concealed within the vast savannah. Often called the “Valley of the Apes,” this hidden world is home to a small yet remarkable population of wild chimpanzees. Accompanied by expert trackers, descend into the lush, tangled vegetation where echoes of hoots and rustling leaves signal the presence of these intelligent primates. Watching them interact in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience.

In the afternoon, set out on a game drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most diverse wildlife reserves. Traverse golden grasslands and acacia woodlands in search of elephants, buffalos, Uganda kobs, and elusive predators like lions and leopards. The park’s volcanic craters and shimmering lakes create a stunning backdrop, with abundant birdlife completing the scene. As the sun sets, return to your lodge, soaking in the magic of the African wilderness.

DAY 8 | KIBALE FOREST NATIONAL PARK | 2 NIGHTS

Begin the day with a morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, scanning the golden savannah for elephants, buffalos, and big cats as the wildlife stirs with the first light of day. Then, embark on a scenic 3-4 hour drive to Kibale Forest, a spectacular expanse of tropical rainforest, montane woodland, and lush swampland, teeming with biodiversity.

Kibale is best known for its extraordinary primate population, home to red-tailed and diademed monkeys, olive baboons, black-and-white colobus, and chimpanzees, alongside nearly 300 bird species and 144 types of butterflies. The forest hums with life, from iridescent moths to the distant calls of the elusive forest elephants.

Tonight, retreat to Primate Lodge Kibale, an elegant sanctuary nestled within the rainforest. With its luxurious cottages, gourmet dining, and immersive jungle setting, this exclusive retreat places you at the heart of Uganda’s premier primate haven.

DAY 9 | KIBALE FOREST NATIONAL PARK

This morning, set off on a thrilling chimpanzee trek in the lush Kibale Forest, one of Africa’s premier primate destinations. The forest hums with life as birds call, monkeys chatter, and the distant hoots of chimpanzees echo through the canopy. Your expert guide will lead you through towering trees in search of these playful and energetic primates. They may be swinging high in the branches, darting through the undergrowth, or, with luck, resting peacefully on the forest floor—offering an unforgettable wildlife encounter. While sightings are not guaranteed, the habituated groups are regularly observed.

In the afternoon, explore the Bigodi Swamp, a haven for birdlife and smaller primates. Meander along wooden boardwalks through lush wetlands, keeping an eye out for colobus monkeys, butterflies, and the elusive great blue turaco. The swamp’s tranquil beauty is the perfect way to round off a day immersed in Uganda’s rich biodiversity.

DAY 10 | RETURN TO ENTEBBE | DEPARTURE

Depart after an early breakfast for the drive back to Entebbe, arriving late afternoon.

If your flight leaves prior to 7pm, it may be necessary to factor in an additional night in Entebbe.

Note

This itinerary is a suggestion only and can be amended in terms of length, destination and properties to be included.