Primate Tracking
See gorillas emerge from Bwindi’s mist and chimpanzee troops swing through Kibale’s canopies.
Experience the diversity of Uganda, exploring three national parks on a journey that blends volcanic landscapes, endangered primates, big cats and colourful birdlife.
Wild savannah, dense rainforests and volcanic craters make this a trip of spectacular landscapes, as well as diverse wildlife. For a relatively small country, Uganda packs a huge amount of variety. Although this holiday only visits three national parks, it successfully showcases the best of Uganda, with experiences ranging from chimp and gorilla trekking to game drives, bush walks, water safaris and community visits.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
Kazinga Safari
Cruise the Kazinga Channel, spotting elephants, hippos, crocodiles and birdlife as local fishermen tend their nets.
Behind the Scenes
Spend a morning with researchers tracking and monitoring lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Diverse Landscapes
Journey through vast savannah and tropical forests to volcanic crater lakes and lush wetlands.
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Day 1
Arrive Entebbe (No 5 Boutique hotel)
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Day 2
Entebbe - Murchison Falls National Park (Papas Camp)
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Day 3
Murchison Falls National Park (Papas Camp)
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Day 4
Murchison Falls National Park - Kibale Forest National Park (Ndali Lodge)
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Day 5
Kibale Forest National Park (Ndali Lodge)
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Day 6
Kibale Forest National Park - Queen Elizabeth National Park (Honey Bear Bush Camp)
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Day 7
Queen Elizabeth National Park (Honey Bear Bush Camp)
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Day 8
Queen Elizabeth National Park - Ishasha (Ishasha Wilderness Camp)
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Day 9
Ishasha - Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Bwindi Lodge)
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Day 10
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Bwindi Lodge)
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Day 11
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Bwindi Lodge)
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Day 12
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park - Entebbe
Day 1
Arrive Entebbe (No 5 Boutique hotel)
Arrive into Entebbe where you will be met and transferred to your accommodation.
Day 2
Entebbe - Murchison Falls National Park (Papas Camp)
Travel north for around four hours to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary where you will head out on foot with a guide to track white rhino in their natural habitat while also spotting other birds and wildlife. After lunch at the sanctuary continue for around three hours to Murchison Falls to check into your camp accommodation.
Day 3
Murchison Falls National Park (Papas Camp)
Spend the day enjoying varied activities within the park. Options include fishing, game drives, bird watching, bush walks and night drives. It is also possible to journey along the Nile by boat before a 45 minute walk through forests to the top of Murchison Falls.
Day 4
Murchison Falls National Park - Kibale Forest National Park (Ndali Lodge)
A full day’s drive today to the Kibale region, passing through the lush countryside and traditional villages of rural Uganda. On arrival spend a few hours exploring the extinct volcanic craters, now enormous lakes.
Day 5
Kibale Forest National Park (Ndali Lodge)
Head into the forest at first light to track chimpanzees. Depending on where they nested the previous night, it can take anything from 10 minutes to well over an hour to reach them. Later today, visit KAFRED (Kibale Association for Rural and Environmental Development), a local community project funded through tourism.
Day 6
Kibale Forest National Park - Queen Elizabeth National Park (Honey Bear Bush Camp)
Travel overland to Queen Elizabeth National Park, a three-hour journey. After lunch, explore the wildlife-rich Mweya region. Set against spectacular crater lakes, often home to flamingos, the area features vast euphorbia trees, a striking backdrop for leopard, elephant, and diverse birdlife.
Day 7
Queen Elizabeth National Park (Honey Bear Bush Camp)
This morning, join local lion researchers to spend several hours using locator devices to track the park’s lions for a behind-the-scenes look at big cat conservation. In the afternoon take a boat trip on the Kazinga Channel to see the park from a different perspective as large elephant herds and water birds gather to drink, and fishermen tend their nets.
Day 8
Queen Elizabeth National Park - Ishasha (Ishasha Wilderness Camp)
Travel south for around three hours to Ishasha. On arrival head out on a game drive in search of wildlife across the region’s riverine and savannah habitat.
Day 9
Ishasha - Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Bwindi Lodge)
After an early morning game drive, set off for Bwindi National Park, a journey of around three hours which crosses the equator. On arrival visit local community project Ride 4 A Woman to learn about the inspirational initiatives to empower women in the region.
Day 10
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Bwindi Lodge)
After waking at sunrise, transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing before beginning your trek in search of gorillas. Depending on which group you are seeing, this could be a short walk from the park HQ itself, or a longer drive to an access point in the forest further away.
Day 11
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Bwindi Lodge)
Today there is another opportunity to track the gorillas. Every trek and every gorilla group are different.
Day 12
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park - Entebbe
After breakfast, transfer around 90 minutes to Kihihi air strip to fly to Entebbe and connect for onward travel.
More Details
Kibale Forest National Park
Chimp Tracking
Kibale Forest National Park is home to 13 primate species, including the red colobus and L’Hoest’s monkey. The most accessible of Uganda’s major rainforests, it boasts 335 bird species, while forest elephants and giant forest hogs are occasional visitors. The real highlight, however, is the chimpanzees. At first light, head into the forest in search of a habituated group. Watch as they forage and explore, both on the ground and in the trees. Louder and more expressive than their gorilla cousins, their echoing pant-hoots and calls—sometimes from up to 60 individuals—will send shivers down your spine. Energetic and mischievous, they have a fascinating and complex social hierarchy.
North and South - Kazinga to Ishasha
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Bordering Lake Edward, Queen Elizabeth National Park is a diverse, wildlife-rich wilderness. In the north, elephants, buffalo, and hippos gather along the Kazinga Channel’s waters. Game drives across the Mweya region traverse flamingo-dotted crater lakes and spiny, euphorbia-studded savannah—prime big cat territory. The more remote Ishasha region sees fewer visitors but is no less rich in wildlife. The region is perhaps best known for its population of lions, which have uniquely adapted to climbing trees.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Gorilla Trekking
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a misty, ancient rainforest, is home to one of the world’s last mountain gorilla populations. Guided by expert rangers you will trek through steep, wildlife-rich terrain, in search of habituated gorilla families. Reaching the gorillas can vary from a short hike to a challenging trek, passing through dense foliage alive with birds and butterflies. When found you will leave bags behind and step quietly into their world for an hour. Watching them play, groom, and feed while observing the silverback’s quiet dominance is a rare and humbling encounter.
How does this holiday make a positive impact?
- Relevant SDGs
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During your trip you will visit KAFRED (Kibale Association for Rural and Environmental Development). This community-led organisation is dedicated to conservation and sustainable development and all money raised through tourism here benefits the entire community through the funding of schools, clean water projects, and conservation initiatives.
Tracking gorillas, chimps, and lions in Uganda directly supports conservation, local communities, and sustainable tourism. Permit fees fund wildlife protection and habitat preservation, while tourism creates jobs and supports education and healthcare projects. Beyond an enriching experience for visitors, these activities raise awareness and contribute to long-term wildlife conservation.
In Bwindi visit local organisation Ride 4 a Woman which works to empower women in the region through economic and social initiatives. It supports those facing poverty, HIV, domestic violence, and single motherhood, providing skills training, employment, and a safe community.
Learn more about the UN's 17 sustainability goals
Suggested Extension
Uganda: Gorilla Habituation Experience
Extend your Uganda adventure with a gorilla habituation trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Unlike standard gorilla trekking, this exclusive experience allows you to spend four hours observing a semi-habituated gorilla family as they adjust to human presence. With fewer visitors and more time, it’s a rare opportunity for an intimate and immersive wildlife encounter.
3 days. Price on request
Suggested Extension
Uganda: Kidepo Valley National Park
For an off-the-beaten-track adventure, extend your journey to Kidepo Valley National Park in northern Uganda. This vast, untamed landscape offers exceptional game viewing, including cheetahs, lions, elephants, and buffalo, set against rugged mountains and golden plains. Beyond the wildlife, meet the Karamajong people, a proud pastoralist community with rich traditions.
4 days. Price on request
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A note on price
Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
This Itinerary
Price
From £11,845 Per person
When to travel
Uganda in January
From December until the end of February the weather is typically drier, although showers are still very possible. This is the hottest time of year and can feel very tropical. However, the altitude means that temperatures remain manageable and still drop quickly at night.
Uganda in February
From December until the end of February the weather is typically drier, although showers are still very possible. This is the hottest time of year and can feel very tropical. However, the altitude means that temperatures remain manageable and still drop quickly at night.
Uganda in March
The long rains begin in March and last until May. During this time, road travel can be a challenge and delays are frequent. However, gorilla trekking continues unaffected, although you should expect to get wet and muddy.
Uganda in April
The long rains begin in March and last until May. During this time, road travel can be a challenge and delays are frequent. However, gorilla trekking continues unaffected, although you should expect to get wet and muddy.
Uganda in May
The long rains begin in March and last until May. During this time, road travel can be a challenge and delays are frequent. However, gorilla trekking continues unaffected, although you should expect to get wet and muddy.
Uganda in June
The coolest and driest time of year is between June and early September. This is one of the most popular times to visit, although both mornings and evenings can be very chilly at higher altitudes.
Uganda in July
The coolest and driest time of year is between June and early September. This is one of the most popular times to visit, although both mornings and evenings can be very chilly at higher altitudes.
Uganda in August
The coolest and driest time of year is between June and early September. This is one of the most popular times to visit, although both mornings and evenings can be very chilly at higher altitudes.
Uganda in September
The short rains arrive in late September and continue until November. However, travel is still possible and the overcast skies can make for some fantastic photographs.
Uganda in October
The short rains arrive in late September and continue until November. However, travel is still possible and the overcast skies can make for some fantastic photographs.
Uganda in November
The short rains arrive in late September and continue until November. However, travel is still possible and the overcast skies can make for some fantastic photographs.
Uganda in December
From December until the end of February the weather is typically drier, although showers are still very possible. This is the hottest time of year and can feel very tropical. However, the altitude means that temperatures remain manageable and still drop quickly at night.
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