Crater Lake, Kibale, Uganda

Highlights of Uganda: Primates and Predators

  • TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAY IDEA

Duration

7 Days

Prices Start from

£4,715pp(ex. flights)

Experience the diversity of Uganda, exploring three national parks on a journey that blends volcanic landscapes, endangered primates, arboreal big cats and colourful birdlife.

Key Highlights of this Itinerary

Dominant male mountain gorilla in the grass, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda 1

Gorilla Trekking

Watch groups of gorillas appear from the mists in pre-historic Bwindi.

Young lion in a tree, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda 2

Tree-Climbing Lions

Spot Queen Elizabeth National Park’s unusual tree-climbing lions.

Chimps grooming, Kibale, Uganda 3

Chimpanzee Trekking

Encounter troops of chimpanzees in the shady forests of Kibale and Kyambura Gorge.

Great White Pelicans, Kazinga Channel, Uganda 4

Kazinga Cruise

Cruise the Kazinga Channel, spotting wildlife on the banks and in the water.

Why we like it

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 birding and community visits.

Explore our suggested itinerary

Uganda on your wishlist? Talk to our experts about tailoring this trip for you.

  • Day 1

    Entebbe - Kibale

  • Day 2

    Kibale

  • Day 3

    Kibale - Queen Elizabeth National Park

  • Day 4

    Queen Elizabeth National Park

  • Day 5

    Queen Elizabeth National Park - Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

  • Day 6

    Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

  • Day 7

    Bwindi Impenetrable National Park - Entebbe

Day 1

Entebbe - Kibale

Day 2

Kibale

Chimps grooming, Kibale, Uganda

Chimpanzee Trekking

Encounter troops of chimpanzees in the shady forests of Kibale and Kyambura Gorge.

Day 3

Kibale - Queen Elizabeth National Park

Great White Pelicans, Kazinga Channel, Uganda

Kazinga Cruise

Cruise the Kazinga Channel, spotting wildlife on the banks and in the water.

Day 4

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Young lion in a tree, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda

Tree-Climbing Lions

Spot Queen Elizabeth National Park’s unusual tree-climbing lions.

Day 5

Queen Elizabeth National Park - Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Day 6

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Dominant male mountain gorilla in the grass, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

Gorilla Trekking

Watch groups of gorillas appear from the mists in pre-historic Bwindi.

Day 7

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park - Entebbe

Our travel experts can tailor this itinerary to suit you.

More Details

Kibale National Park, Uganda
Kibale National Park, Uganda

Kibale Forest National Park

Explore primate-rich Kibale Forest National Park, which plays host to 13 primate species including the red colobus and L’Hoest’s monkey. The most accessible of Uganda’s major rainforests, it is home to 335 species of birds, whilst forest elephants and the giant forest hogs can occasionally be spotted.

The major attraction here, however, is the chimps. Head into the forest at first light to search for a habituated group of these endangered primates. Watch as they forage and explore, on the ground and in the trees. Raucous and misbehaving, they are far more expressive than their gorilla cousins.

Crater, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Bordering the vast Lake Edward, this beautiful wilderness is home to Uganda’s greatest populations of big game and birdlife. From volcanic craters and grassy plains to stunning tropical forests and rich wetlands, there is a remarkable diversity of landscapes.

Cruise along the Kazinga Channel, where elephants and buffalos come to drink. Take game drives across the various ecosystems, spotting Ugandan kob and tree-climbing lions. Trek in the beautiful Kyambura Gorge, in search of chimpanzees – a very different experience to Kibale.

Finish by joining resident researchers on a morning game drive, as they track lions. Benefit not only from their knowledge but also from their ability to drive off-road – not usually possible in the park.

Sunrise, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Continue on to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where you cross the equator, through scenic open savannah, dotted with giant euphorbia trees and traditional villages. Covered in thick tropical rainforest and often shrouded in mist, Bwindi provides the perfect habitat for mountain gorillas.

Spread over a series of steep ridges and valleys, the park looks the part. Having survived the last ice age, it is considered one of the most diverse forests in Africa. The birding here is big and colourful, the forest dark and inviting and the sense of adventure palpable.

Away from the gorilla, take guided walks, visit local communities and have the chance to spend time with the Batwa pygmies, once residents of the forest.

Mountain Gorilla, Uganda
Uganda

Gorilla Trekking

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is home to one of just two surviving populations of endangered mountain gorillas. Set out on foot to track down one of several habituated families, led by one of the park rangers.

After several hours of trekking, draw close to the gorilla family. Leaving bags behind, and holding cameras at the ready, creep closer and enter their domain. Spend an hour amongst the mountain gorillas, as they play, groom and eat. Watch as youngsters roll through the lush grass and see the dominant silverback stalk through his relaxed family.

Accommodation

Below you can see some of the wonderful places we have recommended for this journey.

Ndali Lodge £££££

  • Uganda
  • Safari and Wildlife Lodge

Sitting on a narrow ridge 1,500 metres above sea level, set against the backdrop of the Mountains of the Moon in the heart of Uganda’s Crater Lake region, Ndali is as charming as it is welcoming. Stone cottages with 4 poster beds and claw-foot baths complete the colonial feel of this working farmstead, with pet Labradors taking up residence in the wicker chairs at the front of the rooms.

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Kyambura Gorge Lodge £££££

  • Uganda
  • Safari and Wildlife Lodge

Converted from a coffee plantation, Kyambura Gorge Lodge has been restored into a stunning base from which to do some of the best chimpanzee trekking in Uganda due to its proximity to the Rwenzori Mountains and the Kyambura Gorge.  All eight of the guest bandas are handbuilt and beautifully decorated with artifacts inspired by local African culture. For added luxury, the elegant bandas have a double vanity unit, indoor and outdoor shower, and private balcony with views across the gorge or the savanna. A personal butler service is included with all stays.

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Bwindi Lodge £££££

  • Uganda
  • Safari and Wildlife Lodge

This attractive, low key lodge was one of the first to be built in the area and sits in a fantastic location, with uninterrupted views of Bwindi Forest. After a day of trekking, retreat to the lounge and discuss highlights of the day around the central fireplace, or borrow one of the lodge’s books. The lodge’s restaurant and cosy fireside bar are on raised decks, also offering great views over the forest with the large outdoor patio perfect for soaking up the sun in between treks into the forest. Gorillas have even been known to pay a visit on occasion. Each guest room has a private terrace overlooking the forest, and a personal butler service is offered to all guests at the lodge.

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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 £4,715 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.

Holiday Inspiration

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