The Great African
Primate Expedition – by Road
From $10,995 per person
This carefully paced 11-day road safari traverses Uganda’s most celebrated primate habitats and classic wildlife landscapes. Beginning in Entebbe and travelling by road, you will visit Murchison Falls National Park, Budongo Forest, Kibale National Park (for chimpanzees), and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (for mountain gorillas). The itinerary includes two chimp treks and two gorilla treks, wildlife drives, private boat cruises, cultural/community visits and comfortable lodge stays—while keeping travel realistic with generous transit time between regions.
Booking Information, Deposit & Payment
Reservation deposit: 30% of total per person to secure permits and lodge bookings (gorilla permits require early reservation).
Balance due: 60 days prior to departure.
Cancellation & permit policy: Gorilla & chimp permits are non-refundable and highly constrained — we recommend booking as early as possible. Specific cancellation terms will be provided on invoice.
Group minimum / maximum: Minimum 4 guests to operate; maximum 12.
Health & Practical Notes
Minimum age for gorilla trekking is typically 15 years (Uganda Wildlife Authority policy).
Good physical fitness recommended: treks can be steep and muddy. Porters are available to assist for an additional modest fee.
Mandatory medical evacuation insurance is required for travel to remote parks — please ensure you have sufficient cover.
safari Pax
This Safari allows pax starting from 2 to a group of 18
Transport
All ground transfers are done in a 4*4 safari vehicle
Accomodation
All hotels and lodges are well curated to meet your expectations
Meals
This Safari allows both local and international cuisines
Payments
This Safari is paid only in Dollars through bank transfer or Mastercard
24/7 Support
Our team of experts will be around from the start of your safari till end
Do not hesitate giving us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.
- +256 778 495 443
- info@upcountrysafarisug.com
Embark on an unforgettable 11-day overland adventure through the heart of Uganda—Africa’s undisputed primate capital. The Great African Primate Expedition blends immersive wildlife encounters with the charm of Uganda’s scenic countryside, connecting you to the pulse of the Pearl of Africa entirely by road.
From the thunderous spectacle of Murchison Falls to the mist-shrouded forests of Kibale and Bwindi, this journey takes you deep into Uganda’s wild heartlands. Track playful chimpanzees through ancient rainforests, stand face-to-face with endangered mountain gorillas, and witness the raw beauty of the savanna and the Nile.
Each day reveals new contrasts—game drives beneath endless skies, tranquil crater lakes, and intimate cultural moments with local communities. Guided by Upcountry Safaris Uganda, you’ll travel in comfort, stay in hand-picked lodges, and experience the best of Uganda’s wildlife, landscapes, and warm hospitality—all in one extraordinary expedition.
Highlights
Two gorilla treks in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (two separate encounters). (Gorilla permits included.)
Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale (and Budongo/Kalinzu optional) with expert trackers (permits included).
Game drives and private boat cruises at Murchison Falls with views of the falls and the Nile’s “Devil’s Cauldron.”
Excellent birdwatching opportunities (including chance for shoebill in wetlands).
Small-group focus (max 12 guests) with professional guide and porter support.
Fast Facts
Duration: 11 days / 10 nights (road-based)
Group size: Limited to 12 travellers
Accommodation: Hotel No.5 (Entebbe), Murchison Bush Camp, Ndali Lodge, Buhoma Lodge (Bwindi) — as requested, retained from the original selection.
Permits & park fees: INCLUDED (gorilla permits, chimp permits, park entrance fees). See citation-backed note on permit pricing below.
Costing (All Fees & Permits Included)
Below are per-person twin-share rates in USD. Each package includes gorilla & chimp permits (see citations), park entrance fees where applicable, road transfers, meals as noted, guide services and lodgings. Single supplement and optional extras shown separately.
Permit & fee reference (for transparency)
Gorilla permit (Uganda) — widely published at USD 800 per person per trek (UWA rates; quoted for 2024–2026 tariffs). We include two gorilla permits in this itinerary (two treks).
Chimpanzee permit (Kibale) — published recent rates vary by source; typical current range is USD 200–250 per trek. We include two chimp permits (Kibale + Budongo/Kalinzu where scheduled).
Park entrance & conservation fees — Uganda Wildlife Authority tariff schedules apply (documented UWA tariffs). These are included in the package price.
Package price (per person, twin-share) — All permits & park fees included
Budget: $5,495 per person
Simple twin/double rooms, shared basic safari vehicle, standard meal plan, Murchison Bush Camp (basic tenting), Ndali/Hotel No.5/Buhoma standard rooms.Midrange: $7,995 per person
Comfortable midrange lodges (upgraded rooms), dedicated 4×4 vehicle, private guided activities where applicable, full meals as listed.Luxury: $10,995 per person
Best-available lodge rooms (preferred cottages/river-view rooms), priority tracking arrangements where possible, private vehicle throughout, elevated service levels and extra comforts.
Single supplement
Budget: +$395
Midrange: +$695
Luxury: +$1,195
Pricing Notes & Breakdown (illustrative)
The big-ticket items that drive price: gorilla permits (2 × $800 = $1,600) and chimp permits (2 × ~$250 = $500) — these totals are included in the prices above.
Remaining costs include accommodation nights, vehicle hire & fuel, driver/guide, all meals (as specified), boat cruises, porter fees, park entrance fees, and local taxes. UWA tariff schedules and local operator costs determine the final split.
Day 1 – Arrival in Entebbe: Gateway to the Pearl of Africa
Touch down at Entebbe International Airport, where a warm Ugandan welcome awaits. After clearing immigration, meet your safari driver-guide and transfer to the serene Hotel No.5, nestled in lush tropical gardens.
This afternoon, unwind or take an optional stroll through the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, home to vervet monkeys and colorful birdlife along the shores of Lake Victoria. As evening descends, enjoy a welcome dinner and trip orientation, getting a first taste of Ugandan hospitality and preparing for the adventures ahead.
Overnight: Hotel No.5 (Luxury) or equivalent
Day 2 – Entebbe → Murchison Falls National Park
Rise early for a scenic overland journey north-west in a private 4×4 safari vehicle. The landscape unfolds beautifully — rolling hills, vibrant markets, and small villages where smiling children wave as you pass.
Stop for a hearty local lunch before entering the Albertine Rift Valley, where the mighty Nile River cuts through the savannah. Arrive at Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest and oldest protected area, famed for its dramatic waterfall and abundant wildlife.
Check in at Murchison Bush Camp and enjoy a relaxed afternoon surrounded by the tranquil bush — perhaps a short guided walk or sundowner overlooking the sweeping plains.
Overnight: Murchison Bush Camp (Midrange) or equivalent
Day 3 – The Nile Delta Cruise & Savannah Game Drive
Awake to the sounds of the wild — distant calls of hippos and the chatter of birds. This morning, embark on a private cruise along the Victoria Nile towards the Lake Albert delta.
Watch as elephants wade at the riverbanks, crocodiles sunbathe lazily, and rare shoebill storks stalk the papyrus marshes. After lunch, set out on an afternoon game drive across the northern savannah, where you may encounter elephants, giraffes, Uganda kob, lions, and buffaloes grazing against a golden backdrop.
Overnight: Murchison Bush Camp
Day 4 – Budongo Forest & Boat to the Base of the Falls
After breakfast, venture into Budongo Forest Reserve, a lush tropical jungle rich with mahogany trees and home to one of East Africa’s largest chimpanzee populations.
Join expert rangers for an optional chimpanzee tracking experience — listen for rustling leaves and excited hoots as you follow the clues through the undergrowth.
In the afternoon, enjoy a boat ride up the Nile to the base of the Murchison Falls, where the river squeezes through a narrow 7-meter gorge and explodes into the “Devil’s Cauldron.” Feel the spray and thunderous roar — an unforgettable highlight of Uganda’s wild heart.
Overnight: Murchison Bush Camp
Day 5 – Murchison → Fort Portal / Kibale Region
Depart early for a long but rewarding drive south through the scenic countryside of western Uganda. The journey reveals the ever-changing landscapes — sugarcane plantations, tea estates, and the towering Rwenzori Mountains in the distance.
Arrive at the Ndali Lodge overlooking a beautiful crater lake. Enjoy a peaceful afternoon walk along the crater rim or simply relax by the veranda, soaking in the panoramic views and cool mountain air.
Overnight: Ndali Lodge (Midrange/Luxury)
Day 6 – Kibale National Park: Chimpanzee Trekking
This morning, venture into the Kibale Forest National Park, renowned as the primate capital of the world. With the help of experienced trackers, you’ll follow the trails in search of chimpanzees.
When you find them, spend an hour observing their playful interactions — grooming, foraging, and swinging through the canopy.
In the afternoon, enjoy a Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary walk, where local guides introduce you to rare birds, monkeys, and medicinal plants. Later, visit nearby communities for a glimpse of rural Ugandan life.
Overnight: Ndali Lodge
Day 7 – Kibale → Queen Elizabeth Region
After breakfast, drive south through scenic crater lakes and tea plantations toward Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Depending on timing, enjoy a short game drive en route, spotting antelopes and elephants against the backdrop of the Rwenzori Mountains.
Settle into your lodge for an afternoon at leisure or an optional sundowner overlooking the Kazinga Channel.
Overnight: Lodge en-route to Bwindi (Midrange)
Day 8 – Journey to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Today’s drive takes you through winding hills and misty valleys to the Buhoma sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.
Upon arrival, settle into Buhoma Lodge and enjoy a relaxed orientation walk through the nearby village — perhaps visit the Conservation Coffee Cooperative, where locals share how gorilla tourism supports their livelihoods.
Overnight: Buhoma Lodge (Midrange/Luxury)
Day 9 – Bwindi: Gorilla Trekking (Day 1)
An early breakfast, then a thrilling morning ahead. After a detailed briefing, venture into the ancient rainforest in search of a habituated gorilla family.
The trek can be challenging, but every step through this mystical jungle is worth it when you finally come face-to-face with a gentle giant. Watching the gorillas interact in their natural habitat is a life-changing experience.
Spend your regulated hour quietly observing before descending back to the lodge for a restful afternoon or a cultural village walk.
Overnight: Buhoma Lodge
Day 10 – Bwindi: Second Gorilla Trek or Relaxation
For those who wish, embark on a second gorilla trek to visit a different family group — another incredible opportunity to deepen your connection with these magnificent primates.
Alternatively, spend a slower-paced day birdwatching, enjoying the lodge’s forest views, or engaging in community-based conservation experiences.
Celebrate the final evening with a farewell dinner, sharing memories and stories of Uganda’s wonders.
Overnight: Buhoma Lodge
Day 11 – Bwindi → Entebbe (Return by Road)
After breakfast, begin the scenic return journey to Entebbe, passing through rolling hills and roadside villages. Stop for lunch en route before arriving in the late afternoon.
Day rooms can be arranged for freshening up before your evening flight, or extend your stay for one last lakeside night in Entebbe.
Tour Summary
Duration: 11 Days / 10 Nights
Transport: By road in 4×4 safari vehicles
Style: Midrange / Luxury
Highlights: Murchison Falls, Nile River Cruises, Chimps in Kibale, Gorillas in Bwindi, Scenic Road Journeys
Inclusions
All accommodation as listed (10 nights) based on your selected category.
Road transfers & safari transport in comfortable 4×4 vehicle with driver/guide.
All meals from dinner on arrival day to lunch on the final day (as per itinerary).
Gorilla permits (two permits — two treks in Bwindi).
Chimpanzee permits (two treks — Kibale and Budongo/Kalinzu where scheduled).
Park entrance fees and conservation levies (Uganda Wildlife Authority tariffs).
Private boat cruises and game drives as specified.
Services of experienced Upcountry Safaris Uganda driver/guide and local park guides, porters for gorilla treks where required.
Bottled water in vehicle during drives, basic first-aid kit.
All local taxes and service charges.
Exclusions
International flights to/from Entebbe.
Visa fees (if applicable), travel/medical insurance & mandatory emergency medical evacuation coverage.
Personal expenses (souvenirs, phone calls, laundry).
Gratuities for guides, drivers and lodge staff (recommended but discretionary).
Optional activities not listed in itinerary (hot air balloon, optional habituation experiences, spa services).
Any PCR/health testing costs if required by airline or country of origin.
FAQs About Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
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