Arrive at Entebbe International Airport, where your safari guide will meet and transfer you to your hotel. Spend the day unwinding and recovering from your journey in the serene lakeside town of Entebbe, set along the shores of Lake Victoria. Overnight stay in Entebbe.

After breakfast, embark on a scenic 6 to 7-hour drive to Kibale Forest National Park, the "Primate Capital of the World." This biodiversity hotspot is home to Africa’s largest population of Eastern chimpanzees, 12 other primate species, 69 mammal species, and over 300 bird species. Enjoy breathtaking views of Uganda’s countryside, local villages, and tea plantations along the way. Upon arrival, check into your lodge, have lunch, and unwind amidst the lush forest surroundings. Overnight stay in Kibale Forest National Park.

After breakfast at 7:30 am, head to Kibale Forest National Park headquarters for a briefing before embarking on an 8:00 am chimpanzee trek with experienced rangers. As you navigate the lush forest, watch for chimpanzees swinging through the trees and other primates like red colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabeys. Upon locating a habituated chimp group, spend an hour observing their behavior before returning to your lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a 4.5-kilometer guided nature walk, an eco-tourism initiative supporting local communities and home to diverse bird species, including the great blue turaco, as well as primates like black-and-white colobus and red-tailed monkeys. Overnight stay in Kibale Forest National Park.

After breakfast, depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s second-largest park, renowned for its diverse wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. Home to the country’s only tree-climbing lions, 94 other mammal species, and over 612 bird species, it offers one of the best chances to spot the rare Shoebill stork. The 3 to 4-hour journey passes through the scenic crater lakes region with the majestic Rwenzori Mountains as a backdrop. Upon arrival, check into your lodge and enjoy a delicious lunch before heading out on an afternoon game drive across the savannah plains in search of buffaloes, elephants, forest hogs, and more. Overnight stay in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Start your day at 6:30 am with a thrilling Lion Experiential Drive, tracking and observing lions in their natural habitat. Along the way, spot other predators like striped jackals and elusive leopards, as well as buffaloes, elephants, Uganda kobs, and antelopes grazing in the savannah. Return to your lodge for breakfast and some relaxation. In the afternoon, embark on a scenic boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, home to one of the highest concentrations of hippos and crocodiles. This 2-hour cruise offers incredible sightings of elephants, buffaloes, and a variety of bird species, including eagles, kingfishers, weavers, and storks, as they gather along the channel’s banks.

After an early breakfast, depart for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, passing through the Ishasha sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions. Enjoy a brief game drive to spot these unique predators resting in fig trees before continuing your journey to Bwindi, home to the endangered mountain gorillas. On arrival, check into your lodge, have lunch, and unwind amidst the serene jungle surroundings. Overnight stay in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.

Travel time: About 4 to 5 hours.

Start your day with an 8:00 am briefing at the Bwindi park headquarters, where you will receive guidelines and be assigned a gorilla group for trekking. Led by expert guides, venture into the dense rainforest in search of these gentle giants while discovering Bwindi’s rich biodiversity. The trek can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 6 hours, depending on the location of your assigned gorilla family. Once found, spend a magical hour observing their behaviors and interactions. After this incredible experience, return to your lodge for lunch before transferring to the tranquil Lake Bunyonyi for an evening of relaxation.
Overnight stay: Lake Bunyonyi.

Travel time: About 2 hours.

After breakfast, embark on a serene boat cruise to explore Lake Bunyonyi’s 29 picturesque islands, surrounded by stunning terraced hills. This tranquil lake, Uganda’s deepest, offers a perfect retreat for relaxation, swimming, and birdwatching. Later, set off on an 8-hour journey back to Entebbe, with stopovers for lunch and sightseeing at the equator. Reflect on the unforgettable moments of your 8-day classic Uganda primates safari as you proceed to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight.

Travel time: About 8 to 9 hours.

End of safari.