9-Day Ultra-Luxury Safari with Primates in Uganda

As you arrive at Entebbe Airport, a warm welcome awaits from The Shuttle Hospitality after being fast tracked from your aircraft by our team. Your journey begins with VIP meet &greet, assisted through immigration, collect your luggage and exit the arrivals terminal to our waiting luxury private Vehicle and we will transfer you to Entebbe Forest lodge. This elegant retreat is the perfect place to rest and rejuvenate, with its serene atmosphere and understated luxury, offering a prelude to the wonders that lie ahead.

Later in the evening at 4.30pm. we will transfer you to the Lake Victoria pier from where you will embark on a sundowner cheese and wine cruise on Lake Victoria. Treat yourself to a sunset cruise on one of the largest fresh water lakes in East Africa. Overnight at Entebbe Forest Lodge, where the sounds of nature and a delicious breakfast prepare you for the adventure of a lifetime.

After delicious breakfast, we will head to Entebbe Airport for a domestic flight over Uganda's breathtaking landscapes to Kasese Airstrip. As your plane touches down at Kasese airstrip, your experienced guide will be waiting to lead you in the tropical rain forest. Upon arrival at Kibale Forest, you will enter a completely different world. Some serious monkey business. The forest is home to at least 12 primate species including the Red-Tailed Monkey, Olive Baboon, black and white colobus plus blue monkeys. The bird life in the forest is also prolific and includes the beautiful great blue Turaco.

In the afternoon, indulge on a nature excursion. Your swamp walk (1-2 hours) will take you through grassland and some beautiful scenery. It is usual to spot 3 or 4 different primate species during the walk through the highlight is catching a glimpse of the great blue Turaco bird.

In the morning, your chimpanzee tracking excursion will commence. Kibale forest boasts of the highest number of primate species in the world, including our delightful cousins – the chimpanzees. At the moment, in Uganda there are approximately 4,950 chimps left in the wild, which makes the forest a perfect and best place to spot chimpanzees in Africa! During the excursion, your ranger will point out the other species living in the forest including birds, flora and fauna. You will later settle in at your lodge and relax or take a dip in the lovely pool or simply lie back with a book in hand, as you enjoy the magnificent views surrounding you.

In the afternoon, wander through the Bigodi Wetland, a paradise for bird lovers and nature enthusiasts. With luck, you’ll spot the elusive red colobus monkeys or the sitatunga antelope, as well as stunning birds like the great blue turaco.

After breakfast, your journey continues to Kyambura Gorge Lodge, perched on the edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park. As you travel through the park, keep your camera ready for sightings of lions, leopards, elephants, and the majestic Uganda kob.

After lunch, set out on a hike descending into the magical Kyambura Gorge. This deep, lush chasm feels like stepping into another world, where a small group of chimps - known as the "Lost Chimpanzees of Kyambura" - live in isolation. Though sightings can be unpredictable, the sheer beauty of the gorge is reward enough.

Embark on an early morning game drive through the Kasenyi plains. Lions stalk their prey, elephants move in majestic herds, and leopards prowl the scrubby thickets, waiting to be spotted.

In the afternoon, take to the water for a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. The waters teem with life; hippos bob lazily while elephants and buffaloes gather at the shore to drink. End the day with cocktails on the lodge veranda, watching the sun dip behind the gorge, casting a golden glow over the landscape.

Early morning transfer from Kyambura to Kasese airstrip for your domestic flight to Kisoro and then journey by road to the breathtaking Mgahinga National park upon arrival.

In the afternoon, visit the Batwa Village and step into a world rich with history and tradition. The Batwa people, one of Africa’s oldest communities, will share stories of their ancient life as forest-dwelling hunter-gatherers.

At 7.45am you will be at the office for pre-briefing and at 8.30am you will start the trek after finding the gorillas you will spend with them maximum 1 hour. All visitors are expected back to the starting point by 7pm. Being physically fit is recommended.

You’ll set out for one of the most extraordinary experiences on Earth. The journey through steep, dense forests is challenging, but every step is worth it when you finally come face-to-face with a family of mountain gorillas. Watching these gentle giants in their natural habitat is a humbling and awe-inspiring experience.

You will be at the gate by 7.30am for pre-briefing before your trek starts into the foothills of the Virunga Mountains in search of the playful and rare golden monkeys. Their vibrant fur and lively antics make them a joy to watch as they swing through the trees.

In the afternoon, take time to relax and or revisit the Batwa Heritage Trail to deepen your connection to the land and its people.

Early morning transfer to Kisoro airstrip for your return domestic flight to Entebbe, carrying with you memories of unforgettable encounters with Uganda’s wildlife, landscapes, and people.

Departure times align perfectly with international flights, allowing you to reflect on your incredible journey through this magical land, if not a day room will be arranged for you to freshen up and perhaps relax ahead of your flight.