Ultimate Uganda: Primate Quest and Classic Safari

Activity Level:
STRENUOUS
Duration:
12 Days
Price:
From $9,575
Interests:

About this trip

Journey through the rainforests and lush, rolling hills of Uganda in search of two of the world’s most charismatic and endangered great apes—the mountain gorilla and the eastern chimpanzee. With luck, you’ll encounter these majestic creatures and be able to observe and photograph them at close range in their natural habitat, an experience unlike any other. Also witness other iconic East African flora and fauna during hikes, safari drives, and boat rides amid the spellbinding natural landscapes of rainforests, savannas, volcanic crater lakes, wetlands, and the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains. In addition to incredible wildlife-viewing, connect with community members and learn about their culture, traditions, and daily life.

Highlights

  • Venture into the dense foliage of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to track and observe endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
  • Trek in the rainforests of Kibale Forest National Park, home to the greatest variety and concentration of primates found anywhere in East Africa, in search of humans’ closest living relative, the chimpanzee. 
  • Embark on a boat ride on the Kazinga Channel in hopes of seeing hippos, African buffalos, crocodiles, elephants, and numerous water birds, including the unusual Shoebill Stork.
  • Look for tree-climbing lions and other wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
  • Visit a local tea plantation to learn how this important export is grown, harvested, and processed.

Activity Level 5: Strenuous

Participants should be able to ascend or descend 100 or more stairs consecutively, plus walk for at least 8 hours over some steep slopes, uneven, and potentially slippery surfaces without difficulty. Physical activities typically last for 5 or more hours at a time.

Note: The difficulty of the gorilla treks can vary depending on the animals' location at any given time, but participants should be prepared for the treks to be physically strenuous. It is not uncommon for treks to last up to six hours, and involve hiking through dense foliage and up steep, uneven, muddy or slippery slopes, often at high altitudes and in unpredictable weather. Though the guides may be able to offer some assistance, participants should be in good physical condition.

11 Travelers

Land Cost

$9,575 - Jun 1, 2025 - Dec 30, 2026

$10,600 - Jan 5 - Dec 30, 2027

Book 10 travelers and 1 group
leader travels for free

What makes us different

Carbon offsetting

As part of our commitment to sustainable travel, we partner with ClimateSafe to offset the carbon emissions from each journey

Wildlife up-close

Enjoy up-close observation of the behaviors and interactions of wildlife in their native habitats

Service anytime

Enjoy worry-free travel — our emergency line is monitored 24/7/365 so we can assist you if any problems arise while you’re traveling with us

Custom-tailored trips

We can customize your itinerary so that it’s the ideal match for your interests, travel dates, and budget

Marketing support and resources

We have all the tools necessary to help you plan, promote and sell your trip

Support local communities

We work with local guides and organizations so your trip includes authentic cultural experiences while supporting the economy of the region

Daily Itinerary

Print Itinerary
Depart US
Day 1
In flight
In flight
Entebbe
Day 2
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be met by our representative and taken to your hotel. Relax after your long journey or spend some time exploring Entebbe independently. This small, quiet town on the shores of Lake Victoria is easy to navigate on foot, by local transport known as "boda boda"(motorbikes), or by taxi. You might wish to visit one of the local markets or the National Botanical Gardens on Lake Victoria, where you can walk among the beautiful trees, watch monkeys moving through the canopy above, and spot many native bird species. Entebbe also has a wide variety of restaurants serving many different cuisines, as well as several bars and clubs where you can sample Ugandan beer, catch a soccer game, and chat with the locals. This evening, gather at the hotel for an orientation by your guide, followed by a welcome dinner.
Dinner included
The Boma Guest House or similar
Bwindi National Park
Day 3
This morning you'll be taken to the Entebbe domestic airport for your scheduled flight to Kihihi airstrip, near the Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth National Parks. The flight takes just over an hour, depending on the plane used. Please note the baggage allowance is 30 pounds per person. Upon arrival, a representative will meet you and you will board your comfortable, spacious 4x4 vehicles. The vehicles are custom-built for wildlife-viewing; large windows offer 360-degree visibility, and each passenger has their own window seat. The vehicles are also specially equipped with inverters for charging cell phones and camera batteries. Begin the scenic drive through local villages and mountain roads to Buhoma Lodge in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Located in southwestern Uganda on the edge of the Great Rift Valley, Bwindi is considered the most biodiverse forest in the country, making it an extremely valuable conservation site. Most notably, the park contains almost half of the world's population of endangered mountain gorillas. Additionally, more than 120 mammals, 345 species of birds (including several threatened species like the Shelley's Crimsonwing, Chapin's Flycatcher, and Grauer's Broadbill), 200 species of butterflies, and 160 species of trees have been recorded here. The forest also acts as an important catchment area for many rivers, supplying water for agriculture in the surrounding region. Your group will have the opportunity for two days of gorilla treks; one day is included in the program cost and the second day is optional, at an additional cost of $800 per person, paid in advance. Also included during your stay at Buhoma Lodge is one complimentary massage per person, in the lodge's spa treatment room - perfect for relaxing after a day of trekking.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Buhoma Lodge
Bwindi National Park
Day 4
Walk down to Bwindi National Park Headquarters this morning to meet your guides for the day and begin your gorilla tracking experience. Only 8 guests may track one gorilla family at a time. Only one trek per day, per gorilla family, is permitted. Guests are divided at the pre-trek briefing into suitable groups for tracking each family of gorillas. Experienced guides and trackers will accompany your party on an early morning trek into the rainforest on the mountain slopes. The sometimes-challenging journey through dense foliage and up steep, muddy climbs is abundantly rewarded with the incomparable experience of viewing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. You will have an opportunity to be within meters of these magnificent apes, sharing in their daily lives and experiencing their day-to-day activities. Mountain gorillas are extremely rare, with only an estimated 880 individuals remaining in the wild. This is an experience you won't soon forget! Following the trek, return to your accommodation and have time to relax and savor your experience. Please note: Gorilla treks may be fairly strenuous; it is not uncommon for treks to last up to six hours, at high altitudes. Also, mountain gorillas are wild animals and, as such, sightings cannot be guaranteed. However, viewing success rates are over 98%.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Buhoma Lodge
Bwindi National Park
Day 5
Today, those who have pre-purchased the optional, second gorilla trek permits will depart for another gorilla tracking experience. For those not tracking gorillas, embark on a community walk through the local villages surrounding Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Activities may include visiting a traditional home, orphanage, or school, a banana beer brewing demonstration, or meeting a traditional medicinal healer. After lunch, walk through Bwindi's tropical rainforest with experienced wildlife guides. Enjoy scenic views, the sights and sounds of the rainforest, ample opportunities for birding, and glimpses of the park's many monkey species as they move through the forest canopy.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Buhoma Lodge
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 6
This morning, depart Bwindi and travel two to three hours to the southern Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. If time permits, stop en route to visit a community project on the park's border. Meet Agartha, a local craftswoman, tailor, and organic subsistence farmer who will welcome you into her homestead and share with you how the women of the Bakiga tribe prepare their local food. During the visit, Agartha weaves in stories of life as a Bakiga wife while encouraging you to taste what you have prepared together. Continue to your accommodations at Ishasha Wilderness Camp in this unspoiled, remote sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Situated in a wooded area beside the Ntungwe River, each of the 10 spacious, framed canvas rooms is comfortably furnished and has its own private en-suite bathroom with running water, hot "bush" showers, and eco-friendly flush toilet. This afternoon, set out on a wildlife-viewing drive in search of herds of African buffalos, elephants, Ugandan kobs (a type of antelope), and the area's famous tree-climbing lions, which can sometimes be spotted resting in the branches of large fig trees. Return to the lodge and enjoy a sunset cocktail alongside the Ntungwe River.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Ishasha Wilderness Camp
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 7
Depart for the northern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, with wildlife-viewing en route. Elephant Plains Lodge is perched atop the stunning western escarpment of the Albertine Rift and offers breathtaking views stretching over open grasslands to Lake George. After lunch, enjoy a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lake George to Lake Edward. Along the banks of this waterway it's possible to spot hippopotamuses, African buffalos, crocodiles, elephants, and numerous water birds, including the unusual Shoebill Stork. Lake George is recognized as a Ramsar site (#394); its wetlands serve as important wintering grounds for migrating water birds as well as a number of native species. Afterward, attend a lecture, "An Introduction to Queen Elizabeth National Park," followed by dinner.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Elephant Plains Lodge
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 8
Spend the day enjoying morning and afternoon wildlife-viewing drives in the Mweya area of Queen Elizabeth National Park. In addition to the abundant wildlife, take note of the vast numbers of Euphorbia, or candelabra trees. The many nearby crater lakes and mountain ranges also provide a beautiful backdrop for your journey. *Optional Kyambura Gorge Chimpanzee Trekking today $125.00 - must be booked in advance.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Elephant Plains Lodge
Kibale
Day 9
Depart Queen Elizabeth National Park for Kibale, a drive of approximately four hours, with lunch en route. Arrive at Primate Lodge, located in the heart of Kibale Forest, an extensive national park that protects a large tract of tropical rainforest. This is one of the most accessible and best-studied forests in Africa, and has been the site of several long-term primate projects. The park harbors the greatest variety and concentration of primates found anywhere in East Africa with an incredible 13 species, including the L'Hoest's monkey and the localized ashy red colobus. Kibale's major attraction, however, is the opportunity to track habituated chimpanzees - these delightful apes are more closely related to humans than to any other living creature. The park is also home to 400-plus bird species and other wildlife like African forest elephants, leopards, servals, antelopes, and warthogs. Settle into your accommodations, which consist of safari tents with grass-thatched roofs and en-suite bathrooms, set on raised wooden platforms. This afternoon, visit a local tea plantation to learn how this important export crop is grown, harvested, and processed. Attend another lecture, "Chimpanzee Ecology and Behavior." After dinner, take a walk with your guide to search for nocturnal wildlife. Be on the lookout for nightjars, pottos, bush babies, and tree hyraxes.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Primate Lodge Kibale
Kibale
Day 10
Today's highlight is the chimpanzee trek in the forest. The trek is expected to take a full morning. Seeing chimpanzees is not guaranteed, but in general the efforts pay off and visitors are delighted to watch these amazing animals in their natural habitat. This afternoon, spend time hiking in Kibale Forest with a focus on endemic plants or head out for an optional guided swamp walk in Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary. This is considered one of Uganda's best locations for birding, with target species like the Great Blue Turaco, Papyrus Gonolek, Eastern Yellow-billed Barbet, White-spotted Flufftail, and more. Bigodi's rich ecosystem also makes it a spectacular venue for viewing numerous primate species in their natural habitat. This two- to three-hour walk can be tailored to your individual schedule and interests.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Primate Lodge Kibale
Entebbe
Day 11
Depart after an early breakfast for the drive back to Entebbe, stopping for curio shopping on the roadside and a quick photo stop at the equator. In the late afternoon arrive to your hotel, where day room accommodations have been arranged. You'll have the afternoon at leisure to rest, repack luggage, or explore Entebbe before being transported as a group to the international airport for flights home later this evening.
Breakfast-Lunch- included
No.5 Boutique Hotel
Day 12
Arrival back in U.S.
11 Travelers

Land Cost

$9,575 - Jun 1, 2025 - Dec 30, 2026

$10,600 - Jan 5 - Dec 30, 2027

Book 10 travelers and 1 group
leader travels for free

What's Included
  • Arrival and departure transfers based on individual flight schedules
  • English-speaking guide, private transportation, and entrance fees.
  • Accommodations with private bathrooms
  • Activities and meals as mentioned in itinerary
  • Internal flights relevant to itinerary
  • Bottled water or water refill station during transfers
  • Non alcoholic beverage with meals
  • Carbon Offset
What's Not Included
  • International flights
  • Items of personal nature
  • Tips
  • Travel Insurance
Pricing Details
Rates are based on double occupancy for participants.

Prices are valid for travel from Jun 1, 2025 - Dec 30, 2026. Holiday surcharges may apply.

Travel Info

Print Travel Info

Entry & Exit Requirements

U.S. citizens must have a valid passport to enter Uganda. Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry and have at least one fully blank page available for the entry/visa stamps.

A tourist visa is also required for entry. You will not be able to apply for the visa at the airport upon arrival; travelers must apply for a visa online at least two weeks prior to travel by completing the e-visa application form and making payment online at https://visas.immigration.go.ug. (The earliest you can apply is 3 months prior to arrival.)

To apply, you will need your passport, a recent passport-size photo, proof of return ticket, and a yellow fever certificate (see below for more information). The fee for a single-entry tourist visa is USD $50 plus a 3% online processing charge (subject to change), payable by Visa or MasterCard.

Please be aware that the online system will ask you to input your requested duration of stay. The count begins not from your date of entry, but from the date of visa approval. For this reason, we recommend applying for a 3-month visa, the maximum allowed, as this gives you 90 days from the date of visa approval to enter the country. (Please verify that this timeframe corresponds with your travel plans. If you do not enter the country within the specified number of days, you will forfeit your visa and any fees paid and must apply again.)

Once payment is made, the system will process your application and send you a barcoded email indicating that you are eligible for the approved visa. Print out this email and bring it with you to Uganda. Upon arrival you should present your passport, yellow fever certificate, and the barcoded email to the immigration officer, who will scan the barcode and take your fingerprints and photo. Final approval of the visa is issued upon arrival at the airport in Uganda.

If you are not traveling with a U.S. passport, please check with the Ugandan Embassy for the requirements based on your nationality.

Health Information

IMMUNIZATIONS

The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all travelers be up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, and your yearly flu shot before every trip.

Proof of vaccination against yellow fever is required for all travelers (age 1 year or older) entering Uganda. Please note: Yellow fever vaccine availability is currently limited in the US. To receive the vaccine, you may need to travel some distance and schedule your appointment well in advance. You will need to show your yellow fever certificate to apply for your visa, and your visa application must be submitted at least two weeks before departure; for this reason, we strongly recommend making arrangements for your yellow fever vaccine well in advance of your departure.

Though not required, the CDC recommends hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid vaccines for most unvaccinated travelers visiting Uganda. The CDC also recommends the polio vaccine for unvaccinated travelers, or a single lifetime booster dose of Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) for adults who previously completed the full, routine polio vaccine series as children.

Additional vaccines may be recommended for some travelers. Please consult your physician for additional information and recommendations based on your individual circumstances.

MALARIA

The CDC warns that travelers to Uganda may be at risk for exposure to malaria. Malaria is caused by a parasite found in Anopheles mosquitos, which are active from dusk until dawn. Prevention is twofold: the use of anti-malarial drugs and the prevention of mosquito bites. If you choose to use an anti-malarial drug, as recommended by the CDC, see your physician for a prescription.

To protect against mosquitos, the CDC recommends that you cover exposed skin with lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants, consider treating clothes with permethrin, and use an insect repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient like DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE). Apply sunscreen first, followed by the repellent, ideally 20 minutes later.

Be careful when applying products containing DEET, as it can damage or dissolve certain synthetic fabrics as well as plastic, rubber, vinyl, or elastic materials, such as those used in camera equipment, binoculars, phone cases, sunglasses, or watches. Additionally, some research suggests that when DEET and picaridin enter local waterways, they can be harmful to amphibians and other wildlife. When selecting a repellent, it is ultimately up to each traveler to weigh the risks and benefits of different options, keeping in mind both environmental factors and the importance of protecting against illness.

OTHER VECTOR-BORNE ILLNESSES

Other vector-borne illnesses are known to occur in Uganda, including dengue fever, Zika virus, African tick-bite fever, and others. Travelers should protect themselves against insect and tick bites using the measures described above.

After spending time outdoors in grassy or wooded areas, the CDC recommends showering and conducting a full-body check for ticks. If you find a tick attached to your skin, safely remove it as soon as possible.

As a precaution, the CDC advises women who are pregnant to consider postponing travel to any area where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.

WILDLIFE

Follow all instructions from your guides regarding wildlife. Animals may become aggressive to protect themselves, their young or their mates, or to guard a food supply. Do not make sudden movements either toward or away from them, as this may be interpreted as threatening or territorial. Avoid stray dogs, as they may carry rabies. In the unlikely event of being bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal, clean the wound and control bleeding. Seek medical attention immediately.

SUN EXPOSURE

The effects of the sun can be damaging to the eyes and skin. Spending time outdoors exposes you to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, even on cloudy days. To protect yourself from the sun, use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15, protect skin with clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of fluids.

Respiratory Illness Protocols

Please review our Respiratory Illness Protocols page, which explains our policy and procedures if you or another traveler should develop symptoms of a respiratory illness during your trip. Your participation in a Holbrook Travel program indicates that you are in agreement with these protocols.

Resources

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Suggested Packing List

Everyone has personal preferences when it comes to packing; for this reason, the information below is offered as a general guide and not a definitive list. You know yourself best: Use your discretion and pack what you think will serve you, based on your personal preferences and specific itinerary.

You may find many of the items below in our Gear Store.

CLOTHING

Bring enough clothing suitable for the length of your program. If you prefer to pack light, note that many hotels offer laundry services at additional cost. If you plan to hand-wash items, remember that humidity may delay drying time.

Pack clothing that can be worn in layers to adapt to weather changes throughout the day. Clothing that wicks away moisture and dries quickly is recommended. Casual, safari-style clothing is suitable for most activities. Uganda's rainy season is September to November and March to May.

Bring clothes in neutral or muted colors such as green, khaki, brown, or gray. We recommend that you avoid wearing bright colors or white as they can easily be spotted by animals. In addition, blue is particularly attractive to certain insects and should be avoided. It is illegal for civilians to wear army-style camouflage clothing in Uganda.

  • A combination of short-sleeved and lightweight, long-sleeved shirts for sun and insect protection
  • Shorts or skirts (knee-length or longer)
  • Lightweight, quick-drying long pants for sun and insect protection
  • Undergarments
  • Sleepwear
  • Jacket or sweater/sweatshirt
  • Bathing suit(s)
  • Socks – Bring extra pairs.
  • Shoes – You’ll likely want at least one pair of comfortable, closed-toe walking or hiking shoes or boots with good ankle support, suitable for forest hikes and walking over cobblestones or other uneven terrain. Sturdy hiking boots are recommended for gorilla forest hikes. In addition, many participants opt for a pair of sturdy sport-strap sandals (e.g. Keens, Tevas, or similar) and/or casual flip-flops or sandals for around your accommodations.
  • Lightweight rain jacket, hooded poncho, and/or windbreaker
  • Visor or wide-brimmed sun hat with ties
  • Bandana, scarf, or neck gaiter
  • Leather, gardening-type gloves (for gorilla treks)

Personal Toiletries

Pack toiletries based on your personal preferences and habits. Below are just a few recommendations to keep in mind.

  • Shampoo, conditioner, lotion, deodorant/antiperspirant, etc. – If possible, avoid strong fragrances.
  • Soap and washcloth or a small, quick-drying microfiber towel – Washcloths are not standard in all hotels. If you normally use a washcloth, you may wish to bring one from home.
  • Hairbrush, comb, hair ties, shower cap
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Razor
  • Ear plugs, especially if you are a light sleeper
  • Personal hygiene products
  • Insect repellent (see note below about treating clothing with permethrin)
  • Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
  • A travel pack of tissues – also useful as napkins or toilet paper if needed

In addition to your personal toiletries, it is useful to pack a small medical kit, which you can easily prepare. Helpful items might include: bandages, antihistamine, a pain reliever, motion sickness and/or altitude sickness medication (if you are prone to either), anti-diarrhea medicine, powdered electrolyte packets to prevent dehydration, aloe vera gel for sunburn, individually wrapped pre-moistened towelettes and/or hand sanitizer, antibiotic ointment, anti-fungal cream, moleskin for blisters, eye drops, tweezers, a mini sewing kit, and an extra pair of disposable contact lenses or eyeglasses if you wear them.

Days before you leave home, you may wish to consider spraying any clothing, socks, and shoes that will be worn in lowland, tropical sites with permethrin, an anti-parasite medication, to repel irritating pests and prevent the spread of disease. A recommended brand is Sawyer. Carefully read all instructions before use. Please note permethrin is highly toxic to cats and fish, and some aerosol products may be harmful to birds. Side effects may include minor itching, burning, or redness. You may want to use a laundry marker to label and keep track of which socks are permethrinized. Only one application per item is necessary; permethrin on treated clothes remains effective through several washings. Permethrin should NOT be applied directly to skin.

Miscellaneous

Remember to pack valuables such as your passport, cash/credit cards, and medications in your carry-on luggage.

  • Passport, visa letter, and photocopies of all travel documentation
  • Yellow fever certificate
  • Personal insurance card and travel insurance information
  • Money – ATM/credit card and/or cash; small bills in good condition are recommended
  • Prescription medicines (if applicable), with a copy of the prescription
  • Sunglasses with strap
  • Small day pack for hikes and excursions
  • Flashlight and/or head lamp
  • Travel alarm clock or inexpensive waterproof wristwatch with alarm – Not all hotels provide alarm clocks.
  • A pocket calculator or phone to assist with conversions and currency exchange
  • Binoculars with lens cleaner
  • Camera and related equipment, such as charger, lenses, and extra memory cards
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Non-perishable snacks
  • Pocket-knife or multipurpose tool – Pack in your checked luggage.
  • Reusable zip-top style bags – useful for packing toiletries, sorting clothing, storing damp or muddy shoes, or as a dry bag for protecting electronics
  • Notepad or travel journal and pen
  • Music or reading material for down time, long bus drives, or on the airplane, and a portable bright light to read by
  • Hiking poles or collapsible walking stick with rubber tip – Pack in your checked luggage.
  • A small quantity of laundry detergent if you’ll be washing clothing by hand
  • Money belt
  • Voltage converter, plug adapter, and chargers for electronics
  • Dry bag for electronics

Plastic bags

Due to Uganda's ban on plastic bags, travelers are not permitted to bring plastic bags into the country. This includes garbage bags and grocery/shopping bags. Zip-top style bags specifically used to carry toiletries per TSA’s liquids rule are still permitted on the assumption that they will be reused on the return flight. Items purchased at the airport before boarding the aircraft should be removed from plastic bags. Please double-check your carry-on luggage before disembarking in Uganda; any plastic bags should be left on the plane to avoid delays and possibly fines.

LUGGAGE WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS

Pack lightly. Charter flights have a baggage weight limit of a maximum of 30 lbs. If your bags are heavier, it is likely you will be required to pay an excess luggage fee. For this reason, soft bags are preferable to hard suitcases.

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