11-Day Primates of the Great Rift Valley Safari

When thinking about Africa, Uganda is listed among the best because of the Primates of the great Rift valley which are very interesting to watch.

Begin in the Kibale Forest, watching as the verdant, forested lands of Uganda transform into a mystical world brimming with chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, baboons and more.

Your journey to Kyambura welcomes even more wildlife adventures, as the elusive “Lost Chimpanzees of Kyambura” are at your fingertips, along with mind-blowing gorge panoramas.

A tranquil boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel brings you to your final destination amidst one of Uganda’s gorilla habitats

DAY 1 – ARRIVAL IN ENTEBBE

Welcome to Uganda: The Pearl of Africa

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you are warmly welcomed by a Ngeye Tours and Travel representative who will escort you to your elegant boutique accommodation Hotel.

The calm ambience, beautifully designed rooms, and personalized service introduce you to the warmth and hospitality Uganda is known for.

Take time to relax by the landscaped gardens, enjoy a soothing breeze from Lake Victoria, or settle into your room as you prepare for the adventure ahead.

Meal Plan: Dinner + Drinks (excluding spirits)

DAY 2 – FLY TO KIBALE & JOURNEY INTO THE PRIMATE ZONE

Rwenzori Views, Cultural Encounters & Forest Lodge Luxury

Your morning begins with a transfer to Entebbe Airport for a scenic domestic flight across western Uganda.

As the aircraft glides toward Kasese, the panorama reveals crater lakes, rolling tea plantations, and the iconic Rwenzori Mountains Africa’s mystical snow-capped range.

At the airstrip, your professional safari guide welcomes you and begins the journey to Kibale Lodge.

Along the way, you stop at the Rwenzori Sculpture Foundation, a vibrant creative hub that celebrates Uganda’s artistic heritage.

Sculptures inspired by the region’s clans and myths provide unique insight into its cultural richness.

By midday, you arrive at your lodge, nestled at the edge of Kibale Forest with sweeping views of the Rwenzori’s and Queen Elizabeth’s plains.

After settling in, you visit a local school supported by the Roots and Shoots program an inspiring conservation and education initiative empowering future women leaders.

The experience offers a meaningful connection to the communities protecting Uganda’s forests.

As the sun dips behind the mountains, unwind with cocktails on the terrace and enjoy the soft sounds of the forest your first taste of Kibaale’s wild magic.

Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner + Drinks

DAY 3 – CHIMPANZEE TREKKING IN KIBALE FOREST

Primate Encounters in Africa’s Greatest Chimpanzee Sanctuary

This morning, rise early for an unforgettable chimpanzee trekking adventure.

Kibale Forest is often called the primate capital of the world, home to more than 1,500 chimpanzees and 12 additional primate species.

The trek leads you into lush terrain where towering trees, thick vines, and the soundtrack of birds set the scene for primate discovery.

As you move deeper, the resonant hoots of chimps build anticipation—and then suddenly, you find them.

Watching a chimpanzee family interact is one of the most emotional wildlife encounters in Africa.

Mothers cradle infants, young chimps playfully chase each other, and dominant males announce their presence with chest-beating displays.

Your expert ranger interprets their behaviour, ensuring you connect deeply with this extraordinary primate world.

In the afternoon, explore the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a conservation corridor rich in birds, butterflies, monkeys, and swamp-dwelling creatures.

Its boardwalks and forested edges create perfect conditions for spotting red colobus monkeys, swamp antelopes, and the striking great blue turaco.

Return to your lodge for a peaceful forest evening.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner + Drinks

DAY 4 – DISCOVER MORE OF KIBALE & COMMUNITY CONSERVATION

A Second Day with the Primates & Cultural Learning

With forests this rich, a second day in Kibale offers an opportunity to deepen your connection with its primates and landscapes.

Depending on interest, you may embark on another chimpanzee trek or choose a guided nature walk to seek out other residents such as Lhotse’s monkeys, olive baboons, and forest hogs.

Later, visit the Sadh guru School another impactful community project where conservation and education intersect.

Learn how these initiatives empower young people and shape the future of forest conservation in Uganda.

After lunch, your afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure take a guided forest walk, relax on the lodge veranda, or absorb the tranquillity that surrounds you.

As evening falls, share stories around the fire, reflecting on two immersive days in one of Africa’s most celebrated primate regions.

Meal Plan: All meals + Drinks

DAY 5 – TRANSFER TO KYAMBURA GORGE LODGE

Crossing Into Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, your journey continues south into Queen Elizabeth National Park Uganda’s most diverse savannah reserve.

Along the drive, watch for elephants grazing, buffalo herds lumbering across the plains, tree-climbing lions resting on fig trees and Uganda kob scattered across rolling grasslands.

Upon arrival at Kyambura Gorge Lodge, positioned dramatically on the edge of the Kyambura Gorge, you settle into your luxurious room with sweeping views over the park.

After lunch, embark on the Fig Tree Trail, descending into the mystical “Valley of the Apes.”

This deep, forested chasm shelters the isolated “Lost Chimpanzees of Kyambura,” a small group that has lived separated from larger chimp populations for years.

Even if sightings are elusive, the gorge’s beauty sunbeams cutting through the forest, vines hanging from cliffs, and echoes of birds creates a surreal hiking experience.

Back at the lodge, review nocturnal camera footage captured by conservation teams, offering a glimpse into the lives of wildlife after dark.

Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner + Drinks

DAY 6 – GAME DRIVE & KAZINGA CHANNEL BOAT CRUISE

Wildlife-Rich Plains & a Legendary Waterway

At dawn, set off for a game drive through the Kasenyi sector.

This is one of Uganda’s best wildlife viewing areas lions stalking kob herds, elephants moving in tight family units, leopards resting in acacia branches, hyenas sweeping the plains and countless birds filling the skies.

You are accompanied by a conservation ranger involved in lion monitoring, giving you exclusive insight into predator protection efforts in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

In the afternoon, embark on a tranquil boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway that hosts one of the highest concentrations of hippos in Africa.

Watch elephants bathe at the banks, buffaloes wallow in the mud, crocodiles sun themselves on the shore, and vibrant birdlife gather at the water’s edge.

Evening cocktails at the lodge conclude this beautiful day.

Meal Plan: All meals + Drinks

DAY 7 – TREKKING IN KYAMBURA GORGE & COMMUNITY EXPERIENCES

Eco-Tourism, Conservation, and Cultural Encounters

This morning, after a delightful bush breakfast, return to Kyambura Gorge for another guided trek.

The gorge’s biodiversity is nothing short of spectacular from forest elephants to black-and-white colobus monkeys, tropical birds, butterflies and hidden primate trails.

Your guide helps identify footprints, sounds, and the ecology that supports this rare habitat.

In the afternoon, join the Kyambura Eco-Tourism Project for hands-on cultural experiences.

Take part in traditional coffee roasting with the Kyambura Women’s Coffee Cooperative or plant a tree along the wildlife buffer zone.

As night approaches, enjoy a barbeque dinner and storytelling session with the local community—a powerful cultural finale.

Meal Plan: All meals + Drinks

DAY 8 – FLY TO KISORO & TRANSFER TO MOUNT GAHINGA LODGE

Meet the Batwa Community & Engage With Gorilla Doctors

A scenic morning flight takes you to Kisoro, where volcanic peaks dominate the horizon.

A short drive leads you to Mount Gahinga Lodge an intimate sanctuary nestled at the foot of the Virunga Volcanoes.

In the afternoon, visit the Batwa Heritage Village.

The Batwa people, one of Africa’s oldest forest communities, share stories of their ancient traditions, music and spiritual relationship with the forest.

This cultural exchange is both meaningful and deeply human.

In the evening, enjoy cocktails beside the fireplace as a Gorilla Doctors veterinarian shares insights into gorilla health monitoring and conservation work across the Virunga region.

Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner + Drinks

DAY 9 – GORILLA TREKKING IN MGAHINGA

A Life-Changing Encounter With Mountain Gorillas

Today is the pinnacle of your entire safari mountain gorilla trekking.

After a briefing by park rangers, begin your hike through bamboo forests, volcanic slopes, and dense vegetation.

Though challenging at times, the moment you encounter a gorilla family is indescribably moving.

Observe the silverback’s gentle authority, infants tumbling in play, mothers grooming their young and the calm, intelligent eyes of these magnificent giants.

This is one of Africa’s most emotional wildlife encounters a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Return to the lodge for a relaxing spa treatment, including the signature Rungu massage.

Meal Plan: All meals + Drinks

DAY 10 – GOLDEN MONKEY TREK & BATWA TRAIL

Rare Primates & Cultural Heritage

This morning, embark on a trek to find the rare golden monkeys vibrant, fast-moving, playful primates found only in the Virungas.

Their striking orange coats and energetic behaviour make them fascinating to observe.

In the afternoon, revisit the Batwa Heritage Trail or unwind at the lodge.

Enjoy your final night surrounded by volcanic peaks, pristine air, and the serenity of Uganda’s highlands.

Meal Plan: All meals + Drinks

DAY 11 – DEPARTURE

A Fond Farewell to Uganda

Transfer to Kisoro Airstrip for your return flight to Entebbe, where the journey concludes.

International connections are perfectly timed, allowing you to fly home with extraordinary memories of Uganda’s primates, landscapes, wildlife, and people.

✔ SAFARI INCLUSIONS

Airport transfers

Domestic flights (Entebbe – Kasese – Kisoro – Entebbe)

All ground transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle

Professional English-speaking safari guide

All stated accommodations

All meals as indicated

Chimpanzee trekking permits

Gorilla trekking permit

Golden monkey trekking permit

Kazinga Channel boat cruise

All game drives

All park entrance fees

Drinking water in vehicle

✘ SAFARI EXCLUSIONS

International flights

Visa fees

Travel insurance

Optional activities not listed

Premium alcoholic drinks

Tips and gratuities

Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, etc.