Sample itinerary - PURE APES SAFARI - Kibale & Bwindi

Day notes

On arrival into Entebbe, guests are met with a VIP airport service, ensuring a smooth and efficient transition through formalities before a short transfer to The Boma Entebbe. This charming and well-established guesthouse provides a relaxed and welcoming first night, set within tropical gardens and offering a comfortable place to rest after international travel. Its proximity to the airport makes it an ideal stopover before the safari begins in earnest.

Day notes

The following morning, a scheduled flight from Entebbe to Kasese dramatically reduces the journey time into western Uganda, with scenic views over lakes, forests and the Rwenzori Mountains en route. On arrival, a road transfer leads to Primate Lodge, set deep within Kibale Forest National Park. The lodge’s location inside the forest allows for an immediate sense of immersion, with towering trees and abundant birdlife surrounding the property. That afternoon, a visit to Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary offers a gentle introduction to the region, with guided walks through this community-run reserve revealing a wealth of bird species and primates, as well as insight into local conservation initiatives.

The following morning is dedicated to chimpanzee trekking, one of Kibale’s most sought-after experiences. After an early briefing, guests head into the forest in search of habituated chimpanzee troops, often encountering them as they feed, play and move through the canopy. The experience is both energetic and rewarding, with Kibale known for its high success rate and density of primates. Returning to the lodge afterwards, there is time to relax and absorb the atmosphere of the forest before the next stage of the journey.

Day notes

A light aircraft flight from Kasese to Kihihi provides another scenic transition, linking the primate-rich forests of Kibale with the mountainous terrain of Bwindi. From Kihihi, a road transfer winds through rural landscapes to Buhoma Lodge, located on the edge of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. That afternoon, a guided visit to Buhoma village offers a cultural perspective, with opportunities to engage with the local community and gain a deeper understanding of life alongside the forest.

The highlight of the safari follows the next morning with gorilla trekking. After an early start and briefing at the park headquarters, guests set off into the dense forest in small groups, guided by experienced trackers. The trek can vary in duration and difficulty, but the moment of encountering a mountain gorilla family in their natural habitat is unforgettable. Spending time observing their behaviour at close range is a deeply moving experience and one of Africa’s greatest wildlife encounters. Returning to the lodge afterwards, there is time to reflect and relax, often accompanied by views across the forest canopy.

Day notes

The journey concludes with a flight from Kihihi back to Entebbe, allowing for a smooth connection to onward international departures. Though relatively short, this itinerary delivers an exceptional concentration of Uganda’s highlights, combining ease of logistics with some of the most intimate and memorable wildlife experiences on the continent.