8-Day Western Circuit Primate & Wildlife

Yes that is the design. Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale on Day 3 and mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi on Day 6, each with its own permit and its own full morning.

Any time on Day 1 the arrival night is built in. You are met at Entebbe International Airport and taken straight to a lakeside hotel. Day 2 begins at first light for the shoebill, so arriving rested matters.

Mabamba has one of the highest success rates anywhere, and our guides know the resident birds' territories. But the shoebill is wild and sightings are never guaranteed. Most mornings deliver, and the wetland is exceptional for birding regardless over 300 species have been recorded there.

To keep the journey to eight days while including the arrival night, Ishasha is visited as a game drive en route to Bwindi on Day 5 rather than as an overnight stop. You still get the fig-tree lion country, in the afternoon light. If you would rather sleep in the sector, our 9-day version includes an Ishasha night.

Lions in the Ishasha sector rest in the branches of large fig trees, a behaviour recorded in only a handful of places worldwide. You pass through the sector with a dedicated game drive on Day 5, in the afternoon light when the prides are most often visible in the branches. It is a strong chance, though never a certainty.

Yes. You are accompanied throughout by an armed Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger trained in animal behaviour. Lake Mburo has no lion and no elephant, which is precisely why walking is permitted there.

Yes all fuel for the entire circuit is included, along with tolls, parking and the Equator stop. There are no transport costs to settle en route.

Both treks cross uneven forest terrain and can run from thirty minutes to six hours. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended. Porters are available at both trailheads for a small fee and are strongly worth taking.

Fifteen years for both gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, strictly enforced by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

This is a driving circuit, but scheduled flights serve Kasese and Kihihi, and we can replace either the outbound or return road leg on request. Quoted separately.

The dry seasons June to August and December to February are ideal for game drives and trekking. The circuit is productive year-round, and the green season brings lush landscapes with far fewer vehicles.

Most nationalities require a Uganda tourist visa, obtained in advance through the Uganda e-Visa portal. A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for entry.