Uganda Small Group Safari 2027: Primates & Wildlife
Join our Uganda small group safari 2027, a 12-day intimate Uganda journey combining chimpanzee habituation, gorilla trekking, gorilla habituation and exceptional wildlife experiences.
Not Your Typical Uganda Group Safari
This departure is intentionally limited to just four travellers, offering the companionship and shared value of a small group safari without the feeling of travelling in a large group.
The journey brings together some of Uganda’s most rewarding primate and wildlife experiences, including chimpanzee habituation, mountain gorilla trekking and the extraordinary gorilla habituation experience. Along the way, you will explore Queen Elizabeth National Park, the Kazinga Channel, Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Mburo National Park.
One traveller is already confirmed, and only three places remain for this January 2027 departure.
Extraordinary Experiences Across Uganda
From extended encounters with Uganda’s primates to classic wildlife safaris and peaceful lakeside moments, this journey has been designed around experiences worth travelling for.
Chimpanzee Habituation
Spend extended time in Kibale Forest following a chimpanzee community alongside experienced trackers and researchers, gaining a deeper insight into their behaviour and daily life in the forest.
Mountain Gorilla Trekking
Trek through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for an unforgettable encounter with a habituated mountain gorilla family, one of Africa’s most moving wildlife experiences.
Gorilla Habituation Experience
Return to the forest for a very different gorilla experience, joining researchers and trackers as a gorilla family gradually becomes accustomed to human presence, with extended observation time in the forest.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Explore one of Uganda’s most diverse wildlife landscapes on game drives, including an evening safari when wildlife becomes increasingly active as the temperatures begin to cool.
Kazinga Channel Safari
Cruise between Lakes George and Edward, where elephants, hippos, buffaloes and prolific birdlife gather along the shoreline, offering exceptional wildlife viewing from the water.
Ishasha Wildlife Experience
Journey through the remote southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, renowned for its open landscapes and the possibility of encountering its famous tree-climbing lions.
Lake Bunyonyi & Batwa Culture
Slow the pace after your gorilla experiences with beautiful lake scenery, time to unwind and an opportunity for meaningful cultural interaction with the Batwa community.
Lake Mburo National Park
Complete the journey in Uganda’s intimate savannah park, combining wildlife viewing with the landscapes and iconic Ankole long-horned cattle of western Uganda.
Designed for Travellers Who Value the Experience
This journey is ideal for travellers who want to experience Uganda properly, in a very small group, with comfortable accommodation and exceptional wildlife and primate experiences at the heart of the trip.
Solo Travellers
Perfect for independent travellers who would like to join a small group rather than pay the full cost of a private safari. You can enjoy the journey with like-minded travellers while still having your own private room.
Primate Enthusiasts
Particularly suited to travellers who want more than a single gorilla trek. This journey combines chimpanzee habituation, standard gorilla trekking and the more immersive gorilla habituation experience.
Travellers Who Prefer Small Groups
With a maximum of only four guests, the safari remains flexible, personal and relaxed, without the atmosphere of travelling in a large group or coach.
Comfort Without Unnecessary Luxury
Accommodation is chosen for cleanliness, comfort, location and character rather than unnecessary extravagance. The emphasis is on a good night’s rest, warm hospitality and being well placed for each day’s experiences.
Active & Curious Travellers
This safari suits travellers who enjoy being outdoors and are comfortable with forest trekking, game drives, boat safaris and meaningful cultural encounters as part of a varied journey.
Travellers Looking for Good Value
Sharing the safari vehicle and other ground costs allows guests to experience a carefully designed Uganda itinerary at better value, while keeping the group deliberately small.
Your 12-Day Uganda Journey
From the primate forests of Kibale and Bwindi to the wildlife-rich savannahs of Queen Elizabeth and Lake Mburo, each stage of this journey has been carefully paced to combine remarkable encounters with time to slow down and enjoy Uganda.
Entebbe to Kibale, Into Uganda’s Primate Country
Your Uganda journey begins with a scenic drive west from Entebbe towards Kibale National Park. As Kampala gives way to countryside, plantations, villages and rolling green landscapes, you begin to experience the changing character of western Uganda.
Arrive near Kibale and settle into your lodge for a relaxed evening before tomorrow’s immersive chimpanzee experience.
Chimpanzee Habituation in Kibale Forest
Today brings your first major primate encounter. Enter Kibale Forest for the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience, spending extended time in the forest as trackers and researchers follow a chimpanzee community that is gradually becoming accustomed to human presence.
Rather than a brief sighting, this experience offers the chance to observe more of the chimpanzees’ natural behaviour, movement and social interaction within one of Africa’s richest primate forests.
Kibale to Queen Elizabeth, Your First Savannah Safari
Leave the forests of Kibale for the open landscapes of Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most wildlife-rich conservation areas.
After arriving and settling in, head into the park for an evening game drive. The cooler temperatures and softer late-day light make this a wonderful introduction to the savannah, with possibilities including elephants, buffaloes, Uganda kob and other wildlife moving across the plains.
Wildlife at Dawn & the Kazinga Channel
Start early, when Queen Elizabeth National Park is at its most atmospheric. The morning light is beautiful, temperatures are cooler and wildlife is often particularly active as you explore the park by 4×4.
In the afternoon, change perspective completely with a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel. Hippos crowd the water, while elephants, buffaloes and prolific birdlife frequently gather along the banks, allowing remarkably close wildlife viewing from the boat.
Into Ishasha, Searching for Tree-Climbing Lions
Travel south into the remote Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, where the landscape feels quieter, wilder and more intimate than the park’s northern plains.
Your game drive focuses on Ishasha’s best-known residents, its tree-climbing lions. There are never guarantees in the wild, but searching the great fig trees for lions resting above the ground is one of western Uganda’s classic safari experiences.
From Ishasha to the Forests of Bwindi
Enjoy another early opportunity to explore Ishasha before leaving the savannah behind and continuing towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
The scenery becomes increasingly dramatic as the road climbs into Uganda’s forested southwest. Settle into your lodge close to Bwindi and prepare for the first of two very different mountain gorilla experiences.
Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
This morning you enter Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family. The trek itself is part of the experience, following forest trails through one of Africa’s most biologically rich landscapes with your ranger team.
Once the gorillas are located, spend your permitted viewing time quietly observing them at close range. Their gestures, expressions and family interactions make this one of the most powerful wildlife encounters anywhere in Africa.
The Gorilla Habituation Experience
Return to Bwindi for a deeper and distinctly different encounter with mountain gorillas. Today you join the habituation process, accompanying trackers and researchers working with a gorilla family that is still becoming accustomed to the presence of people.
The experience provides extended time around the gorillas and a rare insight into the conservation and research work behind responsible gorilla tourism in Uganda. For serious primate enthusiasts, this is one of the defining experiences of the safari.
A Well-Earned Day to Slow Down
After two consecutive days in Bwindi’s mountain forests, today has deliberately been kept free. There is nowhere you need to rush to and no early departure to prepare for.
Sleep a little longer, enjoy the surroundings of the lodge, reflect on your gorilla encounters and simply allow yourself time to recover before the journey continues.
Lake Bunyonyi, Island Scenery & Batwa Cultural Experience
After a relaxed morning, leave Bwindi for Lake Bunyonyi, one of Uganda’s most beautiful highland lakes, surrounded by steep terraced hills and dotted with small islands.
Take to the lake by boat, enjoying the peaceful scenery as you cross the water for a cultural visit with a Batwa community. The experience offers an opportunity to learn about Batwa traditions, stories and their historic relationship with the forests of southwestern Uganda.
Return across the lake to BirdNest Resort, where the remainder of the day is yours to relax beside the water and enjoy the slower pace after your days in Bwindi.
Lake Mburo & Uganda’s Iconic Ankole Cattle
Continue north towards Lake Mburo National Park, stopping for a local lunch at Igongo Cultural Centre before reaching this intimate savannah landscape.
Later, experience the remarkable Ankole long-horned cattle, whose immense horns and cultural importance have made them one of the most distinctive symbols of western Uganda. Your final safari night is at Rwakobo Rock, overlooking the plains near Lake Mburo.
Walking Safari, The Equator & Return to Entebbe
Begin your final morning on foot with a ranger-guided walking safari in Lake Mburo National Park. Without the barrier of a vehicle, the landscape feels different as you look for zebra, impala and other wildlife while learning about tracks, plants and the smaller details of the ecosystem.
Afterwards, travel towards Entebbe with a lunch stop at the Uganda Equator before continuing to Entebbe International Airport for your onward journey.
Comfortable, Carefully Selected Accommodation
This safari is designed around the experiences rather than expensive luxury lodges. We have selected comfortable, welcoming properties in practical locations, giving you a good place to rest while keeping the journey focused on Uganda’s wildlife, primates and landscapes.
Chimpanzee Capital Safari Lodge
Your base for exploring Kibale and undertaking the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience.
Irungu Forest Safari Lodge
Conveniently positioned for game drives and your afternoon safari on the Kazinga Channel.
Topi Lodge
A comfortable stop close to the remote Ishasha sector, perfectly placed for your search for tree-climbing lions.
Bweza Gorilla Lodge
Your Bwindi base for both gorilla experiences, with an additional full day deliberately reserved for rest and recovery.
BirdNest Resort
A relaxing lakeside stay following your boat journey and Batwa cultural experience.
Rwakobo Rock Lodge
An intimate final safari stop near Lake Mburo, surrounded by the landscapes of western Uganda.
Travelling Solo Does Not Mean Sharing a Room
Solo travellers can retain their own private room throughout the safari. Room sharing is optional and would only be arranged when both travellers specifically agree.
The More Travellers Join, the Lower the Ground Safari Cost
One traveller is already confirmed. As additional guests join this departure, shared ground costs such as the private safari vehicle, fuel and driver-guide are divided among the group, reducing the ground safari price for everyone.
2 Travellers
3 Travellers
4 Travellers
US$3,000 Per Person
Primate permits are charged separately from the ground safari price. These are fixed government permit costs and do not reduce when more travellers join the group.
Your Own Room Throughout
Ground safari prices for groups of 2, 3 and 4 are based on two guests sharing a twin or double room.
Solo travellers who prefer their own room can add a US$510 single room supplement for the entire safari. Sharing with another traveller is completely optional.
Only the Shared Ground Costs
Accommodation, transport, fuel, your professional driver-guide, national park activities and other ground arrangements are included in the applicable ground safari price.
The three primate permits remain fixed at US$3,000 per person, irrespective of whether the final group consists of two, three or four travellers.
20% Ground Deposit + Full Permit Payment
To secure your place, a 20% deposit on your applicable ground safari price is required, together with full payment for the chimpanzee and gorilla permits. All permits remain subject to availability until confirmed.
Everything You Need for the Journey
The ground safari price covers your accommodation, transport, professional guiding, park activities and the day-to-day arrangements needed to enjoy the itinerary comfortably from Entebbe to Entebbe.
Included
- 11 nights accommodation Comfortable, carefully selected lodges throughout the safari.
- Full board meals Breakfast, lunch and dinner as specified in the itinerary.
- Private 4×4 safari Land Cruiser With pop-up roof for wildlife viewing throughout the journey.
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide Your dedicated guide accompanies the group throughout the safari.
- National park entry fees Applicable park and conservation fees for the included itinerary.
- Queen Elizabeth game drives Including the evening and early morning wildlife drives.
- Kazinga Channel boat safari Afternoon wildlife viewing on the famous Kazinga Channel.
- Ishasha game drives Including the search for the sector’s tree-climbing lions.
- Lake Bunyonyi boat experience Including the journey across the lake for the Batwa cultural visit.
- Batwa cultural experience A community visit focused on Batwa culture, traditions and history.
- Ankole cattle experience A cultural encounter with Uganda’s iconic long-horned cattle.
- Lake Mburo walking safari Guided exploration of the park on foot.
- Drinking water Provided during the safari journey.
- Entebbe transfers Safari start in Entebbe and return to Entebbe at the end of the journey.
Not Included
- Primate permits US$3,000 per person for chimpanzee habituation, standard gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation, as detailed in the pricing section above.
- International flights Flights to and from Uganda are not included.
- Uganda visa Visa costs are the responsibility of each traveller.
- Travel insurance Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended before travelling.
- Personal expenses Souvenirs, laundry, drinks beyond those included and other personal purchases.
- Tips and gratuities Gratuities for guides, rangers, porters and lodge staff are not included.
- Optional porter services Porters can be arranged for the gorilla trekking experiences if required.
Your Uganda Safari, Personally Looked After
From the first enquiry to your final transfer back to Entebbe, your safari is planned and operated by a Uganda-based team that understands the destinations, logistics and experiences first-hand.
Uganda-Based Safari Specialists
Your journey is arranged locally by a team specialising in Uganda and Rwanda, with practical knowledge of the parks, roads, lodges and trekking destinations included in your itinerary.
Maximum Four Travellers
This departure is deliberately kept small. With no more than four guests, there is more space in the vehicle, easier communication with your guide and a much more personal safari atmosphere.
Experienced Safari Driver-Guide
Your professional English-speaking driver-guide stays with the group throughout the journey, handling the driving, wildlife interpretation and day-to-day safari logistics.
Purpose-Built 4×4 Land Cruiser
Travel in a safari Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof designed for wildlife viewing, photography and the varied road conditions encountered across western Uganda.
Permit & Trekking Coordination
We coordinate your chimpanzee and gorilla permits, trekking dates and associated logistics so that these important experiences fit naturally into the wider safari.
Clear, Transparent Pricing
Ground safari costs and fixed primate permits are shown separately, making it easy to understand exactly what changes as additional travellers join the departure.
Small enough to be personal. Experienced enough to handle the details.
We believe a great Uganda safari is not simply about moving between destinations. It is about thoughtful pacing, reliable logistics, knowledgeable guiding and having someone available when plans need attention along the way.
Before You Join the Safari
A few useful answers about joining this January 2027 small group departure, from accommodation and permits to fitness and final group size.
Is this departure already confirmed?
Yes. One traveller is already confirmed for the 15 to 26 January 2027 departure. We are opening the safari to a maximum of three additional guests, keeping the total group size at no more than four travellers.
What happens if the group does not reach four travellers?
The safari can still operate. The applicable ground safari price is based on the final number of confirmed travellers. If two guests are confirmed, the two traveller rate applies; if three or four travel, the corresponding lower ground safari rate applies.
Can I join as a solo traveller and still have my own room?
Absolutely. Solo travellers can retain a private room throughout the safari by adding the US$510 single room supplement. Sharing a room with another traveller is completely optional and would only be arranged when both guests agree.
Are the gorilla and chimpanzee permits included in the ground price?
No. The ground safari price is shown separately from the primate permits. The three permits total US$3,000 per person, comprising chimpanzee habituation, standard gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation.
These permit costs are fixed per traveller and do not reduce when additional guests join the safari.
How physically demanding are the two gorilla experiences?
A reasonable level of fitness is recommended. Gorilla trekking takes place in mountainous rainforest and the length and difficulty of the trek depend on where the gorillas are located that day.
This itinerary includes standard gorilla trekking on 21 January and gorilla habituation on 22 January, followed by a complete rest day on 23 January. Porters can also be arranged to assist during the treks.
What type of accommodation should I expect?
The safari uses comfortable, clean and well-located lodges rather than unnecessary luxury accommodation. The priority is good hospitality, private facilities, convenient locations and a comfortable place to rest after each day’s activities.
What kind of safari vehicle will we use?
The group travels in a 4×4 safari Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof for wildlife viewing and photography. With a maximum of four guests, the vehicle remains spacious and the safari experience personal.
Where does the safari start and finish?
The safari begins in Entebbe on 15 January 2027 and returns to Entebbe International Airport on 26 January 2027. Additional accommodation in Entebbe before or after the safari can be arranged if required.
How do I secure a place?
Confirmation requires a 20% deposit on the applicable ground safari cost together with full payment for the chimpanzee and gorilla permits. Primate permits remain subject to availability until they have been secured.
Who is this safari best suited to?
It is particularly well suited to solo travellers, primate enthusiasts and travellers who prefer a very small group rather than a large scheduled tour. It is also ideal for those who value excellent experiences and comfortable accommodation without paying for unnecessary luxury.
Interested in One of the Remaining Places?
One traveller is already confirmed and only three additional places are available for this 15–26 January 2027 Uganda departure.
If the itinerary feels right for you, get in touch and we will confirm the current availability, room preference, applicable group price and primate permit availability before you make any commitment.