Uganda Primate Safari | Gorilla & Chimpanzee Trekking Adventure 2026
Uganda is one of Africa’s most extraordinary safari destinations — a country of ancient rainforests, rare wildlife encounters, and deeply immersive experiences. This primate-focused journey combined gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park, and a Shoebill search in Mabamba Swamp – it is one of Odysseia’s most tried and tested adventures!
Far from the traditional safaris from more known regions, Uganda takes us down the less traveled avenues. There is no doubt, that your blood is just that little bit more electrified when you step off the plane in Entebbe. Lake flies buzzing about, Swahili here arabica there and some Nilotic lingo you’ve never heard of, Lake Victoria the ‘inland ocean’ stretching off into the horizon. Even though you are just leaning against the fringes of the mysterious interior of Africa, its presences, exhibited in weird and wonderful ways, is around every corner and in the colour and song of every bird…
Mabamba Swamp — Searching for the Shoebill Stork
We began, as always, ‘pumping like mad men’ to push our pirogue into the depths of Mabamba Swamp. Ok…this trip involved a bit of ‘pumping/paddling/pulling on weeds’ as it is normally quite an easy experience on the boat and its occupancy. Seemingly, the only shoe billed stork to be found, on this day, was in an area of shallow swamp that involved us using the pirogue (traditional’ish boat made of wood) as a battering ram to squeeze ourselves through the papyrus and oxygen weed to reach the elusive bird!
Mabamba Swamp is internationally renowned among birders as one of the best places in Africa to see the elusive Shoebill stork. Exploring the wetland by traditional wooden canoe offers an atmospheric introduction to Uganda’s unique ecosystems.
The Shoebill is a true icon of African birdlife — prehistoric in appearance, imposing in stature, and unforgettable to witness in its natural habitat.
Why Mabamba Swamp is exceptional:
• Prime Shoebill habitat
• Easily accessible from Entebbe
• Consistent, almost guaranteed, shoebill sightings
• Beautiful wetland scenery and diversity
Karl getting up close and personal with the shoebill!
Even in adolescence, they are a formidable sight!
Kibale Forest National Park — Chimpanzee Trekking in Uganda
With memories fresh in mind of my previous trip to Kibale Forest, I was a little nervous to see how the chimps behaved on my return. Previously, they sat up high in fig trees. Wait, whatever ‘fig tree’ you are picturing quadruple its height, double its width and add a heap of neighbouring trees of similar stature. Great, now you are closer to understanding how difficult it was to see these chimps on that expedition. Mourning the death of their leader, they never did come down those fig trees. Lovely to see them as always we strained our necks regardless, photographed some butterflies, got pee’d on and left with high spirits – as always.
This time, we were in for a treat. The chimps, a year later, and transcended their loss and were in full force chimp-style. Banging on trees, yelling at each other, rushing past us to show off or scare off, it is hard to tell some times. Then settling down into silence and peacefulness, only to repeat this cycle a short while later. With every new bout different acrobatics, behaviour and heart pumping audio were observed. Kibale really produced the ‘good stuff’ on this one!
Why Kibale Forest?
Kibale Forest National Park is widely regarded as the best destination for chimpanzee trekking in Uganda. The forest protects one of the highest densities of primates in Africa, making it a critical location for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.
Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale is dynamic and exhilarating. The experience unfolds within dense tropical rainforest, where vocalisations echo through the canopy and chimpanzee troops move with incredible speed and energy.
Across multiple treks, visitors may observe:
• Complex social interactions
• Feeding and grooming behaviour
• Young chimpanzees at play
• Rich rainforest biodiversity
Kibale also supports numerous other primate species, including red colobus monkeys and L’Hoest’s monkeys, enhancing the overall wildlife experience.
Bosco, an absolute legend in this area, showing and telling
Some lovely grooming sessions were observed
Interesting fact from Kibale - Blue monkeys and red tailed monkeys are the only two primate species in the region that were recorded to cross breed. Just a thought, what would we call the hybrid monkey?
Queen Elizabeth National Park — Ishasha’s Tree-Climbing Lions
Those of you who have traveled into this region with me will know my utter, slightly concerning, fascination for the giant forest hog. An immense beast – Tusks, warts and all it is the epitome of boar-like creatures of the world. I have heard tails of these formidable ‘warthogs on steroids’ throwing off two male lions trying to bring it down! The males can weigh up to almost 300kg so one can imagine why the lions struggled…
I first observed these animal in the Abedares mountains in Kenya and have been fascinated ever since. Later seeing them in the Congo, Gabon and, of course, Queen Elizabeth National Park.
We are always on the lookout for lions in euphorbias or leopard, a surprisingly common sighting in these areas, but I never fail to check every enclave or distance forest edge for the famed (by me) forest hog.
We were not so lucky on the hog front this time around in Ishasha but made up for it with some lovely elephant sightings, a leopard and, as always a plethora of bird and butterfly!
Karl photographing a large herd of elephant in Ishasha
Crossing the equator with the team!
A favourite view point looking over the Ishasha area
The Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park is famous for its rare population of tree-climbing lions. Here, lions are frequently observed resting along the branches of large fig trees, a behaviour seen elsewhere in Africa, for sure, but not as regularly as here and certainly not sleeping in the euphorbia candelabra as observed in northern areas of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
This area offers a striking contrast to Uganda’s forests, with open plains, riverine landscapes, and classic safari game drives. It provides a valuable interlude between primate trekking experiences.
Highlights of Ishasha:
• Tree-climbing lions & good leopard sightings
• Kasinga channel boat safari
• Giant forest hogs
• Lovely elephant herds and big bulls
- Did I mention giant forest hogs?
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest — Gorilla Trekking Experience
Our gorilla treks in Bwindi were nothing short of extraordinary, although, if I am honest, I have never not had anything less of an experience with these animals. The terrain was well favourable this time so no stinging nettles or festering swamps to cross, yet, every step still drawing us deeper into a world that feels untouched by time.
Despite their immense power, there is a remarkable softness to their interactions. We watched mothers cradle impossibly small infants with movements so careful, so deliberate. Even a silver back took a one-year-old in his huge hands and feet which completely engulfed the infant. Tiny hands gripping thick black fur or wrapping it’s matchstick like fingers around its parents much larger finger. Moments like this seemed to be a welcomed constant during all three treks as young can be quite tricky to see at times.
The babies were endlessly captivating. Playful, mischievous, completely uninhibited. They tumbled over siblings, climbed onto patient adults, and occasionally wandered dangerously close to us. Something that seem to be getting harder to avoid (we want to keep healthy distance between us and them) in the Bwindi system. I suspect families may becoming too ‘habituated’.
Equally unforgettable were our close encounters with the silverbacks. This has proved to be hard at times. You can always see the silverback but he is often obscured by bushes or lying flat on his stomach. We were lucky enough to have some full-frontal displays right in the open of all three silver backs of the different families we trekked!
In those moments, the usual boundaries between observer and wildlife feel strangely blurred. You are not merely watching. You are being allowed to share space — quietly, respectfully — with one of the most magnificent animals on Earth.
Why Bwindi?
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is one of the most biologically diverse forests in Africa and the premier location for gorilla trekking in Uganda – not to mention, its gorilla trekking permit is half the price of its neighbour. Home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, Bwindi offers one of the most powerful wildlife encounters available anywhere on Earth.
Gorilla trekking is both physically engaging and deeply emotional. Guided by expert trackers, visitors move through dense forest before spending a precious hour with a habituated gorilla family.
Encounters often include
:
• Close observation of silverbacks
• Juveniles playing and interacting
• Mothers caring for infants
• Extraordinary photographic opportunities
Each trek is entirely unique, shaped by terrain, group dynamics, and the natural behaviour of the gorillas.
Looks closely here. You will notice the tiny foot of the same side to the massive foot of the silverback. He was playing with his one-year-old son when we captured this moment.
Finally, a white bellied (tree) pangolin!
One of the most memorable sightings of the trip was a white-bellied pangolin encountered during a visit to the Pangolin Rescue Center. The experience was remarkably calm and unhurried. Pango, the dog, is as much a part of the experience as, maybe, the pangolins themselves!
Bear in mind, these are rescued pangolins and will be released back into the wild. I have always checked in to see if they have one and this was the first time in more than a dozen visits to the area!
Seeing a pangolin in the wild is exceptionally rare, which made the moment feel genuinely special. Its scales reflected the soft light as it moved, revealing the unique texture and structure that make this animal so distinctive. There was no drama to the encounter — just the quiet privilege of observing one of Africa’s most elusive mammals at close range.
Frequently Asked Questions — Uganda Primate Safari
How difficult is gorilla trekking in Uganda?
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest can range from moderate to physically demanding. The terrain includes dense forest, uneven ground, and varying elevations. Treks may last from one to several hours depending on gorilla movement. A reasonable level of fitness and mobility is recommended, but guides adapt the pace to the group.
What makes Uganda gorilla trekking special compared to other destinations?
Uganda offers exceptionally intimate gorilla encounters within ancient rainforest environments. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is home to nearly half of the world’s mountain gorilla population, providing outstanding sighting opportunities. The experience feels immersive, wild, and less commercialised than many travellers expect.
How close do you get to the gorillas?
Visitors typically observe gorillas from a distance of approximately 7 metres, although gorillas sometimes move closer on their own. The encounters are remarkably personal, allowing for extraordinary photographic and emotional experiences while maintaining strict conservation guidelines.
Is chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest worth it?
Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park is widely regarded as one of Africa’s most exciting wildlife experiences. Unlike the calm presence of gorillas, chimpanzee encounters are energetic and dynamic, with vocalisations, movement through the canopy, and fascinating social interactions.
What are the chances of seeing chimpanzees in Kibale Forest?
Kibale Forest has one of the highest densities of chimpanzees in Africa, resulting in very high sighting success rates. While wildlife is never guaranteed, successful encounters are the norm rather than the exception.
When is the best time to visit Uganda for gorilla trekking?
Uganda is a year-round destination. The drier seasons (generally June–September and December–February) offer easier trekking conditions, while the wetter months provide lush scenery and dramatic forest atmospheres. Gorilla sightings remain excellent throughout the year.
Why visit Mabamba Swamp?
Mabamba Swamp is one of the best locations in Africa to see the rare Shoebill stork. Its proximity to Entebbe makes it an ideal first or final safari activity. The canoe exploration itself is peaceful and visually striking, even beyond Shoebill sightings.
What is unique about Ishasha in Queen Elizabeth National Park?
Ishasha is famous for its tree-climbing lions — a rare behaviour observed in only a few regions of Africa. The sector also offers quiet, scenic game viewing and provides a beautiful contrast to Uganda’s forest trekking experiences.
Is Uganda suitable for a luxury safari experience?
Yes. Uganda offers excellent high-end lodges and wilderness camps that combine comfort with remote, immersive settings. A primate safari can be both adventurous and highly comfortable, depending on the chosen accommodations.
Who is a Uganda primate safari ideal for?
Uganda safaris appeal strongly to travellers seeking rare, high-impact wildlife encounters, photographers, nature enthusiasts, and those wanting something profoundly different from traditional savannah safaris.