This safari takes you to the homes of the primates in Uganda. From a chimp sanctuary you will go straight to Kibale Forest - chimp trekking then Queen Elizabeth Park for game viewing onwards to Bwindi for a meeting with the mountain gorillas.
Day 1 :
Upon arrival in Entebbe on an early morning flight, you will visit to the island of the chimpanzees! In the morning you will depart from Entebbe for a close encounter with our relatives. After a pleasant boat ride you will reach Ngamba Island, where you will be directed to the visitors centre to learn more about the chimps and their lifestyle. You will be able to view and photograph these fascinating apes in their natural environment from only a few metres away! In the afternoon a boat ride back to Entebbe and transfer to Kampala.
Overnight at Cassia Lodge- standard room (L-D)
Day 2 : Kampala – Kibale National Park. Approx. 5-6hrs drive
At 7:30am depart Kampala and head to Fort Portal with lunch en route. Fort Portal rests in the shadow of the fabled Mountains of the Moon and is famous for the many tea plantations. From this lovely town we will continue to Kibale National Park.
Dinner and overnight at Turaco Tree tops- luxury room (B-L-D)
Day 3: Chimp trekking and Bigodi Swamp walk
Today the forest opens its doors for a sensational chimp tracking. Kibale Forest is reputable of having the greatest variety and highest concentration of primates in East Africa. Enjoy a guided nature walk in the tropical rainforest in search of the wild chimpanzee, red-tailed monkey, black-and-white colobus monkey and many others. After a hearty lunch we transfer to the Bigodi Swamp for another, totally different nature walk. The Bigodi Swamp Walk is an initiative of the local community and is known for its rich diversity of birds and primates.
Dinner and overnight at Turaco Tree tops- luxury room (B-L-D)
Day 4: Kibale Forest - Queen Elizabeth National Park. Approx. 3hrs drive
After breakfast we calmly drive back towards Fort Portal while we pass the crater lakes area, a beautiful landscape with small lakes and rolling hills. From Fort Portal we continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Dinner and overnight at Enganzi Lodge- cottage. (B-L-D)
Day 5: Game drive and Boat Cruise
The day begins early when we start with a morning game drive and head to the mating ground of the Uganda Kobs. We search for lions, elephants, buffaloes and other wild animals in their natural habitat before returning for lunch.
In the afternoon we take on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural channel between Lake Edward and Lake George. Thanks to the abundant birdlife that is sighted, and the elephants, buffaloes and hundreds of hippos that are cooling off at the shores, this cruise will definitely be one of the highlights of your safari.
Dinner and overnight at Enganzi Lodge- cottage (B-L-D)
Day 6: Queen Elizabeth - Bwindi National Park. Approx. 5hrs
After breakfast we head towards the south, passing the southern sector of the national park (if road conditions allow). This part is called Ishasha and is famous for the tree climbing lions. From here we continue to Bwindi while enjoying panoramic views.
Dinner and overnight at Haven Lodge Buhoma- cottage (B-L-D)
Day 7: Gorilla tracking in Bwindi National Park
The highlight of your primate safari: a meeting with the gentle giants of Bwindi! Especially hikers will love the tracking in the beautiful ecosystem of the park. It is difficult to foresee how many hours you will hike, it may take two to eight hours. Expect to walk a long distance in steep and muddy conditions, sometimes with rain overhead, before you encounter any gorillas. But it will definitely be worthwhile as you observe them closely while they eat, play and rest. A unique and unforgettable experience! For conservation purposes, time spent with the gorillas is limited to one hour. The ranger guide always briefs you on how to behave with these giant apes.
Dinner and overnight at Haven Lodge Buhoma- cottage (B-L-D)
Day 8 : Bwindi – Entebbe. Approx. 10hrs drive.
After breakfast we depart the dense forest of Bwindi and drive back towards the capital city. Look out for zebras and impalas as we pass Lake Mburo National Park and take some photos at the Ugandan equator. With lunch en route we will arrive in Entebbe in the evening.
Overnight at Karibu Guest house. (B-L)
Day 9 : Departure
Enriched with an experience of a lifetime and unforgettable memories you will say goodbye to the Pearl of Africa. Depending on the time of departure you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home. We are looking forward to seeing you again!
Included in the price:
- Airport transfer
- Ground transport per comfortable 4WD safari vehicle (using a land cruiser)
- English speaking driver/guide
- Accommodation in places mentioned in the itinerary, based on a double room
- Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner), apart from your stay in Entebbe and Kampala
- Bottled mineral water throughout the safari
- Park entrance fees
- Game drives
- Ngamba Island
- Boat launch on the Kazinga Channel
- Chimp tracking in Kibale Forest
Exclusions:
- International flight
- Visa
- Gorilla permit (USD $800 per person)
- Meals and drinks not mentioned above
- Laundry and tips
- Items of personal nature
Note:
Discount based on 4 pax- US $ 3,125 per person
Discount based on 6 pax- US $ 2,840 per person
Please note that demand is very high and only 8 persons per day per group are allowed to see the gorillas. Therefore we advise you to book permits at least 4 months in advance.
If you wish to stay in luxury accommodation please notify so we can inform you about the upgrade fees. Please complete the enquiry form below for more details and tailor-made safaris in Uganda and Rwanda!
