AMAZING GORILLAS & PRIMATES

Day 1 : Kabira Country Club, Kampala     

Meet and greet at Entebbe International Airport where your Uganda Safari starts by our representative who will warmly welcome you and facilitate seamless arrival formalities.You  will then be transferred to  your hotel where you will be briefed about your adventure safari.

Depending on the time of arrival you are advised to have money Changed on this day ,If time allowing you may go for a city tour.

All activities today are at your own cost. You may visit the  botanical gardens at a supplement of $10 per person or visit the Uganda Wildlife Educational centre  at supplement of $15 per  pesrson or go for a cheese and wine sundowner on Lake Victoria at a supplement of $85 per person.

Overnight : Kabira Country Club     

Meals : Bed and Breakfast

Day 2 : Crater Safari Lodge, Ndali Kasenda Crater Lakes     

Ndali Kasenda Crater Lakes :

Imposing cone-shaped hills cradle tranquil calderas in the enchanting Ndali-Kasenda Crater Lakes in Western Uganda near Kibale Forest and Queen Elizabeth National Parks. Formed about 8-10,000 years ago by volcanic activity, these craters now hold a variety of lakes. Some boast clear, blue water, while others remain emerald green with a sulfuric odour due to residual volcanic gases. Lush vegetation cloaks the crater rims, offering views of nearby hills, tea plantations, and even the Rwenzori Mountains on clear days. While some lakes are safe for swimming, others contain toxic water and should be avoided. Activities around the lakes include nature walks, boat rides, bird-watching and visiting the "Top of the World" viewpoint for panoramic vistas.

Day Itinerary :

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kibale National Park.

You will  through verdant countryside passing through traditional homesteads and farms. Fort Portal rests in the shadow of the fabled Mountains of the Moon. The drive approximately takes 5 -6hours.

Arrive at the lodge in time for a late lunch. Relax at the lodge or take an unguided walk around the lodge to enjoy the beauty of the scenery.
 
Overnight : Crater Safari Lodge     

Meals : Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 : Crater Safari Lodge, Ndali Kasenda Crater Lakes     

After breakfast at your lodge, transfer to the starting point of your Chimpanzee tracking experience in Kibale Forest National Park which is reputed to have the greatest variety and highest concentration of primates in East Africa. The most famous of its 13 species is the Chimpanzee, man’s closest relative. Kibale’s 1450 Chimpanzee represent Uganda’s largest population of this endangered primate. Kibale is also a home to the rare I’Hoest’s monkey. Other primates include the black and white Colobus, Blue monkey, Grey cheeked mangabey, Red tailed monkey, Olive baboon to mention but a few.

So you will enjoy a guided nature walk in the tropical rainforest in search of the wild chimpanzees, red-tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys and many others.  Although chimp sightings are not guaranteed, visitors stand a good chance of hearing and seeing our distant cousins as they gloom and bond with one another.

After lunch, head to Bigodi . Bigodi was established by a local development organization to protect the 4sq-km Magombe Swamp that's home to around 200 species of birds (highlights include papyrus gonolek, white-winged warbler and great blue turaco). The highlight of this tour is catching a glimpse of the great blue turaco. The swamp is also good for spotting butterflies and primates, with 8 different species here, including grey-cheeked mangabey. The 2-3 hour guided walk is led by experienced local guides who interact with the guests and make the trip both enjoyable and exciting.

Activities :

Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary :

The Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is a community development enterprise located on the fringe of Kibale National Park where guided tours are conducted along a path through the wetland at time along boardwalk trail.  Bigodi is a birder's paradise with 138 bird species having been identified there including the crowd please Great Blue Turaco. The sanctuary is also home to 8 primate species including the black and white colobus, red colobus, mangabey, red tail, vervet, and L’Hoest.

Kibale Forest Chimp Tracking :

The most favourite of Kibale’s walks embarks on from the Kanyanchu Visitor center at 08.00 & 15.00 and lasts 2 to 3 hours. Chimpanzee are the most sought after primate by visitors, but you should look out for the black & white colobus, red tailed monkey or the grey cheeked mangabey. Your guides will be able to show you pittas & different bird species and will give details of the tradit of the plant species within the forest. This walk is for 6 people in a group.

Meals : Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Included : 1  Chimp Permit per person / Bigodi swamp walk

Day 4 : Enganzi Lodge, Southern Queen Elizabeth National Park     

Southern Queen Elizabeth National Park :

Surrounded by other wonderful parks in the western region of Uganda, the Queen Elizabeth National Park is known for its rich biodiversity, wildlife and history. In the southern part of the park, the remote Ishaha sector is home to tree-climbing lions who spend long lazy days dozing in the pretty fig trees.  The Uganda Kob, a type of antelope, are watched carefully by the tree lions while grazing the plains   Around Lake Edward, enjoy fishing and more game watching - make sure to look out for chimpanzees, elephants, crocodiles, and perennial and migratory bird species.

Day Itinerary :

After an early  breakfast at your lodge before you proceed to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The drive takes you through the Switzerland of Africa area known as the Kigezi Highlands with its terraced hillside. Your expert driver guide will take you through the game park where you might spot some animals. Of course you wont miss seeing the beautiful scenery of the crater lakes.

Upon arriving at your lodge, you will enjoy a hot lunch and later in the afternoon take a unique 2hour boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel into Lake Edward. This trip passes through possibly the highest concentration of hippos and this launch/cruise offers an excellent platform for photography, bird watching and game viewing. The prolific bird life is colorful and stupendous, with well over 550 resident species.

Overnight : Enganzi Lodge

Meals : Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Included : Game Drive / Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel / Park entrance fees

Day 5 : Gorilla Safari Lodge, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park     

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park :

Located in southwestern Uganda, the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is said to be Africa’s oldest rainforest. It is world-renowned for its excellent gorilla-sighting opportunities - the forest is home to half of the remaining mountain gorillas on earth. This gorilla experience takes place among a rugged landscape of dense jungle, cascading waterfalls, sparkling mountain streams, deep valleys, and steep ridges. The untouched forest has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its breathtaking natural beauty and unique ecological significance, and aside from the amazing gorilla interactions, there are other drawcards such as a network of forest walks, over 340 species of bird to spot, and a variety of brightly-coloured butterflies to identify. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the spectacular Virunga Volcanoes, three of which are still active.

Day Itinerary :

After breakfast pack your bags and you will have a morning game drive as you travel to Bwindi. via Ishasha plains in search of tree climbing lions. The drive takes you through the Switzerland of Africa area known as the Kigezi Highlands with its terraced hillside and winding roads. Check into the lodge for dinner and your overnight stay.

Overnight : Gorilla Safari Lodge     

Activities :

Tree Climbing Lions: 

Tree Climbing Lions can be found in the southern part of the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This is the only park in Uganda where tree climbing lions can be found. The Sycamore Fig tree is an advantage to the tree climbing lions as they provide enough shelter to the lions from the heat as well as during rainy seasons.

Meals : Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Included : Transfer to Bwindi Forest / Game Drive / Search for tree climbing lions

Day 6 : Gorilla Safari Lodge, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park     

Day Itinerary :

After an early breakfast depart to the starting point for briefing about your gorilla trekking adventure, after which you will be led by experienced gorilla trackers on the slopes of the volcanoes. You will start from the site where the gorillas were encountered the day before and from here the gorilla tracking begins. Although the hike can be physically demanding, the anticipation of the exciting experience ahead is amazing, and the beauty of the gorilla forest and its inhabitants are fascinating.

One of Africa’s major highlights is when you encounter these amazing apes. It is a humbling experience to stand just meters from man’s distant cousins as they eat rest, play and bond with their young ones.

Follow the mountain gorillas as they range freely in the impenetrable forest, and discover their gorgeous natural habitual and the many species they share it with. You are allowed an hour with the gorillas before finally sloping down back to your lodge. If your trek was relatively short, you may opt for optional activities.

Don’t forget to carry your rain gear, packed lunch, plenty of water, gloves, hat, and water proof bag for protection of your camera in case of rain.

You may opt for Gorilla Habituation on supplement of $800 per person – here you will be sure of meeting and spending enough time with the Gorillas. 

Expert Tips : Details on what to pack for gorilla tracking in Uganda and Rwanda

When travelling to foreign destinations it is always respectful to dress modestly and we suggest the emphasis is on comfortable clothing. It is often warm on the plains and at lower altitudes but cold in the hilly and mountainous areas of Uganda and Rwanda; a rain jacket, fleece and good quality walking shoes/boots are essential.

When trekking the gorillas and chimpanzees we recommended wearing sturdy clothing to help protect against scratches, i.e. long sleeve shirt, trousers and a good pair of lightweight walking boots. Protective leather gloves or gardening gloves are also useful, as well as a pair of gaiters.

As the temperature is variable and weather conditions can change; we also recommend taking a fleece or light jumper (layers of clothing are best especially with moisture-wicking undergarments) and lightweight breathable waterproof jacket/trousers or poncho. A small backpack is useful to carry your water, pack lunch, camera and binoculars. Walking sticks are available at the park head quarters as are porters (it is worth taking a porter as it provides local people with employment and they will give you a helping hand on any steep terrain).

Whilst on safari neutral coloured, loose fitting and relaxed clothing is the most appropriate. Most hotels and lodges have laundry services, so an excessive amount of clothing should be unnecessary. Please note that most hotels and lodges hand wash clothing.

Khaki / natural coloured clothing for safaris / trekking 
•    1 – 2 pairs of light weight trousers / slacks – that can dry quickly if wearing on treks
•    1 Pair of shorts
•    1 – 2 long sleeved shirts – preferably quick drying
•    2 – 3 short sleeved shirts – preferably moisture wicking
Casual clothes for evenings
•    1 – 2 pairs of light weight trousers / slacks
•    1 – 3 sports / long sleeved shirts and / or blouse
•    1 dress / skirt for ladies
Exterior clothing
•    1 Lightweight waterproof / windproof / breathable jacket, e.g. Gortex / Event type fabrics
•    1 Fleece, sweater or sweatshirt
•    Sturdy / lightweight waterproof walking boots - trousers / pants should be tucked into socks and boots while trekking (heavy soled rain boots or gaiters also work well)
•    1 Pair of shoes for evening wear
•    1 Pair of sports sandals will be useful, e.g. TEVA
•    Swimsuit (and a plastic bag for packing in)
•    Bush hat with a brim for sun protection
•    Underwear
•    Lightweight wool socks
•    Gloves – gardening or similar (for gorilla tracking only)
Miscellaneous
•    Towel – many lodges provide these, but if needed we suggest taking trek towels. These are lightweight, pack to a small size and dry quickly. Best to get a large or extra large.
•    Gaiters
•    Sunscreen and moisturising cream
•    Sunglasses with neck strap
•    Insect repellent with DEET, please note that DEET can effect man-made fibres and plastics.
•    Daypack / small rucksack
•    Binoculars
•    Alarm clock – though our staff will wake you
•    Ear plugs
•    Spare / extra batteries
•    Camera and extra lenses
•    Camera charger / converter / adapter for 220 / 240 AC voltage, plus cigarette lighter adapter is useful
•    Film – particularly fast film for the primates (400 – 1600ASA)
•    Personal toiletries /Prescription medicines and the prescription itself
•    Wet-wipes / tissues
•    Back-up glasses especially if you wear contact lenses
•    Wash cloth and plastic bag (if needed)
•    Ziplocs / dry bags and other plastic bags for keeping valuables dry or storing wet clothes
•    Torch / flashlight – LED models are light weight and have a good battery life
•    Sewing kit (needle, thread, safety pins)
•    Small notebook
•    First Aid Kit – including anti-diarrhoea medicine, rehydration sachets, aspirin, cold medication, antiseptic cream, band-aids (plasters), motion sickness pills, lip balm, eye drops and personal medication
•    Photocopies of your passport, visas, credit cards and airline tickets (it is advisable to have 2 sets to keep in separate places)

Activities :

Gorilla Trekking Bwindi Impenetrable Forest :

Wake early for a hearty breakfast to give you the energy needed for gorilla trekking. Before 8:00 am, report to the ranger station for registration and a talk by one of the rangers. The guides will then take you through the bush, pushing your way through the undergrowth, to track the gorillas. (Please note this trek can take from 30 minutes to 5-6 hours). A reasonable degree of fitness is required, as well as a sturdy pair of walking shoes. Sit in the forest among the gorillas, listening to them ‘talk’ to one another, and marvel at the sheer size of the dominant male, the Silverback. It is an extraordinary feeling sitting in the dense rainforest knowing you are with a few of the last remaining mountain gorillas. It's amazing to think there are only about 650 of these beautiful creatures left.

Meals : Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Included : 1 Gorilla  permit per person 

Day 7 : End of Itinerary     

Day Itinerary :

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Entebbe Airport. You will stop for lunch on the way then continue to the airport.

Please note your flight should be late in the evening.

Alternatively, you may opt to fly to Entebbe Airport at a supplement of $363 per person.

Meals : Bed and Breakfast

END OF SAFARI