PRIMATES & WILDLIFE OF UGANDA
OVERVIEW
This 8 Day Primates and wildlife Uganda Safari is designed for someone who has less time to spend in Uganda but is interested majorly in Gorillas and chimp trek and a bit of wildlife, this trip starts in Entebbe, the drive to Kibale forest National Park will take you approximately 6 hours including a lunch stopover in Fort Portal. Kibale Forest National Park famous for chimpanzee tracking amongst the 13 primate’s species hosted by the park, other primates that call Kibale Forest its home include, colobus and L’Hoest’s monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabeys. Chimp tracking is an easier trek lasting average of 3 hours.
Gorilla tracking in Bwindi National Park can be done at 4 designated locations including Nkuringo, Rushaga, Ruhijja and Buhoma with a total of 18 Gorilla habituated families that can be tracked every single day. On your day of tracking visitors are allowed to view the Gorillas maximum of one hour per day. Trekking time ranging from 3 to 8 hours.
After this unforgettable adventure, it will be time to head to Lake Mburo National Park, the smallest savannah national parks, and the only park where you can have a safari walk, while on the walk or on the game drive, several animals can be seen including big herds of zebras, Buffalo, Impala, Giraffes, Warthog and Waterbuck other wildlife can also be seen while on the 2 hour boat cruise including the crocodiles, hippos different birds including the colorful Kingfishers and the magnificent Fish Eagles
Day 1 : Arrive at Entebbe Airport - Entebbe Hotel (Approx. 10 -30 mins drive) (B / - / -)
On your arrival at Entebbe Airport, your will be met and welcomed by our representative. He will be your tour and driver guide for the rest of the days you will be in the country.
After the interaction and brief introduction, you will be transferred to your preferred Hotel in Entebbe for Overnight stay.
Bed and Breakfast
- Papyrus Guest House for Budget
- Boma Guest House/2 Friends Guest House for Midrange
- Hotel Number 5 or Lake Victoria Serena Resort for Upmarket
Day 2 : Depart for Kibale Forest National Park (Approx. 6- 7hrs drive) (B / L / D)
Early morning have your breakfast at the lodge and depart for Kibale National Park. The Journey will take you through the Western Rift Valley’s Albertine Escarpment as well as the green country side and traditional homesteads of the local people with in the Bunyoro and Toro Kingdoms.
Upon arriving in Fort portal, clear days will give you a glimpse of the legendary snowcapped Mountain also famously known as the “Mountains of the Moon” (Mt Rwenzori). Kibale Forest National Park is a home to 13 primate species including the common Mans’ closest Cousins (Chimpanzees). The Forest is also a home to over 325 bird species including the rare Green Breasted Pitta.
Arrive at your Lodge in the afternoon. Check in and later set out for a nature and bird walk with in the Bigodi Swamp. The wetland is a project being run by local communities and is much known for its rich diversity of bird species and other primates. It also provides employment and job opportunities the local youth through tour guiding.
Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight stay. Full Board
- Isunga Lodge or Kibale Forest Camp for Budget
- Turaco Tree Tops or Kibale Guest Cottages for Midrange
- Primates Lodge for Upmarket.
Day 3 : Chimpanzee tracking and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park (B / L / D)
Morning breakfast at your lodge and set out for a half day Chimpanzee tracking experience. You will be transferred to the park headquarters ay Kanyanchu for a 30-40mins briefing and get to know more about the chimpanzees and their ways of living with in the forest.
After this, you will then embark on your journey to search for these primates through the forest. On spotting the chimps, you are only given one Hour to be with them as you take videos and pictures. Along the way other primate species can be spotted such as the LHoest’s Monkeys, Red tailed Monkeys, Blue Vervet Monkeys, and Black & White colobus Monkeys among others. Other animals that can be seen are Forest Elephants, Buffalos and a lot of bird species.
After the tracking, return to your Lodge for Lunch and afternoon transfer to your next destination Queen Elizabeth National - one of country’s best wildlife National parks with over 600 bird species, mammals like Lions, Leopards, elephants, buffaloes and so many others.
Dinner and Overnight at your Lodge. Full Board
- Twin Lakes Safari Lodge for Budget
- Buffalo Safari Lodge for Midrange
- Elephant plains Lodge for Upmarket
Day 4 : Game drive and Boat ride along the Kazinga channel (B / L / D)
After an early morning breakfast, depart for your morning game drive in Kasenyi areas. Look out for wildlife animals such as Lions, Leopards, Buffalos, Elephants, Antelopes, Warthogs, Waterbucks, Bushbucks and so on.
Lunch and in the afternoon set out for the launch cruise along the Kazinga channel. The channel connects Lake Edward and Lake George. The channel is a home to one of Africa’s largest hippo populations and bird species. this 3hrs boat cruise will enrich you with views of the water loving animals such as Hippos, Elephants, Buffalos, Crocodiles and other antelopes as we as bird species.
Return to your Lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight stay.
- Twin Lakes Safari Lodge for Budget
- Buffalo Safari Lodge for Midrange
- Elephant plains Lodge for Upmarket
Day 5 : Ishasha Sector and transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park (Approx. 5hrs drive) (B / L / D)
After breakfast leave the northern side of the park and transfer to the southern sector of Ishasha. Game drive in the mid-morning hours searching for the rare tree climbing lions. Afternoon embark on your journey to the famous Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The park is well known for being a habit to the endangered species of Mountain Gorillas.
Check in at your Lodge. Full Board.
- Ride for a woman for Budget
- Buhoma Haven Lodge for Midrange
- Mahogany Springs Lodge for Upmarket
Day 6 : Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park (B / L / D)
The day is finally here for your unforgettable life time experience of meeting face to face with the giant mountain Gorillas. You will start your day with an early breakfast at your lodge and then transfer to the Park headquarters (Depending on which location you have booked your accommodation) for briefing. There are 4 sectors in which Gorilla trekking takes place with in Bwindi Forest. The northern side of the park is comprised of Buhoma and Ruhija Sector and the southern side comprised of Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors.
After Briefing, you will start on your day’s trek. Searching for the gorillas may take like 2-5hrs depending on where they were last spotted the previous day. Once they have been spotted, you will be given one hour to take videos, photos and also get a chance to ask the rangers and the guides any questions about these giant apes. Besides the great Apes, the forest is also a home to other wildlife and bird species such as butterflies, primates, mammals, frogs and so on which all can be seen along the way to the Gorillas.
After seeing the Gorillas, you will then head back to your lodge and retire for the rest of the day. The whole day activity can take between 5 to 9hrs. Packed Lunch and hiring porters are highly recommended. If time permits, you will also visit the Ride 4 A Woman project in Buhoma and get a chance to interact with local women and also learn about their variety of hand work crafts made out of local materials like basket weaving and knitting.
Dinner and overnight stay at your Lodge. Full Board
- Ride for a woman for Budget
- Buhoma Haven Lodge for Midrange
- Mahogany Springs Lodge for Upmarket
Day 7 : Bwindi to Lake Mburo National Park (Approx. 5hrs drive) (B / L / D)
After your morning early breakfast, you will be driven to Lake Mburo National Park which is Uganda’s smallest National Park. The journey will take you through stunning sceneries and views of the Ankole Kingdom with animal farms and different crop plantations.
Arrive in time for Lunch at your Lodge in Lake Mburo. Afternoon set out for the boat cruise on Lake Mburo. Look out for Hippos, Buffalos and others. The park is famously known for harboring the largest number of Zebras in Uganda. Other animals that can be seen also include Impalas, Oribis, Giraffes recently relocated from Murchison falls) and a lot of bird species.
Overnight at your Lodge. Full Board.
- Rwakobo Rock For Budget and Midrange
- Mihingo Lodge or Kigambira Safari Lodge for Upmarket.
Day 8 : Lake Mburo to Entebbe (Approx. 5hrs drive) (B / L / -)
Morning breakfast and have a game drive as you exit the park. Look out for animals which are habitat in the park such as Impalas, Zebras, Oribi, Topi, Elands and so on. Lake Mburo also is one of the few parks where one can do a guided nature walk and still most of the animals as if you are on the game drive. The park also is a habitat to more than 300 bird species and also very famous for birders.
Later drive back to Entebbe having Lunch en route. Stop over at the Equator for the water experience as well as Photography.
Proceed and drop off at the Airport in time for your evening departure flight to your next destination or Back Home.
Breakfast and Lunch.
END OF SAFARI
Our services include :
- Airport transfers
- Accommodation in Entebbe on BB
- Accommodation upcountry on Full Board.
- Ground transportation by 4x4 tourist vehicle with an English-Speaking Guide
- Gorilla permits at USD 700
- Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale $200
- Boat ride on Kazinga Channel and Lake Mburo
- Game drives, Queen Elizabeth and Lake Mburo
- Nature walk in Bigodi
- Water on board
Our services do not include :
- Tips
- Drinks and Beverages – other than where it’s included as part of accommodation package
- International Air ticket
- Tourist insurance/ local health insurance
- Entrance visas:
- Activities not mentioned in program
B=Breakfast L= Lunch D= Dinner BL= Box Lunch
Uganda, often referred to as the "Pearl of Africa," is a diverse and vibrant East African destination known for its rich biodiversity, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. Here's a comprehensive travel guide to help you plan your Ugandan adventure :
Kampala :
Start your journey in the capital city, Kampala, where you can explore the vibrant markets, visit historical sites like the Uganda Museum, and experience the lively local culture.
Entebbe :
Visit Entebbe, situated on the shores of Lake Victoria. Explore the Entebbe Botanical Gardens and the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, which showcases the country's diverse wildlife.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park :
Embark on a trekking adventure to encounter mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The park is home to almost half of the world's remaining mountain gorilla population.
Queen Elizabeth National Park :
Explore the diverse ecosystems of Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you can spot elephants, lions, hippos, and an abundance of bird species during game drives and boat safaris.
Murchison Falls National Park :
Witness the breathtaking Murchison Falls, where the Nile River forces its way through a narrow gorge. Take a boat safari to see wildlife along the riverbanks.
Jinja :
Visit Jinja, the source of the Nile River. Engage in thrilling activities like white-water rafting, bungee jumping, and boat trips on the Nile.
Kibale National Park :
Discover the primate haven of Kibale National Park, known for its chimpanzee tracking experiences. The park is also a birdwatcher's paradise.
Rwenzori Mountains :
Hike the Rwenzori Mountains, also known as the Mountains of the Moon, for spectacular scenery and diverse flora and fauna.
Lake Bunyonyi :
Relax at Lake Bunyonyi, surrounded by rolling hills and dotted with islands. Enjoy activities like canoeing, hiking, and birdwatching.
Practical Tips :
Weather: Uganda has a tropical climate; the dry seasons (December to February and June to August) are popular for travel.
Currency: Ugandan Shilling (UGX).
Gorilla Trekking: Secure permits well in advance for gorilla trekking experiences, as they have limited availability.
Uganda's blend of wildlife, landscapes, and cultural experiences offers a unique and unforgettable journey for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
This 8 Day Primates and wildlife Uganda Safari is designed for someone who has less time to spend in Uganda but is interested majorly in Gorillas and chimp trek and a bit of wildlife, this trip starts in Entebbe, the drive to Kibale forest National Park will take you approximately 6 hours including a lunch stopover in Fort Portal. Kibale Forest National Park famous for chimpanzee tracking amongst the 13 primate’s species hosted by the park, other primates that call Kibale Forest its home include, colobus and L’Hoest’s monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabeys. Chimp tracking is an easier trek lasting average of 3 hours.
Gorilla tracking in Bwindi National Park can be done at 4 designated locations including Nkuringo, Rushaga, Ruhijja and Buhoma with a total of 18 Gorilla habituated families that can be tracked every single day. On your day of tracking visitors are allowed to view the Gorillas maximum of one hour per day. Trekking time ranging from 3 to 8 hours.
After this unforgettable adventure, it will be time to head to Lake Mburo National Park, the smallest savannah national parks, and the only park where you can have a safari walk, while on the walk or on the game drive, several animals can be seen including big herds of zebras, Buffalo, Impala, Giraffes, Warthog and Waterbuck other wildlife can also be seen while on the 2 hour boat cruise including the crocodiles, hippos different birds including the colorful Kingfishers and the magnificent Fish Eagles