PRIMATE WATCH SAFARIS

Embark on an exhilarating 7-day excursion through Uganda’s most beautiful and diverse landscapes. In Entebbe, our guide will escort us to our lodging. The following day brings a lengthy voyage to Kibale National Park, home to an array of habitats including dense woodlands, expansive savannas, sprawling papyrus marshes and agricultural gardens. Within these bounds we’ll have the opportunity to trek in search of chimpanzees and observe other primates such as red colobus monkeys, L’hoest’s monkeys, and black-and-white colobus.

After exploring Kibale’s depths, a journey awaits to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, renowned for safeguarding the endangered mountain gorilla. The chance to hike the lush rainforest and encounter these magnificent creatures is often described as the most profound wildlife encounter achievable.

Throughout, accommodations like Ndali Lodge, Primate Lodge, Turaco Treetops, Gorilla Safari Camp, Mahogany Springs, and Gorilla Bluff Lodge offer comfort. Included are airport transportation, gorilla viewing, and an optional half-day excursion to Ngamba Island.

Your adventure concludes in Entebbe where the morning is free to relax or join an optional city tour of Kampala or Entebbe’s sites prior to transfer for departure. With stunning vistas, unique wildlife, and cozy lodging, this trip promises an unforgettable Ugandan experience.

Day 1: Arrive Entebbe, Uganda

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be met by our representative who will transfer you to your accommodation in Entebbe or Kampala to rest.

Depending on your time of arrival, you can decide to do an activity in the afternoon around Entebbe.

Accommodation: Protea Hotel by Marriot / 2 Friends Beach Hotel / Papyrus Guest House

Included: Airport Transfers

Day 2: Entebbe – Kibale National Park

After breakfast, you will embark on a 5-hour drive to Kibale National Park via Mubende and Fort Portal. The journey takes you through a variety of habitats including forests, savannah, papyrus swamps, and vegetable gardens, that all result in beautiful sceneries.

Accommodation: Ndali Lodge / Primate Lodge / Turaco Treetops

Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking Kibale National Park

After breakfast, proceed for Chimpanzee tracking. The exciting activity begins in the morning and may take a whole day or a few hours. Briefing is done by the UWA park rangers at the park headquarters. Besides being human’s close cousins, the chimpanzees, Kibale National Park hosts other primates such as red colobus, L’hoest, black-and-white colobus, red-tailed monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabey among others. The swamp walk at Bigodi wetland is an optional activity in the afternoon.

Accommodation: Ndali Lodge / Primate Lodge / Turaco Treetops

Included: Chimpanzee tracking

Day 4: Kibale Forest – Bwindi National Park

After breakfast, check out and drive to the famous Bwindi Impenetrable National Park the home of the endangered mountain gorillas.

Dinner Overnight at Gorilla Safari Camp / Mahogany Springs / Gorilla Bluff Lodge

Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After an early breakfast, and our packed lunch, we then take a short drive to the park headquarters for briefing where we meet the excellent local guides and trackers who give a talk on the etiquette of gorilla trekking. We then trek into the forest to a spot where gorillas were last seen the previous night and track from there. Trekking may take anything between 1 to 6 hours depending on the family and altitudes which is more than 7500 feet. The terrain is rough and muddy calling for physical fitness. Although the hike is physically demanding, the beauty of the forest and surrounding scenery makes the trekking worthwhile. Once the Great Apes (Gorillas are located all fatigue is forgotten as the experience is often described as being the most profound natural history experience in the world). It is recommended that you take plenty of water with you on the trek. Non-flash cameras and plenty of fast-speed films are recommended. Being a tropical rain forest, it may rain at no notice, hence need to bring with you waterproof clothing, including zip-lock bags for cameras and film. Others to come with include sturdy hiking boots, long pants, gloves and a raincoat. Maximum time spent with the gorillas is 1 hour.

Dinner Overnight at Gorilla Safari Camp/Mahogany Springs/Gorilla Bluff Lodge

Included: Gorilla tracking

Day 6: Drive to Entebbe / Kampala

After an early morning breakfast, start off on a long day drive back to Entebbe or Kampala. The drive will take about 9 hours with lunch en route. Check in for dinner and Overnight at a booked hotel in Entebbe or Kampala.

Day 7: Departure

After breakfast, you may have the rest of the morning at leisure or do a city tour around Kampala or Entebbe visiting some historical sites, and later transfer to the airport for your outbound flight.

You may also do a half-day visit to Ngamba Island.