8 Days Gorillas & Chimpanzee Trekking Safari Uganda

Day 1: Best Western Premier Garden Hotel, Entebbe

Entebbe situated on a peninsula in Lake Victoria, the former seat of Uganda’s government, Entebbe is just a short drive from the current capital and offers plenty to keep visitors amused. This charming town features tree-lined streets and serves as an excellent base from which to explore the surrounding area. Tourists can look forward to spending days on beautiful beaches along the banks of Lake Victoria, stroll through the fields and forests of the magnificent Botanical Gardens, or pay a visit to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, a haven for country’s orphaned chimps.

Day Itinerary

Meet and greet at Entebbe International Airport where your Uganda Adventure 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: Best Western Premier Garden Hotel

The BEST WESTERN PREMIER Garden Hotel Entebbe is conveniently located just a few minutes away from the Entebbe Airport on the Kampala-Entebbe Highway. The hotel is adjacent to the Victoria Shopping Mall, giving guests direct access to the mall and all its facilities. The UN Base, Entebbe Golf Club, the Botanical Gardens and the lake are right next to the hotel. The hotel offers 51 full-service rooms, equipped with all amenities for the demanding business traveler.

Basis

Bed and Breakfast

Included

Airport Transfer

Day 2:Crater Safari Lodge, Kibale Forest National Park

Kibale Forest National Park, situated in Western Uganda, is famous for its high density of primates, breathtaking crater lakes, and thick, beautiful jungle. Thirteen primate species inhabit the beautiful tropical forest, including red-tailed monkey, L’Hoest's monkey, grey-cheeked mangabey, red colobus, and black and white colobus monkeys. Visitors may spot some of the 300 bird species and 250 butterfly species, and buffalo, forest elephants, leopards, bushbucks, and sitatungas also live in the park but are generally shy. The area is decorated by around 50 enthralling crater lakes and numerous pristine hiking trails. Several cultural tours are on offer which delve into the rich traditions of the Batoro people, giving travellers a chance to see Batoro dancing, singing and traditional healing up close.

Day Itinerary

Pick up from your hotel and drive west to Fort Portal 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.

Alternatively you may opt to fly to Kibale Forest National Park Via Kasese Airstrip  at a supplement of $300 per person.

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.

Optional Activities

Canoeing-$25 pp if in a group of 3 + but 1 or 2people -$50 per person

Crater lakes visit -$25 per person

Cycling around the crater lakes /tea estates-$30 per person

Top of the world hike-$15 per person

Overnight: Crater Safari Lodge

Crater Safari Lodge has been designed in such a way that it doesn’t intrude on its pristine surrounds. Thatched chalets with expansive wooden balconies provide the perfect luxurious jungle escape. Hammocks and garden swings on the grounds of the lodge add an extra element of tranquility to your remote safari experience.

In total, there are 11 thatched stand-alone wooden cabins and 10 standard pool facing cabanas, each catering for a different style of guest. Crater Safari Lodge is the perfect place to base yourself for a true jungle and wilderness experience in Uganda. The lodge is an award winning eco-lodge, and offers an unsurpassed remote wilderness experience. standard pool facing cabanas

Romantic bush dinner options on the shores of the lake, the Lodge is ideal for both honeymoons and weddings, From swamp walks, to fishing, canoeing and hiking;

Basis

Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Included

Transfer to the Lodge

Day 3: Crater Safari Lodge, Kibale Forest National Park

Day Itinerary

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.

Alternatively you may opt for  chimpanzee habituation with a supplement of $50 per person. You spend the Whole day with the chimps, availablity is limited so booking should be made in advance.

After lunch, head to Bigodi for an afternoon swamp walk. 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 eight different species here, including grey-cheeked mangabey. Experienced local guides who interact with the guests and make the trip both enjoyable and exciting lead the 2-3 hour guided walk.

Activities

Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, chimps tracking

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.

Basis

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

he captivating Enganzi Game Lodge is nestled on a hill bordering the Queen Elizabeth National Park and overlooking unspoilt bush in the cradle of western Ugandans magnificent wild.

With 5 splendidly set cottages which offer a picture perfect view of the Queen Elizabeth National Parks bush expense, guests will be spoilt for choice in glimpses of natures best at flora and fauna.

The views are unmatched and the open-sided Main House has been designed with space and views in mind, you can Enjoy sundowners or a 3 course dinner in the dining room or upper deck enjoying the beauty that Africa has to offer.

Guests can enjoy nature walks, Game viewing, bird watching and the location offers a breathtaking advantage for sightseeing. Your experience at Enganzi Game Lodge will be crowned with an unforgettable imprint of sheer luxury in natures wild.

Activities Kazinga Channel

Kazinga Channel The boat trip along the Kazinga Channel provides a memorable game viewing experience where you will see thousands of hippos, birds and other river wildlife and if you are lucky buffalo, elephant and maybe even a lion.

Basis

Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Included

Game Drive, Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel

Park entrance fees

Day 5: Ishasha Jungle Lodge, Ishasha Sector

Ishasha Sector The Ishasha Sector lies near the southwestern edge of Queen Elizabeth Park and is known primarily for its incredible and unusual tree-climbing lions. Watching these massive beasts claw their way up to sunny spots, often with prey in tow (such as Buffalo, Topi, and Uganda Kobs) is a spectacle of note. It is said they do this in order to get better viewpoints, and for protection from the winds. However, the sector provides plenty more to do and see. This untouched area of savannah and rivers, decorated with fig, acacia, and cactus trees, is a wonderful place to enjoy game drives, guided nature walks, and traditional community tours. Ishasha is one of the best bird-watching destinations in the country and is also home to elephants, hippos, and zebras.

Day Itinerary

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Ishasha Plains where you will search the tree climbing lions.

You will arrive  at your lodge in time for lunch.

After lunch you will go for an afternoon  game drive.

Overnight: Ishasha Jungle Lodge

Ishasha Jungle Lodge is located 2km off Katokye Gate of Queen Elizabeth National Park along River Ntungwe. This is the perfect location for your photographic safaris in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park and a stopover on the way to Bwindi National Park. The lodge is surrounded by riparian forest vegetation and acacias Savannah. Ishasha Jungle Lodge is a small eco-friendly lodge, entirely made with local materials and African art with its raised en-suite wooden deck cottages (now they are 4), spacious rooms and bathroom, all finished with canvas. The restaurant offers international standard menu and dining area. Ishasha Jungle lodge uses clean energy and power. Solar systems give 24hr power and hot water to all cottages. All bulbs are of low energy consumption. Solar fridge provides safe storage and cold drinks. Cooking is provided with clean sources like gas and alternative charcoal. Attention is given to waste management disposal and recycling of any materials. Water is safe as it comes from a borehole.

Basis

Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Included

Game Drive, Park entrance fees

Day 6: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.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.

Alternatively, you would fly to Bwindi Forest via Kisoro Airstrip at a supplement of $300 per person

Bwindi forest is 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 rugged landscape features dense jungle, cascading waterfalls, sparkling mountain streams, deep valleys and steep ridges. This untouched forest has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its breathtaking natural beauty and unique ecological significance. 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 butterflies. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the spectacular Virunga Volcanoes.

Overnight: Gorilla Safari Lodge

Gorilla Safari Lodge is an up market facility tucked away at the boundary line of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest - home of the endangered mountain gorilla. It is the ideal base from which to trek the Nshongi group of Gorillas, the biggest group ever habituated. The lodge offers accommodation in eight, en suite spacious luxurious units with individual verandas allowing excellent views towards the pristine tropical rain forest. All bathrooms have hot and cold running water and flush toilets. The camp is composed of a main lodge which includes a restaurant, bar, lounge and campfire overlooking the tropical Rain Forest.

Basis

Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Included

Transfer to Bwindi Forest

Day 7: 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.

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.

Basis

Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Included

1 Gorilla  permit per person 

Day 8: End of Itinerary

Day Itinerary

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Entebbe Airport to catch your flight to  your next destination. You will stop on the way for lunch. You should have a late evening flight. 

Alternatively you would catch a flight to Entebbe Airport at a Supplement of $363 per person( Arrival at Entebbe Airport is usually 11:35 am, if you have an afternoon or evening flight)

Accommodation on the last day can be booked at an extra cost.

Basis

Bed and Breakfast

Included

Airport transfer

Included

• All ground transportation in a normal land cruiser with all fuel
• Full time driver/ English speaking guide with all his associated expenses
• Full board accommodation as per above itinerary a part from Kampala/Entebbe  where it is Bed and breakfast only.
• 1 Gorilla permit per person 
• 1  Chimp permit per person
• Drinking water in the vehicle
• Bigodi swamp walk
• Park entrance fees
• Boat cruise on Kazinga Channel
• Any other items included in the above itinerar

Excluded

• International Air tickets 
• Visas
• Personal insurance
• Personal expenses such as drinks, tips, telephone calls, etc