Uganda Gorillas, Chimpanzee & Wild Adventure Safari
Experience some of Uganda’s best highlights and view its exceptional wildlife on this 9-day Uganda Gorillas & Wild Adventure Safari.
Start off in the Kibale Forest, as you head into the jungle in the company of chimpanzee researchers, to observe these intelligent, emotional and acrobatic primates in their natural habitat, before travelling to the famous Queen Elizabeth National Savannah Park.
Continue on to the mighty Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and go on an enchanting gorilla trek to find the mountain gorillas. Then absorb the stunning landscapes and people of Uganda as you drive through the western region of this magnificent country.
- 9 DAYS
- COUNTRY: UGANDA
- START: ENTEBBE
- RETURN: ENTEBBE
Uganda Gorillas, Chimpanzee & Wild Adventure Safari Highlights
- Watch groups of gorillas appear from the mists in pre-historic Bwindi
- Follow chimpanzees in the shady forests of Kibale and Kyambura gorge
- Big game, dazzling birdlife and dramatic scenery, dotted with traditional villages.
- Perfect mix of adventure and exploration, softened by authentic, stylish lodges
Uganda Gorillas, Chimpanzee & Wild Adventure Safari Summary
Day 1: Catch your flight to Entebbe International
Day 2: Entebbe and Kampala
Day 3: Travel from Entebbe to Kibale
Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale
Day 5: Travel from Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 6: Chimp tracking in Kyambura Gorge
Day 7: Morning Game Drive in QENP then Travel to Bwindi
Day 8: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Day 9: Travel from Bwindi to Entebbe
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Catch your flight to Entebbe International
Day 2: Entebbe & Kampala
1 nights at The Boma Entebbe
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport you will be met by a member of the Naturetrack Expeditions team who will transfer you by road to your hotel.
Room Type: Standard Room Meal Basis: BB
Day 3: Travel from Entebbe to Kibale (Air Transfer Journey)
2 nights at Ndali Lodge
Kibale Forest National Park is one of the best safari destinations in Uganda. The park plays host to 13 primate species including the red colobus and L’Hoest’s monkey. The most accessible of Uganda’s major rainforests, Kibale’s major attraction is its chimps. Tracking these noisy apes as they squabble and play in fruiting trees is a thrilling experience. There are also 335 species of bird here and other rare animals including the forest elephant and the giant forest hog.
Room Type: Standard Room, Meal Basis: FB
Day 4: Chimp trekking in Kibale
Gorillas are all very well, but chimpanzees are their raucous, misbehaving cousins ready to show off at the drop of a hat. Head into the forest at first light. Depending on where the chimpanzees nested the night before, it may take anything from ten minutes to over an hour to reach them – sometimes longer.
Silhouettes of chimpanzees appearing in the trees as troops forage and explore is mesmerising, but the pant hoots and calls between troops of up to 60 individuals is when the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. If playing Tarzan for the day appeals, then all day chimp trekking can be arranged.
Depending on what time you return, the afternoon can be spent relaxing at the lodge, or exploring the nearby crater lakes and villages.
Room Type: Standard Room, Meal Basis: FB
Day 5: Travel from Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park
2 Nights at Kyambura Gorge Lodge
A journey time of around 2-3hours.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is located in the western arm of the Great East African Rift Valley, and encompasses Lake Edward and Lake George. This is a park with an incredible variety of habitats, which in turn are home to an astonishing diversity of wildlife. From volcanic craters and grassy plains to stunning tropical forests, wetlands and rivers, there is something different to see at every turn.
Room Type: Standard Room, Meal Basis: FB
Day 6: Chimp tracking in Kyambura Gorge
The steeply forested walls of Kyambura are home not only to chimpanzees but also to the red-tailed monkey, black and white colobus, giant forest hog and many bird species. A half day walk down to the Gorge is a rewarding experience, not only for seeing chimpanzees but also to explore the beautiful river valley.
Room Type: Standard Room, Meal Basis: FB
Day 7: Morning Game Drive in QENP then Travel to Bwindi
2 Nights at Bwindi Lodge
Take a traditional game drive in the Q.E.N.P, passing through the Ishasha area looking out for the famous tree climbing lions and other game in this spectacular park. Continue on to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where you cross the equator, through scenic open savannah, dotted with giant Euphorbia trees and traditional villages.
Covered in thick tropical rainforest and often shrouded in mist, Bwindi provides a perfect habitat for mountain gorillas. Spread over a series of steep ridges and valleys it looks the part and having survived the last ice age is considered one of the most diverse forests in Africa. The birding here is big and colourful, the forest dark and inviting and the sense of adventure palpable.
Room Type: Standard Room, Meal Basis: FB
Day 8: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
Set off early to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to track one of three habituated gorilla groups – Habinyanja, Rushegura or Mubare. On the gorilla trek, clients will be split into two groups of seven. One group will be escorted by Dr Mike Cranfield from Gorilla Doctors while the other group will be escorted by wildlife photographer, David Lloyd. You will also be escorted by a local guide and park rangers who will give a thorough briefing before you set foot into the park. Walking through the forests at first light is a thrilling experience and as the mists disappear to reveal prehistoric plants towering above, follow the trail of the gorillas hidden in the shadows. The mud, sweat (and sometimes tears) are worth it and coming face to face with the gorillas is like no other wildlife experience. Bring plenty of memory cards, lots of water and strong legs.
Room Type: Standard Room, Meal Basis: FB
Day 9: Transfer from Bwindi to Entebbe
Today you will be met by your private driver who will transfer you by road to Entebbe International Airport where you will connect with your onward flight home.
End of the Uganda Gorillas & Wild Adventure Safari
Included in the price
- Meals and accommodation as per itinerary
- All road transfers as indicated in the itinerary
- National Parks and conservation entry fees
- Light aircraft transfers as per itinerary
- Transportation with exclusive use of vehicle as per itinerary
- Complimentary bottled water while on safari
- One Chimp Trekking Or Chimp Habituation Permit per person
- One gorilla tracking permit in Bwindi National Park @ US$600 per person
Not Included
- International Flights
- Gratuities
- Personal travel insurance
- Any additional activities not offered as scheduled by the camps or lodges
- Visas and visa fees where relevant
- Beverages with the exception of all inclusive hotels
- Additional activities not included as scheduled at hotels, lodges or camps