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| Viewing: Primate Safari Uganda |
Package ID: 1509 |
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| Primate Safari Uganda |
Watch the chimpanzees playing, the colobus monkeys hiding and the baboons staring curiously at you. An impressive meeting with the endangered mountain gorillas will become an experience of a lifetime!
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This safari takes you to the homes of the primates in Uganda. From a chimp sanctuary you will go straight to Bwindi for a meeting with the mountain gorillas followed by some relaxing on the shores of Lake Bunyonyi. Spend a full day in Queen Elizabeth National Park for excellent game viewing and track the chimpanzees in their natural habitat in Kibale Forest.
Day 1 : Arrival
You will be welcomed by a representative of our company who will transfer you to your hotel in Entebbe. Depending on the time of arrival you can visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre for a first introduction with the extraordinary flora and fauna of Uganda. Overnight at Sophie's Motel.
Day 2 : Ngamba Island
A visit to the island of the chimpanzees! In the morning you will depart from Entebbe for a close encounter with our relatives. After a pleasant boat ride you will reach Ngamba Island, where you will be directed to the visitors centre to learn more about the chimps and their lifestyle. You will be able to view and photograph these fascinating apes in their natural environment from only a few metres away! In the afternoon a boat ride back to Entebbe and transfer to Kampala. Overnight at Voyager Suite.
Day 3 : Kampala – Bwindi National Park (ca. 8-9 hrs)
Very early in the morning we leave Kampala for a long journey towards the western part of Uganda. It is a full day drive but via a scenic route. On our way we will pass the Equator where you may take a photo or shop for a souvenir. Have lunch in the calm town of Mbarara and proceed through the verdant countryside. You will pass traditional homesteads and have panoramic views of the surroundings. In Bwindi dinner and overnight at Buhoma Community Bandas.
Day 4 : Gorilla tracking in Bwindi National Park
The highlight of your primate safari: a meeting with the gentle giants of Bwindi! Especially hikers will love the tracking in the beautiful ecosystem of the park. It is difficult to foresee how many hours you will hike, it may take two to eight hours. Expect to walk a long distance in steep and muddy conditions, sometimes with rain overhead, before you encounter any gorillas. But it will definitely be worthwhile as you observe them closely while they eat, play and rest. A unique and unforgettable experience! For conservation purposes, time spent with the gorillas is limited to one hour. The ranger guide always briefs you on how to behave with these giant apes. Dinner and overnight at Buhoma Community Bandas.
Day 5 : Bwindi – Lake Bunyonyi (ca. 4 hrs)
After breakfast we leave Bwindi and transfer to Lake Bunyonyi. Passing through the area that is called “Little Switzerland of Uganda” we will reach one of the most beautiful parts of the country. Relax, take a swim or go for a canoe trip while you watch the beautiful sunset. Dinner and overnight at Bunyonyi Overland Camp.
Day 6 : Lake Bunyonyi – Queen Elizabeth National Park (ca. 4 hrs)
Spend some more relaxing moments at the shores of this beautiful lake before we head towards Queen Elizabeth National Park. Upon arrival it is very likely that you will spot some wildlife like kobs, waterbucks and warthogs, before arriving at our accommodation in the middle of the national park. Dinner and overnight at Simba Safari Camp.
Day 7 : Queen Elizabeth National Park
The day begins early as we head for the mating ground of the Uganda kobs. We search for lions, elephants, buffaloes and other wild animals in their natural habitat, before returning for lunch. In the afternoon we take on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural channel between Lake Edward and Lake George. Thanks to the elephants, buffaloes and hundreds of hippos, this cruise will definitely be one of the highlights of your safari. Dinner and overnight at Simba Safari Camp.
Day 8 : Queen Elizabeth National Park – Kibale Forest (ca. 3 hrs)
After breakfast you can visit the Maramagambo Forest for a walk through the tropical forest, known for the Blue Lake and the Bat and Hunters Cave. You will get the chance to have a close look at the bats and maybe even the rock python and forest cobras that feed on the bats. The same walk will provide you with views of primates, different bird species and beautiful flora. An alternative for the forest walk is a hike in the Kyambura Wildlife Reserve (not included). Driving through a grassland area, all of a sudden we come across an amazing gorge of one hundred meters deep, covered with tropical rain forest. You will hike into the gorge of the Kyambura River in search of the wild chimpanzees. It is a beautiful walk through the river valley, home to many birds and butterfly species.
After one of these activities we will leave Queen Elizabeth National Park and head towards Fort Portal. This lovely town rests in the shadow of the fabled Mountains of the Moon and is famous for the many tea plantations. From Fort Portal we will continue to Kibale National Park for a stay within the tropical forest. Dinner and overnight at Primate Lodge Kibale.
Day 9 : Chimp tracking & Bigodi Swamp
Today the forest opens it doors for a sensational chimp tracking. Kibale Forest is reputable of having the greatest variety and highest concentration of primates in East Africa. Enjoy a guided nature walk in the tropical rainforest in search of the wild chimpanzee, red-tailed monkey, black-and-white colobus monkey and many others. After a hearty lunch we transfer to the Bigodi Swamp for another, totally different nature walk. The Bigodi Swamp Walk is an initiative of the local community and with the revenues different community projects are supported. The swamp is known for its rich diversity of birds and primates. Dinner and overnight at Primate Lodge Kibale.
Day 10 : Kibale Forest – Kampala (ca. 5 hrs)
After breakfast we drive back to Kampala with lunch en route. Look out for the black-and-white colobus monkeys which are hiding along the road. Arrival in Kampala in the afternoon and transfer to your hotel. Overnight at Voyager Suite.
Day 11 : Kampala – Jinja – Kampala
Today we will visit the genuine origin of the mighty river Nile. On our way to Jinja we can make a stop at Mabira Forest which is one of the biggest forests in East Africa. Walk in the lush green forest and look for primates, bird species and colourful butterflies.
In Jinja visit the Source of the Nile and see how the longest river of the world starts its journey through Africa. We will also stop at the Bujagali Falls to enjoy the magnificent streams of the Nile.
Those who want to experience some adventure can decide to go rafting for a half or full day. Enjoy the beautiful scenery and thundering rapids of the White Nile. Don’t forget to watch the incredible birdlife as you drift quietly between the rapids of the river.
Late in the afternoon transfer back to Kampala for overnight at Voyager Suite.
Day 12 : Departure
Enriched with an experience of a lifetime and unforgettable memories you will say goodbye to the Pearl of Africa. Depending on the time of departure you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home. We are looking forward to seeing you again!
Included in the price:
- Airport transfer
- Ground transport per comfortable 4WD safari vehicle
- English speaking driver/guide
- Accommodation in places mentioned in the itinerary, based on a double room
- Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner), apart rom your stay in Entebbe and Kampala
- Bottled mineral water throughout the safari
- Park entrance fees
- Game drives
- Boat launch on the Kazinga Channel
- Chimp tracking in Kibale Forest
Exclusions:
- International flight
- Visa
- Gorilla permit (USD $500 per person)
- Chimp trekking in Kyambura Gorge (USD $50 per person)
- Rafting in Jinja (USD $125 per person)
- Meals and drinks not mentioned above
- Laundry and tips
- Items of personal nature
Note:
Please note that demand is very high and only 8 persons per day are allowed to see the gorillas. Therefore we advise you to book permits at least 4 months in advance.
If you wish to stay in luxury accommodation please notify so we can inform you about the upgrade fees. Please complete the enquiry form below for more details and tailor-made safaris in Uganda and Rwanda!
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