Uganda Gorilla and Chimp Safari

Arrive in Kampala, the capital of Uganda, bordered by one of the African Great Lakes; Lake Victoria.

For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 5pm for the welcome meeting and after there will be the opportunity to have dinner at our lodge overlooking Lake Victoria. There are no other activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Kampala at any time. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Entebbe International Airport (EBB), which is 45 minutes from our accommodation. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.

If your flight arrives earlier in the day, you might choose to relax by the outdoor pool or on the terrace overlooking Lake Victoria. Our lodge is on the outskirts of Kampala city, so if you'd like to explore the city in more depth the lodge can give advice and assist with arranging a taxi.

After breakfast we will depart Kampala and head west to Fort Portal. On your way look out for black and white colobus monkeys as many of these primates are hiding in trees along the road. Fort Portal rests in the shadow of the fabled Mountains of the Moon and is famous for the many tea plantations. From this lovely town we will continue to Kibale National Park for a stay within the tropical forest.

Today the forest opens its doors for sensational chimp tracking. Kibale Forest is reputable for having the greatest variety and highest concentration of primates in East Africa. Before we head off, we stop at Café Kibale, a community café that aims to train people from the local community in hospitality, barista training, food handling and service. Since its launch in June 2022 10 students have joined and the café is buzzing! We stop here for a coffee or snack to help support this wonderful community initiative.

Then enjoy a guided nature walk in the tropical rainforest in search of the wild chimpanzee, redtailed monkey, black and white colobus monkey and many others. After lunch we transfer to Bigodi for a complete different walk. Here you will have the choice to join a guided Swamp Walk through the Wetland Sanctuary, which is famous for the many birds and primates that live in this area. Alternatively, you may decide to go for a Village Walk. Accompanied by a guide who can tell you everything about the traditional customs and lifestyle of the inhabitants, you will follow the village path and visit a primary school, Catholic church, traditional homesteads, learn about the crops and listen to the story telling of a Mzee (elderly man). Both activities are an initiative of the inhabitants of Bigodi Village and the revenues are shared by the local community (you can choose which activity to join locally. This is included in the package). Please note we might have to split the group for the chimp trek (morning and afternoon trek).Enjoy a guided nature walk in the tropical rainforest in search of the wild chimpanzee, redtailed monkey, black and white colobus monkey and many others. After lunch we transfer to Bigodi for a complete different walk. Here you will have the choice to join a guided Swamp Walk through the Wetland Sanctuary, which is famous for the many birds and primates that live in this area. Alternatively, you may decide to go for a Village Walk. Accompanied by a guide who can tell you everything about the traditional customs and lifestyle of the inhabitants, you will follow the village path and visit a primary school, Catholic church, traditional homesteads, learn about the crops and listen to the story telling of a Mzee (elderly man). Both activities are an initiative of the inhabitants of Bigodi Village and the revenues are shared by the local community (you can choose which activity to join locally. This is included in the package). Please note we might have to split the group for the chimp trek (morning and afternoon trek).

Today you can enjoy the majestic Rwenzori Mountains in their full glory on a guided walk in the foothills of the 'Mountains of the Moon'. As well as enjoying the scenic views, we will get a glimpse into local village life and meet some of the locals and visit a waterfall. After this walk we transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, where we spend the next two nights.

The day begins early when we start with a morning game drive and head to the mating ground of the Ugandan kobs. We search for lion, elephant, buffalo and other animals in their natural habitat before returning for lunch.

In the afternoon we take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural channel between Lake Edward and Lake George. Thanks to the abundant birdlife as well as the herds of elephants, buffaloes and hundreds of hippos that are cooling off at the shores, this cruise will be one of the highlights of your tour.

After breakfast we head towards the south, passing the southern sector of the National Park (if road conditions allow). This part is called Ishasha and is famous for the tree climbing lions. After a short game drive in this area we continue to Bwindi. While driving through a verdant countryside, you will pass traditional homesteads and enjoy panoramic views. In the afternoon we will arrive in Bwindi National Park, the home of the endangered mountain gorillas.

Today you'll experience what some people define a life changing event: a meeting with the gentle giants of Bwindi! 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! Unfortunately, Mountain gorillas (as opposed to Lowland gorillas) are one of the world's most endangered species so the entrance and gorilla tracking fees revenue generated from tourism in protected parks such as Bwindi, offer them their only chance of survival. Distinct from their cousins who live in the open spaces and lowland forests of West Africa, Mountain gorillas are found at an altitude of between 1520m and 3650m. Gentle giants and vegetarians, they are normally peaceful unless provoked. Our groups have been rewarded with the thrill of very close encounters.

Today you have the option of joining a guided nature/village walk to explore the surroundings of Bwindi. Due to availability issues, we often will have to split the group in 2 for the gorilla trek. Those who didn't take part on the gorilla trek on day 7 will be going on trek today.

After breakfast we leave the forest of Bwindi behind and head to Lake Mburo National Park, the smallest game park in Uganda. Although small, Mburo is home to 68 different species of mammal including leopard, hyena and buffalo. This area is one of the only places in Uganda where you will find zebra. The scenic drive to Mburo will take around 6 hours, through small villages, coffee and banana plantations and rolling hills. We will stop for lunch and to stretch our legs at Igongo Cultural Centre in Mbarara. Upon arrival at Mburo we check into our accommodation, which has spectacular panoramic views over the plains. It's the ideal spot in which to enjoy our last two nights of the tour. After the sun has set we head out for a very special game drive in search of leopard. Although rare, Lake Mburo National Park is the best place in Uganda to see the leopard, especially during night game drives. Wildlife sightings can't be guaranteed, on average 7 out of every 10 groups are lucky enough see them.

Lake Mburo is the only national park in Uganda where you can experience a safari on foot due to the absence of lion and elephant. After breakfast we walk out on to the plains with our guide from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. We spend around two hours exploring the African wilderness and should see giraffe, zebra, impala and numerous bird species as well as learning about the local flora such as acacia and papyrus. After lunch you have the opportunity to take a boat trip on Lake Mburo in search of more birds including kingfisher, fishing eagle and white-winged warbler. As well as birds we hope to see hippo, crocodile and buffalo.

Departing Lake Mburo at 7.30am this morning we'll drive for around six hours along the way, back to Entebbe. We'll arrive into Entebbe around 1.30pm and depending on your flight time your leader will take you directly to the airport or to a chosen guesthouse where we have arranged communal day rooms for those on late flights. The dayrooms are available until 9pm and will be shared between 3 people, if you'd like your own dayroom you can enquire about this and pay directly to the guesthouse.

The earliest your flight can depart Entebbe International Airport (EBB) is 4pm.