Discover the crater lakes around Kibale Forest, where chimpanzees hunt in the wild and enigmatic blue lakes shimmer in secret forests, during our 8 Days Uganda Primate Safari. The plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park, an untamed savannah where lions turn into leopards and lounge among trees, are obscured by the Mountains of the Moon. Elephants come to drink in the setting light, while boat tours on the Kazinga Channel offer stunning bird life where Africa’s largest crocodiles lounge in the sun, taunting you to approach closer.
Detailed Itinerary.
Day 1: Arrival – Entebbe Airport
Upon your arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be received by our company representative/tour guide who will brief you on the 8 day tour and transfer you to your hotel for check in and overnight stay.
Meal Plan: (Dinner).
Accommodation Options: Hotel Number 5, 2 Friends Beach Hotel.
Day 2: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
Kibale Forest National Park is one of Uganda’s top safari sites. Thirteen species of primates, including the L’Hoest’s monkey and red colobus, can be found in the park. The main draw of Kibale, the most accessible of Uganda’s main rainforests, is its chimpanzee population. It’s exciting to track these chattering monkeys as they play and quarrel in fruiting trees. Along with other uncommon creatures like the forest elephant and the huge forest hog, this area is home to 335 different species of birds. Spend the night at your lodge.
Meal Plan: (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner).
Accommodation Options: Ndali Lodge, Kyaninga Lodge, Turaco Tree Tops.
Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest
At dawn, make your way into the woodland. It could take 10 minutes to an hour or more to get to the chimpanzees, depending on where they made their nest the previous evening. The sight of chimpanzee troop silhouettes emerging from the trees as they forage and explore is captivating, but what really makes your hair stand up are the loud hoots and calls amongst groups of up to sixty people. Chimpanzee trekking can be scheduled for the entire day if you feel like playing Tarzan for the day. You can spend the day lounging at the lodge or visiting the neighbouring crater lakes and communities, depending on what time you get back. Spend the night at your lodge.
Meal Plan: (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner).
Accommodation Options: Ndali Lodge, Kyaninga Lodge, Turaco Tree Tops.
Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park from Kibale, a two to three hour travel duration. Lake Edward and Lake George are included in Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is situated in the Great East African Rift Valley’s western arm. There is an astounding diversity of species in this park due to its diverse range of environments. There’s always something new to view, whether it’s breathtaking tropical forests, marshes, rivers, or volcanic craters and grassy plains. Spend the night at your lodge.
Meal Plan: (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner).
Accommodation Options: Mweya Safari Lodge, Elephant Plains, Buffalo Safari Lodge.
Day 5: Kyambura Gorge Chimp Trek – Afternoon Boat Cruise
In addition to chimpanzees, several bird species, red-tailed monkeys, black and white colobus, and giant forest hogs can be found within Kyambura’s steeply wooded walls. Not only can you witness chimpanzees on a half-day hike down to the Gorge, but you can also explore the stunning river valley.
Take a boat ride on the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lakes Edward and George, in the afternoon. Spend the night on full board at your lodge.
Meal Plan: (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner).
Accommodation Options: Mweya Safari Lodge, Elephant Plains, Buffalo Safari Lodge.
Day 6: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Enjoy a classic game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, travelling through the Ishasha region while keeping an eye out for the park’s renowned tree-climbing lions and other wildlife. Proceed towards the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, traversing the equator while passing through picturesque open savannah interspersed with enormous Euphorbia trees and traditional settlements.
Bwindi is the ideal home for mountain gorillas, with its dense tropical rainforest and frequent mist. Across a sequence of sharp slopes and valleys, it appears authentic and, having withstood the last ice age, is regarded as one of Africa’s most varied woods. There’s plenty of vibrant birdwatching, a sense of adventure is there, and the forest is dark and inviting.
Meal Plan: (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner).
Accommodation Options: Buhoma Lodge, Mahogany Springs, Buhoma Haven Lodge.
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
To monitor one of the three habituated gorilla groups; Habinyanja, Rushegura, or Mubare, leave early for the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Clients will be divided into two groups of seven for the excursion. David Lloyd, a wildlife photographer, will lead one group while Dr. Mike Cranfield of Gorilla Doctors will lead the other. A local guide and park rangers will accompany you and provide you with a comprehensive briefing prior to your entry into the park. It’s exhilarating to go through the trees at first morning, and when the mists clear to reveal ancient plants looming overhead, follow the gorillas’ track through the darkness. Being up close and personal with the gorillas is an experience unlike any other animal encounter, making the mud, sweat, and occasionally tears worthwhile. Spend the night on full board at your lodge.
Meal Plan: (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner).
Accommodation Options: Buhoma Lodge, Mahogany Springs, Buhoma Haven Lodge.
Day 8: Return to Kampala – Departure
You will wake up early, have breakfast and check out of the lodge to start your long journey back to Kampala City. Have lunch enroute at the Igongo Cultural Centre in Mbarara and proceed to Kampala, arriving in the evening. Head to Entebbe Airport to catch up with your late evening flight back home.
End of the 8 Days Uganda Primate Safari.
The 8 Days Uganda Primate Safari cost includes;
- Ground Transportation in a 4×4 Safari Vehicle.
- Accommodation and meals as per the itinerary.
- Nature walk in Bigodi or a visit to the crater lakes area
- Chimpanzee Permit in Kibale Forest.
- Chimpanzee Permit in Kyambura Gorge.
- Gorilla Permit in Bwindi Forest.
- Park Entrance Fees.
- Boat ride on Kazinga Channel
However, the tour cost excludes; International flight fare, Visa fees, Laundry services, Tips, Alcoholic drinks, travel insurance, souvenirs, personal shopping bills and items of personal nature.