Uganda 8 day Primate Safari
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
This primate safari gives you the opportunity to come face to face with man’s closest cousins and discover the beauty of this unique country. You will enjoy deeply moving experiences when you come face-to-face on foot with endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi and chimpanzees in Kibale Forest. Also get to take part in community walks, game drives, boat cruise and search for the tree-climbing lions in Ishasha.
Highlights
- Gorilla Trekking Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
- Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest
- Tree climbing Lions and game drives in Ishasha
- Boat Cruise on the Kazinga Channel
- Game drive in Lake Mburo
- Day 1 - Arrival in Entebbe
- Day 2 - Fort Portal and the shadow of the Mountains of the Moon
- Day 3 - Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park
- Day 4 - Boat cruise on Kazinga Channel-Ishasha
- Day 5 - The tree climbing lions of Ishasha sector
- Day 6 - The encounter with mountains gorillas
- Day 7 - Lake Mburo National Park
- Day 8 - Entebbe/Departure
- Additional Information
Arrival at the airport to be met our representative who will transfer you to your hotel for the night.
Accommodation: Karibu Guesthouse (Midrange) or Boutique Hotel Number 5 (Luxury)
Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast
No. 5 Boutique Hotel
NO. 5 BOUTIQUE HOTELNestled in the leafy suburbs of EntebbeFrom the moment you arrive, you are warmly welcomed and cared for. With all luxurious rooms opening onto the garden and swimming pool, this is a great option for guests looking for an intimate stay in a tranquil setting.For one of the most flavoursome dining experiences in Entebbe, carefully planned menus are paired to an international wine list, and served with pride.
Have breakfast and drive to Fort Portal at leisure through Mubende-Mityana road. Lunch en-route. You reach the colourful and pretty town of Fort Portal, the capital of the Tooro kingdom, in the shadow of the fabled “Mountains of the Moon,” the Rwenzori. This lively town is the base for activities around Kibale Forest National Park. The national park offers one of the most varied tracts of tropical forest in Uganda, 70 mammal species and 13 primate species. The drive takes 6 hours. After lunch we will take a walk to the Bigodi wetland which shelters over 200 species of birds including Hornbills, Turacos, Parrots, Cranes, Kingfishers and many more swamp endemics. The sanctuary is the home of 8 species of primates, including the Black and White Colobus, Red Colobus, Red Tailed Monkey, Grey Cheeked Mangabey, Olive Baboon, L’hoest Monkey, Vervet Monkey and the Blue Monkey.
Overnight: Turaco Treetops(Midrange) or Papaya Lake lodge (Luxury)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Papaya Lake Lodge
Discover Papaya Lake LodgeHome is not a place… it’s a feeling!A place surrounded by the lush, evergreen landscapes of the Ugandan Great Crater Lakes region, set between two extinct volcanoes, nestled against the turquoise waters of the Lyantonde and Kifuruka lakes and with exhilarating views over the majestic Ruwenzori Mountain Range.An oasis of nine luxurious cottages, a restaurant and a beautiful swimming pool with a scenic terrace. A place established with great passion, appreciation of local culture and attention to detail that makes life worth living.Established by a family who opted to abandon their European life to find a new home in the living heart of Africa; a home inspired by its surroundings and defined by all the best Uganda has to offer, yet beautifully refreshed by its own unique style, and the highest standard of service.Welcome to PAPAYA LAKE LODGE!
Today’s excursion begins after a briefing at Kanyanchu trailhead; you will spend the half day with Chimpanzees following them around. The activity starts at 8.00 am in the morning. A half day search for chimpanzees and other primates including Lhoestes, Red-colobuses, Blues, Red-tailed and grey cheeked mangabeys swinging through the dense forest and birds, butterflies and many small insects. The guide will provide detailed explanations on not only primates, but also on all the forest’s fauna and flora. After the tracking we will start our journey south towards Queen Elizabeth National park (3hours drive). QENP harbors a diverse eco-system with a lovely savanna, fertile wetlands making it home for the big game, 10 primate species and a large number of bird species.
Overnight: Kasenyi Safari camp(Midrange) or Elephant Plains Lodge(Luxury)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Elephant Plains Lodge Uganda
Elephant Plains is a brand new luxury lodge located on the most spectacular viewpoint in the whole of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Perched 941 metres above sea level, high up on the western escarpment of the Albertine rift in the northeast of the park, the lodge offers panoramic views stretching for miles over the huge open grasslands to Lake George. Set in 80 acres of pristine wilderness, a short drive to the park gate, nowhere else here can you sleep closer to the equator. Nestled next to beautiful Lake Kikorongo this is where the open plains merge into the crystal waters and see large numbers of Elephants coming to drink from the water, hence the lodge's name.A short drive to the Kasenyi plains offers an open savannah filled with various wild animals. This area has fantastic game viewing, a huge number of grassland birds and is a major breeding ground for the Ugandan Kob which readily attracts lions and other big cats to the area. The open plains and a large number of wildlife mean photographic safaris are extremely rewarding.
After breakfast you will head for a game drive through Kasenyi sector, watch out for the Albert endemic birds and Cape buffalos, elephants, waterbucks, leopards, spotted hyenas and a variety of antelope species. You will have lunch at the lodge and in the afternoon head for a unique 2hour boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel and into Lake Edward. This trip passes through possibly the highest concentration of hippos and many animals may be seen drinking at the water's edge. 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. After the boat cruise, we will proceed to the Ishasha Sector of the park for the night.
Overnight: Enjojo Lodge (Midrange or Ishasha Wilderness Lodge(Luxury)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Ishasha Wilderness Camp - Queen Elizabeth National Park
Welcome to Ishasha Wilderness CampIshasha Wilderness Camp is situated within the Southern Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park on the Ntungwe river, an idyllic retreat for people who truly enjoy the wild. This exclusive camp blends the magic of a wilderness tented camp with superb service in this unspoilt and remote region of the National Park. The Ishasha savannahs are famous for its population of tree climbing lions that can sometimes be spotted resting in the branches of the large fig trees. Being within the park the wildlife is free to also pass through the camp and elephants can be seen bathing in the river, buffalo enjoy grazing and resident troops of Black-and-White Colobus and vervet monkeys are frequently viewed.
Early morning game drive on a search for the rare tree climbing lions which you can see only in this area of Uganda. Here lives a population of lions which enjoy resting on the fig trees when the day is warm. The landscape is an open savannah with a variety of acacia trees. After the game drive we will start our drive to the famous Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, the home to the mountain gorillas. Lunch en route.
Overnight: Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge Standard rooms(Midrange) or Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge Deluxe(Luxury)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
Where you should stay for gorilla trekking in Uganda!Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is famously known for its endangered inhabitants, the mountain gorillas. Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, located in the park's southern section of Bwindi, provides superb accommodation and a base for gorilla trekking in Uganda. The multi-award-winning eco-lodge offers mid-range to luxury forest escapes offers multiple options for travellers, including private garden cottages, family villas, and luxury suites nestled on a forested ridge with bewildering views of the rural landscape.Nkuringo, located in the southern sector of Bwindi, is not only famous for its intense mountain gorilla tracking experience but also for its off-the-beaten-track hiking trails that many seasoned hikers have explored. Top travel magazines such as Conde Nest and Lonely Planet have recognized this part of the world as one of the best hiking spots.
Early morning transfer to the park headquarters for briefing before you enter into the gorilla sanctuary of Bwindi Forest. The rainforest is spectacular as it offers a dramatic, heavily forested and dense landscape crisscrossed by numerous animal trails, allowing access for tourists. This park is best known for the fascinating mountains gorillas, where the time taken and terrain varies according to the movements of these marvelous primates. The thrill of spending time with and observing the gorillas is a rare, moving, awesome and exciting adventure. The gorillas are shy and peaceful animals and it is an unforgettable experience to watch and photograph them as they interact with each other.
Overnight: Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge Standard rooms(Midrange) or Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge Deluxe(Luxury)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
Where you should stay for gorilla trekking in Uganda!Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is famously known for its endangered inhabitants, the mountain gorillas. Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, located in the park's southern section of Bwindi, provides superb accommodation and a base for gorilla trekking in Uganda. The multi-award-winning eco-lodge offers mid-range to luxury forest escapes offers multiple options for travellers, including private garden cottages, family villas, and luxury suites nestled on a forested ridge with bewildering views of the rural landscape.Nkuringo, located in the southern sector of Bwindi, is not only famous for its intense mountain gorilla tracking experience but also for its off-the-beaten-track hiking trails that many seasoned hikers have explored. Top travel magazines such as Conde Nest and Lonely Planet have recognized this part of the world as one of the best hiking spots.
Drive to Lake Mburo National Park. Arrive in time for a boat ride on the Lake. The lake is rich with a diversity of animal and plant species which will be viewed clearly as you are on the boat trip. Expect to see hippopotami and birds like African Fin foot, Pelicans, Black crake, Heron, cormorant, fish eagle; you may also sight the rare Shoebill Stork.
Overnight: Mpogo Safari Lodge(Midrange) or Mihingo Lodge(Luxury)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Mihingo Lodge
Mihingo is a luxurious, family owned lodge in a magical setting adjacent to Lake Mburo National Park. Perched high on a rocky kopje, whose pre-Cambrian granite boulders were formed over 500 million years ago, it has spectacular views over a vast savannah landscape. Designed to blend in with its fragile surroundings, this environmentally friendly lodge offers comfort, relaxation and the experience of being at one with nature.
After breakfast, we will start out with a guided nature walk in the park. You will be accompanied by ranger escorts during the walk. There is a chance you will of encountering hienas, hippos, Zebra, Topis, giraffes, buffaloes, birds and butterflies. Thereafter transfer to Entebbe in time for your flight back home.
Departs daily
The tariff includes:
- Airport transfer
- Full board accommodation excluding drinks
- Ground transportation by 4x4 Land Cruiser
- Gorilla and chimpanzee tracking permits
- English speaking Driver/Guide
- Entrance fees, taxes
- All activities mentioned directly on the itinerary
The tariff does not include:
- Air ticket.
- Tourist insurance
- Entrance visas: 100 USD directly from Entebbe Int. Airport.
- Rwanda Visas to be acquired before arrival in Uganda
- Drinks and tips.
- Everything not directly mentioned in the programme itinerary.