Safari

    9 Days Special Chimp and Gorilla Tour

    • Uganda
    • 9 days

    Overview

    In just 9 days, explore gorillas, chimpanzees, and the wild landscapes of Uganda. This unique package offers an in-depth look at primates, perfect for primatologists and enthusiasts alike.

    Best time to visit: July - August

    Duration

    9 days

    Map Overview

    • Entebbe Airport – Uganda
    • Kampala – Kibale National Park
    • Kibale National Park
    • Kibale National Park – Queen Elizabeth National Park
    • Queen Elizabeth National Park
    • Queen Elizabeth National Park – Bwindi
    • Bwindi
    • Bwindi – Kampala
    • Entebbe Airport

    Places to Visit

    Bwindi Impenetrable NPBwindi Impenetrable NP
    Kibale NPKibale NP
    Queen Elizabeth NPQueen Elizabeth NP

    Day by Day Itinerary

    Your arrival will be a warm welcome by our company representative then taken for refreshments and depending on time of arrival, you will check in at your hotel then acclimatize. There is an option of going for a city tour or staying behind to relax while recovering jet lag. Briefing about your safari is also done today and final payments if any.

    Accommodation: Biraj Hotel for Budget or Mestil Hotel for luxury
    Meals: Breakfast

    We will depart from Kampala at about 8:00 am and head west via Fort Portal to Kibale National Park, with an en route stop for lunch. This town of Fort Portal rests in the shadow of “Mountains of the Moon” and is famous for the many tea plantations. From this lovely town, we will continue to Kibale National Park, while passing the region of the Crater Lakes – stunning beauty will unfold from here as well. Before heading to your lodge you will explore the small lakes then continue to check in.

    Accommodation: Chimpanzee Guest House or upgrade to Primate Lodge Kibale for luxury
    Meals: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner

    Chimp Habituation (full day) or Chimp tracking (half day) will be done today accompanied with the varieties the forest has to offer. Kibale Forest is reputable for 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. This walk may last up to half day allowing you to return for a hearty lunch and for the afternoon some clients may opt to stay behind enjoying birding on their own in the forest and lodge surroundings or we transfer to the Bigodi Swamp for another but totally different nature walk. The Bigodi Swamp Walk is an initiative of the local community and is known for its rich diversity of birds and primates.

    Accommodation: Kibale Forest Cottages or upgrade to Primate Lodge Kibale for luxury
    Meals: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner

    Get a relaxed breakfast then transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park. En route you will enjoy some scenic beauty of the crater lakes, view tea plantations and the lush green vegetation in the area. Fresh lunch en route then we’ll continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park, arriving late afternoon, check in for dinner and overnight at the lodge.

    Accommodation:Simba Safari Camp or Mweya Safari Lodge for luxury
    Meals: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner

    Early coffee then you’ll begin your day by heading for the mating ground of the Uganda kobs where we may be lucky to spot some lions and leopards hunting. We will also look out for elephants and other wild animals in their natural habitat. Return for late breakfast if not taken before, then relax till lunch as you compare notes, enjoy the lodge and in the afternoon we take on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, which gives you the opportunity to enjoy some more of the African wildlife. The Kazinga Channel is the place where we find the highest concentration of Hippos in East Africa. It’s a highlight of the safari, and a must-do activity as well.

    Accommodation:Simba Safari Camp or Mweya Safari Lodge for luxury
    Meals: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner

    The morning options are either a forest walk in Maramagambo or a chimpanzee trek in Kyambura Gorge before we head to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The Forest is famous for the Blue Lake, Unique trees and Bat Caves while the Kyambura Gorge is famous for its view and wild Chimpanzees. One can choose to go in and search for the chimpanzees in Kyambura Wildlife Reserve which is a beautiful gorge completely covered with tropical rainforest (options vary in costs). By late morning we will depart for Bwindi with lunch en-route and arrive at the home of the endangered mountain gorillas early evening then check in for dinner and overnight.

    Accommodation: Buhoma Community Cottages or Buhoma Lodge for an upgrade
    Meals: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner

    Early breakfast, then with packed lunch head for the briefing about your gorilla trekking. (Subject to permit availability at time of booking). This is the highlight of your safari indeed. Today you will meet with the gentle giants of Bwindi Impenetrable National park! Expect to walk a long distance in steep and muddy conditions, sometimes with rain overhead, before you encounter any gorillas and so you must be physically fit. It’s definitely worthwhile observing the gorillas closely while they feed, play and relax.

    Accommodation: Buhoma Community Cottages or Buhoma Lodge for an upgrade
    Meals: Breakfast

    Early breakfast then set off back to Kampala or Entebbe, this drive is long indeed (over 8 hours), but clients are so rewarded with stunning views of winding roads and hills, then a stop at various sites like the Uganda Equator and also the drum center and many more. As an option (at extra fees) clients can also charter a flight directly from Bwindi to Entebbe.

    The airport transfer for today will be given to you by our friendly drivers at the time of your flight. If the airport transfer is late, then we shall also offer a city tour around Kampala’s famous and historical sites then drop you off to the airport in time for your flight and see you off.

    Accommodation: Kibale Forest Cottages or upgrade to Primate Lodge Kibale for luxury
    Meals: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner

    Inclusions

    • Gorilla Permit
    • A professional driver/guide
    • All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
    • All Taxes/VAT
    • All Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
    • Drinking water on all days

    Exclusions

    • International flights (from/to home)
    • Tips (tipping guideline US$20.00 pp per day)
    • Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
      Services not mentioned in the program
    • Travel insurance and medical repatriation
    • Items of a personal nature

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What’s Included and Excluded in Every Tour?

    The inclusions and exclusions vary by tour. Each tour has its specific set of inclusions and exclusions. Please refer to the individual tour page to see what is specifically included in that tour.

    What Are Your Cancellation Terms?

    Our cancellation terms are standard within the industry. For more information on our cancellation policy, please visit the designated page.

    What Vaccines and Health Requirements Are Needed?

    The requirements vary depending on the country and nationality. For the most accurate information, please visit the page specific to your destination and consult the corresponding embassy page for the latest information.

    Can I Choose Other Accommodation Than What’s Specified?

    Yes, if you have a special preference, let us know, and we will offer alternatives from our vast network of company-owned and partner accommodations. Booking with us allows you to enjoy discounted rates as we have special agreements with our partners.

    Will My Mobile/Cellular Phone Work During the Tour?

    Yes, though signal strength may vary in different areas.

    What Activities Can My Kids Do While on a Safari?

    A safari offers an enriching experience for children, allowing them to observe animals in their natural habitat. Some camps and lodges offer amenities for children, such as playrooms and pools, though these are not universally available. We suggest bringing activities that your children enjoy.

    What Payment Methods Do You Accept?

    We accept various payment methods, including card payments. For more information on acceptable payment methods, please visit our payment information page.

    What If I Have Special Needs or Requirements?

    We strive to cater to all requirements, such as providing wheelchair-friendly accommodation or rooms on the first floor if stairs are a challenge. Please communicate with us in advance about your needs.

    What Are the Road Conditions Like?

    Most safari parks have bumpy but manageable roads, with some roads being paved. Generally, guests do not view this as a problem.

    Is Electricity Available 24 Hours in the Lodges and Camps?

    Most standard camps and lodges are equipped with generators, so electricity is generally available 24 hours. However, some interruptions may occur but are typically not a significant concern for guests.

    What About My Special Diet and Food Preferences?

    We cater to all diets, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, among others. Please inform us in advance about your dietary preferences.

    Is Tipping Required?

    Tipping is not required but is recommended. The amount varies by country, but you should tip according to what you feel is appropriate.

    Take Off on a Memorable Safari Experience and Explore the Wild Right Away!

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