This 7-day Uganda safari adventure takes you to Kibale National Park also known as the primate capital of eat Africa as it’s home to 13 different types of primates making it the most diversified number of primate species and populations in the region. In this park you will get an opportunity to track chimpanzees which are also regarded as man’s closest living relatives, there will be a guided nature walk in the Bigodi wetland sanctuary to see different animals like the sitatunga antelope, birds and primates. You will proceed to Queen Elizabeth National Park the most popular National park in Uganda where you will encounter some of the Big five animals including the unique tree climbing lions living in ishasha region. Our final destination on this safari will be Bwindi Impenetrable National Park a UNESCO world heritage site and the best gorilla trekking destination in the world where you will have a chance to come face-to-face with the endangered mountain gorillas. Don’t also miss out on the rich birdlife and cultural encounters with the batwa pygmies living in this part of the country.
Activities: chimpanzee tracking, nature walk in Bigodi wetland sanctuary, game drives, kazinga channel launch Cruise and Gorilla trek
Optional activities: Batwa culture experience
Day 1: Transfer to Kibale National Park
Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking and Nature Walk
Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 4: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Lunch Cruise
Day 5: See Tree Climbing Lions and Transfer to Bwindi NP
Day 6: Gorilla Trek
Day 7: Departure to Kampala
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer to Kibale National Park
Today morning after an early breakfast your safari driver-guide will meet you at your hotel, brief you about this adventure and then start on the drive to Kibale National Park found in south western Uganda. You will see several local settlements, beautiful tea and banana plantation and the green scenery of rolling hills. You will also so make a stopover at the equator crossing for a photography moment before having lunch in Mbarara.
The park was the gazzetted back in 1932 before being given the status of a national park in 1993 to protect the wildlife living there. At an altitude range of 1100m to 1600m above sea level. the park comprises of Montana and lowland forests and it is home to 13 different primary species among which are chimpanzees and red colobus monkeys making it home to the most diversified and highest number primates across the East African region. In addition there are 60 types of mammals and 325 types of birds all living in this beautiful National Park. You will enjoy views of the snowcapped mountain Rwenzori as you drive closer to the park. On arrival you will check into your accommodation for dinner and the overnight
Travel time: 5 hours
Meal plan: lunch and dinner
Accommodation
- Luxury: Ndali Safari Lodge, Papaya Lodge, Ndali Lodge, Kyaninga Lodge, Primates Lodge
- Midrange: Kibale Forest Camp / Isungu Lodge
- Budget: Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse
Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking and Nature Walk
Early morning today you will have breakfast and then head to the park headquarters by 8 a.m. for a briefing by the park rangers about the chimpanzee tracking activity from here you will set out in groups of 8 and begin with the search for these amazing hairy forest giants which are considered to be the closest living relative to man as they share 98% of our DNA with man. The trek takes between 1 to 2 hours during which you will be able to encounter other forest residents such as the Columbus monkeys and different birds. Once you locate the chimps you will be allowed 1-hour with them to observe and take photographs.
In the afternoon there will be a guided nature walk in the Bigodi wetland sanctuary which is a community conservation initiative and there you will be able to see various bird species including the great blue turaco, several primates such as baboons and blue monkeys, as well as small animals like the warthogs and some antelopes. Later return to accommodation for dinner and overnight at your accommodation.
Meal plan: breakfast lunch and dinner
Accommodation
- Luxury: Ndali Safari Lodge, Papaya Lodge, Ndali Lodge, Kyaninga Lodge, Primates Lodge
- Midrange: Kibale Forest Camp / Isungu Lodge
- Budget: Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse
Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Today morning after breakfast begin the drive through the beautiful fort portal area going through the great lakes region, past rolling hills with tea and banana plantations all the way to Queen Elizabeth National Park. As you enter into the park you will enjoy some game viewing depending on the time of year you visit such as impalas, buffaloes and elephants. you will check into your accommodation
Travel time: 2 to 3 hours
Meal plan: breakfast lunch and dinner
Accommodation
- Luxury: Kyambura Gorge Lodge, Elephant Plains Lodge Mweya Safari Lodge Kasenyi Safari Lodge
- Mid-Range: Twin Lakes Safari Lodge, Ihamba Lakeside Safari Lodge, Bush Lodge
- Budget: Pumba Cottages, Simba Safari Camp
Day 4: Game Drive and Kazinga Channel Lunch Cruise
Today will begin very early and by 6:30 a.m. you will head out on a game drive in the Kasenyi plains found in the northern part of respectful National Park that are crowded with very large numbers of wild animals such as cape buffaloes, different antelopes, elephants, hyenas, lions and leopards. If lucky you may get an opportunity to see any of the carnivores making it run to catch prey.
You will have a lunch break and then head out for a 2 hours launch Cruise on the kazinga channel. Expect to see large numbers of animals like hippos, cape buffaloes, elephants and different bird species such as the malachite kingfisher and pink backed pelicans. Return for dinner and overnight at your accommodation
Meal plan: breakfast lunch and dinner
Accommodation
- Luxury: Kyambura Gorge Lodge, Elephant Plains Lodge Mweya Safari Lodge Kasenyi Safari Lodge
- Mid-Range: Twin Lakes Safari Lodge, Ihamba Lakeside Safari Lodge, Bush Lodge
- Budget: Pumba Cottages, Simba Safari Camp
Day 5: See Tree Climbing Lions and Transfer to Bwindi NP
Early morning after a final breakfast in Queen Elizabeth National Park you will head out for a game drive as you drive through the southern part of this park (Ishasha sector) which is popularly known for its resident population of tree climbing Lions. In addition expect to see various other animals such as elephants and buffalos not to forget the numerous types of antelopes that linger around these plains. Have lunch and proceed to Bwindi impenetrable Forest National Park home of mountain gorillas. On arrival check into your accommodation
Travel time: approximately 5 hours
Meal plan: breakfast lunch and dinner
Accommodation
- Luxury: Gorilla Forest Camp Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge Chameleon Hill Lodge Bwindi Lodge Mid-Range: Gorilla Mist Camp, Engagi Lodge
- Budget: Ruhija Gorilla Friends Camp
Day 6: Gorilla Trek
Today is going to be one of the highlights on this Safari as you will have a once-in-a-lifetime moment to come face-to-face with some of the few remaining mountain gorillas in the world. After an early breakfast you will transfer to the park headquarters where you will be briefed by the park rangers about the gorilla trekking activity on the do’s and don’ts while with the gorillas. The trek through the forest is conducted in groups of 8 people led by a team of trackers and guides as you search through the natural gorilla habitat on this 1-4 hours hike during which you may encounter other forest residents such as baboons, colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, red tailed monkeys and different birds. in addition Forest elephant and buffalos among many others are some of the mammals living in the Bwindi however these are not often seen. The Bwindi NP is home of 90% of the Albertine rift endemic species as well as 7 IUCN red Data bird species so holidaymakers enthusiastic about bird watching will not be disappointed as there are more than 350 birds in this park.
when you eventually meet a habituated gorilla family you will be required to maintain a 7 to 6 meter distance from them as you observe them go about their day-to-day way of life feeding, playing, tending to their young ones and you will not fail to notice the huge dominant silverback male gorilla who will probably be sitting quietly observing you as well. You are also allowed to take photographs however please remember to keep the camera flash off.
After lunch there will be an optional cultural visit to the Batwa Pygmy community to learn about their traditional way of life and be entertained by thrilling dances, drama and songs; alternatively you may spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure back at your accommodation relaxing.
Meal plan: breakfast lunch and dinner
Accommodation
- Luxury: Gorilla Forest Camp Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge Chameleon Hill Lodge Bwindi Lodge Mid-Range: Gorilla Mist Camp, Engagi Lodge
- Budget: Ruhija Gorilla Friends Camp
Day 7: Departure to Kampala
This is the final day of a safari. After breakfast you will depart from this natural gorilla habitant and transfer to Kampala to Entebbe international airport for the departure flight along the way you will have lunch en-route and a photograph moment. End of safari
Travel time: 7 hours
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
Safari includes: accommodation as highlighted in the itinerary, all meals as stated in the itinerary, full-time service of an English speaking driver-guide, transportation in a four-wheel drive vehicle, gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking permits, game drives, boat cruise and bottled drinking water in the car
Safari exclude: all activities stated as optional, visa and flight fares, personal expenses such as laundry services, drinks, snacks, souvenirs and tips.
