7 Day Best of Uganda Gorilla and Primates Trekking Safari
Kampala, Uganda
Explore the Best National Parks & Gorilla Safari in Uganda
Uganda is renowned for its mountain gorillas, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offers a unique opportunity to trek through dense forests to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. On this holiday, you'll also visit Kibale Forest, a prime destination for chimpanzee tracking. Visitors can do guided walks to encounter chimpanzee communities, along with other primates and diverse bird species. Additionally, enjoy game drives at Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, hippos, and buffaloes.
Key information
- Private safari
- Starts and ends in Kampala
- Language: English-speaking guide
- Park fees and permits are included
Highlights
- Explore famous national parks of Uganda
- See the mountain gorillas at Bwindi Forest and chimpanzee tracking at Kibale Forest
- Opportunity to see tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector
- Transportation in a 4x4 land cruiser
- Boat cruise on Kazinga channel to see crocodiles, hippos, and various bird species
- Full board meals are provided during the safari
- 6 nights accommodation
Styles
6 activity days
Airport transfer included:
Entebbe International Airport
Accommodation
- Kabira Country Club, Kampala (1 night)
- Crater Safari Lodge, Ndali Kasenda Crater Lakes (2 nights)
- Enganzi Lodge, Southern Queen Elizabeth National Park (1 night)
- Gorilla Safari Lodge, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park (2 nights)
Kabira Country Club
Located in Kampala within easy reach of eateries, bars, and shopping opportunities, Kabira Country Club offers accommodation in rooms and suites in a variety of configurations, all equipped with air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, satellite TV, tea / coffee-making facilities, mini-fridges, and in-room safes. The private bathrooms are fitted with bathtubs, and complimentary bath amenities, hairdryers, and bathrobes are provided.
The onsite Terrace Restaurant serves international dishes and offers a relaxing, informal outdoor dining experience for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There is also a bar and coffee shop. In-room dining is possible with 24-hour room service. Other facilities include an Olympic-size swimming pool, gym, playroom for children, spa area, sauna, tennis courts, squash courts, basketball court, sports field, and free private parking.
Crater Safari Lodge
Crater Safari Lodge has been designed in such a way that it doesn’t intrude on its pristine surroundings. Thatched chalets with expansive wooden balconies provide the perfect luxurious jungle escape. Hammocks and garden swings on the grounds of the lodge add an extra element of tranquility to your remote safari experience.
In total, there are 11 thatched stand-alone wooden cabins and 10 standard pool-facing cabanas, each catering to a different style of guest.
Crater Safari Lodge is the perfect place to base yourself for a true jungle and wilderness experience in Uganda. The lodge is an award-winning eco-lodge and offers an unsurpassed remote wilderness experience.
- Romantic bush dinner options on the shores of the lake
- Lodge is ideal for both honeymoons and weddings
- From swamp walks to canoeing and hiking
Standard single cabina
- Room size: 35 m²
- Bed: 1 single bed
The standard blocks are the rooms in front of the swimming pools, they aren't the cottages. They are self-contained and have a partial view of the lake but a full view of the swimming pool.
Room facilities: Balcony, patio, garden view, mountain view, landmark view, terrace, desk, seating area, private entrance, tile / marble floor, hardwood / parquet floors, mosquito net, wardrobe / closet, clothes rack, shower, free toiletries, toilet, bathroom, bath or shower, wake-up service, towels, and linen.
Free WiFi is available in all rooms.
Enganzi Lodge
The captivating Enganzi Game Lodge is nestled on a hill bordering the Queen Elizabeth National Park and overlooking unspoiled bush in the cradle of western Ugandan's magnificent wild. With 5 splendidly set cottages that offer a picture-perfect view of the Queen Elizabeth National Park's bush expanse, guests will be spoilt for choice in glimpses of nature's best flora and fauna.
The views are unmatched and the open-sided Main House has been designed with space and views in mind, you can Enjoy sundowners or a 3-course dinner in the dining room or upper deck enjoying the beauty that Africa has to offer.
Guests can enjoy nature walks, game viewing, and bird watching and the location offers a breathtaking advantage for sightseeing. Your experience at Enganzi Game Lodge will be crowned with an unforgettable imprint of sheer luxury in nature's wild.
Gorilla Safari Lodge
Gorilla Safari Lodge is an up-market facility tucked away at the boundary line of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest - home of the endangered mountain gorilla. It is the ideal base from which to trek the Nshongi group of Gorillas, the biggest group ever habituated. The lodge offers accommodation in Twenty, en suite spacious luxurious units with individual verandas allowing excellent views towards the pristine tropical rain forest. All bathrooms have hot and cold running water and flush toilets. The camp is composed of a main lodge which includes a restaurant, bar, lounge, and campfire overlooking the tropical rainforest.
Program
Day 1: Kampala
Meet and greet at Entebbe International Airport where your Uganda Adventure Safari starts. A tour representative will warmly welcome you and facilitate seamless arrival formalities. You will then be transferred to your hotel where you will be briefed about your adventure safari.
Depending on the time of arrival you are advised to have your money changed on this day, If time allows, you may go for a city tour. All activities today are at your own cost. You may visit the botanical gardens at a supplement of 10 USD per person or visit the Uganda Wildlife Educational Centre at a supplement of 15 USD per person, or go for a cheese and wine sundowner on Lake Victoria at a supplement of 85 USD per person.
Day 2: Kibale National Park
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kibale National Park. You will go through verdant countryside passing through traditional homesteads and farms. Fort Portal rests in the shadow of the fabled Mountains of the Moon. The drive approximately takes 5 -6 hours.
Arrive at the lodge in time for a late lunch. Relax at the lodge or take an unguided walk around the lodge to enjoy the beauty of the scenery.
Day 3: Ndali Kasenda Crater Lakes
After breakfast at your lodge, transfer to the starting point of your Chimpanzee tracking experience in Kibale Forest National Park which is reputed to have the greatest variety and highest concentration of primates in East Africa. The most famous of its 13 species is the Chimpanzee, man’s closest relative. Kibale’s 1450 chimpanzees represent Uganda’s largest population of this endangered primate.
Kibale is also home to the rare I’Hoest’s monkey. Other primates include the black and white Colobus, Blue monkey, Grey-cheeked mangabey, Red-tailed monkey, and Olive baboon to mention but a few. So you will enjoy a guided nature walk in the tropical rainforest in search of wild chimpanzees, red-tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, and many others. Although chimp sightings are not guaranteed, visitors stand a good chance of hearing and seeing our distant cousins as they gloom and bond with one another.
After lunch, head to Bigodi. Bigodi was established by a local development organization to protect the 4 sq-km Magombe Swamp that's home to around 200 species of birds (highlights include papyrus gonolek, white-winged warbler, and great blue turaco). The highlight of this tour is catching a glimpse of the great blue turaco. The swamp is also good for spotting butterflies and primates, with 8 different species here, including grey-cheeked mangabey. The 2-3 hour guided walk is led by experienced local guides who interact with the guests and make the trip both enjoyable and exciting.
Activities:
- Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
- Kibale Forest Chimp Tracking
Day 4: Southern Queen Elizabeth National Park
Enjoy an early breakfast at your lodge before you proceed to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The drive takes you through the Switzerland of Africa area known as the Kigezi Highlands with its terraced hillside. Your expert driver guide will take you through the game park where you might spot some animals. Of course, you won't miss seeing the beautiful scenery of the crater lakes.
Upon arriving at your lodge, you will enjoy a hot lunch and later in the afternoon take a unique 2-hour boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel into Lake Edward. This trip passes through possibly the highest concentration of hippos and 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.
Day 5: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
After breakfast, pack your bags and you will have a morning game drive as you travel to Bwindi via Ishasha plains in search of tree-climbing lions. The drive takes you through the Switzerland of Africa area known as the Kigezi Highlands with its terraced hillside and winding roads. Check into the lodge for dinner and your overnight stay.
Bwindi forest is located in southwestern Uganda. The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is said to be Africa’s oldest rainforest. It is world-renowned for its excellent gorilla-sighting opportunities. The rugged landscape features dense jungle, cascading waterfalls, sparkling mountain streams, deep valleys, and steep ridges. This untouched forest has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its breathtaking natural beauty and unique ecological significance.
Aside from the amazing gorilla interactions, there are other drawcards such as a network of forest walks, over 340 species of birds to spot, and a variety of butterflies. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the spectacular Virunga Volcanoes.
Day 6: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
After an early breakfast, depart to the starting point for a briefing about your gorilla trekking adventure, after which you will be led by experienced gorilla trackers on the slopes of the volcanoes. You will start from the site where the gorillas were encountered the day before and from here the gorilla tracking begins. Although the hike can be physically demanding, the anticipation of the exciting experience ahead is amazing, and the beauty of the gorilla forest and its inhabitants is fascinating.
One of Africa’s major highlights is when you encounter these amazing apes. It is a humbling experience to stand just meters from man’s distant cousins as they eat rest, play, and bond with their young ones.
Follow the mountain gorillas as they range freely in the impenetrable forest, and discover their gorgeous natural habitual and the many species they share it with. You are allowed an hour with the gorillas before finally sloping down back to your lodge. If your trek was relatively short, you may opt for optional activities.
Don’t forget to carry your rain gear, packed lunch, plenty of water, gloves, hat, and waterproof bag for protection of your camera in case of rain
You may opt for Gorilla Habituation on a supplement of 800 USD per person – here, you will be sure to meet and spend enough time with the gorillas.
Gorilla trekking at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Wake early for a hearty breakfast to give you the energy needed for gorilla trekking. Before 8:00 a.m., report to the ranger station for registration and a talk by one of the rangers. The guides will then take you through the bush, pushing your way through the undergrowth, to track the gorillas.
Please note this trek can take from 30 minutes to 5-6 hours. A reasonable degree of fitness is required, as well as a sturdy pair of walking shoes. Sit in the forest among the gorillas, listening to them ‘talk’ to one another, and marvel at the sheer size of the dominant male, the Silverback. It is an extraordinary feeling sitting in the dense rainforest knowing you are with a few of the last remaining mountain gorillas. It's amazing to think there are only about 650 of these beautiful creatures left.
Day 7: End of itinerary
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Entebbe Airport. You will stop for lunch on the way then continue to the airport. Please note your flight should be late in the evening.
Alternatively, you may opt to fly to Entebbe Airport at a supplement of 363 USD per person.
Location
During this holiday, you will visit:
- Kampala
- Ndali Kasenda Crater Lakes
- Kibale Forest National Park
- Southern Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Kampala
Bordering the magnificent Lake Victoria, Uganda’s capital city - Kampala - sprawls out over a series of undulating hills and despite the development, this ‘Garden City’ is known for its tree-lined avenues. It serves as the commercial hub of the country boasting a blend of African markets, modern skyscrapers, international hotels, bars, and casinos. It provides an excellent base from which to explore the surrounding area.
Visitors can look forward to learning about the country’s rich and colorful history at the Uganda Museum; enjoying several activities on Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake; and visiting the Namugongo Martyrs Shrines, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the nearby Mburo National Park to catch a glimpse of local wildlife including hippo, zebra, gazelles, crocodiles, warthog, and a variety of magnificent birdlife.
Ndali Kasenda Crater Lakes
Imposing cone-shaped hills cradle tranquil calderas in the enchanting Ndali-Kasenda Crater Lakes in Western Uganda near Kibale Forest and Queen Elizabeth National Parks. Formed about 8-10,000 years ago by volcanic activity, these craters now hold a variety of lakes. Some boast clear, blue water, while others remain emerald green with a sulfuric odor due to residual volcanic gases. Lush vegetation cloaks the crater rims, offering views of nearby hills, tea plantations, and even the Rwenzori Mountains on clear days.
While some lakes are safe for swimming, others contain toxic water and should be avoided. Activities around the lakes include nature walks, boat rides, bird-watching, and visiting the "Top of the World" viewpoint for panoramic vistas.
Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
The Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is a community development enterprise located on the fringe of Kibale National Park where guided tours are conducted along a path through the wetland at times along a boardwalk trail. Bigodi is a birder's paradise with 138 bird species having been identified there including the crowd please Great Blue Turaco. The sanctuary is also home to 8 primate species including the black and white colobus, red colobus, mangabey, red tail, vervet, and L’Hoest.
Kibale Forest Chimp Tracking
The most favorite of Kibale’s walks embark on from the Kanyanchu Visitor Center at 08.00 & 15.00 and lasts 2 to 3 hours. Chimpanzees are the most sought-after primate by visitors, but you should look out for the black & white colobus, red-tailed monkey, or the grey-cheeked mangabey. Your guides will be able to show you pittas & different bird species and will give details of the plant species within the forest. This walk is for 6 people in a group.
Southern Queen Elizabeth National Park
Surrounded by other wonderful parks in the western region of Uganda, the Queen Elizabeth National Park is known for its rich biodiversity, wildlife, and history. In the southern part of the park, the remote Ishaha sector is home to tree-climbing lions who spend long lazy days dozing in the pretty fig trees. The Uganda Kob, a type of antelope, are watched carefully by the tree lions while grazing the plains Around Lake Edward, enjoy fishing and more game watching - make sure to look out for chimpanzees, elephants, crocodiles, and perennial and migratory bird species.
Tree-climbing lions
Tree-climbing lions can be found in the southern part of the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. This is the only park in Uganda where tree-climbing lions can be found. The Sycamore Fig tree is an advantage to the tree-climbing lions as they provide enough shelter to the lions from the heat as well as during rainy seasons.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Located in southwestern Uganda, the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is said to be Africa’s oldest rainforest. It is world-renowned for its excellent gorilla-sighting opportunities - the forest is home to half of the remaining mountain gorillas on Earth. This gorilla experience takes place among a rugged landscape of dense jungle, cascading waterfalls, sparkling mountain streams, deep valleys, and steep ridges.
The untouched forest has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its breathtaking natural beauty and unique ecological significance, and aside from the amazing gorilla interactions, there are other drawcards such as a network of forest walks, over 340 species of bird to spot, and a variety of brightly-colored butterflies to identify. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the spectacular Virunga Volcanoes, three of which are still active.
Food
- Kabira Country Club: Breakfast
- Crater Safari Lodge: Full board
- Enganzi Lodge: Full board
- Gorilla Safari Lodge: Full board
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Drinks
The following drinks are included:
- Water
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
If you have special dietary requirements it's a good idea to communicate it to the organiser when making a reservation
What's included
- All ground transportation in a 4x4 land cruiser with all fuel
- Full-time driver / English-speaking guide with all his associated expenses
- Full board meals as per the above itinerary, except a part from Kampala / Entebbe where it is a bed and breakfast only
- 6 nights accommodation
- 1 gorilla permit per person
- 1 chimp permit per person
- Drinking water in the vehicle
- Park entrance fees
- Search tree-climbing lions
- Boat cruise on Kazinga channel
- Game drives
- Any other items included in the above itinerary
What's not included
- International air tickets
- Visas
- Personal insurance
- Personal expenses such as drinks, tips, telephone calls, etc.
How to get there
Recommended Airports
EBB
Entebbe International Airport
33 km
Transfer included
Airport: Entebbe International Airport
Airport transfer included: Entebbe International Airport
No additional charges. You can request this in the next step.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 30% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid on arrival.
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through BookAllSafaris.com. All major credit cards supported.
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