What you can expect from this Chimpanzee and Gorilla Safari
This 8 day safari includes trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park to see the Mountain Gorillas, guided game viewing, chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge, game viewing and bird watching in Queen Elizabeth National Park, including a boat cruise.
Day 1: Entebbe, Uganda
Arrive in Entebbe, Uganda for your exciting gorilla and chimpanzee safari. On arrival you will be met by your representative and transferred to your hotel in Entebbe. Overnight here for one night on a bed and breakfast basis.
Day can be spent at leisure.
Entebbe is a small town located on the edge of Lake Victoria. Depending on your time of arrival, you may like to spend some time exploring the town on foot, or you can take a taxi to Kampala and visit the craft and curio markets, or the Kasubi Tombs and Museum there.
In Entebbe there is the Wildlife Education Centre where you can see close-up the large slow-moving Shoebill Stork, or you can try your hand at golf on the local 9-hole golf course.
Optional excursions can be arranged such as a boat trip across Lake Victoria to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, and view a chimpanzee feeding session close-up from the visitor's platform area. Listen to a talk by sanctuary staff, view a neighbouring fishing village, enjoy some fantastic bird-watching and other wildlife encounters returning to Entebbe.
Overnight at Best Western Premier Garden Hotel, or similar, on a bed and breakfast basis.
Day 2: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
This morning’s flight on a light aircraft to Kihihi airstrip takes just over an hour then transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for your Gorilla Safari tracking base.
Overnight at Buhoma Lodge, or similar, on a full board basis. Please Note that overnight may take place in Rwanda.
Buhoma Lodge
Buhoma Lodge, one of only two located inside Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, is on the edge of the forest offering spectacular views of the forest, and is only a short walk to the starting point for gorilla tracking. Its peaceful location means that you may truly relax after your tracking experience while you listen to the birds and primates in the forest.
Each cottage has its own private veranda and is self-contained with a shower, flush toilet and basin. There is a cosy central lounge area for you to unwind around the evening fire, and meals are served in a separate dining room.
Day 3: Gorilla Tracking
You will be escorted to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park headquarters after breakfast to meet your guides for the day for your gorilla trekking experience. An early morning trek into the forest on the slopes of the volcanoes, led by experienced trackers will bring you amongst a family of Mountain Gorillas. These massive primates are extremely rare, only approximately 650 remaining.
You will get within metres of the Gorilla family, and be privileged to spend time amongst them. Returning to the camp for a late lunch, you will have an opportunity for forest walks with the guides, or just to relax. Overnight at Buhoma lodge or similar.
Please note that the Gorilla Safari trekking may be fairly strenuous; up to 6 hours or longer is not uncommon - at relatively high altitude. Mountain Gorillas are wild animals, as such sightings cannot be guaranteed, however the success rate is well over 90%.
Day 4 & 5: Southern Queen Elizabeth National Park
Depart Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park this morning and travel to Ishasha in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park (a 2-3 hour drive), with a brief stop en route at a community project near Ishasha Village.
A second opportunity for Gorilla Safari tracking, with pre-purchased permits subject to availability. For those not trekking, you will have the opportunity to go on a forest walk in Bwindi with a local guide, or on a community walk at the local village which has been included in the tour cost, or perhaps visit the local orphanage.
Ishasha Wilderness Camp, Queen Elizabeth National Park - This camp is located on a river within the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. With the backdrop of the Ruwenzori Mountains to the north, and the Virunga volcanoes to the south, there are few places on earth to rival the scenery in this park. Large herds of Elephant, Buffalo, Uganda kob and Topi are often seen, as well as 'tree-climbing' Lions, who favour the big Fig trees.
The camp boasts 10 East African 'Meru' Tents, en-suite shower, toilet and basin. Tents are spaced under shady trees, overlooking the river. The dining area is under canvas, on the banks of the river. Activities that can be enjoyed here are game drives, walking with ranger / guide (on request) and birdwatching.
Day 6: Game Viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Take a game drive in your specially designed safari vehicle early this morning as the African sun rises over the wilderness to search for big cats, elephants, buffalo, and other antelope species. Look for the rich with fauna throughout the remainder of the morning.
The park's Ishasha area is well-known for its renowned tree-climbing lions, which are occasionally spotted lazing around in the branches of local fig trees. In the late afternoon, as the sun sets over the savannahs, you will go on a wildlife drive and enjoy a sundowner. After your afternoon game drive, there's a modest buffet with freshly prepared drinks and nibbles.
Day 7: Chimpanzee Trek in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Enjoy chimp trekking in Kyambura Gorge and game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Known as the Valley of the Apes, Kyambura Gorge is situated in South Western Uganda, bordering the Queen Elizabeth National Park. This is a fantastic chance to track chimpanzees in a far-off and little-known area.
Overnight at Elephant Plains Lodge or similar. En suite cottages with enormous glass windows to maximise the breathtaking views and private verandas provide accommodations for guests. Each of the spacious, hilltop villas features a huge bathtub and a shower, providing seclusion and peace. Every room has a view of Lake Kikorongo, where you may observe buffaloes and elephants coming to drink from your veranda.
Day 8: Entebbe
Morning game drive then head to Mweya airstrip for your flight to Entebbe.
Included
- Full board accommodation including meals
- Meet and greet at Entebbe Airport
- Entebbe - Transfer from the airport to your hotel
- Transfer from your hotel to Entebbe Airport
- Scheduled flight from Entebbe to Kihihi
- Transfer from Kihihi airfield to Buhoma Lodge
- Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park gorilla trekking
- Transfer from Buhoma to Ishasha
- Ishasha Community visit
- Park entry Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Afternoon game drive
- Southern Queen Elizabeth National Park morning and afternoon game drives
- Park entry Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Sundowner drinks and snacks in the park
- Boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel
- Chimp trekking Kyambura Gorge
- Transfer lodge to Mweya airstrip
- Flight Mweya to Entebbe
Not Included
- Gorilla Permit in USD
- Kyambura chimp permit in USD
- Optional half day Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
- All international flights and airport taxes
- Health requirements including compulsory Yellow Fever innoculation and Covid requirements if applicable as per country/airline
- Personal expenses such as drinks, tips, visas and travel insurance
