Primates of Uganda

You arrive at Entebbe airport where we greet and transfer you to your chosen accommodation. Our Uncover the World rep. welcomes you, helps you settle into the hotel, and outlines the plan for the rest of your stay.

Overnight:

Le Petit Village

Meals included:

None

We have a 5-6 hour drive today to Kibale National Park. Whist making this journey you will pass through dramatic and interesting landscapes and witness the local people going about the daily business. We will make a stop en-route at Fort Portal for lunch . After arriving in Kibale we will transfer you to the Primate Lodge which will be your base for the next 2 nights. Later in the afternoon we have short tour to the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary where you will learn about the many species of birds and butterflies which inhabit this area. You may also be lucky enough to spot some of the mammals which call this area home including many primates such as the red-tailed monkey, L’Hoest’s monkey, black and white colobus and the grey-cheeked mangabey.

Overnight:

Primate Lodge - Kibale N.P

Meals included:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After an early breakfast we begin today with an enriching trek through the forest in search of Chimpanzees. Chimpanzees are very mobile and viewing them can be a little unpredictable, your experienced guide will ensure you have the best chance of viewing the Chimpanzees today. Whilst trekking, your guide will give a full explanation of the primates and other animals which inhabit the area as well as drawing your attention to the array of flora and fauna located within the forest. Your trek will last for approximately 5 hours before we break for lunch. In the afternoon we visit The Bigodi Wetland sanctuary which is home to many bird species and rare flora and fauna. The 4.5km trail through the swamp area is arguably one of East Africa’s best guided bird walks. The area also offers another opportunity to see up to six primate species in addition to the many butterfly species which call this area home. Later in the afternoon we return the Primate Lodge where you can spend an evening relaxing within the lodge.

Overnight:

Primate Lodge - Kibale N.P

Meals included:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast we begin our drive towards Queen Elizabeth National Park where we pass along side the Rwenzori Mountain range which we follow for most of the journey. We will have time for a short game drive en-route where you will have the opportunity to see Lions, Leopard, Hyena, Elephant and Buffalo. We will reach Queen Elizabeth around lunch time and check into the Jacana Safari Lodge. After relaxing for a while we have an afternoon boat trip on the Kazinga Channel. This unique trip travels to the mouth of the Kazinga Channel and Elephants, Buffalo, Waterbuck, and Large Hippos are seen on a daily basis. You should also look out for the Giant Forest Hog, Leopard and Lions although these are seen less regularly.

Overnight:

Jacana Safari Lodge - Queen Elizabeth N.P

Meals included:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We begin today very early and after an early breakfast we head to the Kasenyi Plains area of Queen Elizabeth which supports the highest concentration of Game in the park. These plains are one of the most important breeding grounds for the Ugandan Kob and at times, thousands can be be gathered in this area. Kasenyi is also an area known for its Lions, Elephants and Buffalo populations. After lunch we leave the vehicle behind and take a walk through the Maramagambo Forest. This is one of Uganda’s largest forests and it is the only place in Queen Elizabeth where Blue Lakes can be found. One of the main draws to the forest is the abundant primate populations which include L’Hoests’s monkey, Bush babies, Chimpanzees, Baboons, vervet and red-tailed monkeys. Another popular walk is to the Bat Cave where significant populations of bats are resident as well as the Rock Python which is regularly spotted by visitors. Tonight is spent at the Jacana Safari Lodge.

Overnight:

Jacana Safari Lodge - Queen Elizabeth N.P

Meals included:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we have a trip to visit Kyambura Gorge which is home to an isolated population of Chimpanzees. Kyambura Gorge is around 100 meters deep and we begin today’s trip with a hike down from the edge of the gorge before beginning to track the Chimpanzees. Because of the small habitat which they inhabit you have a much better chance of viewing Chimpanzees here and they can often be tracked by their sounds alone. Once we locate the Chimpanzees you will be able to witness them playing, squabbling and going about their daily life high above in the forest canopy. Kyambura is also home to many of animals and a vast display of flora and fauna. This afternoon can be spent relaxing at the Jacana Safari Lodge or joining us for an additional game drive within Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Overnight:

Jacana Safari Lodge - Queen Elizabeth N.P

Extras and options:

Additional Game Drives - You have some free time this afternoon which is free for you to relax or pre-book one of our additional game drives.

Meals included:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast we set off on our journey to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest where we will be based for our Gorilla tracking adventures. On the way we will make a stop for lunch and to take short game-drive through the Ishasha Plains. The Ishasha Plains are famous for its population of tree climbing lions which currently consists of 40 Lions split over 3 prides. The lion’s unusual behaviour can be witnessed throughout the year but it is more likely during the rainy season. After our journey through the Ishasha Plains we continue our journey to Bwindi which will be our base for our Gorilla Tracking.

Overnight:

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp

Meals included:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today’s activities are the highlight of most peoples visit to Uganda – a unique encounter with the Mountain Gorillas. Today we have an early start where we will register with the local ranger station, and after being assigned a group we will transfer to the trailhead where our adventure will begin. It’s hard to give an estimate of how long you will be hiking today as this depends on how where the Gorillas are located, the hike can take anything from 2 to 8 hours. For conservation purposes you will be limited to just 1 hour with the Gorillas, so make the most of your time here! The feeling is indescribable when you first time you lock eyes with one of these gentle giants. You will be able to watch them grooming, feeding, playing and witness how human like their interactions with each other are.

Overnight:

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp

Meals included:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Bwindi is widely visited just to track the mountain gorillas however it has so much more to offer. We have included an extra day here in Bwindi so that you can enjoy some of the many forest walks. These walks range from just 30 minutes to 8 hours and you can discuss the options with your guide locally. Bwindi is believed to support the greatest biodiversity of any East African Forest. The forest trails of Bwindi are excellent for those interested in bird watching as over 190 species have been recorded, 10 of which are listed in the Red Data Book. The forests are also inhabited by many mammals and primate species. Depending on the length of walk you choose to take you may be able to take part in an afternoon village walk. The Village walk takes approximately 3 hours and gives you the opportunity to witness the local customs and practises of the Bakiga and Batwa people.

Overnight:

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp

Extras and options:

Local Village Walk - The Village walk takes approximately 3 hours and gives you the opportunity to witness the local customs and practises of the Bakiga and Batwa people.

Meals included:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We drive for approximately 4-5 hours today from Bwindi to Lake Mburo. You will pass through stunning landscapes where we can stop as often as you like for photo opportunities. As we enter the park and head towards our accommodation you may be able to spot some game such as Zebra, Warthogs, Buffalo and Impala. After checking into your accommodation and enjoying some lunch we will take an afternoon boat ride on Lake Mburo. Our motor-boat trip generally produces excellent sightings of Hippopotamus, Crocodile, Waterbuck, Bushbuck and Buffalo. There are also many bird species often sighted around the lake. Tonight will be spent at the Mihingo Lodge.

Overnight:

Mihingo Lodge

Meals included:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

One thing unique to Lake Mburo is that you are permitted to walk anywhere within the park when accompanied by a ranger. On our guided walks you may encounter Buffalo, Impala, Topi, Zebra, and Waterbuck. We can be flexible with the length of our walks depending on how much energy you have left!! In order to explore the park fully you need to do this by road, we have an optional afternoon game drive where we follow the Impala and Zebra tracks for some fantastic game viewing.

Overnight:

Mihingo Lodge

Extras and options:

Afternoon Game Drive - This optional game drive see's us following the tracks of the Zebra and Impala for some excellent game viewing.

Meals included:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning you have the chance for a final game drive before heading back to Kampala for our final night in Uganda. We will make a stop at the equator en-route where you will be able to take photographs. The remainder of today is at leisure.We have an optional tours this afternoon to visit the National Museum of Uganda which is generally considered one of the best and oldest in East Africa.

Overnight:

Le Petit Village

Extras and options:

National Museum Tour - This optional tour visits Uganda's National Museum which is considered to be one of the best in East Africa.

Meals included:

Breakfast, Lunch

Today we bid farewell to this unique and interesting country. Our guide will transfer you to Entebbe Airport for your departure.

Extras and options:

Kenya or Tanzania tour extension

Meals included:

Breakfast