$4,463 pp (USD)
2 travelers on Start dateArrival
Arrival
Day 1
Arrival in Entebbe - Shoebill Tracking
Arrival in Entebbe - Shoebill Tracking
After that long flight, you'll be thrilled to have a private driver ready to take you directly to your comfy hotel near the airport. Kick back and relax, grab a nap if you're feeling tired, or if you're ready to start the adventure, there's plenty to do!
Feeling adventurous? We can arrange some awesome extra activities (at an additional cost) for your first day. Visit the lively local markets, explore the zoo, or even take a thrilling boat trip out onto Lake Victoria to track down the incredible shoebill stork! Let us know what sounds exciting, and we'll make it happen.
The afternoon is the perfect time to take that boat trip out onto Lake Victoria. We'll head into the Mabamba swamps with a speedy canoe, searching for that iconic shoebill. It's a birdwatcher's paradise out there, with tons of other amazing birds to spot along the way.
- Main Destination:
- Mabamba Swamp
- Accommodation:
- Papyrus Guest House
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 2
Drive To Kibale Forest
Drive To Kibale Forest
Today's adventure starts early! As the morning sun casts long shadows, we'll leave the bustling capital behind and head west towards the incredible primate capital of Uganda. The drive to Kibale National Park is absolutely breathtaking—imagine rolling hills covered in lush tea plantations with grazing cattle as far as you can see!
We'll stop for a delicious lunch in Fort Portal, a charming town nestled at the foot of the majestic Rwenzori Mountains. Stretch your legs, soak up the views, and then it's onward to your cozy cabin right on the edge of the chimpanzee forest.
As the day cools, you've got options! How about visiting Tinka's homestead for a hands-on cooking experience, learning how to make traditional Ugandan dishes? (Extra cost) Or, if you're feeling wild, let's explore Bigodi Swamp on a nature walk. This community trail is a hidden gem—monkeys swing through the trees, and over 130 incredible bird species call it home.
- Main Destination:
- Kibale National Park (Chimps)
- Accommodation:
- Isunga Lodge
Wildlife in Kibale NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 3
Chimpanzee Tracking - Drive to Queen
Chimpanzee Tracking - Drive to Queen
Wake up with the rainforest! You'll want to be at the visitor center by 7:30 am for your chimp trekking briefing – this is going to be incredible! Kibale is the absolute best place to see chimpanzees in the wild. The dense rainforest is home to over 1500 chimps, plus tons of other fascinating primates.
As you head into the jungle this morning, keep your eyes peeled. You might spot rare L'Hoest's monkeys, playful red colobus, or even a troop of baboons swinging through the trees!
Your group, led by an expert tracker, will follow the signs and sounds of a habituated chimpanzee troop. The anticipation builds with every step – imagine the thrill of hearing their calls echoing through the forest and suddenly spotting them in the trees! It's an experience you'll never, ever forget.
After the chimps, hit the road through Rwenzoris to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
- Main Destination:
- Kibale National Park (Chimps)
- Accommodation:
-
The Bush Lodge (Tent)
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 4
Game Drives & Boat Safari
Game Drives & Boat Safari
Get ready for the magic of an early morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park! As the sun begins to rise, we'll head out into the open grasslands, keeping an eye out for the park's incredible wildlife. You might spot herds of elegant Uganda Kob, lumbering elephants, or even a pride of lions on the hunt. Every moment is an adventure!
After a delicious lunch, we'll embark on an unforgettable boat cruise down the Kazinga Channel. This incredible waterway is absolutely teeming with life – it's home to the world's largest concentration of hippos! You'll see them basking in the sun, along with crocodiles, elephants coming for a drink, and countless beautiful birds soaring overhead. The Kazinga Channel is an absolute must-do on any Ugandan safari.
- Main Destination:
- Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Accommodation:
- The Bush Lodge (Tent)
Wildlife in Queen Elizabeth NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 5
Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Buckle up for a scenic journey today! We'll trade the savannas of Queen Elizabeth for the lush rainforests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – it's roughly a 4-hour drive, but the views are absolutely worth it. Imagine winding roads climbing through the majestic mountains of southwestern Uganda, with emerald valleys and rolling hills stretching as far as the eye can see.
Our destination is the incredible Ichumbi Lodge, nestled right on the edge of the Bwindi forest. Picture charming cottages built with local materials, each one a cozy haven offering breathtaking views of the jungle canopy. Tomorrow, you'll have the once-in-a-lifetime experience of trekking for gorillas – but tonight, relax on your private balcony, listening to the sounds of the rainforest and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
- Main Destination:
- Lake Mutanda
- Accommodation:
- Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 6
The Gorilla Trekking Adventure
The Gorilla Trekking Adventure
Today's the day you've been waiting for! Rise and shine with the rainforest. After a hearty breakfast, it's time for your gorilla trekking briefing. Catch a quick ride from our driver to the trailhead.
Your briefing starts at 7:30 a.m. sharp. You'll join a small group, learn the guidelines for respecting the gorillas, and then it's off into the jungle! Armed rangers will keep you safe, and a skilled tracker will lead the way. The thrill of the search is incredible—you'll follow clues, listen for their calls, and push through the dense undergrowth.
And then, the magic happens. You'll come face-to-face with a mighty silverback and his family! For a whole hour, you'll observe them in their natural habitat. Remember, stay quiet, keep your distance, and savor every second. There's no telling how long the trek will take, but one thing's for sure – it's a day you'll carry with you forever.
- Main Destination:
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorillas)
- Accommodation:
- Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Wildlife in Bwindi NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 7
Batwa Community Trail - Lodge Activities
Batwa Community Trail - Lodge Activities
After the excitement of gorilla trekking, today is all about immersing yourself in the local culture and breathtaking scenery. Start with a fascinating visit to a Batwa village. These indigenous people once called the Bwindi forest home, and you'll learn about their unique way of life and deep connection to the rainforest. The Buniga Forest Walk takes you even deeper, with re-enactments that vividly bring the Batwa's history and traditions to life.
Feeling adventurous? Embark on a 10-km hike through the local communities and stunning terraced hillsides. Or, for a more tranquil experience, opt for a peaceful canoe trip on Lake Mutanda (for an added cost)—the views are simply gorgeous.
As the sun begins to set, it's time for the perfect ending to an incredible day. Head to a spot with 360-degree views of Uganda's wild landscape and sip a sundowner while the sky turns golden. It's an unforgettable way to soak in the beauty of this special place.
- Main Destination:
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Gorillas)
- Accommodation:
- Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 8
Drive to Lake Mburo (Game Drive)
Drive to Lake Mburo (Game Drive)
With the first rays of sunlight warming your face, you'll start the scenic drive back towards the capital. Picture the sunrise casting a magical glow over the lush landscapes as you wind through the hills.
You'll pass through Kabale, a vibrant city nestled in the foothills, and head towards Mbarara. Just outside the city lies a true gem: the Igongo Cultural Center. Step back in time as you explore this fascinating showcase of western Uganda's rich heritage. Enjoy a delicious lunch right at the museum before hopping back in the car for the final leg of your journey – your cozy safari lodge at the edge of Lake Mburo National Park.
While this tiny park might not have big names like elephants or lions, it offers something special: a more intimate and less crowded safari experience. It's teeming with diverse wildlife—zebras, giraffes, hippos, and countless antelope species roam free. Get ready for a unique and unforgettable adventure in this hidden corner of Uganda!
- Main Destination:
- Lake Mburo National Park
- Accommodation:
- Rwakobo Rock Lodge
Wildlife in Lake Mburo NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 9
Game Drive and Boat Cruise
Game Drive and Boat Cruise
Today, get ready to explore Lake Mburo on foot and by water! After a tasty breakfast, you'll set out for a guided nature walk. Keep your eyes peeled as you follow trails through the bush to the famous salt lick. This mineral-rich spot is a magnet for wildlife – imagine seeing zebras, impalas, and maybe even a shy bushbuck gathering to get their fix!
After lunch back at the lodge, it's time for an afternoon game drive. Buckle up as you explore the park's rolling grasslands, spotting herds of zebra, graceful giraffes, and perhaps even a playful troop of baboons.
Then, the adventure continues on Lake Mburo itself! During a relaxing boat ride, soak in the beautiful scenery and keep watch for hippos bobbing in the water, crocodiles basking on the banks, and vibrant birdlife flitting about. It's the perfect way to experience the park from a whole new perspective.
- Main Destination:
- Lake Mburo National Park
- Accommodation:
- Rwakobo Rock Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 10
Bushwalk and Drive to Entebbe
Bushwalk and Drive to Entebbe
Start your last day in Uganda with a magical sunrise bushwalk! Imagine the thrill of walking through the awakening savanna as the first rays of light paint the sky. Breathe in the fresh air and listen to the sounds of the bush – you might spot grazing zebras, a curious warthog, or a colorful bird taking flight.
After breakfast, it's time to pack up and say goodbye to Lake Mburo. Your private driver will take you on the scenic journey back to Entebbe, with a stop in bustling Kampala along the way.
Once in Entebbe, you're welcome to use the facilities at Papyrus Guest House to freshen up before your international flight. Though accommodation for this night isn't included, we're happy to book you a room if you'd like – just let us know!
And with that, your incredible Uganda Primates and wildlife adventure comes to an end. We hope you'll carry the memories of this trip with you for a lifetime!
- Main Destination:
- No major destination visited
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks:
