Tour Overview:
Embark on an exhilarating 12-day Uganda Primates and Wildlife Safari, a journey that takes you deep into the heart of Africa’s diverse landscapes and incredible wildlife encounters. This captivating adventure combines thrilling primate tracking experiences with game drives in some of Uganda’s most iconic national parks. Encounter the endangered mountain gorillas and playful chimpanzees in their natural habitats, explore the lush forests, and witness the abundance of wildlife in savannahs. This safari promises a perfect blend of primate encounters and unforgettable wildlife sightings.
Tour Highlights:
– Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
– Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park.
– Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls National Park.
– Boat cruises on the Kazinga Channel and the Nile River.
– Opportunity to spot various primate species, including monkeys and baboons.
– Rhino tracking in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
– Guided community walks to experience local culture.
– Expert guides providing valuable insights during the tour.
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe, Transfer to Kampala
Your 12-day Uganda Primates and Wildlife Safari commences upon your arrival at Entebbe International Airport in Uganda. Upon landing, you’ll be warmly welcomed by your tour representative who will provide an overview of the upcoming adventure. From Entebbe, you will be transferred to Kampala, the vibrant capital city of Uganda. Check-in to your chosen accommodation, whether it’s luxury hotels like Serena Hotel Kampala, midrange options like Cassia Lodge, or budget-friendly lodges like Red Chilli Hideaway. Each lodging choice ensures a comfortable and immersive experience in the heart of the city.
Day 2: Transfer to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and Murchison Falls National Park
After breakfast in Kampala, set off on a scenic drive to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the only place in Uganda to see rhinos in the wild. Embark on a thrilling rhino tracking experience, guided by experienced rangers who will lead you to the rhino families and provide insights into rhino conservation efforts.
Continue your journey to Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda’s largest national park, and check-in to your chosen accommodation, surrounded by the beauty of the savannah. You have the option to select luxury lodges like Paraa Safari Lodge, midrange camps like Murchison River Lodge, or budget-friendly lodges like Fort Murchison Lodge. Each accommodation choice offers stunning views of the Nile River or the park’s landscapes.
Day 3: Game Drive and Boat Cruise in Murchison Falls National Park
Start the day with an early morning game drive in the park’s northern sector. Led by experienced rangers, seek out the park’s diverse wildlife, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, and various antelope species. Murchison Falls National Park is also a birder’s paradise, with over 450 bird species, making it an excellent destination for birdwatching.
In the afternoon, embark on a boat cruise on the Nile River to the base of the Murchison Falls. Witness the breathtaking sight of the Nile squeezing through a narrow gorge and cascading down to create the world-famous Murchison Falls. The boat cruise is also an opportunity to spot numerous hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birdlife along the riverbanks.
Day 4: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
Bid farewell to Murchison Falls National Park and continue your journey to Kibale Forest National Park, renowned for its diverse primate population, including the playful chimpanzees. The drive will take you through verdant landscapes and rural communities, offering glimpses of local life and agriculture.
Arrive at Kibale Forest National Park and check-in to your chosen accommodation, surrounded by the lush greenery of the forest. You have the option to select luxury lodges like Kyaninga Lodge, midrange options like Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse, or budget-friendly lodges like Isunga Lodge. Each accommodation choice provides a comfortable and immersive experience in the heart of the forest.
Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest National Park
Today is another thrilling day of your safari – the chimpanzee tracking experience in Kibale Forest National Park. After an early breakfast, head to the park’s visitor center, where experienced guides will brief you on the rules and guidelines for tracking the chimpanzees.
Embark on an exhilarating trek through the dense forest, following the calls and signs of the chimpanzees. Kibale Forest is home to one of the highest concentrations of chimpanzees in the world, and the chances of encountering them are high. Along the way, you may also spot other primates, such as red colobus monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and baboons, adding to the diversity of your wildlife experience.
Once you find the chimpanzee family, spend a delightful hour observing these playful creatures as they swing from the trees, groom each other, and display their unique behaviors. This close encounter with our closest relatives in the animal kingdom is a truly unforgettable experience.
In the afternoon, enjoy a guided nature walk in Kibale Forest, exploring its remarkable flora and fauna. Your knowledgeable guide will share insights into the forest ecosystem, pointing out various plant and animal species that contribute to the park’s rich biodiversity.
Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Bid farewell to Kibale Forest National Park and continue your journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most diverse and wildlife-rich reserves. The drive will take you through picturesque landscapes and rural communities, offering glimpses of local life and agriculture.
Arrive at Queen Elizabeth National Park and check-in to your chosen accommodation, surrounded by the natural beauty of the park. You have the option to select luxury lodges like Mweya Safari Lodge, midrange retreats like Parkview Safari Lodge, or budget-friendly options like Simba Safari Camp. Each accommodation choice provides a comfortable and immersive experience amidst nature.
Day 7: Game Drive and Boat Cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Start the day with an early morning game drive in the park’s Kasenyi plains, renowned for its lion sightings. The plains are home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and various bird species. Keep a keen eye out for lions as they are often seen roaming the plains during the early hours.
After the game drive, return to your lodge for breakfast before embarking on a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. The channel is a haven for diverse birdlife, hippos, and numerous wildlife species that come to its banks to drink and bathe. Enjoy the serenity of the channel’s waters as you glide along, taking in the breathtaking scenery and wildlife.
Day 8: Experiential lion and leopard tracking and Transfer to Bwindi.
On this day, experience another exhilarating game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Later continue for famous tree-climbing lions. This unique phenomenon sees the lions resting on tree branches during the day, providing a remarkable sight for wildlife enthusiasts.
After the game drive, continue your journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas. The drive will take you through picturesque landscapes and rural communities, offering glimpses of local life and agriculture.
Arrive at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and check-in to your chosen accommodation, surrounded by the beauty of the forest. You have the option to select luxury lodges like Mahogany Springs Lodge, midrange camps like Gorilla Valley Lodge, or budget-friendly options like Buhoma Community Rest Camp. Each accommodation choice ensures a comfortable stay amidst the lush surroundings of the forest.
Day 9: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Today is the most anticipated day of your safari – the Gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi! Wake up early in the morning for a hearty breakfast before meeting with your experienced guides and trackers. They will provide essential information about gorilla trekking etiquette and safety precautions before leading you on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Embark on a trek through the dense forest, accompanied by expert guides who will share their knowledge about the flora and fauna of the park. The duration of the trek can vary depending on the location of the gorilla family, but the experience of walking through this ancient forest is awe-inspiring in itself.
Once you encounter the gorilla family, you’ll spend a magical hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Watch them interact, play, and groom each other, all under the watchful eye of the silverback, the dominant male of the group. The encounter is both humbling and exhilarating, leaving you with a profound appreciation for these magnificent creatures and their conservation.
After the trek, return to your accommodation and take time to relax and reflect on the incredible experience you’ve just had. Enjoy a well-deserved rest and relish the serene ambiance of Bwindi.
Day 10: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
Bid farewell to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and head to the next captivating destination – Lake Bunyonyi. The drive will take you through verdant landscapes and rural communities, offering glimpses of local life and agriculture.
Arrive at Lake Bunyonyi, a stunning and serene lake surrounded by lush terraced hills. Check-in to your chosen accommodation, whether it’s luxury lodges like BirdNest@LakeBunyonyi, midrange retreats like Bunyonyi Overland Resort, or budget-friendly options like Arcadia Cottages. Each accommodation choice offers breathtaking views of the lake and a tranquil setting.
Day 11: Relaxation and Cultural Experience at Lake Bunyonyi
Enjoy a leisurely day at Lake Bunyonyi, known as the “Place of Many Little Birds.” This picturesque lake is a perfect place for relaxation and unwinding amidst nature. You can choose to take a boat ride on the lake to explore its 29 islands, each with its unique story and significance. Alternatively, you can engage in various activities such as swimming, birdwatching, or nature walks around the lake.
In the afternoon, immerse in the cultural heritage of the area with a guided community walk. Learn about the traditions, customs, and daily life of the local communities living around Lake Bunyonyi. This cultural experience provides valuable insights into the region’s rich cultural diversity.
Day 12: Transfer back to Entebbe, Departure
On the final day of your Uganda Primates and Wildlife Safari, bid farewell to Lake Bunyonyi and begin your journey back to Entebbe. The drive back offers more picturesque views and the chance to observe local village life as you pass through the scenic countryside.
Upon reaching Entebbe, your captivating 12-day safari comes to an end. If you have an evening flight or plan to stay in Entebbe for another night, you may have time to explore the city or relax by Lake Victoria before your departure.
Inclusions:
– Gorilla trekking permits.
– Chimpanzee tracking permits.
– Accommodation as per selected category (luxury, midrange, or budget).
– Meals as specified in the itinerary.
– Boat cruises on the Nile River and the Kazinga Channel.
– Rhino tracking in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
– Ground transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle.
– Services of an experienced English-speaking driver/guide.
– Bottled water during the safari.
– All park entry fees and activities.
Exclusions:
– International airfares.
– Visa fees and travel insurance.
– Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary.
– Personal expenses (e.g., souvenirs, tips, laundry, etc.).
How to Get There:
To embark on your Uganda Primates and Wildlife Safari, book a flight to Entebbe International Airport (EBB) in Uganda. Entebbe is well-connected with major international airports worldwide. Upon arrival at Entebbe, your tour representative will meet you at the airport and guide you through the entire safari itinerary. The road journey from Entebbe to Murchison Falls National Park will take approximately 5-6 hours, while the drive from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to Entebbe will take around 8-9 hours. After the safari, you can return to Entebbe to catch your international flight or stay for an additional night before departing.
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