Embark on an immersive 8-Day Great Apes of Uganda Tour, venturing through the lush, tropical landscapes of the Pearl of Africa. This unforgettable journey brings you up close with Uganda’s vibrant primate communities—from the playful Chimpanzees of Kibale to the majestic Mountain Gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Throughout this 8-day tour, you’ll gain a profound, authentic connection with Uganda’s incredible wildlife, immersing yourself in the country’s natural beauty and learning about the delicate balance of its ecosystems. You’ll also discover the vital conservation efforts working to preserve these endangered species, making this adventure not only thrilling but deeply meaningful.
SUMMARY.
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe
Day 2: Kampala- Kibale Forest National Park
Day 3: Chimp Trekking and Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
Day 4: Kibale Forest- Bwindi Forest National Park
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking at Bwindi National Park
Day 6: Transfer back to Entebbe
Day 7: Ngamba Island Sanctuary- Chimp Feeding Session
Day 8: Departure
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe Airport
Upon your arrival in Entebbe, a friendly company representative will warmly welcome you and transfer you to the Boma Guest House. Nestled in tranquil surroundings, you’ll have the chance to unwind in the peaceful ambiance of the hotel’s lush gardens. After settling in, enjoy a delightful dinner, setting the perfect tone for your unforgettable Ugandan adventure.
Day 2: Kampala- Kibale Forest National Park
Begin your adventure in Kampala, then journey westward towards the enchanting town of Fort Portal. As you travel through the scenic landscapes, keep an eye out for playful black-and-white colobus monkeys, baboons, and other primates that thrive in the treetops. Enjoy a delightful lunch stop in Fort Portal, a charming town known for its breathtaking views of the Mountains of the Moon and the vast tea plantations that stretch across the hills. From here, continue on your journey to the lush, tropical paradise of Kibale National Park, where you’ll dive deep into the heart of the forest, surrounded by nature’s beauty.
Accommodation and Meals at Turaco Treetops Lodge.
Day 3: Chimp Trekking and Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary.
Start your day with an early breakfast at 6:30 am, followed by a short 10-minute walk to the park headquarters for your briefing session at 7:30 am. Today’s adventure takes you into the heart of Kibale Forest, one of East Africa’s prime destinations for primate encounters. Embark on a guided nature walk through the lush, tropical rainforest in search of the wild chimpanzees, as well as other fascinating primates like the red-tailed monkeys and black-and-white colobus monkeys. Once you spot the chimpanzees, you’ll spend an unforgettable hour observing them as they go about their daily activities, offering you a rare glimpse into their natural world. After a delicious lunch, head to the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Enjoy a 4.5 km guided walk through this vibrant wildlife corridor in Kibale Forest, which takes about 3 hours. Known as the Home of the Great Blue Turaco and the Papyrus Gonolek, this sanctuary is a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 200 species, including Hornbills, Turacos, Parrots, and Kingfishers. The sanctuary also shelters 8 primate species, including the Black and White Colobus, Red Colobus, Red Tailed Monkey, Grey Cheeked Mangabey, Olive Baboon, L’hoest Monkey, Vervet Monkey, and Blue Monkey, making it an unforgettable wildlife experience.
Day 4: Kibale Forest – Bwindi Forest National Park
After breakfast, depart for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, the home of the majestic Mountain Gorillas. Enjoy a picnic lunch along the way as you traverse the scenic landscapes, and arrive in the evening, ready to settle in and unwind.
Accommodation and Meals at Mwebesa House.
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest.
Rise early today and prepare for the crown jewel of your safari—a life-changing encounter with the majestic mountain gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest! After a hearty breakfast, head to the national park offices where you’ll be assigned to a gorilla family in Group 8, accompanied by an experienced gorilla tracking guide. Before embarking on your trek, your guide will provide a thorough briefing, covering essential safety guidelines, fascinating insights into gorilla behavior, and details about your designated gorilla family. With this information in hand, you’ll begin your trek at the trailhead, ready for the adventure of a lifetime. The trek itself can be physically demanding, with long distances, steep inclines, and occasionally muddy trails. The weather in Bwindi is unpredictable, and rain may add an extra challenge. Trekking time varies, ranging from 2 to 8 hours or more. You’ll carry a packed lunch to keep you energized along the way. The true magic of the day comes when you spot the gorillas. You’ll have the extraordinary privilege of spending one hour with them, observing their every move in their natural habitat, creating memories that will last a lifetime. After this unforgettable experience, hike back to the starting point, where a transfer will take you back to the lodge. Enjoy a refreshing shower, well-earned relaxation, and a delicious dinner, reflecting on the incredible encounter you just had.
Day 6: Transfer Back to Entebbe
After a delightful breakfast, begin your journey back to Entebbe, with an intriguing stop at the Equator. Here, you’ll witness a fascinating water flow demonstration, highlighting the unique interaction between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres—a perfect opportunity for a memorable photo. Enjoy a delicious lunch en route, then continue your journey to the charming Boma Guest House, where comfort and relaxation await.
Day 7: Ngamba Island Sanctuary- Chimp Feeding Session
After a delightful breakfast, embark on an exciting 45-minute boat ride across the sparkling waters to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Upon arrival, step into the visitor’s center, where you’ll be warmly introduced to the sanctuary’s incredible story—its mission, history, and the remarkable chimpanzee residents who call it home. At 9:00 am, experience the joy of witnessing the chimpanzee feeding session. This heartwarming moment allows you to connect with the sanctuary’s cause and observe the chimps up close as they enjoy their meal. After lunch, take time to explore the sanctuary further—browse the island’s gift shop for meaningful keepsakes or enjoy a serene bird-watching session surrounded by the island’s lush beauty. As the afternoon draws to a close, head back to the mainland and unwind at the charming Boma Guest House, where you can relax and reflect on the day’s unforgettable experiences.
Day 8: Departure
After breakfast, head back to the mainland for your onward flight back home, marking the end of your unforgettable 8-Day Great Apes of Uganda Tour. Take with you lasting memories of your incredible encounters with Uganda’s primates, its rich wildlife, and the beauty of the Pearl of Africa. Safe travels!
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PACKAGE RATES
| PRICE PPS BASED ON GROUP OF 6 PAX | USD 3,595 |
| SRS | USD 546 |
PACKAGE INCLUSIONS:
Accommodation:
- 1 Night Stay at Boma Guest House on B/B
- 2 Nights Stay at Turaco Treetops Lodge on F/B
- 2 Nights Stay at Mwebesa House on F/B
- 2 Nights Stay at Boma Guest House on B/B
- Meals on Full Board (Lunch, Dinner & Breakfast) Per Night while on Safari.
NOTE: We may provide similar hotels based on availability.
Activities & Extras
- Bottled Water in Jeep & Rooms as per the hotel policy.
- Professional English-Speaking Guide
- All Park Entry Fees
- All Activities Mentioned on the day to day Itinerary.
- Transport in a 4WD Toyota Land Cruiser.
- Gorilla Trekking Permits
- Chimpanzee Trekking Permits
- Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Feeding Session
- Nature walks
Excluded:
- International Airfares;
- Excess baggage charges
- Ugandan Entry Visa Fees
- Shopping charges for Curios and Crafts
- International Airport Departure Taxes
- Optional activities unless specified as included
- Any other services not expressly shown in the itinerary or indicated as include
