Uganda Gorilla and Chimp Safari
Uganda Gorilla and Chimp Safari
Uganda Gorilla and Chimp Safari
11 Days Starting in Kampala and ending in Entebbe Airport
Visiting: Kampala, Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi National Park, Lake Bunyonyi, Lake Mburo, Entebbe
Tour operator:
Tour code:
UG
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 12
Age range:
16-
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
A once in a lifetime chance to experience the ultimate wildlife encounter: to get up close and personal with the endangered mountain gorilla in their natural habitat, Bwindi national park. Plus opportunities to track chimps and take game drives, this is a perfect trip for wildlife lovers.
Kibale National Park - Spend a day tracking chimpanzees through the jungle; as well as the chance to spot another 13 species of primate including the Ugandan red colobus
Queen Elizabeth National Park - Safari through Uganda's finest reserve in search of lion, elephant and buffalo
Kazinga Channel - Take an exhilarating cruise looking out for hippo, crocodile, elephant and birdlife
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Join Trip In Kampala
Location: Kampala
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Cassia Lodge
Arrive in Kampala, the capital of Uganda, bordered by one of the African Great Lakes; Lake Victoria.
For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 5pm for the welcome meeting and after there will be the opportunity to have dinner at our lodge overlooking Lake Victoria. There are no other activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Kampala at any time. If you would like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Entebbe International Airport (EBB), which is 45 minutes from our accommodation. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.
If your flight arrives earlier in the day, you might choose to relax by the outdoor pool or on the terrace overlooking Lake Victoria. Our lodge is on the outskirts of Kampala city, so if you'd like to explore the city in more depth the lodge can give advice and assist with arranging a taxi.
Day 2: Drive To Kibale Rainforest
Location: Kibale Forest
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Turaco Tree Tops Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast we will depart Kampala and head west to Fort Portal. On your way look out for black and white colobus monkeys as many of these primates are hiding in trees along the road. Fort Portal rests in the shadow of the fabled Mountains of the Moon and is famous for the many tea plantations. From this lovely town we will continue to Kibale National Park for a stay within the tropical forest.
Day 3: Chimp Trek In Kibale Followed By A Swamp Walk Through The Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
Location: Kibale Forest
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Turaco Tree Tops Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today the forest opens its doors for sensational chimp tracking. Kibale Forest is reputable for having the greatest variety and highest concentration of primates in East Africa. Before we head off, we stop at Café Kibale, a community café that aims to train people from the local community in hospitality, barista training, food handling and service. Since its launch in June 2022 10 students have joined and the café is buzzing! We stop here for a coffee or snack to help support this wonderful community initiative. Then enjoy a guided nature walk in the tropical rainforest in search of the wild chimpanzee, redtailed monkey, black and white colobus monkey and many others. After lunch we transfer to Bigodi for a complete different walk. Here you will have the choice to join a guided Swamp Walk through the Wetland Sanctuary, which is famous for the many birds and primates that live in this area. Alternatively, you may decide to go for a Village Walk. Accompanied by a guide who can tell you everything about the traditional customs and lifestyle of the inhabitants, you will follow the village path and visit a primary school, Catholic church, traditional homesteads, learn about the crops and listen to the story telling of a Mzee (elderly man). Both activities are an initiative of the inhabitants of Bigodi Village and the revenues are shared by the local community (you can choose which activity to join locally. This is included in the package). Please note we might have to split the group for the chimp trek (morning and afternoon trek).Enjoy a guided nature walk in the tropical rainforest in search of the wild chimpanzee, redtailed monkey, black and white colobus monkey and many others. After lunch we transfer to Bigodi for a complete different walk. Here you will have the choice to join a guided Swamp Walk through the Wetland Sanctuary, which is famous for the many birds and primates that live in this area. Alternatively, you may decide to go for a Village Walk. Accompanied by a guide who can tell you everything about the traditional customs and lifestyle of the inhabitants, you will follow the village path and visit a primary school, Catholic church, traditional homesteads, learn about the crops and listen to the story telling of a Mzee (elderly man). Both activities are an initiative of the inhabitants of Bigodi Village and the revenues are shared by the local community (you can choose which activity to join locally. This is included in the package). Please note we might have to split the group for the chimp trek (morning and afternoon trek).
Day 4: Day Walk At The Foothills Of The Rwenzori Mountains And Transfer To Queen Elizabeth National Park
Location: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Enganzi Game Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today you can enjoy the majestic Rwenzori Mountains in their full glory on a guided walk in the foothills of the 'Mountains of the Moon'. As well as enjoying the scenic views, we will get a glimpse into local village life and meet some of the locals and visit a waterfall. After this walk we transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, where we spend the next two nights.
Day 5: Game Drive Queen Elizabeth National Park; Kazinga Channel River Cruise.
Location: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Enganzi Game Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The day begins early when we start with a morning game drive and head to the mating ground of the Ugandan kobs. We search for lion, elephant, buffalo and other animals in their natural habitat before returning for lunch.
In the afternoon we take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural channel between Lake Edward and Lake George. Thanks to the abundant birdlife as well as the herds of elephants, buffaloes and hundreds of hippos that are cooling off at the shores, this cruise will be one of the highlights of your tour.
Day 6: Short Game Drive In The Ishasha Sector; Transfer To Bwindi National Park
Location: Bwindi National Park
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Haven Lodge and Rest Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast we head towards the south, passing the southern sector of the National Park (if road conditions allow). This part is called Ishasha and is famous for the tree climbing lions. After a short game drive in this area we continue to Bwindi. While driving through a verdant countryside, you will pass traditional homesteads and enjoy panoramic views. In the afternoon we will arrive in Bwindi National Park, the home of the endangered mountain gorillas.
Day 7: Gorilla Trek
Location: Bwindi National Park
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Haven Lodge and Rest Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today you'll experience what some people define a life changing event: a meeting with the gentle giants of Bwindi! Expect to walk a long distance in steep and muddy conditions, sometimes with rain overhead, before you encounter any gorillas. But it will definitely be worthwhile as you observe them closely while they eat, play and rest, a unique and unforgettable experience! Unfortunately, Mountain gorillas (as opposed to Lowland gorillas) are one of the world's most endangered species so the entrance and gorilla tracking fees revenue generated from tourism in protected parks such as Bwindi, offer them their only chance of survival. Distinct from their cousins who live in the open spaces and lowland forests of West Africa, Mountain gorillas are found at an altitude of between 1520m and 3650m. Gentle giants and vegetarians, they are normally peaceful unless provoked. Our groups have been rewarded with the thrill of very close encounters.
Day 8: Nature Walk And Time At Leisure In Bwindi
Location: Bwindi National Park
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Haven Lodge and Rest Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today you have the option of joining a guided nature/village walk to explore the surroundings of Bwindi. Due to availability issues, we often will have to split the group in 2 for the gorilla trek. Those who didn't take part on the gorilla trek on day 7 will be going on trek today.
Day 9: Drive To Lake Mburo, Night Safari In Search Of Leopard
Location: Lake Bunyonyi
Accommodation: Bungalow
Accommodation Name: Rwakobo Rock Safari Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast we leave the forest of Bwindi behind and head to Lake Mburo National Park, the smallest game park in Uganda. Although small, Mburo is home to 68 different species of mammal including leopard, hyena and buffalo. This area is one of the only places in Uganda where you will find zebra. The scenic drive to Mburo will take around 6 hours, through small villages, coffee and banana plantations and rolling hills. We will stop for lunch and to stretch our legs at Igongo Cultural Centre in Mbarara. Upon arrival at Mburo we check into our accommodation, which has spectacular panoramic views over the plains. It's the ideal spot in which to enjoy our last two nights of the tour. After the sun has set we head out for a very special game drive in search of leopard. Although rare, Lake Mburo National Park is the best place in Uganda to see the leopard, especially during night game drives. Wildlife sightings can't be guaranteed, on average 7 out of every 10 groups are lucky enough see them.
Day 10: Morning Walking Safari, Afternoon Optional Boat Safari On Lake Mburo
Location: Lake Mburo
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Rwakobo Rock Safari Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lake Mburo is the only national park in Uganda where you can experience a safari on foot due to the absence of lion and elephant. After breakfast we walk out on to the plains with our guide from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. We spend around two hours exploring the African wilderness and should see giraffe, zebra, impala and numerous bird species as well as learning about the local flora such as acacia and papyrus. After lunch you have the opportunity to take a boat trip on Lake Mburo in search of more birds including kingfisher, fishing eagle and white-winged warbler. As well as birds we hope to see hippo, crocodile and buffalo.
Day 11: Drive To Entebbe Where The Tour Ends
Location: Entebbe
Meals Included: Breakfast
Departing Lake Mburo at 7.30am this morning we'll drive for around six hours along the way, back to Entebbe. We'll arrive into Entebbe around 1.30pm and depending on your flight time your leader will take you directly to the airport or to a chosen guesthouse where we have arranged communal day rooms for those on late flights. The dayrooms are available until 9pm and will be shared between 3 people, if you'd like your own dayroom you can enquire about this and pay directly to the guesthouse.
The earliest your flight can depart Entebbe International Airport (EBB) is 4pm.
What's Included
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Fully Guided
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Accommodation
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All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
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Airport Transfers at Destination
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Game Drives on Safari
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Meals – Full Board
Breakfast: 10
Lunch: 7
Dinner: 9
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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Country Entry Visas
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1 bottle of Mineral Water per person per day
Why Book this Tour
This tour is perfect for travellers who are seeking the ultimate wildlife encounter, coming face to face with the mountain gorilla. Though the real highlight of this tour is the people and colours of Uganda; every day you come across smiling, friendly people with a backdrop of green vegetation and vibrant forest. This is not the Africa that you see on television, but a land of hope, promise and full of life.
Meals
Breakfasts: 10
Lunches: 7
Dinners: 9
Check out our Q&As
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What is the maximum group size?
12
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
Yes
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
1 nights comfortable bungalow
4 nights comfortable lodge
5 nights premium lodge -
Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
No
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Trasnfers are included on the first and the last day of the trip
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
Moderate
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes
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I'm going on a walking/cycling trip-do I need to train?
It will depend on the grade and how fit you already are. Check the trip page for details of the walking or cycling grade and how far you’ll be walking/cycling each day. For moderate or challenging trips in particular we’d recommend doing some walks or cycles before you leave to build up your fitness and prepare you for the distances being covered.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have a wide range of ages nationalities on our small group trips and they come from all walks of life.
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Should I get travel insurance?
Yes–it is a condition of booking that you are fully insured when travelling with us
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How long has the tour company been trading?
At Explore, we're the experts in adventure travel. Our small group adventure holidays have been running since 1981. Today, Explore is one of the most trusted travel companies in the UK with over 500 trips to more than 120 countries.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, but there are no concessions for doing so, and we must have a record in your booking advising as such before the trip departs.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Being a responsible company is a large statement, something that has to be entwined within the very fibre of a company. Discover the charities and partnerships we support as part of this at https://www.explore.co.uk/about/sustainability/charities-and-partners
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
We want to be as clear as and as honest as possible about what happens if you decide to that you no longer wish to travel on your trip. Our booking conditions have details of the costs you’ll incur when you cancel-these charges depend on how long it is before your planned departure.
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What is the accommodation like?
We choose comfortable accommodation in the best locations possible. We opt for small, local and family-run accommodation where we can, as opposed to large chain hotels. We typically use hotels that are the equivalent of European 3-star, and you’ll usually have an en suite room. Occasionally, where we want to get off the beaten trail we may stay in more basic accommodation.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Sustainability is embedded within the fibre of Explore, it emanates from the inside out. But as we enter a new decade it is clearer than ever that our world needs help, and Explore has created a sustainability strategy based on the 2015 UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Our flexible booking and safety policies mean you're protected before and during your travels with us. Receive a full refund if your trip is cancelled, transfer your trip free of charge up to 10 days before departure minus any irrocoverable costs.
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Do I need to be very fit to book with you?
All our trips require some level of active participation. This could be on a cultural trip, trek, safari, expedition or voyage. It is in the interests of all members of the group that everyone should be capable of fully participating in the activities of their chosen trip.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Final documents will include a comprehensive trip itinerary, climate and country information, budgeting and packing advice visa and passport information and details on optional activities available.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes on most of our trips. Most trips are based on customers sharing twin-bedded rooms. If you book a group trip as an individual, you will share a room with someone of the same sex. However, on many trips we offer the opportunity to pay a supplement to pre-book a single room, known as our single room option. On some trips a single room will be provided every night, on others it will be provided o
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Do we have to be vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel
It’s now a condition of booking a trip with us that customers should have one of the following before they travel - — Be vaccinated against COVID, having received the full recommended course, and allowing enough time for immunity to take effect. Full vaccination includes any booster required to keep the vaccine valid. — Have taken a negative test (rapid antigen or PCR) within 72hrs of departure.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Explore will only offer hotels that have specific COVID-19 protocols in place and comply with local government guidelines. We will ensure these measures include; enhanced room cleaning, ventilation, social distancing, regular cleaning and disinfection of high frequency touch points in public areas, food safety, staff re-training and minimising contact within the properties.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Explore! allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 70 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Explore! requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of explore! charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 13 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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