Primates & Predators

7 days—Uganda in Depth

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$10800 USD

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Safari summary

Trek up the mountains in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to find the magnificent silverback gorillas and their families. Also, venture out on safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park in search of the Big 4.

Uganda, the "Pearl of Africa," is considered one of the most beautiful countries in Africa. Uganda is situated where the savanna of East Africa meets the volcanic mountains, rainforests and the waters of Lake Victoria. It is where the (White) Nile pushes its way through Murchison Falls. If time permits, spend more time in this beautiful country.

One of the most awe-inspiring experiences in Africa is visiting with the Mountain Gorillas. This journey centers on the gorilla trek. Travel into the lush forest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to view a gorilla family at close range. Watch as the Silverbacks play with their teenagers and babies cling to their mothers. You will amaze at how very much like us they are. It is the one species that you will feel a real connection. A trek can be from one to four hours and at altitudes over 7500 feet above sea level. Once the family is located, observe them for approximately one hour. Then trek back down to base camp after one of the most fascinating days of your life!

Uganda is more than just gorillas - time permitting, visit more of the country.

Chimpanzee Encounter – Kibale Forest and Kyambura Gorge are home to chimps. The primates are tree dwellers and extremely playful. Sightings are more of a distance than gorillas.

Big Four Safari – Queen Elizabeth National Park offers a premier "Big Four" safari featuring lion, elephant, leopard, and buffalo. Key highlights include Kazinga Channel boat trips for hippos and crocodiles, plus chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge.

Cultural Interactions – home to over 50 ethnic groups from the Batwa pygmies near Bwindi to the Karamojong in the northeast part of the country, travelers can engage directly with the locals and learn about their music, dance and local traditions.

ACCESSIBILITY
Arrangements can be made for all those who wish to see the gorillas. Gorilla tracking is physically demanding, especially for those with physical challenges. Seeing the gorillas is still possible. We can pre-arrange for what is called a "sedan chair" that porters will carry you into the gorilla sighting. Carriers are available in Rwanda and Uganda, but the chairs tend to be more comfortable in Uganda.

GORILLA FAMILIES & PERMITS
Gorilla trekking permits are highly regulated with approximately 1,050 mountain gorillas left in the wild. Of that, there are approximately 40 habituated gorilla families in Uganda and Rwanda that can be visited. Permits require booking months in advance, especially for the high demand seasons (June-August, December-February).

About this tour

	Tour type	Custom, tailor-made, private
	Main focus	None
	Activity level	Strenuous activity
	Best months	June, July, August, September, October
	Countries	Uganda
	Parks	Bwindi Impenetrable Kibale Queen Elizabeth

Fine details

Safari highlights

Hiking | trekking
Primate trekking

What’s included?

Accommodation
Airport transfers
Internal flights
Meals
Park fees
Private vehicle and driver

What’s not included?

Hot air balloons
International flights
Premium alcoholic beverages
Spa treatments
Tips and gratuities
Visas

Itinerary

Day 01 - Entebbe

Touch down in Entebbe! Our local representative will meet you outside of customs & immigration and assist you with your luggage, then escort you by private transfer to your hotel for the evening. Get a good night’s sleep - your adventure begins in the morning!

Day 02

Kibale

After breakfast, a short flight will take you deeper into Uganda and out to the Kibale Forest area. Kibale Forest National Park is the natural habitat to a number of forest wildlife, most especially 13 amazing species of primates coupled with chimpanzees and contains the highest primate density of any area on Earth.

Day 03 - Chimpanzee Trek

Kibale

This morning, meet your local trackers who will take you to explore Kibale Forest National Park on a chimpanzee trek. Although chimp sightings are not guaranteed, the odds are good (90%). The walking is fairly easy due to the well-maintained trails and reasonably flat terrain. After lunch, you will set off on a second afternoon chimpanzee trek in search of more of these beautiful creatures.

Day 04

Queen Elizabeth

Continue with your guide to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The drive passes through Fort Portal and then south along the eastern length of the Rwenzori Mountains, before descending into the Great African Rift Valley and the Park. You will explore the park and its wonders on a game drive. Then you’ll experience a boat trip of about two hours on the Kasinga Channel to view one of the largest concentrations of hippo in the world.

Day 05

Bwindi Impenetrable

Today you’ll drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park to the Ishasha region, taking a game drive en-route in search of tree-climbing lion and other game. This afternoon the drive continues to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) passing through the scenic area known as The Switzerland of East Africa. The driving today is about 5 1/2 hours, plus the game drive.

Day 06 - Gorilla Trek

Bwindi Impenetrable

After breakfast, drive to Park Headquarters and meet with local guides/trackers who will give a talk on the etiquette of gorilla trekking. You’ll then hike into the forest where the gorillas were seen the night before and track from that point. Trekking can take 1-6 hrs and climb to altitudes in excess of 7,500 ft. Once the gorillas are located all fatigue is forgotten, as the experience is often described as being the most profound natural history experience in the world.