Venture forth on an independent journey to see habituated chimpanzee at Kibale National Park, glimpse tree- climbing lions at Queen Elizabeth National Park and track endangered mountain gorilla in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Travel with your private party on this Luxury Tailor Made Journey, departing when you choose and with expert local guides leading the way; you can even customize the itinerary to your interests.
Detailed itinerary
DAY 1: Arrival at Entebbe, Karibu Uganda!
Arrive in Entebbe and transfer to your hotel. Nicknamed the “Pearl of Africa,” Uganda shines with stunning greenery, deep lakes, soaring mountains and perhaps the greatest natural treasure of all — half of the world’s last remaining mountain gorilla population.
DAY 2: Transfer to Kibale National Park
Take a scenic drive through rolling hills dotted with tea estates to Kibale National Park, one of the most varied tracts of tropical forest in Uganda. Known for its 300-bird species and population of chimpanzee, Kibale is home to 11 primate species. You may also spot mangabey and a vast array of butterfly. Arrive at your lodge amid Lake Kyaninga and the Mountains of the Moon.
DAY 3: Chimpanzee trekking & Bigodi Community walk
Rise early this morning and make the short drive to the start of your chimpanzee trek. The chimpanzee feed high in the trees, so binoculars are a must. Barks of baboon occasionally pierce the forest silence as you make your way along the trail. Return to the lodge for lunch. Afterward, enjoy time free to indulge in one of the many activities on offer at the lodge, such as a guided walk round the crater rim.
DAY 4: Ndali-Kasenda Crater drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Travel from Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park, home to a wide array of wildlife, including elephant, hippo, buffalo and baboon. Offering magnificent views of the rift valley, it is also known for its tree-climbing lion. Upon arrival at your camp, take in fantastic park vistas and views of the Rwenzori Mountains.
DAY 5: Guided Game drives & Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
Set out on morning and evening game drives in this majestic national park. Because the region occupies the main migration corridor between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, prolific plains game resides here, including topi and Uganda Kobs, as well as buffalo, hippo and some of the largest herds of elephant in the country. Spotted hyena is common, and leopard occasionally glimpsed.
DAY 6: Transfer game drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Take a game drive as you leave the park, with views of farmlands and local villages. Check in to your camp, the only one located within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From this luxurious home base, set off on gorilla treks to track down these magnificent mammals at their most natural, a rare sight experienced by only the most fortunate. An even luckier few might see these placid creatures passing through the Gorilla Forest Camp, as there are no barriers, redefining any close encounter you have ever had with wildlife.
DAY 7: Gorilla Trekking at Bwindi and Batwa Cultural Experience
Today after an early breakfast, you will be transferred to the park headquarters for a briefing about gorilla tracking. You will encounter one of Bwindi’s endangered mountain gorillas. For most people, this is the absolute highlight of their tour in Uganda. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park boasts both mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, the only forest in Africa that can make this claim. It also hosts five other species of primates, 113 species of mammals, over 200 species of butterflies, and 360 species of birds. The gorillas you track are habituated and can tolerate the presence of humans for a brief period, every day. The time taken to track the gorillas can be as few as 2 hours to as many as 7 hours. Once the gorillas have been located, your group will be allowed a maximum of one hour with them. Coming face-to-face with a mountain gorilla is a truly humbling and emotional experience.
In the afternoon visit the rural Batwa Village and experience the culture and history of one of Africa’s oldest tribes. On your tour you will visit their rural village and community Centre and can participate in the Batwa Heritage cultural walk to gain insight into their traditional life as hunter gatherers in the forest.
Day 8: Gorilla Trekking Experience and Relaxation at the Lodge
You’ll embark on a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, immersing yourself in the enchanting world of mountain gorillas. Accompanied by knowledgeable guides and trackers, you’ll journey deep into the heart of the forest in search of these gentle giants. As you trek through dense vegetation and rugged terrain, the anticipation builds until you finally encounter a gorilla family in their natural habitat. You’ll witness these magnificent creatures up close and observe their social interactions and behaviors.
After the exhilaration of gorilla trekking, you’ll return to your lodge for a well-deserved relaxation. Nestled amidst the tranquil surroundings of Bwindi, your lodge offers the perfect sanctuary to unwind and reflect on the day’s adventure. You’ll indulge in delicious meals, rejuvenate with a spa treatment, or simply soak in the natural beauty of the forest from the comfort of your luxurious accommodation.
DAY 9: DEPART ENTEBBE
Fly to Entebbe, with use of a dayroom until your connecting flight. End of 9 Days Tailor Made Uganda Realm of the Primate with Nyumbu Beyond Journeys