Gorilla Tour Booking Safaris

Day 1: Start the Uganda Safari with driving to Kibale National Park, 

Our guide meets you from your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe at 08:00AM (or airport but arriving before 11am). You will get a brief about the holiday experience ahead of you before starting the drive westwards towards Fort Portal to the Kibale Forest National Park (about 5 hours).

Traveling on both asphalt and unpaved roads, you pass through traditional Ugandan villages where you see people at work tending their traditional crops of millet, sorghum, beans and maize. The lush rolling hills of this region provide good photo opportunities.

As you approach Fort Portal in the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains, you enter Uganda's famous tea plantation region. A carpet of green spreads before you, as far as the eye can see, and seems an unusual contrast to the countryside through which you have just passed.

In the afternoon we visit a nearby forest swamp that is excellent for viewing primates and other forest animals. At the Eastern edge of Kibale forest is Bigodi Wetland sanctuary which is maintained by the local community. You will expect birds like the great Blue turaco, blue monkeys, baboons, otters, mongoose, bush bucks, bush pigs and among others. 

You arrive at Fort Portal, then, continue toward Kibale Forest, one of the great African rainforest research reserves.

Accommodation options available (all on full board basis)

Upper Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge | Crater Safari Lodge | Ndali Lodge

Luxury: Primate Lodge Kibale | Papaya Lodge

Moderate: Isunga Lodge | Kibale Forest Camp (ensuite safari tents)

Low Budget: Kibale Forest Camp (Tents)| Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse (ensuite rooms in the main house)

Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale National Park & Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary

Our first big primates encounter on the the Uganda gorilla primate wildlife safari is with the wild but habituated chimpanzees in Kibale National Park this morning. This park also has 11 other primates' species you might encounter on your chimpanzee trek.    

Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale is mostly done along grassy walkways in the jungles but many of these might as well be paved on the day you trek. Although there is no standard as to how long it would take for you to locate the chimpanzees, most trekkers shall usually find them in about 1 hour of trekking in the forest. First you will be walking to where the chimpanzees are known to have spent the previous night and then the location can easily be tracked from there.

When you finally reach their location, you will be guided to the best viewing spots without necessarily causing any disturbance to the chimpanzees. And then you will have one hour to view and photograph the chimpanzees as they go on with their daily routine. Chimpanzees won't be ashamed to do anything despite the presence of humans. In fact, they shall continue feeding normally, playing, socializing, hunting and even copulating, just as if there were no humans watching.

After 1 hour of viewing the chimpanzees, you will be guided to your way back to the park office to link up with your tour guide. As you walk back, be on a careful lookout for the other larger mammal's resident in Kibale Forest. Many chimpanzee trekkers on their way back have encountered herds of elephants and buffalo along. 

Accommodation options available (all on full board basis)

Upper Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge | Crater Safari Lodge | Ndali Lodge

Luxury: Primate Lodge Kibale | Papaya Lodge

Moderate: Isunga Lodge | Kibale Forest Camp (ensuite safari tents)

Low Budget: Kibale Forest Camp (Tents)| Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse (ensuite rooms in the main house)

Day 3: Queen Elizabeth National Park, Crater Lakes Exploring, Viewing Rwenzoris & Game Drives

During the morning, we have time to visit the scenic crater lakes region, checking out the superbly terraced tea estates.

In the south of Fort Portal is Kasenda Crater Lakes region. It sits on the rim of Lake Nyinambuga—the back of the main building looks down over the lake, while the other side of the lodge looks out over another lake in the distance and, further off, the Rwenzori Mountains, which were perpetually shrouded in the clouds, except early in the morning. There’s plenty to do in this area and we can also take an hour’s walk around Lake Nyinambuga.

The time of driving to Queen Elizabeth National Park should be about ±2 hours. If the weather is good with clear skies, you can be able to the Rwenzori mountains as we drive along. The peak of the Rwenzori Mountains is at 16000 ASL and is snow-capped. On clear sky days, the scene is marvelous to partake. In fact, the locals here call it the "Mountains of the Moon".

We shall however continue driving to the park, attempting game safari drives on the tracks on our way to the lodge. The game seen will depend on the season; the Kasenyi plains are good for lion and the Mweya Peninsula for a variety of animals.

This 767-square-mile conservation area is bordered on the north-east by Lake George and on the south-west by Lake Edward; its western border adjoins the Congo Parc du Virunga. You will expect to see teeming herds of impala-like Uganda kob, as well as topi, elephant and lion, giant forest hog, Cape buffalo. There are also several soda lakes filling ancient volcanic calderas where flamingos reside seasonally.

Accommodation options available (all on full board basis)

Upper Luxury: Kasenyi Safari Camp | Kyambura Gorge Lodge | Elephant Plains Lodge | Mazike Safari Lodge

Luxury:  Katara Lodge | Buffalo Safari Lodge

Mid-range or moderate facility: Enganzi Lodge | Bush Lodge (ensuite safari tent)

Budget price: Bush Lodge (tents) | Simba Safari Camp (tents) | Pumba Cottages

Meals included today: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 4: Queen Elizabeth National Park Game Drive & Boat Trip

We set out early in the morning for a game drive in the northern part of the park on the Kasenyi Track in search of lions, elephants, solitary buffaloes. This is the best time for opportunities of viewing the cats in action owing to the vast population of Uganda kobs. We have an excellent chance to view just about every animal here at very close range.

In the afternoon we will go for a launch trip along the Kazinga Channel. This gives you the opportunity to view wildlife up close: hippo’s huff and spray at a mere feet away from the boat, buffalo linger in the shallows. The shores of the channel are also home to an array of birds including pink backed pelicans, pied and malachite kingfishers, saddle billed stork and many others.

Accommodation options available (all on full board basis)

Upper Luxury: Kasenyi Safari Camp | Kyambura Gorge Lodge | Elephant Plains Lodge 

Luxury:  Katara Lodge | Buffalo Safari Lodge

Mid-range or moderate facility: Enganzi Lodge | Bush Lodge (ensuite safari tent)

Budget price: Bush Lodge (tents) | Simba Safari Camp (tents) | Pumba Cottages

Meals included today: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5: Tree climbing lions in Ishasha & Maramagambo Forest Bush Walk

Another early start for a bush walk through the Maramagambo Forest.

This is one of the largest forests in Uganda and forms a habitat for a number of primates and forest dwellers. Due to its location, Maramagambo also has a great diversity of butterflies and birds. The walk culminates in a visit to volcanic caves that are home to thousands of bats. Pythons are often observed in the crevices of the bats cave as they prey on bats. In this walk you will see the picturesque blue lake Kimeranjojo which got its name after swallowing an elephant. Other trails will lead you to the Crater Lake and habitats of the wild chimps and forest birds.

In the afternoon you will proceed to Ishasha Sector. Drive along the deep and wide dry craters that are occupied by savanna grasses and acacia. The drive takes you through the unique western rift valley escarpment and the (southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park) Ishasha sector where you will take on yet another game drive in search of tree climbing lions in the afternoon and evening. 

Accommodation Options (Full Board)

Upper Luxury: Ishasha Wilderness Campsite

Luxury: Ishasha Jungle Lodge

Mid-range: Enjojo Lodge 

Budget:  Enjojo Lodge (in the shared bathroom tent)

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 6: Game drive, Ishasha Tree-climbing Lions, Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park 

With previous day’s memories, enjoy your breakfast ready to proceed to Ishasha. You will drive along the deep and wide dry craters that are occupied by savanna grasses and

acacia. The drive takes you through the unique western rift valley escarpment and the (southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park) Ishasha sector where you will take on yet another game drive in search of tree climbing lions before proceeding to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

The journey takes about 2-3 hours but driving through interesting features. We shall be arriving in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the evening. This park is home of the rare mountain gorillas plus 11 other primate's species including the blue and red-tailed monkeys. The forest itself is lush and green and there are streams running through it.

Accommodation Options (Full Board)

Upper Luxury: Gorilla Forest Camp | Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge | Bwindi Lodge 

Up-market: Mahogany Lodge | Buhoma Lodge | Bwindi Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge | Chameleon Hill Lodge 

Moderate: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge| Engagi Lodge 

Low Budget: Gorilla Conservation Camp | Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge | Ruhija Gorilla Friends Camp

Meals included today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 7: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After breakfast, proceed for the morning briefing before enjoying the highlight of the trip - gorilla trekking, which may last the entire day.

We trek through the rainforest and bamboo covered slopes, accompanied by a guide and trackers, in search of a mountain gorilla family. The walking can sometimes be tough and long, but when you catch a glimpse of the magnificent silverback, any discomforts will be quickly forgotten. When sighted, visitors will be guided to within 6 metres from the gorillas, sit around them for a whole hour while gazing into their big round eyes.

Gorilla trekking is unpredictable. It's difficult to foresee how many hours you will hike. The gorilla excursion can take from 2 up to 8 hours. Expect to walk a long distance in steep and muddy conditions, sometimes with rain overhead, before you encounter any gorillas. A good physical condition is recommended. For conservation purposes, time spent with the gorillas is limited to one hour. A ranger will brief you on how to behave with the gorillas.

While most of today's forests are no more than 12,000 years old, Bwindi's vegetation has been weaving itself into tangles over at least 25,000 years, in the process accumulating a lengthy species list. This includes 310 species of butterfly, 51 reptiles, 200 trees, 88 moths and an exceptional 120 types of mammals including 10 primates. The latter includes chimpanzee, L'Hoest's, red-tailed and blue monkey, black and white colobus, baboon, and Bwindi's most famous resident, the mountain gorilla.

Bwindi is a prime destination for birdwatchers. Its 350 species include seven which are IUCN red data listed and 90% of all Albertine rift endemics, species which are difficult or impossible to see in any other part of East Africa.

Accommodation options available (all on full board basis)

Upper Luxury: Gorilla Forest Camp | Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge | Bwindi Lodge 

Up-market: Mahogany Springs Lodge | Buhoma Lodge | Bwindi Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge | Chameleon Hill Lodge 

Moderate: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge| Engagi Lodge 

Low Budget: Gorilla Conservation Camp | Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge | Ruhija Gorilla Friends Camp

Day 8: Batwa Pygmies Tribe Experience, Drive to Mburo National Park

The forest of Bwindi was also home to the Batwa pygmies. These indigenous people were the original dwellers of the ancient forest and were known as the ‘keepers of the forest’. The Batwa lived in harmony with the forest and survived by hunting small game using bows and arrows and gathering plants for both food and medicinal purposes. The Batwa cultural experience was created by the displaced Batwa pygmies to educate their children and to share their amazing heritage and traditions with the world.

Spending time with the Batwa gives you the opportunity to enjoy the following:

• Hike in the forest with the people of the forest. You will have a Batwa guide, and he will provide you with the chance
  to see the forest and its habitants through their eyes.
• See how they lived and hunted in the traditional manner. Enjoy trying out your hunting techniques as the Batwa teach
  you how to shoot with a bow and arrow.
• Visit a traditional Batwa homestead and learn from the women how to prepare, cook and serve a meal. You will also
  have the opportunity to sample the dishes.
• Talk to a medicine man and learn about the medicinal properties of the forest flora.
• Hear ancient legends and traditional songs.

In 1992, the lives of the Batwa changed forever, when the forest became a national park and world heritage site in order to protect the endangered mountain gorillas that reside within its boundaries. The Batwa were evicted from the park and became conservation refugees in a world that was very unfamiliar to them. Their skills and means of subsistence were not useful in this modern environment and they began to suffer.

In 2001, when the Batwa tribe was on the edge of extinction American medical missionaries, Dr Scott and Carol Kellermanns came to their rescue. They purchased land and established programs to improve the conditions and lives of the Batwa. This included the building of a school, hospital and housing. The Kellermanns also developed water and sanitation projects and found ways that the Batwa could generate income and sustain themselves.

These projects are now managed and operated by the Batwa Development Program (BDP). BDP works closely with the Batwa community to try to ensure that their indigenous rights are respected, and they also benefit from the forest being a national park and tourist attraction.

After the Batwa Experience, we drive east to Lake Mburo, a small but picturesque national park renowned for its herds of antelope and one of the only two Ugandan parks home to Burchell’s zebra. The park is also especially good for acacia-associated birds.

Accommodation Options (Full Board)

Upper Luxury: Mihingo Lodge

Luxury: Mihingo Lodge | Mantana Tented Camp | Arcadia Cottages

Medium: Rakobo Rock Lodge or Lake Mburo Safari Lodge

Low Budget: Mburo Eagles Nest | Rwonyo Restcamp

Day 9: Game drive Safari in Lake Mburo National Park, Return to Entebbe for departure 

Rise early for breakfast before a short drive to the Rwonyo Park headquarters.

This has often been a good chance of seeing hyenas coming back to their dens, hippos walking back to the water, you will see buffalo, zebra, impala and topi and with a bit of luck maybe even a sitatunga, an antelope rarely seen living in the papyrus swamps.

After your early morning activities, return to the lodge for a late breakfast and check-out.

We then bid farewell to the park’s friendly staff as we depart for Kampala / Entebbe.

En route we will stop at the Equator for photographs and ‘polar-water experiment', then local community crafts shops and fruit markets.

We will be in Entebbe in the evening before your flight back home.

ed in the tour price for the Uganda Gorilla Trek, Primates and Wildlife Safari

• Gorilla permits (each at US$800)
• Chimpanzee viewing permits (USD250)
• Meals indicated on programme
• Accommodation as per programme
• Park fees for the various parks
• Private transportation using a safari land-cruisers
• Services of a good eEnglish speaking safari guide and local guides on treks
• Entrance fees for tours mentioned in the programme
• Boat rides as on the programme

Excluded in the tour price for the Uganda Gorilla Trek, Primates and Wildlife Safari

• Flight tickets and departure taxes
• Any extra gorilla permits ($800 each)
• Travel documentation (visas)
• Travel and medical insurance
• Optional excursions
• Excess baggage charges
• Tips and gratuities for your guides and accommodation staff
• Laundry
• Beverages other than mineral water in the vehicle and at mealtimes with meals
• Items of a personal nature such as telephone calls, postage fees and so on
• Meals not indicated on your detailed itinerary