7-days Chimpanzee and Gorilla Safari in Uganda
7-days Chimpanzee and Gorilla Safari in Uganda is a charming wildlife experience that enables you explore some of the most biodiverse regions of Africa. Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale National Park Your journey begins in the lush rainforests of Kibale National Park, renowned for having one of the highest concentrations and diversity of primates in Africa. Here, you’ll embark on a guided trek to observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat. The park is home to over 1,500 chimpanzees, and watching these intelligent creatures interact, play, and go about their daily lives is an unforgettable experience. The safari continues as you venture into the misty mountains of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This ancient rainforest is one of the few places in the world where you can encounter the endangered mountain gorillas in the wild. Trekking through the dense forest to spend time with these gentle giants is a profound and life-changing adventure. Wildlife and Cultural Experiences Throughout the safari, you’ll have opportunities to spot other wildlife, including elephants, lions, buffaloes, and a plethora of bird species. Cultural encounters with local communities offer insights into the traditions and ways of life of the indigenous people, adding a rich layer of human connection to your wildlife exploration. Accommodations during the safari range from eco-friendly lodges to luxury tented camps, strategically located to maximise your wildlife viewing opportunities. Expert guides and trackers accompany you, ensuring your safety and enhancing your understanding of the ecosystems you explore. This safari is not just a wildlife excursion; it’s a journey that connects you deeply with nature and offers a profound appreciation for the conservation efforts that protect these magnificent creatures and their habitats. It’s an adventure that promises to leave you with memories and stories to cherish for a lifetime.
Safari Highlights: 7-days Chimpanzee and Gorilla Safari in Uganda
Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Kibale National Park
Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest
Day 3: Queen Elizabeth National Park and Kazinga Channel
Day 4: Ishasha Sector and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest
Day 6: Second Gorilla Trek or Optional Activities
Day 7: Departure
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Kibale National Park
7-days Chimpanzee and Gorilla Safari in Uganda: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport or pick-up from Kampala. It is a scenic drive to Kibale National Park, passing through tea plantations and traditional Ugandan villages. Check in at your lodge and enjoy a relaxing evening with dinner and an optional nocturnal walk. Wildlife Expectations include Red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus, blue monkeys, and various bird species such as the African Pitta, Great Blue Turaco, Abyssinian Ground Thrush, Black and Blue-headed Bee-eaters, Red-chested Owlet and the elusive Green-breasted Pitta, among others. During a nocturnal walk in Kibale National Park, you have the chance to encounter a fascinating array of nocturnal animals and birds. Here are some of the species you might spot: Bush Babies (Galagos): These small primates are active at night, with large eyes adapted for low-light conditions. Look for their reflective eyeshine in the spotlight torches, Nightjars: These cryptic birds are masters of camouflage. Listen for their distinctive calls and watch for their silent flight as they hunt insects, Crickets and Grasshoppers: The forest comes alive with the sounds of these insects at night. Their chirping and buzzing create an enchanting atmosphere, Owls: Kibale is home to several owl species, including the African Wood Owl and the Pearl-spotted Owlet. Listen for their hoots and calls echoing through the forest, Serval Cats: Although elusive, servals occasionally venture out at night. Their spotted coats and long legs make them stand out, Tree Hyrax: These small, arboreal mammals are related to elephants. They communicate with loud, eerie calls that echo through the forest. Pottos: Pottos are slow-moving primates with large eyes. They feed on insects and tree gum.
Dinner and overnight at Chimpanzee Forest Lodge
Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest National Park
On your 7-days Chimpanzee and Gorilla Safari in Uganda, you will have an early breakfast followed by a briefing at the Kibale National Park visitor centre. Begin the chimpanzee tracking excursion, which may take 2-4 hours depending on the chimps’ location. Afternoon visit to Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for bird watching and spotting other primates. Wildlife Expectations include Chimpanzees, Grey-cheeked Mangabeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, Red Colobus and Black and White Colobus Monkeys, and numerous bird species, including the Great Blue Turaco, the elusive Green-breasted Pitta, African Pitta, Masked Apalis, Nahan’s Francolin and the Crowned Eagle, among others.
Dinner and overnight at Chimpanzee Forest Lodge.
Day 3: Queen Elizabeth National Park and Kazinga Channel
After breakfast, you have a morning transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, with a game drive en route to spot wildlife. Afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, offering close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of waterbirds such as the Spoonbill, African Skimmer, African Jacana, Yellow-billed Stork and the Kingfishers.
Evening game drive or relaxation at the lodge. Wildlife Expectations include Elephants, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, and a rich diversity of birds such as African Fish Eagles and Pelicans, Egyptian Goose, Water Thick-knee, Pied, Giant and Stripped Kingfishers, among others.
Dinner and Overnight at Pumba Safari Cottages
Day 4: Ishasha Sector and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (gorilla trekking)
Morning game drive towards the Ishasha Sector within Queen Elizabeth National Park, searching for the famous tree-climbing lions, This section is also popular for the Topi, one of the wisest antelopes, big herds of African Elephant, Leopard, and Hyena, and numerous savannah bird species like the Red-necked Spurfowl, Blue-napped Mousebird, Common Scimitarbill, Western-banded and Brown Snake-Eagle, Orange-breasted Bush-shrike, Fawny-breasted, Crimson-rumped and Common Waxbill, Brubru, White-headed Barbet, Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird, Violet-backed and Wattled Starling, among others. Continue the journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, with a stop for lunch on the way. Evening cultural experience with the local Batwa community or relaxation at the lodge. Wildlife Expectations include Tree-climbing lions, Topis, and various antelope species.
Dinner and Overnight at Gorilla Mist Camp or Bakiga Lodge.
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest National Park
Day 5 of your 7 days chimpanzee and gorilla safari will have breakfast together with packed lunch. After, drive to the park headquarters for a briefing about the dos and don’ts of gorilla trekking. At this point, you will also be assigned a particular group of the gorilla family for the day before the start of the gorilla trekking adventure. Trek through the dense forest with experienced guides to find a family of mountain gorillas. Spend up to one hour observing the gorillas before returning to the lodge for relaxation. Wildlife Expectations include Mountain gorillas, forest elephants, and birds like the African green broadbill.
Dinner and overnight at Gorilla Mist Camp or Bakiga Lodge.
Day 6: Second Gorilla Trek or Optional Activities
Option for a second gorilla trek to visit a different family or engage in alternative activities besides gorilla trekking, such as Bird watching, Nature walks in Bwindi Forest, visiting a local school or a community project. Wildlife Expectations include Additional gorilla families, duikers, and various bird species endemic to the Albertine Rift, such as African Green Broadbill, Handsome Spurfowl, Regal, Blue-headed and Purple-breasted Sunbird, Grauer’s Warbler, Black-faced Apalis, Dusky Crimsonwing, Stripe-breasted Tit, Dwarf Honeyguide, Red-throated Alethe, Archer’s Robin-chat, Rwenzori Batis, Rwenzori Apalis among others.
Dinner and Overnight at Gorilla Mist Camp.
Day 7: Departure back to Entebbe, Kampala
You will have breakfast at the lodge and then embark on the journey back to Entebbe, Kampala. Stop at the Uganda Equator for lunch, photography, and souvenir shopping. Drop off at Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight or at your hotel in Kampala and that will be the end of 7 days Chimpanzee and Gorilla Safari in Ugamda.
Trip includes: All Meals, ground transfers, Entry fees and accommodation