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Chimps, Lions and Gorillas adventure in Uganda

Highlights

  • Experience Chimpanzee, Lion and Gorilla tracking in their natural habitat
  • Explore the Kibale forest watching out for native primates and birds
  • Cruise down the beautiful Kazinga Channel
  • Visit a cultural conservation project
From £5053 pp*
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What you'll do

Overview

Immerse yourself in Uganda's wildlife and encounter rich biodiversity and beautiful scenery. On this trip of a lifetime you'll see animals such as chimpanzees, lions and gorillas, and get to learn about their place in African wildlife.

Your holiday begins as you step outside Entebbe International airport into the warm Ugandan sunshine. Your guide will be there to welcome you and will escort you as you tour Uganda, enriching your experience by sharing their knowledge and love of their country!

Experience primate tracking through lush forests and spend time with Uganda’s mountain gorillas and chimpanzees. Enjoy boat rides on some of the country’s most beautiful stretches of water. This safari is an excellent way to sample Uganda’s vibrant flora and fauna.

*From price based on travel for 2 people in 2024. For larger groups or solo travellers please enquire directly to hello@nitgb.com

Welcome to Entebbe!

Your holiday begins as you step outside Entebbe International airport into the warm Ugandan sunshine. Your guide will be there to welcome you and will escort you as you tour Uganda, enriching your experience by sharing their knowledge and love of their country and perhaps adding a few surprises along the way.

If you arrive early, there are lots of nice things to see and do in Entebbe – we recommend you visit the beautiful botanical gardens on the shores of Lake Victoria, just relax by the pool in your lovely hotel.

This itinerary has a full-board meal plan meaning breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided every day, often at your lodge. There will be opportunities to have both local and international cuisine and both vegetarians and vegans can be catered for with advance notice. All meals come with a soft drink or drinking water and additional drinks, including alcohol, can be bought from the lodges and restaurants.  You will be given a reusable water bottle which can be topped-up from a big bottle inside the vehicle throughout your holiday. Tea, coffee and some small snacks will also be available in the vehicle during certain activities like game drives.

Accommodation: The Boma Hotel (or similar)

Your accommodation for the night is set in the quiet environs of Entebbe. This Irish-owned, family-run, boutique hotel is full of personality and is definitely one of our favourite hotels in Entebbe. Although the hotel is conveniently sited in the middle of Entebbe, only 10 mins drive from the airport, this is a quiet, safe location and the well planned, lush tropical gardens are peaceful.  The décor boasts lots of personal touches and the attractive rooms are comfortable and thoughtfully furnished.

There is a pool area where you can enjoy a relaxing swim and delicious western food, using locally-sourced ingredients, is served in the restaurant.

Kibale Forest Tour

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Kibale national park in western Uganda (approx. 5 hours).

The journey to Kibale is scenic as you pass rolling hills, forests and tea plantations. You will stop in the busy town of Fort Portal for lunch before traveling the final hour to Kibale and checking-in to your lodge on the edge of the forest.

This is a stunning region, with lush green countryside, dotted with beautiful crater lakes, all set against the backdrop of the magnificent Rwenzori Mountains. Kibale forest, a tropical rainforest, is home to 13 species of primates, 120 mammal species and 370 bird species. This biodiversity makes it a nature lovers paradise.

In the late afternoon, visit a wetland conservation project run by the local community. This is a great example of responsible tourism and conservation working hand-in-hand. A community guide will take you on nature walk around the swamp in search of primates like the Black and White Colobus monkey, Grey-cheeked Mangabey and Red-tailed monkey. Also, look out for birds like the Great Blue Turaco, Hairy-breasted Barbet and various Sunbirds.

Then its back to your lodge to enjoy a delicious dinner and perhaps a drink by the fire or overlooking the pool.

Accommodation: Turaco TreeTops Lodge (or similar)

Turaco Treetops is a lovely lodge adjacent to the forest. The comfortable, spacious cottages have a private deck, perfect for some time-out and there is an open-sided, first floor restaurant and a bar/lounge with a roaring fire on chilly evenings. Outside, in the gardens, there is a swimming pool, perfect for kids.

The Dutch managers give a warm welcome and provide some great food and local guides offer great community and nature walks.

Chimpanzee Tracking in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Today you have the exciting opportunity to walk through this beautiful tropical rainforest tracking a chimpanzee family. When you find them, you may spend one hour with them observing their natural behaviour, in their natural habitat. Your guide will tell you all about the chimps, the other flora and fauna in the forest, how they track forest animals and about the avifauna Kibale is famous for.

After lunch, relax and enjoy a scenic drive through the stunning crater lakes region and on to Queen Elizabeth National Park. (approx. 3 hours). The lakes were created as part of are part of the seismic activity in this region millions of years ago, processes which also created the Rift Valley, Kazinga Channel, salt lakes and explosion craters in Queen Elizabeth national park.

In the evening, you’ll take a night game drive from 19:00 – 21:00 to see the night life in the wilderness. Expect to see anything from big cats to buffalo.

Accommodation: Ihamba Safari Lodge (or similar)

Ihamba sits in the bush next to Lake George. It is great for birding if you have some down time or there is a pool where you can cool off. At night, staff will escort you to your cottage in case there is a hippo wandering around, keeping the grass trimmed! The cottages are nicely presented and spacious with all the facilities you need and a little verandah should you wish to sit outside. The large lodge building has a restaurant and a bar/lounge area and staff make every effort to ensure you have all you need.

Lion Tracking by Boat Cruise

Today provides another outstanding wildlife experience as you move out early to spend 2-3 hours with the big cat researchers. Participate in their activities on the day which may include monitoring species, climate and habitat, learning about tracking and how tracking devices are used and learning about the animals. This is an opportunity to go off-track, with experts, and get closer to the animals. You will obviously encounter other animals and birds along the way and are free to watch them too.

Then you’ll have the chance to join a community guide to visit a salt lake and see how locals continue to use traditional methods to extract salt to earn their living. The lake also has seasonal flamingos and is great for photography as the light is reflected from the individual salt pans.

Later in the afternoon, take a fabulous boat cruise for approx. 3 hours along the Kazinga Channel which links Lakes Edward and George. Sit back and relax as you enjoy the animals and birds that come to the riverbanks. Keep your eyes peeled for elephant, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles and a wide variety of birds.

Accommodation: Ihamba Safari Lodge (or similar)

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Having enjoyed the northern sector of this park, it’s time to head south to Ishasha – a 2 hour drive on which you are likely to encounter more animals along the way.

Ishasha is famous for its tree-climbing lions and you can search for these on a 2-hour game drive. The sector has a rich biodiversity and is home to elephant, buffalo, many different species of antelope and a wide variety of birds. The river here marks the border with DR Congo and there are often hippo to be found resting in the river.

Later, continue your journey south, approx. 2 hours, through beautiful green countryside, to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – home of the endangered mountain gorillas and also a UNESCO world heritage site.

Accommodation: Engagi Lodge (or similar)

Engagi is conveniently located near to the park headquarters. It sits on a gentle hillside with stunning views into the forest and provides great opportunities to watch the birds. There is a lovely open-sided restaurant and a lounge where you can enjoy a drink by the fire. The lounge also has the central charging point as the cottages have only solar lighting. The cottages are a short walk away and are comfortably furnished with en suite bathrooms. The staff are very friendly and helpful and there is an excellent local massage service for those with tired limbs!

Gorilla Tracking

Today brings one of the highlights of your safari: tracking the mountain gorillas.

At 07:30, you’ll receive a briefing at the Park HQ and then join your group, rangers and porters for a jungle walk, as you track your gorilla family. The rangers will go at your pace and always offer a helping hand, if necessary. Once you find your gorilla family, you have the privilege of spending an hour in their company; watching as they eat, groom, play or move through the forest. Memories you will surely treasure.

Gorilla numbers are slowly increasing and this is another a great example of tourism supporting conservation, as the local community benefits from tourism and, in turn, values, the gorillas which attract the tourists.

Depending on the duration of your trek (approx. 3-8 hours), you may have time afterwards to visit the local shops and craft sellers.

Accommodation: Engagi Lodge (or similar)

Cultural Conservation Project

This morning you’ll travel towards Lake Mburo national park (approx. 4-5 hours) . This route passes tea, coffee, matooke and pineapple plantations, forests and rolling green hills making it a beautiful landscape to travel through. You’ll also see roadside fruit markets, bustling trading centres and all manner of things on the road from motorbikes carrying far too many passengers to lorries laden with bananas heading to Kampala.

After lunch, you’ll have the chance to visit the Bahima cattle-keepers who live in the areas surrounding the park. See the magnificent Ankole long-horn cows, including the very cute calves, and understand their importance to the Bahima tribe. The people’s love for, and dependence on, their cows is obvious and their entire culture is built around them. You will have the chance to try your hand at milking and visit a home to meet family members and see how milk is turned into products like ghee. Also see how cultural artefacts like the wooden milk pots are made and used in the home and in traditional ceremonies.

In the evening, there is a special session giving your group the chance to interact with the Park‘s Community Conservation Warden to hear about the challenges and successes of their work.

Accommodation: Rwakobo Rock (or similar)

This popular lodge lies just outside the park boundary on a rocky outcrop with excellent views across the park. There is a beautiful lodge housing the lounge, bar and dining areas and you will often see animals grazing in the environs. The food served is tasty and the staff always provide a warm welcome. The cottages are comfortable and provide a real bush experience. There is also a rock pool where you can take a dip after a long, dusty day in the park.

Safari Walk and Game Drive

Today, you have a full day to explore the park – one of Uganda’s smallest but most interesting parks. Although it does not have elephant and lion, it has large populations of some species not found in many other Ugandan parks such as Eland, Zebra and Impala.

Start by exploring the park on foot: getting closer to the animals, make use of hides and viewing towers and see things that would not be visible from the road such as dens, carcasses and animal tracks.

Then, in the afternoon, travel further afield in the park on a game drive. Tour the park’s various tracks in search of game and visit locations such as the Lookout, mud holes and dam’s where the animals congregate to drink. Because there are no big predators here, you can enjoy experiences like walking with Giraffes, with the supervision of your ranger. This is also an excellent park for birding with a range of different habitats yielding a wide variety of species.

Accommodation: Rwakobo Rock (or similar)

Transfer to Entebbe

Start your journey back to Entebbe (4-5 hours). There will be lots of opportunities to stop and stretch your legs along the way, including time at the equator where you can have a photo moment with a foot in each hemisphere! Depending on your time of arrival in Entebbe, you can enjoy some shopping or relax and have coffee and cake.

Your guide will drop you at the airport for your flight home.

You will have some cherished memories from this amazing safari and hopefully plenty of inspiration for your next visit!

What's included

Included

  • Private 4x4 safari land cruiser vehicle with an English speaking driver guide and fuel
  • 8 nights accommodation
  • Full board meal plan
  • 1 gorilla & 1 chimp tracking permit each
  • All entrance and other fees for the activities included in the itinerary
  • Mineral water in transit
  • All government taxes
Your local host

Lesley Harris and Byaruhanga Michael

Our team provides you with a great local experience because we are on the ground in Uganda. We live here, speak the local languages, understand the cultures of the different tribes and regions and we are passionate about tourism. Between us, we have probably tried most of the tourism activities available throughout the country.

In addition, we actively work with community members to help them create tourism experiences like farm visits, home stays and boat trips with local fishermen. These provide our guests with an authentic insight into Ugandan life and ensure tourism supports community development.

We also employ the best professional guides who enrich holidays not only with their knowledge about wildlife but also their ... Read All

Our team provides you with a great local experience because we are on the ground in Uganda. We live here, speak the local languages, understand the cultures of the different tribes and regions and we are passionate about tourism. Between us, we have probably tried most of the tourism activities available throughout the country.

In addition, we actively work with community members to help them create tourism experiences like farm visits, home stays and boat trips with local fishermen. These provide our guests with an authentic insight into Ugandan life and ensure tourism supports community development.

We also employ the best professional guides who enrich holidays not only with their knowledge about wildlife but also their insights into culture, politics and history. They love their country and want to share it with you. And don’t forget, Uganda is famous for its friendly, welcoming people!

Lesley Harris and Byaruhanga Michael image

Location

This once in a lifetime trip starts at Entebbe airport and takes you Cruising the river Nile, exploring the National Parks of Murchison falls, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi and Lake Mburu exploring the awe-inspiring landscapes and the wildlife that lives here.

Uganda is home to around 15 primate species, nearly 100 mammals and over 1,000 bird species. Coupled with spectacular scenery, this makes it a nature lovers paradise. But Uganda has more to offer than its amazing wildlife. It is also well known for its outdoor activities hiking, kayaking, white water rafting, mountain biking and abseiling to name but a few. It has a rich, diverse culture with over 50 tribes all with their own customs and traditions, with the famously friendly and welcoming Ugandan people.

 

FAQs

What meals are included, and can you cater to dietary requirements?

This itinerary has a full-board meal plan meaning breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided every day, often at your lodge. There will be opportunities to have both local and international cuisine and both vegetarians and vegans can be catered for with advance notice. All meals come with a soft drink or drinking water and additional drinks, including alcohol, can be bought from the lodges and restaurants.  You will be given a reusable water bottle which can be topped-up from a big bottle inside the vehicle throughout your holiday. Tea, coffee and some small snacks will also be available in the vehicle during certain activities like game drives.

When is the best time of year to visit Uganda?

Uganda is an all-year round destination with a pleasant climate and temperatures averaging in the mid 20s°C. The huge variety in altitude means temperatures vary around the country (but this also means increased biodiversity).

Most holidays, especially wildlife safaris, can be done at any time of year: you will see so much wildlife and have an amazing experience.

Dry seasons are Dec-Feb and June-Sept and rainy seasons Mar-May and Oct-Nov although the seasons have become less predictable in recent years and we can no longer put a date in our diaries when the rains will start.

What currency should I bring?

The Ugandan currency is the Shilling (UGX) although US dollars (USD) is the most useful hard currency, especially in small towns.

Credit cards are increasingly accepted in Uganda but are most commonly accepted in big/international hotels, restaurants, shops and supermarkets.

Forex bureaux are widely available in Kampala although rates vary tremendously. Your itinerary will not always allow time to visit a forex bureau, and money changing facilities may not be available, up-country so please ensure that you have changed enough money before you leave Kampala.

Do I need to apply for a visa to travel to Uganda?

Yes, all persons intending to come to Uganda are now required to apply and pay for a visa online. A decision will be communicated by email and, if your application is approved, an approval letter will be attached. This must be printed and presented, together with a valid passport / travel document upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport.. The Ugandan visa costs US dollars USD50 or its equivalent in Pounds (GBP) and Euros (EUR). Apply at least ONE MONTH prior to travel.

Where should I fly into?

All our experiences start in Kampala so you will need to fly into Entebbe International Airport, Uganda.

Do I need a certain level of fitness for the gorilla tracking?

While some areas of the forest may be a little steep and slippery, we can accommodate nearly all levels of ability, to ensure everyone can enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

During the morning briefing, you will be allocated to a group depending on your fitness/ability, to ensure you have the most enjoyable experience. Those who are less able or injured will take the easiest trek of the day. You will be given a walking stick, and you can also hire a porter to carry your bags and generally assist you (which we recommend).

Gorilla tracking isn’t a race though, so rangers and porters will make sure to go at your pace, sharing their knowledge of flora, fauna, and culture on your journey. And there will be plenty of stops along the way for a water break or while rangers are deciding which way to go or clearing the path. If you are disabled, injured, or elderly but still an adventure seeker at heart, you can join us by being carried by 4 porters on a seat, at an extra cost. This, of course, requires a little flexibility and patience, but with an open mind and a good sense of humour, the trek is a wonderful experience.

What is Ugandan food like?

One of the best things about Ugandan food is the fresh, local and often organic produce. From delicious tropical fruits, such as bananas, mangoes, pineapple, watermelon, pawpaw, and passion fruit, to fresh fish from the lake, you’ll never go hungry. And wait until you taste the creamy, fresh avocados! Then you can wash it all down with a selection of yummy juices like passion fruit and cocktail mix or the scrumptious sugar cane juice with lemon and ginger.

Although dishes vary across the regions, a standard Ugandan meal often consists of perhaps 2 or 3 ‘foods’ and a sauce: food could be matooke (green bananas), rice, potatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, or posho (cornbread) and sauce could be boiled beef, goat’s meat, chicken, fish or ‘pasted meat or fish’ in a groundnut sauce.

Snacking isn’t popular in Uganda, but you will find roasted groundnuts, hard corns and small sweet bananas, known as Ndizi. In many busy roads and towns, you will also find street food, such as roasted cassava, meats and green bananas.

Vegetarian and veganism is only slowly beginning to gain popularity in Uganda, but there are plenty of international cafés and restaurants in the bigger towns and tourist areas. If you are vegetarian or vegan, let us know in advance and we can inform your accommodation about your dietary requirements.

What animals can I see on an Uganda Safari?

One of the biggest reasons people come to Uganda is to go on a safari because of the diverse array of wildlife, birds and plants. The Big Five - Rhino, elephant, lion, leopard and buffalo as well as Hippos's, Cheetahs and many more mammals. Gorillas and many other primates that are unique to Uganda.

Is Gorilla tracking responsible?

Yes! Tourism funds conservation. Gorilla tracking is a great example: gorilla numbers have increased while neighbouring communities have got jobs and boosted incomes by providing accommodation, activities and selling crafts.

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