Primates and Wildlife of Uganda
7 Days Starting and ending in Entebbe
Visiting: Uganda
Tour Overview
Perfectly crafted for animal lovers with hikes into the natural habitats of the Mountain Gorilla and chimpanzees of Uganda, as well as a wide variety of other wildlife species, the highlights in this superb itinerary are numerous. Tracking the mountain gorillas in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is an unequalled jungle trek experience culminating in the thrill of standing within metres of a family, often including the imposing male silverback. Uganda is also known for its colourful culture, lush forests, beautiful lakes and some of the best bird watching in Africa with over 1000 different species. We will enjoy game viewing in the scenic savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park famous for its tree-climbing lions, and cruise along the tropical Kazinga Channel teeming with vast numbers of hippos and endemic birdlife. This trip showcases the diverse ecosystems of Uganda where East meets West, and is the perfect addition to any Africa itinerary.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Join Entebbe
On arrival at Entebbe International Airport in Uganda, you shall be welcomed by your guide and transferred to the group hotel for overnight.
Accommodation: Boma Guest House or Casa Solada or similar
Day 2 : Drive To Kibale National Park
After breakfast, you will drive to Kibale National Park. Along the way you will pass many tea plantations and have an opportunity to visit a tea plantation. We will also stop in Fort Portal and visit the Toro Palace. In the afternoon you will arrive at your accommodation.
Accommodation: Isunga Lodge or Kibale Forest Camp or similar
Approx. distance 340 km
Approx. driving time 6 hours
Day 3 : Morning Chimp Trek, Drive To Queen Elizabeth National Park
After an early morning breakfast, you will undertake a chimp trek. Note: the chimp permits are subject to availability - there are two slots in either the early morning (when they are often up in the trees feeding and more active) or at mid morning (when they often come down to take a nap as it is cooler on the forest floor and therefore closer and more relaxed). Both of these viewing slots are rewarding and interesting.
Kibale’s 795 sq km National Park contains one of the most beautiful and varying tracts of tropical forest in the whole of Uganda. This is home to 13 species of primate including chimpanzees. The park’s highest point is at 1590m above sea level. After lunch we will proceed to Queen Elizabeth National Park, and enjoy a game drive on the way to our lodge. Named after Her Majesty's Queen Elizabeth of England, it is Uganda's most popular and scenic game reserve. It stretches from the crater-dotted foothills of the Rwenzori range in the north, along the shores of Lake Edward to the remote Ishasha River in the south, incorporating a wide variety of habitats that range from open savannah, wetlands, crater lakes and rainforest.
Accommodation: Kasenyi Safari Camp or Elephant Hub Lodge or similar
Approx. distance 130 km
Approx. driving time 4-5 hours (including game drive speed)
Day 4 : Morning Game Drive, Afternoon Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise
This morning we will have an early morning game drive. Queen Elizabeth National Park includes parts of Lakes Edward and George which are linked by the Kazinga channel. The park boasts the world’s highest bio-diversity rating with over 600 bird and 100 mammal species including lions, hippos, buffaloes, leopard, Spotted Hyena, elephants and the elusive Giant Forest Hog. The primates include Chimps, Black and White Colobus Monkeys, Blue, Black faced Red Colobus, and Red tailed monkeys and Olive Baboons. Lunch at the lodge will be followed by an afternoon Kazinga Channel boat cruise.
Accommodation: Kasenyi Safari Camp or Elephant Hub Lodge or similar
Approx. distance 40 km
Approx. driving time 3 hours game drive
Day 5 : Drive To Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Game Drive In Ishasha Enroute
After breakfast, you will be driven to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, passing through the Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its tree climbing lions. Bwindi National Park is the habitat of half of the world’s Mountain Gorilla population and also home to chimpanzee, monkeys, elephants, small antelope and birdlife.
Accommodation: Haven Lodge Buhoma or Engagi Lodge or similar
Approx. distance 150 km
Approx. driving time 5 hours (including game drive speed)
Day 6 : Gorilla Trek In Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Drive To Lake Bunyonyi
After an early breakfast, you will be taken to the Park Headquarters for a short briefing after which you will enter the forest and start your Gorilla trek (please note that a drive may be required to your trekking starting point). The trek can be anything from 2 hours to 6 hours or longer depending on the location of the Gorillas on the day. The terrain is rough, often over steep slopes covered with matted vegetation. You will be led by an experienced ranger who will tell you interesting facts about the flora and fauna and the lifestyle of the Gorillas. Be prepared for rain, mud and giant stinging nettles – long trousers, gloves and a waterproof jacket will help. The mountain gorillas have inspired travellers from all over the world to experience one of nature’s greatest interactions. Anyone who has witnessed the Mountain Gorillas of East Africa will strongly agree that it is a once in a lifetime experience that will never be forgotten. Afterwards we will drive to Lake Bunyonyi for overnight.
Accommodation: Birds Nest Lodge or similar
Approx. distance 60 km
Approx. driving time 1.5 hours
Day 7 : Drive To Entebbe, Trip Concludes
After breakfast, you will drive to Entebbe. Time permitting you can stop for souvenir shopping and a photo opportunity at the Equator. After lunch, transfer to Entebbe Airport, where the trip concludes. (Please note: earliest departure time is 21:00hrs).
Approx. distance 550 km
Approx. driving time 8-9 hours
What's Included
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Accommodation
4 nights safari lodge -
6 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 5 dinners
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airport transfers (day 1 and 7 only)
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4 nights in 3 star safari lodge on a twinshare basis
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1 night in 3 star permanent safari camp on a twinshare basis
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1 night in 3 star hotel on a twinshare basis
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English speaking local driver-guide
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private transport in a 4wd safari vehicle with pop up roof
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game drives and excursions as listed in itinerary
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national park and conservation fees (including gorilla and chimp permits) valued at US$900
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mineral water while on tour
Accommodation
4 nights safari lodge
For this accommodated safari, we make use of mid-range lodge accommodation. Your accommodation is situated either in National Parks, on the banks of a river, or in other places of interest. The accommodation will be a mix of safari lodges and permanent safari camp on a twinshare basis with en-suite facilities. Some properties are equipped with swimming pools and/or bar areas.
What You Carry
In your daypack you will need to carry extra warm clothing, a rainjacket, water bottle, camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip balm, etc.
Grading
These adventure tours visit remote areas of the world where facilities are often basic. These adventure tours will often involve long journeys and rough roads. Sightseeing and optional day walks are often included and these days may involve up to 5 hours of physical activity. To enjoy these adventures we suggest you are reasonably fit, healthy, have a moderately active lifestyle and have a positive attitude. The fitter you are for your trip, the more of a holiday it will be. The gorilla tracking will sometimes be quite strenuous and will involve following trails beaten through the forests. These trails are often wet, steep and slippery.
* Suggested preparation: Two or three times a week, we recommend you walk on undulating terrain for an hour or more, for at least 3 months prior to departure.
Wildlife
The wilderness areas of Africa are populated by large numbers of wild and potentially dangerous animals. The trip aims to view these animals in their natural habitat, uncontrolled by fences. Your experienced guides will make every effort to ensure the safety of the group at all times. Please be aware that all safari travel, including vehicle safaris in the proximity of wild animals is never entirely without risk. By travelling into wild areas in search of wild animals, all participants accept that they are choosing an adventure that includes an element of risk and this is an inherent aspect of the enjoyment of this style of travel.
Check out our Q&As
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have offices on three continents which means your travelling companions will be just that – international and wonderfully eclectic. Part of small group travel means that although travellers come from various locations and backgrounds, you will be travelling with like-minded companions who, like you, are keen to share the experience and forge lifelong friendships.
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What about environmental impact?
We believe that adventure travel revolves around establishing a strong relationship with the people and environments in which we operate. Our responsible travel policies have been carefully developed to ensure that we minimise the impact of our presence and help to protect the regions we visit while contributing positively to the local community.
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What should I pack?
Your pre-departure documents include a detailed packing list with items that you need to bring. While most of the equipment for daily activities is included in your tour cost, some items like helmets and hiking boots are best brought from home. The pre-departure documents also include information on layering and recommended brands for various items to ensure you are fully prepared for your trip.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes. World Expeditions does not require single travellers to pay a surcharge for travelling alone on the vast majority of our trips. Our holidays are primarily on a twin share basis, so if you are joining the group as a solo traveller, we will match you with someone of your own gender. The choice is yours however; if you prefer not to share, we do offer single supplements for private occupancy.
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Are tips included in my trip price?
Tips are not included in the tour cost. Tipping is a personal thing, do not worry about how much, or when, to tip. Tipping guidelines are provided for certain destinations in our pre departure information upon booking, however the best advice will be provided by your tour leader.
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Am I suited to small-group travel?
We recognise that many of our travellers have not been on a ‘group trip’ before. Yet what our departures provide is both structure and flexibility, allowing you plenty of freedom within the framework of the itinerary. You’ll find that with our maximum group size at 16, you’ll travel in a minimal impact style with a great group of like-minded travellers.
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Can you advise which vaccinations are recommended?
While our pre-departure kit provides information on vaccinations, we suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
World Expeditions allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform world expeditions, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
World Expeditions requires a minimum deposit of 400 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of world expeditions charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.