8 Days Uganda Gorilla Safari
Destination
Uganda
Season
Jan-Dec
Duration
8 Days
From $300
OVERVIEW
Uganda Gorilla trekking starts and ends in Kampala Uganda, it involves both gorillas and chimpanzees. It involves viewing wildlife species as well as tracking the chimpanzees. The main tourist destinations to visit include; Kibale National park is famous for harbouring 13 primate species including chimpanzees, olive monkeys, vervet monkeys, white, and black colobus monkeys and many more.
What’s Included
All meals on the safari.
Private 4×4 wheel drive vehicle with hatched roof
Water and hot drink (coffee and tea) during safari
All game viewing activities specified Safari
Hotel/lodge accommodations
Park entrance fees & taxes.
Camping equipments
All things of personal nature
Any safari activities not specified in the itinerary
Private Safari
$6000 per vehicle for 1-2 guests; $1800 for each additional guest, (plus taxes and fees). Maximum per vehicle, 6 guests. No minimum age. This is a private safari.
Rates are dependent on hotel availability at the time of booking.
From $300
Itinerary
DAY 1: ARRIVE IN KAMPALA.
You will meet your guide at the lodge for a pre-gorilla safari briefing and equipment check.
Dinner and overnight at Cassia Lodge: Bed, Dinner, and Breakfast.
DAY 2: TRANSFER TO KIBALE NATIONAL PARK FOR A PRIMATE SAFARI.
Early in the morning after breakfast, leave Murchison National Park and proceed to Kibale National park. You will pass via the Lake Albert escarpments as you enjoy the good views of the lake. You will stopover in Hoima for your lunch and after proceed driving towards the park. You will also pass through the traditional villages and you enjoy the vegetation cover here which is evergreen. Have a good time and also take some photos, approach the fort portal and enjoy the foothills of the Rwenzori mountains and then continue to Kibale National Park.
This forest is 1100 -1600 m above sea level and it contains both montane and lowland forests with 13 primate species including the chimpanzees and monkeys including the red colobus monkeys as well as the rare L’Hoest’s monkeys. The park was gazetted in 1932 and established in 1993 to protect the then increasing number of animals and vegetation.
The other species of animal species found in the park include; 250 tree species, 325 bird species, 13 primate species, 60 mammal species, and 14 wild fields. On your arrival at the park, you will visit the scenic crater lakes region and get a chance to check out the terraced tea states. Later on, proceed back to the lodge to relax for the evening and enjoy your dinner.
Dinner and overnight at Ndali Lodge: Bed, Dinner, Breakfast, and Lunch.
DAY 3: CHIMPANZEE TREKKING SAFARI AND BIGODI WETLAND VISIT.
Early in the morning after taking breakfast, you will go to the park headquarters where you will be briefed about chimpanzee trekking. By 8:00 am, you will be starting your search for the chimpanzees within the park. These primates are the closest relatives to the human being and they share 98% of their DNA with that of the human beings.
There are also many other primate species which will be seen along with the chimpanzees and these include; the L’Hoest’s monkeys, golden monkeys, Black and white colobus monkeys, grey checked Mangabey, red-tailed monkeys, the bush babies, and many bird species which include; green breasted pitta, rumped tinker bird, yellow spotted nicator, and the green breasted pitta, this park is one of the great rain forests in Africa and it has the largest community of chimpanzees whereby each community has 1 -100 individuals and each community has a complicated social structure.
In the group, the adult males dominate the group and provide protection to the territory against the rest of the males from other territories. The chimps are located by simply listening for their pant hooting calls, and then head to the place from which they replied. Here you can observe them as they feed, play as well as socializing with each other.
Later in the afternoon, you will visit Bigodi swamp which is also good for watching primates and birds. It’s mainly maintained by the local people and they earn a living from there. You will enjoy many bird species here including; the great blue turaco, and many more, the other primate species to view here include; the baboons, mongoose, otters, bush pigs as well as the bushbucks.
Dinner and overnight at Ndali Lodge: Bed, Dinner, Breakfast, and Lunch.
DAY 4: DRIVE TO QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK.
Early in the morning after breakfast, you might opt for a nature walk in the Kibale forest or decide to drive directly to Queen Elizabeth National park. The drive takes 3 hours and you will pass through fort portal and arrive at the park in the lunch hours, On your arrival, check at the lodge and enjoy your lunch as you prepare to enjoy a game drive within the park, you will view many animal species including the birds, elephants, lions, buffalos, kobs, antelopes and many more.
Queen Elizabeth is mainly famous for the many wildlife species and the Kazinga channel which connects Lake George and Lake Edward. The park covers an area of 767 sq. miles and it’s home to many bird species as well as crater lakes. After the game drive, return to your lodge for an overnight and dinner.
Dinner and overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge: Bed, Dinner, Breakfast, and Lunch.
DAY 5: MORNING GAME DRIVE AND A BOAT CRUISE.
We shall wake so early in the morning, proceed to the park to engage in an early morning game drive to view the early morning risers in Kasenyi track, get the chance to view many animals including; lions, elephants, solitary buffaloes, kobs, antelopes, etc. These animals can be view at a closer range. Return to the lodge for breakfast and lunch as you prepare to enjoy a boat cruise along the Kazinga channel, were your eyes will be fed with a variety of water animals and birds.
The wildlife species include; the crocodiles, hippos, buffaloes, pink backed pelicans, saddle-billed stork, the malachite kingfishers. After, return to the lodge for your dinner and overnight.
Dinner and overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge: Bed, Dinner, Breakfast, and Lunch.
DAY 6: TRANSFER TO BWINDI FOR A GORILLA SAFARI.
Early in the morning after breakfast, drive towards the south of the park through the great shinning Savannah vegetation and transfer to Bwindi impenetrable national Park via the Ishasha sector which is famous for the tree-climbing lions.
On your arrival at the park, check-in at the lodge, enjoy lunch and after proceed for a late evening game drive within the park, get a chance to view many animal species including; the antelopes, kobs, waterbuck, warthogs, elephants and many birds.
Dinner and overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge: Bed, Dinner, Breakfast, and Lunch.
DAY 7: GORILLA TREKKING IN BWINDI FOREST.
Have early morning breakfast, and after proceed to the park headquarters to have a briefing about the dos and don’ts of gorilla trekking in Bwindi. The rangers will then accompany you to the rainforest to start your search for the gentle giants. This walk can sometimes be tough and it needs someone so strong.
Trekkers are always advised to carry their raincoats and boots because the weather there is always unpredictable. There are also some potters who always help with the carrying of the luggage on behalf of the visitors but at a small cost. On sighting the gorillas, the rangers will guide you on handle them, especially by giving them a 6-meter distance as you enjoy them play around. It’s always not easy to predict how long gorilla tracking will take and this also depends on the location of some families since some of them are far from the park headquarters.
However, it always takes 2 to 8 hours to come into contact with them and the rangers will always be there to guide you. Trackers are also advisable to be physically fit before going for tracking. After your trek, return to the lodge for your lunch and in the afternoon, you may opt to visit the Batwa community to enjoy some cultural performances before retiring at your lodge.
Dinner and overnight at Buhoma Lodge: Bed, Dinner, Breakfast, and Lunch.
DAY 8: DEPARTURE.
Breakfast in the morning and after starting your journey back to Kampala, you will have a stopover at the equator for some photos and lunch at Igongo cultural center. You might also opt to visit the museum here and after proceed to Kampala reaching late afternoon.
Safari Tour Gallery
FAQS
What should I expect during the game drives in the Serengeti National Park?
During the game drives, you will have the opportunity to explore the vast plains of the Serengeti and spot a wide range of wildlife. This includes herds of wildebeest, zebras, elephants, and predators like lions and leopards. The game drives are conducted in specially designed safari vehicles that offer excellent visibility and comfort.
Will I have access to a knowledgeable guide during the game drives?
Yes, you will be accompanied by an experienced safari guide throughout the game drives. These guides have extensive knowledge about the wildlife, ecosystems, and local culture. They will provide informative commentary and ensure your safety during the safari.
What type of accommodation options are available during the safari?
Accommodation options can vary depending on your preferences and budget. Typically, you can choose between luxury lodges or tented camps located inside or near the national parks. These accommodations offer comfortable amenities, ranging from ensuite bathrooms to dining facilities and scenic views.
Are meals provided during the safari?
Yes, meals are typically provided during the safari. This includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Depending on the itinerary, meals may be served at the accommodation facilities or as picnic lunches during the game drives. Special dietary requirements can be accommodated with prior notice.
What wildlife can be seen in the Ngorongoro Crater?
The Ngorongoro Crater is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros). Additionally, you can spot giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, hyenas, and various bird species. The dense concentration of wildlife within the crater makes it a remarkable safari destination.
Is there a chance to interact with local communities or learn about the culture?
Yes, opportunities to interact with local communities and learn about the Maasai culture can be arranged. This can include visits to Maasai villages, where you can meet the locals, learn about their traditions, and even participate in cultural activities such as dances and crafts.