GORILLAS AND CHIMPANZEES

12 Days & 11 Nights | Uganda

Entebbe, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale & Murchison Falls

HIGHLIGHTS

GREAT FOR

Honeymooners – Secluded chalets for old-school romance

Photographers – Gorillas, monkeys, birds and wildlife to capture

Families – Over-15s are permitted on gorilla treks

AVAILABLE ACTIVITIES

Gorilla trekking

Chimpanzee trekking

Game drives

Boating

Cultural tours

Birding

Coffee tasting

Nature walks

Seasonal catch-and-release fishing

Animal tracking

BEST TIME TO GO

High Season: June to September and December to January

Green Season: March to May and September to November

OVERVIEW

For a small country, Uganda punches way above its weight when it comes to national parks. This relaxed but comprehensive itinerary idea takes in all the most significant conservation areas and includes bucket-list highlights like trekking mountain gorillas, boating on the Nile River and tracking tree-climbing lions…

Beginning in vibrant Entebbe, your first stop is Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to precious gorilla families. After your humbling encounter with them, you move to Queen Elizabeth National Park for a classic safari and then onto Kibale Forest, where you may see chimpanzees and follow these fast-moving apes through the canopy. Your final few days are in Murchison Falls National Park, on the shore of the longest river in the world.

THIS ITINERARY WAS DESIGNED BY JOANNE

Central Africa is the new frontier in safaris with gorilla and chimpanzee trekking a must-do for everyone who loves wildlife. Uganda is a fascinating destination and, if you aren’t a little interested in birds when you arrive, you will be by the time you leave…

TRIP SUMMARY

DURATION

11 Nights / 12 Days

DESTINATIONS VISITED

Entebbe, Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda

Kibale National Park, Uganda

Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda

DAILY ITINERARY

Coming into land at Entebbe, you’ll no doubt fly over Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest, before touching down at the international airport. Your driver-guide will be waiting to escort you to Hotel No 5, a boutique hotel that has built a reputation for thoughtful service and good food.

Depending on your schedule, you may simply want to head to the spa for a massage and then have dinner or you may want to do a little sightseeing in Entebbe itself.

Why we love Hotel No 5:

  • In one of Entebbe’s most manicured neighbourhoods
  • Very tastefully designed and furnished
  • Large swimming pool to shake off the jet-lag
  • Sophisticated restaurant with fine wines

It’s the part of your Uganda holiday you may have been waiting years to experience: the chance to see a mountain gorilla family in the wild! There is little to beat the thrill of trekking them through pristine rainforest and spending an hour being charmed, amused and inspired by their company…

Your home is Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, one of the most comfortable in the area. There is sometimes the option to purchase a permit for a second trek, depending on availability.

Why we love Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge:

  • The highest lodge in the country
  • Remote location overlooking the Virungas
  • Set out on the Nkuringo Trail to find gorillas
  • Organic produce from the kitchen garden

After ticking off gorilla trekking, today you make your way back to Kisoro Airport to bid Bwindi goodbye and fly onto Queen Elizabeth National Park. Waiting for you at Mweya Airstrip will be your expert guide from Kyambura Gorge Lodge, which is situated in the south of the park.

The trail for chimp trekking begins directly from the lodge, which has a unique Afro-chic ambiance. Once you’ve seen the chimpanzees, return ‘home’ for a swim or much-needed massage session.

Why we love Kyambura Gorge Lodge:

  • Vistas to the Rwenzori Mountains and the gorge
  • Excellent chimpanzee trekking
  • Birding and boating on the Kazinga Channel
  • Walk the Kyambura buffer zone

A road transfer is an excellent way of getting to see more of the landscape as well as experiencing a slice of village life. Today you’re driven to Kibale National Park for two nights at the incomparable Chimpundu Lodge.

This is another wonderful area to seek out chimpanzees, among the most intelligent of animals. In addition, you can go in search of unique moths, butterflies and birds, explore the surrounding crater lakes or even soak in the hot springs!

Why we love Chimpundu Lodge:

  • Vast array of activities on offer
  • Access to the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
  • Large family cottage for groups
  • Surrounded by the mature trees of Kibale Forest

DAYS 9 TO 11

After all the excitement of game drives, tracking mountain gorillas and keeping up with on-the-move chimpanzees, you might need a little down-time. Nile Safari Lodge in Murchison Falls National Park is the perfect place for your last three nights in Uganda.

You have the option to drive or fly in from Kibale. Once here, go on game drives, take a boating safari to see hippos and Nile crocodiles and enjoy sundowners as the horizon turns as pink as a flamingo’s feather.

Why we love Nile Safari Lodge:

  • Honeymoon suite with a starbed and pool
  • Gorgeous thatch chalets with outdoor showers
  • Infinity pool overlooking the Nile River
  • Soothing massages on the water’s edge

What an incredible adventure it has been! Uganda offers so many wonderful experiences for safari lovers with accommodation, activities and an innate friendliness to match. This itinerary was created to showcase some of the country’s most stunning highlights.

Your final day sees you having a final breakfast on the deck at Nile Safari Lodge before you are driven (or you could opt to fly at an additional cost) back to Entebbe International Airport for your onward journey back home.

INCLUDED*

  • All activities specified
  • All transfers specified
  • All meals, drinks and sundowners specified
  • Laundry if specified

EXCLUDED*

  • International flights
  • Items from the safari shop
  • Pre- and post-itinerary accommodation
  • Visas
  • Travel insurance
  • Medical insurance, tests and vaccinations where stipulated
  • Tips / gratuities

* Subject to change. Your personal consultant will confirm all the details with you while helping you plan your safari to Africa so you have a full understanding of costs with no surprises.

PRICE IS IMPORTANT

This itinerary is here to inspire you and prices may change due to availability, season and the year that you plan to travel.

WHY BOOK WITH BIGGESTLEAF TRAVEL

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  • Our consultants specialise in different safari experiences
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  • We are the trusted travel agent for clients of some of Africa’s sought-after photographic guides