CHIMPANZEES, GOLDEN MONKEYS & GORRILLAS
Embark on an extraordinary journey through Uganda’s pristine wilderness with our exclusive 6-day Primate Fly-in Trekking Safari. This accurately crafted adventure promises supreme encounters with some of Africa’s most remarkable primates across Kibale, Mgahinga, and Bwindi Gorilla National Parks. Prepare to delve into the heart of Uganda’s rich biodiversity from the comfort of a small executive aircraft, ensuring a seamless and luxurious travel experience throughout.
Our expedition commences amidst the lush forests of Kibale National Park, renowned as the primate capital of the world. Here, you’ll embark on thrilling chimpanzee trekking excursions, navigating trails teeming with a overwhelming diversity of wildlife, including 12 other primate species. Witness the liveliness and intelligence of chimpanzees in their natural habitat, gaining profound insights into their social behaviors and family dynamics.
Next, we fly across Uganda’s picturesque landscapes to the fabled Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage site is your gateway to the rare and majestic mountain gorillas. Prepare for an awe-inspiring gorilla trekking experience, where each encounter with these gentle giants offers a glimpse into their complex community structures and the efforts dedicated to their conservation. Amidst this ancient rainforest, keep watch for an array of other primates, adding to the tapestry of biodiversity that thrives here.
Completing our primate safari, we venture to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, a sanctuary nestled within the Virunga Mountains. Here, amidst the misty slopes, you’ll track the elusive golden monkeys, a critically endangered species endemic to the Albertine Rift. Witness their vibrant coats shimmering in the dappled sunlight, an unforgettable sight that underscores Uganda’s commitment to preserving its natural heritage.
Throughout this immersive journey, your comfort and safety are paramount, facilitated by our expert guides and seamless logistical support. Travel aboard our exclusive executive aircraft, ensuring swift and scenic transitions between each pristine wilderness area.
Join us on this unparalleled Uganda Primate Fly-in Trekking Safari, where every moment unveils the magic of Africa’s top primate highlights. Experience the thrill of chimpanzee trekking, the majesty of gorilla encounters, and the rarity of golden monkey sightings in a journey crafted to inspire, educate, and leave an indelible mark on your soul.
Tour highlights
Day 1: Transfer to Entebbe Airport for flight to Kibale National Park, guided primates walk in Bigodi Swamp
Day 2: Kibale Chimpanzee tracking experience plus other primates
Day 3: Fly from Kasese to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for the gorilla trek
Day 4: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Day 5: Golden monkey tracking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Day 6: Transfer to Kisoro for flight to Entebbe International Airport, departure.
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Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Entebbe to Kibale Forest National Park
Early in the morning, a lavish breakfast awaits before you head to Entebbe Airport for your short domestic flight to Kasese Airstrip, a journey that offers panoramic views of Uganda’s rolling hills and vibrant landscapes below. From Kasese, a scenic drive of approximately two hours through rural Uganda brings you to the magnificent Kibale Forest National Park. Here, your lodge nestled amidst the verdant forest awaits, offering a tranquil haven where you can rest and rejuvenate after your day’s journey.
Accommodation options available (all on full board basis)
Up-market: Kyaninga Lodge | Crater Safari Lodge Kibale | Ndali Lodge
Moderate: Isunga Lodge | Kibale Forest Camp | Turaco Tree Tops Lodge
Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest
Awakening to the symphony of the forest, today is dedicated to an extraordinary encounter with our closest primate relatives, the chimpanzees. After a hearty breakfast, venture to the park headquarters where expert guides provide insights and instructions for your chimpanzee tracking adventure. Kibale Forest, renowned for its rich biodiversity, offers an immersive experience as you traverse the leafy trails, following the chimpanzees’ distinctive calls through the dense canopy. Witness their playful antics, familial bonds, and perhaps even their ingenious tool-using behaviors, a testament to their remarkable intelligence and adaptability.
Accommodation options available (all on full board basis)
Up-market: Kyaninga Lodge | Crater Safari Lodge Kibale | Ndali Lodge
Moderate: Isunga Lodge | Kibale Forest Camp | Turaco Tree Tops Lodge
Day 3: Kibale to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Following a leisurely morning amidst the serenity of Kibale Forest, bid farewell to this lush sanctuary as you transfer back to Kasese Airstrip for your scenic flight to Kihihi Airstrip near Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. This short flight, offering aerial views of Uganda’s undulating terrain and picturesque villages, culminates in a brief drive to your lodge nestled at the edge of the mystical Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Here, the mist-shrouded mountains and dense foliage set the stage for an enchanting encounter with the rare and majestic mountain gorillas.
Up-market: Chameleon Hill Lodge | Nkuringo Gorilla Camp
Moderate: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge | Lake Mulehe Lodge
Low Budget: Travellers Rest Hotel| Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Arising before the first light, excitement fills the air as you prepare for the highlight of your journey: gorilla trekking. After a nourishing breakfast, venture to the park headquarters where your guide imparts essential knowledge and insights into the behavior and conservation efforts surrounding the mountain gorillas. With anticipation mounting, embark on a trek through Bwindi’s rugged terrain, guided by the distant sounds and subtle clues that lead to a face-to-face meeting with a gorilla family. Spend an awe-inspiring hour in their presence, observing their intricate social dynamics, nurturing interactions, and profound expressions that mirror our own.
Accommodation options available (all on full board basis)
Up-market: Chameleon Hill Lodge | Nkuringo Gorilla Camp
Moderate: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge | Lake Mulehe Lodge
Low Budget: Travellers Rest Hotel| Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge
Day 5: Golden Monkey Tracking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
After breakfast transfer to the Mgahinga National Park headquarters for briefing and later begin the hike over the volcanic terrain in search for golden monkeys in the bamboo forests.
Mgahinga National Park shares borders with Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The park is also the most scenic as it stands at three volcanoes of Muhavura, Gahinga, and Sabyinyo.
Accommodation options available (all on full board basis)
Up-market: Chameleon Hill Lodge | Nkuringo Gorilla Camp
Moderate: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge | Lake Mulehe Lodge
Low Budget: Travellers Rest Hotel| Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge
Day 6: Mgahinga national park to Entebbe
Your final morning in Mgahinga begins with a leisurely breakfast amidst the tranquil ambiance of the forest. Reflecting on the extraordinary encounters with chimpanzees and mountain gorillas, bid farewell to Mgahinga as you return to Kisoro Airstrip for your flight back to Entebbe. Upon arrival, reminisce about your primate safari experiences before transferring to your hotel or directly to Entebbe International Airport for your onward journey, carrying cherished memories of Uganda’s pristine wilderness and its captivating inhabitants.
INCLUSIONS
- Domestic flights as mentioned in the itinerary (including taxes):
- Ground transport in a 4wd Toyota Land cruiser with pop-up roof for excellent safari viewing for transfers and activities;
- Gorilla permits (each at US$700)
- Chimpanzee viewing permits
- Guided swamp walks at Bigodi
- Meals indicated on programme
- Services of an experienced tour guide cum driver
- Accommodation as per programme
- Park fees for the various parks
- Private/exclusive transportation using 4×4 safari vehicles
- Arrival airport transfers
- Entrance fees for tours mentioned in the programme
Excludes:
- International air fares and entry visa to Uganda
- A porter during the gorilla tracking (someone who carries your daypack);
- Personal (medical/travel) insurance;
- Government tax or park fees increase;
- Tips and gratuities to rangers, driver/guide, porter, hotel staff, etc;
- All expenses of personal nature (e.g. drinks, laundry, optional activities, souvenirs etc.).
This flying safari itinerary not only optimizes your time for primate tracking in Kibale Forest, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga forest but also immerses you in Uganda’s natural beauty, offering a seamless and unforgettable adventure in the heart of East Africa.
