9-DAY UGANDA: VISITING GORILLAS & CHIMPANZEES
*price p.p. incl. guide, safari jeep, hotel and park entrance fees, excl. international flight (based on six persons)
Seeing our closest relatives in the wild: a dream which will come true for you during this 9-day safari visiting gorillas and chimpanzees in their Ugandan home.
After your first night, you’ll directly be taken to Kibale National Park, the chimpanzee’s stronghold. In your finest hiking boots, you’ll make your way through the lush forest and marvel at the chimps playing, eating and climbing once you’ve found them. Even though this tour is mainly for visiting our primate cousins, we don’t want to keep the crème de la crème of African wildlife from you. They’re waiting for you in Queen Elizabeth National Park – and with they we mean giraffes, zebras, the rare shoebill and of course, the Big Five.
In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park it’s time for probably the biggest highlight: gorilla trekking! Get ready to hike through a beautiful rainforest and for the black giants to take your breath away – a unique experience which will give you goose bumps for the rest of your life. Your last experience waits in Lake Mburo National Park. You’ll get to discover the region with all its animals, scenery and little villages. A perfect ending to a perfect trip!
Important to know: gorilla trekking is an extremely popular activity (understandably) and requires both a guide and a permit. That’s why it needs to be planned and booked in advance and separately. Of course, we’re happy to help you with that.
Uganda is a safe country to visit (yay!). Especially if you want to join organised game drives with private guides, as you will do with us. There are, of course, some places to avoid in big cities like Kampala or Entebbe. But – as with everywhere else in the world – you’ll be fine by taking some precautions. Just some examples to be on the safe side (pun intended): don’t explore the city at night without a driver or guide, keep your valuables close to you, avoid wearing big and visible jewellery and leave some things like passports in the hotel safe.
This is an exclusive, private safari that allows you to travel at your own pace. This trip is made just for you, exactly as you want it! Our experienced travel consultants will make sure that your wishes come true. There are numerous advantages to such a trip. First, you can cruise around in a private safari vehicle and have a personal guide. It’s completely up to you what time you leave in the morning and when you come back (taking into account your guide’s advice, of course). Secondly, once you’re in a national park, you can observe specific animals or herds for as long as you like. No one will push you to move along. And lastly, knowing your wishes, your personal guide will give you the right tips, turning your trip into an unforgettable experience.
At Africa Safari Trips, we’re all about co-creating your perfect journey. When you plan your African adventures with us, you’re not just booking a trip; you’re embarking on a personalised experience. We start by understanding your wishes and preferences, and we won’t stop until every aspect of your journey aligns perfectly with your vision. Our team works closely with you to ensure that your entire trip is tailor-made to your satisfaction. And for added convenience, we offer a selection of our most popular African tours and safaris as a starting point for your consideration.
Yes, yes, yes! And not only the Big Five pose for your pictures, but also hyenas, hippos, zebras or the unique Ugandan kob, and more than 1,000 bird species of all kinds and colours. And if you love primates, Uganda clearly is your place to be: the diverse jungles are home to as many as 24 species of monkeys, from the nocturnal galagos to the beautifully colored blue monkeys and the breathtaking mountain gorillas.
* Indicative costs per person, excluding international airline tickets
24/7 service 9 days All accommodations Drinking water in our safari jeeps Full board Game drives Luxurious private 4×4 Safari Jeep Park Fees Pickup and transfer airport Private guide speaking fluently English Reservation costs Fully accredited under SGR Excluded Visas Travel insurance International flights (can be booked for you on request) Make your dream trip come true with Africa Safari Trips At Africa Safari Trips, you can customize your trip. Our sample itineraries are adjustable to your preferences. Our specialists work together with you to create your dream journey!
Day 1 Arrival at Entebbe International Airport Arrival at Entebbe International Airport Silver Karibu Guesthouse Entebbe Gold Protea Hotel Entebbe Platinum Protea Hotel Entebbe You arrive at Entebbe International Airport, your gateway to the diverse beauty of Uganda! This is the country of adventurous mountain gorilla and chimp trekking, stunning wildlife safaris, amazing road trips and wilderness adventures by boat, bike, horse or foot. Experience the warm hospitality of the Ugandan people and be amazed by the cultural encounters with the different indigenous tribes. With us, you’ll experience it all! Our driver awaits you in the airport, carrying a sign with your name on it. Welcome to Uganda!
Karibu Guesthouse Entebbe Gold Protea Hotel Entebbe Platinum Protea Hotel Entebbe Silver Karibu Guesthouse Entebbe Gold Protea Hotel Entebbe Platinum Protea Hotel Entebbe Day 2 Drive from Entebbe / Kampala to Kibale National Park Drive from Entebbe / Kampala to Kibale National Park Silver Kibale Forest Camp Gold Kibale Tourist Safari Lodge Platinum Primate Lodge Kibale The drive from Entebbe (or Kampala) to Kibale National Park is a 6-hour scenic route that will take you through lush countryside, several plantations and some bustling towns and villages. As you get closer to the incredible Kibale National Park, the landscape slowly changes into a thick forest, and you might have a chance to spot your first chimpanzee or some other primates. Get ready to wake up your inner Tarzan or Jane, as tomorrow you will put on your hiking boots and head into the jungle!
Kibale Forest Camp Gold Kibale Tourist Safari Lodge Platinum Primate Lodge Kibale Silver Kibale Forest Camp Gold Kibale Tourist Safari Lodge Platinum Primate Lodge Kibale Day 3 Chimpanzee trekking and drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale National Park Silver Elephant Hab Lodge Gold Aardvark Safari Lodge Platinum Buffalo Safari Lodge Meet our closest relatives and watch them play, eat and groom each other in the middle of the green rainforest – goosebumps guaranteed! Following this wow experience, you make your way to Uganda’s most royal park and the Big Five.
Uganda’s Kibale National Park has the highest concentration of chimpanzees on the African continent, with approximately 1,500 chimps in several groups, offering you a high chance of seeing them in the wild. Expert guides lead you through the lush rainforest, where you can observe chimps leaping through trees, playing, eating, and grooming each other. Please note that the minimum age for this 2 to 4 hour trek is 12 years, requires proper hiking shoes, and groups are limited to 6 people. Also, since this is a very popular activity which needs both a permit and a guide, it has to be booked separately and well in advance.
As you drive 2 hours from Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park today, you can enjoy the sights while passing through the crater lake area around Kasenda and seeing the snow-capped peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains on your right a bit further down the road. With this amazing landscape as your ‘bush-tv’, you reach the most royal of Uganda’s national parks before you know it. Keep your eyes peeled for the Big Five! Queen Elizabeth National Park Queen Elizabeth National Park is not only royal by its name but also by its diversity. Celebrating the majesty of the animal kingdom, it is home to four of the Big Five, to tree-climbing lions and has the largest number of hippos in East Africa. Many more animals roam in its diverse landscape including savannah grasslands, dense forests, volcanic features and meandering rivers. Enjoy a large array of activities whilst supporting conservation efforts, all with the snow-capped Rwenzori mountains as a background. Accommodations: Silver Elephant Hab Lodge Gold Aardvark Safari Lodge Platinum Buffalo Safari Lodge Silver Elephant Hab Lodge Gold Aardvark Safari Lodge Platinum Buffalo Safari Lodge Day 4 Discover Queen Elizabeth National Park in a jeep and a boat Jeep safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park Silver Elephant Hab Lodge Gold Aardvark Safari Lodge Platinum Buffalo Safari Lodge After discovering countless gems of Queen Elizabeth National Park on land, it’s time to hop into a comfy boat and do the same on the Kazinga Channel – the home of hippos, crocodiles and colourful birds.
During a jeep safari, our guide takes you in your private jeep on an unlimited game drive in the park. Make sure to share your expectations for this day with him, and let yourself be surprised by the suggestions he might have. Once on the road, ask any question that comes to mind and most of all: enjoy the amazing ride and sights! Boat safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park Last call for those wishing to explore the Kazinga Channel! Go aboard a boat that can accommodate up to twenty people and explore this beautiful and biodiverse place for 2-3 hours. The Kazinga Channel in the Queen Elizabeth National Park stretches 40 kilometres long, linking Lake George to Lake Edward. Keep a keen eye out at all times, as you may spot hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, elephants, and a variety of other animals. Two daily departure times are offered for this boat trip: in the morning, at 11:00 AM, and in the afternoon, at 2:00 PM.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is not only royal by its name but also by its diversity. Celebrating the majesty of the animal kingdom, it is home to four of the Big Five, to tree-climbing lions and has the largest number of hippos in East Africa. Many more animals roam in its diverse landscape including savannah grasslands, dense forests, volcanic features and meandering rivers. Enjoy a large array of activities whilst supporting conservation efforts, all with the snow-capped Rwenzori mountains as a background. Accommodations: Silver Elephant Hab Lodge Gold Aardvark Safari Lodge Platinum Buffalo Safari Lodge Silver Elephant Hab Lodge Gold Aardvark Safari Lodge Platinum Buffalo Safari Lodge Day 5 Drive from Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Drive from Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Silver Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge (Rushaga Sector) Gold Gorilla Leisure Lodge (Rushaga Sector) Platinum Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge (Nkuringo Sector) Enjoy the beauty of Uganda on a 5 to 6-hour drive from Queen Elizabeth National Park to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Observe the landscape gradually transforming from open savannah plains to thick and lush green forests. A memorable drive!
Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge (Rushaga Sector) Gold Gorilla Leisure Lodge (Rushaga Sector) Platinum Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge (Nkuringo Sector) Silver Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge (Rushaga Sector) Gold Gorilla Leisure Lodge (Rushaga Sector) Platinum Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge (Nkuringo Sector) Day 6 Mountain gorilla trekking in Rushaga (southern sector) Mountain gorilla trekking in Rushaga (southern sector) Silver Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge (Rushaga Sector) Gold Gorilla Leisure Lodge (Rushaga Sector) Platinum Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge (Nkuringo Sector) The Rushaga sector in the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to eight gorilla families, some of which are still unaccustomed to human presence. During a mountain gorilla trekking tour, you can hike along challenging trails, spending either an hour with the habituated groups or, at an extra cost, up to four hours observing the less familiar giants in their natural habitat. This once-in-a-lifetime experience, where you can watch the gorillas eat, play, and be guarded by the silverback, will leave you in awe and may even bring tears of joy to your eyes. Please note that gorilla trekking is conducted in groups of up to 8 people, requires proper hiking shoes, and typically lasts 2 to 4 hours. Also, since this is a very popular activity which needs both a permit and a guide, it has to be booked separately and well in advance.
The Nkuringo sector, located in the southwestern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, is one of the most challenging sectors for trekking due to its high altitude. From here, you have a great view of the Congolese Mount Nyiragongo and Mount Nyamuragira, you can see the Virunga volcanoes, and you can easily connect to Lake Mutanda and Lake Mulehe. Please note that participants must be at least 15 years old, treks last 2–4 hours, require proper hiking shoes and are conducted in groups of up to 8 people, though gorilla sightings cannot be guaranteed. Also, gorilla trekking is an extremely popular activity, which requires both a guide and a permit. Our tip: book and plan this unique experience well in advance. Accommodations: Silver Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge (Rushaga Sector) Gold Gorilla Leisure Lodge (Rushaga Sector) Platinum Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge (Nkuringo Sector) Silver Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge (Rushaga Sector) Gold Gorilla Leisure Lodge (Rushaga Sector) Platinum Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge (Nkuringo Sector) Day 7 Drive from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to Lake Mburo National Park Drive from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to Lake Mburo National Park Silver Kigarama Wilderness Lodge Gold Kigarama Wilderness Lodge Platinum Mihingo Lodge After your amazing gorilla trekking experience, you drive from Bwindi Impenetrable to Lake Mburo National Park. During this 7-hour road trip, you see the forest-like landscape gradually transform into soft verdant hills and open savannah. Lake Mburo is packed with wildlife seeking green vegetation and refreshment, so grab your binoculars and be sure to stay on the lookout for zebras, giraffes and many different bird species!
Kigarama Wilderness Lodge Gold Kigarama Wilderness Lodge Platinum Mihingo Lodge Silver Kigarama Wilderness Lodge Gold Kigarama Wilderness Lodge Platinum Mihingo Lodge Day 8 Three safaris in Lake Mburo National Park Walking safari in Lake Mburo National Park Silver Kigarama Wilderness Lodge Gold Kigarama Wilderness Lodge Platinum Mihingo Lodge Marvel at African wildlife from up close (like really close!) during a walking safari in Lake Mburo National Park, explore the surroundings by bike and step into your private jeep to dive even deeper into the unique landscape around the glistening Lake Mburo.
Get out of the safari jeep, lace up your hiking boots and off you go on safari… literally! During your walking safari in Lake Mburo National Park, you can explore this wonderful spot of land from a completely different point of view. Hike through savannahs, woodlands and lakeshores and learn more about the flora and fauna from your experienced guide. Here, you can come close to animals like zebras, impala and giraffes and watch the park’s famous hippos from a safe distance. Discovering Uganda’s untamed wilderness like this is an experience that will stay with you for many years to come. Jeep safari in Lake Mburo National Park During a jeep safari, our guide takes you in your private jeep on an unlimited game drive in the park. Make sure to share your expectations for this day with him, and let yourself be surprised by the suggestions he might have. Once on the road, ask any question that comes to mind and most of all: enjoy the amazing ride and sights! Mountainbike safari outside Lake Mburo National Park Trade four wheels for two wheels and discover the surroundings of the beautiful Lake Mburo National Park during a mountainbike safari. In your own pace, you’ll calmly pedal through this picturesque landscape while marvelling at different wildlife around you. Prepare to meet animals like zebras, impala, elands, buffalos, jackals, hyenas, leopards and warthogs along the way. You want to stay at one spot for a little longer or learn more about some animals or plants? Simply let your guides know: they’re happy to answer you all of your questions and will also make sure that you’re safe throughout this unique adventure.
Kigarama Wilderness Lodge Gold Kigarama Wilderness Lodge Platinum Mihingo Lodge Silver Kigarama Wilderness Lodge Gold Kigarama Wilderness Lodge Platinum Mihingo Lodge Day 9 Return to Entebbe for your flight home Drive back to Entebbe/ Kampala After some exhilarating days, the end of your adventure is near. Enjoy the ride back to where it all started, take in the stunning views once more, and take off with new memories that last forever. Or simply stay a little longer.
As you drive back to Entebbe, you again pass through the villages with their lively marketplaces and the outstretched countryside with tea and coffee plantations, smooth green hills and the occasional wildlife waving you goodbye. After several days of sheer adventure, even the ride back to Entebbe is an experience to enjoy!
This is your last day! Unfortunately, it’s time to catch your flight home from Entebbe International Airport. Sad to leave…? Not to worry! We can easily add a few days of safari to your holiday, or extend it with a few days on the shores of Lake Victoria for some whitewater rafting or other exhilarating activities! Make your dream trip come true with Africa Safari Trips At Africa Safari Trips, you can customize your trip. Our sample itineraries are adjustable to your preferences. Our specialists work together with you to create your dream journey!
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