Great Ape Tracking in Uganda

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Day 1 : ARRIVAL AT EN TEBBE AIRPORT

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• Arrival in the International Airport of Entebbe

• meeting with your guide

• Transport to your accommodation for the night

 

Day 2  : ROAD TO KIBALE NATIONAL PARK

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• Pick up from your accommodation by your guide

• Transfer towards Kibale National Park

• Bigodi Swamp walking tour

 

The Kibale National Park is about 350 kilometers from Entebbe and finds itself in the South West of Uganda. The neighboring Rwenzori mountains of the moon and the lush green Kibale forest provide unforgettable landscapes. But apart from the landscapes Kibale forest is widely known for its primate’s population more specifically: The Chimpanzees. Latest estimations have shown that there are about 1500 Chimp specimens that can be found in the forest.

Arrival at the lodge and after check-in a walk towards the Bigodi Swamp in order to get a better view on the community life in the Ugandan countryside.  During the walk you will have the possibility to spot various birds and primates such as Colobus monkey, red-tailed monkey, etcetera…

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Day 3  : KIBALE NATIONAL PARK

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• Full day Chimpanzee habituation

 

Guided walk through the Kibale forest in search of its most renowned primate. However, also 12 other primate species, buffalos and elephants can be spotted. The habituation project consists of spending a full day with trackers, researchers and most importantly the chimpanzees in order to observe, habituation and learn from time. It is the best way to visit these primates since the trackers and researchers will explain extensively regarding the Chimpanzee behavior and characteristics. One will also get an insight in the actual conservation projects with the objective of safeguarding the future for the Chimpanzees in Kibale Forest and Uganda.

 

Day 4 : QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK

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• Drive towards Queen Elizabeth National Park

• First afternoon safari in a 4x4 discovering the Peninsula of Mweya.

 

The Queen Elizabeth National Park’s borders have been extended in 1979 in order to protect important wildlife areas but also to include human activity such as the local fishing activities around the Kazinga Channel. This region of Uganda boasts one of the naturally speaking richest ecosystems of the country and the vast reserves of water coming from the Rwenzori mountains did create Lake Edward and Lake George which are connected by the renowned Kazinga Channel. Hundreds of hippos and crocodiles can be spotted. Additionally, the park is a true haven for birders because more than 600 species can be observed. The Ishasha region of the park is the most famous because of its world-famous tree climbing lions. There are three top sites to spot these felines who have adapted to the tree climbing life (lake manyara national park and Serengeti National Park in Tanzania ) but the rates of success in spotting them are the highest in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

 

Day 5 : QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK

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• Full day safari in the Queen Elizabeth National Park

 

Today the focus on the tree climbing lions in the Ishasha region but the during the safari other wildlife sighting will surely not be ignored. An encounter with Uganda’s national animal, the Ugandan Cob, several elephant herds and hundreds of buffaloes will be other highlights during the full day safari experience.

 

Day 6 : ROAD TO BWINDI NATIONAL PARK

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• Road to Bwindi National Park

• Afternoon walk around the Bwindi National Forest

 

The 32000-hectare Impenetrable Forest of Bwindi National Park lies on the eastern side of the Albertine rift valley and houses a vast array of fauna and flora. It is home to more than half of the global population of the mountain gorilla. To find and observe these gentle giants is truly a privilege for the nature loving traveler. The gorilla population stays healthy and stable but the funds, generated by ecotourism, pumped into conservation projects are more than necessary in order to guarantee the survival of the species. The Bwindi impenetrable forest is also home to many endemic plant, tree and butterfly species. It is a paradise on earth and a must visit for all nature enthusiasts around the globe.  

 

Day 7 : BWINDI NATIONAL PARK

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• Full day mountain gorilla tracking

 

Today is the moment supreme of the holiday : Accompanied by the Bwindi National Park rangers you will be tracking these unique Great Apes. ATTENTION: the tracking itself requires a certain level of fitness. The forest hills can be quite steep, and vegetation might be an obstacle during the tracking. Finding the gorillas can take a couple of hours since the families tend to migrate through the forest. HOWEVER, this will be an unforgettable experience which will stay with you for life. To watch these primates feed, interact, play and rest is one of the most amazing and mesmerizing experiences you can find out there in the African Bush.

 

Day 8 : KAMPALA

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• Transfer towards Kampala, the capital of Uganda

• Picture stop at the Equator

• if time permits it : a visit to a local market in order to get a grasp of the couleur locale in Uganda’s capital

 

Kampala is the country’s national and commercial capital and it borders lake Victoria. Hills with red tiled villas and trees surround an urban center of contemporary buildings. It is a dynamic and bustling city full of energy. As the heartland of the Bugandan Kingdom, Kampala has a rich and colourful history, visible in several fascinating palaces ( such as the Lubiri palace on Mengo Hill ), museums and other points of interest. Various tourist attractions can be visited and explored within the city borders such as the palace of Kabaka, the Kasubi tombs and the national Museum of Uganda.

 

Day 9 : JINJA " SOURCE OF THE NILE "

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• Transfer towards Jinja

• visit of the Ssewibza falls with a local guide

• boat cruise towards the source of the Nile

 

A visit to Ssezibwa falls will give some more insight into the Bugandan Kingdom. Today the Baganda people still visit the site seeking for those who perform traditional healing. The falls and the river that split into two have a meaning to the Baganda people. Legend says that a woman gave birth and from her womb came two rivers. Sacrifices are still made there after the birth of twins.

Jinja, a major city on the banks of Lake Victoria, lies 80 kilometers East from Kampala and is famous for being close to the Source of the Nile. This was localized by the British Explorer John Speke in 1862 who put an end to one of the most famous geographical mysteries of its time.

 

Day 10 : RETURN

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• Transfer toward the airport

• (visit of the botanical gardens or Mabamba Swamp if times permits it)

• return flight to your home country