Safari Brief:
- Stopover at the Uganda Equator on the Kampala-Masaka Road
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park
According to the Uganda Wildlife Authority, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park contains almost 400 species of plants more famously, this “impenetrable forest” also protects an estimated 400 mountain gorillas – roughly half of the world’s population, including several habituated groups, which can be trekked. This biologically diverse region also provides shelter to a further 120 mammals, including several primate species such as baboons and chimpanzees, as well as elephants and antelopes. There are around 350 species of birds hosted in this forest, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics.
According to UWA, Kibale National Park contains one of the loveliest and most varied tracts of tropical forest in Uganda. Kibale is famously known for Chimpanzee trekking. The park is home to a total of 70 mammal species, most famously 13 species of primate including the chimpanzee. It also contains over 375 species of birds. 351 tree species have been recorded in the park. Kibale is one of Africa’s foremost research sites for primatologists, among other researchers.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport
On your arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be welcomed and transferred to the hotel in Entebbe for a night.
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Kampala to Kabale
After breakfast at your hotel, you will depart Kampala for Kabale district through Masaka and Mbarara in the southwest. You will have a stopover at the Uganda Equator for a water experiment at Kayabwe. You will have lunch in a restaurant along the way.
Accommodation
- Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge – high-end
- Bakiga Lodge – mid-range
- Gorilla Friends Resort – budget
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After early morning breakfast, you will carry your packed lunch and bottled water to the trekking start point on the Eastern sector of Ruhija where you will be registered and briefed by the park rangers on your trekking safari. You will be required to carry a photocopy of your passport to verify the correct names and addresses as they appear on your Gorilla Trekking Permit.
Guided by park rangers the actual trekking experience could take you between three to five hours in cold, steeply and muddy conditions. The highlight of this safari is that you will closely watch these endangered species as they go about their daily life in their habitat. Trekking endangered mountain gorillas remains one of the undisputed highlights of an Africa safari. Encountering these enormous creatures is an experience that will stay with you for life. After trekking the gorillas you will enjoy your packed lunch in the forest and thereafter return to your lodge.
There is an opportunity to go for a nature walk or enjoy a Batwa forest experience in the afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 4: Kabale to Kibale National Park
After an early breakfast, you depart for Kibale National Park via the Kabale-Mbarara-Kasese-Kabarole Road with the magnificent Rwenzori Mountain ranges forming a backdrop on the journey.
Accommodation
- Kyaninga Lodge – high-end
- Kibale Forest Lodge – mid-range
- Isunga Lodge – budget
Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking
After breakfast,
After breakfast you will trek the chimpanzee parties in the park under the guidance of guides. You will return to the lodge for lunch. Thereafter you will go for a nature walk in the afternoon.
For the gorilla and chimpanzee trekking excursions you must have:
- Long trousers and long sleeved shirts for protection against insect stings
- Leather gloves for protection against stinging plants
- A rain coat
- Hiking boats or waterproof walking shoes
- Packed lunch and bottled water for gorilla trekking
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 6: Kibale to Kampala – Transfer to Entebbe Airport for Departure
After breakfast, you leave for Entebbe. You will have lunch at a selected restaurant in either in Kampala or Entebbe. You will then be transferred to Entebbe International Airport to board your departure flight.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
This safari includes:
- Bookings in standard rooms
- Airport transfers
- A full time English speaking driver/guide
- 4WD air-conditioned vehicles for road transport
- Non-air-conditioned vehicles for game drives
- Gorilla trekking permit
- Chimpanzee trekking permit
- Park fees, game drives
- Applicable government taxes
- Indicated meals
- Bottled drinking water (one-liter per person per day during on while driving on safari)
This safari excludes:
- International airfare to Uganda
- The cost of the visa (USD$50)
- Meals and drinks not included in the safari
- Personal insurance, beverages and bar bills, phone bills and expenses of a personal nature like laundry, tips and buying souvenirs, among others.
For inquiries or booking contact us on:
Tel: +256-775-426315
Email: info@pigeonsafaris.com