UGANDA all primates tour - Trekking Gorillas, chimps, Golden Monkeys, other primates safari - 6 Days
The 6 days tour allows you to track Bwindi gorillas, Kibale chimps with golden monkeys tracking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
This is the ideal safari to Africa for travellers who would love more of primates than anything else. You will start with two primates walks in Kibale National Park (AKA East Africa's Primates' capital with over 11 primates species), then proceed to Bwindi for gorilla tracking in Bwindi before ending with golden monkey tracking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
The tour is private and you can start on any day you want. On the treks, however, other trekkers might join you. We can start from Entebbe, Kampala or Kigali (extra charges might apply).
Tour Itinerary for Uganda All Primates Tour: Gorilla Trek, Chimps Tracking and Golden Monkeys - 6 Days Tour
- Day 1: Kibale National Park, guided primates walk in Bigodi Swamp
- Day 2: Chimps and other primates tracking experience in Kibale
- Day 3: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Day 4: Gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- Day 5: Golden monkey tracking exercise in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
- Day 6: Return to Kampala - Entebbe or Kigali
Bwindi Mountain Gorilla
UGANDA ALL PRIMATES TOUR: GORILLA TRACKING, CHIMP & GOLDEN MONKEYS SAFARI
Day 1: Kibale National Park, Guided Primates walk in Bigodi
More primates like black and white colobus monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys, grey-cheeked monkeys, bush babies, pottos and many bird species like the yellow-spotted nicator, rumped tinker bird, little greenbul, green breasted pitta, the crowned eagle, black bee-eater and mammals like elephants can be seen in this walk.
Early morning after breakfast we continue driving through the undulating highlands of south-western Uganda on our way to the greener and beautiful Fort Portal area. The lush rolling hills of this region provide good photo opportunities.
As you approach Fort Portal in the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains, you enter Uganda's famous tea plantation region. A carpet of green spreads before you, as far as the eye can see, and seems an unusual contrast to the countryside through which you have just passed.
In the afternoon we visit a nearby forest swamp that is excellent for viewing primates and other forest animals. At the eastern edge of Kibale forest is Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary which is maintained by the local community. You will expect birds like the great blue turaco, blue monkeys, baboons, otters, mongoose, bushbucks, bush pigs and others.
Accommodation options available (all on full board basis)
Up-market and Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge | Ndali Lodge | Crater Safari Lodge
Moderate: Isunga Lodge| Kibale Forest Camp | Turaco Treetops Lodge
Low Budget: Kibale Forest Camp (in tents) | Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse (shared bathroom rooms)
Day 2: Kibale Chimpanzee Tracking Experience Plus Other Primates
Assemble at Kanyankyu River camp at 08:00 hours to go for the most popular activity in this park which is chimpanzee tracking.
Chimpanzees are man’s closest cousins though they are one of the most threatened primate species. More primates like black and white colobus monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabey, red-tailed monkeys, bush babies, pottos and many bird species like the yellow-spotted nicator, rumped tinker bird, little greenbul, green breasted pitta, the crowned eagle, black bee-eater and mammals like elephants can be seen in this walk.
Kibale National park, which averages about 3,300 feet in elevation, is an extension of the great rainforests of Central Africa. It is inhabited by three large communities of chimps, each numbering more than 100 individuals. Each community has a complicated social structure. The big adult males dominate the group and defend the community territory against incursions by male outsiders; the females usually wander in small family groups.
Typically, we locate the chimps by listening for their pant-hooting calls, then hustle to the area from which they are calling. We get to observe them as they feed in fruiting trees, lounge, and socialize with each other, or even, occasionally hunt.
Accommodation options available (all on full board basis)
Top Up-market and Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge | Ndali Lodge | Crater Safari Lodge
Moderate: Isunga Lodge| Kibale Forest Camp | Turaco Treetops Lodge
Low Budget: Kibale Forest Camp (in tents) | Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse (shared bathroom rooms)
Day 3: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, we drive further south through stunning savannah grasslands as we head towards the breathtaking Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
While most of today's forests are no more than 12,000 years old, Bwindi's vegetation has been weaving itself into tangles for over 25,000 years, in the process accumulating a lengthy species list.
This includes 310 species of butterflies, 51 reptiles, 200 trees, 88 moths and an exceptional 120 species of mammals including 10 primates. The latter includes chimpanzee, L'Hoest's, red-tailed and blue monkey, black and white colobus, baboon, and Bwindi's most famous resident, the mountain gorilla.
Bwindi is a prime destination for bird- watchers. Its 350 species include seven which are IUCN red data listed and 90% of all Albertine rift endemics – species that are difficult or impossible to see in any other part of East Africa.
Accommodation options available (all on full board basis)
Top Up-market: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge | Mt. Gahinga Lodge
Standard Luxury: Chameleon Hill Lodge | Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge Bwindi
Moderate: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Low Budget: Gorilla Haven Lodge Rushaga
Day 4: Gorilla Tracking Experience, Trekking Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
After breakfast, proceed for the morning briefing before enjoying the highlight of the trip - gorilla trekking, which may last the entire day.
We trek through the rainforest and bamboo covered slopes, accompanied by a guide and trackers, in search of a mountain gorilla family. The walking can sometimes be tough and long, but when you catch a glimpse of the magnificent silverback, any discomforts will be quickly forgotten. When sighted, visitors will be guided to within 6 metres from the gorillas, sit around them for a whole hour while gazing into their big round eyes.
Gorilla trekking is unpredictable. It's difficult to foresee how many hours you will hike. The gorilla excursion can take from 2 up to 8 hours. Expect to walk along distance in steep and muddy conditions, sometimes with rain overhead, before you encounter any gorillas. A good physical condition is recommended. For conservation purposes, time spent with the gorillas is limited to one hour. A ranger will brief you on how to behave with the gorillas.
Accommodation options available (all on full board basis)
Top Up-market: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge | Mt. Gahinga Lodge
Standard Luxury: Chameleon Hill Lodge | Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge Bwindi
Moderate: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Low Budget: Gorilla Haven Lodge Rushaga
Day 5: Golden Monkey Tracking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
After an early breakfast set off for the national park for the golden monkey tracking experience.
The monkeys are primarily to be found in the bamboo forest that skirt the lower slopes of the volcanoes. The monkeys are very active in the canopy of the bamboo where your guides mimic their calls to follow the group.
With only a small number remaining in the world, the Golden Monkey can be found in the foothills of the volcanic mountains of Mgahinga National Park in Uganda and in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Characterized by its bright golden body, cheeks and tail, with contrasting black limbs, crown and tail end, these playful primates are a pleasure to watch. Whether you choose to do this on the Rwandan or Ugandan side, the walk will take you from the bamboo stands and forested gorge on the lower levels of the volcanoes to the elevated heath and moorland higher up.
Accommodation options available (all on full board basis)
Top Up-market: Mt. Gahinga Lodge
Standard Luxury: Chameleon Hill Lodge
Moderate: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
Low Budget: Gorilla Haven Lodge Rushaga
Day 6: Return to Kampala/ Entebbe or transfer to Kigali
Early breakfast before embarking on our return to Kampala, driving down the grassed and terraced escarpments of southwestern Uganda while taking in the breathtaking sights of the hills of the region dubbed ‘the little Switzerland of Africa’.
This area is a highly fertile, mountainous region with steep-sided hills covered from top to bottom in neatly terraced cultivated rows. Not to miss as we traverse Mbarara are the impressing longhorn Ankole cattle.
A remarkable highlight of this journey is the Equator line and surely you will cross it as we have a brief stop here. We will be in Kampala in the evening before your flight back home.
Kyaninga Lodge (Upscale Option)
The Lodge and Cottages
The exceptional design and sheer scale of the main lodge is immediately apparent from the moment one crests the hill and Kyaninga Lodge comes into view. Once inside, the lodge offers comfortable seating areas set around an imposing double-sided open fireplace where one can enjoy a cozy evening over a good book, a boardgame or a drink from the bar. The main building also houses the restaurant, where delicious meals compete with stunning views on both sides. Two raised galleries offer intimate spaces for those wishing to absorb the panorama in a more private setting. On the lake side, the main lodge leads to two decks furnished with comfortable loungers, while steps hewn from local volcanic rock lead down to the swimming pool and on to two lawned terraces overlooking the deep blue water and primeval forest of Lake Kyaninga itself. For those not quite wishing to really get away from it all, wireless Internet access is provided throughout the main lodge building.
Kyaninga Lodge’s eight cottages are built on platforms and set apart to offer privacy and tranquility. Access to the cottages from the main lodge is via a raised wooden walkway. Each spacious cottage is beautifully appointed with a choice of twin or double beds made up with the softest bedlinens and feather pillows. An indoor sitting area leads out to a private deck where one can enjoy morning tea or coffee and views over the lake and the Mountains of the Moon beyond. The en suite bath- rooms boast marble countertop basins set atop beautifully crafted Elgon Olive pedestals, claw footed freestanding baths, glass walled showers and plenty of hot water from solar water heaters. Lighting in the cottages is also solar powered, and each cottage features an electrical socket for the charging of laptops and other appliances, providing the comforts of home in an extraordinary setting. Extra beds, hypoallergenic pillows and bedding are available on request.
Primate Lodge (Mid-Level Option)
Primate Lodge in Kibale is an exclusive eco-lodge situated in the heart of Kibale Forest National Park. It is surrounded by a lush tropical forest that is home to 13 different species of primates, including the chimpanzees.
Privately secluded in the rainforest, this safari lodge offers you a truly authentic jungle experience and is the perfect gateway for tracking the primates in Uganda.
Discover a place where the serene silence is only interrupted by the melodious sounds of the numerous forest birds. A place that combines comfort with adventure and perfectly blends with the natural environment...
Primate Lodge Kibale features an exclusive camp with eight superior safari tents, seven comfortable forest cottages and an adventurous Tree House. All rooms are privately situated within the forest, making it an ideal place to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds you.
Free WIFI is available in the public areas.
Chameleon Hill Lodge
Chameleon Hill Lodge no other lodge like it in all of Africa – a unique – one of a kind luxury lodge sitting on Chameleon Hill.
We live in a sea of sameness, of similarities, where even lodges follow certain styles and patterns and then there is the one of a kind Chameleon Hill Lodge, unlike any other lodge in Uganda.
Just driving up the ridge and seeing the lodge for the first time with of its varied hues of colours that seem to twinkle in the sun like Joseph’s multi-coloured coat is an experience in it- self.
Chameleon Hill Lodge is the creation of someone who walks to their own drumbeat, someone who is uniquely themselves and brought to fruition an inner dream of a castle on a hill overlooking Lake Mutanda and like the bright array of colours you will find in the chameleons of this area so Chameleon Hill with its array of brilliant colours lives up to is name “Chameleon Hill Lodge.”
Step through the castle doors into the main lodge and you are entering a world of utmost comfort – a dining area where you can enjoy a superb breakfast, great lunch and a most memorable three course dinner – if you have special dietary needs of one kind or another the capable chef can accommodate you to your satisfaction.
There is most comfortable sitting area here and in the evening a crackling fire will warm you – it does get a bit cold in this part of Uganda but you will be delighted by the fine selection of wines the lodge has to offer – simply all around class and style.
Enjoy the sunset from here – take in the majestic – almost mystical Lake Mutanda below you and the majestic Mufumbiro Mountains – Mountains that cook – the Virunga Volcanoes. It all is an amazing array of sights, colours – one of Uganda’s most amazing, comfortable and luxurious locations along Lake Mutanda.
Your room is an individual cottage and of course it is en-suite with bath and the water is heated with propane which means a superb hot shower, something that on safari at times can be lacking.
The room of your cottage is colourful in and out, very functional and practical with quality furniture throughout as in the main lodge. There is also excellent bedding with another out of the normal things and needed in this colder part of Uganda...a duvet on your bed and if that is not enough, extra blankets are there for your comfort. There is also a safe for each cottage to keep your things safe and secure during your stay here. It seems almost everything seems to be thought of.
Activities – there are many – some such as canoeing in a dugout canoe on Lake Mutanda, hikes through villages and forest, birding and of course activities that we have you scheduled for such as volcano climbing, golden monkey tracking, an interactive walk with the first people of the forest, the Batwa people all in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, There are also the activities in the southern end of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. That is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to things to do and see while staying at Chameleon Hill Lodge - no other lodge like it and the added plus is the view.
Included
- Bwindi gorilla trek experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Chimpanzee Tracking Experience in Kibale National Park
- Golden monkeys tracking experience in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
- Accommodation with meals indicated on programme
- Bottled drinking water on the vehicle
- Services of a good experienced English speaking tour guide/driver
- Transport on tour as well as hotel transfers in safari land cruisers
Excluded
- Tips for drivers and other staff
- Flight tickets and departure taxes
- Travel documentation (visas)
- Travel and medical insurance
- Optional excursion
- Beverages other than mineral water in the vehicle
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Extend this Uganda safari to Rwanda, Kenya or Tanzania with the following tours:
Rwanda
Rwanda Gorilla Trekking, Cultural Village & Lake Kivu Tour – 5 Days
Rwanda Great Primate Expedition Safari – 9 Days
Rwanda Gorilla, Chimp, Primate & Cultural Tour – 8 Days
Best of Rwanda Safari- Rwanda Gorillas Chimps, Monkey Tour – 6 Days
Rwanda BIG APES: Gorilla Tracking and Chimps Trek Safari – 5 Days
Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour – 3 Days
Tanzania
Tanzania Wildebeest Migration Safari – 9 Days
Tanzania Wildlife Safari & Zanzibar: Serengeti – Ngorongoro Lake Manyara Park – 10 Days
Tanzania Wildlife Safari: Serengeti – Arusha, Tarangire, Ngorongoro Lake Manyara Park – 9 Days
Uganda Gorilla Trek & Zanzibar Tour – Gorillas and Zanzibar – 7 Days
Kenya
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MAJOR NATIONAL PARKS FOR YOUR UGANDA ALL PRIMATES TREKKING GORILLA TREK SAFARI:
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
The park is located in southwestern Uganda, covering parts of Rukungiri, Kisoro, and Kabale Districts. It is situated in a hilly country-side that, together with some remnant lowland forest outside the boundary constitutes an important water catchments area for many rivers, supplying the agricultural land of the surrounding region.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a true equatorial jungle, inhabited by four gorilla groups. Amongst the dense vegetation the columbus monkey jumps from branch to branch, chattering its warning to its fellows hidden by the foliage. Chimpanzees, in families of 20 or 30, make the rounds, searching for fruit and edible plants.
It is situated in a hilly country-side that, together with some remnant lowland forest outside the boundary constitutes an important water catchments area for many rivers, supplying the agricultural land of the surrounding region.
The best time to visit Uganda is late December to late February, and from June to September, as the weather at this time of year is generally dry, and warm. Temperatures average at around 25 degrees Celsius.
Kibale National Park
Once this tropical rainforest provided a (very substantial) dinner, bed and breakfast for large herds of migrating forest elephants and, even now, the park contains the largest population of this subspecies in Uganda. Although they're rarely seen, and dangerous, the signs of these elephants' presence are abundant.
However, Kibale's claim to fame is its enormous variety of primates and its families of habituated chimpanzees - it's home to an astonishing 12 species of primate and provides one of the highest primate densities in the world. Here, on a daytime or evening guided forest walk, you may find families of chimpanzees and red colobus monkeys chattering and swinging through the ancient forest trees.
The sightings of birds in the forest are no less impressive - there are at least 325 species, many of which are found nowhere else. In addition, there are over 144 species of butterflies.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park sits high in the clouds, at an altitude of between 2,227m and 4,127m. As its name suggests, it was created to protect the rare mountain gorillas that inhabit its dense forests, and it is also an important habitat for the endangered golden monkey.
As well as being important for wildlife, the park also has a huge cultural significance, in particular for the indigenous Batwa pygmies. This tribe of hunter-gatherers was the forest’s “first people”, and their ancient knowledge of its secrets remains unrivalled.
Mgahinga’s most striking features are its three conical, extinct volcanoes, part of the spectacular Virunga Range that lies along the border region of Uganda, Congo and Rwanda. Mgahinga forms part of the much larger Virunga Conservation Area which includes adjacent parks in these countries. The volcanoes’ slopes contain various ecosystems and are biologically diverse, and their peaks provide a striking backdrop to this gorgeous scenery.
The golden monkeys are primarily to be found in the bamboo forest that skirt the lower slopes of the volcanoes. The monkeys are very active in the canopy of the bamboo where your guides mimic their calls to follow the group.
With only a small number remaining in the world, the Golden Monkey can be found in the foothills of the volcanic mountains of Mgahinga National Park in Uganda and in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Characterized by its bright golden body, cheeks and tail, with contrasting black limbs, crown and tail end, these playful primates are a pleasure to watch. Whether you choose to do this on the Rwandan or Ugandan side, the walk will take you from the bamboo stands and forested gorge on the lower levels of the volcanoes, to the elevated heath and moorland higher up.
