Uganda Primate Tour -Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Kibale Chimp Trek - 5 Days (Gorillas, Chimps Trek)

Day 1: Start the Uganda Primates tour from Airport or your hotel in Entebbe or Kampala, drive Kibale National Park

Briefing on the safari before we drive westwards towards Fort Portal to the Kibale Forest National Park (about 5 hours).

Traveling on both asphalt and unpaved roads, you pass through traditional Ugandan villages where you see people at work tending their traditional crops of millet, sorghum, beans and maize. 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.

You arrive at Fort Portal, then, continue toward Kibale Forest, one of the great African rainforest research reserves. Years of study by scientists (who have cut a grid through the forest) have habituated many of its animals to human observers. This forest is famed for the variety of primates found here and it is a terrific area for birds. This rural Ugandan town (Fort Portal) is locally famous for its weaving and basketry, and we can spend some time briefly to examine some of this local art.

Accommodation options available (all on full board basis)

Up-market: Crater Safari Lodge | Ndali Lodge

Moderate: Isunga Lodge Chimpanzee Forest Lodge | Turaco Treetops

Low Budget: Kibale Forest Camp | Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse

Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale National Park & Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary

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 socialise with each other, or even, occasionally hunt.

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 among others.

Accommodation options available (all on full board basis)

Up-market: Crater Safari Lodge | Ndali Lodge

Moderate: Isunga Lodge | Chimpanzee Forest Lodge | Turaco Treetops

Low Budget: Kibale Forest Camp | Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse

Day 3: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for the gorilla trek (on day 4)

Depart early morning for Bwindi for your gorilla trek on the next day.

Very early in the morning after breakfast, you will set off for Bwindi impenetrable forest National Park via Kabale- Kisoro route or Isasha Sector with packed lunch. On your way you will enjoy scenery views of different mountains and beautiful plantations. 

Accommodation options available (all on full board basis)

Up-market: Mahogany Springs Lodge | Buhoma Lodge |Chameleon Hill Lodge | Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge Bwindi

Moderate: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge| Engagi Lodge | Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge  

Low Budget: Gorilla Haven Lodge Rushaga  |  Gorilla Conservation Camp

Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

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 meters 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 a long 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)

Up-market: Mahogany Springs Lodge | Buhoma Lodge |Chameleon Hill Lodge | Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge Bwindi

Moderate: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge| Engagi Lodge | Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge  

Low Budget: Gorilla Haven Lodge Rushaga |  Ruhija Gorilla Friends Camp |  Gorilla Conservation Camp

Day 5: Return to Kampala

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.

Essential Gorilla Trekking information

Gorilla Trekking takes place in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda at altitudes of about 2000 Meters above sea level.   Both places experience a modified equatorial climate, which is kind of moist and often cooler.  The grounds are usually wet, and the paths are full of stinging plants-nettles.  Besides, the rains are random.  In this regard, all prospective trackers are asked to bring the following

• Long trousers/ pants- to avoid stinging nettles please do not wear short parks when tracking gorillas.  The trousers must be strong enough to withstand occasional pulls from thorns.
• Long-sleeved shirts/ t-shirts.  To avoid stinging nettles
• Gloves- not such a big necessity but you may need them to avoid injury to your hands.  Remember the grounds are wet and slippery.  To avoid injury from thorny bushes and objects on the ground.
• Hiking boots- Please bring average waterproof sturdy walking boots reaching ankle level, not mountain climbing boots. Something light and hardy will do.
• Warm cardigan- the hills can get extremely cold.  A warm cardigan is required to keep off cold.
• Long-sleeved Raincoat or anorak -it can rain anytime in Volcanoes National Park even on hot days.  The downpours are heavy and extremely cold.
• Waterproof container for your cameras.  Yes, I know there are waterproof cameras but even them to be sure just put them in a waterproof container.  When you are slipping and falling on muddy grounds you do not want your precious photos damaged or do you?
• If you desire headgear (hats), a baseball cap is recommended as gorillas are familiar to them.
• Enough water- minimum of 2 liters of drinking water to avoid dehydration.  Carry four just in case the hike proofs longer than expected.  Sometimes it can be 8 hours.
• Film Camera- A film camera for domestic use is recommended.
• A camera
• If you are interested in birds, you can bring a Field guide to birds of East Africa by Fanshawe and a pair of binoculars.

Uganda and Rwanda Introductory Travel Tips

Guide:

Our guide(s) is a thorough English-speaking professional guide and navigates all through.

Meals:

Most of the breakfast served in Ugandan Hotels is English breakfast. Lunch and Dinner in some hotels are based on set menu but most hotels meals are on Ale carte. All hotels included in the Itinerary offer traditional/cultural music shows on request.

Hotels:

We have talked about all the hotels used and their description in the Itinerary: However,  not all hotels have Bathtubs, but you will find clean warm shower facilities Ensuite.   Some lodges offer Air-conditioned rooms while others haven’t. However, Uganda's climate is renowned for moderate temperatures which range between 18 to 28 degrees centigrade throughout the year.

Safari:

You are on Fullboard(FB)/ Half HB) however this doesn’t stop you from buying anything of your interest.

Porter Service

Services are paid for, or tip is given to hotel peg-boys and porters in parks who may assist in any service offered. (see details of recommended tips).

Open Close Status in General:

All public Tourism sites are open daily from 0700 in the morning to 0700 in the evening.

Seasons

We have two dry seasons a year. All Ugandan roads are good for road transportation all year round.

Dry season: [June, July, and August]; [December, January, and February].  The rest of the Months fall in the rainy season.  During the rainy season, activities drop by about 25%.

What vaccinations do I need?

Full vaccination for Covid-19 is highly recommended but it is not a requirement. Nonetheless, all our guides have completed their covid vaccination. S.O.Ps will still have to have to be adhered to.

A yellow fever vaccine is essential – bring your certificate with you.

Be aware that some of these require a course of injections, and others take several days to take effect. So you should visit your doctor or travel clinic as soon as possible before you travel.

Should I bring any other medications?

Anti-malarial tablets are recommended throughout Uganda – visit your local travel clinic to determine which type is best for you. Note: Chloroquine does not protect against malaria in Uganda.

Bring all prescription medications with you – they may not be readily available in Uganda.

Be sure to purchase travel insurance before you begin your trip, including medical evacuation in case of an emergency.

What Other Healthy Risks Are There?

Even if you are taking anti-malarials, you should still wear an insect repellent, long-sleeved shirts, long trousers and closed shoes. This will also help protect you from other diseases carried by mosquitoes, and other insects such as tsetse flies.

All accommodation in high-risk areas will have mosquito nets - be sure to use them.
Avoid swimming in Uganda’s lakes – they carry a high risk of bilharzias.

Tap water is not suitable for drinking, though bottled water is readily available throughout the country.

Tips:

The question of when and when not to tip can be difficult in a foreign country. In Uganda and Rwanda, it is customary to tip your driver/guide at the end of a safari or hike, as well as a cook or porter that accompanies you. A figure if roughly $5 per day would be a fair benchmark, though check this with your safari company in advance. I see no reason why you shouldn’t give a bigger or smaller tip based on the quality of service. It is not essential to tip the guides who take you around in national parks and other reserves, but it is recommended, and the money will be greatly appreciated by the recipient.

The thing to remember is that whoever you tip in USD will not get the sum of money you intend to give. The exchange of USD is not an exact science, the rate given depends on both the age of the note and the size of the note. The newest and biggest denomination note will attract the best rate. A $1 bill will attract an absolute rubbish rate no matter how many you have. A Rwandan / Ugandan will be happy to receive a tip in whatever currency you want to use but for day-to-day living, they prefer their local currency. If you tip them with dollars the first thing, they do is go to the forex to negotiate the best rate available, either that or try and sell them back to you.

So, at the end of the day if all you have is USD or GBP or Euro then use that currency but the best option for the recipient is the local currency (Uganda Shilling or Rwandan franc).

But please please please don't do what some people do, tip using foreign coins, particularly one pound or one-euro coins as they have no value at all and yes, some people do it.

It is customary to tip for service in local bars and restaurants, though you may sometimes want to leave a tip (in fact, given the difficulty of finding change in Uganda), you may particularly be forced into doing this in some circumstances. A tip of 5% would be very acceptable and 10% generous. Generally, any restaurant that caters primarily for tourists and to wealthy Ugandans/ Rwandese residents will automatically add a service charge to the bill, but since there’s no telling where that service charge ends up, it would be reasonable to reward good service with a cash tip.

The following is a guide to tips:

Local guides/porters in the Hotel/ parks US$ 05-10/porter,

Gorilla guides in the park US$ 20-50

Chimpanzee guide in the park US$ 10-30

Game drive guide in the park US$ 10-30

Drivers or Tour Guide US$ 25 per day

Foreign currency exchange, Using credit cards, Bargaining/ Shopping in Uganda

What is the Currency?

The Ugandan Shilling. This cannot be purchased outside the country.

How do I Exchange Cash?

US Dollars, UK Pounds, and Euros are accepted by UWA for gorillas/ chimp tracking permits and park entry fees. Many larger hotels will also accept US Dollars and Euros – though you should check in advance.

Note: All US dollars notes must be printed post-2006 and should not be damaged in any way. Higher exchange rates are given on larger value notes ($50 and $100). Banks and Forex bureaus will exchange cash, alternatively, we can use ATM machines – common in the major towns. They should accept Visa Debit and Credit Cards.

Can I use Credit or Debit Cards?

Visa is more widely accepted in city hotels and stores, followed by Mastercard. Other Credit cards are unlikely to work.

Alert your bank before using your card abroad to avoid it being blocked.

Can I bargain When Shopping

Prices are fixed in shops, but food and craft markets will be more flexible. You stand a better chance of getting a reduced price if you purchase several items from the same seller.

Prices are generally very low – so do consider if what you are asking for is fair.

Agree on charges for mini-busses (matatus) or motorbike taxis (boda-bodas) with your driver before hiring.

What to wear and take when trekking to see the gorillas?

Put on your sturdiest walking shoes, and thick trousers, and a long-sleeved top as protection against vicious stinging nettles. It’s often cold when you set out, so start off with a sweatshirt or jersey (which also help protect against nettles). The gorillas are thoroughly used to people, so it makes little difference whether you wear bright or muted colors.

Whatever clothes you wear to go tracking are likely to get very dirty as you slip and slither in the mud, so if you have pre-muddied clothes, you might as well wear them. When you are grabbing hand-loads of thorny vegetation, a pair of old gardening gloves is helpful. If you feel safer with a walking stick, you will be offered a wooden one at the start of the ascent.

Carry as little as possible, ideally in a waterproof bag of some sort. During the rainy season, a poncho or raincoat might be a worthy addition to your daypack, while sunglasses and a hat are a good idea at any time of the year. You may well feel like a snack during the long hike and should certainly carry enough drinking water - at least one liter, more to visit the Susa Group. Bottled water is sold in Ruhengeri town. Especially during the rainy season, make sure your camera gear is well protected – if your bag isn’t waterproof, seal your camera gear in a plastic bag.

Binoculars are not necessary to see the gorillas. In theory, birdwatchers want to carry binoculars, though in practice only the dedicated are likely to make use of them – the trek up to the gorillas is normally very directed, and walking up the steep slopes and through the thick vegetation tends to occupy one’s eyes and mind.

If you are carrying a lot of gear and food/water, it is advisable to hire one of the porters who hang about at the car park in the hope of work. This costs USD15 per porter. Locals have asked us to emphasize that it is not demeaning or exploitative to hire a porter to carry your daypack; on the contrary, tourists who refuse a porter for ‘ethical reasons’ are simply denying income to poor locals and making it harder for them to gain any benefit from tourism.