Uganda Gorilla Trek, Chimps & Murchison Falls Wildlife Safari - 6 Days
This Uganda gorilla trek and wildlife safari includes fabulous wildlife safaris in Murchison Falls NP sighting lions, elephant, hippos, buffalo, leopard; Rhino tracking in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Chimpanzee tracking (and 11 other primates) in Kibale NP, and finally the mountain gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (with over 10 other primate species). If you love having plenty of wildlife experiences on a brief Uganda safari, this is the tour you could definitely fall in love with.
This Uganda safari can depart on any day of the year with a minimum 1 person. On the gorilla trek, chimps trek and boat safaris we have other tourists joining you. We start from Entebbe or Kampala from your hotel or at the airport. We can end in Kigali on request. For longer drives, optional domestic flights can be arranged for you to optimally enjoy your Uganda gorilla safari.
Uganda Gorilla Trek, Chimps & Murchison Falls Wildlife Safari - 6 Days
- Day 1: Start from Kampala or Entebbe, drive to Murchison Falls National Park, track the white rhinos at Ziwa Sanctuary along the way. If we arrive and enter the park early enough, there might be enough time for a safari game drive before sunset. The park is also rich with with over 600 bird species.
- Day 2: Wildlife safari in Murchison Falls National Park with game drives and boat trip looking for lions, hippos, buffalo, leopard, elephant, crocodiles, etc.
- Day 3: Safari to Kibale National Park via beautiful rift valley landscapes, remote Uganda villages, local farms.
- Day 4: Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale, Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Day 5: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Day 6: Depart to Kampala or Entebbe (or request to end tour in Kigali) or fly back to Entebbe option)
Murchison Falls is only about 5 hours drive from Kampala (or 1 hour by flight). The park has a variety of vegetation ranging from riparian forests and swamplands to broad savannah, and provides visitors the opportunity of seeing large concentrations of wildlife including lion, leopard, civet, hyena, elephant, giraffe, buffalo, hippo, crocodile, a host of smaller game, small primates and many bird species, including the rare shoebill stork.
Here is the awe inspiring Murchison Falls where the River Nile hurls itself in convulsions through a narrow crevice and then plunges 40 metres in one breathtaking leap.
Apart from game viewing, the launch trip to the bottom of the falls is another memorable adventure giving you the experience of the mighty Biblical Nile. On the launch you may see schools of crocodiles and hippos basking on the river banks as well as a variety of birds.
Day 1: Start your Uganda Safari from Entebbe or Kampala, driving to Murchison Falls National Park & Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary (there' flights to Murchison Falls if you prefer not to drive)
Our guide meets you from your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe at 07:00AM (or airport but arriving before 10am). You will get a brief about the holiday experience ahead of you before starting the drive through the famous Luwero triangle.
Ziwa Rhino sanctuary is the only place to trek wild Rhinos in Uganda, the other Rhinos are found at Uganda wildlife education centre (former Zoo) in Entebbe. On arrival at the sanctuary, you will be given a briefing from your ranger guide on how to behave while on this Rhino trek. It is very critical that you heed to the ranger’s instructions while on the trek because Rhinos can be aggressive if they sense a need to defend themselves. Depending on the location of the Rhinos, you may need to drive closer to their location before you start the trek to reduce on the distance. Your ranger guide will share different information on the behavior of Rhinos and how you ought to behave while as you trek.
Once you locate the Rhinos, you can stay a maximum of one hour in their presence. Sometimes different families are within distance of each other, in which case you will get an opportunity to visit more than one group. You also have a chance of other animal sightings on this nature walk, they include Waterbucks, Bushbucks, Kobs, Leopard (rarely), duikers etc.
We will continue through the park stopping at the top of the falls which is a fantastic sight. Here the Nile, the longest river in the world, is forced through a narrow gap in the rock (only 7 meters wide), before ferociously plunging down 43 meters. From here we will continue onto our accommodation place along the Nile River
Murchison Falls National Park is the largest in Uganda at 3,840 square kilometres. Here is the awe inspiring Murchison Falls where the River Nile hurls itself in convulsions through a narrow crevice and then plunges 40 metres in one breathtaking leap.
The park has a variety of vegetation ranging from riparian forests and swamplands to broad savannah, and provides visitors the opportunity of seeing large concentrations of wildlife including lion, leopard, civet, hyena, elephant, giraffe, buffalo, hippo, crocodile, a host of smaller game, small primates and many bird species, including the rare shoebill stork. The park is especially famous for crocodiles and hippos.
Apart from game viewing, the launch trip to the bottom of the falls is another memorable adventure giving you the experience of the mighty Biblical Nile. On the launch you may see schools of crocodiles and hippos basking on the river banks as well as a variety of birds.
Accommodation Options (Full Board)
Up-market: Cottage at Murchison River Lodge | Deluxe room at Paraa Safari Lodge
Moderate: Pakuba Lodge
Budget: Fort Murchison Lodge (tents) | Murchison River Lodge (tents) | Red Chilli Rest Camp
Day 2: Safari in Murchison Falls National Park | Game Drive | Boat Trip
After breakfast head to the delta in search of birdlife and enjoy the game drive to look for lions, giraffes, herds of elephants, buffaloes, and many more. We will drive back to the lodge for lunch before taking an afternoon boat cruise to the foot of Murchison Falls.
This boat trip along the Nile is often cited as being the highlight of a trip to Murchison since it allows you to get up-close and personal with the animals. Along this stretch of the river, there are reported to be around 4,000 hippos in addition to some enormous Nile crocodiles. The birdlife is stunning with brightly colored kingfishers and bee-eaters darting along the riverbanks. If lucky, you may see the rare and prehistoric-looking shoebill, which is a cross between the dodo and a dinosaur. The boat takes you to the base of the falls which only adds to their impressiveness.
Accommodation Options (Full Board)
Up-market: Cottage at Murchison River Lodge | Deluxe room at Paraa Safari Lodge
Moderate: Pakuba Lodge
Budget: Fort Murchison Lodge (tents) | Murchison River Lodge (tents) | Red Chilly Rest Camp
Day 3: Kibale National Park; Guided Primate Walk in Bigodi Swamp (flights can be arranged if driving is a challenge for you)
Early morning after breakfast we continue driving through the undulating highlands of southwestern 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 the 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.
Driving time: 5.5 hrs
Accommodation options available (all on full board basis)
Up-market: Kyaninga Lodge | Crater Safari Lodge Kibale | Ndali Lodge
Moderate: Isunga Lodge | Kibale Forest Camp | Turaco Treetops
Low Budget: Tents at Kibale Forest Camp | Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse
Day 4: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale Forest National Park; Transfer to Bwindi NP for Gorilla Trek
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.
We drive through stunning volcanic landscape adorned with steep-sided hills covered from top to bottom in neatly terraced plantations of bananas, tea and thick montane forests to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
The Bwindi area is a highly fertile, mountainous region with steep-sided hills covered from top to bottom in neatly terraced rows of cultivation. You are really driving through the “Banana Republic” with banana plantations all around you, steep hills, small rivers……just amazing scenery.
Accommodation options available in Bwindi (all on full board basis)
Top Up-market: Gorilla Forest Camp | Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge | Bwindi Lodge | Mt. Gahinga Lodge
Standard Luxury: Mahogany Springs Lodge | Buhoma Lodge |Chameleon Hill Lodge | Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge Bwindi
Moderate: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge| Engagi Lodge | Gorilla Mist Camp
Low Budget: Gorilla Haven Lodge Rushaga | Ruhija Gorilla Friends Camp | Gorilla Conservation Camp
Day 5: Gorilla Trek 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.
While most of today's forests are no more than 12,000 years old, Bwindi's vegetation has been weaving itself into tangles over at least 25,000 years, in the process accumulating a lengthy species list. This includes 310 species of butterfly, 51 reptiles, 200 trees, and an exceptional 120 types of mammal 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 birdwatchers. Its 350 species include seven which are IUCN red data listed and 90% of all Albertine rift endemics, species which are difficult or impossible to see in any other part of East Africa.
Accommodation Options (Full Board)
Top Up-market: Gorilla Forest Camp | Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge | Bwindi Lodge | Mt. Gahinga Lodge
Standard Luxury: Mahogany Springs Lodge | Buhoma Lodge |Chameleon Hill Lodge | Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge Bwindi
Moderate: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge| Engagi Lodge | Gorilla Mist Camp
Low Budget: Gorilla Haven Lodge Rushaga | Ruhija Gorilla Friends Camp | Gorilla Conservation Camp
Day 6: Return to Kampala / Entebbe
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 for your flight back home.
Fort Murchison
Fort Murchison is located along the Eastern banks of Albert Nile, on a slightly elevated point alongside the Nile and affords a great view of the river.
where you enter the park at the Tangi Gate, where even the drive across a Borassus Palm Tree studded Savannah is a treat where you will see a lots of wildlife even before you reach the traditional wildlife game tracks.
Fort Murchison is a very different Safari Lodge in that it combines some of Uganda’s historic past with the present. The ruins of the old Fort Wadelai are only 30 kilometers from the new
Fort Murchison and Fort Murchison have been built in the spirit of historic places such as Fort Wadelai or even Fort Dufile further down the Nile but there is the where it ends since Fort Murchison gives you the look of old combined with the comfort of a quality lodging facility at a most moderate price and moderate price is something that Murchison Falls Park has needed on the Wildlife Side of the Park with no morning ferry crossing but a straight scenic drive to the game drive tracks. Accommodation is either in tents or rooms, we stayed in the rooms and they were fairly well laid out.
Fort Murchison is in what was known as the Aswa Lolim Game Reserve, though the reserve is no longer operational much wildlife is still found here and you can see some while having dinner, sitting on the balcony of your room or the deck of your tent along with a most splendid view Fort-Murchison-View-of-Lake-Albert-Nileof the historic River Nile with sunrises and sunsets that you can only find in Africa.
Fort Murchison has 12 en-suite rooms that are furnished with comfortable beds, bathrooms with hot water from its Eco-friendly solar water heaters. The rooms give you the best of African comfort blending in the style of the Swahili Culture resulting in one of the best lodging facilities owned by Nature Lodges and in the tradition of Nature Lodges philosophy once again they have combined exceptional comfort, superb food (4 course dinners), a setting in the African Wild and yet an affordable price ( a double room full board is 150 usd per night).
There is also the budget option of furnished tents with shared facilities such as showers at 90 usd – full board.
The Tents
Away from the main accommodation, Fort Murchison also offers a more budget option in the form of some non-self-contained tents. Furnished with 2 single beds, the tents share communal ablution blocks.
Red Chilli rest camp
Red Chilli rest camp is a budget campsite which is situated inside Murchison falls national park, on the south-bank of the River. The camp is suitable for the Budget travellers.
Red Chilli Rest Camp is just 500 metres from the Paraa ferry, where all vehicles cross the Nile for game drives around the Nile Delta, and where boats can be hired for game viewing.
Red Chilli Rest Camp, overlooking the Nile in the heart of Murchison Falls National Park, offers great value camping and accommodation in safari tents and bandas amid some spectacular scenery.
Paraa Safari Lodge
Paraa Safari Lodge is situated on the bank of the the Nile River opposite the launch jetty. Architecturally, the lodge falls in the category of a 'hotel in bush' type of lodges - a double storey monolith that in most repects wouldn't look out of place on a beach or in a city - but the extensive use of natural materials and African interior decor give it a definite organic feel. The large and luxurious decorated rooms all have private balconies facing the river, walk-in mosquito netting and a specious bath or shower.
The grounds are dominated by a curvaceous swimming pool, reportedly the largest in the country, and offer a good view of the Nile.
Logistically, it is the most conveniently located of the upmarket lodges for game drives in the north and the launch trip to the base of Murchison Falls.
The rooms are big and beautiful, and bathroom amenities are great, lobby/lounge is large with a marvelous welcoming atmosphere. The front desk folks make you feel immediately welcome. You have to have experienced \the roads and dust in Uganda to know how appreciated that is!!
The lodge is located on a slightly elevated point alongside the Nile and affords a great view of the river. Accommodation is either in tents or rooms, we stayed in the rooms and they were fairly well laid out.
Internet
If you don't have a laptop for lobby wifi, there are three desktop computers that anyone can use, right off the lobby.
The food was delicious at dinner and breakfast. Meals are delightfully served - a breakfast with countless of choices - eggs prepared just to your liking, freshly baked goods - Lunch on the verandah in a relaxing atmosphere - served by attentive staff and dinner as the African night sets - You have had a long day and now a time to recount the happenings of the day, the things along the drive, the wildlife encountered, the top of the falls, the boat ride up the River Nile. The chief chef checks diners to make sure all guests are happy. The candlelit terrrace at dinner is beautiful.
Paraa Lodge is a simply the right place to come home to while on Safari at Murchison Falls. Many have stayed here and most truly enjoy it. It was more than a lodge, but a pleasant experience for most.
Value-Is one of the points most often raised - in Africa where Safari Lodging can into a lot of money - Paraa is truly an affordable Jewel on the Nile - its full board treatment leave littleadded costs such as sodas or alcoholic drinks.
Kyaninga Lodge
Kyaninga Lodge is located 15 minutes outside Fort Portal town. Perched atop a hill overlooking a stunning blue crater lake, the lodge enjoys spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, set against a magnificent backdrop of the Rwenzori Mountains in the distance. The lodge accommodates twenty guests in eight raised log cabins.
The rooms have got space more than enough and if that piece of earth is not enough you can spend your afternoon with a tennis match on grass ground.
This lodge consists of a series of lofty thatch cottages, each gracefully perched on stilts, marching up a steep hilltop, and culminating in a double-storey log structure with Reception, Bar/Sitting Room, and a Dining Hall, complete with a loft for those wanting to dine apart from the crowd. The cottages are interconnected with a glorious Escher-like cascade of suspended wooden stairways and bridges, and overlook a stunning landscape of fields and forests on one side, a spectacular crater-lake and mountains on the other. The interiors are tastefully finished in wood and thatch, with custom-designed wooden furniture.
The level of service was exceptional, and the food was good. The environmentally-friendly banana-leaf wrappings to our pack lunches were a nice touch.
PS: Don't miss the opportunity to take the Crater Walk, an easy hike with gorgeous views that takes you on a circular route around the lake.
Facilities:
- Swimming Pool
- Tennis
- Badminton
- Croquet
- Bar/Lounge
- International Chef
Primate Lodge Kibale
Primate Lodge Kibale is located at the Kanyanchu Visitors Centre in Kibale Forest National Park. From Fort Portal follow the road to Kamwenge for 36 kms and branch off at the sign post directing to Primate Lodge Kibale.
Primate Lodge Safari Tents are self contained with lovely bathrooms at the rear of the tents - it fits almost seamlessly. The rooms are raised tents with porches overlooking the forest all located on a circular trail that runs behind the dining/reception area and bar. The rooms are fine - comfortable and spacious, you can get a good night's rest and wake up somewhere totally wild to the chorus of birds and monkeys!
The trail is worth a wander during day light hours as you will probably see some nice birds, butterflies and, of course, monkeys! From the trail, and even from the porch of your tent, you can see plenty from a range of species - baboons, colobus and red-tailed in particular. You can hear chimps screaming at each other from not too far away, and they do pop in on rare occasions
Also highly recommend while here is the Bigodi Wetlands walk as an additional local activity - should see lots of birds, and a variety of the other primates living in Kibale Forest. The Wetlands Walk affords you the best opportunity to see these, as when tracking the chimps you are really focused on seeing one thing only. You will see five species of monkey in the wetlands (red colobus, black-and-white colobus, red-tailed, L'Hoest's and grey-cheeked mangabey), and seven primate species in total in Kibale
Primate Lodge has the resources and ability to make your stay at Kibale Forest most comfortable with their caring and local staff, their International and Local Cuisine that will simply delight you for breakfast, lunch and or dinner.
Rooms:
• Luxury Tented Camp including 8 deluxe safari tents with en suite facilities
• Six spacious forest cottages with en suite facilities
• One elevated banda with en suite facilities
• One remote Sky Tree House for the adventurous travellers (non self-contained)
• Well maintained campsite
Facilities:
• Two restaurants with local and international dishes
• Well-stocked bar
• Comfortable lounge
• Camp fire area
Facilities:
- Swimming Pool
- Tennis
- Badminton
- Croquet
- Bar/Lounge
- International Chef
Kibale Forest Camp
Kibale Forest Camp is suited off Fort port- Kamwenge, subsequent to the park’s edge.
The camp is well designed with about 7 safari tents; containing double beds with en-suite bathroom along with an eco friendly toilet. The verandah will give you a perfect view of the colobus monkeys in the forest.
Chimps Nest Kibale
Chimps Nest Kibale is situated near Nyabubale, a small village between Nkingo and Bigodi. It's only a 15-minute drive from Kanyanchu, the starting point of UWA chimp-tracking and other activities in Kibale Forest. Chimps' Nest also borders the Bigodi Swamps.
Visitors can choose cottages, family cottage, tree house inside the forest, backpacker rooms, or our campsite.
Backpackers and campers have sufficient access to flushing toilets, washbasins and warm showers.
The beautifully finished cottage with its space and fantastic open bathroom or the adventurous tree house inside the rain forest with monkeys at eye-level. Both have a great though totally different setting.
Chimps Nest Kibale cottages are all situated on a hill facing the forest and the Rwenzori mountains (that we missed to see because the sky was not clear).
The tree house is about 50 feet up high in the middle of the rain forest. It also has a bathroom with hot water (!) and flush toilet.
Also highly recommend while here is the Bigodi Wetlands walk as an additional local activity - should see lots of birds, and a variety of the other primates living in Kibale Forest. The Wetlands Walk affords you the best opportunity to see these, as when tracking the chimps you are really focused on seeing one thing only. You will see five species of monkey in the wetlands (red colobus, black-and-white colobus, red-tailed, L'Hoest's and grey-cheeked mangabey), and seven primate species in total in Kibale.
Buhoma Lodge
Buhoma Lodge is situated in Uganda in the idyllic Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, well known for being home to the rare and elusive mountain gorilla. From the private veranda of each cottage guests can enjoy views overlooking the forest whilst relaxing and taking in the stunning natural surrounds. Buhoma is an ideal accommodation for guests interested in gorilla trekking, being closely located to the meeting point for the treks.
There are ten comfortable cottages at Buhoma Lodge, each complete with a private veranda offering superb views of the forest. Cottages are traditionally decorated with wooden furnishings, but each is comfortable and spacious. Each cottage has en-suite facilities, and some provide bathtubs.
Meals are taken in the main, elevated lounge area, and are prepared using local ingredients to create an international cuisine. Located in the lounge, the bar is the perfect place to relax after the day's activities, or enjoy a drink around the fireplace.
Engagi Lodge
Engagi Lodge is a small and exclusive property on the edge of the Impenetrable Forest, close to the park headquarters. The lodge is open-ended at the front allowing a dramatic view of the Bwindi National Park from every corner inside the building.
The accommodation consists of eight en-suite Cottages which are evenly spaced out and hidden in the foliage. Each Cottage has either double or twin beds, a bathroom with flushing toilets and hot and cold running water. All units have private verandahs where guests can enjoy their early morning tea or coffee.
The kitchen, which has been built a distance away from the lodge to ensure privacy for the clients, prepares a variety of three course meals and all requirements such as vegetarians and vegans are catered for by our team of experienced Kampala trained chefs. The main lodge comprises a rock bar, the restaurant and a large wooden verandah with a separate outdoor viewing platform. The lodge building is large enough to cater for sizeable groups needing banqueting tables, but still allows smaller individual groups to spread out in the various different areas for privacy.
Rushaga Gorilla Camp
Rushaga Gorilla Camp is a midrange facility located in the Rushaga Sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Its within a walking distance from the Park Headquarters in the Rushaga Area of Bwindi.
Offering free WiFi and a sun terrace, Rushaga Gorilla Camp is located in Bugambira. Rushaga Gorilla Tracking (Nshongi Group) is 6 km away.
It offers 6 Luxury tents, 6 self-contained Rooms (twin/double), and and ample Camping site. All units feature a seating area. Some units have a terrace and/or balcony with garden views.
Guests can enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant or a drink at the bar. The property also offers packed lunches.
Bike hire is available at the property and the area is popular for cycling.
Gorilla Valley Lodge
Located on the border of the Bwindi impenetrable forest and set on a steep slope the lodge has a truly unique setting. Imagine waking up with the sounds of the forest, having your cup of coffee or tea on you private terrace, experiencing the forest coming alive and the mist mysteriously giving way for a lush jungle.
Gorilla Valley Lodge consists of 12 en-suite rooms, built on a steep slope, ensuring the best views on Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
All rooms have a private terrace from where to experience the splender of the forest. Tastefully decorated and equipped with solar water heaters and comfortable beds our rooms ensure a peaceful sleep.
Mahogany Springs
Mahogany Springs offers privacy and serenity blended with optimal comfort in a spectacular setting.
At Mahogany Springs it is the little touches that make the big difference, from the tiny details in the design of the lodge through to the unrivalled service levels provided by the highly trained staff.
Spend the day tracking for Gorillas through the forest, sitting on the terrace of your room or even down by the Munyanga River listening to the flowing waters as time slowly passes by.
The Rooms
All the rooms at Mahogany Springs are suites. The Superior Suites can be Twin, Double or Triple. These suites are spacious with large double doors and
beautiful windows. Each suite has its own private exquisitely designed terrace with panoramic views of the surrounding Bwindi Impenetrable Forest area.
All suites have large en-suite bathrooms with a gorgeously designed open terracotta shower. For added comfort and peace of mind all the suites have an advanced mosquito net system that wraps around the entire area of the beds.
There are power points in the living room and bedrooms as well as 2 desks/dressing tables.
Gorilla Mist Camp Ruhija, Bwindi Impenetrable N.Park
This is a small camp with 4 thatched roof cottages with balconies overlooking the valley, forest and volcanoes. Located about 5 minutes from Bwindi/ Ruhija park offices from where gorilla tracking for either of the three families Oruzogo, Bitukula, and Kyaguliro starts.
Accommodation at the Gorilla Mist Camp is provided in clean well maintained rooms. All the accommodation has electric lighting installed. There are several leveled terraces for those with their own equipment to camp. Cold beers and sodas are available with local produce used to provide visitors meals.
Chameleon Hill Lodge
Chameleon Hill’s biggest leverage are the best views imaginable – from up the lush highlands, to the magical Lake Mutanda & its lush islands below and the sprawling highlands all around it, and to crown it off with a perfect backdrop of the Virunga Volcanic Mountains. The most visible of the volcanoes are Muhabura, Gahinga & Sabinyo whose peaks are cloudy most of the time. On clearer days, other Virunga volcanoes from Rwanda & D.R Congo can be sighted. At night, there is a good chance of spotting magma spilling in the air from the active volcano Nyiragongo, its epic!
The lodge has a unique style of multiple colors; each building painted a different color of the rainbow, which makes it so colorful and stand out beautifully.
Facilities and Services
- The Lobby – housed by the main castle, is comfy with colorful cushions. On arrival, it is here the lodge manager warmly welcomes you, served a glass of juice to refresh, & briefed before proceeding to check in to your room.
- The Restaurant – serves 3 meals a day, that is, breakfast, lunch & dinner, of both local & international delicacies. Lunch and dinner are served 3 courses (starter, main course & dessert). A daily menu for the main meal course is displayed. Visitors that require special consideration for meals or an alternative from the day’s menu make prior communication with the manager.
- Tea/Coffee is available in the Restaurant throughout the day.
- A Bar – located right next to the restaurant, has a good collection of renowned international wines & spirits in addition to the local beer brands.
- The Lounge, offers comfort on quality seats, sofas with cushions, and magnificent vistas of Lake Mutanda & the impressive landscape. Even better it has a fireplace to make your evenings cozy.
- A Library – placed in the lounge, has a good collection of travel information & books including field guides of birds, Trees & Shrubs, etc.
- A large deck, extending from the main house (that houses the Restaurant, Bar, & Lounge) overlooks the magnificent scenery – Lake Mutanda, the lush highlands, & cloudy Volcanoes.
- Evenings are kept entertained with traditional folklore by the local dancing group
- Electricity is provided by a generator, switched on from 7.00pm to 10.30pm.
- Laundry services are available at small cost.
Accommodation at Chameleon Hill Lodge
The lodge has a total of 10 chalets that include 5 doubles and 5 twins. Odd numbers are doubles while even numbers are twins.
Each chalet comprises of 1 large bed for the doubles, 2 beds (not as large as those in the doubles) for the twins. In the twins, beds can be pushed together to form a double. An extra bed can be added in the double room on request, for instance to accommodate a child. Mosquito nets over the bed, in spite of this being a mosquito-free area/zone.
Other extras in the room include extra thick blanket for the colder nights; bottle of drinking water per day; wardrobe; a Safe; Umbrella, a patio with excellent views over Lake Mutanda, highlands & Volcanoes
In the en-suite bathroom you will find, Linen and bath towels, a toilet, shower, and a wash bowl. Hot shower are available 24/7.
In between chalets is a fencing to ensure maximum privacy.
Trackers Lodge Buhoma
Trekker's tavern Cottages is located at the hilltop in Ruhija overlooking the Bwindi Impenetrable forest National Park Ruhija side, one of the most famous parks and home to more than half of the world population of mountain gorillas.
The lodge is very eco-friendly and has a lovely cozy atmosphere with 5 spacious cottages all with ensuite bathrooms with hot showers and flush toilets.
A place of infinite calm surrounded by untamed majesty and commanding panoramic views of the Virungas on a clear day, the beautiful sunrise, Lake Edward and Bwindi forest in the south. It is around 15 minutes walk from the Ruhija park headquarters.
The lodge is a perfect place for bird watchers as a variety of albertine rift endemics and other special birds can be viewed from the verandas of the cottages. A day walk to the mines offers a bird watcher a chance to see the Spotted Eagle Owl in a day roost, Doherty's Bushshrike, Mackinnon's Bushshrike, Red throated Wryneck, Dusky Twinspot, a variety of Waxbills and many others.
Buhoma Community Rest Camp
Buhoma Community Rest Camp (BCRC) is attractive complex set in wooded grounds on the slope facing a forest gallery immediately inside Bwindi National park entrance gate and has been in existence since 1993. They have self contained Bandas which are cabins in African Style, Self Contained Tents and Dormitories for your accommodation needs while doing a Gorilla Tracking tour in Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Buhoma Community Rest Camp is setup at the Edge of Bwindi impenetrable National Park with the main aim of providing quality Lodging service to tourists and visitors.
They have got six (6) well finished safari tents, which are self-contained facing the forest with a spectacular view.
Wake up and go to sleep with the relaxing music of nature. Two cottages that are self-contained facing the forest. Nothing beats the scenes that unfold right in front of you. Gorillas do drop by to say hullo occasionally.
We also have got five (5) twin cottage bandas which are non-self-contained and are built with local materials with African architectural design.
Ruhija Gorilla Friends Resort Camp, Bwindi Impenetrable N.Park
It is located about 600m from the Ruhija Gorilla tracking trail-head. An ideal budget lodging in Ruhija accommodation during your trip for you to track Kyanguriro, Bitukura and Oruzongo Gorilla Groups. The campsite has 4 furnished safari tents ($30 per person bed breakfast), a restaurant and bar.
Spectacular views overlooking valley towards the forest. Also 3 twin rooms available and camping possible.
- Gorilla permits (each at US$600)
- Kibale chimps trek permit
- Game drives and boat safari in Murchison Falls NP
- Meals indicated on programme
- Services of a good experienced English-speaking driver/safari guide
- Accommodation as per programme
- Park fees for the various parks
- Transport on tour using a 4x4 safari vehicle
- Entrance fees for tours mentioned in the programme
Talk to Our Uganda Holiday Safari Specialist
Enquire about uniquely different gorilla tracking experience in Uganda.
Talk to our Uganda gorilla trek experience designers to start planning your Uganda safari.
Other Popular Uganda Primates & Wildlife Holiday Safari You Might Like
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
On your Uganda gorilla trek and wildlife safari, you have a chance to experience some of the most spectacular yet undiscovered wildlife. Uganda has very beautiful scenery, comfortable weather year-round and above all friendly people that will make your holiday a journey to remember. Besides, Uganda safaris offer such a wealth of attractions that a single visit will not be enough to discover all its wonders…!
Uganda as a country is one of the most thought for destination when it comes to African safaris. This is due to its natural endowment with natural beauty, characterized by good natural physical features, amazing African landscapes and scenic views. Uganda is also known both as a world of birds and world of wildlife.
Uganda lies astride the equator between Kenya to the east and the Democratic Republic of Congo in the west. It covers an area of 236,000m2 with 25% of its surface made up of large lakes including lakes Victoria, Albert, Edward and George.
With our safaris you can expect to see Africa’s Big Five and other land animals, gorillas, chimpanzees and other primates, waterfalls, forests, islands, and plenty of bird life.
Uganda offers excellent Africa vacation tours to its national parks and game reserves where you may have the opportunity to see a diversity of wildlife through game drives and walking or chimpanzee trekking safaris.
Unlike Tanzania and Kenya safaris, Uganda includes gorilla safaris to Bwindi national parks where the Virungas extend to Rwanda and Congo. Hiking expeditions offer additional adventure in Rwenzori National Park similar to those of Mount Kenya.
The tourism and hospitality sector provides a variety of safari accommodation options including camping, safari lodges, hotels, resorts and guest houses. These may be luxury or discounted/cheap depending on what you want for your Uganda accommodation.
MAIN NATIONAL PARKS FOR YOUR 12-DAY ALL-INCLUSIVE UGANDA SAFARI FOR GORILLAS, WILDLIFE AND PRIMATES
Murchison Falls National Park for scenery, rhinos, wildlife safaris, game drives, and boat trip
Murchison Falls National Park is one of the most spectacular in Uganda, and indeed in the whole of Africa. This is the largest game park in the country (3,840 sq.km.) and has the most intense concentration of animals along the river. The park is really spectacular that it is hard not to include it in an all-inclusive Uganda wildlife safari. On the way there, we track the white rhinos in Ziwa sanctuary. While on safaris in the park, we might encounter giraffes, lions, elephant, hippos, crocodile, buffalo and many other wildlife species for a Uganda safari.
Here is the awe-inspiring Murchison Falls, where the River Nile hurls itself in appalling convulsions through a narrow crevice and then plunges 40 metres in one breathtaking leap. Before the Murchison Falls themselves, in the eastern sector of the park, are the Karuma Falls where the Nile cascades over 23 kilometres of rapids in a breathtaking sight. This is some of the most exciting white water in Africa.
A launch trip upstream to the falls is one of the great experiences in Africa. Elephant, hartebeest, giraffe, buffalo, crocodiles and countless antelope and birds (including the rare shoebill stork) can be admired at the water's edge as the launch glides along the Murchison Falls National Park, with its variety of vegetation ranging from riparian forests and swamplands to broad savannah, provides the opportunity of seeing many of the animals found in Uganda.
Kibale National Park for chimps trekking, 11 other primates
Once this tropical rainforest provided a (very substantial) dinner, bed and breakfast for large herds of migrating forest elephants and, even now, the park contain 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.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park - the Uganda gorilla trekking 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.
THE MOUNTAIN GORILLA TREKKING EXPERIENCE
Mountain gorillas are wild animals and, as such, sightings cannot be guaranteed. However, for the last 14 years, no one has trekked the gorillas and failed to see them in Uganda. Certainly, you won't be the one with bad luck! On the trek, once you find the gorillas, you will be allowed an hour with the gorillas and you can only go not more than 6 meters from them. As the gorilla tracking can sometimes take a full day, you will need to go with your packed lunch and lots of drinking water when trekking to the gorillas.
Gorilla trekking timings and conditions vary tremendously as the gorillas move continuously through the rain forest. It is good to be prepared and remember the weather can change with very little warning. The terrain is often steep and through areas where there are no marked paths.
TIPS FOR THE BEST GORILLA TREKKING EXPERIENCE IN UGANDA
Secure Gorilla Trekking permits early
Gorilla Trekking is the most popular foreign tourist activity for Uganda. On every single day, only 128 tourists can trek the gorillas in Bwindi. Uganda has the cheapest gorilla permits prices at USD600 (or USD700 beginning July 2020) for safe gorilla tracking as Rwanda's gorilla permits cost USD1500. This means the competition is quite high for the few gorilla permits in Uganda and it becomes hard to secure gorilla trekking permits a few days to your Uganda gorilla tour (although it is often possible with luck more so in the green season months of October, November, April and May). It is best to have your gorilla trek permit fully confirmed at least 4 months in advance.
Assess your fitness levels
There is a likelihood you could walk for 3-6 hours on a gorilla trek. Gorillas are located deep in Bwindi forest with thick undergrowth over several steep volcanic slopes. Gorilla groups keep roaming this forest looking for their favorite food. They are never stationed in the same place over days. Your gorilla trek will follow this same trend and it is quite unpredictable knowing how long or tough your gorilla trekking shall be. The longer trek is not necessarily a problem, just something to be prepared for. A bit of moderate physical fitness is needed for gorilla trekking in Uganda.
Guides & Porters for the gorilla trek
You will be guided through the forest on your gorilla tracking by a Uganda Wildlife Authority guide whom you will meet at the departure point in the morning of your trek. Your guide can help you book a porter (or two!) so that you can track without having to carry the few essential items listed below in a day pack which you should bring with you. The porters are from the local community and very used to the local conditions and can assist in pushing, pulling and supporting you during your trek to the gorillas. They are usually an additional fee, over and above your safari cost, and you should budget on approximately USD15-20 per porter per day as a fee with additional tipping being optional.
As the porters do not have tracking permits they will be stopped a short distance from the point you will be viewing the mountain Gorillas. Please remember to take whatever you may need from your bag to view the gorillas and rather leave valuables at the lodge/camp.
You will be allowed up to one hour for viewing of the gorillas from when they are sighted by your group. This is to ensure that the wild animals are not overexposed to human presence. Whilst in their presence you will also be required to keep minimum distances from them – generally between 5-7 metres and your guides will ensure this is enforced.
What to pack on gorilla trekking
• Plenty of water – 1-2 litres per person
• High energy snacks in addition to your packed lunch provided by the lodge/camp
• Spare film and batteries for videos and cameras
• Gloves (gardening type are good)
• Waterproof bag to protect photographic equipment
• A hat, sunscreen, mosquito repellent and band-aids might be useful
• A lightweight waterproof jacket/poncho
• Walking sticks are made available at the start of the trek for some of the steeper and more slippery tracks and may prove to be very handy.
Gorilla Trekking Age Limits
The age limit for gorilla trekking is 15 years and the authorities are very strict on this! With special written permission however, a 14yr old might pass.