Bwindi Gorila trek safari rwanda Uganda chimps

Uganda Rwanda Safari Gorilla Chimp Tracking BIG 5 Wildlife Culture - 18 Days

Gorillas and Wildlfe Safaris Hall of Fame Trip Advisor RecommendedUganda Rwanda Safari Gorilla Chimp Tracking BIG 5 Wildlife Culture - 18 Days

The 18 days Uganda Rwanda Safari Gorilla Chimp Tracking BIG 5 Wildlife Culture starts with excellent Uganda safari game viewing in Kidepo Valley National Park, rhino tracking in Ziwa rhino sanctuary, game drives and boat safari in Murchison Falls National Park, chimps/ primates tracking in Kibale National Park, BIG 5 safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park, tree-climbing lions in Ishasha Sector, gorilla trekking in Bwindi and optional Rwanda gorilla tracking in Volcanoes NP, relaxing in Lake Kivu, primates tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park.  You also track the golden monkeys in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park.

 

 

  • Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe in the morning hours, drive to Ziwa Rhinos Sanctuary for rhino tracking and overnight
  • Day 2: Continue to Kidepo Valley National Park,  enjoying a traditional Karimajong cultural experience 
  • Day 3: Safaris, game drives in Kidepo Valley National Park
  • Day 4: Depart for Murchison Falls National Park
  • Day 5: Game drives, boat safari in Murchison Falls National Park looking for  lions,  leopards, buffalo, giraffe, elephants, hyenas, rhinos, zebra, warthog, etc
  • Day 6: Fort Portal & Kibale National Park, afternoon primates walk
  • Day 7: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale National Park
  • Day 8:  Queen Elizabeth National Park, game drives in the afternoon
  • Day 9: Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park  looking for lions,  leopards, buffalo, giraffe, elephants, hyenas, rhinos, zebra, warthog
  • Day 10: Maramagambo Forest, Ishasha tree-climbing lions
  • Day 11: Safari Game drives, drive to  Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for gorilla tracking
  • Day 12: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (or top-up USD900 for gorilla habituation experience allowing you 4 hours with the gorillas)
  • Day 13: Either Canoe trekking or Batwa pygmies experience, transfer to Rwanda
  • Day 14: Either Golden monkeys tracking or (optional) Gorilla Trekking in Parc des Volcanoes
  • Day 15: Musanze cave exploring, Lake Kivu 
  • Day 16: Canoeing to explore Lake Kivu, drive to Nyungwe National Park 
  • Day 17: Primate tracking, canopy walk in Nyungwe
  • Day 18: Drive to Kigali Airport for departure flight back home.

Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe (in the morning hours), drive to Ziwa Rhinos for Rhino Tracking 

Tracking rhinos at Uganda Gorilla Habituation tour, primate habituation experience uganda tour gorilla habituation trek tour

Ziwa Rhino

You will be picked by our driver/guide at your hotel or residence in Entebbe  after you have had breakfast ready to start your tour to the most isolated national park in Uganda and we will drive you through the plain and remote vegetation to the northern part of the country.

Within about three hours we arrive at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary where you will be tracking the white rhinos

The Rhino revival project is an initiative of two organizations, Rhino Fund Uganda and Uganda Wildlife Authority. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is situated about one hundred and seventy six kilometers (approximately 100 miles) north of Kampala on the Gulu highway as you are heading towards Murchison Falls National Park.

 Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is the only place in Uganda where you will get the opportunity to see rhinos in the wild. 

At the moment the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is a habitat to sixteen southern white rhinos. Ziwa Rhino sanctuary has become very popular with tourists in the recent years. It’s a perfect spot for rhino trekking, nature walks, bird watching and relaxation.

Accommodation (all meals included)

Luxury: Amuka Safari Lodge

Midrange: Amuka Safari Lodge

Low Budget: Ziwa Rhino Camp

Day 2: Onwards to Kidepo Valley National Park

Today you will travel to Kidepo Valley National Park. A long but rewarding drive will take you passed one of the most beautiful sceneries in Uganda.

The park has some of the most amazing scenery in the country! For many people, this is the most beautiful park of Uganda. Here you will find almost no tourists leaving you free to enjoy the park and its unique combination of wildlife without distraction

Accommodation (all meals included)

Luxury: Adere Safari Lodge

Midrange: Kidepo Savannah Lodge (ensuite)

Low Budget: Kidepo Savannah Lodge (sheltered tents with bedding and mosquito nets)

Day 3: Safari in Kidepo Valley National Park 

Wildlife in Kidepo Valley National Park

In Kidepo Valley National Park you will find zebras, giraffes, elephants, lions and leopards. This is also the only place in Uganda where you can find the cheetah and ostrich.

Kidepo is famous for its lions relaxing on the rocks - a scene which may remind you of a certain Disney film. You might even be very lucky to spot a leopard or cheetah! Besides the 4x4 safaris, you can also take a bushwalk in the park with an armed ranger.

Accommodation (all meals included)

Luxury: Adere Safari Lodge

Midrange: Kidepo Savannah Lodge (ensuite)

Low Budget: Kidepo Savannah Lodge (sheltered tents with bedding and mosquito nets)

Day 4: Murchison Falls National Park

We set off from Kidepo at 7 a.m. after our morning breakfast and drive to Murchison Falls National Park.

This route gives you an opportunity to enjoy the scenery of Labwor hills and in particular the massive and bare Alerek (Kidi Rwot) rock about 55 km from Kotido. 

On arrival at the park, you will relax at your lodge for the rest of the day/evening, dinner and overnight.

Murchison Falls National Park is the largest in Uganda at 3,840 square kilometers. Here is the awe-inspiring Murchison Falls where the River Nile hurls itself in convulsions through a narrow crevice and then plunges 40 meters 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.

Once we enter the park,  you will be 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.

Accommodation Options (Full Board)

Up-market:   Paraa Safari Lodge

Moderate:  Pakuba Lodge

Budget: Fort Murchison Lodge (tents) | Murchison River Lodge (tents) | Red Chilli Rest Camp

Day 5: Murchison Falls National Park

Murchison Falls - Uganda Habituation Tours gorilla habituation, chimps habituation golden monkeys primate habituation tour

Boat Trip to the Bottom of Murchison Falls

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 then go for 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. 

Options (Full Board)

Up-market: Baker's Lodge | Paraa Safari Lodge

Moderate: Fort Murchison Lodge | Murchison River Lodge | Pakuba Lodge

Budget: Fort Murchison Lodge (tents) | Murchison River Lodge (tents) | Red Chilli Rest Camp

Day 6: Fort Portal & Kibale National Park

Leave Murchison Falls National Park for Kibale Forest National Park via the Lake Albert escarpment, having a good view of the lake.

Stopover at Kolping Hotel in Hoima for lunch and after a drive across the interesting river Nkusi (flowing from the southern end of Lake Albert, through the villages of Kagadi, joining Victoria Nile). Both rivers join Lake Kyoga and flow through the Murchison Falls continuing to Lake Albert and north to the Mediterranean Sea.

This is a great day as the drive takes you through the community and forests with chances of seeing vervet monkeys, black and white Colobus monkeys jumping up in the trees as you advance into the Kyenjonjo on a rocky road.

Accommodation Options (Full Board)

Upscale: Kyaninga Lodge | Ndali Lodge | Crater Safari Lodge

Midrange: Isunga Lodge| ensuite tents at Kibale Forest Camp

Low Budget: Tents at Kibale Forest Camp (with bedding and mosquito nets, shared bathroom) | Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse

Day 7: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale National Park & Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary

Chimp, Kibale Forest chimpanzee habituation experience gorilla tour uganda

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.

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 (Full Board)

Upscale: Kyaninga Lodge | Ndali Lodge | Crater Safari Lodge

Midrange: Isunga Lodge| ensuite tents at Kibale Forest Camp

Low Budget: Tents at Kibale Forest Camp (with bedding and mosquito nets, shared bathroom) | Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse

Day 8:  Queen Elizabeth National Park

Crater Lake, Uganda tour habituation gorilla primate chimp Queen Elizabeth National Park

Leave the national park after breakfast and drive to Fort Portal.

We incorporate some crater lake hikes into our this program. You will be simply by amazed by the beauty of these ancient and not ancient crater lakes found in the Fort Portal area.

After you have witnessed all these amazing landscapes, you will be transferred to Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Accommodation Options (Full Board)

Up-market/Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge |  Katara Lodge

Mid-range: Ihamba Safari Lodge| Enganzi Lodge | Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge 

Budget: Bush Lodge (tents)|  Simba Safari Camp (tents) | Pumba Cottages 

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 9: Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park  -BIG 5 Game drives and Kazinga boat trip

Uganda gorilla habituation experience, intimate habituation experience for chimps habituation & golden monkey habituation, lions &rhino tracking, Chimp Caregiver.After breakfast, we depart to Queen Elizabeth National Park which is dominated on its northern border by the snow-capped 16,000-foot Rwenzori Mountains - the famed "Mountains of the Moon". This 767-square-mile conservation area is bordered on the north-east by Lake George and on the south-west by Lake Edward; its western border adjoins the Congo Parc du Virunga.

As we drive through the park, expect to spot teeming herds of impala-like Uganda kob, as well as topi, elephant, Cape buffalo. There are also several soda lakes filling ancient volcanic calderas where flamingos reside seasonally.

In the afternoon we will go for a boat trip along the Kazinga Channel. This gives you the opportunity to view wildlife up close: hippo’s huff and spray at very close range from the boat, buffalo linger in the shallows. The shores of the channel are also home to an array of birds including pink backed pelicans, pied and malachite kingfishers, saddle billed stork and many others.

Accommodation Options (Full Board)

Up-market/Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge |  Katara Lodge

Mid-range: Ihamba Safari Lodge| Enganzi Lodge | Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge 

Budget: Bush Lodge (tents)|  Simba Safari Camp (tents) | Pumba Cottages 

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Optional activity: Lion Tracking:

For visitors who yearn to get up close to wild African fauna, a research trip is a rewarding adventure. This new and unique experience allows visitors to actively participate in monitoring some of the lions in the park, using locator devices, and learn habituation calls, as well as monitoring weather, surroundings, and behavior. The results are added to researchers’ databases, contributing valuable information to the overall understanding of wildlife ecology - and helping to conserve this wonderful ecosystem. This will as well gives you a 95% chance to see the lions!

The number of people on each outing is limited in order to reduce stress on the animals and to increase the quality of the experience for visitors.

For visitors who yearn to get up close to wild African fauna, a research trip is a rewarding adventure. This new and unique experience allows visitors to actively participate in monitoring some of the exotic birds and mammals that fill the park, using locator devices and learn habituation calls, as well as monitoring weather, surroundings and behavior. The results are added to researchers’ databases, contributing valuable information to the overall understanding of wildlife ecology - and helping to conserve this wonderful ecosystem.

The experiential tourism activities currently available are Mongoose Tracking, Lion Tracking, Hippo Census, and Bird Counts. The number of people on each outing is limited in order to reduce stress on the animals and to increase the quality of the experience for visitors.

Experiential tours last between one and three hours. They usually take place in the early morning or evening, or occasionally at night. All activities must be booked through the Visitor Information Centre in Mweya at least 24 hours in advance.

For visitors who yearn to get up close to wild African fauna, a research trip is a rewarding adventure. This new and unique experience allows visitors to actively participate in monitoring some of the exotic birds and mammals that fill the park, using locator devices and learn habituation calls, as well as monitoring weather, surroundings and behavior. The results are added to researchers’ databases, contributing valuable information to the overall understanding of wildlife ecology - and helping to conserve this wonderful ecosystem.

 

Costing: $110 us dollar p.p.

Day 10: Tree climbing lions in Ishasha & Maramagambo Forest Bush Walk

Another early start for a bushwalk through the Maramagambo Forest.

This is one of the largest forests in Uganda and forms a habitat for a number of primates and forest dwellers. Due to its location, Maramagambo also has a great diversity of butterflies and birds. The walk culminates in a visit to volcanic caves that are home to thousands of bats. Pythons are often observed in the crevices of the bats cave as they prey on bats. In this walk, you will see the picturesque blue lake Kimeranjojo which got its name after swallowing an elephant. Other trails will lead you to the Crater Lake and habitats of the wild chimps and forest birds.

In the afternoon you will proceed to Ishasha Sector. Drive along the deep and wide dry craters that are occupied by savanna grasses and acacia. The drive takes you through the unique western rift valley escarpment and the (southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park) Ishasha sector where you will take on yet another game drive in search of tree climbing lions in the afternoon and evening. 

Accommodation Options (Full Board)

Up-market/Luxury: Ishasha Wilderness Campsite

Mid-range: Enjojo Lodge | Ishasha Ntungwe River Camp

Budget: @ the River

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 11: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park 

Early morning guided bush walk for a closer interaction with nature in Ishasha. The mid-morning will be spent on a game drive for the tree-climbing lions, elephants, and other Big Mammals, thereafter proceed to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

The journey takes about 2-3 hours but driving through interesting features. We shall be arriving in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the evening. This park is home to the rare mountain gorillas plus 11 other primates species including the blue and red-tailed monkeys. The forest itself is lush and green and there are streams running through it.

Accommodation Options (Full Board)

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

Moderate: Engagi Lodge |Gorilla Mist Camp | Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge

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

Day 12: 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: Buhoma Lodge | Mahogany Lodge | Nkuringo Gorilla Camp | Chameleon Hill Lodge

Moderate: Engagi Lodge | Silverback Lodge | Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge

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

Day 13: Canoe Trek or Batwa Pygmies Experience, Transfer to Rwanda

Either Lake Bunyonyi  or Lake Mutanda Canoe Trekking

After having breakfast, we shall take a scenic drive to Lake Bunyonyi taking you through the beautiful terrain of the rolling hills with terraced landscape. A short drive leads us to the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi where we can relax and enjoy some reflection time. With its freshwater, bilharzia-free, and beautiful landscapes, Lake Bunyonyi is a small paradise for travelers.

After meeting our local guide for the day, we are led out for a canoe trek as well as bird watching on the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi, traversing to the gorgeous Kyabahinga peninsula. Here you will be gladly welcomed with songs plus dances by the resident school children. You will enjoy with the locals at least a cup of “Obushera” which is a local brew. You will ascend the Kyabahinga slopes having a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the birdlife and the verdant terrain. The view is very breathtaking! The guide will certainly brief you about the history of the area.
Among the bird species, you will see are the Dusky Turtle Dove, the Handsome Francolin, and Alpine Chat. A renowned herbalist who is a traditional healer -Omugurusi Jeremiah, based on the hilltop will disclose to you some of the secrets about the flora on the tropical highland. 

Or BATWA EXPERIENCE -  BWINDI 

 The exciting Batwa Cultural Experience isn't too strenuous. It is a one-hour hike through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, that will reward you with stunning vistas and the serenity of this ancient rain forest. Along the way, you will learn about the healing plants and the delicate fare offered from the forest, and how the Batwa collected wild honey, wild yams, and mushrooms. You will inspect the traditional dwellings and participate in the traditional dances. Hear stories and learn the folklore of the Batwa pygmies from the elders, practice shooting their bow and arrows, and join in a mock hunting party.

After your chosen activity, we will cross the border via Kisoro or Kabale then clear at the border - Rwanda is 1 hour behind Uganda.

Located in the far north-west of Rwanda, Parc des Volcans is home to the steep slopes of this wonderful mountain range – home of the rare mountain gorilla – and the rich mosaic of montane ecosystems, which cuddles evergreen and bamboo forest, open grassland, swamp, and heath.

Accommodation options available

Up-market: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge | Five Volcanoes Lodge

Moderate: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge 

Low Budget:  Muhavura Lodge.

Day 14: Either Golden Monkey tracking or Gorilla Trekking in Parc des Volcanoes 

You could opt for a second gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park (extra $1500 per person). Have breakfast and go to ORTPN offices for briefing after that set off in the forest for gorilla trekking.

A thrilling trek through the refined foothills of the Virungas provides inspiring views in all directions. Then, suddenly, the trail enters the national park, engrossing trekkers in the strange closeness of the rainforest, alive with the calls of colorful birds and chattering of the rare golden monkey, and besieged with fresh spoor of the mountains' elusive populations of buffalo and elephant. Through gaps in the forest canopy, the marvelous peaks are sighted, easily easy to get to, and among the uppermost in Africa, indicating an ascent.

Gorilla trekking is quite strenuous but a worthwhile encounter of these gentle giants. The enthusiasm of your coming across with these apes will wipe away your intricacy of the strenuous trek. Spend time watching gorillas, watch the adults feeding their young ones, brushing, and resting as the youngsters play from vines in a pleasurably playful display.

Golden Monkey Tracking in Volcanoes National Park

If you won't be going for the gorilla trek, please join us for the golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park. 

Trekking to see the golden monkeys is another highlight of Volcanoes National Park. The Golden Monkey (Cercopithecus Mitis Kandti) is a local subspecies of the widespread Sykes Monkey, also known as the “Blue Monkey” and is endemic to the high altitude forests of the Volcanoes National Park area. The monkeys are playful and inquisitive and often spend their time leaping from bamboo branches or frolicking on the forest floor.

There are two habituated groups of Golden Monkey, one group comprises around 80 - 100 members and has its home at the foot of Mt Sabyinyo. As with treks to see the Mountain Gorillas, treks to see the Golden Monkeys take place in the mornings, and visitors are permitted to stay for 1 hour with the monkeys. Departure for the Golden Monkey trek is from the Park’s Kinigi Headquarters at 07:00 am. 

These monkeys will easily be found as they mostly live at the bottom of the Volcano Mountains within the bamboo forest, and by just following the traces of fresh leftovers from the bamboo shoots eaten, the trackers are then able to locate them within less than an hour. The guests also spend 1 hour watching these beautiful creatures as they try picking the bamboo shoots and also make vast leaps from tree to tree and this is possible with their long tails that provide balance. These long tails can also get stuck by the bamboo and then these are cut off as you will view some monkeys with short tails.

These monkeys always spend most of their time at the top of the bamboo and also climb trees to the eye level and also on the ground. These are also some of the shyest monkeys you can come close to within a meter. They are also very delightful for photography and the flash is allowed which is not allowed for the other primate species, ie the gorillas and chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda. These monkey species also love camera flashes and also love moving out of the park into the open potato fields in order to eat the Irish potatoes that are left behind after the harvest. The monkeys also dig and clean the potatoes before eating and this is so amazing to watch!

Up-market: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge | Five Volcanoes Lodge

Moderate: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge 

Low Budget: Muhavura Lodge.

Day 15: Musanze Caves, Lake Kivu

This morning we have the chance to tour the Musanze Caves two kilometers long underneath that were recently unveiled to be visited by tourists in 2013 by the Rwanda Development Board.

The caves can be sited north of the country in Musanze District, the site has had a major facelift with the establishment of tourist walkways, trails and stairs that take you to the dark interior of the caves that illustrates a picture of a house with several rooms and corridors. The floor is paved and there are some stairs to ease movement.

The caves are believed to be a result of a volcanic eruption decades ago that offers an in-depth understanding of the geological and geographical historical development of the globe. The place is located on the foothills of Volcanoes national park.

Afterward, we enjoy a 2 hours drive to Lake Kivu for overnight and dinner.

Up-market: Serena Lake Kivu Hotel

Moderate: Paradise Malahide

Low Budget: Paradise Malahide

Day 16: Canoeing on Lake Kivu, transfer to Nyungwe National Park

You have some time to explore this beautiful area of Rwanda. After you have had your breakfast, you will take a boat ride on Lake Kivu to discover the Island of ‘Napoleon’s Hat’ and continue the ride to Gisenyi town. On this boat ride, you will get a chance to enjoy the breathtaking views of Congo’s Nyiragongo Volcano.

Afterward, you will be transferred to Nyungwe forest, one of the most important bird-watching important areas in Rwanda with over 280 bird species recorded and the majority are forest specialists and 26 are regional endemics. 

Covering over 1000 square kilometers, Nyungwe is surely one of the world’s most beautiful and pristine mountain rainforests. It’s believed to be one of Africa’s oldest forests, staying green even through the Ice Age, which explains its diversity.

Home to habituated chimpanzees and 12 other primates species (including a 400-strong troop of habituated Ruwenzori Black & White Colobus), it’s also a birder’s paradise with over 300 species, including 16 endemics, and is home to 75 different species of mammal.

This majestic rainforest is filled with nature and wildlife experiences for you to emerge yourself in. Hiking or even biking the beautiful terrain, tracking the famous chimpanzees, experiencing the canopy walk, witnessing beautiful birds, relaxing by waterfalls are just a glimpse of activities that Nyungwe offers.

Sounds and views collaborate to create a one-of-a-kind wildlife experience. Exploring through the forest, travelers will witness the lush green mountains and cooling mist in a landscape that won’t be soon forgotten.

Accommodation options available

Upmarket: Nyungwe Top View Hill Lodge or request upgrade to One & Only Nyungwe House

Mid-range: Nyungwe Top View Hill Lodge

Lower Budget: Gisakura Guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 17: Chimpanzee trekking & Canopy walk

Have breakfast, and after meeting at the park offices for the briefing about the primates and the forest, after entering the tropical rain forest to search for the shy chimpanzees in the tree branches. 

Nyungwe is home to roughly 400 troupes of chimpanzees.  Nyungwe is home to one of East Africa’s last intact populations and boasts two wild chimp communities that welcome guests (one in Cyamdungo and the other around Uwinka). Thus, it’s not surprising that chimpanzee tracking is a popular activity in Nyungwe (especially when the park’s trees are in full bloom during the summer) as well-trained guides often lead visitors through the park’s forests. And while actually viewing chimpanzees is not guaranteed, you’ll enjoy learning about these creatures and their natural habitats from your guides. For chimps tracking, you’ll probably have to get up around 4 a.m. to succeed in this very challenging activity as chimps are mostly likely to be seen early in the morning.

While on this walk expect to spot other primates like the white and black Columbus, Vervet monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and manageably. More birds can be spotted too in the Nyungwe National park. 

Return to the lodge for lunch and then evening take the canopy walk looking for primates, birds, and the clarity of the green canopy cover.

Visitors to Nyungwe National Park can experience the rainforest from a new perspective: the Canopy Walkway. Hanging 60 meters above the forest floor between giant trees and towers, East Africa’s only Canopy Walkway provides a stunning view of the park’s amazing wildlife and nature. The Walkway is accessible as part of a specialized guided tour along the Igishigishigi trail or if you’re not part of a tour, hiking the Imbaraga or Umuyove trails.

All participants must be at least six years of age and children must be accompanied by adults. You should bring a raincoat as rain frequently falls in Nyungwe. But if you don’t come with a raincoat, you can rent one as well as walking boots and sticks.

Accommodation options available

Upmarket: Nyungwe Top View Hill Lodge or request an upgrade to One & Only Nyungwe House

Mid-range: Nyungwe Top View Hill Lodge

Lower Budget: Gisakura Guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Day 18:  Transfer to Kigali Airport for departure flight back home (about 3.5 hrs drive).

Have breakfast and after drive to Kigali with lunch en-route.  Along the way to Kigali, you could visit the ancient King’s palace at Nyanza, National Museum at Huye. Then drive to the airport for your return flight back home.

  • 1 gorilla trek permit for Bwindi  (the Volcanoes (Rwanda) gorilla trek is optional for extra USD1500 per person) 
  • Kibale  and Nyungwe Chimp primate trek permit
  • All boat trips and canoeing activity
  • Meals indicated on programme
  • Drinking water on the vehicle 
  • Services of an experienced English-speaking safari guide
  • Accommodation as per safari programme
  • Park fees for the various parks
  • Private transport using a 4x4 safari vehicle

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On your 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 has 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 a stride 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 14-DAY ALL-INCLUSIVE UGANDA SAFARI FOR GORILLAS, WILDLIFE AND PRIMATES

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 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.

Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park lies in a rain shadow between Lake Victoria and the Rwenzori Mountains and receives an average of only 800mm of rain a year. The small size of the park ensures that your Uganda safari will be more rewarding with less effort. For withing minutes of game drives, you stand a chance to experience lots of wildlife and birds.

The park got its name from the two brothers, Kigarama and Mburo lived in a large valley. One night, Kigarama dreamt that they were in danger. When he awoke the next morning, he told his younger brother Mburo of his dream and said they should move. Mburo ignored this advice, but Kigarama wisely moved up into the hills. The valley flooded and a lake was formed, drowning Mburo. Today the lake is named after him, and the hills are called Kigarama after his brother.

The word Mburo is similar to the "mboro", the Runyankole name of the cassine tree which has a powerful aphrodisiac effect. One such tree, showing signs of bark and branch removal, may be seen close to the Kigambira Loop crossroads.

Murchison Falls National Park

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.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

The Queen Elizabeth National Park provides an unforgettable and unique experience for your Uganda safari in search of beautiful scenery and the BIG-5 - lions, leopard, bufallo, hippos, elephant and hyenas.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is 1,978 Km2 in area and is situated astride the Equator in the Western Rift Valley of South West Uganda, close to the southern-most tip of the tabled, mist-covered "Mountains of the Moon - Rwenzori Mountains and is contiguous with Virunga National Park in Democratic Republic of Congo.

It is a region of varied habitats including, open grassland with thickets, thick bush, forest, swamps and lake-shore. Queen Elizabeth National Park together with Virunga National Park in (DRC) completely encircles Lake Edward which is connected to Lake George by the Kazinga Channel.

Safaris and Tours in Kidepo Valley National Park

Kidepo Valley National Park is one of those Out of the Ordinary places in East Africa it not all of Africa.  Africa as you dreamed about, read about in an Ernest Hemingway account, or one of the Safari tales by Karen Blixen in her “Out of Africa” – this is unspoiled Africa, remote, untouched, unvisited, Africa without the crowds – a park with less than 10 new visitors a day, Experiential Africa at its best.

Getting there is a bit tough, or expensive if you fly in, however, what awaits you far outweighs the cost of a flight or the long journey to the Long-Forgotten Eden.

Kidepo Valley Park – a Tapestry of rugged scenery, vibrant wildlife, Karamojong Warrior Herdsmen, and the Ik people on remote Mount Morungole.

If you love the African Wilderness. this park is for you and a must for you to do and see.

Kidepo Valley Park is a one of a kind Park not only in Uganda but all of Africa.

Golden monkey Tracking in Mgahinga

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The Golden Monkey may not be the most well known primate, but is certainly an enjoyable, little creature that is worth visiting. It is a small curious monkey, golden in colour and loves to scamper around the trees. Golden monkeys are named after their golden-orange fur, and like mountain gorillas, are also considered endangered species. Conservation efforts have been put in place by the Uganda Wildlife Authority to ensure that the monkeys are protected – especially from poachers.

There is a habituated family of monkeys in Mgahinga, where tourists can track and stay with them for a period of four hours depending on where they nested the previous night and how far it is from the starting point.

It is estimated that Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has between 3000-4000 golden monkeys grouped in troupes of 30s led by a principal adult male. Golden monkeys are primarily to be found in the bamboo forest that skirt the lower slopes of the volcanoes. They are quite more active in the bamboo canopy.  Golden monkeys are opportunistic feeders. What they feed on could be by the availability of fruits, leaves of bamboo trees, shoots of bamboo, shrubs, flowers, invertebrates and these makes it to be restricted to the highland forest, mostly the bamboo forest.

Golden monkey tracking starts at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park headquarters at 7:30am for pre-tracking briefing (on the dos and don’ts of tracking the golden monkeys). The actual trek begins at 8:00am. Hiking through the forests to sight the golden monkeys is not so strenuous like gorilla trekking because golden monkeys live in lower areas, so tourists do not track for more than 3 hours. When tourists encounter the golden monkey family, they are given one hour  (0r 4 hours in case your are doing the habituation experience) to spend with them (to take photographs and observe their behavior). With this activity, there is no minimum number of tourists who track each group and age limit is 12 years.

Golden Monkey Habituation Experience in Mgahinga

Uganda Wildlife Authority now offers you the golden opportunity to experience a Golden Monkey Habituation in Mgahinga National Park. Accompany the researches in the morning or afternoon to track the Golden Monkeys and stay with them for 4 hours. You will have the unique chance to get close to these little primates and study their behavior in their natural habitat. A unique experience that will enhance your primate safari in Uganda!

Kidepo Valley National Park

It is hard to get to – You either fly-in, which is very expensive or you drive to the park.  The drive (12-Hours) takes a lot of time due to the distance from Kampala. The more scenic route from Sipi Falls to Kidepo Parks breaks up the journey and you are driving through Karamoja which is quite interesting.

The lodging facilities are few, however, more are coming on-line as the popularity of the Park is on the increase plus the Apoka Rest Camp has been greatly improved to the delight of budget travelers.

Presently there 2000-3000 visitors per year, less per ten per day, in spite of being the best park for wildlife viewing in Uganda plus unique and enriching cultural experiences with the Karamojong and the Ik People who live near the park.

Kidepo Valley Park where the stunning scenery simply takes your breath away.  It is just you and a stillness only broken by the cry from the wild.  The sounds of the winds sweeping through the valley – you are amazed that such a place as Kidepo Valley Park even exists – an abundance of wildlife – rough-hewn scenery and an absence of people, no caravans of vehicles meandering down the game tracks- it is simply a scene from Karen Blixen or Ernest Hemingway’s Africa – it is Africa as you imagined it  but rarely find in the 21st Century.

There are Lions in abundance-especially during the dry season of the year (even some tree climbing ones) – Elephant and Buffalo herds roaming – Giraffe – leopards – cheetahs – wild dogs – ostriches-pangolins –the bat-eared fox, striped hyena, aardwolf, caracal, and hunting dog – antelopes such as eland, bushbuck, bush duskier, defassa waterbuck, bohor reedbuck, Jackson’s hartebeest, and oribi.

There is an abundance of birds including many raptors – Kidepo Valley National Park has much to offer to the visitor who flies in or has the stamina to drive in – but what awaits the visitor here is well worth the flight or drive here.

Safari and other tourist activities in Kidepo

Kidepo Game Drives:

Kidepo Valley National Park Game Drives are tracks where you can encounter the Wild of Africa without the crowds.  This remote – unvisited park allows you to see the best of Africa while on a game drive.

Game drives in Kidepo Valley National Park depend on where you stay – if you stay at Apoka Lodge you will find that two activities a day such as game drives are included in the price of the room per night,

Other lodges such as Nga Mmoru Wildlife Camp or the Uganda Wildlife Authority Bandas mean that like in other wildlife parks we take you in our safari vehicle on game drives. We always use a Uganda Wildlife Authority Ranger who comes on board to gives you added insight about the wildlife found in the park.

Kidepo Nature – Bush Walks – Hikes:

Kidepo Valley Park has some great places for Nature and Bush Walks.  There is nothing like taking in the African Wild on foot and there are not many better places to do so than Kidepo Valley Park.

There are also places outside of the park area where you can go for a hike such as an all-day hike up the Morungole Mountains to visit the Ik People, one of the smallest ethnic groups in Uganda.

There are many places within the park where you can hike and or climb including Idi Amin’s dream lodge that was never completed while he was president of Uganda – may be in the future as more visitors come to the park it will be.

All Nature Walks and Hikes within the Park will be guided by Uganda Wildlife Authority Rangers, you cannot wander off on your own in this remote park.

New Hiking Trails have been developed in 2019 for you to enjoy in the Park.

A Visit to the Ik People:

You will need an early morning start to climb up into the Monrungole Mountains for a visit with the Ik Tribe.  One of the original tribes in the Northeast Uganda area.

They were here long the Karamojong entered their land.  Today they number around 10,000.  The first University Student from the Ik Community is enrolled at Kampala International University.  She is doing well.

Colin Turnbull wrote a somewhat negative book entitled “The Mountain People” about the Ik which has been disproved – he had tried to prove that the Ik people were incapable of loving.

This will be one of the highlights of your time in Uganda – learn the ways and culture of the Ik People. This activity will add one day to your safari to Kidepo Valley Park.

The Hike up Mount Morungole is not for the faint of heart.  This is an 8 hour round trip.  The climb is steep, part of the adventure of the day.  You also bring some gifts along for the visit as is the cultural norm when you visit someone here.

Kidepo Valley National Park lies in the rugged, semi-arid valleys between Uganda’s borders with Sudan and Kenya, some 700km from Kampala. Gazetted as a national park in 1962, it has a profusion of big game and hosts over 77 mammal species as well as around 475 bird species.

Kidepo is Uganda’s most isolated national park, but the few who make the long journey north through the wild frontier region of Karamoja would agree that it is also the most magnificent, for Kidepo ranks among Africa’s finest wildernesses. From Apoka, in the heart of the park, a savannah landscape extends far beyond the gazetted area, towards horizons outlined by distant mountain ranges.

During the dry season, the only permanent water in the park is found in wetlands and remnant pools in the broad Narus Valley near Apoka. These seasonal oases, combined with the open, savannah terrain, make the Narus Valley the park’s prime game viewing location.