9 Days Gorillas Wildlife and Chimpanzee Tracking

9 Days Gorillas Wildlife And Chimpanzee Tracking will encompass Murchison Falls National Park (the world’s most powerful waterfalls), Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Kibale National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park (a tapestry of marvels), and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda‘s largest national park, renowned for its wildlife and home to the world’s most powerful waterfall. The park is situated 305 km from Kampala, around a 4 to 5-hour trip away. You will have the opportunity to observe diverse animals, including lions, giraffes, leopards, antelopes, hippos, and other bird species. A launch ride to the base of the falls, followed by a trek to the summit, is undoubtedly an outstanding experience, along with a visit to the southern white rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary along the way.

Kibale National Park is situated in western Uganda. The park is renowned for chimpanzee tracking and hosts a total of 70 mammal species, including 13 kinds of primates. It encompasses more than 375 avian species. The Chimpanzee trekking experience entails guests, escorted by seasoned guides, venturing into the bush to engage with these primate relatives (the chimpanzees). Monitoring, pursuing, and observing them is really exhilarating.

Situated in the Kasese district, Queen Elizabeth National Park is unequivocally Uganda’s premier tourist attraction. The park’s varied ecosystems, encompassing expansive savanna, shaded humid forests, pristine lakes, and productive wetlands, render it an optimal habitat for iconic large game, 10 primate species including chimpanzees, and over 600 avian species.

During the excursion, observe the splendid landscapes, including numerous vast craters dramatically etched into undulating green hills, sweeping vistas of the Kazinga Channel bordered by hippos, buffalo, and elephants, and the boundless Ishasha plains, where fig trees conceal lions poised to ambush herds of unsuspecting Uganda kobs.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is located adjacent to the Virunga National Park along the border of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and at the periphery of the Albertine Rift. It offers habitat for 120 mammalian species, 348 avian species, 220 butterfly species, 27 frog species, chameleons, geckos, and several endangered species. Additionally, Bwindi is a forest park that serves as a habitat for the majestic gigantic mountain gorillas. In this dense jungle, you can participate in gorilla tracking, which entails traversing the lush rainforest in pursuit of mountain gorillas. Strolling through the park will provide an insight into African culture, complemented by the remarkable Batwa experience.

BRIEF ITINERARY

  • Day 1: Travel to Murchison Falls National Park, passing through Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
  • DAY 2: Morning wildlife safari and afternoon boat tour followed by a walk to the summit of the falls.
  • DAY 3: Journey to Kibale Forest National Park
  • DAY 5: Morning chimpanzee hike and Bigodi Wetlands
  • Day 6: Journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • DAY 7: Morning safari and boat excursion on the Kazinga Channel.
  • Day 7: Transit to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
  • Day 8: Gorilla Trekking and Batwa Community Engagement
  • DAY 9: Departure

DETAILED ITINERARY

DAY 1 – Travel to Murchison Falls National Park, passing by Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

In the early morning, you will be collected by a seasoned guide who will provide a comprehensive briefing regarding the entire journey to Murchison Falls National Park. Make a first visit to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, the sole establishment of its kind in Uganda, which is home to several white rhinos. Tracking rhinos on foot will provide an intimate encounter with these colossal beasts, offering a unique experience.

Subsequently, visit the fabled town of Miasindi, inhabited by the Banyoro tribe, for lunch and an immersive town experience. Proceed directly to the park to check in at the lodge for leisure, dinner, and overnight accommodations.

LODGING

  • OPULENCE – Paraa Safari Lodge
  • MIDRANGE – Pakuba Safari Lodge
  • BUDGET – Red Chili Rest Camp

Day 2 – Morning safari and afternoon boat tour on the Nile

A morning game drive in the northern portion of the park offers an abundance of wildlife and avian species. Observe herds of elephants, giraffes, antelopes, Uganda Kobs, buffaloes, waterbucks, lions, and several bird species along the route.

Subsequently, after lunch, relax from the substantial and delectable meal with a boat excursion on the Nile, Africa’s longest river. This three-hour tour offers a gratifying experience, showcasing diverse wildlife species like as hippos, crocodiles, and herds of elephants that periodically approach for water, as well as an array of avian life, including African fish eagles, herons, and small egrets.

LODGING

  • OPULENCE – Paraa Safari Lodge
  • MIDRANGE – Pakuba Safari Lodge
  • BUDGET – Red Chili Rest Camp

Day 3 – Journey to Kibale Forest National Park

In the early morning, partake in breakfast, complete checkout and transfer to Kibale Forest National Park. Given the extensive nature of this trip, we shall depart in the morning, pause for lunch in Hoima town, and continue thereafter. You will encounter picturesque vistas of the western hills and appealing photographic backdrops. Traverse the Albertine escarpments en route to the park.

LODGING

  • LUXURY – Primate Lodge (Opulent cottages)
  • MIDRANGE – Kibale Forest Camp / Kyaninga Royal Cottages
  • BUDGET – Rwenzori View Guest House

Day 4 – Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi Wetlands

Proceed to the park headquarters for a briefing on chimp trekking conducted by a local guide. Commence the expedition into the forest to seek these close relatives of humans. The trip commences at 7 AM and has a maximum duration of 8 hours.

Traverse the forest, encountering various primate species such as baboons, colobus monkeys, and red-tailed monkeys, along with avian species and forest elephants. The duration ranges from 1 to 6 hours, contingent upon the chimps’ movements that day. Observe the chimpanzees traverse from one tree branch to another. Observe their feeding habits and habitat in the forest, capturing numerous photographs as long as the camera is flash-free.

In the afternoon, visit the renowned Bigodi wetland for an exquisite nature walk, allowing for intimate observations of even the minutest aspects of nature. In this location, you are still likely to observe many primates and avian species.

LODGING

  • LUXURY – Primate Lodge (Opulent cottages)
  • MIDRANGE – Kibale Forest Camp / Kyaninga Royal Cottages
  • BUDGET – Rwenzori View Guest House

Day 5 – Journey to Queen Elizabeth Park

Commence the day with an early breakfast, followed by the travel to Uganda’s premier national park, which hosts over 70 species of mammals. The expedition offers breathtaking vistas of the Rwenzori Mountains and the expansive savannas adjacent to the route.

LODGING

  • OPULENCE – Mweya Safari Lodge
  • MIDRANGE – Ihamba Safari Lodge
  • BUDGET – Simba Safari Camp

Day 6 – Morning safari and boat excursion on the Kazinga Channel

Commence with an early breakfast before embarking on the morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, which takes only a few minutes to begin observing several animal species, including buffaloes, elephants, lions, warthogs, Uganda kobs, hyenas, bushbucks, and others. The trip navigates the various craters and crater lakes within the park’s hills and valleys, producing a stunning landscape.

Embark on a launch trip down the renowned Kazinga Channel, which links Lake Edward to Lake George. It is likely among the longest channels globally. A sail on the channel’s side provides unobstructed views of the large hippos and elephants cooling their skin in the water. The coastlines are inhabited by diverse types of seabirds, rendering it an excellent location for avian enthusiasts.

9 Days Gorillas Wildlife And Chimpanzee Tracking

LODGING

  • LUXURY – Mweya Safari Lodge
  • MIDRANGE – Ihamba Safari Lodge
  • BUDGET – Simba Safari Camp

Day 7 – Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Commence the journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park immediately following breakfast. The expedition traverses the esteemed Ishasha area, a distinguished location for tree-climbing lions in Uganda. On an auspicious day, one may observe several resting in the branches of fig trees while journeying to Bwindi.

LODGING

  • PREMIUM – Buhoma Lodge
  • MIDRANGE – The Haven Lodge
  • BUDGET – Buhoma Campsite

Day 8: Gorilla Tracking and Batwa Community

Consume breakfast promptly in the morning and proceed to the park headquarters for a concise briefing from the local tour guide. Trekking these endangered apes entails traversing the jungle in pursuit of the formidable primates in their natural habitat. Traversing the dense forest, relying on tree branches for support and navigating with your hands or a walking stick, is an exhilarating experience.

Upon discovering them, dedicate one enchanting hour to observing the magnificent gorillas as they engage in their daily activities, witness the adolescents frolicking from one tree branch to another, and observe the silverbacks vigilantly safeguarding their family members.

In the afternoon, following lunch, you may participate in a voluntary cultural experience with the Batwa pygmies, the indigenous residents of the Bwindi forest. Investigate the lives of the indigenous Batwa, observe traditional performances and sample local delicacies.

LODGING

  • PREMIUM – Buhoma Lodge
  • MIDRANGE – The Haven Lodge
  • BUDGET – Buhoma Campsite

DAY 9: Return to Kampala city / Entebbe Airport for departure.

Commence the return journey to Kampala or proceed directly to the airport for the flight home immediately following an early breakfast. This will conclude the 9-day best of Uganda safari.

THE PRICE INCLUDES:

  • Gorilla licenses
  • Chimpanzee licenses
  • Fees for park entry
  • Wildlife observation
  • Maritime excursion
  • Expert advisor
  • Land transportation in a reserved safari vehicle
  • Housing
  • Repasts

THE PRICE WILL NOT INCLUDE:

  • International airfare and visa charges
  • Beer and Wine (alcoholic beverages)
  • Expenditures on laundry and craft supplies.
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