December - February
Introduction About Uganda’s Exclusive Gorilla & Chimpanzee Tracking Tour
Uganda, often referred to as the "Pearl of Africa," boasts a rich tapestry of natural beauty and biodiversity. Located in East Africa, Uganda is renowned for its stunning landscapes that range from lush rainforests and serene lakes to sprawling savannas and majestic mountains. The country is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including the iconic Mountain Gorillas of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and the rare Okapi in the Ituri Forest. Uganda's unique geography, situated on the equator and blessed with abundant rainfall, creates a paradise for both flora and fauna.
The country's prime attractions include the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where visitors can participate in the extraordinary Gorilla Trekking experience. This intimate encounter with the endangered Mountain Gorillas, coupled with the rich cultural heritage of the local Batwa people, provides an unforgettable adventure.
This immersive experience allows visitors to spend extended periods with habituated groups of chimpanzees or gorillas, observing their daily behaviours and interactions. These safaris offer not just a glimpse into the complex social structures of these remarkable creatures but also contribute to their conservation by supporting on-going research and protection efforts.
Start - Entebbe
Finish - Entebbe
Today you will arrive in Uganda at Entebbe airport. Upon arrival you will be received by your tour guide bearing a signage with your name. He will thereafter transfer you to check-in at your accommodation located only 20 minutes from the airport. Depending on your time of arrival, he will later give you a detailed briefing of your tour.
Accommodations: The Boma Hotel or Similar
Meal plan: Breakfast
After breakfast, you'll depart on a 5-6 hour drive to Kibale Forest National Park, traveling through the lush green countryside. Along the route, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of tea plantations, with opportunities to stop for photos and engage with the local tea pickers. A lunch break will be taken in Fort Portal town before you continue to check in at your accommodation near Kibale Forest National Park.
Accommodation: Turaco treetops Lodge or Similar
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After an early breakfast you will embark on the search for a semi-habituated chimpanzees’ family inside Kibale Forest national park. You will be led by experienced ranger guides and habituators who will provide detailed information about the process of habituating Chimpanzees. The activity lasts approximately 4-6 hours. You will spend 2-3 hours following and photographing the chimps before concluding and returning to the lodge. In the evening, you will have a guided walk through Bigodi swamps which are an ideal habitat for bird watching and spotting numerous primates species.
Accommodations: Turaco treetops Lodge or Similar
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Early in the morning, you'll set off for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, driving through the picturesque Kigezi Highlands, often referred to as the "Switzerland of Africa," with its terraced hillsides and winding roads. Upon arrival, you’ll check into your accommodation, situated at the edge of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park—the renowned home of Uganda's mountain gorillas. Bwindi impenetrable national park was declared a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site in 1994.
Accommodations: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge or Similar
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After an early breakfast, you'll be transferred to the park headquarters for a briefing on the Gorilla habituation experience. Accompanied by ranger guides, researchers, and Gorilla doctors, you'll venture into the forest in search of a family of semi-habituated Gorillas. This immersive activity can last from 6 hours to a full day, depending on various factors. During your trek, the experts will instruct you on identifying Gorillas, taking notes, and observing any signs of illness. You'll spend approximately four hours following, observing, and photographing the Gorillas as they feed, play, and groom one another. Following this extraordinary experience, you'll exit Bwindi Forest and return to your accommodation to relax.
Accommodations: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge or Similar
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Early in the morning, you'll check out of your accommodation and begin your drive to Entebbe. Along the way, you'll make a stop for lunch and a brief health break. You are expected to arrive in Entebbe in the evening, where you'll be dropped off at the airport to catch your flight back home.
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch
- Accommodation in the mentioned lodges
- An experienced English-speaking Safari Guide
- All activities mentioned as part of the itinerary
- Transportation in 4*4 Safari vehicles to and from the areas indicated.
- 1 Gorilla habituation permit per person in Bwindi impenetrable national park.
- 1 chimpanzee habituation permit in Kibale Forest national park.
- Fuel and meals as indicated on respective days.
- All Entrance Fees and relevant government Tax.
- Mineral Water on the entire Safari.
- Administration fees.
- Drinks, Tips, Souvenirs, any personal purchase.
- All activities indicated as optional in the itinerary
- Visa fees and international flight costs
- All kinds of travel insurance
- 20% TCS as applicable for all foreign travels from 01 Oct 2023
Note: Kindly note that to book Gorilla permits is subject to availability and payment. For cases of lack of availability in a requested Gorilla group, we shall suggest an alternative and communicate any changes in the program.
