Chimps, Gorillas and Lions

8 Days 7 Nights
Starting from $4,862 /pp

Overview

This 8-day Ugandan safari, begins in Entebbe and Kampala, exploring cultural landmarks and lively markets, before venturing into Kibale Forest for an exhilarating chimpanzee trek, cultural visit and the panoramic “Top of the World” hike. Continue the adventure in Queen Elizabeth National Park with a Kazinga Channel boat cruise teeming with wildlife and exciting game drives, then head to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for an unforgettable encounter with the mountain gorillas. The journey culminates at Lake Mburo National Park with an evening walking safari across the savannah.

Highlights

  • Kampala city tour
  • Kibale Chimpanzee tracking
  • “Top of the World” hike
  • Kazinga Channel boat cruise
  • Privately Guided Game Drive
  • Bwindi Gorilla tracking
  • Bigodi cultural experience
  • Lake Mburo Evening walking safari
  • Stopover at the Equator

Kampala – Kibale Forest National Park – Queen Elizabeth National Park – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – Lake Mburo National Park – Entebbe

Journey time: Approx. 01 Hour

Upon arrival at Entebbe Int. Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our safari guide and have a private transfer to Kampala City. Guests arriving before 10:00AM will begin with a guided city tour, exploring the vibrant sights and cultural highlights of Kampala. Lunch will be served at a restaurant in between activities.

Planned Excursion (Early Arrival Basis): Kampala City Tour – Experience the vibrant heart of Uganda on this fun and insightful city excursion, showcasing both the cultural and historical treasures of Kampala. Highlights include iconic landmarks such as the Buganda Palace, Gaddafi Mosque, Kasubi Tombs, Uganda Museum, and the Bahá’í Temple, along with a stroll through lively local markets and historical monuments.

Afterwards, proceed to your hotel for check-in, where you can relax and unwind.

Overnight: Midrange: Fairway Boutique Hotel – or similar
Luxury: Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort – or similar Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast

Journey time: Approx. 6 Hours

Pickup Time: 06:30AM. After an early breakfast, embark on your scenic journey to Kibale Forest, driving through beautiful countryside landscapes. On arrival, enjoy a delicious traditional Ugandan lunch at Tinka’s Homestead. In the late afternoon, set out on the Bigodi Community Tour, an enriching cultural experience that includes coffee tasting with local farmers, Sampling banana beer and traditional vodka, exploring vibrant arts and crafts, cultural songs and dances, and learning about medicinal herbs.

Overnight: Midrange: Tabebuia Spa & Safari Resort – or similar
Luxury: Papaya Lake Lodge – or similar
Meal Plan: Full Board (Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch)

Pickup Time: 07:00AM. Enjoy an early breakfast at the lodge before heading to the park for a detailed briefing ahead of your primate trek. After this remarkable wildlife experience, return to the lodge for a well-deserved lunch.

Planned Activities: Chimpanzee Tracking experience – After an early morning briefing at 08:00AM, set off at 08:30AM for an exciting trek through Kibale’s lush rainforest. Follow winding trails as you search for chimpanzees in their natural habitat, observing them swing gracefully through the branches, forage, and play in their family groups. Along the way, the forest comes alive with the calls of birds and other wildlife, offering unexpected sightings and unforgettable moments. Your guide will share insights about the forest ecosystem, chimpanzee behaviour, and conservation efforts, making this both a thrilling and educational experience. Return to the lodge afterwards with memories of one of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife encounters. Don’t forget your hiking boots, long trousers, face mask, insect repellent, gloves, and mineral water for this unforgettable adventure.  

In the late afternoon, embark on a guided “Top of the World” hike. Wander through lush gardens, and stroll past vibrant banana, coffee, and tea plantations, all while taking in panoramic views of shimmering crater lakes, the charming town of Fort Portal, the expansive Kibale Forest, and the majestic Rwenzori Ranges in the distance. This hike is not just a walk—it’s an unforgettable journey through some of Uganda’s most stunning landscapes, perfect for photography, reflection, and connecting with nature.

Overnight: Midrange: Tabebuia Spa & Safari Resort – or similar
Luxury: Papaya Lake Lodge – or similar
Meal Plan: Full Board (Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch)

Journey time: Approx. 2 Hours

Pickup Time: 08:00AM. Enjoy breakfast at the lodge before checking out, for your journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Arrive for lunch at your lodge before the boat cruise.

Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise – After lunch, set out on a captivating boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. Spot a dazzling array of birds including African fish eagles, pelicans, flamingos, hamerkops, egrets, African finfoots, pied kingfishers, marabou storks, vultures, and kites. Keep an eye out for mammals such as hippos, buffalos, warthogs, crocodiles, waterbucks, and more, as many come to the water to drink and cool off.

After the cruise, continue your wildlife experience with a dusk game drive or relax back at the lodge enjoying your leisurely evening.

Overnight: Midrange: Mweya Safari Lodge – or similar
Luxury: The River Station – or similar
Meal Plan: Full Board (Lunch, Dinner, and Breakfast)

Journey time: Approx. 5 Hours

Pick-up Time: 06:30AM. Enjoy an early breakfast before setting out to explore the wildlife of the park, spotting numerous animals in their natural habitat. Afterward, continue to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, stopping for lunch at a restaurant En-route.

Planned Activities: Begin the day with a morning game drive through the breathtaking landscapes of Queen Elizabeth National Park, where rolling savannahs, woodland, and sparkling waterholes provide the perfect backdrop for spotting wildlife in their natural habitat. Keep your eyes peeled for elephants, lions, buffalos, and a variety of antelopes as you traverse the park. Continue with a visit to Lake Katwe’s Salt Works, a fascinating site where locals have harvested salt for centuries. Witness traditional salt-making techniques, marvel at the shimmering salt flats, and gain insight into this unique cultural and economic activity. Arrive late evening at Bwindi and check-in at your lodge.

Overnight: Midrange: Four Gorillas Lodge – or similar
Luxury: Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge – or similar
Meal Plan: Half Board (Dinner and Breakfast)

Pick-up Time: 06:30AM. Enjoy an early breakfast, before receiving a lunchbox with mineral water to take along in your backpack, and transfer to the park for briefing.

Day’s Main Activity: Bwindi Gorilla Tracking Experience—After completing park formalities, embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure tracking the endangered mountain gorillas in the misty forests of Bwindi: Guided by your expert ranger, navigate lush trails as you search for these gentle giants. Once you encounter a gorilla family, you will have 1 to 2 hours to observe, photograph, and marvel at their behaviour. Along the trek, your ranger will identify a safe and scenic spot for a picnic lunch, after which you can continue the trek or return to the lodge. Practical Tips: Wear sturdy hiking shoes, long trousers and sleeves, gloves, a face mask, and carry insect repellent and drinking. Optional Activity: For an extra $30pp., experience the Batwa Cultural Trail, gaining insight into the traditions and lifestyle of the Batwa.

Overnight: Midrange: Four Gorillas Lodge – or similar
Luxury: Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge – or similar
Meal Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Journey time: Approx. 6 Hours

Pick-up Time: 07:00AM. Enjoy an early breakfast before checking out and embarking on a scenic journey to Lake Mburo National Park. Upon arrival, savor a delicious lunch at the lodge before your evening walking safari.

Evening Activity: Lake Mburo Walking Safari – As the sun begins to dip toward the horizon, set out on an exciting evening walking safari in Lake Mburo National Park, lasting up to three hours. Guided by an expert ranger, navigate winding trails from Rwonyo to the park’s saltlicks—a hotspot where grazers gather to lick the naturally salty clay. Keep your senses sharp for sightings of zebras, impalas, and other wildlife, as the savannah is bathed in the dramatic golden glow of sunset.

After this captivating experience, continue to the lodge and check in followed by dinner.

Overnight: Midrange: Rwakobo Rock – or similar
Luxury: Mihingo Lodge – or similar
Meal Plan: Full Board (Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch)

Journey Time: Approx. 5 Hours

Pick-up Time: By 10:00AM (Lodge Check-out). Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the lodge before checking out. Depending on your onward flight schedule, embark on your journey from Lake Mburo to Entebbe Airport, with a memorable stop at the Equator for lunch and a photo opportunity. Continue to Entebbe, arriving in time to check in for your departing flight, concluding your unforgettable Ugandan adventure.

Meal Plan: Breakfast + Lunch at a restaurant

Includes
  • Meals as described in the itinerary.
  • Transport in a 4WD Land cruiser (Window seat guaranteed)
  • Return airport transfers
  • Fuel cost for the entire trip
  • 02L daily mineral water on safari per person
  • 07 Nights’ accommodation
  • All park entry fees and activities per park visited
  • 01 Gorilla and 01 Chimp permit per person
  • An English–speaking driver guide
  • AMREF Medical evacuation cover
Excludes
  • All optional activities and services not mentioned above.

  • Journey times in the itinerary are estimates and may vary depending on traffic and road conditions.
  • Accommodation options listed are subject to availability at the time of booking; if unavailable, comparable properties will be provided.
  • Allocation within the five sectors of Bwindi will depend on availability at the time of booking and cannot be predetermined.
  • Rates are subject to change due to factors beyond our control. Any adjustments or top-ups will be communicated and reflected in your final invoice.

Pricing
Book Your Slot Early
No. of Pax Midrange
Option
Luxury
Option
02 4,862 pp. 8,850 pp.
Chimps, Gorillas and Lions

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