Primate Safari Uganda , Gorilla Safari in Bwindi and Chimps Safari in Kibale Forest National Park
This tour takes you to the two famous Gorilla trekking national parks of Bwindi Impenetrable forest and the Volcanoes National Park. This package will surely answer the question that most tourists inquire about-‘which park would be better for gorilla trekking ?’ Our explanation for this is that each trek in any of these national parks is a different paranormal experience that one will always cherish. However , the terrains of the two national parks are quite different and you need to be more fit if you are to trek gorillas in Bwindi National park because the terrain is steeper. But this does not guarantee that the gorilla trek in Rwanda will be easier because the time taken to track the gorillas is unpredictable given the fact that it depends on the movements of the Mountain gorillas in their natural habitats as they search for food.
Day 1: Kampala – Kibale Forest (450 km approx. 5-6 hours).
Our tours representative will pick you up from your hotel in Kampala . You will be driven via Mubende to Fortportal from the north or the south through Mbarara and Kamwenge. This spectacular drive is about 4-6 hours reaching in the afternoon but the northern approach is nearer with a 300km tarmac road running to Fortportal followed by 36 km on murram to Kanyankyu tourist centre . Kibale National park’s varied altitude is a home to different flora and fauna that include a wet tropical ever green forest on Fortportal Plateau, through a dry or semi deciduous forest ,then woodland and savannah on the rift valley floor. The diversity and density of primates in Kibale is the highest in Africa . The most famous of its 13 species is the chimpanzee, our closest cousin. It is also home to L’Hoest monkeys , red colobus monkeys , black and white colobus monkeys , blue monkeys olive baboons, pottos monkeys, olive baboons, grey cheeked mangabeys among others. Kibale NP boasts 325 species of birds , which include 6 endemic species of the Albertine rift region that include the black capped apalis, callared apallis, blue headed sun bird, dusky crimson wing , red-faced woodland warbler and purple-breasted sunbird. Other Kibale species include , African pitta, black bee- eater, yellow spotted nicator, green breasted bee eater, black –eared ground thrush, blue breasted kingfisher, brown chested alethe, Narina Trogon, Pied Hornbill, Yellow Spotted, Hairy Breasted and Yellow-Billed Barbets, crowned eagle and the Abyssinian ground thrush. You will arrive in the after noon . Have a tour in Fortportal town and then later transfer to your hotel for dinner and over night . at either of the lodges below depending on your budget ;
Luxury accommodation: Ndali lodge/ Primates Lodge/ Mountains of the Moon Lodge
Mid range accommodation: Rwenzori View Guest house/ Rujuna Guest house
Budget accommodation: Kanyankyu Ecological bandas / Chimps Nest camp / Cottages in Primates lodge
Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale Forest
Take your breakfast and then assemble at the starting point at Kanyankyu tourist centre . On this day, we take the full morning in the forest trekking the Chimpanzees . The forest has a sum of almost 13 Primate Species that includes the red Colobus monkey, the unique L’Hoest, blue monkey, grey mangabey, pottos, black faced vervet monkeys, baboons and also bush babies. In the afternoon, you will indulge in an afternoon guided walk all the way through Bigodi Swamp. Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is managed by Kibale Association for Rural and Environmental organization and was initiated in 1992 with the main aim of achieving social and economic development for local communities. This swamp is a habitat to just about 137 bird species and it also has abundant vegetation, like wild palms, figs and the renowned papyrus. Dinner and over night at the lodge of your budget .
Day 3: Kibale Forest – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Take breakfast and head to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park which is almost 5-7 hours drive. Famous for its Mountain Gorillas, the Montane Forest also enthralled striking birds of which, there are 23 of the 24 Albertine Rift endemics including the African Green Broadbill, Bar Tailed Trogon and more gorgeous forest species. You can choose to rest in the afternoon or take a nature walk (at an extra cost of $15 per person ) which will take you to the Munyaga Waterfall and an opportunity to spot out primates like the Grey Cheeked Mangabey Blue Monkeys and others species.
Dinner and over night at either .
Budget accommodation package- Buhoma Community bandas or Bwindi View bandas or Nkuringo campsite tents or Virunga Hotel or Nkuringo safari centre
Moderate- accommodation package- Lake Kitandara camp or Nkuringo camp site or Wagtail Eco lodge or similar
Upmarket accommodation package- Engagi lodge or Buhoma lodge or Gorilla Resort camp or Traveler’s rest camp or Silver back lodge
Luxury accommodation package- Gorilla Forest Camp or Clouds Lodge or Gahinga Volcanoes Lodge , or Volcanoes Bwindi safari Lodge
Day 4: Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
On this fateful morning, wake up early to prepare for the most stimulating activity of Gorilla tracking. Go to at the ranger station at 8:00am with your lunch boxes plus all the required gear . You will be briefed and then your ranger guides will escort you to track the scarce Mountain Gorilla, possibly one of the most exhilarating wildlife experiences on earth. There are currently only almost 700 left in the world! The tracking is likely to take between 3- and 8 hours but its well valuable for the effort. There are often park guides with you who give information about the flora and fauna and the way of life of the Gorillas. If trekking ends early , you will go for a village walk to interact with the Local Batwa Community at en extra cost of US$ 15 per person. Dinner and over night at the lodge of your budget .
Day 5: Make your way back to Kampala
Take breakfast and leave from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and go back to Kampala . Have lunch en route - then a stop over at the Equator and then mark the final part of the Uganda Gorilla Tour and Chimpanzee Adventure.
