Highlights
- Venture into the forest and spend time with eastern chimpanzees
- Hike into the rainforests of Bwindi National Park and see mountain gorillas
- Spend time with the Indigenous Batwa people and search for golden monkeys
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Entebbe, Transfer to Kibale National Park | Kibale National Park |
| Day 2 | Kibale Chimpanzee Walk | Kibale National Park |
| Day 3 | Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest | Bwindi Impenetrable National Park |
| Day 4 | Bwindi Mountain Gorilla Trekking | Bwindi Impenetrable National Park |
| Day 5 | Transfer to Mgahinga, Batwa Cultural Experience | Mgahinga National Park |
| Day 6 | Golden Monkey Safari | Mgahinga National Park |
| Day 7 | Transfer to Entebbe & Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Entebbe, Transfer to Kibale National Park
Welcome to Uganda! You'll arrive in the city of Entebbe, which is located on the north end of Lake Victoria and is known for its friendliness and laid-back atmosphere. Unfortunately, you won't be staying long, as upon arriving at the airport, a driver will pick you up for the seven-hour journey west from Entebbe into the highlands of Kibale National Park. It's a long drive, but you'll stop en route for lunch and to stretch your legs.
Eventually, you'll arrive at Kibale. This 296-square-mile (776 sq km) park reaches elevations up to 5,249 feet (1,600 m) and protects the virgin evergreen rainforest. This tropical ecosystem is home to exotic flora and fauna, none more famous than the 13 species of chimpanzees who reside in the park. Kibale is also home to other unique and rare primates, including the red colobus, the L’Hoest's monkey, grey-cheeked mangabey, black-faced vervet monkeys, baboons, and more.
Day 2: Kibale Chimpanzee Walk
In the morning, you'll embark on a half-day excursion into the rainforest. Along with a team of researchers and expert guides, you'll hike along the famous Kanyanchu Primate Walk, which will take you through the habitats of the park's resident chimpanzees. The chance of spotting these primates is high, as they are accustomed to human presence. You'll even get to spend up to an hour observing their behavior, how they socialize, and their patterns of patrolling the forest.
But chimps aren't the only exotic animals you'll likely see on this safari. Keep an eye out for other forest denizens, including elephants, wild pigs, and colorful birds such as the Abyssinian ground thrush, African pitta, and collared apalis. At the end of the trek, you'll return to your hotel.
Day 3: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
After an early breakfast, you'll hop back in the 4WD vehicle for the 7.5-hour ride to the southernmost end of Uganda and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The scenic route will take you through the famous Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you may spot wild game, including the famous tree-climbing lions, which only exist in East Africa.
Eventually, you'll arrive in Bwindi, where you'll check into your mountain lodge. Located at the edge of the Rift Valley, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a pristine biological and botanical ecosystem covering 128 square miles (331 sq km). It protects ancient rainforests that are a habitat for around 400 wild mountain gorillas, which represent about half the entire world's population of these apes. You'll head out to try and spot them tomorrow; for now, enjoy dinner at the lodge and then head off to bed.
Day 4: Bwindi Mountain Gorilla Trekking
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Leave in the morning on a hike deep into the park to try and spot troops of mountain gorillas. The unique topography of these misty mountains ensures that this is one of the only places in the world you can see these animals in their natural environment. The forest here is known as "impenetrable" due to the endless bamboo and thick grown cover of plant growth that has historically kept outsiders from entering the gorillas' communities. Today, though, your guides will lead you right to them.
It begins at the park headquarters with a safety briefing covering the dos and don'ts regarding interactions with the gorillas. After the briefing, your group will assemble and along with researchers and guides, you'll hike into the forest. Once you locate the gorillas, you'll spend up to four hours observing them. The guides will point out the behavior of the apes as the researchers monitor their social activities. If conditions allow for it, you may help the researchers collect samples, name primate group members, and perhaps attempt a few of the 16 types of gorilla calls. Afterward, you'll return to the lodge.
Day 5: Transfer to Mgahinga, Batwa Cultural Experience
Leave Bwindi after breakfast for the 2.5-hour drive south to Mgahinga National Park, located at the border with Rwanda. The first part of this scenic drive is on a well-maintained road that winds through hills and green valleys. Along the way, you'll enjoy stunning views of the Virunga Mountains as you head to the town of Kisoro. From there, the road winds through the countryside, passing through small villages and green fields.
Your destination is the Batwa Experience. This educational center was created to pass down the customs and history of the Batwa people to their children. They are the Indigenous residents of the Bwindi forest but were displaced due to wildlife conservation efforts. Now, visits from tourists help support the community's healthcare and education.
Day 6: Golden Monkey Safari
Embark on another unforgettable wildlife encounter this morning. While Mgahinga is home to mountain gorillas, there are also many other primate species here, including the famous golden monkey. These extraordinary primates exist only in the volcanic Virguna Mountains of this region and are known for their bright orange fur.
After arriving at the park headquarters, you'll receive a safety briefing and begin the trek through the jungles and bamboo forests of the mountain. Once you locate a group (which can contain up to 60 individuals), you'll have four hours to study their behavior. Then it will be time to hike back and return to your hotel.
Day 7: Transfer to Entebbe & Depart
More Great Uganda Itineraries
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