Chimps, Gorillas and Golden Monkeys in Uganda

Day 1: Arrival and transfer to Kampala.

After clearing customs at the airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our company representative who will then transfer you to your hotel in Kampala or in Entebbe depending on your flight arrival time. If you arrive very late in the night, we recommend you overnight in Entebbe as opposed to Kampala.

Overnight at Cassia lodge or similar (Bed and Breakfast)

Day 2: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park.

After breakfast, then depart for Kibale Forest National Park for overnight. This Park is home to some 13 species of primates including the red colobus monkeys, chimpanzees and L'Hoest's monkeys as well as 70 mammal species.

Overnight at Chimpanzee Forest lodge or similar. (Breakfast, Lunch and dinner).

Optional activities:

Crater Lakes Hike: Formed by ancient volcanic activity, the crater lakes of Uganda are located near Fort Portal, and are a great hiking option. Typical hikes take you through local villages and tea plantations, to the base of several of these incredibly serene and beautiful lakes. With the Rwenzori Mountains in the background, this is by far one of Uganda’s most peaceful and extraordinary sights.

Day 3: Chimpanzee tracking and Bigodi swamp walk.

After breakfast at the lodge, you will go for Chimpanzee tracking along the network of forest trails. Seeing habituated chimps squabbling and swinging from the trees is an exhilarating experience. Later in the afternoon you will have the opportunity to visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, which is rich in bird species, vegetation, and wildlife. This is also a great opportunity to support local tourism initiatives which benefit social and economic development in the area.

You will drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. This park which boasts one of the highest biodiversity ratings of any game park or reserve in the world and also Uganda’s second largest National Park, the 1,978 sq km has everything from open savannah to rain forest. Queen Elizabeth has over 100 mammal species, and an astounding 606 bird species, making it a premier safari destination.

Overnight at Twinlakes Safari lodge or similar. (Breakfast, Lunch and dinner).

Day 4: Transfer to Mgahinga Gorillas National Park.

Today, you will take a boat trip on the Kazinga Channel, 32 Kms long followed by a game drive. This water system has a very high concentration of Hippos and you will get quite close to them. See also crocodiles, buffalos and other game that drink from the channel, also marvel at the abundant ornitho-life that is supported here.

Later on , you will continue to Mgahinga Gorillas National Park for two nights. This Park is home to the rare mountain gorillas. Interacting with these gentle giants is one of the most moving experiences that Africa has to offer and should not be missed! Relax in the evening and get ready for the following day’s activity.

Overnight at Ichumbi lodge or similar (Breakfast, Lunch and dinner)

Day 5: Gorilla trekking and optional activities.

Today after an energizing breakfast, you will embark on your gorilla trek. Before 8 am report to the ranger station for registration and briefing by one of the rangers; the guides will then lead you through the undergrowth, parting thick creepers, to track the gorillas.

The trek can take anywhere from half an hour to 7 hours – a reasonable degree of fitness is required as well as a sturdy pair of walking boots. It is an extraordinary feeling sitting in the dense rainforest knowing you are with a few of the last remaining mountain gorillas.

Later in the afternoon, you can engage in optional activities including; batwa (pgymies) cultural tour, community walks, visit tea plantations, birding, visit local schools, engage in women activities like weaving, cooking lessons, tailoring, cultural dances to mention but a few.

Overnight at Ichumbi lodge or similar (Breakfast, Lunch and dinner)

Day 6: Golden Monkey trekking

This morning after breakfast, you will drive to the Park and head to the briefing point for these species. Golden monkeys are one of Uganda's 20 primate species. They are found in Mgahinga Gorilla National park which is part of the Virunga Mountains where it is endemic. Compared with other monkey species, the golden monkeys are gorgeous in appearance and lovely to behold.

Return to the lodge for relaxation dinner and overnight

Overnight at Ichumbi lodge or similar (Breakfast, Lunch and dinner)

Day 7: Transfer to the airport for your outbound flight.

This morning you will have breakfast and then proceed to Entebbe having lunch enroute. You will stop at the Equator-where you will be able to stand in both hemispheres simultaneously arriving in Entebbe in the afternoon and later catch your evening flight back home