14 Days Gorillas, Chimpanzees and Birds of Uganda

from
$5,606.0$5,506.0

This safari starts and finishes in Entebbe. [The Bwindi gorilla permit is included in the safari cost but the other gorilla trackings require a supplement to be paid at time of booking.]

  • Reviews 0 Reviews
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  • Vacation Style Holiday Type
    • Africa
    • Family
    • Jungle
    • Water
    • Wildlife
    Guided Tours, Trekking
  • Activity Level Challenging
    5/8
  • Group Size Large Group
    16
All about the 14 Days Gorillas, Chimpanzees and Birds of Uganda.

This is one of our longest safaris, this tour visits 8 of Uganda’s 10 National Parks. Five of these Murchison Falls, Semliki, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, and Bwindi are in the Western arm of the Great East African Rift Valley! Your trip starts with Murchison Falls Conservation Area, the largest in the country, with chimps, birds, crocodile, and game. Visit the dramatic Falls from which the park derives its name. Drive the long journey westwards to Semliki Game Reserve for chimps, birds and game. Kibale Forest, nearby, is home to thirteen species of primates the highest in tropical Africa. Animal species such as red, black and white colobus, blue monkeys and baboons and a large number of chimpanzees can be seen. Continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park, passing the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains: a half day walk into the mountains is possible. The launch trip along the Kazinga Channel in QE is especially good for viewing hippo, buffalo, elephant and a large host of birds. The beautiful steeply forested Kyambura Gorge nearby, is home not only to chimpanzees but also the red-tailed monkey, black and white colobus and many bird species.  Around Ishasha go on the hunt for the famous tree-climbing lions which lounge nonchalantly on old fig trees. Further south in Bwindi go gorilla tracking and see other primates, birds and butterflies. Have an opportunity to track gorillas again or climb a volcano, go birding or take in the breathtaking landscape. Return to Kampala via Lake Mburo, one of Uganda’s most conspicuous parks rich in birds, hippo, buffalo, and zebra.

The tour package inclusions and exclusions at a glance
What is included in this tour?Items that are included in the cost of tour price.

Price includes:

  • 1 night at African Roots Guest House
  • 2 Nights at Hotel Murchison River Lodge
  • 1 Night at KonTiki hotel
  • 2 Nights at Chimpanzee Forest Guest House
  • 1 night at Semliki Safari Lodge
  • 2 nights at Buffalo Safari Lodge
  • 2 nights at Mutanda Lake Resort
  • 1 night at Crater Bay Cottages
  • 1 night at Mburo Safari Lodge
  • All park Entrance fees
  • Game drives
  • 1 Gorilla Permit
  • 1 Chimpanzee Permit for Kibale Forest
  • Boat cruise on The River Nile in Murchison
  • Boat cruise on Kazinga Channel
  • Boat cruise on Lake Bunyonyi
  • Boat cruise on Lake Mburo
  • Vehicle for the tour
  • Local guide fee
  • Transfer in and Out
  • Water
What is not included in this tour?Items that are not included in the cost of tour price.

Price excludes:

  • Meals in Entebbe or Kampala. Tour is on Full Board basis for the rest of the trip
  • All flight ticket for clients
  • Chimpanzee Permit (if required) for Budongo Forest, $95pp
  • Alcoholic drinks and drinks off meal time
  • Video camera and photographic fee
  • Porter’s fee
  • Tips and laundry
  • Any other expenses apart from those described above including expenditures of a personal nature such as phone calls
  1. Day 1: Entebbe-Kampala

    Entebbe, Uganda

    Uganda has a total area of 236,040 sq km, bordered by Kenya in the East and Tanzania in the South, Rwanda in the South west, DR Congo to the west and South Sudan to the North, making it a landlocked country. It lies at 10S to 40N Latitude and 300 to 350 East Longitude, so it is astride the Equator.1 00 N, 32 00 E. The country, however, is well watered and fertile. Although it lies at the Equator, it receives about three rainy seasons a year, with Lake Victoria, The Nile, the many forests and the Rwenzori mountains determining much of the climate. In forest ecosystems it rains regularly and weather is unpredictable. Water covers36,330 sq km, about 15% of Uganda’s area.The country is rich in wildlife, game, birds, and a vast culture of over 50 tribes occupying this beautiful, green country. In Uganda alone a birder will enjoy twelve percent of bird species in the world; a tracker will find half of the world’s gorillas; an explorer will have an opportunity to see more than 7% of the world’s mammals. For the discerning traveller the potential for Ecotourism here is enormous, and the discreet have tapped into it.

    Day Itinerary

    Arrive Entebbe airport. Meet, greet and transfer to your hotel in Entebbe for overnight (BB)

  2. Day 2: Kampala to Murchison

    Day Itinerary

    Briefing from your guide before taking a gentle drive for Murchison Falls Conservation Area. Drive through Luwero.  Lunch en route and continue to the park. Visit the top of the stimulating Murchison Falls, crashing through a narrow gorge. [Approximate driving time: 6 hours]

  3. Day 3: In Murchison

    Day Itinerary

    An early morning game viewing north of the Nile. Launch trip to the bottom of the mighty exciting Falls, with crocodiles, and a vast array of birds including the rare shoebill stork, lounging on the banks of the Nile. Hippos are everywhere! Evening game drive.

  4. Day 4: Murchison to Budongo to Hoima

    Day Itinerary

    An early start. Game drive on your way to Kaniyo-Pabidi in Budongo Forest. Go for a guided nature walk (optional chimpanzee tracking on payment of extra $95pp). Budongo is also known for its many plant and bird species. On return drive to Hoima via the mesmerising Lake Albert, view fishing villages, local communities and local fishermen.

    [Approximate driving time: 5 hours].

  5. Day 5: Hoima to Fort Portal

    Day Itinerary

    Drive south to Fort Portal, past big tea plantations, lunch en route. Proceed to your lodging in Kibale. Either explore a crater lake nearby or relax at your lodging. [Approximate driving time: 5 hour(s)]

  6. Day 6: In Kibale Forest

    Day Itinerary

    A guided nature walk in Kibale Forest, which has the highest number of primates in Africa – including red, black and white colobus, blue monkeys and baboons and a large number of chimpanzees. A forest walk provides a high possibility of seeing and hearing a vast number of chimps and other primates crashing around through the forest. Birdlife is also fabulous, with over 300 species recorded in the forest. An afternoon walk in Bigodi wetland gives the opportunity of seeing the unusual birds, baboons, chimpanzee and other primates which live around the swamp.

  7. Day 7: Kibale to Semuliki National Park

    Semuliki National Park sprawls across the floor of the Semliki Valley on the remote, western side of the Rwenzori. The park is dominated by the easternmost extension of the great Ituri Forest of the Congo Basin. This is one of Africa’s most ancient and bio-diverse forests; one of the few to survive the last ice age, 12-18,000 years ago.

    While Semuliki’s species have been accumulating for over 25,000 years, the park contains evidence of even older processes. Hot springs bubble up from the depths to demonstrate the powerful subterranean forces that have been shaping the rift valley during the last 14 million years.

    Day Itinerary

    Drive to Semliki Safari Lodge. Boat trip on one of the lakes. Hippos, crocodile and a vast array of birds can be seen. Evening game. [Approximate driving time: 3 hours]

  8. Day 8: To Queen Elizabeth Park

    Queen Elizabeth NP has the widest variety of wildlife of any Ugandan park. Elephant and buffalo are very common, and lions are surprisingly easy to spot. Hyena can be spotted occasionally, while Giraffe and zebra are absent. There are many interesting antelope species like Uganda kob, topi and sitatunga. Hipposand crocodiles are common in Kazinga channel. A troop of chimpanzees has been habituated for tracking. Nine more primate species are found, including the black-and-white colobus monkey.

    Day Itinerary

    Leave for Queen Elizabeth Park, passing via the Rwenzoris, or Mountains of The Moon as they are sometimes called. Continue to QE. Evening game drive. [Approximate driving time: 4 hours]

  9. Day 9: In Queen Elizabeth Park

    Day Itinerary

    Visit Kyambura gorge to track chimpanzees, man’s closest relation. In the afternoon, a game drive on your way out of the park. A boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel is a rewarding experience, for birds, hippos, elephant and a vast array of other animals.

  10. Day 10: Queen Elizabeth Park to Bwindi

    Day Itinerary

    We go for an early morning game drive. Afterwards, start for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. We may drive via Ishasha, weather conditions permitting where you may see tree-climbing lion – or drive through farmland to Bwindi. [Approximate driving time: 7 hours]

  11. Day 11: Gorilla tracking

    Go gorilla tracking (subject to availability of gorilla permits at time of booking), carrying a packed lunch. You will be accompanied by a guide and porters who will carry your shoulder pack for you. You will then set off to the thick forest in search of gorillas. The terrain can be difficult, with steep slopes covered in dense vegetation that gives the park its name. In addition, the altitude of 5200 feet and more means participants do need to be physically fit. The time taken to track the gorillas varies enormously, from as little as half an hour to as much as 7 hours before one returns to camp. Difficulty, however, is not impossibility and coming face to face with the great primates is well worth it!

  12. Day 12: Bwindi to Lake Bunyonyi

    Lake Bunyonyi (”Place of many little birds”) lies in south western Uganda between Kisoro and Kabale close to the border with Rwanda. Located at 1,962 m (6,437 ft) above sea level, it is about 25 km (15.5 mi) long and 7 km (1.35 mi) wide. The depth of the lake is rumored to vary between 44 m (144 ft) and 900 m (2,952 ft), which if true would make the lake the second deepest in Africa. The lake appears on the 5,000 Ugandan shilling Note under the title ”Lake Bunyonyi and terraces”.

    Day Itinerary

    After breakfast, drive to Kabale and on to Lake Bunyonyi. Afternoon relax at the sandy beaches of Lake Bunyonyi, explore the lake, visit various islands and the local communities including a pygmy community.

  13. Day 13: Lake Bunyonyi to Lake Mburo Park

    Lake Mburo National Park is located in the western part of Uganda with varied habitats that support about 68 mammals to include Impalas, Burchell’s Zebra and Eland, around 350 bird species including the Red-Faced Barbet, the African Finfoot and the Shoe bill.

    Day Itinerary

    Start for Mbarara, enjoying natural and other arresting attractions en route. Excursion to Lake Mburo National Park for some unusual game. [Approximate driving time: 5 hours]

  14. Day 14: Mburo Park to Entebbe airport for your flight

    Day Itinerary

    Start for Kampala arriving early afternoon and transfer to Entebbe airport for your flight (HB). [Approximate driving time: 6 hours]

Mid range Hotels, and Lodges

African Roots Guest House

Conveniently located close to Lake Victoria and its beach side amenities including restaurants and bars, African Roots guesthouse Entebbe offers traditional home-from-home hospitality in a comfortable, modern and tastefully designed setting. Hotel is located in a quiet suburb close to Greenfields and is just 5 minutes’ drive from Entebbe International Airport.

Murchison River Lodge

Murchison River Lodge is located on the southern bank of the River Nile overlooking Murchison Falls National Park, pods of hippos and papyrus islands.

In beautiful surroundings we offer comfortable and relaxing mid-range accommodation to suit all budgets; well appointed en-suite thatched cottages, thatched safari tents each with private facilities and comfortable camping tents already set up around our shaded campsite.  If you would prefer to bring your own tent we have covered areas for self catering in the campsite, including a fire pit and excellent shower and toilet facilities.

Kon-Tiki Hotel in Hoima

Enjoy the greenery of the Victoria gardens, great food in Gabbie’s restaurant, the ambience of Amooti’s bar and great service,  when at KonTiki you will always feel at home. With a swimming pool, Horse riding activities, a well maintained fruit orchard where guests get to harvest fresh fruits for their breakfast, KonTiki has positioned itslef as the main lodge of choice for many travelers.

Chimpanzee forest guesthouse

For visitors planning to spend time in the region of the Kibale Forest National Park then you will not be disappointed with Chimpanzee Forest Guest House. It’s location on the Kamwenge Road with easy access from Fort Portal some 25 minutes drive away on a well graded road. When you arrive, the views of the adjacent Isunga tea estate and the Kibale Forest are sublime and you know you are going to enjoy yourself.  They have the main lodge building and garden cottages. All around are manicured lawns, and very friendly and helpful staff. There is a chance for you to conduct nature walks from the Guest House with a resident guide to the nearby crater lakes, whilst with so much tea growing on the doorstep a visit to the local tea factory can be an added enjoyment.

Semliki Safari Lodge

Staying at Semliki is like stepping back in time. It evokes the spirit of the old explorers, it piques curiosity and inspires discovery. Semliki is secluded and intimate. With a maximum of 18 guests expect excellent service and attention to detail…and an unforgettable experience. Guests stay in golden-hued tents with gleaming hardwood floors. Staying under canvas is one of the most romantic and exciting things to do in on safari in Africa. You hear the sounds, you feel the wind, you smell the rain before it comes. But this isn’t roughing it either: the tents are protected by a thick thatch roof and feature en-suite bathrooms with running water, hot showers and flush toilets. Tea or coffee is brought to you in the morning so you can lie in bed or sit on your veranda and drink in the view before the day begins.

Mutanda Lake Resort

The resort is spaciously set up on a 3.5 acres private peninsula stretching into Lake Mutanda. The thirteen cottages are built on a wooden platform, each with private veranda and en-suite bathroom. We offer single, double/ twin and family or triple rooms with comfortable beds and mosquito nets. Mutanda Lake Resort is spectacularly located on a private peninsula stretching into Lake Mutanda. With small islands dotting the surrounding lake and a backdrop of misty volcanoes in nearby Rwanda and DR Congo, this setting never fails to impress visitors. The main building where the restaurant is located resembles a Swiss chalet with an African touch. The perfect place to enjoy a sun downer on the veranda watching otters visiting the shore, or to cuddle up next to the fire place.

Crater Bay Cottages Bunyonyi:

On the lake shores, craterbay cottages is offering you a base to explore the lake bunyonyi or a wonderful stop over after you visit the mountain gorillas in the national parks of Rwanda or Uganda . Each of our 12 cottages is located in a terraced block with amazing views of the lake. The cottages are self contained, with wonderful gardens where you can sit and read a book or listen to the birds singing.

Mburo Safari Lodge

Mburo Safari Lodge comprises of the main Lodge, guest cottages and honeymoon house, all raised on a wooden platform. All cottages are covered by a grass-thatched roof, perfectly blending with the natural environment, and have a private balcony with views of the Lake Mburo Park. The cottages all have king-sized beds, private bathroom with hot shower and flush toilets.

The tour package inclusions and exclusions at a glance.
Inclusions

Price includes:

  • 1 night at African Roots Guest House
  • 2 Nights at Hotel Murchison River Lodge
  • 1 Night at KonTiki hotel
  • 2 Nights at Chimpanzee Forest Guest House
  • 1 night at Semliki Safari Lodge
  • 2 nights at Buffalo Safari Lodge
  • 2 nights at Mutanda Lake Resort
  • 1 night at Crater Bay Cottages
  • 1 night at Mburo Safari Lodge
  • All park Entrance fees
  • Game drives
  • 1 Gorilla Permit
  • 1 Chimpanzee Permit for Kibale Forest
  • Boat cruise on The River Nile in Murchison
  • Boat cruise on Kazinga Channel
  • Boat cruise on Lake Bunyonyi
  • Boat cruise on Lake Mburo
  • Vehicle for the tour
  • Local guide fee
  • Transfer in and Out
  • Water
ExclusionsEnter your subtitle here

Price excludes:

  • Meals in Entebbe or Kampala. Tour is on Full Board basis for the rest of the trip
  • All flight ticket for clients
  • Chimpanzee Permit (if required) for Budongo Forest, $95pp
  • Alcoholic drinks and drinks off meal time
  • Video camera and photographic fee
  • Porter’s fee
  • Tips and laundry
  • Any other expenses apart from those described above including expenditures of a personal nature such as phone calls
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