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Discover The Great Apes of Uganda

OVER VIEW of Discover THE Great Apes OF UGANDA

This immersive 8-Day Discover Uganda's Great Apes Tour, explores the lush landscapes of the Pearl of Africa. Encounter vibrant primate communities, from the playful chimpanzees of Kibale to the majestic mountain gorillas of Bwindi.


Visit the captivating Chimpanzee Sanctuary on Ngamba Island, where you'll learn about the region's rich biodiversity and conservation efforts.



Discover THE Great Apes OF UGANDA SAFARI HIGHLIGHTS

  • Chimp Trekking in Kibale Forest: Encounter chimpanzees in their natural habitat.
  • Nature Walk in Bigodi Community: Explore diverse birdlife and local culture.
  • Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest: Get close to endangered mountain gorillas.
  • Chimpanzee Feeding at Ngamba Island: Learn about conservation at the Island.
  • All-Inclusive Safari: Enjoy midrange accommodations supporting local communities and responsible travel.
  • ITINERARY
  • WHAT TO PACK
  • INCLUDES
  • TRAVEL INFORMATION
  • REQUEST A QUOTE 
ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe Airport

Upon your arrival in Entebbe, a company representative will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel for an overnight stay at the start of your Discover The Great Apes of Uganda Safari.

Meal Plan: Dinner depending on time of arrival.

Accommodation: Papyrus Guest House

Comfort Level: Mid-range

Day 2: Kampala– Kibale Forest National Park

Begin your adventure in Kampala, journeying westward towards the enchanting town of Fort Portal. As you traverse the scenic landscapes, look out for black-and-white colobus monkeys, baboons, and other playful primates that dwell in the treetops.

Pause for a delightful lunch in Fort Portal, a town renowned for its majestic views of the legendary Mountains of the Moon and sprawling tea plantations. From this picturesque stop, your journey continues to the lush, verdant Kibale National Park, where you’ll immerse yourself in the heart of the tropical forest.


Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Turaco Treetops

Comfort Level: Mid-range


Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary

Enjoy breakfast, then walk to the park headquarters for a 7:30 am briefing. Thereafter head for a guided nature walk to find the chimpanzees, along with red-tailed and black-and-white colobus monkeys. Spend an unforgettable hour observing the chimps in their natural habitat.

After your trek, enjoy a refreshing lunch then head to Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary: Explore the 4.5 km walk through the sanctuary, home to over 200 bird species like the Great Blue Turaco and Papyrus Gonolek, and 8 primate species, including Black-and-white Colobus and Olive Baboons. This 3-hour walk offers a rich experience of wildlife and nature. Head back the camp for relaxation.


Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Turaco Treetops

Comfort Level: Mid-range


Day 4: Kibale National Park – Bwindi National Park

After breakfast head to Bwindi National Park, the home of the mountain gorillas with lunch en route, take time to look at the amazing scenery and homesteads of the local communities. You will arrive in the early evening for relaxation in preparation for your gorilla trekking adventure.


Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Mwebesa Lodge.

Comfort Level: Mid-range


Day 5:  Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi National Park   

In the early morning, you will be briefed on gorilla tracking at the park headquarters and assigned groups of 8 people per group. Accompanied by a guide and your packed lunch, you will go in search of the gorillas in a small group. You walk through the forest, sometimes you descend again and then climb up a slope again. The duration of gorilla tracking is unpredictable. 

The walk can be quite strenuous due to the muddy trails and mountainous areas and can take up to 8 hours depending on how far the gorillas have moved in search of food. It is worth it and what awaits you, in the end, is indescribable.

For an hour you can admire these peaceful ‘Gentle Giants’ as they go about their daily activities of grooming, feeding, and playing. It is a once-in-a-lifetime memorable experience.

Optional 2-hour Community Activity if trekking ends early:

Explore the Buhoma Community for a cultural experience where you get to learn about their way of life, and traditional basket weaving, explore the Banana plantation for a traditional brewing demonstration that uses Bananas and includes the distilling of one of the local gins.

You visit a traditional healer who uses local herbs to treat the sick, visit the Batwa -Pygmy community and learn about their way of life as well.


Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Mwebesa House

Comfort Level: Mid-range


Day 6: Transfer back to Entebbe 

After a delightful breakfast, embark on your journey back to Entebbe, with a fascinating stop at the Equator for an intriguing water flow demonstration, showcasing the unique interaction between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Enjoy a delicious lunch before continuing your journey arriving in the evening.

For a more scenic experience, opt for a flight from Kihihi Airfield, treating yourself to breathtaking aerial views. Upon arrival in Entebbe, unwind and indulge in the welcoming ambiance of Boma Guest House, where your meals and accommodation will be provided.


Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Papyrus Guest House

Comfort Level: Mid-range


Day 7: Ngamba Island Sanctuary – Chimp feeding session    

After a delightful breakfast, head for an exciting 45-minute boat ride across the sparkling waters to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Upon arrival, step into the visitor’s center where you’ll be warmly introduced to the sanctuary’s incredible story—its mission, history, and the remarkable chimpanzee residents who call it home. At 11:00 am, experience the joy of witnessing the chimpanzee feeding session, a heartwarming moment that connects you to the island’s cause.

After lunch, take time to explore the sanctuary further, browse the island’s gift shop for meaningful keepsakes, or enjoy a serene bird-watching session. As the afternoon draws to a close, head back to the mainland and unwind at the guest house.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Papyrus Guest House

Comfort Level: Mid-range


Day 8:  Departure

After breakfast, depending on your flight details, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight back home at the end of your Discover The Great Apes of Uganda Safari.

Meal Plan: Breakfast


WHAT TO PACK

• Comfortable hiking boots and lightweight clothing.

• Rain jacket and a warm sweater for cooler evenings.

• Insect repellent and sunscreen.

• Reusable water bottle.

• Binoculars and a good camera.

• Personal medications and a small first-aid kit.

• Nature blending clothes

INCLUDES

Included in the Discover The Great Apes of Uganda Safari.

  • Ground transportation in a safari customized 4WD Toyota Landcruiser with gasoline/fuel
  • All Nature walks 
  • All Boat Cruises 
  • Gorilla trekking permit
  • Chimpanzee trekking permit
  • Drinking water / refillable water bottle
  • English-speaking Guide
  • Accommodation and Meals
  • All Park Entrance Fees.


Excluded in the Discover The Great Apes of Uganda Safari.

  • International Airfares;
  • Visa Fees;
  • Drinks and Beverages
  • Tips, and Gratuities for your Driver/guide and hotel staff
  • Optional activities unless specified as included
  • Any other services not expressly shown in the itinerary or indicated as included.


TRAVEL INFORMATION

Uganda – The Pearl of Africa’s Untamed Beauty

Uganda, aptly named the Pearl of Africa, is a land Gifted by Nature. It is located in the Great Lakes Region with breathtaking landscapes, extraordinary biodiversity, and unforgettable adventures. This remarkably diverse country is where the East African savannah meets the lush West African jungle, creating an ecological paradise unlike any other.

Towering over Uganda’s landscapes are the majestic Rwenzori Mountains, Africa’s third-highest range, and the dramatic Virunga Volcanoes, while the shimmering waters of Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake, cradle its southern border. Lying in a basin between the eastern and western branches of the Rift Valley, Uganda’s elevated position gives it a more temperate climate than its equatorial location might suggest. Most of the country sits over 1,000 meters above sea level, with a landscape that is largely flat apart from the forested mountain ranges that often define its borders.

One of Africa’s most water-rich nations, Uganda’s lakes, rivers, and wetlands cover 25% of its surface, keeping the landscape lush and green for most of the year—though the northern region gradually transitions into semi-desert.

Nowhere else on the continent can travelers witness such a rich variety of primates with such ease. From great apes—mountain gorillas and chimpanzees—to over a dozen monkey species, Uganda is a primate lover’s paradise. But it’s not just primates that thrive here. With over 1,000 bird species, Uganda is a birder’s wonderland, home to rare rainforest specialists and some of Africa’s most sought-after birds.

We invite you to explore Uganda, a diverse landscape with abundant wildlife, plenty to discover, and unique experiences. When recounting your time in this jewel of a country, you'll struggle to find the words that do justice to it.

Entry Requirements:

Your passport must have a minimum of at least two full clear pages for visas and stamps and be valid for more than 6 months from the date of entry into Uganda.

Please check visa requirements prior to travel with your booking agent or Bush Wander, as requirements are regularly changed with little notice.

Most passports require a single-entry visa (US$50). Visas cannot be obtained on arrival. You must apply and pay for them online at least two weeks before your arrival. You must upload clear copies of your current passport, a yellow fever certificate, and a passport photo.

Only Visa and Mastercard cards are accepted for visa payments. Once payment is made, the system will process your application and send you a barcoded email. Print out this email and bring it with you to Uganda. Upon arrival, you should present the barcoded email to the immigration officer, who will scan the barcode, take your fingerprints and photo, and place a visa in your passport.

Alternatively, the Ugandan High Commissions may issue visas where such commissions are located.

Visa Exempt Countries:

The following nationalities do not require a visa to enter Uganda: all nationalities from East African countries (Tanzania, Rwanda, Kenya, Burundi), all nationalities from COMESA countries (Angola, Eritrea, Malawi, Madagascar, Seychelles, Swaziland, Zambia, Comoros, Kenya, Mauritius, Zimbabwe), and passport holders from OTHERS (Antigua, Barbados, Fiji, Grenada, Lesotho, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, The Grenadines, Vanuatu, Cyprus, Bahamas, Belize, Gambia, Jamaica, Malta, Singapore, St. Vincent-Tonga and Ireland).

East Africa Tourist Visa:

If you are planning an East Africa trip to Uganda, Rwanda, and/or Kenya, it may be better to apply for a multiple-entry visa, valid for 90 days at USD 100 per visa. For more information go through the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration if you are entering Uganda first, or alternatively, the Government visa site for the East Africa country you will be first entering.

Money and Currency:

Before you travel, call your credit card companies to let them know you will be traveling. This will help to ensure the credit card company won’t flag any of your vacation expenses. ATMs are available in major towns or cities though at times may not be reliable due to a limited amount of money to be withdrawn.

  • Credit cards are widely accepted within Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda. Major hotels and restaurants accept VISA and MasterCard. AMEX and others are not recommended as establishments usually don’t support them. Note that a surcharge of 5% is attached to their usage.
  • Local Currencies are recommended to use while on safari. There are many forex bureaus and banks in the capital cities and the main towns. Smaller denominations than US$100 may attract a less favorable rate of exchange. Notes older than 2010 may not be accepted in the country.
  • Forex Bureaus are located in major towns or cities and have regular banking hours Monday to Friday from 08:30hrs to 16:00hrs. Saturdays are open from 09:00hrs to 12:00hrs. Traveler’s Cheques may be changed in major towns/cities. American Express cheques are accepted but they do attract a low rate. If you can, forego this option. Note: A purchase receipt and a passport are often asked for by the bank and forex bureaus as proof of ownership.

Health and Medical Information

Travelers require a Yellow Fever inoculation more than 10 days prior to your departure otherwise you won't obtain a visa. The certificate will be checked on arrival in Uganda. On top of that it is also advised you get vaccinations for DTP, Hepatitis A and malaria. Some organizations may advice you to take Typhoid, Cholera, Hepatitis B and Rabies as well. Please consult your pharmacist/doctor.

Travel Insurance on tour

It’s highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses, trip cancellation, lost luggage, and other unforeseen circumstances. Ensure that your insurance policy provides adequate coverage for your entire trip duration and the activities you plan to undertake, such as wildlife viewing and adventure sports.

Flights & Getting Around

If you need assistance with flight bookings, Travelers Link Africa offers an inflight service—simply share your travel dates, and we’ll take care of the rest!




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