Uganda Primate Experiences

8 Day Great Apes of Uganda

Embark on an immersive 8 Day Great Apes of Uganda Tour, delving into the lush tropical landscapes of the Pearl of Africa. Encounter the vibrant primate communities nestled within Uganda’s verdant forests, from the playful Chimpanzees of Kibale to the majestic Mountain Gorillas of Bwindi.

Explore the captivating Chimpanzee Sanctuary on Ngamba Island, immersing yourself in the rich biodiversity and conservation efforts of this remarkable region.

Safari Highlights 8 Day Great Apes of Uganda

Chimp trekking in Kibale Forest
Chimp feeding session at Ngamba Island
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest
Chimpanzee Feeding Session at Ngamba Island
Nature walk in Bigodi Community –
All-inclusive safari experience including Midrange accommodation that support local communities and promote responsible travel.

Tour Itinerary of the 8 Day Great Apes of Uganda

Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe Airport

Upon your arrival in Entebbe, a company representative will warmly welcome you and transfer you to the Boma Guest House. Here, you can unwind in the serene ambiance of the hotel’s lush gardens before enjoying a delightful dinner, setting the perfect tone for your Ugandan adventure.

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. Retreat to the serene Turaco Treetops Lodge for a peaceful evening surrounded by nature’s wonders.

Day 3: Chimp Trekking and Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary

Start your day with breakfast at 6:30, followed by a stroll to the park headquarters for a briefing session at 7:30 am. The headquarters is just a 10-minute walk from the trekking point. Today’s adventure unfolds in Kibale Forest, renowned for its remarkable variety and abundance of primates in East Africa.

Head out on a guided nature walk through the lush tropical rainforest in search of the elusive wild chimpanzee, as well as the red-tailed monkey and black-and-white colobus monkey among others.

Once you spot the chimpanzees, immerse yourself in an unforgettable hour observing them in their natural habitat as they go about their daily activities.

After Lunch, Immerse yourself in the rich biodiversity and beauty of Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary, an essential stop for nature lovers. A guided 4.5 km walk through this vibrant wildlife corridor in Kibale Forest takes around 3 hours, offering an unforgettable experience.

Known as the Home of the Great Blue Turaco, and the Papyrus Gonolek, this birdwatcher’s paradise is home to over 200 bird species, including Hornbills, Turacos, Parrots, and Kingfishers. It also shelters 8 primate species, including the Black and White Colobus, Red Colobus, Red Tailed Monkey, Grey Cheeked Mangabey, Olive Baboon, L’hoest Monkey, Vervet Monkey and the Blue Monkey.

Accommodation and Meals at Turaco Treetops Lodge

Alternative Activity: instead of the chimp tracking and Bigodi Village Walk you can also opt for the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience. This project offers you the unique experience to join the ranger guides in their research program and spend an entire day with our ‘cousins’.

You watch the chimpanzees start the day climbing out of their nests and while following their daily activities, learn more about their way of life and have them habituated to human presence.

Day 4: Kibale Forest – Bwindi Forest National Park

After breakfast, head to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, home of the mountain gorillas. Picnic lunch en route arriving in the evening. Accommodation and Meals at Mwebesa House.

Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Forest

Rise early today and prepare for the crown jewel of your safari—a life-changing encounter with the majestic mountain gorillas of Bwindi! After a hearty breakfast, you’ll head to the national park offices where a gorilla family in Group 8 will be assigned to you, along with an experienced gorilla tracking guide.

Before heading for your trek, your guide will give a comprehensive briefing, covering essential safety guidelines, fascinating insights into gorilla behavior, and details about your designated gorilla family. From there, you’ll journey to the trailhead, ready for the adventure of a lifetime.

The trek itself can be as demanding as it is rewarding, with long distances, steep inclines, and sometimes muddy trails. Weather in Bwindi is unpredictable, and rain may add an extra layer of challenge. Trekking time varies, ranging anywhere from 2 to 8 hours or more. You’ll carry a packed lunch to keep you energized.

Then comes the unforgettable moment: upon spotting the gorillas, you’ll have the privilege of spending a magical hour with them, observing their every move in their natural habitat.

After this extraordinary experience, you’ll hike back to the starting point, where a transfer will take you back to the lodge. Enjoy a refreshing shower, some well-earned relaxation, and a delicious dinner.

Accommodation and Meals at Mwebesa House

Optional 2-hour Community Activity:

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.

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 to the charming Boma Guest House, where comfort and relaxation await.

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.

Day 7: Ngamba Island Sanctuary – Chimp feeding session

After a delightful breakfast, embark on 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 9:00 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 charming Boma Guest House.

Day 8: Departure

After breakfast head back to the mainland for your onward flight back home.

Included in the 8 Day Great Apes of Uganda

Ground transportation in a safari customized 4WD Toyota Land cruiser with gasoline/fuel,
Boat Transfer to Ngamba Island
Refillable Water Bottle
English speaking Tour guide,
Accommodation and Meals
All Park and Island Entrance Fees,
Gorilla Trekking Permits
Chimpanzee Trekking Permits
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Feeding Session
Nature walks

Excluded in the 8 Day Great Apes of Uganda

International Airfares;
Scenic Flight back to Entebbe
Ugandan Entry Visa Fees USD 50 per person;
Drinks and Beverages,
Tips and Gratuities for your Driver/guide and Hotels staff,
Optional activities – Batwa Cultural Experience

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