Rwanda
Uganda
Gorillas FAQ
Uganda 6 Days Gorillas and Chimpanzees
On this page: Overview | Itinerary | Pricing
Overview
6 days in Uganda including
- 1 day of gorilla tracking
- 2 days of chimpanzee
- 5 nights lodging
- Tour of Jane Goodall Institute and Ngamba Island in Entebbe (time allowing)
- Airport transfers
itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival at Entebbe - Transfer to Hotel in Entebbe
Meet and greet at the Airport by the local guide and transfer to the hotel in Entebbe. Depending on the arrival time, a visit to Ngamba Island can be included. (D)
Entebbe is a city in Uganda with a population of approximately 90,500. It is located on the shore of Lake Victoria 40 Km from the capital city of Kampala. The name Entebbe derives from the Luganda phrase Entebbe za Mugala ("Headquarters of Mugala," head of lungfish clan) and thus literally means Headquarters- somewhat prescient, given that it would later serve as the British administrative capital of Uganda.
Ngamba Island – Chimp Sanctuary – Jane Goodall Institute: Ngamba Island is located in Lake Victoria, 23 kms South-East of Entebbe. The island provides an ideal environment (97 acres - 45 ha) for the chimps confiscated by authorities from poachers and animal dealers. There are more than 35 orphans. They are fed four times a day and this is a spectacular moment for visitors. Good photo opportunities! Boat excursion organized with an other operator. Before taking the boat to Ngamba a visit at the Wildlife Education Center is possible.
Day 2 : Entebbe - Mubende - Fort Portal- Kibale
After breakfast, drive to Fort Portal via Mubende. This is a long trip to Western Uganda with a break for a picnic after Mubende. There is also a stop at Fort Portal before heading to Kibale Forest NP.
Fort Portal is a small and attractive city. The fort was built between 1891 and 1893 and named after Sir Gerald Portal, the British Consul General of Zanzibar who arrived in Uganda in 1892 to formalize the protectorate of Uganda. He died of malaria a few months after the fort was completed.
Day 3 : Kibale NP (Chimps) - Mweya (Queen Elizabeth NP)
After breakfast, leave for Kibale Forest renowned for the greatest variety and the highest concentration of primates in East Africa. At the visitor center, the rangers are ready to escort different groups of a maximum 6 people. They will give a briefing about the guided nature walk in the tropical forest in search of the wild chimpanzees. This is one of the great moments on safari!
The rangers are very knowledgeable and will answer all questions about the forest and the chimps. The Jane Goodall Institute assists the Uganda Wildlife Authority with the training of the rangers.
On the way to Mweya after leaving Fort Portal, there are good view of the Rwenzori Mountains. It is during the wet season that has the best chance to enjoy a clear view of the Rwenzories. On the way to Mweya, pass through Kasese town and stop at the equator for a traditional picture.
Enter Queen Elizabeth NP at the Kabatoro gate and have a short game drive on the way to the lodge or camp. (B-L-D)
The Rwenzori Mountains lie along the western border of Uganda and rise to a height of 5100 meters. They form a magnificent landscape of non-volcanic mountains, 120 kilometers long and 48 kilometers wide. The so-called Mountains of the Moon were formed from a single block during the creation of the western arm of the Great East African Rift Valley (Albertine Rift).
Day 4 : Kyambura (Chimps) - Buhoma (Bwindi Impenetrable NP)
Early wake up for the one hour drive to the Kyambura WR in the southern area of the park. For the last time, take the Channel track trying for the last time to see leopard.
The Kyambura River, about 16 km long, flows into the Kazinga Channel. On arrival, the rangers will drive to where the chimpanzees are approximately located. The rangers will give a briefing before descending into the depths of the gorge. The nature walk takes a few hours, and lunch will be served at Kyambura fig tree campsite before heading to Ishasha.
Buhoma (Bwindi) is about 4 hours away from Kyambura, so arrival will be in the late afternoon for overnight. (B-L-D)
Day 5 : Gorilla trekking (Bwindi Impenetrable NP)
Bwindi Impenetrable NP is a natural world heritage site. Hikers will love it with the gorilla excursion as a high point on safari!
Gorilla trekking is unpredictable. It is difficult to foresee how many hours of hiking will be necessary. The gorilla excursion can take from 2 up to 8 hours. Expect to walk a long distance in steep and muddy conditions, sometimes with rain overhead, before encountering any gorillas. For conservation purposes, time spent with the gorillas is limited to one hour. A ranger will give a briefing on how to behave with the gorillas.
Once back from trekking, there is entertainment by orphans of the Buhoma village with traditional Bakiga dances. For participants who want to contribute to the orphans, bring some used clothes or school pens. (B-L-D)
The Bwindi orphans group was created in 1998 with the main objective of taking care of the orphans dwelling on the streets of Buhoma. The aim of the organization is to provide education, teaching agriculture and handcraft skills, teaching basic hygiene, and the importance of sanitation. Today there are more than 160 children from all ages.
Day 6 : Bwindi - Kabale - Mbarara - Entebbe & Departure
After an early breakfast, depart for Entebbe, traveling through Kabale to join the highway to Kampala via Mbarara (lunch) and Masaka. The journey to Entebbe is about 10 hours and with arrival late in the afternoon in time for evening flight. (B-L)
pricing
2009 Tour price per person in U.S. Dollars land only:
- ADD $515/PERSON/DAY FOR THE GORILLA PERMIT
| LODGING: | Price Per Person | Single Occupancy |
| Camping: | ||
| Lodge: |
Tour Includes: Airport transfers, accommodation, all meals, plenty of mineral water, the services of a driver-guide, all park and entry fees, all activities as per itinerary.
Excludes: Airline ticket, beverages, tips for your gorilla guide ($10 local currency), tips for your driver/guide, visas, porters to help carry gear ($10 local currency), and personal expenses.