5-Day Wildlife and Trekking Adventure in Uganda
Highlights
Immerse in the vibrant culture of the Bigodi community through an engaging village walk
Experience the thrill of chimpanzee trekking, observing these incredible primates in their natural habitat
Spot the famous tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector during a scenic game drive on your way to Bwindi
Engage with the Batwa community, enjoying their unique music and dance performances
Kampala, Kibale National Park
safari, trekking, Wildlife
Private Tour
5 Days
Medium
English
Description
Embark on a 5-day exhilarating journey into Kibale Forest National Park, where vibrant ecosystems await. Explore the Bigodi community, interacting with locals and immersing yourself in their rich culture and traditions. Engage in chimpanzee trekking, guided by a local ranger, as you observe the fascinating behaviors of these incredible primates in their natural habitat. Venture through the lush forest, spotting diverse wildlife including monkeys and various bird species. Discover the tree-climbing lions in Ishasha.
Itinerary
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Day 1: Transfer to Kibale National Park
- Early pickup from the hotel or airport by the safari driver guide and departure for your amazing journey to Kibale Forest National Park, you will have a lunch stopover in Fort Portal Town and later transferred to Kibale Forest.
- This evening go for the Bigodi swamp primate walk or Bigodi community walk.The Bigodi community walk leads you to the homes of the local communities who stay near the park.
- While on this village walk, you will be escorted by a resident with enough information about the culture and norms of different people and their tribes. It will be a door-to-door village tour where you will visit schools and churches. This walk will expose you to the village life, especially in the remote areas.
- Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Meals included – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mid-range Lodge: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge or Kibale Forest Camp
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Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking Day
- After an early cup of coffee and with your packed breakfast and lunch boxes, you will be driven to the starting point/park offices where you may be joined by other clients for a briefing on the day's adventure and assigned a local ranger guide for your days' activity. Habituation is usually up to 6 people in a group per ranger guide. There are approximately 4,950 Chimps left in the wild, out of which Kibale forest habitats over 1470 chimpanzees which makes it a perfect place to spot them! This activity is a whole-day experience which takes you through the day-to-day lifestyle of a chimpanzee.
- You are expected to de-nest and nest the chimps and walk them through their day's activities. The other primates that you may see include among others are Red-tailed Monkey, Red Colobus, Grey Cheeked Mangabeys, Olive Baboon, Black and White Colobus etc. You may also encounter other forest mammals like the duikers, forest Elephants and various bird species during the walk.
- You will then return to your accommodation for early dinner and overnight stay.
Meals included – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mid-range Lodge: Chimpanzee Forest Lodge or Kibale Forest Camp
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Day 3: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
- After an early breakfast, drive out southwards via the Ishasha sector in such for the tree climbing lions. This sector is famous for the tree-climbing lions.
- After a short game drives around, we will continue to Bwindi.
Dinner and overnight
Meals included – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mid-range Lodge: Bakiga Lodge
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Day 4: The Gorilla Trekking Day
- The highlight of your safari; meeting with the gentle giants of Bwindi! Expect to walk in steep and muddy conditions, sometimes with rain overhead, before you encounter any gorillas. But it will be worthwhile as you observe them closely while they eat, play and rest. A unique and unforgettable experience!
- Upon return, you may opt to go for an evening village community dinner and overnight.
Meals included – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mid-range Lodge: Bakiga Lodge
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Day 5: Batwa (Pygmy) community visit and transfer back to Kigali
- Today wake up to a leisurely breakfast and prepare for yet another adventure around the Kisoro area as you visit these indigenous natives the Batwa. The Batwa are Uganda’s marginalized people and are viewed with disdain by most of the Ugandan Nationals. The Batwa have lived their lives to current generations by hunting and gathering in the forest.
- The visit to the Batwa invariably involves songs and a dance demonstration, and once the music begins you can’t help but notice that they project a genuine pride in themselves.
- You shall then return to the lodge for lunch and after transfer back to Kigali for your late evening flight or relaxation in Kigali as you prepare yourselves for the next day’s flight back home.
What's Included
Meet & greet services
Airport transfers to/from Kigali or Entebbe airport
One Gorilla permit per person
One chimpanzee permit per person
Batwa experience
Accommodation and meals on safari
Bottled water on safari vehicle
Services of driver/guide
All park entry fees and set activities on the itinerary
What's Excluded
Visa
Personal travel insurance and items of a personal nature
Charter/Scheduled flights also optional extra
All expenses of a personal nature like tips, drinks etc
Know Before You Go
Frequent Questions
What is the latest date we can book so that we are assured of getting a permit to see the gorillas and chimpanzees?
The trekking permits (more so gorilla) in Uganda are in very high demand (yet a limited number is made available) which makes stating a specific deadline very difficult. Since it’s not possible to tell (accurately) whether the permits available (now) can still be available in the next days, weeks or months, clients are (usually) encouraged to make a down payment (whenever possible) which helps the company to go right away and secure permits plus accommodations.
2. How long are the walks for the gorillas?
The walk for gorillas may take between 2-6 hours (before actual encounter) depending largely on the movement of the gorillas. The chance of encounter is 99%. Usually, the trackers go ahead and locate the gorillas and then direct the ranger guide to lead the trek to the location. Once with the gorillas, you will be allowed an hour of encounter which is unforgettable.
3. Can you tell me (us) something about tipping?
How much to tip (e.g. driver-guide, ranger, hotel staff etc.) has been and is always a difficult one to say (for sure) as it depends largely on the level of gratitude one has felt and of course the budget. Nonetheless, it could be USD 10, 15, 20, etc. per day or put together (for driver-guide) and given at the end as you say “Goodbye”.
4. We are vegetarians. Can that be accommodated?
The answer is always a Yes. Uganda being an Agricultural economy, boasts of multiple options to select from in terms of food while on your trip. Almost everyone can have something to choose from. Be it gluten gluten-free diet, Vegetarian, or Halal, there will always be an offer to cater for one’s preference. If not on any diet restriction, you are even luckier.
5. Does this price include the tracking permit fees?
It is always a Yes given the fact that almost all our safari itineraries are costed including fees for all park entries and major activities proposed. Whenever the cost for an activity is not included in the itinerary, then such activity is listed as “Optional”.
6. How much deposit is required and are the payments progressive or paid a certain time in advance? [a] We always request our esteemed clients to make a down payment of 60% to enable us to start preparation for the trip e.g. buying trekking permits, and making commitment deposits to the suggested accommodations. [b] The 40% can be paid 2 weeks before the start of the trip to enable us to finalize preparations awaiting their arrival.
7. What are the payment options for this safari?
To proceed, the payment can be made either by bank(wire) transfer or credit card. Normally, our esteemed clients communicate the preferred mode and details to proceed are provided.
8. Could you also let me (us) know if ATM cash machines are available outside Entebbe?
Yes, ATM cash machines are available outside Entebbe. It is possible to withdraw some money from the ATM at the airport or in major towns along your safari route. If you plan to use an ATM card or credit card, it would be good to notify your Bank that you will be using your Credit Card or Debit Card for cash withdrawals from an ATM in your safari destination i.e. Uganda. In case you wish to have some local currency, the assigned tour driver-guide can always lead you to the nearby forex point.
9. What are our options for transportation?
Road transfer is commonly used given the fact that it’s quite cheap. For those who are interested, Air transfer is possible to some selected destinations e.g. Murchison, Bwindi, Kidepo, Kasese, Jinja, and Tororo (if seats are still available and one is fine with cost).
10. How many people are on the trip at one time and what sort of vehicle are we in?
A] We offer private tailored safaris. That means you will be assigned a driver-guide, and safari car and you won’t be joined by another of our esteemed clients. [b] We do provide either a safari van or a safari land cruiser. Either car is comfortable enough.
11. Can you also collect us from the airport?
It’s a Yes. You can be sure of meeting our driver-guide/representative patiently waiting for you in the arrival section of the Airport. This is what we do from time to time. No need to worry at all.
12. Do I need a visa to enter Uganda?
Please check (https://www.immigration.go.ug/content/visas-and-passes) to see if you belong to visa-exempt nationalities i.e. nationals of countries that do not pay for Uganda visas.
13. Is it better to apply for a tourist visa before we come or get it at the airport?
It is better and recommended that you get it (visa) before arrival. Apply for your visa now online (https://visas.immigration.go.ug/#/). Your details shall be verified and you will receive an email confirmation within 24 hours. The East Africa visa is ideal when visiting Rwanda or Kenya too. If you're visiting only Uganda, then apply for the Uganda Tourist visa which costs USD 50 (also payable online).
14. I understand that gorilla trekking offers different routes. How physically strenuous are these? Gorilla trekking has different routes as the gorilla families are in their natural habitat and hence not found in the same locations every day. One can expect an average trekking time of 2-3 hours before reaching the gorilla group, but there are cases whereby a trekking group walks only for 1 hour until they reach the gorilla family while others take 6 hours. An average physically fit person can master any route and length of the trek with ease. Additionally, there are local trekking support staff available who may help in carrying bags and/or giving support in ascending and descending.
15. What happens if we don't see any gorillas? Do we get our money back? Can we go again the following day?
Luckily, no traveller has ever missed seeing gorillas. The chance of seeing the gorillas in Uganda is at 99%. [b] In the unfortunate event that you fail to see the gorillas, the company does not refund the money for the reason that the permit(s) would have already been paid for. Maybe when you take legal action against the permit issuing Authority. The travel company (e.g. Home To Africa) just helps to secure permits on behalf of their esteemed clients but has no control over the permits at all. [c] Unless with special permission, permits are only valid for the date it was secured.
16. Can you clarify the type of accommodation?
All our esteemed clients’ accommodations are always planned and reserved in either en suite cottages (rooms) or safari tents.
17. What kind of clothing do you recommend?
Keep it simple, plain and practical for your comfort while on Safari. If you are hiking, gorilla or chimp tracking, pack trekking strong shoes or jungle boots for hiking, long-sleeved shirts offer proper protection for you from thorns and insects, long stockings (if putting on shorts), comfortable jeans (pants/trousers). Others may include a hat or cap which comes in handy, Khaki is good for its colour and feels good as you wear it, and some comfortable shorts, dresses and blouses (female). A rain jacket also comes in quite handy.
18. Can we be picked up from our Hotel in Kampala/Entebbe other than the airport?
The answer is Yes. In case you’re already staying in the country before the safari start date, all we need is the address to your hotel and the assigned driver/guide will pick you up right from your hotel to start the trip. Otherwise, we shall be happy to pick you up from the airport.
19. Could you book us a hotel on arrival for an extra night just to get over our jet lag?
The answer is always a big YES and we (Home To Africa) are always delighted to offer its esteemed clients such accommodation at no cost (but excluding meals).
20. I’d like to get a SIM card for my phone, which company do you use?
There are quite several telecommunication companies in Uganda. However, the most commonly used are MTN and Airtel Uganda. You can acquire a SIM card from either.
21. Is Uganda a safe country for tourists?
Contrary to what many think, Uganda is one of the safest tourist destinations on the continent. "In Uganda, we never once had the feeling of being ripped off," said a traveller giving her account of the trip into Uganda.
22. Are drones allowed to take pictures while in the park?
Drones are only allowed when one is on a filming or commercial photography trip which must be arranged, paid for and park authority alerted in advance. Anyone found using a drone with no proper authorization shall be liable to penalty. 23. Does changing a tracking sector affect the probability of seeing the gorillas?
The probability of encountering gorillas remains 99% in all 4 sectors of Bwindi and the nearby Mgahinga Gorilla NP. No need to worry at all.
24. Is it possible to have a copy of the gorilla’s permit which is the most expensive thing on our trip? If you would like to have it (permit), the assigned driver-guide can hand it over to you. Otherwise, he will have it and hand it over at the point of tracking.
25. Do we go alone to the Gorillas or in a group? You will be in a group of at least 8 people.
26. Do you all offer the Flying Doctors service?
Unfortunately, we do not offer flying doctors' service. However, we do have medical insurance that covers our clients while on the safari. In case of a health emergency, our driver-guide can rush our esteemed client(s) to a nearby medical facility. For a very critical emergency, we can seek support from the Authority (Uganda Wildlife Authority) for an airlift (if required) or any other means they can offer.
27. What is the best time to travel to Uganda?
The months of; December to February and from June to September are considered the best times to visit Uganda, but some intermittent rain is possible due to unpredictable seasonal changes. All the same, one can still visit Uganda even in the months considered “low season” and the encounter, and experience are still outstanding. The “low season” months do have fewer travellers which means the parks are not crowded.
28. Can this trip go for a solo traveller? I am a bit concerned about safety, as I am alone. Could you comment on that, please?
The answer is Yes. [b] As far as safety is concerned, there's no need to worry at all. We always assign our esteemed clients some very professional, dedicated driver-guides who endeavour to see that our clients' stay is a memorable one. We have hosted so many solo travellers before and none has told us of any bad experience. Check this experience: “I planned this trip as a single woman travelling for 6 days alone. Honestly, I didn't know what to expect. I was met with warmth and true hospitality”. The other thing is that we keep in contact all the way to be sure that all is going well.
29 Do you know by now which gorilla family we shall visit?
Unfortunately, we don’t get to know that prior. The gorilla family for you to trek is never specified to us. You get to know them during the briefing.
30. Do the cars get close to the animals? Can you see them well enough?
Yes, it is possible to get close and see animals well enough. However, it’s important to note that off-track game viewing is not allowed and failure to adhere attracts a penalty.
What To Bring
Personal packing list for gorilla tracking in Uganda or Rwanda
9 Things should not be missed on what to pack, bring and wear for a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda or Rwanda
When planning a gorilla safari to Africa you must also have a personal packing list for gorilla tracking in Uganda or Rwanda to guide you as you may have your preferences, below are some of the things we recommend for you to include on your packing list when coming to Africa for mountain gorilla tracking in Uganda or Rwanda.
1. Some Energy snacks: gorilla trekking is done in thick Impenetrable forests of Africa and trekking can take between one hour to eight depending on the movement of gorillas so we recommend that you have some level of fitness for you to enjoy the gorilla trekking experience and that’s why we recommend that you bring some energy giving snacks to supplement on the packed lunch that you will get from the lodge.
2. Cameras: When you are on a gorilla trekking safari every moment is very special and needs to be captured on camera for reference when you get back from tracking.
3. Extra Camera Batteries: during your gorilla safari photographing is an important aspect of the trip, this means that you have to make sure your cameras are fully charged and ready to take photos at any time. Extra camera batteries on your personal packing list for gorilla tracking in Uganda or Rwanda is very important because you will need to take as many photos as can for the whole one hour you will spend with gorillas,
4. Sun Glasses: This is also a useful thing to carry with you because as you know Africa sometimes it can be hot so sunglasses will protect you from the strong sunrays of Africa.
5. A Pair of Binoculars: if you love birds, it will be nice to have a pair of binoculars for you to have clear views of some birds in the distance, Uganda is well known as a top African birding destination and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park hosts over 350 bird’s spices.
6. Walking/Hiking Boots: because of the nature trail in the forest, you need to have a good pair of hiking boots.
7. Garden Gloves: during your gorilla trekking you walk through a thick forest with some hot plants so garden gloves will help you to protect your hands on your way to gorillas
8. Rain Jacket is Required: mountain gorilla trekking is done in the African tropical impenetrable rain forest means that the forest receives more rain and it can rain at any time any day, so you have to add a rain jacket to your packing list just in case it rains while you’re still in forest trekking.
9. Long-Sleeved Shirts or Blouses: it is a way recommended to put on long-sleeved trousers, shirts or blouses when you are going out in the forest for gorilla trekking, it protects you from hot plants and insects.
Other Things you may need to include on your packing list for gorilla tracking in Uganda or Rwanda include the following.
Some short-sleeved t-shirts which you can use after trekking and during your free time
A warm sweat to use in the evening and mornings sometimes it can be cool
A pair of shorts would also be nice during the day
A simple walking boots which you can use during your free time
A pair of Sleepwear is also recommended
A few pairs of underwear are good to include on your list
A pair of lightweight socks is recommended
Sunscreen is a must while you are on safari in Africa
Insect repellent is also a must when planning a trip to Africa
The flashlight is also useful at night in some places
Some personal prescription medicines from your doctor would be nice
Meeting Point
Kigali
Cancellation Policy
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For cancellations upto 2 days before the tour -
Refund of 80% of the tour price.
Price
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| 1 to 10 | /person |
| Child | |
| 1 to 10 | /person |
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This is a private tour |
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