8-Day Gorilla and Chimp Tracking Safari in Uganda's National Parks

• On arrival at the airport, you will meet and greet the Jewel Safaris representative, who will assist with your luggage and then transfer you to the hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may have a briefing on your safari today or tonight, or choose to have it the following morning after some time to relax.

Accommodation at Kazi Beach Resort.

• After breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer to Kibale Forest National Park. Kibale Forest National Park is one of the best places for chimpanzee tracking in Uganda. The park is also home to over 375 bird species, 351 tree species, and 70 mammal species, of which 13 are primates, including chimpanzees, red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus, L'Hoest's monkeys, blue monkeys, red-cheeked mangabeys, and Uganda red colobus monkeys. Along the way, you will enjoy views of fruit markets and different scenic landscapes.

Accommodation at Turacco Tree Tops.

Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

• After breakfast, transfer to Kanyanchu Park Headquarters in time for a briefing, then head out into the forest.
• You will hear the chimpanzees from somewhere deep in the forest before you see them - an excited hooting, just one voice at first, then several, rising in volume and tempo to a frenzied unified crescendo before stopping abruptly or fading away. Jane Goodall called it the "panthood" call, a bonding ritual that allows any chimpanzees within earshot of each other to identify who is around. To the human listener, this eruptive crescendo is one of the most chilling and exciting sounds of the rainforest and a strong indicator that visual contact with man's closest genetic relative is imminent. Kibale Forest hosts 13 primate species.
• The experienced guides will provide detailed information not only on primates but also on the forest's fauna and flora, ensuring that your walk is both informative and enjoyable.
• After lunch, you may opt to take a walk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary - an ecotourism swamp with rare and beautiful flora and fauna. This walk is excellent for viewing birdlife and primates at close range.

Accommodation at Turacco Tree Tops.

• Set off for Queen Elizabeth National Park, following the mystical Rwenzori Mountain Range for most of the journey. Explore the Katwe crater area and later proceed to the lodge for lunch.
• After lunch, enjoy a game drive where you may be rewarded with sightings of waterbucks, elephants, leopards, buffaloes, hyenas, and a variety of antelope species.

Accommodation at Enganzi Lodge.

• After an early morning rise and a cup of your favourite beverage, embark on a morning game drive along the Kasenyi Track and Queen's Mile in the park. Keep a watch out for lions, elephants, Cape buffaloes, warthogs, leopards, hyenas, mongooses, waterbucks, Ugandan kob, and many small animals and birds.
• After lunch, enjoy a unique boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel and into Lake Edward. This trip passes through high concentrations of hippos, and a wide variety of animals may be seen drinking at the water's edge. The boat cruise offers an excellent platform for photography, birdwatching, and game viewing. The prolific birdlife is colourful and stupendous, with well over 600 recorded species having been spotted.

Accommodation at Enganzi Lodge.

• After breakfast, depart for Bwindi via the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Drive through the Ishasha sector, famous for its tree-climbing lions, unique to this region, as well as a multitude of other animals.
• Arrive at the lodge in time for lunch. In the afternoon, you have the option to go for a short Batwa walk - a cultural tourism activity at its best. It's a hands-on, mind-opening adventure.
• You will gain insight into how the Batwa lived and hunted, learn about medicinal plants, and watch out for animals and birds. You may also share a traditional meal with the Batwa, hear ancient legends and traditional songs, and join in a mock hunting party.
• You can even test your skill with a Batwa bow and arrow and participate in traditional dances.

Accommodation at 4 Gorillas Lodge.

• Meet your private guide and drive to the park headquarters for a briefing, then enter one of the most diverse forests in Africa. You will have an opportunity to be within metres of the gorillas, sharing their daily lives and experiencing their day-to-day activities. Spending one magical hour with a gorilla family is a memorable experience. You will later meet your guide and transfer back to the lodge.
• In the afternoon, you may choose to take a walk to the local communities for an insight into their cultural practices and ways of life. This will also give you an opportunity for last-minute craft shopping.

Accommodation at 4 Gorillas Lodge.

• After breakfast, check out of the lodge and embark on your journey to Entebbe, with an en route stop at the Equator for a photo session. You may also purchase handmade craft souvenirs before continuing the journey, arriving in Entebbe in the afternoon in time for your onward international flight. Please book return flights departing Entebbe after 1 pm.