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Uganda · Primate Tours
The journey
This 9-day trip offers a summarized experience of what Uganda can offer within the shortest time possible. Prime parks are carefully chosen to increase your opportunities of encountering all of the Big 5, starting with the rhinos and continuing through the country's remarkable wildlife. Primates include, but are not limited to, gorillas and chimpanzees, as every forest or sanctuary explored has different species to offer. The journey is crowned by a stay at Lake Bunyonyi, often regarded as the most beautiful lake in Africa.
After the briefing, you will be distributed into groups of eight and led by a park ranger into the forest, where you will spend one hour with the gentle giants.
From the itinerary
At a glance
Day by day
Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by our representative from Big Apes Africa Safaris and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to have a detailed briefing about your travel itinerary, or go through the details the following morning.
Today, you will drive west to one of the most loved national parks. Along the way, you will take a walking safari to track the white rhinos and stop for lunch en route.
Before heading to the lodge, drive to the top of Murchison Falls. You can also take a walk to the bottom of the falls and enjoy the amazing views. This is the most scenic part of the park, and Murchison Falls is the most powerful waterfall in the world.
Today, you will have an early morning game drive. You will have an opportunity to search for elephants, hartebeests, antelopes, and many different birds. On a good day, you may be able to see lions and a leopard in a single drive.
After lunch, you will explore the River Nile up to the bottom of the falls, where the 1951 movie The African Queen was shot. You can choose to take an extra evening game drive or simply relax in the evening.
Today, you will drive to the top of the falls. After enjoying this magnificent spot, proceed south to the jungle of Kibale. You will have lunch along the way.
After the long drive, you can choose to relax at the lodge or take a guided walk through the community.
Today begins with a Bigodi Swamp walk, which offers some of the finest birding and monkey viewing in Uganda. This 4.5 km circuit gives you an opportunity to see forest and swamp specials, as well as a good number of monkeys.
Afterward, you will be transferred to Queen Elizabeth National Park for a game drive in search of wildlife. Lunch will be taken en route.
After breakfast, drive to Kalinzu Forest, managed by the National Forest Authority, where you will do chimpanzee tracking.
After chimpanzee tracking, you will have a UWA boat cruise followed by a game drive. You have a chance to see elephants, lions, leopards, and many more.
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Bwindi National Park. On the way, you will drive through Ishasha, the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is famous for its tree-climbing lions.
After the drive, you will immediately proceed to Bwindi, with lunch along the way.
After an early breakfast, you will drive to the briefing point in the forest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to be enlightened about your adventure with the mountain gorillas. You are advised to carry enough drinking water and a lunch box. At a cost of 15 US dollars, you can get a porter to carry your bag and give you a hand on slippery or steep parts of the forest.
After the briefing, you will be distributed into groups of eight and led by a park ranger into the forest, where you will spend one hour with the gentle giants. Rain gear is important, considering that Bwindi is a tropical rainforest.
Later, you will be transferred to Lake Bunyonyi, where you can take a swim in Uganda's most beautiful lake or enjoy a walk in nature and explore the surrounding communities.
After your beautiful stay at Lake Bunyonyi, you will drive back to Entebbe to embark on your journey back home. You will have an opportunity to cross the Equator and do some souvenir shopping.
Should you feel that you need to stay a little longer or do an extra activity, this is possible at an extra cost.
Where this trip takes you
Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Murchison Falls National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Lake Bunyonyi
The route
The fine print
Essential Clothing & Footwear
Lightweight, breathable clothing: Opt for long-sleeved shirts and trousers in neutral colors like khaki or olive to protect against sun and insects.
Sturdy hiking boots: Essential for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking through varied terrains.
Rain gear: A waterproof jacket or poncho is vital, especially in rainforest regions like Bwindi.
Garden gloves: Useful during primate treks to protect your hands when navigating dense vegetation.
Swimwear: For relaxing at lodges or taking a dip in Lake Bunyonyi.
Warm layers: Evenings and early mornings can be chilly, so pack a fleece or light sweater.
Health & Safety Essentials
Insect repellent: Choose one with DEET to ward off mosquitoes and tsetse flies.
Sunscreen: High SPF to protect against the equatorial sun.
First-aid kit: Include basics like antiseptic wipes, band-aids, pain relievers, and anti-diarrheal medication.
Reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated during treks and drives.
Personal medications: Bring any prescribed medicines, plus anti-malarial tablets as recommended by your doctor.
Gear & Accessories
Daypack: A waterproof backpack to carry daily essentials.
Binoculars: Enhance wildlife viewing during game drives and boat cruises.
Camera: Capture memories; consider extra batteries or a power bank.
Flashlight or headlamp: Useful in lodges with limited lighting.
Travel adapter: Uganda uses the British-style Type G plug.
Documents & Money
Passport and visa: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months; obtain the necessary visa.
Yellow fever certificate: Mandatory for entry into Uganda.
Travel insurance: Covering medical emergencies and trip cancellations.
Cash: Carry some Ugandan Shillings for tips and small purchases; credit card facilities may be limited.
Wildlife & Safari Highlights
Murchison Falls National Park: Experience the dramatic Murchison Falls, where the Nile squeezes through a narrow gorge. Enjoy game drives to spot elephants, giraffes, lions, and leopards, and take a boat cruise to the base of the falls.
Kibale Forest National Park: Renowned for its high concentration of primates, particularly chimpanzees. A guided trek offers close encounters with these intelligent creatures.
Queen Elizabeth National Park: Home to diverse ecosystems, this park offers sightings of tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector and a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, teeming with hippos and crocodiles.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best places in the world for mountain gorilla trekking.
Lake Bunyonyi: Known for its serene beauty and dotted with numerous islands, it is an ideal spot to relax after your safari adventures.
Essential Travel Tips
Gorilla & Chimpanzee Permits: Secure these well in advance, as they are limited and in high demand.
Health Precautions: Consult your doctor about necessary vaccinations, such as yellow fever, and malaria prophylaxis.
Packing Essentials:
Lightweight, long-sleeved clothing for forest treks.
Sturdy hiking boots.
Rain gear, especially during the wet seasons.
Binoculars and a good camera with a zoom lens.
Local Currency: The Ugandan Shilling (UGX) is widely used. Carry some cash for remote areas, though major towns accept cards.
Sample Itinerary Overview
Arrival in Entebbe: Settle in and prepare for your journey.
Murchison Falls National Park: Travel north to witness the majestic falls and embark on game drives.
Kibale Forest National Park: Head southwest for chimpanzee trekking and explore the Bigodi Wetlands.
Queen Elizabeth National Park: Experience diverse wildlife and the scenic Kazinga Channel.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Engage in a memorable gorilla trekking adventure.
Lake Bunyonyi: Relax by the lake's tranquil waters before returning to Entebbe.
Best Time to Visit
The dry seasons from June to August and December to February are ideal for trekking and wildlife viewing.
Accommodation Options
Murchison Falls: Pakuba Safari Lodge offers comfortable stays with views of the Nile.
Bwindi: Mahogany Springs Safari Lodge provides luxury accommodations near gorilla trekking starting points.
Queen Elizabeth: Kyambura Gorge Lodge combines comfort with proximity to wildlife hotspots.
Travel Logistics
Transportation: Consider hiring a 4x4 vehicle for flexibility, especially during the rainy season.
Guided Tours: Engaging a local tour operator can enhance your experience with expert knowledge and logistical support.
Logistics
Your 9 days finish where they began, in Entebbe.
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