8 Days classic Uganda Primates and Wildlife expedition
This 8 Days classic Uganda Primates and Wildlife expedition is an adventure into Uganda’s most revered attractions, taking you to western Uganda’s rainforests to observe wild chimpanzee troops on a morning excursion in Kibale and trekking the mysterious mountain gorillas in the rainforests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Between the two primate experiences, you will explore the savannah jungles for the big game animals like tree-climbing lions, elephants, leopards & several other African safari Favorites. Each of the parks you visit will offer a different experience that you can not find in the next destination. You will take advantage of the activities in each national park like sighting the zebras in large numbers in Lake Mburo national park and then the Gorillas in Bwindi. This is the major highlight of the safari where you encounter the gorillas in their natural habitats.
Explore the wildlife in Queen Elizabeth as you get ready to enter the primate capital of the world for more trekking. Chimpanzees are found there in large numbers that can easily be seen walking on the ground and can make you feel that the trip is really worth it.
Day 1: Arrival at airport and Transfer to your hotel Entebbe
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, Leone tours and Travel representative will pick you up and drop you at your hotel for some well-deserved rest. If you happen to arrive early, consider indulging in one of Entebbe’s exciting optional activities (available for an extra cost). Perhaps explore the Entebbe Zoo for close encounters with Uganda’s wildlife, lose yourself in the vibrant bustle of a local market, or find the perfect souvenir at a nearby shopping mall. And for the adventurous at heart, consider a canoe ride through the Lake Victoria swamps in search of the elusive shoebill stork a unique adventure with plenty of birdwatching opportunities.
Day 2: Morning Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park
Start your day with an early breakfast and begin your scenic journey to western Uganda. Feast your eyes on lush landscapes with cattle ranches, vibrant banana plantations, and tea fields. Make a memorable stop at Mpambire, near the equator, to witness the ancient art of drum-making using traditional methods. After continuing your journey, arrive at your lodge nestled near Lake Mburo, a peaceful haven amidst the wilderness.
After your good lunch at the lodge, take a short rest and embark on an exciting evening game drive through the park. Keep your eyes peeled for bushbucks, graceful bush duikers, and perhaps even a lurking crocodile. Later, take a leisurely 1-hour boat ride on Lake Mburo, admiring the picturesque landscape as you search for hippos wallowing in the water and vibrant water birds flitting across the sky. You will then return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Drive From Lake Mburo to Bwindi Forest national park
Begin your day with a final, exhilarating game drive through Lake Mburo National Park. As the morning sun casts a golden glow over the savanna, take in the sights one last time before departing on your breathtaking journey to Bwindi.
Traverse the rolling hills and lush plantations of western Uganda, a tapestry of green where tea fields give way to dense rainforest. You will reach your lodge and check in to have a short rest and then have cultural encounter of the Batwa people.
Day 4: The Gorilla Trekking Experience in the forests of Bwindi
After a hearty breakfast, you will be picked and transfered to the trailhead, for your gorilla tracking briefing. As rangers outline the day’s adventure and assign your tracking group, a thrill of anticipation courses through you. Armed with this knowledge, alongside your experienced guides, you’ll step into the misty rainforest. Be prepared for a true adventure! The lush jungle, alive with damp forest smells and vibrant undergrowth, will challenge you. That’s why you’ve packed your waterproof boots, rain jacket, sturdy trousers, and gloves. This is no ordinary hike – the unpredictable forest might demand hours of trekking before you finally encounter the gorillas.
But the moment you do, time will seem to stand still. Observe these gentle giants as they go about their daily lives, keeping a respectful distance as instructed. An hour might feel like minutes as you lose yourself in their world – a profound experience that will stay with you forever.
Day 5: Kashasha Walking Trail Across Bwindi Forest and transfer to Queen Elizabeth
This ancient path winds through the rainforest, connecting Nkuringo to Buhoma. As you step beneath the vibrant green canopy, bid farewell to the familiar rhythms of the outside world. The forest, with its timeless beauty, calls you to be fully present. Your local guide, steeped in forest knowledge, will reveal the hidden secrets of this incredible place. Walk with quiet steps, eyes and ears open – a glimpse of a shy duiker, the distant call of chimpanzees, or the footprints of a forest elephant might surprise you.
After your experience, you will reach the far side of Bwindi, a sense of deep connection lingering. Your driver will be there, ready to take you across the scenic savannas of Ishasha. Scan the landscape for the iconic sight of tree-climbing lions, their powerful bodies draped in the afternoon sun. You will check in at your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 6: Morning Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth and drive to Kibale national park
Rise with the sun for a thrilling morning game drive through the Kasenyi tracks. Scan the golden savanna for magnificent herds of elephants and buffalo, along with graceful antelopes like the Uganda kob, topi, and bushbuck. Keep a sharp lookout for the elusive leopard– these powerful predators are masters of camouflage.
In the afternoon, the excitement continues on a leisurely boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. Marvel at the sheer number of hippos frolicking in the water and the crocodiles basking on the banks. Watch elephants playfully splash at the water’s edge, and search for majestic waterbuck and vibrant birdlife along the scenic shores.
After this exploration, you will begin your scenic drive northward to Kibale National Park where you will check in at your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 7: The Chimpanzee Tracking Experience in Kibale Forest
After a quick breakfast, make your way to the visitor center for your 7:30 am chimp trekking briefing. Kibale National Park, with its lush rainforest canopy, is a haven for primates – including over 1500 chimpanzees and a dazzling array of other species. As you begin your morning trek, the forest comes alive with sound and movement. Be on the lookout for playful monkeys like the rare L’Hoest’s, the vibrant red colobus, and the acrobatic black-and-white colobus. Each rustling leaf, each distant call, builds the anticipation of your chimpanzee encounter.
Led by an expert tracker, your group will venture deeper into the forest, searching for signs of a habituated chimpanzee troop. The thrill of spotting them, going about their lives amidst the tangled undergrowth, is a moment of pure connection with the natural world. Observe these fascinating creatures for up to an entire day, an experience that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.
Day 8: Transfer to Entebbe with Lunch stop over
After breakfast, lazily get your bags early in the morning. After breakfast, you will drive through the gorgeous Fort Portal country with the fading Rwenzori mountains escorting you out of western Uganda to Entebbe through Kampala. And this marks the end of your trip with Leone tours and Travel.
