The ultimate Uganda wildlife, gorilla trekking and chimpanzee safari includes travelling to pristine Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kibale rain forest and Murchison Falls National Park. These are some of the cream safari destinations in Uganda that offer a blend of wildlife with amazing features that make up their topography.
For gorilla trekking in Uganda you experience the presence of these endangered primates in their natural setting just a few meters away from you. Although the first glance may send a cold chill down your spine, gorilla trekking in Uganda offers an unforgettable African safari adventure. It is like walking into the reality of human history as the mountain gorillas have characteristics close to humans.
A game safari in Murchison Falls National Park is beyond your imagination with lots of wild animals to see including elephants, giraffes, elephants, buffaloes, hartebeests, oribi and more. Murchison falls National Park is flocked by an array of birds both water birds and mainland birds as more than 430 bird species have been recorded as residents of the park.
Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park is one of the best with more than 1500 chimpanzee living in this rain forest. Over 12 chimpanzee communities have been habituated and are open for public visits. Book a chimpanzee trekking permit for Kibale in advance because their availability is restricted as a conservation measure taken to prevent effects of mass tourism.
Summary Of Uganda Wildlife, Gorilla Trekking And Chimpanzee Safari
Day 1 Drive to Murchison Falls National Park
Day 2 Game drive and launch trip in Murchison Falls National Park
Day 3 Chimpanzee trekking In Kaniyo Pabidi Murchison Falls National Park
Day 4 Drive To Kibale National Park
Day 5 Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park
Day 6 Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 7 Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi
Day 8 Departure.
Details of 8 day Uganda wildlife, Gorilla Trekking And Chimpanzee Safari
Day 1 Drive to Murchison Falls National Park
Wake up for breakfast and drive to Murchison Falls National Park the largest conservation area in Uganda. From Entebbe or Kampala, the drive time is about 5 hours but you can choose to take an optional excursion to the Ziwa rhino sanctuary where Rhino reintroduction is happening in Uganda.
As you get into the park, enjoy the different wild animals you get to see and amazing land form that are part of the topography of Murchison Falls National Park.
Murchison Falls National Park is divided into two by River Nile the longest River in the world and this is the life blood of the entire park.
Check into your lodge
Murchison Falls National Park Accommodation: Paraa safari Lodge, Sambiya Lodge, Murchison River Lodge, Red Chillis Campsite.
Day 2 Game drive and launch trip in Murchison Falls National Park
Get up early for a game drive in the Paraa side of Murchison Falls National Park. Taking the Buligi trails a savannah grassland offers better opportunities to see lions in action. the lions in the Buligi area love sneaking on the Uganda Kobs that love spending their day in this grassland area of the park.
While on game drive in Murchison falls National Park, you may come across giraffes, herds of elephants, buffaloes, oribi, warthogs, waterbucks, bushbucks, hartebeests, Uganda kobs and more.
Later in the afternoon, get on a launch trip where you sail towards the magical Murchison Falls from which the park gets its name. Along the way, when you look over, you may see several wild animals that move to the shores to quench thirst, take a bath to cool off the day’s heat and more. Multitudes of birds flock the shoreline of River Nile to pick a meal from the shallow marshes or swim.
Watch out for crocodiles and hippos that are common residents of this route. Later as you get closer to Murchison falls, you feel a change in the boat turbulence. The thunderous sound of Murchison falls can be heard from even a mile away as it cascades the 43 meters high cliff to touch the ground.
Enjoy the view and thunderous notes produces by River Nile as it squeezes through the narrow gorge just about 6 meters wide to burst through then get down the escarpment.
Take as many photos as you wish to keep as memories of this safari moment in Murchison Falls National Park.
Day 3 Chimpanzee Trekking In Kaniyo Pabidi Murchison Falls National Park
Rise up for breakfast and head to Kaniyo Pabidi forest which is about 8 kilometers from the Kicubanyombo gate of Murchison Falls for chimpanzee trekking. A community of chimpanzees has been fully habituated and is open to the public.
While searching for the chimpanzees, you come across other resident primates including olive baboons, black and white colobus and more. Look out for several birds that flock the forest and more. Stay closer to the rest of the trekkers so that you are not lost in the wilderness.
When you finally face the chimpanzees watch them go about their daily life while maintaining the distance advised by the rangers at briefing. Even though the mountain gorillas are habituated, they still have their natural characters so do not reach out to touch them because they are still wild animals.
Get back to the lodge.
You may choose to relax or choose from these optional activities in Murchison Falls National Park
- Hike to the top of the falls in Murchison Falls National Park
- Boat ride to the Delta area in Murchison Falls National Park
- Second Launch trip To Murchison falls
- Fishing
- White water rafting in Murchison Falls National park
- Arranged Community Visit outside the Park
Day 4 Transfer To Kibale National Park
After early morning breakfast, start on the journey to Kibale National Park which is about 7 to 8 hours drive. Enjoy the amazing views of the countryside including the Uganda Oil city
Kibale National Park is the largest chimpanzee trekking destination in Uganda hosting more than 1500 chimpanzees from the total population of 5000 chimpanzees found in the country. Chimpanzee habituation experience (CHEX) is open in Kibale national Park where tourists have four hours with semi-habituated chimpanzees.
Kibale is a primate haven with about 13 primate species recorded including blue monkeys, grey cheeked mangabey, red tailed monkeys, black and white colobus, pottos, L’hoest and more. More than 325 bird species including Albertine rift endemic have been registered as park residents.
Check into you lodge
Kibale National Park Accommodation: Primate Lodge, Ndali Lodge, Kyaninga Lodge, Chimps Nest, Kibale safari Lodge
Day 5 Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park
After breakfast, gather at the ranger station in Kanyanchu or Sebitoli for briefing, do not forget to carry the necessary chimpanzee trekking gears. Together with other tourists in company of a ranger guide, start the search for chimpanzees following the trails constructed by regular visitors. The forest is moist most of the time because of less sunlight filters through the dense leaves to the ground.
While on a search for chimpanzees, look out for other forest dwellers including monkeys, several birds, may spot other wild animals including forest elephants, warthogs and more.
Finally, when you locate the chimpanzees, only one hour is allowed with them which you need to maximise by both watching and taking photos.
Return to your lodge to relax.
Day 6 Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Take breakfast and transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Bwindi impenetrable National Park is a pristine rain forest that seems to be forgotten by time. Bwindi forest a biosphere reserve is believed to be one of the lucky survivors of the ice age error which affected so many ancient forest.
As you get closer to Bwindi, the forest seems to be endless because of its vast size and dense canopy. The word Bwindi is from the native language which means impenetrable and indeed this is apt for this park.
Other than the mountain gorillas, Bwindi forest is home to other inhabitants including chimpanzees, blue monkeys, black and white colobus, vervet monkeys, red tailed monkeys and more. Over 350 bird species including 7 on the IUCN red list are resident of this forest.
Bwindi forest is divided into four administrative areas that is Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija and Nkuringo. When booking the gorilla trekking permits for Bwindi, they are reserved according to these four areas. Even when booking accommodation to use during gorilla trekking in Bwindi, it is better to choose facilities within or closer to the area where your gorilla permit is booked.
Check into your lodge
Bwindi accommodation: Gorilla Forest Camp, Clouds Lodge, Bwindi View Bandas, Engage Lodge, Silverback Lodge, Nshongi Camp
Day 7 Gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable National Park
Enjoy early morning breakfast, carry your packed lunch and gorilla trekking gears then head to the ranger station for briefing. Hire a porter to assist with lifting your bulky weights to lift off your shoulder the burden of weighing you down.
Using the trails constructed by regular gorilla trekkers, search for the mountain gorillas looking out for other resident primates too.
Important Details To Note About Uganda Wildlife, Gorilla Trekking And Chimpanzee Safari
Book the gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits in advance to avoid last minute disappoint. Finding both gorilla and chimpanzee permits on ground is rare and a probability attempt.
It is best to book accommodation to use for wildlife, gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in Uganda closer or with the National Park to catch up with the best moments in the jungle. Gorilla trekking and Chimpanzee trekking start early morning with briefing then proceed for the adventure. Chimpanzee and Wildlife adventures can also be done in the afternoon.
Using a professional and knowledgeable safari guide is very helpful as you get to know more about Uganda safari destinations and beyond. You experience Uganda safaris beyond your expectations.
The age limit for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking is 12 years and beyond. When travelling to engage in gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking with children, they may not be allowed to participate in some activities because of the challenges likely to encounter along the way.
Pack the right gorilla, chimpanzee and game safari gears so that you are comfortable while on Uganda safari. Try not to over pack items that may be hard to handle and control while on safari. Having a safari hat, safari boots, insect repellant, torch and more.
It is best to book this Uganda safari in advance to avoid the tension at the last minute when competition for the gorilla or chimpanzee permits is over the top. During the peak season which is June to September and December to January, demand for gorilla and chimpanzee safaris in Uganda is high yet the available permits per day are limited as a conservation measure to reduce effects of mass tourism.
What Is The Cost Of Uganda Wildlife, Gorilla Trekking And Chimpanzee Trekking Safari
The cost of thus Uganda safari is categorized into three that is Luxury. Mid-range and basic. In general the cost of park entrance fees, gorilla trekking permit and chimpanzee trekking permits cuts across all budgets. There are other costs necessary to support this Uganda safari including accommodation cost, transport cost, driver guide hire and more.
Currently,
The cost of Uganda park entrance fees is $40 to $45 per person per 24 hours.
Uganda Gorilla trekking permit cost $ 800 for international nonresidents, $700 for international residents and 300000shs for East Africans
Kibale chimpanzee trekking permit cost $250 for international nonresidents, $200 for international residents and 180,000 shs East Africans.
Do not forget to carry extra cash to use for personal expenses as credit cards are not a common means to purchase items in African.
The cost of transport to accommodation to use during Uganda safari vary with category.
Is A Uganda Safari Worth The Money And Safari
Taking the Uganda wildlife, gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking safari takes you to some of the best safari encounters in Africa. Mountain gorillas and chimpanzees are some of the highly endangered primates in the world. Whereas most destinations have these primates in confinements, Uganda is one of the few destinations where they live in their natural habitats.
More funds the support the conservation work of these natural wildlife habitants are still needed to protect them from external vices that may affect their existence.
By choosing to do Uganda wildlife, gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking safari, you contribute to community support especially those communities around these conservation areas. Book Now