Day 1: Arrival in Uganda
Arrival at Entebbe Airport where you will be welcomed by a Great Lakes Safaris’ representative and transferred to Cassia Lodge in Kampala (approx.1hr drive depending on the traffic) for overnight – dinner under own arrangements.
OVERNIGHT AT CASSIA LODGE (B&B)
Day 2: Entebbe – Kibale Forest
Approx. 330km/6hrs drive
After breakfast, we drive west to Kibale National Park via the lovely town of Fort Portal, resting in the shadow of the fabled Mountains of the Moon and famous for her many tea plantations. After stopping for lunch at a local restaurant, continue on to the Park and check in at Primate Lodge late afternoon with time to relax before dinner and overnight.
PRIMATE LODGE KIBALE (B-L-D) – STANDARD COTTAGE
Kibale Forest National Park harbours the greatest variety and concentration of primates found anywhere in East Africa with no less than 13 different species are living in this small area of 560km², including Black-and-White Colobus Monkeys, Blue Monkeys and Grey-cheeked Mangabeys. More importantly, the dense forest is home to a population of more than 1,000 chimpanzees, allowing visitors the unique opportunity to view these great apes in their natural environment. Just outside the national park you will find Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, offering a number of walking trails in the Magombe Swamp.
Day 3: Kibale Forest National Park Chimp Tracking
Today the forest opens its doors for a sensational Chimpanzee Tracking Excursion.
Enjoy a guided nature walk in the tropical rainforest in search of the wild chimpanzee. Upon sighting the chimpanzees, you will spend the allowed one with them as they go about their daily life then hike back to base where your Guide will be waiting to transfer you back to lodge for a shower and lunch.
In the afternoon, join your guide on a tour around the Bigodi Swamp, an initiative of the local community and famous for the many species of birds and primates, before returning to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
PRIMATE LODGE KIBALE (B-L-D) – STANDARD COTTAGE
Day 4: Kibale Forest – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Approx. 6hrs /360 kms
After breakfast you may wake up early to head for the famous Bwindi Impenetrable national Park. You will have the opportunity to drive through the crater lakes of this area. Bwindi, is home of the endangered mountain gorillas.
Dinner and overnight at Silverback Lodge (B-L-D)
Of the over 800 mountain gorillas worldwide, Bwindi National Park is home to almost half of the gorilla population. There is no better place for observing these gentle giants from a close distance! Thanks to the wildlife conservation program, the number of gorillas has increased from 300 to 400 in the recent years, which include nine different families that are habituated for tourism purposes. Apart from the famous residents, the dense forest hosts 9 other primates. There are different trails in the park, including the Munyanga River Trail and Waterfall Trail, leading through the pristine rainforest to three sparkling waterfalls.
Day 5: Gorilla Tracking
Arise early today and prepare for the highlight of your safari, an unforgettable encounter with the Gentle Giants!
Gorilla Luxury Primate SafariFollowing breakfast, transfer to the national park offices where you will be allocated a gorilla family in groups of 8 as well as a gorilla tracking guide. After a pre-tracking briefing by your guide touching on the gorillas generally, your assigned gorilla family as well as appropriate safety precautions, you drive to the trailhead for the start of a thrilling adventure. Expect to walk between 2 and 8 hours in steep and sometimes muddy conditions with rain overhead, which can be tough and require a degree of (average) fitness. However the thrill of coming face to face with a giant Mountain Gorilla silverback completely makes up for the effort!
Please remember to bring your passport for registration, appropriate, water proof hiking boots and a light rain coat. To protect from stinging nettles, we recommend long pants and long sleeved tops. A pair of old gardening gloves can help grabbing onto the vegetation while most hotels/lodges provide a walking stick that come in very handy especially when hiking downhill. A small waterproof backpack is an excellent idea to carry a light snack, bottled water as well as protection for your camera.
Dinner and overnight at Silverback Lodge (B-L-D)
Day 6: Bwindi NP – Entebbe – Departure
Approx. 540km/9hrs drive
Today we will depart the impenetrable forest of Bwindi and head back to with stops at places of interest, stop over at the Equator, lunch will be enroute in Mbarara town, continue to Entebbe International Airport to connect to your international flight (B, L)