5 Days Safaris to Bwindi Gorillas & Kibale Primates
Safaris Highlights
Gorillas Trekking
Chimpanzee and Monkey Tracking
Bird Watching
Forest walking
Tour Overview
Gorilla trekking in Uganda – On this tour, we travel through western Uganda inside Kibale National Park to track chimpanzees, Kibale National Park is the largest home to the largest diversity and profusion of primates and Uganda and the whole of East Africa.
It is a large National Park, sheltering a large chunk of a rain-forest which offers one of the unique chances to trek chimpanzees and even watch birds on a primate safari in Uganda. The neighboring local community plays a significant role in park’s overall conservation. It is as well perfect for a nature walks since the Bigodi wetland sanctuary a habitat to a variety of bird types like the great blue turacco in addition to a diversity aquatic life within this wetland. The highlight of this safari will be tracking mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable forest National Park.
Actually, Mountain gorillas are among of the world’s most endangered species disappearance from the planet with more than half of its population living in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest of Uganda.
About Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in the southwestern part of Uganda on the rim of the Rift Valley. The hillsides which are mist-covered are sheltered by one of the ancient and very biologically varied rainforests in Uganda that dates back to more than 25,000 years, comprising of about 400 varied plant species. More notably, this “impenetrable forest” in addition protects an predictable 320 population of mountain gorillas – approximately half of the population in the world, among which are a number of habituated groups, that can be tracked by visitors.Bwindi is habitat to more than half the world’s population of Mountain Gorillas. actually there are over 300 mountain gorillas living here. Gorilla devotees for Uganda safaris from different corners of the world to enjoy this Ultimate Safari in Uganda – Mountain Gorilla tours / tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.The word “Bwindi” means “darkness” and taking a hike this magnificent forest will certainly unveil to you the reason why the forest was named so. You will as well be in position to fast tell why actually the forest is also regarded as Impenetrable. One requires to be realistically physically fit to take part in this mountain gorilla tracking / trekking adventure because it may involve climbing the steep terrain.
In addition to the endangered impressive mountain gorillas there are also 346 bird species and more than 200 butterfly species, about 324 species of trees, ten of which are only found in this areas in the whole of Uganda. This is really a destination to explore. Because there are few habituated Gorillas living here (gorillas that have been trained to withstand human presence and not likely to attack), actually the time offered to see them is limited and so are the permits which currently are offered at a cost of $500 per individual. No person ever complains after spending some time with these very fascinating Mountain Gorillas in Uganda within Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, which is among the most stunning rainforest anyone will ever come across.
Summary
Day 1: Drive to Kibale National Park, Nature Walk.
Day 2: Chimpanzee tracking and Nature walk in Bigodi Wetland.
Day 3: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
Day 4: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Gorilla Tracking.
Day 5: Return to Kampala.
Detailed
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Travel to Kibale Chimpanzee Forest National Park:=
Following early breakfast, you will drive westward using the Mityana to Fort Portal road, though the lavish countryside, past traditional homesteads and cattle farms. Drive through Fort Portal found in the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountain and eventually reach Kibale National Park. Dine and overnight rest at a comfortable lodge.
Luxury: Ndali Lodge or Kyaninga lodge
Mid-range: Primates Lodge
Basic: Chimpanzee guesthouse
Meal Plan: Full Board
Travel time: Approximately 7 Hours
Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking, Bird watching, Nature Walk
In the early morning tou will go to the park headquarters where you will be briefed by the park rangers about the chimp tracking activity. This activity begins at 8.00 am, and may take half of the day as you search for chimps plus other monkeys such as phoestes, grey cheeked Mangabeys, Red-Colobuses, Red-tailed and the Blue tailed swinging in the impenetrable forest. You will as well spot various bird species, butterflies as well as small insects. The park ranger will offer you detailed explanations about the primates, as well as the otherplants and animals here, which will make this walk very enjoyable and also informative. After lunch, you will explore the Bigodi wetland an eco-tourism site where you will see a profusion of wildlife particularly that associated with water.
Accommodation
Luxury: Ndali Lodge or Kyaninga lodge
Mid-range: Primates Lodge
Basic: Chimpanzee guesthouse
Meal Plan: Full Board
DAY 3: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
In the early morning you will have breakfast drive from Kibale forest National Park to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park having lunch along the way.
Accommodation:
Luxury Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge / Mahogany Springs
Mid- range Gorilla Mist Camp / Silver Back Lodge
Basic Wagtail Eco Lodge / Buhoma Community Bandas
Meal Plan: Full Board
Travel Time: Approximately 5 Hours
DAY 4: Gorilla tracking and Cultural Entertainment
In the morning you will have an early breakfast and then go to the park headquarters where you will be briefed by the guides before you begin search the Bwindi forest for the giant gorillas. Bwindi National Park is renowned for its impressive mountain gorillas, although it is unpredictable for how long you will track before finding them since it all depends on their movement. Though the time spent to track down these Gorillas is unpredictable, the thrill of spending time and observing these gentle giant gorillas is a rare, moving, awesome and exciting adventure that will leave you with long lasting memories of a truly unique experience. The gorillas are shy and peaceful animals and it is an unforgettable experience to watch and photograph them as they play and interact.
You will set out with a packed lunch and enough drinking water, and you are advised to wear strong comfortable boots plus a light rain-jacket since the weather in Bwindi Impenetrable forest is highly unpredictable. You will be availed with Walking sticks by the park rangers. Also visitors are allowed to spend only one hour with the gorillas for the purpose of conservation. The ranger guide will brief you on how to conduct yourself while in the presence of the gentle giants. In the evening, proceed to the village for a cultural walk to interact with the local people. Participate in captivating traditional performances presented by Women’s groups or orphan children groups. Note that the fees you pay for these performances go directly to improve the welfare of families around the park.
Accommodation:
Luxury: Silverback Lodge or Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Mid-range: Lake Mutanda Chameleon Hill Lodge
Basic: Wagtail Eco Lodge or Buhoma Community Bandas
Meal Plan: Full Board
Trekking Time: Irregular
DAY 5: Travel back to Kampala
After an early breakfast, you will have begin the drive back to the capital having lunch along the way driving through the beautiful countryside.
Meal Plan: Breakfast plus Lunch
Travel time: Approximately 7 to 9 hours
The Safari Package Covers:
Chimpanzee Permit
Park Entrance Fees
Cultural-Site Entrance Fee
Nature Walks and Community Visit
Game drives
Fees for the Park Ranger
Necessary Government taxes
Full Board Accommodation (four nights) and meals along the as indicated in your itinerary
Full time English speaking Guide-Driver
Ground Transportation by a 4WD safari vehicle
Transfers to the Airport only if your flight is on the very day the safari ends.
Safari Exclusions:
Air Fares, Visa Fees
Personal expenditures of any nature including personal insurance, telephone, accommodation, drinks, cigarettes, tips, laundry, plus meals not mentioned in your itinerary as well as all activities indicated as optional.
Kibale is a bird-watchers paradise. More than 370 species have been recorded and many are forest specials, including the sought-after African pitta. Four bird species have not been recorded in any other National park of Uganda: Cassin’s spinetail, blue-headed bee-eater, Nahan’s francolin and Masked apalis. The best bird-watching spot is the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary – a community project where experienced guides take you on a four-hour trail. Migratory birds are present from November to April.
Birding Specials–Treats for Avid Birders
(E) = endemic to Uganda & (NE) = near-endemic to Uganda
Abyssinian ground thrush
Afep pigeon
African pitta
Black bee-eater
Black-capped apalis
Black-eared ground thrush
Blue-breasted kingfisher
Blue-headed bee-eater
Blue-headed sunbird (NE)
Brown illadopsis
Brown-chested alethe
Cassin’s spinetail
Crowned eagle
Dusky crimsonwing (NE)
Green-breasted pitta
Grey parrot
Little greenbul
Masked apalis
Nahan’s francolin (NE)
Purple-breasted sunbird (NE)
Red-chested owlet
Red-faced woodland warbler (NE)
Ruwenzori apalis
Scaly-breasted illadopsis
Western nicator
White-naped pigeon
Yellow-rumped tinkerbird
Best Time for Bird Watching
The birdlife in Kibale is good year-round, but at its best from March to May and from September to November. June to September is the main fruiting season, so food is abundant, and many birds are in breeding plumage. Migratory birds can be found here from November to April.
December to February and June to July have the least rain while March to May and September to November have the most rain. The rains might result in delays due to impassable roads and slippery hiking trails, limiting your bird-watching time.
Safaris Highlights
Gorillas Trekking
Chimpanzee and Monkey Tracking
Bird Watching
Forest walking
Tour Overview
Gorilla trekking in Uganda – On this tour, we travel through western Uganda inside Kibale National Park to track chimpanzees, Kibale National Park is the largest home to the largest diversity and profusion of primates and Uganda and the whole of East Africa.
It is a large National Park, sheltering a large chunk of a rain-forest which offers one of the unique chances to trek chimpanzees and even watch birds on a primate safari in Uganda. The neighboring local community plays a significant role in park’s overall conservation. It is as well perfect for a nature walks since the Bigodi wetland sanctuary a habitat to a variety of bird types like the great blue turacco in addition to a diversity aquatic life within this wetland. The highlight of this safari will be tracking mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable forest National Park.
Actually, Mountain gorillas are among of the world’s most endangered species disappearance from the planet with more than half of its population living in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest of Uganda.
About Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in the southwestern part of Uganda on the rim of the Rift Valley. The hillsides which are mist-covered are sheltered by one of the ancient and very biologically varied rainforests in Uganda that dates back to more than 25,000 years, comprising of about 400 varied plant species. More notably, this “impenetrable forest” in addition protects an predictable 320 population of mountain gorillas – approximately half of the population in the world, among which are a number of habituated groups, that can be tracked by visitors.Bwindi is habitat to more than half the world’s population of Mountain Gorillas. actually there are over 300 mountain gorillas living here. Gorilla devotees for Uganda safaris from different corners of the world to enjoy this Ultimate Safari in Uganda – Mountain Gorilla tours / tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.The word “Bwindi” means “darkness” and taking a hike this magnificent forest will certainly unveil to you the reason why the forest was named so. You will as well be in position to fast tell why actually the forest is also regarded as Impenetrable. One requires to be realistically physically fit to take part in this mountain gorilla tracking / trekking adventure because it may involve climbing the steep terrain.
In addition to the endangered impressive mountain gorillas there are also 346 bird species and more than 200 butterfly species, about 324 species of trees, ten of which are only found in this areas in the whole of Uganda. This is really a destination to explore. Because there are few habituated Gorillas living here (gorillas that have been trained to withstand human presence and not likely to attack), actually the time offered to see them is limited and so are the permits which currently are offered at a cost of $500 per individual. No person ever complains after spending some time with these very fascinating Mountain Gorillas in Uganda within Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, which is among the most stunning rainforest anyone will ever come across.
Summary
Day 1: Drive to Kibale National Park, Nature Walk.
Day 2: Chimpanzee tracking and Nature walk in Bigodi Wetland.
Day 3: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
Day 4: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Gorilla Tracking.
Day 5: Return to Kampala.
Detailed
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Travel to Kibale Chimpanzee Forest National Park:=
Following early breakfast, you will drive westward using the Mityana to Fort Portal road, though the lavish countryside, past traditional homesteads and cattle farms. Drive through Fort Portal found in the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountain and eventually reach Kibale National Park. Dine and overnight rest at a comfortable lodge.
Luxury: Ndali Lodge or Kyaninga lodge
Mid-range: Primates Lodge
Basic: Chimpanzee guesthouse
Meal Plan: Full Board
Travel time: Approximately 7 Hours
Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking, Bird watching, Nature Walk
In the early morning tou will go to the park headquarters where you will be briefed by the park rangers about the chimp tracking activity. This activity begins at 8.00 am, and may take half of the day as you search for chimps plus other monkeys such as phoestes, grey cheeked Mangabeys, Red-Colobuses, Red-tailed and the Blue tailed swinging in the impenetrable forest. You will as well spot various bird species, butterflies as well as small insects. The park ranger will offer you detailed explanations about the primates, as well as the otherplants and animals here, which will make this walk very enjoyable and also informative. After lunch, you will explore the Bigodi wetland an eco-tourism site where you will see a profusion of wildlife particularly that associated with water.
Accommodation
Luxury: Ndali Lodge or Kyaninga lodge
Mid-range: Primates Lodge
Basic: Chimpanzee guesthouse
Meal Plan: Full Board
DAY 3: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
In the early morning you will have breakfast drive from Kibale forest National Park to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park having lunch along the way.
Accommodation:
Luxury Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge / Mahogany Springs
Mid- range Gorilla Mist Camp / Silver Back Lodge
Basic Wagtail Eco Lodge / Buhoma Community Bandas
Meal Plan: Full Board
Travel Time: Approximately 5 Hours
DAY 4: Gorilla tracking and Cultural Entertainment
In the morning you will have an early breakfast and then go to the park headquarters where you will be briefed by the guides before you begin search the Bwindi forest for the giant gorillas. Bwindi National Park is renowned for its impressive mountain gorillas, although it is unpredictable for how long you will track before finding them since it all depends on their movement. Though the time spent to track down these Gorillas is unpredictable, the thrill of spending time and observing these gentle giant gorillas is a rare, moving, awesome and exciting adventure that will leave you with long lasting memories of a truly unique experience. The gorillas are shy and peaceful animals and it is an unforgettable experience to watch and photograph them as they play and interact.
You will set out with a packed lunch and enough drinking water, and you are advised to wear strong comfortable boots plus a light rain-jacket since the weather in Bwindi Impenetrable forest is highly unpredictable. You will be availed with Walking sticks by the park rangers. Also visitors are allowed to spend only one hour with the gorillas for the purpose of conservation. The ranger guide will brief you on how to conduct yourself while in the presence of the gentle giants. In the evening, proceed to the village for a cultural walk to interact with the local people. Participate in captivating traditional performances presented by Women’s groups or orphan children groups. Note that the fees you pay for these performances go directly to improve the welfare of families around the park.
Accommodation:
Luxury: Silverback Lodge or Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Mid-range: Lake Mutanda Chameleon Hill Lodge
Basic: Wagtail Eco Lodge or Buhoma Community Bandas
Meal Plan: Full Board
Trekking Time: Irregular
DAY 5: Travel back to Kampala
After an early breakfast, you will have begin the drive back to the capital having lunch along the way driving through the beautiful countryside.
Meal Plan: Breakfast plus Lunch
Travel time: Approximately 7 to 9 hours
The Safari Package Covers:
Chimpanzee Permit
Park Entrance Fees
Cultural-Site Entrance Fee
Nature Walks and Community Visit
Game drives
Fees for the Park Ranger
Necessary Government taxes
Full Board Accommodation (four nights) and meals along the as indicated in your itinerary
Full time English speaking Guide-Driver
Ground Transportation by a 4WD safari vehicle
Transfers to the Airport only if your flight is on the very day the safari ends.
Safari Exclusions:
Air Fares, Visa Fees
Personal expenditures of any nature including personal insurance, telephone, accommodation, drinks, cigarettes, tips, laundry, plus meals not mentioned in your itinerary as well as all activities indicated as optional.
Kibale is a bird-watchers paradise. More than 370 species have been recorded and many are forest specials, including the sought-after African pitta. Four bird species have not been recorded in any other National park of Uganda: Cassin’s spinetail, blue-headed bee-eater, Nahan’s francolin and Masked apalis. The best bird-watching spot is the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary – a community project where experienced guides take you on a four-hour trail. Migratory birds are present from November to April.
Birding Specials–Treats for Avid Birders
(E) = endemic to Uganda & (NE) = near-endemic to Uganda
Abyssinian ground thrush
Afep pigeon
African pitta
Black bee-eater
Black-capped apalis
Black-eared ground thrush
Blue-breasted kingfisher
Blue-headed bee-eater
Blue-headed sunbird (NE)
Brown illadopsis
Brown-chested alethe
Cassin’s spinetail
Crowned eagle
Dusky crimsonwing (NE)
Green-breasted pitta
Grey parrot
Little greenbul
Masked apalis
Nahan’s francolin (NE)
Purple-breasted sunbird (NE)
Red-chested owlet
Red-faced woodland warbler (NE)
Ruwenzori apalis
Scaly-breasted illadopsis
Western nicator
White-naped pigeon
Yellow-rumped tinkerbird
Best Time for Bird Watching
The birdlife in Kibale is good year-round, but at its best from March to May and from September to November. June to September is the main fruiting season, so food is abundant, and many birds are in breeding plumage. Migratory birds can be found here from November to April.
December to February and June to July have the least rain while March to May and September to November have the most rain. The rains might result in delays due to impassable roads and slippery hiking trails, limiting your bird-watching time.
