This Gorilla and Chimpanzee Safari is a fantastic 6 day, accommodated safari from Entebbe, visiting Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary and the Mountain Gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda.
Uganda is a haven for the last remaining endangered Mountain Gorillas. These rare encounters are a wildlife experience like no other. This 6 day safari starts and ends in Entebbe, one of Ugandas largest towns and situated on the northern side of Victoria Lake, Africa’s largest lake. On this tour you will visit the Mountain Gorillas and stay in local hotels and lodges and be transported in customized 4×4 vehicles. You will be impressed with the high standard of accommodation.
This Safari will take you through some of the most breathtaking scenery in Africa where you will experience an interaction with one of our closest genetic relatives. Feel the aura as a Gorilla family comes close enough for you to hear them breathe the moist mountain air. Hike through dense African jungle in search of one of the world’s rarest creatures and be humbled by the power of these magnificent beasts as they accept your presence and welcome you into their domain. An added highlight is a visit to the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary on Lake Victoria. This one is for the adventurer as the mountain trekking can be quite strenuous.
If you have ever been contemplating seeing either of these wonderful animals, don’t put it off any longer.
Highlights
Entebbe • Lake Victoria • Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary • Bwindi Impenetrable Forrest National Park • Lake Mburo National Park
Price of this incredible 6 day tour:
- From $2,695 per person twin share
- From $3,150 per person single room
- Plus Gorilla permit, (US$350 low season or US$500 in the high season
Not included:
International flights are not included and are quoted at the time of booking to ensure the best available fare at all times.
Get intimate with the Gorillas:
Ask us about a private touring option for just the two of you or a small group of friends.
Includes
- Accommodation
- All meals
- Game viewing activities as per itinerary
- Professional English speaking guide
- Park entrance fees as per itinerary
- Return airport transfers
- Visit to the Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Itinerary
Day 1: Lake Victoria
On arrival in Entebbe, you’ll be met at the airport by a representative and transferred your hotel in Entebbe. After checking in and refreshing yourself. You will then board a boat at the Entebbe Pier and cross a section of Lake Victoria to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary. We have and opportunity to view a chimpanzee feeding session from the visitor’s platform. The sanctuary staff will give an interesting talk about the chimp’s and about the same sanctuary itself. As we navigate the Lake we will encounter fishing villages, observe some fantastic birds and perhaps even encounter other wildlife. We return to Entebbe for our overnight stay at the Lake Victoria Hotel. [B]
Day 2: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
This morning after breakfast we will drive via spectacular mountainous roads to the UNESCO-designated world heritage site Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. This is quite a long drive, so we will be having lunch en route and arrive at Buhoma Lodge for our three night stay in the late afternoon. This lodge is one of only two lodges situated within the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. [B, L, D]
Day 3: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Gorilla Trek
Awakening to the sounds of the jungle, you will have an early breakfast before making your way to the National Park headquarters to meet your local guides. Led by these experienced trackers, you will begin your trek to the slope of the volcano. Treks may last an hour or two, or up to 6 hours before you come across a family of Mountain gorillas, but when you do it is sure to be one of the pivotal moments of your life. Any interaction between yourself and the gorillas is completely at their discretion and they could quite easily get within a few metres of you. Once your allotted time with the gorillas is over, you will return to camp for a yummy lunch and perhaps an opportunity of a forest walk with the guides.
You could be trekking for up to 6 hours, or longer and with these high altitudes it can be quite challenging. We can’t guarantee you’ll see these wild animals, because the Gorillas have agendas of their own, however, the success rate is well over 90%. Overnighting again at Buhoma Lodge [B, L, D]
Day 4: At leisure
Today, an optional second trek or forest walk can be organised if permits are available. For those that are not doing another trek, you will be able to do a forest walk in Bwindi accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide in search of other primates and some remarkable birds. There is also the option of supporting the local economy by taking a stroll along one of the main roads and doing some curio shopping or visiting a local village. This morning after breakfast, your day will be at your own leisure from Buhoma Lodge. [B, L, D]
Day 5: Lake Mburo National Park
Heading back along the road to Kabale, we travel via the Ugandan Highlands to our overnight destination of Lake Mburo National Park. You’ll see a great variety of game, including hippo, zebra, various different antelope species and the elusive leopard as well as prolific bird life. After we arrive, check in at the luxurious Mantana Lake Mburo Tented Camp and freshen up, we can do either a walk with a local guide or go on a game drive exploring this Park. [B, L, D]
Day 6: Lake Mburo National Park
This morning after breakfast, you will have the morning at your own leisure then return to Entebbe by road by mid-afternoon, where you can explore Entebbe before being transferred to Entebbe Airport.
After a leisurely breakfast we return to Entebbe, arriving in the late afternoon. It is advisable to book an extra night in Entebbe for this night. Please do not book flights out of Entebbe before 8 pm on this day.
Entebbe is a small town located on the northern edge of Lake Victoria. Depending on your time of arrival, you may like to spend some time exploring the town on foot, or you can take a taxi to Kampala and visit the craft and curio markets, or the Kasubi Tombs and Museum there. In Entebbe there is the Wildlife Education Centre where you can see close-up the large slow-moving Shoebill Stork, or you can try your hand at golf on the local 9-hole golf course.
Additional details:
There are strict luggage restrictions that apply for all departures from South African International Airports of 20 kilos per person in Economy Class. Anything over this will be charged at R280 per kilo (approx. AUD35 per kilo).
Pre and post tour accommodation is available.
We take great care in preparing our itineraries however sometimes factors beyond our control may require modifications at a moment’s notice.
