But exploring deeper into the country’s southwestern corner, you will find a different type of creature. In the depths of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, half of the world’s remaining Wild Mountain gorillas wander freely, and you can hike through their vanishing home to see them  toil, rest and play.

October 2012 marks the 50th anniversary of Uganda’s independence from British rule, and in a bid to preserve the country’s environmental future, some government initiatives have been front lined on the political agenda. Corresponding patrols to restrain poaching are on the rise, benefit sharing schemes — including the sharing of tourism revenue with local communities have been introduced.

Only 72 trekking permits are issued each day by the Ugandan Wildlife Authority, and it is mandatory for each of them to be applied for through a registered safari operator. Starting in June, the Ugandan Wildlife Authority is expected to pursue the Rwandan government in increasing the permit rate from $500 to $750 per person. While it is an intensely debated political topic in Kampala, the capital of Uganda, many anticipate that the move will help further restriction on human-gorilla contacts and raise funds to protect the park’s boundaries from encroaching farm lands and ever flexible poachers.

The gorillas have comparable DNA to humans and are therefore are prone to illness. Diseases as simple as common colds can easily wipe out an entire faction. Park visitors must keep a bare minimum distance of seven meters from the animals at all times, and visits are limited to one hour in the company of one of three habituated families.

Due to the restrictions, the future of this decisively endangered creature looks bright especially after decades of illegal deforestation and poaching, the number of gorillas at Bwindi has stuck at around 340, and for the first time in years, it is very slowly on the rise.

But gorilla tracking is no leisurely walk in the park. It can take anywhere up to 10 hours to find the elusive creatures in the dense undergrowth. Guides lead trekkers up precipitous verges and across rivers and old pangas are used to create paths through Bwindi. It is the perfect place to live out a childhood Tarzan fantasy, with vast sheathes of trees, vines, branches and bushes surrounding trekkers as they penetrate deep into the rainforest.

Treks begin with an early morning safety briefing. Depending on gorilla movements, you can spend a morning anywhere within the park’s 331sqkm forest with either in the Mubare gorilla family, the Habinyanja or the Rushegura group. The major is the Rushegura, a 12-strong group of habituated gorillas, including what is believed to be the world’s largest silverback, named Mwirima and weighing nearly 200kg.

In his family troop is Karungi, Nyamunwa, Kibande, Nyampazi, Ruterana, Kalembezi, Buzinza and several young males, including a couple of babies. Each is so named because of their individual markings in the local Ugandan language. Their broad shoulders look menacing but their eyes show wariness and they are incredibly shy. Though the woods are dense and thick, the gorillas leave behind muddy prints the size of baseball mitts, and are easier to spot than you may think. Wherever their leader Mriwima goes, they follow, leaving battered trees with broken limbs and chewed pieces of bark and bamboo in their path.

Seeing a wild gorilla only a few metre away feels like there is confusion in the trees or a violent shake in the canopy above your head. Then there may be a bang and a clatter, or a snapped branch and dark shapes plummeting into a clearing in front of you. One should expect their adrenaline levels to rocket and, in the warm, thin air, you will realise that cowering in front of an oncoming silverback is not something you could ever get used to.

More findings on Mountain Gorillas in Uganda

• Gorillas and People
• Habitats of the Great Apes
• Mountain Gorilla Life styles
• Gorilla Tracking Permits
• Gorilla Trekking Safari Rules
• Gorilla Trekking Tour 4 days
• Gorilla Tracking Safari 7 days
• Gorilla and Chimp Tracking

Day 1: Entebbe to Kampala
On arrival at Entebbe airport, your guide fromVacation Uganda Safaris will warmly welcome you and later transfer you to a Hotel in preparation for tomorrow’s trip.

Day 2: Birding in Mabamba Wetland
After breakfast and a briefing about birding set off to Mabamba Wetland which is the nearest site for the Shoebill, Lesser Jacana, Blue Swallow, Black-Shouldered Nightjar, Afep Pigeon, Blue Breasted Bee-Eater, Papyrus Gonolek, White Winged Warbler. After bird watching return to Kampala. Over night at Speke Resort Munyonyo or Hotel International in Muyenga. B/B.

Day 3: Birdwatching trips and safaris in Lake Mburo Park
After breakfast depart for Lake Mburo National Park, having a stop- over to look at the Royal Drum makers, stand on the Equator continue to Lake Mburo National Park for the different unique fauna, gigantic Eland Antelope, as well as Zebra, Topi, Impala, and several Acacia -associated birds, Hippos, Crocodiles and a variety of water birds. Over night either at Mantana Luxurious Tented Camp or Agip Motel.

Day 4: Game drive with birding Guides
After an early breakfast head for game drive as you watch the different bird species like the Brown Chested Plover, Red Faced Barbet, Southern Ground Hornbill, Papyrus Yellow Warbler, Yellow Billed Oxpecker, African Finfoot, Black Collard Barbet etc.
Have an afternoon boat trip and later an evening game drive and overnight at either our camp in Lake Mburo or Mantana Luxurious Tented Camp or Agip Motel.

Day 5: Birding field Trips to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
After breakfast, proceed to Bwindi Impenetrable best known for its Mountain Gorillas, the Montane Forest also attracts spectacular birds. Take a nature walk through Munyaga Waterfall, discover Primates such as the Grey Cheeked Mangabey Blue monkeys and others species. Dinner and overnight at Ruhiija Guesthouse.

Day 6: Birds of the Forest
Whole day bird watching in Bwindi Forest, go to Mubwindi Swamp and later transfer to Buhoma birding enroute, then overnight at Gorilla Forest Camp or Uganda Wildlife Authority Community Bandas.

Day 7: Gorilla Tracking safari in Bwindi Forest
After an early breakfast Gorilla tracking at 8.00 a.m. We recommend that you wear good walking shoes and carry rain jacket and flask of water. Tracking can be tough and we trust you are in reasonably fit condition. You will carry a picnic lunch into the forest with you. You will be thrilled to have seen these rare primates (no guarantee) and the return journey will be easier. Dinner and overnight at Gorilla Forest Camp or the Uganda Wildlife Authority Park Bandas. Full Board

Day 8: Queen Elizabeth Birding Safari
After breakfast transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park a home of different bird species. As you enjoy bird watching see the enticing elephants and hippos. Over night at Mweya Safari Lodge or the institute of ecology.

Day 9: Bird in Queen Elizabeth Wildlife Park
After break fast enjoy a whole day bird watching in Queen Elizabeth National Park bird watching while on a game drive both in the morning and in the afternoon returning to the lodge for lunch and overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge or the Institute of Ecology.

Day 10: Birdwatching on Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise-Albertine Rift
After breakfast enjoy a boat trip along the Kazinga Channel you view wildlife up close: Hippos, Buffalo and a tremendous variety of birds grace the grasses on the river’s edge. Over night at Mweya Safari Lodge or the Institute of Ecology.

Day 11: Kibale Birding Tour
After breakfast, transfer to Kibale Forest National Park for bird watching over night at Rwenzori View Guesthouse or Ndali Lodge.

Day 12: Birds in Uganda’s Kibale Forest
Before breakfast have a chance to seeing other species like the Grey-Throated Flycatcher, Masked & Black-Capped Apalis’, Chestnut-Winged Starling, Orange -Tufted & Tiny Sunbirds and a good infrastructure & variety of interesting activities which makes this a worthwhile destination. After breakfast visit Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a superb community development fringing the Park for fruiting trees, which attract Narina Trogon, Pied Hornbill, Yellow Spotted, Hairy Breasted and Yellow-billed Barbets, over night at Guesthouse or Ndali Lodge in the evening for the overnight stay.

Day 13: Semliki Birding Safaris and Tours
After breakfast Leave for Semliki Valley Wildlife Reserve having a lunch break at the lodge Have an afternoon boat trip on Lake Albert in search for the Shoebill and other bird species and over night at Semliki Safari Lodge.

Day 14: Chimpanzee, primates and birwatching safari
After an early breakfast proceed for Chimp tracking in the Gallery Forest of the Mugiri River as you continue with bird watching to see: White-spotted Flufftail, Red-tailed Bristlebill, Red-tailed Ant-Thrush and Blue-breasted Kingfisher.
Then late afternoon, have a game drive will reveal herds of Uganda Kob, Waterbuck, Reed Buck, several monkey species as well as lots of bird opportunities. Overnight at Semliki Safari Lodge.

Day 15: Travel to Kampala
After an early breakfast leave for Kampala to catch on your flight back as you enjoy game drive.

Day 5: Nile Cruise and Birding Safari in Murchison Falls
After breakfast, take a boat cruise upstream the calm Victoria Nile to the base of Murchison falls. Have game viewing and bird watching enroute. Dinner and overnight at Paraa Safari Lodge or Paraa Rest Camp.

Day 6: Game Drives and Murchison Falls Wildlife Safaris
After breakfast, have game drive to the top of Murchison Falls stopping just a few meters from the ‘Devils Cauldron’ The falls are spectacular and thunderous with a beautiful rainbow displayed on sunny days. Drive Kibale National Park and have dinner and over night at Rwenzori View Guesthouse or Ndali Lodge.

Day 7: Birdwatchin trip and Chimpanzee tracking Safari
After Breakfast Chimpanzee tracking and bird watching at Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, then return to Rwenzori View Guesthouse or Ndali Lodge in the evening for overnight.

Day 8: Queen Elizabeth National Park Safari
After breakfast, After breakfast, depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park arriving in the afternoon for lunch at Mweya Safari Lodge after which you go for an early evening game drive. Over night at Mweya Safari Lodge or the Institute of Ecology.

Day 9: Game Drive on Queen Elizabeth Tour
After breakfast, bird watching while on a game drive both in the morning and in the afternoon returning to the lodge for lunch and over night at Mweya Safari Lodge or the Institute of Ecology.

Day 10: Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel and Birding
After a relaxed breakfast, prepare for a bout cruise along the Kazinga channel as you enjoy viewing the tremendous variety of birds grace the grasses on the river’s edge. Dinner and over night at Mweya Safari Lodge or the Institute of Ecology.

Day 11: Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Safari
After breakfast, have a game drive while leaving the park and continue through the lush hills birding enroute to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park best known for Gorillas. Dinner and overnight at Gorilla Forest Camp or the Uganda Wildlife Authority Community Bandas.

Day 12: Primate and Gorilla Trekking safari Bwindi
Mix your love of birds with gorilla tracking on this day! After an early breakfast Gorilla tracking at 8.00 a.m. We recommend that you wear good walking shoes and carry rain jacket and flask of water. Tracking can be tough and we trust you are in reasonably fit condition. You will carry a picnic lunch into the forest with you. You will be thrilled to have seen these rare primates (no guarantee) and the return journey will be easier. Dinner and overnight at Gorilla Forest Camp or the Uganda Wildlife Authority Park Bandas. Full Board

Day 13: Lake Mburo Wildlife Safaris and Tours
After breakfast, depart for Lake Mburo National Park having a game drive while entering the Park. Lake Mburo National Park has markedly different fauna to other Parks and Reserves, and its the best place in the country to see the gigantic Eland Antelope, as well as Zebra, Topi, Impala, and several Acacia -associated birds. Having an evening game drive, dinner and over night at either Mantana Luxurious Tented Camp or Agip Motel.

Day 14: Game Drive Expedition
After breakfast have a game drive while leaving the Park for Kampala, have a stop to look at the Royal Drum makers, stand on the Equator. Dinner and over night at the hotel in kampala.

Day 15: Visit Mabamba Wetlands and Travel to Entebbe
After breakfast you will set off to Mabamba Wetland the nearest site for the Shoebill Stork, Lesser Jacana, Blue Swallow, Black-Shouldered Nightjar, Afep Pigeon, Blue Breasted Bee-Eater, Papyrus Gonolek and the White Winged Warbler. Spend the whole day birding in this wetland and the surrounding areas, have a picnic lunch there returning to Entebbe in the evening to later catch your flight home depending on departure times.

Day 1: Entebbe
Arrive at Entebbe Airport. You are met by our who will warmly greet you and transfer you to a hotel in Kampala in preparation for tomorrow’s trip.

Day 2: Kampala to Murchison Falls
Begin the panoramic drive northwest through the famous Luwero Triangle and Masindi Town to Murchison Falls National Park, arriving in time for a picnic. Lunch at the spectacular situated site at the top of the fall where you can see the Nile’s beauty perfected! Marvel at the Nile, compressing from up to one km squeezed through a 7-metre canyon dropping 150 metres with a thunderous roar, creating a beautiful rainbow, a plume of spray and the best thing that happened to the Nile… ‘The Murchison Falls’ enjoy the sunset as you return to the lodge. Enjoy the superb comfort and service of Paraa Safari Lodge or Nile Safari Camp.

Day 3: Game Drive on Murchison Falls Safari and Tour
Early morning game drive on the northern bank. Your guide will help you spot elephant, lion, cape buffalo, Roth child’s giraffe, hartebeest, waterbuck, oribi, bushbuck, bohor reed buck, hyena and if you are lucky, the leopard. After a packed lunch picnic, go for a boat safari upstream the calm Victoria Nile to the base of the falls stopping just tens of meters from the ‘Devil’s Cauldron’, marvel at the toothsome hippos, crocodiles and over the 17km stretch you may see elephant, waterbuck and Uganda Kob. This is also the zone of many birds, species like goliath heron, Egyptian goose, pelican bee-eater, kingfisher, hornbill, cormorant and the rare shoebill stork. After taking shorts of the photogenic Murchison Falls, return to Paraa Lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 4: Transfer to Kibale Primate Forest National Park
All day drive south via Hoima to Fort Portal through verdant countryside and pass traditional homesteads and farms. Fort Portal rests in the shadow of the fabled ‘Mountains of the Moon’. Dinner and overnight at Kabale Tented Camp at the edge of the Kibale forest.

Day 5: Kibale Primates and Chimpanzee Trekking
All day search of chimpanzee and ten other primates including, phoestes monkey, red-colobus monkey, red-tailed monkey and cheeked-cheeked Mangabey. The guide will provide explanation, not only on primates, but also on all the forest’s fauna and flora and will insure that your walk is both informative and enjoyable. This walk is excellent for viewing bird life and seeing primates at close quarters. Dinner and overnight at Kabale Tented Camp.

Day 6: Queen Elizabeth National Park wildlife Expedition
Proceed to Queen Elizabeth National Park following the mystical Rwenzori Mountain Range. A game drive enroute to view lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo, hyena and a variety of antelope species. Enjoy the unique 2-hour boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel into Lake Edward. This trip passes through possibly the highest concentration of hippos. This launch/cruise offers and excellent platform for photography, bird watching and game viewing. The prolific bird life is colorful and stupendous, with well over 550 resident species. Dinner and overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge or the Jacana Safari Lodge for 2 nights.

Day 7: Game Drives, Birding and boat cruises in Queen Eilzabeth Park
Two drives today. Queen Elizabeth National Park’s diverse eco-system of grassy plains, tropical forest, rivers, swamps, lakes and volcanic craters is home to an incredible abundance of wildlife. Game drives in this park, with the massive Rwenzori as backdrop, provides excellent opportunities to see lion, leopard, giant forest hog, cape buffalo, elephant, defassa waterbuck, Uganda Kob, topi and bushbuck. These two game drives and the boat trip (taken prior) are memorable methods of discovering a vast array of Ugandan wildlife.

Day 8: Mount Rwenzori Holiday Tour
Drive through the ‘Switzerland of Africa area known as the Kigezi Highlands with its terraced hillside and winding roads to Kisoro or Bwindi. Dinner and overnight stay at Volcano Tented Camp.

Day 9: Apes, Primates and Gorilla Safari Uganda
Early morning entry into the gorilla sanctuary. The rainforest is spectacular. It offers a dramatic, steeply forested landscape and is incredibly dense, but crisscrossed by numerous animal’s trails allowing access to tourists. Mammals recorded include the endangered Mt. Gorilla, rare golden monkey, buffalo, elephant, black-fronted duiker, bushbuck, leopard, giant forest hog and others. This park is best known for the fascinating gorillas. The time taken and the terrain varies according to the movements of the marvelous primates. The thrill of spending time and observing the gorillas is a rare moving, awesome and exciting adventure. The gorilla is a shy and peaceful animal and it is an unforgettable experience to watch and photograph them as they interact. Dinner and overnight at the Volcano Tented Camp.

Day 10: Birding Safari in Bwindi Forest and Rwenzoril Mountains
Birdwatching trip in Bwidi National Park and Rwenzoril Mountains. Dinner and overnight stay at the Volcano Tented Camp.

Day 11: Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga National Park
Gorilla tracking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Dinner and overnight at Traveler’s Rest Camp.

Day 12: Lake Bunyonyi Expedition and Tour
Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi. This mountain tarn is surrounded by terraced hills. Enjoy bilharzias free swimming, dug out canoeing, sunbathing, hilly walks or mountain bike riding and raw fishing. Dinner and overnight stay at the Swedish run Far Out Island Camp.

Day 13: Tour to Lake Mburo Wildlife and Birds Park
After an early morning breakfast, you will drive to Lake Mburo National Park. Enter the Park through the Nshara Gate. Afternoon game drive along the lakeshore track. With its own system of game trails and cleared walkways, the ‘Kigambara Loop’ offers interesting guided lakeside walks. Find here herds of zebra, cape buffalo and eland. Pribi and topi are easily approached. Along with the game drive, many visitors enjoy a boat trip on Lake Mburo. Self-guided nature trails are also available. Birdwatchers will enjoy more than 250 species of birds found in Lake Mburo, including Papyrus Gonolek, Brown-faced Lapwing, Carruther’s Cisticola, the extraordinary White winged Warbler and Bare-Faced Go-away bird. Return to Lake Mburo Tented Camp for candlelit dinner and first class service, all under canvas in the heart of African Bush underneath the starlit African sky.

Day 14: Walking safari folowing Trails
After breakfast, proceed for a game drive or a safari walk under the escort of an armed ranger. The Kopjes are particularly interesting and camouflage kilspringers and topis. Due to cattle herding in the area it is amusing to see zebra grazing alongside the long horned ankore cattle peaceably. Return for lunch which should be taken leisurely enjoying the view of the lakes in this park. Enjoy the boat ride on Lake Mburo and get quite close to the croc and hippos. This is the only park where you are not entirely imprisoned in a vehicle. Dinner and overnight stay at Lake Mburo Tented Camp.

Day 15: Travel to Kampala
After breakfast, off you go for one more game drive. After lunch, drive back to Kampala, stopping at the Mpigi Royal Drum Makers enroute where you will be able to watch the ceremonial drums being crafted using methods passed down through the generations. There will also be time to stop at the Equator for photographs. You will arrive in Kampala in the early evening.

Day 1: Entebbe to Kampala
Arrive at Entebbe Airport. You are met by our staff who will warmly greet you and transfer you to a hotel in Kampala in preparation for tomorrow id trip.

Day 2: Get Instuctions for a Hiking Expedition
After Breakfast, you have a briefing about the climb and then proceed to Fort portal. On arrival, your guide will go to the park headquarters and the Rwenzori Mountaineering Services concessions to arrange payments, rent equipment and select guides and porters for the following day’s journey. Dinner and over night at Rwenzori View Guesthouse.

Day 3: Rwenzori Trek to Nyabitaba hut
After an early breakfast, proceed for a 40 minute hike walking past typical ” wattle and mud” Buhonjo home to the National Park boundary. The trail then follows the Mahoma River after about two and a half hours. Continue with an hour hike as you game view to bracken fern slopes and Podocarpus forest up to Nyabitaba Hut. Over night at Nyabitaba hut.

Day 4: Continue with the Trail to Nyamilegu hut
Early morning after breakfast, proceed to Kurt Shafer Bridge crossing through Bujuku and Mubuku Rivers. As you cross the bridge endevour to pass through the bamboo forest considered the most difficult and dangerous footing at Nyamilegu meaning a place of breads. Over night at Nyamilegu hut.

Day 5: Rwenzori Hike to John matt hut
After breakfast, you will continue to enjoy at extra ordinary vegetation as you trail John Matte Hut, examine and photograph this unique environment. Over night at John matt hut.

Day 6: Climb the Mountain until Bujuku point
Early morning assault on vittoria emmuele the highest point on Mt. Speke returning to Bujuku. View game and Mt Stanley and north to Mt. Speke as you trial. Over night at Bujuku.

Day 7: Ascend from bujuku to kitandara
After break fast ascend from bujuku to kitandara hut via the Scottie Elliot pass. Enjoy trailing the wet icy treacherous slippery trails. Overnight at Kitandara Lake Hut.

Day 8: Walk to Nyabitaba
After breakfast, hike back to the headquarters having a stop over at Nyabitaba hut for a night.

Day 9: Rwenzori view quest house
Early morning continue with the safari to catch a beverage, beer and luxurious candlelight meal done by the local ladies group. Over night at Rwenzori view quest house.

Day 10: Back to Kampala
After breakfast, transfer to Kampala and later catch your flight back home depending on International departure times.

Day 1: Airport – Kampala City
Arrive at Entebbe Airport. You are met by our staff who will warmly greet you and transfer you to Kampala. Here we check in to our hotel in preparation for the beginning of our trip tomorrow.

Day 2: Kampala to Murchison Falls National Park
Begin the panoramic drive northwest through the famous Luwero Triangle and Masindi Town to Murchison falls National Park arriving in time for a picnic. Lunch at the spectacular situated site at the top of the fall where you can see the Nile’s beauty perfected! Marvel at the Nile, compressing from up to one km squeezed through a 7 metre canyon dropping 150 metres with a thunderous roar, creating a beautify rainbow, a plume of spray and the best thing that happened to the Nile… “The Murchison Falls’ enjoy the sunset as you return to the lodge. Enjoy the superb comfort and service of Paraa Safari Lodge or Nile Safari Camp.

Day 3: Wildlife Safari  in Murchison National Park
Cross the placid Victoria Nile to the Northern bank. Your guide will help you spot elephant, lion, cape buffalo, Roth child’s giraffe, hartebeest, waterbuck, oribi, bushbuck, bohor reed buck, hyena and if you are lucky, the leopard. After a packed lunch picnic, go for a boat safari upstream the calm Victoria Nile to the base of the falls stopping just tens of meters from the ‘Devil’s Cauldron’, marvel at the toothsome hippos, crocodiles and over the 17km stretch you may see elephant, waterbuck and Uganda cob. This is also the zone of many bird species like goliath heron, Egyptian goose, pelican bee-eater, kingfisher, hornbill, cormorant and the rare shoebill stork.

Day 4: Murchison Falls to Kibale Primate Safari Park
All day drive south via Hoima to Fort Portal through verdant countryside and pass traditional homesteads and farms. Ft. Portal rests in the shadow of the fabled ‘Mountains of the Moon’. Dinner and overnight at Kabale Tented Camp.

Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking Safari in Kibale Forest
Full day search of chimpanzee and ten other primates including phoestes, red-colobus, blues, red-tailed and gray-cheeked Mangabey. The guide will provide explanations, not only on primates, but also on all the forest’s fauna and flora and will insure that your walk is both informative and enjoyable. This walk is excellent for viewing bird life and seeing primates at close quarters. Dinner and overnight at Kabale Tented Camp.

Day 6:  Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Proceed to Queen Elizabeth National Park following the mystical Rwenzori Mountain Range. A game drive enroute to view lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo, hyena and a variety of antelope species. Enjoy the unique 2-hour boat cruise on the Kazinga channel into Lake Edward. This trip passes through possibly the highest concentration of hippos. This launch/cruise offers an excellent platform for photography, bird watching and game viewing. The prolific bird life is colorful and stupendous, with well over 550 resident species. Dinner and overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge or the Jacana Safari Lodge for 2 nights.

Day 7: Game Drive on  Queen Elizabeth Wildlife Tour
Two drives today. Queen Elizabeth National Park’s diverse Eco-system of grassy plains, tropical forests, rivers, swamps, lakes and volcanic craters is home to an incredible abundance of wildlife. Game drives in this park, with the massive Rwenzori as a backdrop, provides excellent opportunities to see lions, leopard, giant forest hop, Cape buffalo, elephant, defassa waterbuck, Uganda Kob, topi and bushbuck. These two game drives and the boat trip (taken prior) are memorable method of discovering a vast array of Ugandan wildlife.

Day 8: Primate Safari in Maramagambo Forest
Early morning departure to Maramagambo Forest, visitors can climb through tropical forest and catch a glimpse of a variety of primates, including chimpanzee. Visit the bat caves and the ‘Blue Lake’. Drive onwards to Kampala with a stopover in Mbarara for lunch, arriving early evening.

Visit Kabarole and enjoy this delightful scenic area called “The Best in the West”. Here you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the Rwenzori Mountains, the legendary “Mountains of the Moon”. You’ll trek in the Kibale Forest National Park – an outstanding tropical rainforest environment, you’ll see sensationally beautiful crater lakes, you marvel at the magnificent kindness and hospitality that you’ll be offered – everywhere!

Day 1
On arrival at the Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your guide from Crystal Travel Service who will then transfer you to Speke Resort Munyonyo for the overnight stay or Hotel International Muyenga.

Day 2
After breakfast, and a briefing from a staff from crystal travel service set off your journey to the west of Uganda through Mubende having lunch en route. Traveling through breathtaking scenery and delightful rolling tea plantations, arriving at Fort Portal, connecting to Crater Valley Kibale accommodation locally owned and provides basic facilities in a delightful situation on the beautiful Lake Nyabikere. Dinner and overnight at Rwenzori View Guest House.

Day 3
After a good breakfast, set off to Kibale Forest National Park for chimp tracking, primate viewing and nature guided walks. Lunch break at Crater Valley Kibale Dinner and overnight at Ndali Lodge or Rwenzori View Guest House.

Day 4
After an early breakfast, leave for a guided walk at Magombe Swamp where you’ll be able to spot monkeys, exotic birds and butterflies. Free afternoon rest and relaxation. Dinner and overnight at Ndali Lodge. Ndali Lodge has magnificent 360-degree views.

Day 5
An early departure – but well worth it! to Semliki Valley. This valley is known as the “Garden of Eden” and has a magnificent view of the River Semliki meandering to Lake Albert. You will stop to visit a local farmer and have a tour of his farm then take a picnic lunch at the hot water springs. Spend the evening on a forest walk in the tropical Rain Forest of the Semliki Wildlife Valley reserve. Having dined and stay at the Semliki Safari Lodge.

Day 6
After breakfast, you’ll experience a day of real discovery. You’ll visit a local community in the foothills of the Rwenzoris – the inhabitants are looking forward to welcoming and entertaining you. After touring the area, you’ll visit the local Witch Doctor at his home, take a long lunch at the Kamugha Rest House and enjoy entertainment provided by the Bakonjo and Batoro (if available), before visiting the local women’s group creating artifacts to provide for the community. Dinner and overnight at Semliki Safari Lodge.

Day 7
After breakfast departure for Kampala arriving in the early afternoon and later catch your flight back home.

DAY ONE
Pick up from Entebbe International air port by our staff and travel to Kampala. Drive to Murchison falls N.P via the top of the falls. Overnight Paraa lodge. Full board.

DAY TWO
Safari activities include- early morning and late afternoon game drives, boat cruise on the Nile to the bottom of the falls, known for Nile crocodiles, hippos, and bird life. Chances of sighting the rare Shoebill stork are high. Overnight Paraa lodge.

DAY THREE
You will visit Budongo forest to trek chimpanzees and other primate this morning. Budongo forest is an isolated area, characterized by its huge Mahogany and Iron wood trees; this block of the forest has never been logged. Chances of sighting some endemic birds plus seven species of primates.

Drive to Kampala/Entebbe.

DAY ONE
Pick up from Entebbe International air port by our staff and travel to Kampala. Take lunch and drive to QENP, over night at Mweya safari lodge.

DAY TWO
Mweya is stunningly stuated over looking the Kazinga channel on the one side, and L. Edward on the other side. This offers fantastic views especially of animals coming down to drink water.

Activities include- boat cruises on Kazinga channel, famous for hippos and bird life, and a drive through the volcanoes (crater area)-with excellent scenery. Early morning and late afternoon game viewing/drives are conducted. Full board basis.

DAY THREE
Drive to Entebbe/Kampala with game drive en route. You may trek chimpanzees this morning in the Chambura gorge if desired. Overnight at hotel. BB.

ENTEBBE
Take a boat ride to Ngamba Island and spend time with the chips. These amazing cousins to man were rescued from captivity and set free to roam this island, just an hour away from Entebbe by speed boat. You get there in time to see the chimps being fed. You can also swim or go kayaking as long as you avoid the hippos!

JINJA TOWN TOUR
Jinja was previously the industrial capital of Uganda. It is best know for the source of the River Nile at the now submerged Rippon Falls. Owen Fall Dam, located just downstream from the source of its 4000 mile journey to the Mediterranean from Lake Victoria. Join us to see the source of the Nile and the surrounding environs.

Depart from Kampala, heading east to Jinja passing coffee, tea, sugar plantations and colourful roadside fruit. Vegetable markets. First stop is at Mabira Forest to see primates, birds and butterflies and on to the Owen Falls Dam and the submerged source of the Nile. Lunch at the exquisitely beautiful Samuka Island for you to enjoy a variety of sumptuous African dishes on offer. This is the place to be! Spend the afternoon relaxing at Bujagali Falls where several rapids are situated close together.

SIPI FALLS – Foothill of Mt. Elgon
Sipi Falls – “The most beautiful and romantic waterfall in whole of Uganda” – Lonely Planet Guide.
Sipi Falls Rest Camp, overlooking Uganda’s most romantic and beautiful waterfall, is the perfect place to relax and explore the foothills of Mt Elgon. The Camp, with its thatched cottages, is built around a tiny Governor’s retreat, overlooking the Karamajong plains. Go for rambles, climb Mt. Elgon, or do nothing! Explore Eastern Uganda and Kidepo. Five thatched banda with private facilities. Five hours from Kampala.

LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK
L. Mburo is the best place in the country to see the gigantic eland antelope, as well as zebra, waterbuck, Klipspringer and the rare topi, impala, and several acacia-associated birds. The five lakes within the park attract hippos, crocodiles and a variety of water birds, while fringing swamps hide secretive papyrus specialists such as the sitatunga antelopes and red, black and yellow papyrus gonalek. Mburo is the closest National Park to Kampala and offers a refreshing stopover when traveling to and from the western parks and reserves.

FISHING TRIPS
Uganda borders the largest freshwater lake in the world. L. Victoria, which has a large family of fresh water fish, is a very attractive fishing destination. As well 20% of the Country is water, lakes, rivers, swamps… virtual paradise.

LAKE VICTORIA ENTEBBE
Using a motor boat, plunge into the lake for a day of excitement. Pull in a huge 70Kg Nile Perch or try your experience for a Tilapia or two.

With Vacation Uganda Safaris, we design safaris to show you as much as possible, to make the most of your tour to Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda. We have a variety of safaris that we offer to our clients and sure you will find one of your interests or depending on the safari attractions you may wish to see.

Take time to read through our tour and travel options so that you find the best for your self.

Chimpanzee Trekking, Apes Trekking Safaris
Chimpanzees are among the endangered species of the great Apes family in Africa closest to human beings. Uganda is one of the African countries home to these primates. It is very amazing viewing them and their behaviors when caring for the young ones, feeding and climbing trees. The trekking can be done either in the morning or afternoon in Kyambura Gorge (QENP), Kibale national park, Bundongo forest and Ngamba Island chimpanzee sanctuary where a number of chimps need alot of care and attention. A part from the habituated chimpanzees there are also other primates like black and white colobus monkey, red tailed monkey, golden monkey and grey-checked mangabey.

Mountain Gorillas
Mountain gorillas are one of Uganda’s top tourist attractions. Uganda is home to half of the world’s surving population of these endangered species. These precious, beautiful gorillas can only be found in the tropical rainforests of Mgahinga gorilla national park and Bwindi Impenetrable national park where four families are available for tracking. This activity gives our tourists a memorable experience.

Game-scenic viewing and wildlife safaris
Uganda’s national parks have a rich diversity of wildlife species which gives a great opportunity to explore animals in their natural habitants. Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, Lake Mburo, Semiliki and Kidepo Valley national parks offers wildlife safaris and scenic veiwing.The boat/launch trips are an added advantage to view wildlife.

Rwenzori and Elgon mountains
Rwenzori mountains are known as the “mountains of the moon” reaching an elevation, 5109m. The six snow capped mountains with unique vegetations provides a lifetime rewarding, adventerous climbing experience. The Italian Duke of Abruzzi, Prince Liugi Amedeo was the first climber to reach the highest peak. The central circuit takes 7 days, but there is an option to hike for fewer days. Mount Elgon being an extinct volcano with everlasting flowers offers hiking through the different trail heads.

Bird Watching
Uganda is among the worlds best birding destination which boasts a great number of unique bird species totaling to over 1,000 species some of which are found nowhere else in the world. It is because of the favourable climate and attractive habitat. Birding sites include Mabamba falls, Mabira forest, Queen Elizabeth national park, Murchison falls national park, Lake Mburo national park, Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, semuliki national park and wildlife reserve, Bwindi impenetrable national park.

Species include crowned eagle, green breasted pitta,rare shoebill stork, papyrus gonolek,yellow pancy,red glider, blue mother of pearl,whote-thighed hornbill, brown parrot, African fish eagle, black bishop, papyrus yellow warbler,rwenzori turaco,francolins,olive pigeon, fan-tailed raven and black headed plover.

Nature Walks and Hiking Tours
Most of Uganda’s beautiful national parks provide natural walks in the tropical rain forests with the help of guides. It enables to feel, hear and see birds, plant species and sounds from different inhabitants.

White water Rafting and Source of the Nile
The source of the Nile is located in Uganda, Jinja and because of the rapid water falls makes it a famous destination for rafting and bungee jumping. A combination of Bujagali falls with roaming rapids; good scenery attracts many for relaxation. White water rafting can take half day, full day or two days.

Cultural Tourism
Though a small country, Uganda has different tribes with varying cultural traditions, customs, beliefs and backgrounds. The various regions of Uganda have kingdoms such as Buganda, bunyoro, tooro and busoga. The baganda are the dominant. Tribe in Kampala which is Uganda’s capital city where we find the royal tombs (kasubi tombs).Because of the different cultures it involves a number of attractions, ceremonioes and historical events. Music ,dancing, visit of traditional sites like Mparo tombs,Kasubi tombs,Nakayima tree, local traditional beliefs,handcrafts,kabakas lake and experiencing circumcision ceremonies among the Bagisu. The rich cultural traditions have led to the development of community tourism which has helped in improvement of the local communities in Uganda. All the cultural activities are eco-friendly and culturally respected.

Sport Fishing and sight seeing
Uganda is well endowed with a number of lakes and rivers. Sport fishing can be done on Murchison falls national park and Lake Victoria which is the largest fresh water in the world.Tilipia is the common specie. Sight seeing in Kampala, Uganda’s capital city founded on seven hills. The places to visit include kasubi tombs, Bahai Hindu temple; Kabakas Lake, Uganda martyrs shrine, Uganda museum, and Namirembe and Rubaga cathedral and African exposure craft market. Kampala is a safe town, offers alot of entertainment and one is free to walk around and shop in the city centre.

Ssese Islands on Lake Victoria
Lake Victoria inhabits 84 beautiful Islands which are still virgin. This offers a great opportunity for relaxation on the beaches while enjoying and feeling the cool lake breeze. While on the islands you can do a forest walk or natural walks and boat rides. The islands can be accessed through public transport from either bukakata that takes 45 minutes or nakiwooko ship from Entebbe which takes 3 hours. There are possibilities of hiring private boats.
Honeymoon Safaris
Mountain climbing
Water Adventure safaris
Family expeditions
Group vacation Tours
Taylor made holiday tours
Walking Safaris
Luxury safaris
Educational tours
Excursions

The vegetation is typical of afro-montane comprising a montane forest’ belt, a bamboo zone, an ericaceous belt and an alpine zone thus making it suitable for a range of other mammals including the rare golden monkey, buffalo and elephant, although the latter are rarely encountered by visitors.

Mgahinga provides six gorilla tracking permits per day, and although these are bookable in advance it is only expected, and not guaranteed that visitors will see the gorillas, as they move over the border to Democratic Republic of Congo for an average of 1-2 days per month. Thus suitable for those who are unable to secure permits for Bwindi and are very keen to see the gorillas, and are willing to take a chance.

As well as the gorilla viewing available, the park offers the opportunity to climb one to the Volcanoes, take a nature walk or visit the caves within the boundaries.

For years, mount Elgon remained the exclusive domain of the serious backpacker because good birding trails were non-existent and relatively intact habitat a long day’s hike from the nearest road. This neglect by birders was further compounded by the presence of productive, more accessible forest areas in south western Uganda.

With the recent construction of the “Forest Exploration Centre” at Kapchorwa allowing birders access to excellent montane forest, this site can easily be incorporated into a 5-6 day “Eastern Extension” that includes the localities
for Fox’s Weaver and the arid savannah around Moroto.

The mountain is excellent for hiking and does not require any climbing equipment or skills. Full trekking course takes about 4 to 5 days to complete but there also 3-7km route that take 3days. The Sipi falls not far from the park are an addition to your experience.

The trekking circuit has 5 camping sites along it in addition to the accommodation at Kapkwata rest house and the Forest exploration centre.

Containing Africa’s third highest peak (Margherita at 5109 above sea level), and several vegetative zones, plainly demarcated by temperature and altitude, and easily apparent to the hiker, the Rwenzoris have for visitors more than merely the spectacular scenery that can be admired along the route.

A typical Rwenzori hike would comprise a “Central Circuit Trail” (about 6-7 days) with the option of scaling a peak (extra 1-2 day), although shorter hikes can be arranged (2-3 days) for those merely wishing to experience a taste of this spectacular range. Accommodation along the route is on bunk beds, in huts that sleep a maximum of 15 people. It should be stressed that even on the circuit, altitudes of over 4000m are reached and during the hike other difficulties from marsh and mud to scree and steep descents mean that the trip should not be taken lightly.

Despite the presence of porters to carry food and equipment, hikers should be prepared for an often arduous but ultimately rewarding trek and should come fully prepared both physically and with the right equipment – warm and waterproof clothing, sturdy walking boots, sleeping bags, woolen hat and gloves etc: (further details available on request). It should also be noted that the dry seasons (July-August and December – February) are by far the best times to tackle the trip and outside these times a hiker’s enjoyment may be impaired by poor weather and adverse conditions.

It can be reached by air and by road thus visitors are guaranteed an almost private safari. With 80 species, Kidepo supports a wider diversity of mammals than any other Ugandan park and the animals you should expect to see include zebras, herds of elephants and buffalo, dik-dik, lesser kudu and waterbuck. Sightings of lion and giraffe are common, while more rare is the possibility of seeing leopard and cheetah.

The game viewing is particularly spectacular during the dry season when the animals remain in one valley, overlooked by Apoka safari lodge, ornithologists the official checklist includes 462 species with verraux’s eagle, the lammergeyer and five different species of hornbills amongst them. Kidepo, due to its remote location is unique park that enchants the few who reach there and it would almost definitely be the high point of any African safari.

Visitors will be treated to spectacular views as the road descends the Rwenzoris from Fort Portal some 46km away. On arrival in the park they can visit the hot springs and small waterfalls of the area or enjoy a forest walk, often seeing black and white colobus, red tailed monkey and baboons as well as other primates. For the enthusiasts there are over 400 species of birds and approximately 300 species of butterflies that can be seen.

Also from the park one of the surrounding pygmy communities can be visited although due to the large number of visitors in the past this is often a fairly contrived experience.

Semliki is mainly for those who want to get off the main tourist circuit, and is ideal for wildlife special interest groups.

The park provides ideal habitats for many species of wildlife, including hippo and crocodile around the lake. On land there are herds of buffalo, zebra, eland and other antelope as well as impala. There are also leopard, hyenas and jackals in the park although these are rarely seen.

This less pronounced presence of the larger predators means that visitors have the rare opportunity of a walking Safari, enabling a very different wildlife experience to when restricted to vehicles. The park is also famous for its birdlife which includes the rare shoebill, the abyssinia ground hombill, and the saddlebill stork, as well as many other species and in particular waterbirds.

Added to this, approximately 352 species of bird (some endemic) can be seen, making the forest a popular destination for many people with diverse interests. The forest walks leave both Morning and afternoon and last between 2-3 hours.

Group sizes are limited to six people in order to limit damage done to the forest by each group, although there is no specific restriction on the number of groups that can visit the forest in one day.

Features within the park include; a launch trip on the Kazinga Channel – a strip of water joining the park’s two large lakes, spectacular game driving in the crater lake area.  Since Uganda’s return to stability in the mid 1980’s, the numbers of game have increased dramatically and visitors can easily expect to see elephants, buffalo, hippo (the Kazinga Channel has one of the highest concentrations of hippo in Africa), lion, the endemic Uganda Kob and with luck leopard, which although they are in the park in large numbers, are difficult to spot due to their nocturnal and shy nature. The bird life is also spectacular, with saddlebill storks, fish eagles, cormorants and kingfishers to name but a few.

With more time available it is also possible to visit Ishasha in the southern sector corner of the park for a more remote view of an African safari. and home to the tree climbing lions. it ensures the visitor a more “off the beaten track” game driving environment.

Both the northern end of the park, and Ishasha have airstrips allowing for their inclusion on flying safaris. Ishasha is also used for flying safaris to Bwindi as it is the most conveniently located landing strip.

Since the late Diana Fossey brought their plight into the world spotlight, the numbers of this unique mammal have remained fairly constant with a worldwide population of approximately 600 (over half of which live in this park).

There are two habituated groups of mountain gorillas with a maximum of six visitors to each group per day. Due to these restricted numbers it is best to book permits as far in advance as possible in order to avoid disappointment. The park ranges between 1160metres and 2607metres in altitude and contains at least 120 species of mammals, making it one of the richest ecosystems in Africa.

Although the main activity is mountain gorilla tracking, visitors may also see chimpanzee, blue monkey and baboon. As well as these other primates there are some 346 species of birds, 202 species of butterflies and 163 species of trees, thus catering for nature enthusiasts of all kinds.

The trekkers of gorillas in Bwindi national park must follow the rules and regulations for gorilla tours. The rules will be speculated to you by our staff and also by the tour guide before the search for these apes is on, at the starting point. Please endevour to abide by them for conservation purposes of the endangered species.

Highlights of a visit to the park include a launch trip to the bottom of the falls, along the river Nile during which large numbers of hippo and crocodile can be seen as well as elephant, giraffe, buffalo and the other “big game” coming down to drink. Views from the top of the falls are also spectacular and a visit there is “a must” giving the opportunity to get soaked by the spray, or merely witness the rapids leading to the falls and the spectacular scenery beyond them.

During game drives there is the opportunity to view elephant, giraffe, buffalo, a profusion of antelope and for those who are lucky, can see leopard or spotted hyena which represent the parks carnivores. For bird watchers the varying habitant, Particularly around the river and Lake Albert in the west, makes for excellent viewing, with amongst others the opportunity to see the rare shoebill.

The park has had various development projects including improvements in roads, accommodation and infrastructure in general. The park’s airstrip makes it a convenient destination for flying safari.

Explore the fascinating “Pearl of Africa” and all her riches on a Uganda tour on one of tailor made safari itinerary for Vacations Uganda safari company. The safari destinations in Uganda, especially the national parks are situated in one of the many remote locations south and north of equatorial East Africa.

There are some places you would go to on a safari and then there are places that make the safari special. With so many things to do and see, Uganda is provided as a true safari destination with national parks comprising of Murchison falls, Bwindi gorilla forest with gorilla trekking adventures , Queen Elizabeth wildlife park and Kibale forest popular for chimpanzee tracking safari. Other safari parks or destinations are; Lake Mburo safari park, Lake Bunyonyi, Semliki national park, Kidepo valley, mountains Rwenzori and Elgon for hiking, Mgahinga gorilla park. The great River Nile, Ssese Islands, Ngamba Chimp Island, birding sites, sipi falls and much more since the list is endless.

A gorilla safari at Bwindi and Mgahinga forest parks, is undoubtedly the top preferred tour for all most any tourist to Uganda. Uganda is the only country where the endangered mountain gorilla can be seen in its natural habitat. Uganda hosts more than half of the remaining mountain gorillas in the world. A permit for a gorilla costs US $500 and must always be booked in advance since the number of people allowed to see these creatures is always limited.

Personal tastes will affect your itinerary a great deal, and we would recommend that you make your choices taking into consideration your need for comfort or your ability and desire to rough it, in case of adventure.

Murchison falls widlife park
Highlights of a visit to the park include a launch trip to the bottom of the falls, along the river Nile during which large numbers of hippo and crocodile can be seen as well as elephant, giraffe, buffalo and the other “big game” coming down to drink. Views from the top of the falls are also spectacular and a visit there is “a must” giving the opportunity to get soaked by the spray, or merely witness the rapids leading to the falls and the spectacular scenery beyond them.

Bwindi gorilla tracking park
There are two habituated groups of mountain gorillas with a maximum of six visitors to each group per day. Due to these restricted numbers it is best to book permits as far in advance as possible in order to avoid disappointment. Although the main activity is mountain gorilla tracking, visitors may also see chimpanzee, blue monkey and baboon.

Queen Elizabeth safari park
Features within the park include; a launch trip on the Kazinga Channel – a strip of water joining the park’s two large lakes, spectacular game driving in the crater lake area. Visitors can easily expect to see elephants, buffalo, hippo (the Kazinga Channel has one of the highest concentrations of hippo in Africa), lion, the endemic Uganda Kob and with luck leopard, which although they are in the park in large numbers, are difficult to spot due to their nocturnal and shy nature.

Kibale forest tours
The Kibale forest lies east of the Rwenzori Mountains and is predominantly composed of mature tropical rainfall forest. This makes it an ideal habitat for primates and is why the forest supports the highest number of primate species in Uganda. Chimpanzee tracking is the most popular safari activity in this park

Lake Mburo safari park
The park provides ideal habitats for many species of wildlife, including hippo and crocodile around the lake. On land there are herds of buffalo, zebra, eland and other antelope as well as impala. There are also leopard, hyenas and jackals in the park although these are rarely seen.

Lake Bunyonyi,

Semliki national park
One of Uganda’s newest National Parks, located in the northern foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains, Semliki is composed primarily of tropical lowland forest. It is most known by it hot springs.

Kidepo valley
Kidepo is located in the extreme northeastern corner of Uganda on the border with Kenya and Sudan and is not only one of Uganda’s most impressive parks. Kidepo supports a wider diversity of mammals than any other Ugandan park and the animals you should expect to see include zebras, herds of elephants and buffalo, dik-dik, lesser kudu and waterbuck.

Mountain Rwenzori
The Rwenzori Mountains or Mountains of the Moon are 120 km long and 48 km wide and were forced up during the creation of the East African Rift Valley system. A typical Rwenzori hike would comprise a “Central Circuit Trail” (about 6-7 days) with the option of scaling a peak (extra 1-2 day), although shorter hikes can be arranged (2-3 days) for those merely wishing to experience a taste of this spectacular range. Accommodation along the route is on bunk beds, in huts that sleep a maximum of 15 people

Mountain Elgon hiking park
The park has magnificent water falls, gorges, hot springs, caves and is a home to over 300 Bird species and numerous wildlife varieties.The mountain is excellent for hiking and does not require any climbing equipment or skills. Full trekking course takes about 4 to 5 days to complete but there also 3-7km route that take 3days. The Sipi falls not far from the park are an addition to your experience.

Mgahinga gorilla park
Mgahinga is Uganda’s smallest National Park at 33.7sq km, and sits in the southwest -corner of the, country on the Virunga range of volcanoes bordering Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. Mgahinga provides six gorilla tracking permits per day, and although these are bookable in advance it is only expected, and not guaranteed that visitors will see the gorillas.

Ngamba Chimpanzee Island
One of the Island of Lake Victoria, Ngamba Island is a habitat to many orphan chimpanzees in Uganda. Once the young chimpanzee loses it parent, it transferred to the island to be cared for. They are first held in reserve in a holding house so as to get used to the environment and later join the others in the forest.

Day One
Arrive at the Entebbe International Airport, pick and transfer to you respective accommodation for dinner and overnight.

Day Two
Begin your safari, drive through the famous Luwero Triangle then through Masindi town to Murchison Falls National Park. Have picnic lunch at the spectacular site on top of the falls while viewing the River Nile’s beauty perfected. Dine and stay overnight at Paraa Safari Lodge.

Day Three
Early morning game drive via the Nyamsika Plateau, marvel at elephants, lions, buffalos, giraffes, hartebeests and many more wild animals. After lunch, proceed for a boat trip on placid Victoria Nile upstream to the base of the falls; en route you will see hippos, crocodiles, waterbuck and a wide variety of birds. The boat stops just a couple of meters from the “Devils Cauldron.” Take pictures of the photogenic and majestic Murchison Falls.
Return to the Paraa Safari lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day Four
All day drive south via Hoima to Fort Portal through the countryside filled with traditional homesteads and farms. Lunch in Fort Portal town. Fort Portal town rests in the shadow of the fabled “Mountains of the Moon”.
Dine and stay overnight at Ndali lodge.

Day Five
Search for Chimpanzees and 10 other primates including I’hoestes, red Colubus monkeys, blue, red tailed and gray magabeys (types of monkeys). The guide will provide detailed explanation on primate forest flora and fauna as you enjoy your picnic lunch. Dine and overnight at Ndali lodge.

Day Six
Proceed to Queen Elizabeth National Park following the scenic Rwenzori Mountain ranges for most of the journey. Game drive on the way to Queen Elizabeth National Park; be rewarded with sight of lions, antelopes, elephants, buffalos, hyenas, etc.

After lunch, enjoy a unique 2-hour boat cruise on the Kazinga channel into Lake Edward. This trip passes through possibly the highest concentration of hippos, many other animals may be seen drinking at water edges. The launch offers an excellent platform for photography, bird watching and game viewing. The prolific bird life is colorful and stupendous with well over 500 resident species. Dine and overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge.

Day Seven
Early morning game drive, filled with lots of game viewing. Queen Elizabeth national Park being the second largest National park in Uganda, has a lot to offer. Break fast / lunch at leisure.
Evening game drive. Dine and overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge.

Day Eight
Early morning departure to Maramagambo Forest, the forest will definitely leave you awed with it captivating features including the lakes and animals. Visitors can walk through the tropical forest and catch a glimpse of primates, including chimpanzees. Visit the bat caves and the “Blue Lake” This lake has attractively “blue water” like the name suggests. It is the only one of it’s and only seen here in Maramagambo Forest. Drive onward to Kampala with a stopover in Mbarara for lunch, arriving early in the evening and transfer to your hotel.

Day One
Arrive at the Entebbe International Airport, pick and transfer to you respective accommodation for dinner and overnight.

Day Two
Depart from Kampala with a stopover for lunch in Mbarara town on your way to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Evening game drive on your way to Mweya Safari Lodge.
Dine and overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge.

Day Three
Early game drive with a magnificent view of the sunrise, the massive Rwenzori Mountains as a backdrop provide excellent scene. Expect to see lions, leopards, and elephants, defassa waterbucks, Uganda kobs, and bushbucks. Return to your hotel for a late breakfast.

After breakfast, take on a 9:00am boat ride on Kazinga Channel which offers offers an excellent platform for photography, bird watching and game viewing. After lunch, proceed for evening game drive that will surely excite you with lots of sights and views. Dine and overnight at Hotel Margherita.

Day Four
Early morning, drive to Kibale Forest National Park for chimp tracking. Spend the entire morning in Kibale forest, marvel at the birds, chimps and the cheeky-playful monkeys. Picnic lunch in Kibale Forest before an afternoon drive to Fort Portal town for an overnight stay.

Day Five
After breakfast drive back to Kampala via Mubende, arrive late afternoon transfer to your hotel.

Mawa the Chimp of Ngamba Uganda

Some time back a juvenile chimpanzee called Mawa was transfered to the island. Like in all animal communities, there is a leader. While in the holding house, Mawa became a leader of the young chimpanzees that had newly come to the island. He settled the fights and conflicts amount the chimpanzees in the house, had the most comfortable place in the house where he would sleep and also ate before the other when food was brought.

When the got used to the environment at Ngamba Island, the caretakers allowed then to walk into the forest to join the other chimpanzees. They were welcomed by the elder primates and these young chimpanzees were delighted because they could eat wild fruits, swing on the branches and had unlimited playing space.

However, Mawa was not very pleased because the old ones did not take him as a leader, and would not allow for him to eat first at meals. When they had conflicts, he would interfere and help to solve them and therefore wanted them to give him respect as the young chimpanzees had done before in the holding house.

With this, the older chimpanzees were not pleased with Mawa’s idea since he was younger then. Maki, the then leader hated Mawa even more because he wanted to over throw him. The begun mistreating him, scratched him with their long nail and beating him every time the met him.

Mawa became so miserable, love the forest no more and tried to find means of going back to the holding house but was not easy for him. There is an electric fence separating the part of the island with the holding house from the forest. He got shocked while trying to climb the fence and failed so he had to find other means in order to leave the forest. He climbed to the top of a tall tree and at a high speed swung and fell on the other side of the island and went into the holding house happy that he had left the forest.

At the house, the caretakers were not happy with him and took him back. Though he was not bullied any more, he felt insecure and fled back to the holding house. Currently, the care takers are planning to raise the fence higher, and the take him to the forest. He has learnt his lesson and will always respect his elders.

You can book now for a safari to Ngamba Island and see Mawa, Maki and other chimpanzees in the forest like young Rambo, Oketch, Surprise, Katie and many more. For schools in Uganda, a visit to the island is free if you go as a school group.

A chimpanzee safari involves a visit to the chimpanzees of Kibale. Chimp trekking is an amazing experience but as you walk through the forest you may come across a variety of other Uganda forest life along the way such as birds, reptiles, monkeys and other primates.

Kibale Chimpanzee Safari park is in Western Uganda, 35 km from Fort Portal town, which is 360kms from Kampala via Mubende town. The Park is home to several families of primates including habituated chimpanzees. It has 11 species of primates, including many families of chimps and colobus monkeys, buffalo, warthog, Uganda kob and over 300 bird species.

Bwindi is one of the few forests where gorillas and chimps co-exist. Chimps, however, are rarely seen there, as they live lower down when both species are present. The Ugandan variety (Pan Troglodytes Schweinfurthi) is long-haired and lives in those forests where there is a rich, all year round food supply.

You can also trek Chimpanzees at Kyambura Gorge and on your way south. Depending on your route, you have the opportunity to visit the tree climbing lions of Ishasha in Queen Elizabeth wildlife park before arriving at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest where you track the endangered mountain gorilla!

You will also visit the Ngamba Chimpanzee sanctuary which was established on an island in Lake Victoria to provide a safe-haven for orphaned animals, it has already become a popular tourist attraction.

Murchison falls also hosts a number of them so do not forget to trek through the forest to watch them.

More Information on Chimpanzees in Uganda

* Chimpanzee Ngamba Island
* Uganda chimp safari 5 days
* Chimpanzee tracking tour 8 days

We offer safaris to various tourist destinations in Uganda and our services are proved by our experience in vacation tours including gorilla trekking tours, game drives around the parks,rafting on river nile, birdwatching, chimpanzee tracking, rafting and mountain hiking on Mountain Rwenzori and Mount Elgon.

We can help you with the planning of your voyage in Africa.  Vacations Uganda can help to organize safaris, excursions, holiday tours, tour packages, booking hotels, hiring of cars in Ugnada and more services needed on an expedition in the country.

Attraction like gorillas tours in Uganda and Rwanda, Wildlife and birding tours in all counties including Kenya travel and Tanzania safaris and travel. Our safari packages include excursion, short and long tours to several destinations of your choice including
Queen Elizabeth National park, Bwindi Gorilla Forests, Murchison Falls National Park, Mgahinga apes forest, Lake Mburo wildlife Park,  Kibale forest for Chimpanzee tracking, Source of River Nile in Jinja, Ngamba Island, game reserves and sanctuaries.

They live in small numbers of about 25 to 35 members per group. They usually have one leading male, accompanied by several females with their young. A Gorilla that has just been born weighs on average 2.5Kgs. This is approximately half the weight of a human baby.

Within 40 weeks however, the gorilla can walk, and reaching 3 years, it slowly becomes independent; hence develops twice as fast. At 6 years, they are about 1.20 meters tall and weigh almost 70Kgs. The gorillas continue gaining weight for the next 4 years, though the female one matures at this age. On the other hand, males don’t reach maturity till they are 10 years old. When that black back begins turning into grey, it is time for them to depart the parental group. These wonder alone or join other males for some time, before attracting females who will join them. They form their own family in this way.

Their world population doesn’t increase rapidly as they reproduce slowly. Gestation period is approximately 8.5 months and gorilla mothers give birth to a baby once every 4 years. Due to diseases and accidents, at least 30% doesn’t survive their first year. Another incident that leads to death among the baby gorillas is when their father dies and another silverback takes over. The new male often secures his own genes in the posterity, killing all the babies of his predecessor.

Day One
Arrive at the Entebbe Airport, transfer to you respective accommodation for dinner and overnight.

Day Two
Early morning drive to Southwestern Uganda with stop overs for snacks along the way.  Arrive in Kabale for late lunch. Evening you are in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Dine and overnight at Buhoma Tented Camp.

Day Three
Early morning, have a briefing by the guides, with packed lunch head for Gorilla Tracking all day with an opportunity to enter the gorilla sanctuary for the adventure of a lifetime.
Evening you are back at Buhoma for an overnight stay.

Day Four
Depart from your camp to Kampala with stop over for lunch and snacks en rout.

Day One
Arrive at the Entebbe Airport, transfer to you respective accommodation for dinner and overnight.

Day Two
Pick from your respective hotel in Kampala, drive towards Western Uganda with a stop over for lunch in Mbarara town. Evening and overnight at White Horse Regency in Kabale town.

Day Three
After breakfast visit Lake Bunyonyi. Lake Bunyonyi is the second deepest lake in Africa. It is a unique lake with 29 islands and over 200 bird species. After lunch proceed to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
Dine / overnight in Buhoma.

Day Four
Early morning, have a briefing by the guides, with packed lunch head for Gorilla Tracking all day with an opportunity to enter the gorilla sanctuary for the adventure of a lifetime.
In the evening return at Buhoma for overnight stay.

Day Five
After breakfast drive slowly to Queen Elizabeth National Park. En route have a game viewing adventure to Mweya Lodge for overnight stay.

Day Six
Early morning game drive. After breakfast proceed for a boat cruise on the popular Kazinga Channel, which offers an excellent platform for photography, bird watching and game viewing; spend the rest of the evening game viewing in the enormous Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Dine and overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge.

Day Seven
Early breakfast, have en route game drive as you proceed to Mbarara town where you we will have stop over for lunch.
Evening you are back at your respective hotel.