8-day Best of Uganda Gorillas, Chimpanzees and Game

The eight day safari includes the Mountain Gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda, game viewing, optional chimp tracking in Chamburu Gorge and bird-watching in Queen Elizabeth National Park, including a boat cruise, and a visit to Ngamba island chimpanzee sanctuary. Two gorilla tracking opportunities are included on this itinerary, but MUST be requested at time of booking and will be subject to availability. THIS TRIP MAY RUN IN REVERSE - PLEASE CHECK AT TIME OF BOOKING.

Please note that it is possible to ADD a FOUR DAY excursion to this safari, 4-day CHIMPANZEE ENCOUNTER  - which includes Kibale Forest for chimpanzee tracking, and an overnight on Ngamba Island Chimpanzee sanctuary.

Highlights: Gorilla trekking, chimpanzees on Ngamba Island, game and birdlife in Uganda's Lake Mburo National Park, and Tarangire, Manyara, Ngorongoro and Serengeti National Parks.
Group Size: minimum 2 people
Type of Safari: Lodge Safari
Vehicle: 4WD

Price: from USD$2895 per person sharing* + USD 500 Gorilla Permit

Includes: Meet & greet service, airport transfers to Entebbe/return, accommodation in good quality hotels / lodges, meals as above, services of driver/guide, All park entry fees, excursion to Ngamba Chimpanzee Island by boat & entrance fees. Forest walk Bwindi or Rwanda, game drives in Lake Mburo and either guided walk or boating excursion. Game drives in QENP & Boat cruise on Kazinga Channel in QENP.

Excludes: Visas, permits, drinks, travel insurance, items of a personal nature. Gorilla & Chimp tracking permits (shown separately) walks in QENP optional.

Day 1: On arrival in Entebbe, you will be met at the airport by a Wild Frontiers representative and transferred to the Windsor Lake Victoria Hotel in Entebbe. Depending on flight details a half day trip to Ngamba Island may be included pre or post safari. Travel this afternoon from Entebbe pier by boat, across Lake Victoria Lake to Ngamba Island and view a chimpanzee feeding session close-up from the visitor's platform area. Listen to a talk by sanctuary staff, kayak, view a neighbouring fishing village, enjoy some fantastic bird-watching and other wildlife encounters, with the option to swim on the equator, or just sunbathe and relax before returning to Entebbe.

Day 2: After breakfast (time to be advised locally), drive to the Lake Mburo National Park, approximately 5 hours from Entebbe. Arrive in time for a late lunch. Lake Mburo Tented Camp is situated high up on a hillside off the main route to the park headquarters, with views stretching far and wide. Each tent caters for two persons and has its own bathroom area with hot showers provided, eco-friendly toilet systems and a private dressing area. A central area provides the dining and bar facilities. Meals are generally of a high standard with several courses for most.

Day 3: Depart after breakfast and drive to the west of Uganda, along mountain roads, to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest - where permits are held. Lunch will be en-route. This journey takes you through the moutainous areas of southern Uganda, often referred to as the Little Switzerland of Africa, with great views and vistas of this lush green area.

Day 4: You will be escorted to the National Parks headquarters after breakfast to meet your guides for the day for your gorilla trekking experience. An early morning trek into the forest on the slopes of the volcanoes, led by experienced trackers, will bring you to a family of Mountain Gorillas. These massive primates are extremely rare, with only approximately 650 to 700 remaining. You will get within metres of the family, and be privileged to spend time amongst them. Time permitting, return to the camp for a late lunch with the opportunity of forest walks with the guides, or just to relax.

Please note that the trekking may be fairly strenuous - up to six hours or longer is not uncommon - at relatively high altitudes. Mountain Gorillas are wild animals and, as such, sightings cannot be guaranteed. However, the success rate is well over 90%.

Day 5: Second gorilla trekking experienced, with pre-purchased permits - or, for those not trekking, enjoy a forest walk or some time in a local village. After lunch at the camp, head in a northerly direction to the Ishasha area of Queen Elizabeth National Park, approximately 3 hours drive from Bwindi.

Day 6: From Ishasha, drive approximately 2 hours to the Mweya region of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Mweya Lodge is located on a peninsula overlooking the Kazinga Channel on one side, and with spectacular views of the Ruwenzori Mountains on the other. Amenities include a swimming pool, the Tembo bar, and an elegant air-conditioned restaurant with a global cuisine. Breakfast is taken on the alfresco terrace adjacent to the
Kazinga Channel.

Day 7: During your two nights in Mweya, you will have time to enjoy game drives, a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel and an opportunity to trek chimps in Chamburu Gorge (subject to permits being available and group size - this is to be pre-booked and is an additional cost).

Day 8: Return to Entebbe, via the equator and Kampala, stopping en-route to shop for curios and, if desired, for a visit to the Royal Drum Makers at Mpigi.