Gorillas & Chimps Safari 7D/6N

Upon arrival, a designated driver/guide will be ready to transfer guests to their accommodation at a guesthouse or hotel with self-contained rooms for an overnight stay. The driver/guide will provide a briefing on the tour itinerary and specify the pickup time for the following day.

The day begins with an early morning departure from a chosen hotel or guesthouse in Entebbe or Kampala, setting off towards Kibale. The drive includes traversing through Mubende, offering views of swampy areas adorned with elegant papyrus beds and acacia-dotted woodlands. Mubende, a quaint town midway between Kampala and Fort Portal, presents an opportunity for a stopover to enjoy barbecue chicken on wooden skewers, nyama choma, or a hot African dish for lunch. Continuing to Fort Portal, visitors encounter an impressive royal town known for being home to the youngest monarch in the world, against the stunning backdrop of the Rwenzori Mountains. An optional activity involves a visit to The Ambaree Ga Nyinamwiru cave for a nature walk, guided by a local who shares intriguing legend stories about the cave. The journey concludes at Kibale Forest Camp, where guests will stay in self-contained safari tents, surrounded by the melodic sounds of the tropical rainforest.

Day 3 kicks off with the captivating Chimp Walk at 8:00 AM after breakfast, revealing the wonders of Kibale Forest, located south of Fort Portal. Renowned for its diverse primate population, this forest hosts the largest concentration of species in East Africa, including chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, red monkeys, blue monkeys, and baboons. Guided by knowledgeable guides, the four-hour trek provides insights into the forest's flora and fauna, enhancing the trail experience with memorable encounters. The Kanyanchu Community's chimp group, the largest in Kibale, can be spotted alongside other primates such as grey-cheeked mangabeys. The park's rich ecosystem boasts 250 butterfly species and 375 bird species.

In the afternoon, the adventure continues with a visit to Bigodi Swamp, a community-based project and a birdwatcher's paradise, home to over 138 bird species, including the vibrant turacos. The swamp also shelters other wildlife such as sitatungas and bushbucks. Managed by the local community, the sanctuary preserves its unique environmental features.

The optional Chimp Habituation Experience, not included in the trip price, offers an enhanced experience with an early start, transferring visitors to Kanyanchu Tourist Center in Kibale National Park. Accompanied by researchers and habituators, this full-day tour allows for extended interaction with wild chimps, beginning at dawn and concluding at nightfall when the chimps rest. This immersive rainforest experience promises an unforgettable adventure, capped off with a well-deserved dinner back at the accommodation.

Departing in the early morning after breakfast, the drive begins towards Rushaga/Kisoro, with a scheduled stop in Kabale for lunch. The route winds through the breathtaking landscapes known as the "Switzerland of Africa," offering views of mountains, hills, lakes with cultivated terraces, tropical rainforests, and bamboo forests. As the road crests the last hill, the expansive vistas of Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo emerge, dominated by the formidable Virunga volcanoes. The descent leads to Kisoro, where accommodations await at the renowned Travellers Rest Hotel just outside the town. This historic hotel, one of Uganda's oldest, provides cozy lodgings for those drawn to witness the majestic mountain gorillas. Since its inception in 1955 by Walter Baumgartel, a pivotal figure in gorilla tourism, it has served as a gathering spot for enthusiasts of these magnificent creatures. Despite comprehensive renovations in 1999, the hotel retains its colonial charm. In past decades, renowned conservationist Dian Fossey frequently visited the Travellers Rest Hotel, often referring to it as her "second home."

Alternatively, guests can stay at the Gorilla Valley Lodge, fulfilling the dream established in 2013. Located on the southern edge of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park near Rushaga, close to the Uganda Wildlife Station, the lodge is a medium-range hotel featuring 12 rooms complete with spacious private bathrooms and a dining area. Nestled in lowland evergreen forest, the location offers awe-inspiring views of the African Eden and is in proximity to the Virunga volcanoes. Each room is thoughtfully furnished with twin beds and adorned in a modern retro style, presenting an idyllic retreat away from the hustle and bustle—a space for renewal and connection with nature. The lodge presents an unparalleled closeness to Bwindi, where sometimes the gorillas venture out to engage in playful activities within the gardens. From the room veranda, the Bwindi National Park and the sanctuary of the mountain gorillas feel within reach.

The adventure of gorilla tracking unfolds today. The journey starts from Travellers Rest in Kisoro, which takes about 1 hour or 20 minutes by car to reach either the Nkuringo group or the Rushaga area, known as the habitat of Nshongi, Mishaya, Kahungye, and Bweza groups in southern Bwindi, or to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, which is a 40-minute drive away. From Gorilla Valley Lodge, it's a brief 15-minute drive to the Rushaga ranger offices. Upon arrival, a briefing is provided at 7:45 am, with the tracking commencing at 8:30 am. Upon locating the gorillas, there's an hour to spend in their presence. Visitors are required to return to the starting point by 7:00 PM. The trek may last from 3 to 9 hours, contingent on the location of the gorillas, and good physical fitness is advisable. Comfortable lodging options include Travellers Rest Hotel Kisoro or Gorilla Valley Lodge, featuring self-contained rooms.

After breakfast, the final leg of the journey leads back to Kampala, traversing one of western Uganda's most picturesque routes. This path winds through a vast bamboo forest and the "Kanaba gap," providing a sweeping view of Uganda's volcanoes. The descent continues with stunning vistas of Lake Bunyonyi, renowned as the deepest lake in Uganda, steeped in rich history. This road is a cherished route for both tourists and locals alike. A stop for lunch in Mbarara is planned, followed by a break near Masaka town at the Equator for tea or coffee and the opportunity to purchase souvenirs. The day concludes with an overnight stay at the Airport Guesthouse in Entebbe, offering self-contained rooms.

For those leaving in the morning, a hotel shuttle service provides convenient transport to the airport. If the departure is scheduled for the evening, there are numerous activities to explore in Kampala.