Itinerary

Day 1: Entebbe / Ngamba Island
On arrival in Entebbe, you will be met at the airport by a representative and transferred your hotel in Entebbe. Travel this afternoon from Entebbe pier by boat, across Lake Victoria to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary and view a chimpanzee feeding session close-up from the visitor's platform area. Listen to a talk by sanctuary staff, 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. Overnight at Lake Victoria Hotel, or similar, on a bed and breakfast basis.

Ngamba Island is a project of the Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust (CSWCT), established in 1997 by the Born Free Foundation (UK), International Fund for Animal Welfare (USA), the Jane Goodall Instituted (Germany and Uganda), the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre Trust (UWECT) and the Zoological Board of New South Wales (Australia) and it provides orphaned chimpanzees with a secure home to live out their lives, since a return to their natural habitat is not possible, while educating visitors and local communities about their remarkable species and the importance of conserving their fragile forest habitat. Ngamba Island consists of approximately 100 acres, 98 of which are forested and separated from the visitors area by an electric fence. Ngamba Island was officially opened to visitors in October 1999 and is currently home to 40 orphaned chimpanzees.

Day 2: Lake Mburo National Park
After breakfast, drive to Lake Mburo National Park, approximately 5 hours from Entebbe. Enjoy an afternoon game drive, a boat cruise on Lake Mburo, or a walk with a local guide. Overnight at Mantana Lake Mburo Tented Camp, or similar, on a full board basis. Here you may go on a walk with a local guide or on game drives exploring this park. Overnight at Mantana Lake Mburo Tented Camp, or similar, on a full board basis.

Lake Mburo National Park, which is 260 square kilometres in size, was gazetted in 1982 as Uganda's fourth national park. It is composed primarily of grassland, wetland and acacia woodland habitats. At the centre of the park lies Lake Mburo which, together with 14 other lakes in the area, forms part of an extensive wetland system. The park is home to topi, eland, klipspringer, zebra, buffalo, oribi, sitatunga, and leopard as well as an excellent variety of water and acacia savannah bird species like crested crane, marabou stork and bronze-tailed starling.

Day 3: Bwindi
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 mountainous areas of southern Uganda, often referred to as the Little Switzerland of Africa, with great views and vistas of this lush green area. Overnight at Buhoma Lodge, or similar, on a full board basis.  Please note: Overnight may take place in Rwanda.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is located in south-western Uganda, covering parts of Rukungiri, Kisoro and Kabale Districts. This is the richest forest in Uganda in terms of the number of plant species as the area is one of the few large expanses of forest in East Africa where lowland and montane communities merge. The valley bottoms contain a dense ground cover of herbs, vines and shrubs, with only a few trees - hence its name "the Impenetrable Forest". This is also one of the richest faunal communities in East Africa where about one half of the world's population of the endangered Mountain Gorillas live. The forest is also home to several endangered species of birds.

Day 4: Bwindi
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 amongst a family of Mountain Gorillas. These massive primates are extremely rare, with only approximately 650 remaining. You will get within metres of the family, and be privileged to spend time with them. Time permitting, return to camp for a late lunch with the opportunity for a forest walk with the guides, or just to relax. Overnight at Buhoma Lodge, or similar, on a full board basis.  Please note: Trekking and overnight may take place in Parc National de Volcans in Rwanda.

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. The success rate however is well over 90%.

Day 5: Bwindi
Today, for those who have opted for a second Gorilla Trek, set off once again into the forest in search of one of the gorilla families. Those not trekking will be able to go on a forest walk in Bwindi looking for birds and primates with a local, knowledgeable guide, or go on a local community village walk. Relax for the afternoon at your camp, or possibly go and do some curio shopping along the road, or visit a local village where you may be treated to some dancing. Overnight at Buhoma Lodge, or similar, on a full board basis.  Please note: Overnight may take place in Parc National de Volcans in Rwanda.

Day 6: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Drive through to the Mweya region of Queen Elizabeth National Park and enjoy a game drive and a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. Overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge, or similar, on a full board basis.

Day 7: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge, or similar, on a full board basis.

Day 8: Kibale
Early morning, head to Kibale Forest. Enjoy an afternoon forest walk. Overnight at Primate Lodge, or similar, on a full board basis.

Primate Lodge in Kibale is an exclusive eco-lodge situated in the heart of Kibale Forest National Park. It is surrounded by a lush tropical forest which is home to 13 different species of primates, including the chimpanzee. Privately secluded in the rainforest, this safari lodge offers you a truly authentic jungle experience. The lodge features eight luxury safari tents, seven comfortable forest cottages, and an adventurous Tree House. All the rooms are privately situated within the forest, making it an ideal place to unwind and enjoy the natural surrounding beauty.

Kibale Forest is one of Uganda's enchanted forested parks. Here you can hike in the park for hours observing the drama of life in a rain forest. The park contains pristine lowland tropical rain forest, montane forest, and mixed tropical deciduous forest. In addition to forest, you will also notice areas of grassland and swamp. The forest is rich in wildlife. It is most noted for its primate population. Some of these are red-tailed monkey, diademed monkey, olive baboon, chimpanzee, black and white colobus, and red colobus. Some of the other mammals you might see are bushbuck, Harvey's red duiker, blue duiker, bush pig and African Civet. More difficult to spot are buffalo, waterbuck, hippo, warthog and giant forest hog. The birdlife in the forest and grassland is abundant. There are almost 300 species which have been identified here. There are 144 species of butterfly in the park and a diverse population of moths and other insects. A system of trails has been developed within the park, and tour guides are available to guide visitors.

Day 9: Kibale
Today you have the opportunity for chimpanzee tracking. Alternatively, spend the day relaxing and exploring the area on foot. Overnight in a tented camp or lodge on a full board basis.

Day 10: Entebbe
Return to Entebbe, via the equator and Kampala, stopping en-route to shop for curios. Additional accommodation can be arranged on request. Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary recommended for an optional overnight. DO NOT BOOK FLIGHT OUT BEFORE 20H00 THIS EVENING!

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