Compare Chimps & Gorillas of Uganda by Exodus Travels vs 11-Day Primates and Birding Safari in Uganda -the Pearl of Africa by Home To Africa

Day 1 Arrive Entebbe

Our adventure begins in Entebbe, a city on the north shore of Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa. Today is all about settling in after your journey, so head to the hotel and relax for the evening.   Accommodation: 2 Friends Beach Hotel, Papyrus Guest House or Boma Hotel (or similar)

Day 2 Drive to Kibale Forest

This morning, we have breakfast and your leader will run a welcome brief before we leave Entebbe. The drive time depends, in large part, on traffic in Kampala but should take approximately seven hours. Upon arrival, we can relax at our lakeside lodge. Kibale Forest National Park is home to 13 primate species: there are nine diurnal primates, including vervet, red-tailed, L’Hoest’s, red colobus, black-and-white colobus and blue monkeys, plus grey-cheeked mangabey, olive baboons and, the most famous of all, chimpanzees. Although chimp sightings are not guaranteed, the odds of encountering them are very good. Accommodation: Turaco Treetops (or similar)

Day 3 Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale; visit Bigodi wetlands

Today we explore the Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary in the Magombe wetland. The sanctuary is a major tourist attraction in the Kibale Forest area and is operated by the Kibale Association for Rural and Environmental Development (KAFRED), a local community-based organisation. We also go on a forest walk in search of primates. While trekking in the depths of the lush green forest, we are surrounded by bird song and can expect to see at least five or six types of primate, most probably grey-cheeked mangabeys, red-tailed monkeys and, of course, chimpanzees. The walking is fairly easy with well-maintained trails and reasonably flat terrain. The order in which we do these activities may vary. Accommodation: Turaco Treetops (or similar)

Day 4 Optional second chimpanzee trek; to Queen Elizabeth National Park

There is the option of doing a second chimp trek this morning to increase the probability of seeing them (due to limited permit availability, we recommend you prebook the second chimp trek). In the afternoon, we drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP). The drive goes south along the eastern length of the Rwenzori Mountains, where we can see the glaciated peaks, weather permitting. We gently descend into the Great Rift Valley and QENP. The park resides in a fertile, equatorial area and has beautiful scenery. It is the most popular and accessible savannah reserve in Uganda, with a total area of 764sqmi (1,978sqkm). It is primarily associated with grassy savannah plains, but this impressive park also includes leafy rainforests, dense papyrus swamps and natural volcanic crater lakes. As a result, it has one of the highest biodiversity ratings of any game reserve in the world, including 95 recorded mammal species and more than 610 bird species. Accommodation: Simba Safari Camp (or similar)

Day 5 Game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park; boat safari on the Kazinga Channel

This morning, we explore Queen Elizabeth National Park on a game drive in search of wildlife, including elephants, lions, buffalo, leopards, hyenas, jackals, topis, kobs and bush bucks. In the afternoon, we have a boat trip (about two hours) along the Kazinga Channel to view some of the largest concentration of hippos in the world (reported to be about 30,000) and other animals with excellent birding. Accommodation: Simba Safari Camp (or similar)

Day 6 Game drive in the Ishasha region of Queen Elizabeth National Park; to Buhoma

Today we drive through the park to the Ishasha region. We game drive in search of tree-climbing lions and other wildlife. This afternoon, we head to Bwindi Impenetrable National Forest, a World Heritage site, passing through the scenic area known as the Switzerland of East Africa. The driving today is about 5hr 30min (not including game drives). Accommodation: Haven Lodge Buhoma (or similar)

Day 7 Mountain gorilla tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

For many, observing a wild mountain gorilla is one of the most emotional wildlife experiences possible. Tracking these gentle giants can take anything from under an hour to more than six, depending on where the family is located. The number of permits allocated daily are limited so we recommend early booking. If the permits for gorilla families close to where we stay are unavailable, there are more permits for another area of the park, though this will mean a long drive to the trek start point. The trek itself can be along steep, slippery trails and through the bush so you should be in reasonable physical condition, but the rewards of spending an hour with our close cousins more than makes up for the effort of getting to them. Accommodation: Haven Lodge Buhoma (or similar)

Day 8 Optional second mountain gorilla trek

Today is a free day and there is the option of getting a second gorilla permit for this day, though due to the limited number of permits, this should be obtained at time of booking. For those who choose not to go on a second gorilla trek, there are other walks you can do nearby or you can relax at our lodge, reminiscing about the previous day’s encounters. On some departures, due to the availability of permits, we may have to swap these two days over with the free day (and optional second gorilla trek) on Day 6 and the included gorilla trek on Day 7 or we may have to split the group to trek with gorillas across both days. Accommodation: Haven Lodge Buhoma (or similar)

Day 9 To Lake Mburo National Park

Leaving the forests, we head towards Lake Mburo National Park. En route, we stop in Kabale near the Rwandan border for lunch. The drive should be about five hours (not including stops). Lake Mburo is the only place in southern Uganda where you can see zebras, giraffes and impala and is a great place to try to see leopards. It is also home to more than 300 bird species and offers the possibility of game walks and game drives. Accommodation: Rwakobo Rock (or similar)

Day 10 Game drive; optional game walk or boat safari

Today we go on a final game drive looking for plains wildlife. The park has a network of game tracks in the eastern part of the park passing a variety of landscapes: acacia woodland, wetlands, grassy hillsides, rocky outcrops and seasonally flooded valley floors. The early morning and late afternoon are the best times to roam the park in search of wildlife. There is also the option of tracking game on foot through the savannah and going on a boat excursion, particularly good for birdlife. You also have the option of going on an early morning game walk. Accompanied by a ranger guide, you walk to a salt lick where many animals are attracted to the salty rocks. At this time of day, you may encounter hyenas returning to their dens and hippos retreating to the lake. The lake itself is rich with a diversity of animals and plants, and these can be viewed clearly on a boat trip. These include crocodiles, hippos and birds, such as pelicans, black crakes, herons, cormorants and fish eagles, but you may also see the rare shoebill stork if you are lucky. Accommodation: Rwakobo Rock (or similar)

Day 11 Drive to Entebbe; trip ends

Today is our final day and we return to Entebbe and the shores of Lake Victoria. The driving time will depend on the amount of traffic in Kampala, but we make regular stops to break up the journey. En route back to Entebbe, we visit Mabamba Swamp (Mabamba Bay Wetland System), which lies about 25mi (40km) from Entebbe. The swamp, said to support more than 190,000 birds, is the perfect spot in Uganda for watching the globally threatened shoebill stork and the papyrus yellow warbler. We arrive into Entebbe in the early evening, if time permits, you guide will take you for dinner (own expense) before dropping you at the airport.

Day 1: Arrive Entebbe Airport, pick up and transfer to the booked hotel.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: (Lake Victoria View Guest House-Budget)

Drive time: Approx. 15 minutes.

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, a Home to Africa assigned English-speaking professional birding driver-guide will receive and welcome you to Uganda – the Pearl of Africa. Thereafter, you will transfer to the booked accommodation (Entebbe). Optional (extra cost): In case you have had an early landing in Uganda and interested, you can proceed to visit the Entebbe Botanical Garden. The Garden is one of the places around Entebbe where you can spot many species of birds and a few primates such as: the black and white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys. It is also a place of tranquility and peace, a feast for the eyes with notable absence of people and you simply immerse in nature with the sounds of birds breaking the stillness of the moment.

Day 2: Visit Mabamba swamp in search of shoebill stork and thereafter, transfer to Kibale NP.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: (Kibale Forest Camp-Lower Mid-range)

Drive time: Approx. 5 hours.

You will have breakfast at the accommodation and then move out for the Mabamba excursion. The wetland is one of the few places in Uganda that boasts of the opportunity for one to see the elusive and endangered Shoebill stork. The bird is easily seen in the morning when they stalk their main prey – the mudfish or frogs but may be spotted all day. They may stand absolutely still for long periods awaiting the movements of their prey and then suddenly strike with a marvelous speed. It’s fascinating to watch the behavior of this elusive bird firsthand in their natural habitat. From Mabamba, you will embark on a transfer to Kibale Forest NP.

Day 3: Chimp habituation Experience - Kibale Forest and Birding Bigodi wetland.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: (Kibale Forest Camp-Lower Mid-range)

Drive time:

You will move to the rangers’ point for briefing. From the briefing, you will proceed for a lifetime experience of chimp habituation in Kibale Forest. The activity allows you to accompany Kibale Forest’s research and habituation team on their daily routine. You will spend the first half of the day in the presence of these amazing human closest relation with the wild and witness them nesting, de-nesting, feeding, playing etc. while getting first hand explanation of the experts on the ground.

Return to the accommodation for some rest and lunch before going out again for the Bigodi birding experience. The Bigodi wetland boasts of extensive array of biodiversity among which are several primates’ species like the baboon, black & white colobus monkey. The Bigodi is also a paradise for bird watchers. Among the major bird species within the sanctuary is the Great Blue Turaco. Return for dinner and overnight rest.

Day 4: Morning birding – Kanyanchu or Bigodi (again) and transfer to Queen Elizabeth NP.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: (Irungu Forest Safari Lodge -Budget)

Drive time: Approx. 2-3 hours.

Be up early, have breakfast and move out for birding in the Kanyanchu area of Kibale Conservation Area. Some bird species spotted in the area may include; Papyrus Gonolek, White-winged Warbler, White-collared Oliveback and Papyrus Canary among others. Return for some rest and lunch at the accommodation. After lunch, you will drive off to Queen Elizabeth NP. If time allows, you can do some afternoon-evening game viewing plus birding before finally heading to the accommodation for check in, dinner and overnight stay.

Day 5: Morning game drive plus birding and Nature walk plus birding Maramagambo Forest.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: (Irungu Forest Safari Lodge-Budget)

Drive time:

Be up early and have your breakfast. Proceed for a morning game drive in the Kasenyi plains where you have the chance to spot wildlife; lions, leopard (but hard to spot), herds of elephants, buffalos among others. You will also be able to spot a number of bird species during the game drive. Return to the accommodation for some rest time and lunch.

After lunch, move out to explore the nearby Maramagambo Forest. Buzzing with primates including; baboons and several monkey species, the forest is also alive with numerous birds including the rare Forest Flycatcher, White-naped Pigeon and the striking Rwenzori Turaco. After Maramagambo, return to the accommodation for dinner and overnight.

Day 6: Transfer to Bwindi via Ishasha sector in search of tree-climbing lions plus occasional birding.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: (Broadbill Forest Camp-Budget)

Drive time: Approx. 5-6 hours.

Have breakfast then set off for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park through the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park – famously known for its resident tree-climbing lions. The chance of spotting these lions is about 70% though sometimes they are hard to spot (most especially when they are down in the grassland looking for prey). Along the way you will also be birding. From Ishasha, continue to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. With a strenuous day ahead, you will do less on arrival but just check into your accommodation, relax as you prepare for the Bwindi gorilla trekking experience the following day.

Day 7: Gorilla trekking Bwindi Forest. Return, rest and move out birding around.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: (Broadbill Forest Camp-Budget)

Drive time:

Have breakfast and move to the rangers’ post. You will receive some briefing (from a ranger guide) on the dos and don’ts during trekking. Thereafter, you will enter the Bwindi Forest for your adventure. The beauty of this rain forest is spectacular! The area offers dramatic steeply forested landscape and is incredibly dense but crisscrossed by numerous animal trails allowing access to tourists. The time taken and the terrain vary with the movements of these great primates. Once you have located a gorilla group, you will be allowed an hour in their presence. The thrill of spending time observing these gentle but endangered giants is unforgettable. Return to the accommodation for some rest before going out birding the nearby area – outside park.

Day 8: Birding - the Mubwindi Swamp trail and later transfer to accommodation close to Mgahinga NP.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: (Travellers Rest Hotel-Lower Mid-range)

Drive time: Approx. 2-3 hours.

Be up early, have breakfast and set out for a birding experience along the Mubwindi Swamp trail. The trail offers the opportunity to spot; Banded Prinia, Handsome francolin, African green broadbill, Grauer’s Rush warbler to mention but a few. You will return for lunch at the accommodation. Thereafter, check out and bird your way to the accommodation close to Mgahinga National Park – Kisoro.

Day 9: Golden monkey trekking Mgahinga Forest and Birding – the Gorge Trail between Gahinga and Sabinyo.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: (Travellers Rest Hotel-Lower Mid-range)

Drive time: Approx. 40 minutes to and from.

Although not well known by most travelers, golden monkeys are yet the second, most interesting attraction in Mgahinga after the mountain gorillas. Scientifically, these species are called Cercopithecus Kandti and exploring them is what makes a full tourism package in Mgahinga gorilla national park. The activity starts with a briefing by the ranger guide and thereafter you continue to trek this awesome but endangered species of monkeys. Thereafter, take some rest and also have lunch before going out on a birding experience along the Gorge Trail between Gahinga and Sabinyo. The trail offers opportunity to spot; Cape Robin-chat, Kivu-ground Thrush, Olive Thrush, Brown-crowned Tchagra to mention but a few. Thereafter, drive back to the accommodation for dinner and overnight rest.

Day 10: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park. Enjoy walking safari plus birding.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: (Eagle's Nest -Budget)

Drive time: Approx. 5 hours.

Enjoy your breakfast and then embark on a journey to Lake Mburo National park via Mbarara City. Upon arrival, you will check into the booked accommodation, take some rest before moving out for the walking safari plus birding in the presence of an armed Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger-guide. On this guided walk, you will have the opportunity to spot; Black-bellied Bustard, Emerald-spotted Wood-Dove, Brown headed Parrot, Ross’s Turaco, Bare-faced Go-away-bird, Green Wood-hoopoe to mention but a few. Also, you will encounter (at close range): Zebras, Giraffes and Eland, Topi and other antelope, Cape buffaloes among others. Later, retire to the accommodation for dinner and overnight.

Day 11: Morning birding - Rubanga Forest and then return to Entebbe to catch flight out.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Excluded

Drive Time: Approx. 4 hours.

You will have breakfast and then set out to explore Rubanga forest. Though small, this tract of forest on the western side of Lake Mburo provides a taste of tropical high forest with a closed canopy. It is home to a variety of forest birds but the rare Red-faced Barbet – only seen in Lake Mburo National Park is one of the forest’s featured species. Commoner species being the Green Pigeon, Narina Trogon and Double-toothed Barbet among others. From Rubanga Forest, you will embark on a return journey to Entebbe Int’l Airport to catch flight out (recommended for 20:00 onwards).