Compare Uganda Mountain Gorillas & Chimpanzees by Want Expeditions vs 10 Days Primate Experience And Queen Elizabeth Safari by Kent Safaris

Day 1: Arrival/Entebbe

Accommodation: Lodge

Welcome to Uganda, home of the endangered Mountain Gorillas. International flights arrive late in the evening, so upon arrival, you will be greeted at the airport, and transferred directly to your accommodation, so you can check-in and rest for the upcoming days.

Day 2: Entebbe/Kibale Forest National Park

Accommodation: Lodge

After an early breakfast, we'll depart our accommodation, and head towards Fort Portal town, which is nestled in the shadows of fabled “mountains of the moon”, the Rwenzori Mountains. After passing through Fort Portal town, we will proceed directly to our accommodation for check-in and lunch. (Our driving distance from Entebbe is apx 324 km/201 miles and will take approximately 6.5 hrs.) Ndali Lodge is perched on the rim of an extinct volcano which, since its demise, has filled with water to become the breathtaking Lake Nyinambuga. But, before we get too taken with the view, we'll hop back into our vehicles and head to Kibale Forest National Park for a walk through the Bigodi Wetlands -home 200 birds including the great Blue Turaco and eight primate species! Our walk supports the Kibali Association for Rural and Environmental Development, and is a great way to get involved with sustainable, responsible tourism! After our walk, we'll head back to the lodge to refresh before gathering in our gorgeous restaurant for a tasty dinner and briefing for our Chimpanzee trek, beginning first thing tomorrow morning!

Day 3: Kibale Forest National Park

Accommodation: Lodge

After a relatively early wake-up and breakfast, we'll grab our pack lunches and head back to Kibale Forest National Park where we'll meet with our rangers and have a briefing on the park rules and regulations for visits to the Chimps. One of the most exciting aspects of this safari is that we will actually get to spend a FULL day with the Chimps, from when they wake up out of their nests and begin their daily foraging, until they nest down again in the evening. Along the way, we'll keep our eyes out for many other primates, including L’hoests, Red Colobus monkeys, Red-tailed and Grey Mangabeys. To make our walk more informative and enjoyable, our local guide and ranger will provide detailed explanation on primates, forest flora and fauna. Our trekking experience here will be relatively easy and over flat ground, but will last for a full day. (For those who would like to return at the half day mark, rangers will be available to escort you back to the gates, and our vehicle can drive you back to the lodge.) After we've had our fill of watching what is one of the closets link in our ancestral heritage playing, eating, relaxing, fighting and living their days out in a manner that is not too far from our own, we'll head back to our lodge for another wonderful dinner and a good night's rest!

Day 4: Queen Elizabeth National Park/Bwindi Impenetrable Forest NP

Accommodation: Lodge

To make sure you are rested from yesterday, and prepared for your upcoming Gorilla trek(s), this morning you can enjoy a late breakfast. Then according to the time set by your guide, you will depart towards Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Along the way, we’ll enter Queen Elizabeth National Park for an afternoon game drive where you can expect to see lions, elephants, Ugandan kob, and more. We should reach our accommodation, located just outside the park entrance, by late afternoon, and you’ll have the chance to explore this amazing community that is a true example of conservation and eco-tourism. For those of you who would like to practice your photography skills, we encourage you to grab your cameras and take a stroll in search of the magnificent Red-Breasted Sunbird. With its splendid iridescence, this beautiful bird is simply captivating as it moves from flower to flower in search of nectar. Alternatively, grab a cool one, and sit back and take in the magnificent rich wall of forest, rising with steam, while contemplating how this forest protects one of the most endangered animals in the world, the mountain gorilla.

Day 5: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest NP

Accommodation: Lodge

From daybreak on, it won't take much to realize that we are in one of the most spectacular ecosystems in the world! As the mist rises out of the mountainside, an incredible array of jungle noises will serenade us to the park gates of Bwindi, which is not just accidentally called "Impenetrable". The National Park is part of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and is situated along the Democratic Republic of Congo border next to the Virunga National Park, and on the edge of the western Rift Valley. It comprises 331 square kilometers of jungle forests and contains both afromontane -a rare vegetation type on the African continent, and lowland forest, and is accessible only on foot. The Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site. The park is a sanctuary for colobus monkeys, chimpanzees and many birds (such as hornbills and turacos). It is perhaps most notable for the 340 Bwindi gorillas, half the world's population of the critically endangered Mountain Gorillas. Currently, there are four habituated Mountain Gorilla groups: the tourist groups Mubare, Katendegyere and Rushegura, as well as one research group.

Just before 8 am, we'll grab our pack lunches, waters, and then walk the few hundred meters to the headquarters of the park to register our pre-issued gorilla permits with the rangers. After we've registered, we'll enjoy a short video presentation describing the gorilla trekking experience. After the presentation, we'll gather in a circle and our rangers will provide an orientation on how to behave in the presence of gorillas, what to expect on our trek, and what gorilla group we are assigned too. After we have completed our orientation, we'll set off in search of these magnificent and majestic animals. Rangers stay with the gorillas throughout the day. Then, just before returning back to camp, the rangers mark where the gorillas nested down for the night, and we'll pick up the trail at the last know coordinates of our gorilla group. As that the gorillas are constantly foraging, there is no guarantee how long it will take for our trek, but regardless porters will be available to assist us along the way. Once we find our gorilla group, our permit allows us to stay a full 60 minutes, taking photographs or just simply admiring the breathtaking scene. Meeting these creatures in their natural habitat is one of the most breathtaking experiences on Earth, a must for all nature lovers! Once our time is finished, we'll head back down from the forest to the headquarters for a short and rewarding ceremony dedicated to each of us. If we haven't enjoyed our pack lunch en-route, now is our chance. Then we'll slowly wind our way back through town, taking the time to admire to various stalls and handicrafts from the villagers. Alternatively, for those with energy, and time allowing, there is a short nature walk just off of the ranger station. Either way, a wonderful dinner with an unparalleled view of the forest will be served just after sunset at our camp.

Day 6: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest NP/Entebbe

Accommodation: Guest House

For those of you who would like one more opportunity to trek the gorillas, it is possible to arrange an additional permit for a fee. For the rest of us, we have a special tour through the Buhoma Community. Much of the success for Mountain Gorilla Conservation is due to the cooperation, education, and empowerment of the surrounding community. Thanks to dedicated efforts, Bwindi locals serve as protectors and employees of the park, so a village visit is a critical component. During our walk, we’ll observe their traditional ways of life, and understand how the local people have ingeniously incorporated eco-tourism into their daily life, and have become an example of empowerment and local ownership for all of Uganda. At the end of our tour, we'll have a chance to meet and dance with the Batwa pygmies, one of the most vulnerable and unique indigenous cultures left on our planet! After our tour, we'll head back to our accommodation for a wonderful dinner and the sounds of the rich Bwindi forest lulling us to sleep.

Day 7: Departure

Meals: Breakfast, we’ll transfer to the local airstrip for our flight back to the capital Kampala. Much like arrivals, international departures are in the evening, so following lunch, we will arrange a walk through the city’s botanical gardens in search of Black and White Colobus Monkeys, as well as other endemic bird life. You will then be transferred to the international airport in time for your departure.

Day  1:  Arrive  Entebbe.   

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

On arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be transferred to the Boma Guest Lodge. Depending on your arrival time, a half day trip to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary may be arranged. This evening, you will receive a short pre-trip briefing at the hotel. 

Day 2:  Entebbe  to  Bwindi   

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Bwindi. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred by vehicle to your lodge. The Park is in South-western Uganda, covering parts of Rukungiri, Kisoro, and Kabale Districts. It is situated in a hilly countryside, which, together with some remnant lowland forest outside the boundary, constitutes an important water catchment area for many rivers, supplying the agricultural land of the surrounding region. 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 community's 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 one of the richest  faunal communities in East Africa. There exists about one half of the  world's population of the endangered mountain gorillas. There are also  several endangered species of birds with limited ranges. Gorilla tracking  began on 1st April 1993. It is advisable to make reservations at least 3-6  months before your intended date of visit. 

Day 3: Gorilla  Tracking   

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

You will be escorted to the National Parks headquarters to meet your guides for your gorilla tracking 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, only approximately 650 remaining. You will get within meters of the family and be privileged to spend time amongst them. The trekking may be strenuous; up to six hours or  longer is common - at relatively high altitude. Mountain Gorillas are  wild animals, as such sightings cannot be guaranteed; however, the  success rate is well over 95%. The trekking may be strenuous; up to six hours or longer is not  uncommon-at relatively high altitude. Mountain Gorillas are wild  animals and as such, sightings cannot be guaranteed 100%. 

PLEASE  NOTE: on certain departures, due to Gorilla Permit availability, this leg of your safari may be undertaken in Rwanda. A similar standard of accommodation will be utilized in Rwanda, but there may be a  surcharge depending on availability. Please check at time of booking. 

Day 4:  Bwindi   

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today you will have the option of a second Gorilla Trek or Forest  Walk in Bwindi. Please inform at the time of booking. In the afternoon  relax or explore the local area on foot.  

PLEASE  NOTE: on certain departures, due to Gorilla Permit availability, this leg of your safari may be undertaken in Rwanda. A similar standard  of accommodation will be utilized in Rwanda, but there may be a  surcharge depending on availability. Please check at time of booking.  

Day  5:  Bwindi  and  Queen  Elizabeth  National Park.   

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today you will head in a northerly direction to the Ishasha area of  Queen Elizabeth National Park, from Bwindi 3 hours' drive, to be  welcomed to your established tented camp nestled under trees  alongside a river. On a sunny day views from the area stretch to the  ice-capped Rwenzori Mountains to the north, and the Virunga  volcanoes to the south, there are few places on earth to rival the  scenery in this park. 'Birders' will not be disappointed with the  enormous range of species in the area. The Park spreads over an area  of 1978 km2 in the western arm of the Great East Rift Valley. It is a  home to a variety of wildlife including elephant, lion, hippo, buffalo, and  Uganda Kob, baboon, and birds, all typical of riverine and savannah habitats. In the southern part of the park is the Ishasha are with tree  climbing lions and the Maramagambo, one of the largest surviving  natural forests in Uganda. The northern part of the park is traversed by  the equator and is dominated by the scenery of crater lakes with lots of  flamingos on some of them. 

Day 6: Queen  Elizabeth  National  Park   

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

A second day in Queen Elizabeth National Park with more game  viewing opportunities available to you. The northern part of the park is  traversed by the equator and is dominated by the scenery of crater  lakes with lots of flamingos on some of them. A launch trip from  Mweya along the Kazinga channel, which joins Lake Edward and Lake  George, provides one of the most memorable experiences of the park.

Day  7:  Queen  Elizabeth  National  Park   

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

From Ishasha, you drive 2 hours to the Mweya region of Queen  Elizabeth National Park. During your visit here 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). Located on a peninsula overlooking the  Kazinga Channel on one side and with spectacular views towards the  Ruwenzori Mountains on the other, this upgraded and renovated lodge  provides some of the best accommodation and service facilities in  Uganda. 

Day 8:  Kibale  Forest   

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 

Today you will travel on a 2-3-hour drive from Queen Elizabeth  National Park (north) on good roads. On a sunny day you may get  views of the Rwenzori's in the distance. Two nights spent in the area to  allow time for chimpanzee tracking in the forest, (permits must be pre  purchased). You can also do a forest walk (guided) during your stay, or  simply enjoy the area and visit the Bigodi Swamps, or the Vanilla Farm  close to Ndali. Kibale, 766 km2 is one of Uganda's enchanting, 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 of 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 and black and white 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. Herds of elephant once travelled back  and forth through the area. These elephants have become increasingly rare, and now are seldom seen. The birdlike in the forest and  grasslands of the forest is abundant. There are 300 species, which have  been identified here. One particularly worth noting is the endemic to  Kibale forest. 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  Forest   

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

This activity will take place in the morning. You will either be driven or  walk down to the Kibale Forest National Parks' headquarters to meet your guides for your morning's chimp tracking experience (depending which lodge you are staying at). The forest is alive with noise, and you should be lucky enough to see the habituated chimps during your trek. 

Day 10:  Return  Entebbe.   

Meal: Breakfast and Lunch 

After an early breakfast for the drive back to Entebbe, stopping for  curio shopping on the roadside and a quick photo stop at the Equator.  Arriving back in Entebbe, late afternoon. The remainder of the day is at  leisure. (Departing flights to be booked to depart for after 8pm)