EMPIRE OF APES SAFARI
On this 10 day expedition, we come into contact with expressive primates, big and small, that inhabit the tranquil forests of Western Uganda. Traverse the vast savannah of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Venture into the verdant rainforests of Kibale and Bwindi. Encounter the most diverse wildlife and primates in Uganda, including the rare and formidable mountain gorillas.
10 DAYS | 9 NIGHTS
Safari Highlights
- Track chimps in Kibale Forest
- Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Track gorillas in Bwindi Forest
- Take a night game drive in Lake Mburo National Park
- Relax in intimate, luxury accommodation
Intinerary
Day One: Night at Windsor Lake Victoria Hotel
Welcome to Entebbe International Airport. At the exit, Bushman Safaris waits to receive you and take you, within minutes, to set your bags down for a night at Windsor Lake Victoria Hotel (B&B).
Day Two: West to Kibale National Park
Drink in the scenic views as we drive west to Fort Portal, a beautiful town nestled in the shadow of the “Mountains of the Moon”. From Fort Portal we set a course for the thriving forestry of Kibale National Park. We turn in for the night at the deluxe safari tents of Primate Lodge Kibale.
Meal Plan: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day Three: In the Evergreen Forest
The evergreen Kibale Forest holds the widest variety and highest concentration of primates in East Africa. On a guided nature walk, we encounter wild chimpanzee, red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys and more. The afternoon leads us to Bigodi Swamp, where we discover a diversity of birds and primates. After a satisfying day of exploration, we return to Primate Lodge Kibale.
Meal Plan: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day Four: An Evening Game Drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park
We travel through the vibrant crater lakes, cradled in vegetation and gentle hills, toward our destination, the popular Queen Elizabeth National Park. After a lunch and a dip in the pool, we set out on a game drive for a teaser of wildlife; our first sighting of warthogs, buffaloes, waterbucks and elephants before returning for a night in comfort at Mweya Safari Lodge.
Meal Plan: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day Five: Wildlife of the West
The crisp morning opens at the mating ground of the Uganda Kobs. It’s the opportune time on our game drive to seek out elephants, lions, buffalo, waterbucks and the other wildlife in this vast vegetation. On an afternoon boat cruise, we glide along Kazinga Channel, which unites Lake Edward and Lake George. Hippos, crocodiles, and other mammals, reptiles, and birds congregate at the shores in the afternoon heat. We return from our excursion to a relaxing night at Mweya Safari Lodge.
Meal Plan: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day Six: Through Ishasha
Today we depart from Queen Elizabeth, but not before attempting to set eyes on the tree climbing lions of Ishasha on a brief game drive. We cross a stunning landscape to reach Bwindi National Park, where we will seek out another rare creature, the mountain gorilla. Tonight, we rest at Mahogany Springs.
Meal Plan: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day Seven: The Gorilla Families of Bwindi
Guided by an experienced tracker, we brave a challenging trek through Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. It may take minutes or hours of pushing through vegetation before we set our eyes on a colossal dominant silverback male and his group. We emerge into the cherished experience of observing them eat, play, and rest in the intimacy of the forest.
Those who don’t join in gorilla tracking set out to explore the surroundings in the serenity of the guided forest walk or the Buhoma Village Walk. We return to a night in comfort at Mahogany Springs.
Meal Plan: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day Eight: Night Ride in Lake Mburo National Park
From the intimacy of Bwindi Forest, we head to the expanse of Lake Mburo National Park. Enjoy a tranquil afternoon boat ride, serenaded by a sundry of birds, as we glide past yawning hippos.
Nightfall ushers in a thrilling adventure: A night game drive in an open Land Cruiser with a spot light. We have two to three hours and a 30% chance of spotting the elusive leopard and other nocturnal animals of Mburo. Let’s hope luck rewards us before we return to a restful night at Mihingo Lodge.
Meal Plan: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day Nine: An Afternoon of Leisure Capital
An early morning at Lake Mburo offers us the singular opportunity of a safari walk with a ranger. After breakfast, our final game drive leads us out of the park and on the road back to Kampala. Shop, explore the city, or simply swim away this last leisurely afternoon in the city before a night in luxury at Le Petit Village.
Meal Plan: breakfast and lunch
Day Ten: Departure
Today, dip into the city for a tour of historical sites or drive direct to Entebbe International Airport for departure. Bid farewell to the memorable animals and primates you met in the depths of Uganda’s flourishing national parks.
Meal Plan: breakfast
Inclusive
- Transfer to/from Entebbe International Airport
- Ground transport on a private 4WD safari vehicle
- English-speaking driver/guide
- Accommodation as included in the itinerary (twin/double room)
- Meals included in the itinerary
- Bottled mineral water in the safari vehicle
- Entrance fees and ranger fees for national parks
- Activities included in the itinerary
- Permit for chimp tracking in Kibale Forest
- Detailed map of Uganda (1 map per person)
Exclusive
- International flight
- Visa (USD $50, available upon arrival)
- Gorilla permit (USD $500 per permit)
- Forest Walk Bwindi (USD $50 per person)
- Meals and drinks outside the itinerary
- Items and services of a personal nature
- Tips
- Christmas Supplement
Accommodation
Windsor Lake Victoria Hotel – Entebbe
Winsor Lake Victoria Hotel is a located at 4 km from Entebbe Airport. The hotel, in classic colonial style, nestles in spacious tropical gardens overlooking Lake Victoria. The 100 renovated rooms are all air-conditioned and offer in-house music, mini-bar, complimentary safes and cotton bathrobes. Other amenities include restaurants, bar, health club and gym, swimming pool as well as botanical gardens.
Website: www.laicohotels.com
Primate Lodge Kibale – Kibale Forest National Park
The luxury safari tents of Primate Lodge Kibale are raised on a wooden platform overlooking the forest and its primates. Each of them is tastefully decorated in African style, with comfortable twin beds, large windows and en suite bathroom. The main lodge has a spacious dining room, serving local and international meals, with an adjacent bar and open lounge area.
Website: www.ugandalodges.com
Mweya Safari Lodge – Queen Elizabeth National Park
Mweya Safari Lodge has a prime location on the Mweya peninsula. All rooms have balconies, overlooking the Kazinga Channel and Lake Edward, private bathrooms and electricity. Other features include a beautiful swimming pool, a poolside bar, safari bar, souvenir shop and restaurant serving global cuisine.
Website: www.mweyalodge.com
Mahogany Springs – Bwindi Forest National Park
Mahogany Springs is the newest lodge in Bwindi National Park. Located at a 2 minutes drive from the headquarters, it offers eight luxury bandas with 2 double beds, en-suite bathroom and a private terrace with panoramic views of the forest and surrounding land. The main building includes a craft shop, large bar area, relaxing lounge area with fireplace, restaurant and a large veranda.
Website: www.mahoganysprings.com
Mihingo Lodge – Lake Mburo National Park
Mihingo Lodge is a peaceful and exclusive retreat, situated in Lake Mburo National Park. It features ten rooms which are built on wooden platforms. Suspended under the thatched roof is a spacious and comfortable tent, equipped with en suite bathrooms with stunning views. Each luxury tented room is nestled on a private piece of the lodge’s property, enabling you to enjoy the tranquil environment in complete seclusion. The main dining area is a large thatched structure built of rocks. Below the dining area, an infinity swimming pool stretches out from the rocks.
Website: www.mihingolodge.com
Le Petit Village – Kampala
Le Petit Village is located just 10 minutes from the city centre and offers twelve intimate rooms, decorated in safari chic rustic elegance. The rooms are self-contained and have flat screen TV’s, WIFI, phone, fridge and mini bar. Guests can enjoy the swimming pool and gourmet dining at the adjacent restaurant Le Chateau.
Website: www.lepetitvillage.net
Suzie House, 1st floor, Ggaba Road P.O. Box 33024 Kampala
Tel/Fax: +256 (0)414 267 153 Mob. +256 (0)772 426 368
E-mail: info@safari-uganda.com
Website: www.safari-uganda.com
“Where the journey into the wild begins…”
Terms and conditions
* The mentioned rates are in US dollars and subject to change.
* The high season period includes January, February, June, July, August, September and December.
* The low season period includes March, April, May, October and November.
* Availability of accommodation, permits and activities is not guaranteed until confirmation by your contact person of Great Lakes Safaris. Permits are sold on ‘first come first serve’ basis.
* Gorilla permits can only be secured after receiving the requested deposit.
* The chimp tracking in Kibale Forest may take place either in the morning or afternoon, depending on the availability of the permits for chimp tracking.
* The safari consists of an international travel company, with a minimum of 4 and maximum of 8 participants. Great Lakes Safaris has no control of the nationality, gender, age or any other details of the participants.