8 Day Chimps Gorillas and Savannah Wildlife

This 8 Day Chimps Gorillas and Savannah Wildlife Uganda holiday offers the most diverse wildlife experience in Africa – wild savannah, Congo rainforests, volcanic craters and snow-capped Mountains. This could well be another planet

Highlights

Watch groups of gorillas appear from the mists in pre-historic Bwindi
Follow chimpanzees in the shady forests of Kibale and Kyambura gorge
Big game, dazzling birdlife and dramatic scenery, dotted with traditional villages
Perfect mix of adventure and exploration, softened by authentic, stylish lodges

Overview

Trip Overview

On this 13 Day Chimps Gorillas and Savannah Wildlife Safari, explore crater lakes around Kibale Forest, where troops of chimps hunt in the wild and mysterious blue lakes sparkle in hidden forests. The Mountains of the Moon, overshadow the plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park, a wild savannah where lions become leopards and lounge in trees. Boat journeys on the Kazinga Channel offer dazzling bird life where Africas largest crocodiles bask in the sun, daring you to come closer as elephants come to drink in the setting sun.

Banana plantations are bright yellow against the lush, green landscape, where red dust roads lead to welcoming villages and colourful markets. Finally, walk through Ice-age forests and come face to face with the mountain gorilla.

Cost includes all activities, one gorilla permit, domestic flights and transfers.

For a more detailed itinerary with great ideas on what to do and where to stay, please get in touch with our experts.

Trip Summery

Day 1: Arrival
Day 2: Entebbe – Kibale
Day 3: Chimps Trekking in Kibale Forest
Day 4: Kibale – Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 5: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 6: Queen Elizabeth National Park – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 8: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Entebbe

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Full Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival

Arrival and overnight at Papyrus Guesthouse

Day 2: Entebbe – Kibale Forest National Park

Travel from Entebbe to Kibale (4-5 hours)

Kibale Forest National Park is one of the best safari destinations in Uganda. The park plays host to 13 primate species including the red colobus and L’Hoest’s monkey. The most accessible of Uganda’s major rainforests, Kibale’s major attraction is its chimps. Tracking these noisy apes as they squabble and play in fruiting trees is a thrilling experience. There are also 335 species of bird here and other rare animals including the forest elephant and the giant forest hog.

You will be staying at Ndali Lodge, Full board

Day 3: Chimps Trekking in Kibale Forest

Chimpanzee trekking

Gorillas are all very well, but chimpanzees are their raucous, misbehaving cousins ready to show off at the drop of a hat. Head into the forest at first light. Depending on where the chimpanzees nested the night before, it may take anything from ten minutes to over an hour to reach them – sometimes longer.

Silhouettes of chimpanzees appearing in the trees as troops forage and explore is mesmerising, but the pant hoots and calls between troops of up to 60 individuals is when the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. If playing Tarzan for the day appeals, then all day chimp trekking can be arranged…

Depending on what time you return, the afternoon can be spent relaxing at the lodge, or exploring the nearby crater lakes and villages.

You will be staying at Ndali Lodge, Full board

Day 4: Kibale – Queen Elizabeth National Park

Travel from Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park. A journey time of around 2-3hours.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is located in the western arm of the Great East African Rift Valley, and encompasses Lake Edward and Lake George. This is a park with an incredible variety of habitats, which in turn are home to an astonishing diversity of wildlife. From volcanic craters and grassy plains to stunning tropical forests, wetlands and rivers, there is something different to see at every turn.

You will be staying at Kyambura Gorge Lodge, Full board

Day 5: Queen Elizabeth National Park

Chimp tracking in Kyambura Gorge

The steeply forested walls of Kyambura are home not only to chimpanzees but also to the red-tailed monkey, black and white colobus, giant forest hog and many bird species. A half day walk down to the Gorge is a rewarding experience, not only for seeing chimpanzees but also to explore the beautiful river valley.

You will be staying at Kyambura Gorge Lodge, Full board

Day 6: Queen Elizabeth National Park – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Morning Game Drive in QENP then Travel to Bwindi

Take a traditional game drive in the Q.E.N.P, passing through the Ishasha area looking out for the famous tree climbing lions and other game in this spectacular park. Continue on to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where you cross the equator, through scenic open savannah, dotted with giant Euphorbia trees and traditional villages.

Covered in thick tropical rainforest and often shrouded in mist, Bwindi provides a perfect habitat for mountain gorillas. Spread over a series of steep ridges and valleys it looks the part and having survived the last ice age is considered one of the most diverse forests in Africa. The birding here is big and colourful, the forest dark and inviting and the sense of adventure palpable.

You will be staying at Bwindi Lodge, Full board

Day 7: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Set off early to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to track one of three habituated gorilla groups – Habinyanja, Rushegura or Mubare. On the trek, clients will be split into two groups of seven. One group will be escorted by Dr Mike Cranfield from Gorilla Doctors while the other group will be escorted by wildlife photographer, David Lloyd. You will also be escorted by a local guide and park rangers who will give a thorough briefing before you set foot into the park. Walking through the forests at first light is a thrilling experience and as the mists disappear to reveal prehistoric plants towering above, follow the trail of the gorillas hidden in the shadows. The mud, sweat (and sometimes tears) are worth it and coming face to face with the gorillas is like no other wildlife experience. Bring plenty of memory cards, lots of water and strong legs.

You will be staying at Bwindi Lodge, Full board