We Love —
- Embark on an unforgettable private tour in incredible Uganda
- Meet chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park
- Discover dazzling landscapes and impressive wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Follow the gorilla tracks and take unforgettable photos in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
New Voyage Privé —
Carefully selected by our experts especially for you
Your Itinerary In Brief —
Experience a life-changing trip to Uganda, an incredible destination boasting beautiful wildlife and breathtaking landscapes, representing some of the planet's natural treasures. For the best way to discover this natural haven we suggest you enjoy a 7-night private tour, on the trail of the great apes, accompanied by an English-speaking guide. From Entebbe to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to Mabamba Swamps and Kibale Forest National Park, experience adventure and create incredible memories.
Your Itinerary In Detail —
Days 1 and 2: Entebbe
Day 1: Arrival into Entebbe
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport (preferably an early morning flight), you will be warmly greeted by our guide, then transferred to your lodge.
Entebbe is located on a peninsula in Lake Victoria, in Central Uganda. This town is a collection of residential areas and a slew of government offices. Here you will rest up before your adventure begins!
Day 2: Boma Entebbe
Early breakfast then transfer to Mabamba swamp to search for the endangered bird called ShoeBill Stork. From this swampy area around Lake Victoria, you should be able to observe this impressive bird. Return in the afternoon for a visit to the botanical gardens, home to diverse plants, birds and monkeys!
Days 3 and 4: Kibale National Park
Day 3: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
Enjoy an early breakfast and transfer to Kibale. Along the way, you will make stops to take photos and interact with the locals if time permits.
Driving time: about 5-6 hours
Day 4: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
Early breakfast at 6:00 am, then drive to the park headquarters in Kanyanchu for a briefing, before setting off for a full day of chimpanzee habituation experience. Covering an area of about 795km, Kibale National Park is one of Uganda's most incredible tropical forests and is a habitat to many forest wildlife and among these include 13 species of primates along with chimpanzees.
Travel time: 20 minutes
Day 5: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 5: Queen Elizabeth National Park
For the next stage of your tour, you will be transferred to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Breakfast will be served at 6:00 am so you'll be sure to arrive in time for the 9:00 am cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
During the boat ride you will be able to observe hippos, crocodiles, large herds of elephants, buffaloes and many species of birds. Some of the most common species to observe include martial eagles, African spoonbills, cormorants, African skimmers, and pelicans.
You will then return to the lodge for your lunch, and later in the evening, you will go on a game drive to observe the park's wildlife.
Journey time: about 2-3 hours
Days 6, 7 and 8: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Day 6: From Queen Elizabeth National Park to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
This morning will be a very early start for you as you set off on your trek in search of the rare Mountain Gorillas. The trek with an experienced ranger will take between 6-7 hours but is well worth the effort.
You will arrive later in the afternoon and check in before having your lunch. Later in the evening, you can take an optional nature walk or visit the community of pygmies who lived in the Bwindi Forest.
In 1994, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park was listed as a UNESCO world heritage site because of its ecological importance. Since then, this lush tropical rainforest has become popular to the world because of Gorilla trekking. Journey time: approximately 6-7 hours including a late lunch break en route.
Day 7: Bwindi National Park (The Ultimate Gorilla Experience)
After breakfast, you will make a short drive to the park headquarters for a briefing on the behaviors of mountain gorillas before setting out for a trekking on their trail. You will then be assigned to one of the regular groups (with a guide) in the area.
You will be walking in the forest and once you locate them you will only have an hour to take photos, movies, selfies, etc. Then you will walk back to the starting point and return to the lodge for your overnight stay.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is a habitat for more than half of the world’s highly endangered Mountain Gorilla population (more than 360 individuals of the plausible 800 in the entire world). Only 3 locations in the world offer the chance to see these majestic creatures, and just 7-11 groups of Mountain Gorillas in the whole country are habituated in Bwindi.
On a single day, only 72 people are allowed into Bwindi to see the Mountian Gorillas and only eight people for each gorilla family. Although sightings are not guaranteed, viewing success rates are over 90%, and you've got to take this chance, This is an exclusive, once in a lifetime opportunity that you do not want to miss!
Journey time: 30 minutes
Day 8: Transfer to Entebbe for the return flight
Today is the day to say goodbye to an incredible adventure! After an early breakfast, enjoy a transfer back to Entebbe, where your tour will conclude and you will board your late afternoon flight back to the UK.
Driving time: about 8-9 hours.
Important Information for Gorilla Tracking:
-If you need to use the bathroom, please ask your guide for advice on where to go.
-Do not get up in the car, hang on to the window, or sit on the roof.
-Don't talk or laugh too loudly.
-Stay close to your guide and group on a walking safari, and always walk in single file.
-Be careful where you step when walking in the bush.
-Never run or jog in an area of wildlife, as this prompts predators to attack. For the same reason, never run away from a predator when facing them. Instead, ask for help and instructions from your guide or slowly walk backwards facing the predator.
-Never walk between a hippo and water. He might panic and charge because his safe path to the water is blocked.
-Cover your arms and legs at night and use mosquito repellent to protect yourself from mosquitoes. Insect repellent should contain at least 30% DEET.
-Wear a hat, use sunscreen, and drink plenty of water.
-Do not wear bright, colorful clothes or too much perfume. This is especially true for walking safaris and, to a lesser extent, for other wildlife viewing activities. In areas where tsetse flies are prevalent, it is recommended that you do not wear dark colored clothing - such as black or dark blue - as they attract these stinging flies. Bring warm clothes for morning game drives in open vehicles during the cold months of June, July, and August.
-Great apes are susceptible to human diseases. Never visit them if you are sick and turn away if you need to cough.
-Always keep the recommended distance (at least 5 meters / 15 feet) between yourself and the primates. Back up if animals are approaching you to reduce this distance.
-Back up slowly if a chimpanzee or gorilla is aggressive towards you.
If a gorilla charges at you, follow the lead of the guides (crouch down slowly, don't look the gorillas directly in the eye and wait for the animals to pass).
-Never make eye contact with large primates.
-Do not use flash for taking pictures.
-Don't make quick movements.
-Never block the path of chimpanzees or gorillas when they are walking.
-Never take food or drink near chimpanzees or gorillas. You can leave your day bag with the trackers when you approach the animals.
-Bring good waterproof clothing and a waterproof bag for your camera and other personal items.
Your Hotels —
Members will enjoy accommodation at each stage of their trip in carefully selected camps, guest houses and lodges.
Your accommodation:
- Nights 1 and 2: Boma Guest House or similar
- Nights 3 and 4: Isunga Lodge, Turaco treetops or similar
- Night 5: Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge, Buffalo Lodge or similar
- Nights 6 and 7: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Camp or similar
Your Board Basis
For a relaxing stay, enjoy a complimentary breakfast on days 2 and 8 of your tour, and benefit from a Full Board dining package (excluding drinks) from days 3 to 7 (inclusive).
Your Journey to Entebbe —
Flights:
You may choose from Economy, Premium or Business class flights on sectors that they operate, at the next stage of the booking process. The flights included are with either a scheduled or no-frills airline and are subject to live availability and prices can change. You can choose your preferred departure times during the booking process. Please select your flight options carefully as departure and arrival airports may differ.
Welcome to Uganda —
The landlocked nation of Uganda, located in East Africa, is a tapestry of diverse landscapes, welcoming locals and incredible wildlife. Home to Africa's tallest mountain range -the snow-capped Rwenzoris, lush tea plantations, the source of the Nile leading to immense lakes, and abundant wildlife, Uganda packs a lot into one small country.
Famously called the Pearl of Africa by Winston Churchill, Uganda is one of the only three locations in the world to be home to the rare Mountain Gorilla (the other being the Virunga Massif, Congo and Mgahinga National Park Rwanda), and offers its visitors the chance to visit these beautiful creatures up close, in one of the most exclusive settings on the planet - Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. You will also get a chance to lay your eyes on the endangered common chimpanzee as well as the Big Five!
