Our safari tour leader will pick you up from the airport and take you to the hotel overlooking Lake Victoria in case you arrive before 5pm. The tour leader will brief you on how the 11 day Uganda gorilla and chimpanzee trekking safari tour will be rolled out and what to expect and not to expect. This day has no planned activities; so feel free to arrive in Uganda any time of the day. In case you arrive a bit earlier, you can embark on the free Entebbe walking tour or Kampala city tour but that will only be done if you request our tour leader to arrange it for you at an extra cost. Accommodation: Cassia Lodge (or Equivalent); Meals: None

After breakfast we will depart Kampala and head west to Fort Portal to start your 11 day Uganda gorilla and chimpanzee trekking safari tour. On your way look out for black and white colobus monkeys plus baboons as many of these primates are hiding in trees along the road. Fort Portal rests in the shadow of the fabled Mountains of the Moon and is famous for the many tea plantations which you will see along the way. From this lovely town we will continue to Kibale National Park for a stay within the tropical forest. Accommodation: Primate lodge Kibale (or similar) Meals Provided: Breakfast & Dinner.

Today the forest opens its doors for sensational chimpanzee tracking on your 11 day Uganda gorilla and chimpanzee trekking safari tour. Kibale Forest is reputable for having the greatest variety and highest concentration of primates in East Africa. Enjoy a guided nature walk in the tropical rainforest in search of the wild chimpanzee, red-tailed monkey, black and white colobus monkey and many others. After lunch we transfer to Bigodi for a complete different walk. Here you will have the choice to join a guided Swamp Walk through the Wetland Sanctuary, which is famous for the many birds and primates that live in this area. Alternatively, you may decide to go for a Village Walk. Accompanied by a guide who can tell you everything about the traditional customs and lifestyle of the inhabitants, you will follow the village path and visit a primary school, Catholic church, traditional homesteads, learn about the crops and listen to the story telling of a Mzee (elderly man). Both activities are an initiative of the inhabitants of Bigodi Village and the revenues are shared by the local community (you can choose which activity to join locally. This is included in the package). Accommodation: Primate Lodge Kibale (or similar); Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Today you can enjoy the majestic Rwenzori Mountains in their full glory on a guided walk in the foothills of the ‘Mountains of the Moon’. As well as enjoying the scenic views, we will get a glimpse into local village life and meet some of the locals and visit a waterfall. After this walk we transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, where we spend the next two nights. Accommodation: Elephant Plains Lodge (or similar); Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

The day begins early when we start with a morning game drive and head to the mating ground of the Ugandan kobs. We search for lion, elephant, buffalo and other animals in their natural habitat before returning for lunch.

In the afternoon we take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural channel between Lake Edward and Lake George. Thanks to the abundant birdlife as well as the herds of elephants, buffaloes and hundreds of hippos that are cooling off at the shores, this cruise will be one of the highlights of your 11 day Uganda gorilla and chimpanzee trekking safari tour. Accommodation: Elephant Plains Lodge (or similar)

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast we head towards the south, passing through the southern sector of the National Park (if road conditions allow). This part is called Ishasha and is famous for the tree climbing lions. After a short game drive in this area we continue to Bwindi National Park. While driving through a verdant countryside, you will pass traditional homesteads and enjoy panoramic views. In the afternoon we will arrive in Bwindi National Park the home of the endangered mountain gorillas for our 11 day Uganda gorilla and chimpanzee trekking safari tour. Accommodation: Mahogany Springs Lodge (or similar); Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today you’ll experience what some people define a life changing event: meeting with the gentle giants of Bwindi! Expect to walk a long distance in steep and muddy conditions, sometimes with rain overhead, before you encounter any gorillas. But it will definitely be worthwhile as you observe them closely while they eat, play and rest, a unique and unforgettable experience! Unfortunately, Mountain gorillas (as opposed to Lowland gorillas) are one of the world’s most endangered species so the entrance and gorilla tracking fees revenue generated from tourism in protected parks such as Bwindi, offer them their only chance of survival. Distinct from their cousins who live in the open spaces and lowland forests of West Africa, Mountain gorillas are found at an altitude of between 1520m and 3650m. Gentle giants and vegetarians, they are normally peaceful unless provoked. Our groups have been rewarded with the thrill of very close encounters. Accommodation: Mahogany Springs Lodge (or similar); Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today you have the option of joining a guided nature/village walk to explore the surroundings of Bwindi impenetrable national park. Get lost in the Batwa communities who are believed to be the original inhibitors of the Bwindi Forest but because of the need to conserve the forest, these people were relocated from the forest. Accommodation: Mahogany Springs Lodge (or similar); Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

After breakfast we leave the forest of Bwindi behind and head to Lake Mburo National Park, the smallest game park in Uganda. Although small, Mburo is home to 68 different species of mammal including leopard, hyena and buffalos. This area is one of the only places in Uganda where you will find zebra. The scenic drive to Mburo will take around 6 hours, through small villages, coffee and banana plantations and rolling hills. We will stop for lunch and to stretch our legs at Igongo Cultural Centre in Mbarara. Upon arrival at Mburo we check into our accommodation, which has spectacular panoramic views over the plains. It’s the ideal spot in which to enjoy our last two nights of the tour. After the sun has set we head out for a very special game drive in search of leopards. Although rare, Lake Mburo National Park is the best place in Uganda to see the leopard, especially during night game drives. Wildlife sightings can’t be guaranteed, on average 7 out of every 10 groups are lucky enough see the leopards. Accommodation: Arcadia Cottages (or similar); Meals Provided: Breakfast & Dinner

Lake Mburo is the only national park in Uganda where you can experience a safari on foot due to the absence of lion and elephant. After breakfast we walk out on to the plains with our ranger guide from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. We spend around two hours exploring the African wilderness and should see giraffe, zebra, impala and numerous bird species as well as learning about the local flora such as acacia and papyrus. After lunch you have the opportunity to take a boat trip on Lake Mburo in search of more birds including kingfisher, fishing eagle and white-winged warbler. As well as birds we hope to see hippo, crocodile and buffalo. Accommodation: Rwakobo Rock Safari Lodge (or similar); Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Departing Lake Mburo at 7.30am this morning we’ll drive for around six hours along the way, back to Entebbe. We’ll arrive into Entebbe around 1.30pm and depending on your flight time your Tour leader will take you directly to the airport or to a chosen guesthouse where we have arranged communal day rooms for those on late flights. The dayrooms are available until 9pm and will be shared between 3 people, if you’d like your own dayroom you can enquire about this and pay directly to the guesthouse. The earliest your flight can depart Entebbe International Airport (EBB) is 4pm. MEALS PROVIDED: BREAKFAST

You can Book this trip in your own Private Group or Solo Tour or Family trip at any time of the year.

Trip information for the 11 day Uganda gorilla and chimpanzee trekking safari tour

Climate of Uganda

Although conditions are tropical, hot and humid in the centre and west, the rest of Uganda has a pleasant and comfortable climate. The dry season is generally from December to early March and June to the end of August/early September. Temperature can vary from around 28°C during the day to 12°C in the evening. High mountain areas become much cooler at night. Most of Uganda experiences a double rainy season. Rainfall is moderate, only exceeding 1250mm a year in the higher areas. But it may rain at any time of the year, particularly in equatorial rainforest such as Bwindi. Lake Victoria influences the local weather patterns considerably and ensures the surrounding region is wetter than elsewhere.

Time difference to GMT

+3

Plugs

3 Pin Flat

Religion

Christian, Roman Catholic, Islam

Language

English, Swahili

Optional activities

The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for direct with the supplier and do not form part of your Nungi safaris contract.

Clothing

Temperatures are warm and humidity is high all year round. But as much of our route in Uganda is driving across high country or at a reasonable altitude, warm clothing is needed particularly at night and in the early morning. Do not bring green fatigues or camouflage jackets/trousers that might be considered of military origin. Lightweight, hard wearing gloves are useful for protecting hands during the gorilla and chimpanzee trekking. Long sleeved shirts and long trousers are recommended for protecting arms and legs.

Footwear

Sturdy walking boots for the tracking and sandals or trainers/light shoes for travelling.

Luggage: On tour

One main piece of baggage (a soft bag or holdall for ease of loading onto vehicles) plus a daypack.

Equipment

Take a torch (ideally a head torch), insect repellent and a personal water bottle. Binoculars will be useful for game viewing as is a camera with telephoto lens for close-up wildlife shots. Accommodation has mosquito screening where necessary so nets are not required. Walking poles are strongly recommended. A hat and long socks so you can tuck your trousers in for the gorilla trek are also recommended

Tipping

Nungi safaris leader

Tipping isn’t compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our Tour leaders receive a fair wage. However, you might want to recognize Tour leader that’s done a great job or really added to your trip by giving them a tip. We’re often asked about the recommended amount. It’s a tricky one, and down to personal preference, but we’d recommend between $50 and above per person or even more if you are willing to offer; we have no limit for you.

Local crew

Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. In order to make things easier for you, your leader may organize a group’s tips kitty for included activities and meals and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.

Uganda Food and drinks

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more. Lunch price $8; Dinner price £16; Beer price $2; Water price $1

Foreign Exchange Recommended

You should take the majority of your spending money in US Dollars cash some of which to change into Ugandan Shillings. Please be aware that notes issued pre- 2006, or are not the “Big Face” kind, are not normally accepted in East Africa at all. Take mixed denomination bills in good condition and note that higher Ugandan Shilling rates are available for larger ($50- $100) US Dollar bills. Dirty and torn US Dollar notes are NOT accepted at all in Uganda. GBP Sterling is easily exchanged in Kampala only.

Where to Exchange Money from in Uganda?

Your Tour leader will advise you on where to exchange money from but its best you do this when still in Kampala.

Are there ATM visa machines in Uganda?

Very limited in the upcountry and unreliable so it’s better you do all the transactions while in Kampala

Credit Card Acceptance in Uganda?

Unreliable

Are Travelers Cheques allowed?

We do not recommend travelers cheques

Why book this 11 day Uganda gorilla and chimpanzee trekking safari tour

This 11 day Uganda gorilla and chimpanzee trekking safari tour is perfect for travellers to Uganda who are seeking the ultimate wildlife encounter, coming face to face with the mountain gorilla. Though the real highlight of this 11 day Uganda gorilla and chimpanzee trekking safari tour is the people and colors of Uganda; every day you come across smiling, friendly people with a backdrop of green vegetation and vibrant forest. This is not the Africa that you see on television, but a land of hope, promise and full of life.