Gorilla and Chimp Safari

1-Join tour Kampala
Join tour Kampala and transfer to the hotel. Time at leisure to relax by the pool or visit the capital city.
Overnight: Standard Lodge
Single Room option available

2-Drive to Kibale rainforest
After breakfast we will depart Kampala and head west to Fort Portal. On your way look out for black-and-white colobus monkeys 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. From this lovely town we will continue to Kibale National Park for a stay within the tropical forest.
Overnight: Comfortable Lodge
Single Room option available

3-Chimp Trek in Kibale followed by a Swamp Walk through the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
Today the forest opens its doors for a sensational chimp tracking. 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, redtailed 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). Please note we might have to split the group for the chimp trek (morning and afternoon trek).
Overnight: Comfortable Lodge
Single Room option available

4-Day walk at the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains and transfer to Queen Elizabeth N.P.
Today you can enjoy the majestic Rwenzori Mountains in its full glory! Have a guided walk at the foothills of the ‘Mountains of the Moon’ and learn about the local culture firsthand. Enjoy the scenic views, have a glimpse of the village life and meet the locals including a traditional witchdoctor. After this walk we will calmly transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Overnight: Standard Lodge
Single Room option available

5-Morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth N.P.; Kazinga Channel river cruise
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 on 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 definitely be one of the highlights of your tour.
Overnight: Standard Lodge
Single Room option available

6-Short game drive in the Ishasha sector; transfer to Bwindi National Park
After breakfast we head towards the south, passing 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. While driving through a verdant countryside, you will pass traditional homesteads and enjoy panoramic views. In the afternoon arrival in Bwindi National Park, the home of the endangered mountain gorillas.
Overnight: Standard Lodge
Single Room option available

7-Gorilla trek
Today you’ll experience what some people define a life changing event: a 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.
Overnight: Standard Lodge
Single Room option available

8-Nature walk and time at leisure in Bwindi
Today you have the option of joining a guided nature/village walk to explore the surroundings of Bwindi. For availability issue, we often will have to split the group in 2 for the gorilla trek. Those who didn’t take part to the gorilla trek on day 7 will be going on trek today.
Overnight: Standard Lodge
Single Room option available

9-Drive to Lake Bunyonyi through coffee plantations and rolling hills
After breakfast we depart to Lake Bunyonyi, the second deepest lake in Africa. The drive itself is very scenic through small villages, coffee and banana plantations and rolling hills. Relax, take a swim or explore the surroundings by traditional canoe.
Overnight: Standard Lodge
Single Room option available

10-Day at leisure at Lake Bunyonyi
Full day at the shores of Lake Bunyonyi to be spent at your own leisure. Relax at the swimming pool or cool off in the fresh waters of the lake. If you would like to discover the surroundings your opt for a guided nature/village walk or hire a canoe and visit some of the nearby islands.
Overnight: Standard Lodge
Single Room option available

11-Transfer to Lake Mburo and game drive
Today we head to Lake Mburo National Park with lunch en route. With a game drive we enter the park and head towards our accommodation with panoramic views over the plains.
Overnight: Comfortable Camping

12-Drive to Entebbe where the tour ends
Early start of the day as we will go for a nature walk guided by a ranger. Lake Mburo is the only national park in Uganda where you can experience a safari on foot, an excellent opportunity to observe wildlife at close range! Return the lodge for breakfast and with a game drive on our way out we depart the protected area and drive back to Entebbe where our tour ends.

Tour includes:

11 Breakfast
7 Lunch
9 Dinner
Transport:
Boat, Minibus
Accommodation:
8 nights Standard Lodge
2 nights Comfortable Lodge
1 night Comfortable Camping
Tour Staff:
Explore Tour Leader / Driver, Local Guide(s), Ranger(s)
Group Size:
Generally 10 – 16

Explore have been running small group adventure holidays throughout the world since 1981 and have a vast array of experience, knowledge and well established close personal contacts in all the countries in which they operate, which makes them stand out as one of the most trusted adventure tour operators in the UK.

They are passionate about what they do, and above all, simply love nothing more than to travel. The founder directors ran overland trips through Asia, Africa and the Americas in the 1960s and 70s prior to setting up the company, and were determined that the spirit of adventure that was such an important part of those early pioneering days, should continue to play key role as part of the driving ethos of Explore.

Our Opinion
It is little wonder that over 60% of all Explore customers who travel each year have travelled with them previously, Explore are clearly committed to the “travel experience” and their itineraries are always offer that slight “Explore Twist” which makes them even more appealing.