Gorillas & Chimps

 

A chance to explore a land blessed with outstanding beauty, rich in cultural history and biodiversity, whilst staying in beautiful and comfortable lodges.

Take a trip deep into the African rainforest to track the elusive chimpanzees whilst they crash around through the high canopy of the forest, accompanied by colourful birds squawking nearby.

The main highlight of this fantastic tour is the amiable looking mountain gorilla. Looking into the pensive brown eyes of these gentle giants is as humbling as it is thrilling, especially with the realisation that there are fewer than 700 remaining in the world.

DAY 1 FRIDAY HEATHROW-ENTEBBE
Fly from Heathrow overnight to Entebbe.

DAY 2 SATURDAY KAMPALA
On arrival met and transferred to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at Kampala Serena Hotel.

DAY 3 SUNDAY FORT PORTAL/KIBALE
After a briefing about the safari, depart for Fort Portal via the town of Mubende which is set in rolling hills. Picnic lunch en route and continue to Kibale (358 kms) Arrive late in the afternoon. Relax at your lodge or explore the nearby crater lake. Overnight at Ndali Lodge or Mantana Tented Camp, Kibale. (b,l,d)

DAY 4 MONDAY FORT PORTAL/KIBALE
Track the noisy chimps and other primates crashing around through the high canopy of the forest, accompanied by the colourful birds squawking nearby. Stop for a packed lunch. Enjoy an afternoon walk in Bigodi to see swamp birds and some of the community projects financed by tourism. Overnight at Ndali Lodge or Mantana Tented Camp, Kibale. (b,l,d)

DAY 5 TUESDAY QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK
Either a day of walking in the foothills of the Rwenzoris, one of the great mountain ranges of the world, looking out for its forbidding peaks in the distance, or drive straight to Queen Elizabeth National Park (157 kms) . The game seen will depend on the season, the Kasenyi plains are good for spotting lions and the Mweya peninsula for a variety of animals. Overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge or Jacana Safari Lodge. (b,l,d)

DAY 6 WEDNESDAY QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK
An excursion to Kyambura gorge nearby, to track the fast moving and elusive chimpanzees, one of man's closest relations. The chimp population is quite mobile and viewing is unpredictable, but the walk is enchanting. Alternatively, go for a nature walk in Maramagambo Forest to see other primates, and to visit the bat cave and the blue lake. In the afternoon take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel where the wildlife and a vast array of birds come to drink. Overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge or Jacana Safari Lodge. (b,l,d)

DAY 7 THURSDAY BWINDI NATIONAL PARK
Depart for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (150 kms). Either drive via Ishasha, home of the tree climbing lion, roads permitting, or take the alternative route through cultivated expanses. Time permitting, go for a short stroll around the lodge or explore the village. Overnight Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge. (b,l,d)

DAY 8 FRIDAY BWINDI NATIONAL PARK
Go gorilla tracking (subject to permit availability at time of booking), walking up steep densely forested hills, before finally coming across the gorillas camouflaged in the vegetation. An inspiring moment! Tracking in Bwindi requires stamina and can often take most of the day. Alternatively, go for a leisurely nature or community walk. Overnight Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge. (b,l,d)

DAY 9 SATURDAY EXTENSION OR HEATHROW
Early start for Kampala, retracing your steps through this green and pleasant land. Picnic lunch en route. Arrive Kampala late afternoon (527 kms)

Proceed with your extension or return to Heathrow.