11 DAYS PRIMATE ADVENTURE

Embark on an exhilarating 11-day primate adventure in Uganda, where you’ll explore lush rainforests and encounter diverse primate species, including chimpanzees and mountain gorillas. Experience thrilling wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and the vibrant culture of the region.

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Day 1

ARRIVE AT ENTEBBE AIRPORT

You will be picked up from Entebbe Airport. Upon your arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will go through a standard clearance process. Once you’ve completed this, you will meet your assigned professional tour driver-guide from Tierra Tours, who will warmly welcome you to Uganda – the Pearl of Africa. After that, you will be taken to your first accommodation, a lovely forest lodge in Entebbe. You can check in and take some time to relax, recover from jet lag, and adjust to the time difference.

Day 2

ENTEBBE - MABAMBA SWAMP EXCURSION

After a cozy breakfast, your driver will take you to the pier, where you'll board a boat to the Mabamba swamps. Upon arrival, you'll transfer to a smaller canoe with two or three people, along with the driver and guide. As you glide through the swamp, surrounded by papyrus plants and water lilies, you'll have the chance to spot the majestic shoebill. These birds often hide among the papyrus, feeding on lungfish. During the journey, you'll also have the opportunity to see other rare bird species, such as the papyrus gonolek.

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Day 3

ENTEBBE - KIBALE FOREST NATIONAL PARK

After breakfast, you will head to Kibale National Park, where the lush canopy shelters a rich variety of primates and birdlife. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided village walk through the community to interact with the locals. Optional activities include exploring Bigodi Swamp, which unveils the sanctuary's rich biodiversity, or participating in excursions that offer insights into local culture and history.

Day 4

KIBALE FOREST NATIONAL PARK - CHIMPANZEE TRACKING

After breakfast, you will head to Kanyancu, the visitor center in Kibale National Park, to check in by 7:45 am for chimpanzee tracking. Kibale Forest is home to the highest number of primate species worldwide, including around 5,000 wild chimpanzees, making it a prime viewing spot. Enjoy watching these playful apes in the trees, guided by experienced rangers who will also highlight local bird and plant life. The trails are easy to follow, and the tracking lasts one to three hours, starting at 8:00 am, with one hour spent near the chimpanzees. Afterward, you'll embark on a guided forest walk to explore the park's rich biodiversity. In the evening, return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay at Chimpundu Lodge.

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Day 5

KIBALE FOREST NATIONAL PARK - QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK

After breakfast, you will embark on an exciting crater lake hike! The Kasenda area, located in Fort Portal, is home to over 50 crater lakes, surrounded by steep-sided volcanoes. This picturesque region offers a unique landscape for exploration. After the hike, you will be driven to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda's second-largest national park, situated at the base of the Rwenzori Mountain range, near Lake Edward and Lake George. Here, you'll enjoy a game drive with the chance to spot wildlife such as lions, leopards, elephants, and cape buffaloes. Afterward, you'll check in at your lodge for an overnight stay.

Day 6

QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK

After breakfast, you will embark on a game drive with the chance to see a variety of animals, including lions, leopards, elephants, and buffaloes. In the afternoon, you'll enjoy a relaxing boat trip on the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lakes George and Edward. Along the shores, you'll spot numerous bird species. Keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready, as the sight of birds gliding on the water is truly captivating. This boat safari will surely be a highlight of your tour.

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Day 7

QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK - FULL DAY RELAXATION AT RIVER STATION LODGE

Today, enjoy a full day in the park, starting with early morning lion or mongoose tracking, followed by a game drive in the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. In the evening, return for another game drive. As the sun sets, unwind at a scenic sundowner spot with refreshments, stretching your legs outside the safari vehicle while taking in the stunning surroundings.

Day 8

QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK - BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK

After an early breakfast, you'll head to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwestern Uganda, near the edge of the Rift Valley. This park, with its mist-covered hills, is home to one of Uganda’s oldest and most diverse rainforests, dating back over 25,000 years and containing nearly 400 plant species. Notably, it shelters around 459 mountain gorillas, nearly half of the world’s population, with several habituated groups available for tracking. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of the landscape, banana plantations, and the Kigezi terraces.

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Day 9

BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK (NORTHERN SECTOR) - SOUTHERN SECTOR

After breakfast, embark on a guided nature walk across Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to its southern sector. The Ivy River Trail leads from Buhoma to the park’s south, serving as a key path for locals, especially on market days, heading to Nteko village near the park's boundary. Along the way, you’ll likely encounter wildlife, including monkeys, duikers, bush pigs, and some of Bwindi’s renowned bird and butterfly species.

Day 10

BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK (SOUTHERN SECTOR)

Experience the timeless beauty of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park on an unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure. Journey through misty hillsides, home to nearly half of the world’s mountain gorilla population. Guided by our expert trackers, explore the dense rainforest—a trek that may take between 1 to 7 hours - and enjoy the surrounding wildlife. Spend time observing the gorillas’ behaviors and create lasting memories.

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Day 11

RETURN TO ENTEBBE AND FLY OUT

After breakfast, you’ll be driven to the airstrip for your domestic flight to Entebbe International Airport. Upon arrival in Entebbe, you’ll be taken to a boutique hotel where a day room is reserved for you. Relax here until it’s time for your transfer to the airport for your flight home.

INCLUDED

  • Airport transfers for pick-up and drop-off

  • Transportation in a private, air-conditioned 4x4 safari Landcruiser, inclusive of fuel and Wi-Fi

  • Services of an English-speaking, experienced driver-guide

  • Assistance with the Uganda entry visa application process

  • All activities specified in the itinerary (e.g., Gorilla Trekking, Chimpanzee Trekking, Whitewater Rafting, Boat Cruises, etc.)

  • Accommodation and meals as detailed in the itinerary

  • All applicable local taxes

  • AMREF Flying Doctor emergency evacuation insurance

  • Domestic flights, where applicable and specified in the itinerary.




EXLUDED

  • International airfare

  • Personal expenses, including but not limited to alcoholic beverages, additional meals, tips, and gratuities

  • International travel insurance

  • Activities not specifically mentioned in the itinerary

  • Uganda visa fee.