Uganda Safari - Gorillas & CHIMPANZEES 15 days
An amazing variety of primates (20 species) can be encountered on a Uganda Safari. Some of the special wildlife you might see on your Uganda Safari are introduced here.
Shoebill in Mabamba Swamp and White Rhinos in Ziwa Sanctuary by Matej Dolinay – Living Zoology. 2 amazing places we gladly include in your Uganda safari itinerary.
Mountain Gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) are found in Uganda in Bwindi impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga National Park where you could also find Golden Monkeys. Please be ready to walk for several hours on small, partly steep and slippery paths.
Each family group has a male above 15 years. His back has turned silver when he was around 12 years old and therefore they are called “Silverback”. Gorillas feed entirely on plant material. There are many documentaries about Gorillas but to be face to face with these impressive apes is totally different.
There are only around 1060 Mountain Gorillas in the wild. Deforestation is destroying their habitat but due to strict protection their population is stable and often they breed successfully. You will visit one family on our Uganda Safari.
Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) are found in Uganda in Kibale National Park. There you can meet with wild and habituated groups – Uganda Safari.
Chimpanzees live in families and feed on plant material and meat. Males can reach 70 kg and are almost 1.5 times heavier than females. They live on trees and on the ground. For the night they build tree nests with leaves and small branches which they might also use during the hot time of the day. The behaviour of Chimpanzees fills books. But experience these apes live! Jane Goodall has spent many years with Chimpanzees and is for sure the most competent expert.
Uganda is a country for those who love primates – 20 species among them 13 diurnal
- Mountain Gorilla
- Chimpanzee
- Golden Monkey (Cercopithecus mitis kandti)
- De Brazza’s Monkey (Cercopithecus neglectus)
- Red-tailed Monkey / Schmidt’s Guenon (Cercopithecus ascanius schmidti)
- Silver Monkey, Subspecies of Diademed Monkey (Cercopithecus mitis doggetti)
- Angola Colobus / Stummelaffe (Unterart Colobus angolensis ruwenzorii)
- Uganda red Colobus (Piliocolobus tephrosceles)
- Uganda Mangabey (Lophocebus (albigena) ugandae)
- L’Hoest Monkey (Allochrocebus lhoesti)
- Tantalus Monkey (Chlorocebus tantalus)
- Patas Monkey (Erythrocebus patas)
- Olive Baboon (Papio anubis)
- Hamlyn’s Monkey or Owl-faced Monkey (Cercopithecus hamlyni) (rare and threatend – Mgahinga National Park)
and 7 nocturnal
- Sotik Dwarf Galago (Bushbaby) (Galago senegalensis sotikae)
- Dusky Bushbaby (Galago matschiei, Syn.: G. inustus)
- Mohol Bushbaby (Galago moholi)
- Prince Demidoff’s bushbaby or Galago (Galagoides demidovii)
- Thomas’s Bushbaby (Galagoides thomasi, Syn.: Galago thomasi)
- Brown Greater Galago (Otolemur crassicaudatus kirkii)
- Potto (Perodicticus potto ibeanus)
Shoebill Storks are very special birds and best seen in the wild in Uganda. Most likely you will come across them during the boat ride in the Nile delta or if you can add 1 day spend a day at Mabamba Swamp at Lake Victoria near Kampala. It is a Ramsar Site = important wetland. Uganda Safari
Grey Crowned Cranes are not only very beautiful birds but are also the National birds of Uganda and featured in the country’s flag. Sadly their numbers are declining due to drying up wetlands. In 2022 we will conduct 2 tours dedicated to the Crowned Cranes and their protection in Kenya. Also planned is a Uganda Safari and in Rwanda which is as well guided by Werner Schröder from NABU Germany.
Murchison Falls belong to the most impressive natural features during this Uganda Safari and Gorillas and Chimpanzee tour. 300 cubic meter of water per second rush through a very narrow gorge. You will visit it from below by boat and from up by car.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to some mammal species hard to find in other regions. Among those are Oribi, Uganda Kob, Rothschild or also called Uganda Giraffes and Patas Monkeys. Other savanna dwellers are Zebras, Elephants and many others. The park has approximately 100 mammal and 600 bird species! Your Uganda Safari Guide will show you a good number. It is one of the most rewarding parks on a Uganda Safari.
Uganda is a land locked country in East Africa. It borders Kenya, South Sudan, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Tanzania. Almost half of Lake Victoria belongs to Uganda as do parts of the Lakes Albert and Edward. Mountains, savanna, forests, River Nile and agriculture patch up the land part. While driving through the land on our Uganda Safari you will encounter many impressions.
Uganda was a Kingdom called Buganda. They achieved independency in 1962 and were ruled by Milton Obote and Idi Amin from 1966 -1986. Their horrible actions are well known. President Museveni has been leading Uganda since 1986 up to today and keeps the country quite stable. The capital town is Kampala.
Geography: the lowest point is at 610 m above sea level a the lower Albert’s Rift / White Nile, the highest peak over towers with 5.110 m in the Ruwenzori mountains (Margherita Peak and Mount Stanley). Uganda covers 241.038 km², has a population of 41.6 Mio. and a human population density of around 230 / km².
Vegetation: the northeastern part of Uganda is semi arid. Large portions of the country are covered by savannas, rain forest, mountain forest and the typical highland plants. Nearly 1/5 is covered by water.
The Ruwenzori Mountains also called “Mountains of the moon” are along the border of Uganda and DRC. The highest peak reaches 5.109 m above sea level. It is a splendid view towards these snow-capped mountains. The Ruwenzori Mountains are the largest block mountains South of the Sahara desert not of volcanic origin. They got lifted up due to tectonic and volcanic activities in the region in the far history. Part of the boundaries with Kenya and Tanzania crosses the largest lake in Africa, Lake Victoria.
Climate: tropical climate prevails along the equator. Cool to cold weather and humid conditions are to be expected at higher altitudes mainly at night.
Rainy seasons can be from September to November and March to May. Climate change is influencing rain patterns also in Africa.
Protected areas: 9 National Parks and 6 Reserves protect the unique nature. You will get to know some on our Uganda Safari
Highlights on your Uganda Safari:
Gorilla and Chimpanzee trekking, Murchison Fall, various primates, Uganda Kob, Shoebill Stork and amazing landscapes
Here we introduce one possible Uganda Safari itinerary to you.
Best Uganda Safari impressive Gorillas and Chimpanzees 15 days
The listed accommodation on this Uganda Safari are mid to high standard. Some places have a variety of accommodation in different price categories to choose from so we can meet your budget.
For birders we will provide a special Uganda Safari itinerary and birding guides. A good number of endemic Albertine Rift endemics are found in Bwindi impenetrable Forest while others are scattered in different areas.
A short video from our client Christof from their Uganda Safari
Day 1 – Arrival in Uganda
Upon your arrival in Entebbe you will be greeted and taken to the hotel. It is just a 15 minutes drive and tomorrow morning you will wake up with the view to Lake Victoria.
Papyrus Guesthouse, no meal today
Day 2 – Mabamba Swamp – Nkima Forest
A very early breakfast since the ferry departs at 7 a.m. The drive there is a few minutes and then check in an other few minutes. It is quite interesting to watch people going to markets and transporting all kind of goods. Crossing the channel is about 15 minutes and you will see the sun rise.
A rough road will take you to Mabamba Swamp. The boat driver and birding guide await you and the tour can start. Beside the famous Shoebill you will encounter many interesting birds, also the rare and shy African Marsh Harrier.
For lunch you drive up the hill to Nkima Forest Lodge. It is a lovely place where you can find Red-tailed Monkeys, Tantalus Monkeys, Greater Blue Turako and many different species of striking butterflies and dragon flies. Walk a few minutes to the view point from where you can overlook part of the swamp.
Nkima Forest Lodge, B, L, D
Day 3 – Nkima Forest – Murchison Falls
The drive takes around 5 hours (350 km, 75% on tarmac road, 25% on rough roads). You will see different ways of growing crops. Often they are planted on very steep slopes. Lunch is on the way. In the afternoon you will admire the impressive fall from above. Mist, water roaring and sometimes a rainbow can be seen.
Later, after a game drive you will reach the tented lodge with view to river Nile.
Murchison River Lodge, safari tents, B, L, D
Day 4 – Murchison Falls National Park
The morning is spent on game drive searching for wildlife. In the afternoon you join a boat ride to the bottom of the amazing water fall. It is impressive from this perspective to see the amount of water squeezing through the narrow gorge.
Murchison River Lodge, safari tents, B, L, D
Day 5 – Murchison National Park – Kabwoya Reserve
The drive today takes you along the scenic Lake Albert to Kabwoya Reserve further in the South in the Albert Rift. At lunchtime you will have reached the lodge and already done a short game drive.
In the afternoon a guide will take you round on foot. Take the opportunity to pay attention to smaller creatures. Here and at Murchison Fall National Park you have the option to go on a night game drive to observe nocturnal animals like Bush Babies, White-tailed Mongoose, grazing hippos and others.
If you like you can have a bush dinner under the stars which is always a lovely experience.
Lake Albert Lodge, B, L, D
Day 6 – Kabwoya – Kibale National Park
Since the drive is only around 4 hours you can choose if you like a walk to the lake in Kabwoya Reserve or reach Kibale Forest early to enjoy the beautiful compound of the lodge.
You might encounter wildlife on the way and admire the Ankole Cattle.
Chimpanzee Forest Lodge, Cottage, B, L, D
Day 8 – Bigodi Swamp – Queen Elizabeth National Park
Early morning you start a walk with a local guide in the swamp. The path requires good shoes since you will also walk over uneven ground. To encounter are Otter, Sitatunga antelope, Angola Colobus, Mangabey, small creatures and birds (see website).
In the afternoon you drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge, B, L, D
Day 9 – Queen Elizabeth National Park
A game drive in the morning and you should find Uganda Kob and other savanna species. The afternoon is spent on the boat in Kazinga Channel. Kazinga Channel is famous for its bird life but also Hippos, Sitatunga, Water Bucks, Elephants and Nile Crocodiles. The water flows very slowly and so travels the boat you are on. For photographer we advise to hire a private boat.
Kazinga Channel is connecting the Lakes Edward and George and is 32 km long. The water flows very slowly through vegetation and sand banks fringing the channel.
Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge, B, L, D
Day 10 – Queen Elizabeth National Park
A short game drive and then you travel to the Southern Part of the park (Ishash). Beside tree lions there are many different species to encounter.
Enjojo Lodge, B, L, D
Day 11 – Ishasha – Bwindi impenetrable Forest
Before you start the journey you enjoy a game drive. The route takes you through plantations, among them tee and different kinds of bananas.
Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, B, L, D – watch the video on their website
Day 12 – Gorilla Trekking
The big day is here – you put on your trekking shoes and might carry a walking stick to help you balance on the steep and sometimes slippery path. Gloves can avoid skin irritations when holding on plants. Porters also help to overcome difficult passages. You can make it! You might start the trek while mist is still hanging in the mountains and trees but sunshine might catch up with you. Any effort is worth to have the opportunity to spend time with these wonderful apes. Gorilla families are allocated to visitors according to their walking strength. Rangers and guides will give you instructions how to behave near the Gorillas.
The afternoon is spent in the beautiful lodge and get a deserved rest.
Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, B, L, D
Day 13 – Bwindi impenetrable Forest – Lake Bunyonyi
Most of the morning is spent on the road. You will get many impressions of the daily life in Uganda. Lunch will be in the lodge and in the afternoon you explore the lake and it inhabitants by boat. There are many bird species but also Spotted-necked Otters which are fun to observe.
Bunyonyi Rock Resort, B, L, D
Day 14 – Lake Bunyonyi – Lake Mburo National Park
Enjoy a lovely time in the morning at Lake Bunyonyi – time to watch the Spotted-necked Otters for example before you drive to Lake Mburo.
Rwakobo Rock Resort, B, L, D
Day 15 – Lake Mburo National Park
The morning is spent on a game drive. Zebras aren’t found in all areas in Uganda, but Lake Mburo is one good place to see them as well as Uganda or Rothschild Giraffes.
By boat you will look for various birds, hippos, crocodiles and others in the afternoon. If you are lucky you will spot a Shoebill.
Rwakobo Rock Resort, B, L, D
Day 16 – Lake Mburo – Entebbe
The road takes you towards Entebbe. Lunch will be in a restaurant at the equator. You will have the choice of flying home tonight or spend an additional night in Entebbe to visit the Botanical garden tomorrow.
Airport Guesthouse, B, L, D
Day 17 – Entebbe and departure
You will be driven to the entrance of the Botanical garden. Either you safari guide or a guide from the Botanical Garden will take you around. Tall trees, monkeys, birds, orchids and flowers await you. Have an open eye and ear, there is always something to see.
The Botanical garden is a remnant of a once much larger forest. Angola Colobus (subspecies Colobus angolensis ruwenzorii) and Grey Parrots can be found here. It is not advisable to visit on a Sunday since many come here for picnick. You can also visit the day after arriving as a start.
Again you will chose a day room or go straight to the airport where you could use the lounge. Lunch will be at a restaurant of your choice.
There are 2 places in Uganda where Mountain Gorillas can be visited. One is Bwindi impenetrable Forest the other Mgahinga National Park which is less visited. In total there are 18 families but at each visit only 1 is allowed to visit.
Chimpanzee visiting places in Uganda
- Kibale Forest National Park – here are about 25% of the Chimpanzee population in Uganda
- Murchison Falls National Park
- Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Bugoma Forest Reserve
Golden Monkeys (Cercopithecus mitis kandti) are a subspecies of Diademed Monkeys which are widely spread in Africa. These beautiful Monkeys can be seen after a tough trekking in Mgahinga National Park. Mgahinga is part of the Virunga Mountains. Thank you Holger Wagenbreth for walking all the way and that you gave permission to display you wonderful photos here.
We gladly include a visit to Mgahinga National Park. Our Safari itineraries are flexible and we work out each according to wishes and interest of our visitors.
Impressions from Uganda
How is your best Uganda Safari impressive Gorillas and Chimpanzees conducted?
- We will take care of you from the moment of your arrival at Entebbe airport for your Uganda Safari and up to the drop off at the airport
- You will be driven in a 4×4 Safari vehicle with roof opening. An experienced English speaking driver/guide will explain a lot to you during your Uganda Safari and take you to the places of interest
- Local guides and rangers will guide you during Gorilla, Chimpanzee and Golden Monkey trekkings and walks and ensure you will see a lot and be safe
- The standard of accommodation Uganda Safari will be adjusted to your budget. Here we have listed mid to high end lodges and hotels. Most destinations have a selection of different accommodation in various price and standard categories. This enables us to be very flexible to suit your wishes.
- Season, standard of accommodation and number of participants influence the price. We therefore don’t indicate a price here but can give you an estimate. The safari as it is described will cost between US$ 6.700 and 7.300 per person with 2 participants (private safari) Please contact us for any enquiries – bushtrucker@gmail.com.
- All our Uganda tours can be tailor-made according to your wishes and interests.
