5 DAYS CHIMPANZEE & GORILLA TREKKING SAFARI IN UGANDA ENTEBBE – NDALI KASENDA CRATER LAKES – KIBALE FOREST NATIONAL PARK – BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST NATIONAL PARK

Situated on a peninsula in Lake Victoria, the former seat of Uganda’s government, Entebbe is just a short drive from the current capital and offers plenty to keep visitors amused. This charming town features tree-lined streets and serves as an excellent base from which to explore the surrounding area. Tourists can look forward to spending days on beautiful beaches along the banks of Lake Victoria, stroll through the fields and forests of the magnificent Botanical Gardens, or pay a visit to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, a haven for country’s orphaned chimps.

Arrival at Entebbe International Airport. Go through Immigration procedures. Meet our company representative for a transfer to your hotel. Arriva and check in at your hotel Dinner and overnight stay at your hotel.

Nestled in the leafy suburbs of Entebbe, is the stylish boutique hotel, Hotel No.5. From the moment you arrive, you are warmly welcomed and cared for. With luxurious rooms opening onto the garden and swimming pool, this is a great option for guests looking for an intimate stay in a tranquil setting.

(Overnight: No.5 Boutique Hotel OR Altenative)

Imposing cone-shaped hills cradle tranquil calderas in the enchanting Ndali-Kasenda Crater Lakes in Western Uganda near Kibale Forest and Queen Elizabeth National Parks. Formed about 8-10,000 years ago by volcanic activity, these craters now hold a variety of lakes. Some boast clear, blue water, while others remain emerald green with a sulfuric odour due to residual volcanic gases. Lush vegetation cloaks the crater rims, offering views of nearby hills, tea plantations, and even the Rwenzori Mountains on clear days. While some lakes are safe for swimming, others contain toxic water and should be avoided. Activities around the lakes include nature walks, boat rides, bird-watching and visiting the "Top of the World" viewpoint for panoramic vistas.

Day Itinerary

• Begin the day with a morning breakfast.
• Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park.
• Arrival at Kibale Forest National Park.
• Lunch at the Lodge.
• Afternoon Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest.
• Return to your Lodge.
• Dinner and overnight stay.

(Overnight: Ndali Lodge.)

Ndali Lodge.

Known as the 'Cradle of the Nile', Uganda is one of Africa's best kept secrets. Few countries can boast the infinite variety of flora and fauna and such diverse and spectacular scenery. Uganda has much to offer the first-time visitor to Africa as well as veteran travellers.

The Lodge is set stunningly amidst the Bunyaruguru crater lake region of Western Uganda, 26 kilometres south of Fort Portal lies at the centre of 1000 acres of privately-owned fertile farmland still cultivated in a traditional style. A visit to Uganda would not be complete without experiencing the wonders Ndali has to offer.

Activities

Kibale Forest Chimp Trekking:

The most favourite of Kibale’s walks embarks on from the Kanyanchu Visitor centre at 08.00 & 15.00 and lasts 2 to 3 hours. Chimpanzee are the most sought-after primate by visitors, but you should look out for the black & white colobus, red tailed monkey or the grey cheeked mangabey. Your guides will be able to show you pittas & different bird species and will give details of the trait of the plant species within the forest. This walk is for 6 people in a group.

(Basis: Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch)

Located in southwestern Uganda, the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is said to be Africa’s oldest rainforest. It is world-renowned for its excellent gorilla-sighting opportunities - the forest is home to half of the remaining mountain gorillas on earth. This gorilla experience takes place among a rugged landscape of dense jungle, cascading waterfalls, sparkling mountain streams, deep valleys, and steep ridges.

The untouched forest has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its breathtaking natural beauty and unique ecological significance, and aside from the amazing gorilla interactions, there are other drawcards such as a network of forest walks, over 340 species of bird to spot, and a variety of brightly-coloured butterflies to identify. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the spectacular Virunga Volcanoes, three of which are still active.

Day Itinerary

• Morning Breakfast.
• Go for Bigodi Wetland walk
• Go for a crater walk tour
• Lunch
• Drive to Bwindi Forest.
• Estimated arrival time at the Lodge and check-in.
• Dinner and overnight stay at your Lodge.

(Overnight: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp)

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp: Once-in-a-lifetime encounters with Uganda’s endangered gorillas await when you stay in one of these ten private luxury tents in the heart of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Ecologically respectful, contemporary-yet-classic in style, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp blends in sensitively with the dramatic African mountain landscape and, situated uniquely inside the national park, you are only minutes away from the start of your gorilla trekking adventure.

Located in one of the remotest areas of Africa, these comfortable canvas spaces are dressed with indigenous prints and furniture made from natural materials. Beds are draped in neutral-toned linens, and local artefacts set a scene that ensures memorable moments both inside and out the accommodation. Each tent has a spacious, stone-walled bathroom with private sections, and a free-standing bath for a relaxing soak after a day’s trekking. The trees around the camp light up in the morning when the sun starts shining, and thanks to there being so few tents, the camp retains an intimate, exclusive feel, enabling you to experience Africa’s magic with the lightest of footprints yet with practically every Activity

Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary

The Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is a community development enterprise located on the fringe of Kibale National Park where guided tours are conducted along a path through the wetland at time along boardwalk trail. Bigodi is a birder's paradise with 138 bird species having been identified there including the crowd please Great Blue Turaco.

The sanctuary is also home to 8 primate species including the black and white colobus, red colobus, mangabey, red tail, vervet, and L’Hoest.

(Basis Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch)

Day Itinerary

• Start the day with morning breakfast ready for the day's gorilla trek
• Transfer/walk down to the park headquarters for the gorilla trek
• Start the gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi.
• Estimated time of returning from the jungle.
• Afternoon community/Batwa village walk.
• Dinner is served at the Lodge.

Activities

Gorilla Trekking Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Wake early for a hearty breakfast to give you the energy needed for gorilla trekking. Before 8:00 am, report to the ranger station for registration and a talk by one of the rangers. The guides will then take you through the bush, pushing your way through the undergrowth, to track the gorillas. (Please note this trek can take from 30 minutes to 5-6 hours).

A reasonable degree of fitness is required, as well as a sturdy pair of walking shoes. Sit in the forest among the gorillas, listening to them ‘talk’ to one another, and marvel at the sheer size of the dominant male, the Silverback. It is an extraordinary feeling sitting in the dense rainforest knowing you are with a few of the last remaining mountain gorillas. It's amazing to think there are only about 650 of these beautiful creatures left.

Batwa Cultural Village

The Batwa Cultural village is where the Batwa (Pigmies) still live in the same way they used to years ago in tree houses. The Batwa only began leaving their forest homes around 15 years ago and they have been able to remain on this land thanks to the support of a generous American benefactor who donated the land back to them and created a cultural program. The fees from visiting tourists and are given to the Batwa project and they delight in welcoming visitors to their village and demonstrating how they make weapons, dance, make fires using sticks and cook.

(Basis: Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch)

Day Itinerary

• Breakfast is served.
• Transfer to the Airstrip for your flight back to Entebbe.
• The flight departs Kihihi-Entebbe.
• Estimated time of arrival at Entebbe Airport for your outbound international flight.

(Basis: Bed and Breakfast)

End of Tour.