11-Days Great Rift Valley Primates & Wildlife Safari
Overview
Start in the Kibale Forest and see how the lush, wooded territory of Uganda changes into a magical world full with chimpanzees, Colubus monkeys, baboons and more.
Your path to Kyambura brings even more animal experiences as the elusive “Lost Chimpanzees of Kyambura” are right at hand along with amazing canyon views. A peaceful boat trip over the Kazinga Channel will get you to your last stop among one of Uganda’s most stunning gorilla habitats.
Trip Itinerary ( Detailed Safari )
Day 1: Arrival in Uganda.
A Wayfairer staff welcomes you warmly as you reach Entebbe Airport. Your trip starts as they transport you to the peaceful paradise known as Hotel No. 5. With its calm environment and subtle comfort, which prepare one for the delights that lie ahead, this exquisite hideaway is the ideal spot to relax and revitalize. Overnight at Hotel No. 5, where the sounds of nature and a great breakfast equip you for the lifelong experience.
Accommodation: Hotel No.5
Day 2: From the Skies to the Mountains.
Rising with the sun today, you will fly domestic over Uganda’s stunning scenery from Entebbe Airport. Your knowledgeable guide will be prepared to bring you into the heart of Uganda’s unspoiled nature as your jet lands at Kasese airport.
Stop at the Rwenzori Sculpture Foundation on way to Kibale Lodge. Here, arresting sculptures reflecting Uganda’s old customs honor the creative energy of the clans.
Arriving at Kibale Lodge, you will be met with expansive vistas of Queen Elizabeth National Park’s vast plains and the snow-dusted Rwenzori Mountains. See the transforming work of the Roots and Shoots program, which helps women leaders in conservation grow, at a nearby school in the afternoon.
Relax on the patio with drinks as the sun sets, taking in the magnificent splendor of the Rwenzoris. At Kibale Lodge, overnight where the nature whispers of the adventures to come.
Accommodation: Kibale Forest Lodge
Day 3: Chimpanzees in the Kibale Forest.
Get up early for a thrilling journey into the globally famous Primate Capital, the Kibale Forest. As you go far into the jungle, where the cacophony of hooting chimpanzees fills the canopy overhead, the air is heavy with expectancy.
Then suddenly they are swinging elegantly amongst the trees, their excitement evident. You will always carry with you the memory of seeing these clever species in their natural environment.
Wander throughout the Bigodi Wetland in the afternoon; this haven for nature lovers and bird aficioners. Luck can help you find the rare Red Colobus monkeys or the Sitatunga antelope as well as amazing birds as the Great Blue Turaco. At Kibale Lodge, overnight, the charm of the forest remains.
Accommodation: Kibale Forest Lodge
Day 4: Exploring Kibale.
Today is even another chance to get in touch with the fascinating Kibale chimps. Every interaction is different, and the jungle teeming with opportunities. From the energetic Olive Baboons to the fragile Bushbabies that slink out from the shadows, keep your eyes out for the varied species that makes this forest home.
Visit the Sadhguru School after lunch to see how education and preservation mix to guide Uganda’s future. The serene environment of the lodge allows you to unwind and consider your amazing adventures as dusk falls. At Kibale Lodge overnight, where peace and adventure coexist.
Accommodation: Kibale Forest Lodge
Day 5: Journey at Kyambura.
Following a leisurely breakfast, you travel to Kyambura Gorge Lodge, which is on Queen Elizabeth National Park’s boundary. Keep your camera on hand as you explore the park for sightings of lions, leopards, elephants, and the magnificent Uganda kob. Set out a climb down the Fig Tree Trail after lunch to reach the magnificent Kyambura Gorge.
Living in solitude, a tiny community of chimpanzees known as the “Lost Chimpanzees of Kyambura” seems as if one is entering another planet. Although sightings might be erratic, the sheer splendor of the gorge is enough.
Review camera trap video on your return to find the nighttime secrets of the animals prowling the gorge. Over night at Kyambura Gorge Lodge, where the discoveries of today enhance your dreams.
Accommodation: Kyambura Gorge Lodge
Day 6: Boat cruise on the Kazinga.
Set for an early morning game drive over the Kasenyi plains as dawn breaks over the grassland. Elephants travel in magnificent herds, lions hunt their prey, while leopards skulk the scrubby thickets just waiting to be seen.
Accompanied by a Kyambura Wildlife Team member, you will discover the important lion monitoring initiative safeguarding these famous animals.
Go to the sea in the afternoon for a wildlife cruise around the Kazinga Channel. The waters brim with life; hippos sloppily, while elephants and buffaloes congregate near to drink.
Cocktails on the lodge veranda will help you to end the day as you watch the sun set behind the canyon, bathing the scene in a golden hue. At Kyambura Gorge Lodge, where the opulent meets the wild, overnight.
Accommodation: Kyambura Gorge Lodge
Day 7: Trek in the Kyambura Gorge.
Lace up your hiking boots for a second trip into Kyambura Gorge after a wonderful bush breakfast. You will explore the mysteries of this amazing environment going beyond the hunt for chimpanzees. Your guide will enable you to follow tracks and tell the tales of the local fauna.
Later, participate in the Kyambura Gorge Eco-tourism Project, where you could plant a tree in the wildlife buffer zone or try your hand at coffee roasting with the Kyambura Women’s Coffee Cooperative.
Enjoy a BBQ and wildlife storytelling evening with the local community as the day comes to a finish to perfectly combine culture with preservation. Over night at Kyambura Gorge Lodge, the wildness of Uganda comes to life.
Accommodation: Kyambura Gorge Lodge
Day 8: Arrival at Mount Gahinga Lodge.
Fly to Kisoro then drive to the amazing Mount Gahinga Lodge, which is tucked away at the foot of the Virunga Volcanues.
See the Gahinga Batwa Village in the afternoon to enter a world steeped in history and custom. One of the oldest groups in Africa, the Batwa people will relate tales of their prehistoric existence as hunters-gatherers living in forests.
Savour drinks and a fireside talk with a Gorilla Doctors vet to discover their relentless efforts to save this endangered species. At Mount Gahinga Lodge, overnight, the stars spark brilliantly above the volcanoes.
Accommodation: Mount Gahinga Lodge
Day 9: Gorilla Trekking in Uganda.
Today you’re off for one of the most amazing adventures on Earth—gorilla trekking. Though the path over steep, deep woods is difficult, each step is well worth it when you at last meet a family of mountain gorillas. Seeing these soft giants in their native environment humbles and inspires one.
Return to the lodge after a busy day and indulge yourself to a revitalising Rungu massage at the Gahinga Spa. Mount Gahinga Lodge overnight; leisure follows adventure.
Accommodation: Mount Gahinga Lodge
Day 10: Exploring the Virunga Mountains.
Starting a hunt for the rare and joyful golden monkeys in the foothills of the Virunga mountains, your last full day in Uganda sets Watching them swing through the trees is fun because of their vivid fur and energetic movements.
Spend some time unwinding and going back along the Batwa Heritage Trail in the afternoon to strengthen your connection to the land and its people. At Mount Gahinga Lodge, overnight where the peace of the mountains calms your spirit.
Accommodation: Mount Gahinga Lodge
Day 11: Departure Home.
Transfer to Kisoro airfield for your return flight to Entebbe as your journey ends, bringing memories of unique interactions with Uganda’s people, landscapes, and animals with you. Departure timings coincide exactly with foreign airlines, which lets you consider your amazing trip over this enchanted country.
End of tour.
Tour Includes
- Safari Park fees
- All Tour activities
- All Tour accommodation
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation ( To & From )
- All Taxes/VAT
- Everyday Meals ( As specified )
- Drinking water ( On all days )
Tour Excludes
- International flights ( From / to home )
- Additional Accommodation
- Tips
- Personal items(Souvenirs, etc.)
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Gov increase of taxes and/or park fees