Overview
Come for a 7-day Uganda flying safaris and experience the magnificence of the country’s major tourist destinations. Travel to Murchison Falls National Park to explore the vast savannahs and their exciting game drives; visit Kibale National Park for the vastly unique chimpanzee habituation experience and also encounter the endangered mountain gorillas in the dense forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s largest, occupying a total land area of about 384,000 hectares in the northeastern part of the country. The park consists of a diversity of wildlife, primate and bird species in its vast grasslands and woodland. There is also the grand Murchison Falls on the Victoria Nile that is used for boat cruises, birdwatching and wildlife and bottom of the falls viewing.
Kibale National Park is a tropical rainforest that occupies a total land size of around 79,500 hectares in western Uganda. Kibale is popular for its 13 primate species including the largest population of chimpanzees in Uganda. Kibale also has 372 bird species, with a number of them endemic to the Albertine Rift Region. The primary tourist activities here include the chimpanzee trekking and chimpanzee habituation tours, beside birdwatching excursions.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwestern Uganda occupies around 32,100 hectares, on the edge of the Rift Valley. It is a tropical rainforest renowned for housing about a half of the global population of the endangered mountain gorillas. There are around 459 individual mountain gorillas that live in various gorilla families. The habituated families can be tracked for your amusement. There is also a golden opportunity for a gorilla habituation experience.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Fly (Transfer) to Pakuba Airstrip in Murchison Falls National Park
At your hotel, our driver will meet you and brief you on the entire tour before driving you to either Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip. You will board a scheduled flight to Pakuba Airstrip in Murchison Falls National Park. At the Airstrip, another driver will meet you and take you to your lodge. You will check in, relax and have your delicious lunch. You will continue to relax before having your dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 2: Morning Game Drive and afternoon Boat Cruise on the Victoria Nile
Wake up for a delicious early morning breakfast before meeting your driver. You will be taken for a game drive to encounter numerous mammals like lions, leopards, Rothschild’s giraffes, elephants, waterbucks, warthogs, and cape buffaloes among others. You will witness the captivating views of the savannah vegetation with numerous bird species such as the Abyssinian ground hornbills, secretary birds and grey crowned cranes among others.
You will be taken back to your lodge for lunch before going for an afternoon boat cruise on the Victoria Nile.
This habitat is endowed with numerous mammals, bird and reptile species that can be observed along the river banks. These include hippos, baboons, crocodiles, African fish eagle, pied kingfisher and the iconic shoebill among others. You will also have a unique view of the powerful Murchison Falls. You will return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Top of the Falls Tour and Transfer to Kibale National Park via Semuliki Airstrip
Wake up for an early morning breakfast before checking out of your lodge. Your driver will take you to the top of the falls to enjoy the experience of seeing the Nile River pass through a narrow gorge. This creates a strong outpouring, with a thunderous roar that causes mist to bathe the place.
Your driver will take you to Pakuba Airstrip for a flight to Semuliki Airstrip. Upon arrival, you will be met by another guide who will drive you to Kibale National Park. You will check in at your booked lodge, relax and have dinner before a comfortable overnight stay.
Day 4: Chimpanzee Habituation Experience
Wake up for an early morning breakfast before meeting the driver. Ensure that the lodge personnel have prepared and packed you a picnic lunch. Your driver will take you to the park headquarters before a briefing on how you will experience the chimp habituation process. You will be led into the forest by experts to find the chimpanzee group. After finding them you will be allowed to spend 4 hours with the chimpanzees to witness and document chimpanzee unique behaviors along with researchers and other experts.
You are also allowed to take as many photos as possible. You will return to the park headquarters to meet your driver who will take you to your lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight stay.
Day 5: Fly from Kasese to Kihihi Airstrip
Wake up for an early morning breakfast before checking out of your lodge. Your driver will take you to Kasese to board a scheduled flight to Kihihi near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Upon arrival, you will meet our representative who will take you to your lodge in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. You will check in, have lunch and relax before enjoying the chilly environment around you. You will have your dinner and overnight stay.
Chimpanzee Safaris in Uganda
A call to a chimpanzee trekking safari in Uganda is one that has to be received with both hands, maximum attention and will; because we are; a chimpanzee planet. Uganda is a beautiful tiny landlocked country in the east of the continent of Africa. It is neighbored by the Republic of Kenya, Rwanda, The Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi and Tanzania. This is home to the largest concentration of Chimpanzees and Gorillas in Africa; the source of the Nile which is the Longest River on earth; the snowcapped mount Rwenzori which one of the tallest mountains in Africa, and not forgetting the rare tree climbing lions.
Chimpanzees are a rare species of primates native to savannah and forests of tropical Africa. There lifespan is about 38 years for females, and 33 years for males. The females weigh about 32-45kgs and males about 40-60kgs. They are omnivorous, feeding on mostly fruits, vegetables and certain insects. More facts can be uncovered in Uganda where they call home. Scientist reveal that man and chimps have a common ancestry, as the apes possess over 98% human like genes. Get a closer experience of them laughing, feeding, play, and do more.
Why chimpanzee trekking safari?
Uganda has hundreds of activities one can do during a safari, however, when you have a keen consideration of all; chimpanzee trekking is unmatched. Uganda ranks as one of the best destinations for game drives, adventure safaris, boat cruises, Gorilla trekking, hiking safaris, city tours, bird watching, and cultural tours. Chimpanzee trekking safaris is more less a fact-finding adventure, yet rewarded with other primates such as the baboons, olive monkeys, black and white Columbus monkeys, and many more.
The unforgettable moments with chimpanzees involve listening to their over 25 sounds; watching them interact, mothers nurse their infants. Who doesn’t smile when a chimpanzee is picking an ant from the hole, feeding, or even when they are skipping from one tree branch to another? Chimpanzee trekking is cheaper, shorter, and less tiresome as compared to other trekking experiences. All you need is to book your permit at least 3 months before the actual day of the hike. It is a 99.9% Assurance of encountering the chimpanzees.
When to go on a chimpanzee trekking safari?
Chimpanzees can be encountered all-year round, and so does the trekking experience. You can either book the morning hours or evening hours, depending on your programs. June to September, and late December to March has less or no rains which offers a better hiking conditions. The other months are also good, though they come with a challenge of much rains which makes hiking difficulty or disrupted in case of abrupt downpour.
Morning hours is the best time to trek the chimpanzee because it is when there day has just started. They are often very active at that time, and searching for what to feed on.
3 famous chimpanzee trekking destinations.
Kibale Forest NP.
Kibale National Park is Uganda’s number one chimpanzee trekking destination located in the west. “Primate Capital” It is with over 13 primates co-existing together. It is a host to over 1500 chimpanzees, living groups, and habituated to human presence.
Uganda chimpanzee trekking permits cost 250$ for foreign non-residents. This fee covers park entry, and fee for ranger guides who will be taking you for the adventure. You can choose morning trekking which starts at 7:00am with a pre-trekking briefing, or the 2:00pm trekking which also starts with a pretrekking briefing. With shifts offer 100% chance of meeting your cousins.
Budongo Forest Reserve.
Composed of some of the oldest bamboo trees; it will be you and the chimpanzees. Who gets happier is subject to debate as their sound will tickle the inner feeling of excitement, whereas your presences raises their curiosity. Budongo forest is located in the boarder of Murchison fall national park-the largest and oldest national park in Uganda. This destination is located in the northwestern part of Uganda, about 305 kms from Kampala-the countries capital.
There are about 600-700 chimpanzees in Budongo forest and the trekking takes places in two shifts; the morning and evening shifts. Chimpanzee trekking fee for foreign non-residents cost 120$ and 85$ for east African residents and for foreign residents. Only persons above the age of 15 years are eligible for this activity. This fee is inclusive of guide fee, park entrance and conservation fees.
Kyambura Gorge
Referred to as the “Apes Valley” go trekking the chimpanzees at a 100mtr deep forested valley. There is an offer of chimpanzee trekking either in the morning or afternoon from 2pm. About 300 chimpanzee call this valley home. The permit cost are: 100$ for foreign non-residents, 80$ for foreign residents and 50,000ugx for East African residents. These rates are exclusive entry fee which is paid separate.
Kalinzu forest
This forest is located near Queen Elizabeth national park. It is the best option for budget travelers who have activities at the park. Over 300 chimpanzees are habituated here, and can be seen either during the morning trek that commences at 7:00am, or in the afternoon session that begins at 2:00pm.
Kalinzu forest chimp permit can be obtained on the same day of the hike, at 130$ for foreign non-residents and 65$ for both East African citizens and foreign residents.
What to pack for chimpanzee trekking Safari?
Wondering what to park for a Ugandan chimpanzee trekking safari, add a few items on this: good camera for photography, binoculars to watch distant apes, or birds in the forest, warm clothes, descent clothes, hat to protect your head while in the Jungle, hand gloves, long stockings, mask, waterproof hiking boots, insect repellants, and more. Depending on how long the safari is; don’t carry a lot of luggage, much of which you might not use?
In conclusion, choose and of the chimpanzee trekking destinations in Uganda for your family holiday, honeymoon, business vacation break, and more is a bonus pleasure. All you need is to book a few months in advance to secure your preferred dates, destination and timing. Other activities you can blend with chimpanzee trekking include; game drive, boat cruise, hiking, rafting adventure, cultural activities, city tours, birding, and much more. Choosing the right registered tour operator to arrange you trip is the step to a great chimpanzee trekking safari in Uganda.
Chimpanzee Safaris in Uganda & Rwanda
7 Days Uganda Flying Safari
10 Days Luxury Flying Holiday
Overview
The 10 days luxury flying holiday in Uganda takes you to the country’s wildlife-rich tourist destinations. You can explore Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Come and experience unique tourist activities that encompass gorilla trekking, game viewing, nature walks, chimpanzee trekking, boat cruises and much more.
Enjoy the most comfortable flights and ground transportation options on 4X4 safari vehicles, driven by our dedicated tour guides. You will spend your nights in opulent accommodation facilities, inside and outside the national parks.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Hotel
Upon your arrival at the Entebbe International Airport, you will be met and greeted by our driver guide. The driver will brief you about the entire tour arrangement before taking you to your booked hotel in either Kampala or Entebbe. If time allows, you may go for a city tour to experience the lively streets and bustling markets. This exposes you to the local cultures and the people’s unique lifestyles. You will return to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2: Flight to Murchison Falls National Park
You will wake up at your hotel to enjoy your breakfast. Check out and meet your driver, who will take you to Kajjansi Airfield for a chartered flight to Murchison Falls National Park. You will arrive at Pakuba airstrip in 1 to 1.5 hours time. A driver will pick you up and take you to your luxurious lodge in Murchison Falls National Park. You will check in and refresh yourself, while you wait for your lunch. In the evening you will have dinner and have an overnight stay.
3 DAYS CHIMPANZEE TREK SAFARI
Kibale Chimpanzee Trek safari is a typical primate adventure package and takes you to Kibale National Park. The 795sq.km Kibale Forest National Park is most popular for its exceptional chimpanzee trekking experiences. This typical rainforest park is home to 1500 chimpanzees and has 4 habituated chimp communities all open for trekking. The 3-day chimp tour to Kibale includes a memorable chimpanzee trekking and a visit to Bigodi Wetland. Kibale NP, most popular as the primate capital of the world boasts of 13 primate species and aside from chimpanzees, the other species of primates to expect to encounter include bush baby, olive baboons, pottos, l’hoest monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, red colobus monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, blue monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys. Aside from primates, Kibale Forest Park is gifted with more than 375 species of birds and these include forest birds and Albertine rift endemic species. The park’s birds include the green breasted pittas, black and white-shrike flycatchers, hairy- breasted barbet, brown crowned tchagra, sunbirds and more. Brief Itinerary
- Day 1: Drive from Kampala to Kibale for Uganda chimpanzee trekking tour
- Day 2: Uganda chimpanzee trek experience & visit Bigodi Wetland
- Day 3: Depart for Kampala or Entebbe city by car
- Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge
- Midrange: Primate Lodge/Turaco Treetops
- Budget: Isunga Lodge
- Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge
- Midrange: Primate Lodge/Turaco Treetops
- Budget: Isunga Lodge
- Valid Kibale chimpanzee permit
- All trip activities exclusive of optional
- Transportation by car and service of an English-speaking guide/driver
- Accommodation and meals on this 3-day trip
- Forest/Nature walks at Bigodi Wetland/Swamp
- Bottled water
- Tips
- Visas
- International flights
- Travel Insurance
- Passports
- Shopping expenses
- All optional experiences or activities
- Extra accommodation options after or before the trip
10 DAYS UGANDA AND RWANDA
This safari takes you through the best primate and wildlife destinations. This trip includes thrilling experiences like gorilla trekking in the jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, golden monkey tracking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, Chimpanzee tracking & canopy walk in Nyungwe, game viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park and city tour in Kigali. Detailed Itinerary Day 1: Pick up, drive by car to Queen Elizabeth National Park via Mbarara Embark on a scenic drive from the vibrant Kampala capitalvia Masaka-Mbarara route to Queen Elizabeth NP, Uganda’s 2nd biggest park and most popular destination with huge herds of elephants. Located in Kasese, Western Uganda, Queen Elizabeth N/Park will be your target destination for big game viewing experience as per this itinerary. Driving via the Mbarara route allows you to take a break at the Uganda Equator crossing for photography and relaxation. After, you continue to Igongo cultural center for tasty cultural/traditional dishes and finally, head off to your lodge at Queen Elizabeth National Park. Accommodation
- Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge
- Midrange: Enganzi Game Lodge/Elephant Plains
- Budget: Simba Camp/Kazinga Channel Resort
- Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge
- Midrange: Enganzi Game Lodge/Elephant Plains
- Budget: Simba Camp/Kazinga Channel Resort
- Luxury: Buhoma Lodge
- Midrange: Engagi Lodge
- Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp
- Luxury: Buhoma Lodge
- Midrange: Engagi Lodge
- Budget: Buhoma Community Rest Camp
- Luxury: One&Only Gorilla Nest/Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
- Midrange: Five Volcanoes Hotel/Da Vinci/Le Bambou
- Budget: Kinigi Guesthouse
- Luxury: One&Only Gorilla Nest/Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
- Midrange: Five Volcanoes Hotel/Da Vinci/Le Bambou
- Budget: Kinigi Guesthouse
- Luxury: One&Only Nyungwe House
- Midrange: Nyungwe Hill Top View Hotel
- Budget: Gisakura Guesthouse
- The Retreat/Five-to-Five Volcanoes Hotel
- The Retreat/Five-to-Five Volcanoes Hotel
- Gorilla/chimp permits
- Accommodation and meals
- Game drives
- Launch cruise
- Cultural experiences
- Park entry fees
- Guide/driver services
- Bottled water
- Tips
- Visas
- Passports
- Insurance
- Telephone bills
3 DAYS RWANDA CHIMPANZEE TOUR
Rwanda chimpanzee tour provides the best of Rwanda Nyungwe chimpanzee trekking and canopy walking experience. Nyungwe Forest National Park (NFNP) is the leading chimpanzee trekking park in Rwanda and is also the country’s biggest rainforest protected area. Lying in Rusizi, Nyungwe NP is 970sq.km and shelters a total of 500 chimpanzees, and other primates such as l’hoest monkeys, red tailed monkeys, red colobus monkeys, silver monkeys, and more than 310 species of birds. The diversity of birds in Nyungwe comprise of handsome spur fowl, grauer’s swamp warblers, Rockefeller’s sunbird, Kivu ground thrush, regal sunbird, red-collared mountain babblers, Rwenzori nightjars, and more. Brief Itinerary
- Day 1: Transfer by road to Nyungwe Forest NP (Rusizi)
- Day 2: Chimpanzee tracking Nyungwe & canopy walk experience
- Day 3: Departure
- Luxury/Upmarket: One&Only Nyungwe House
- Midrange/Moderate: Nyungwe Top View Lodge
- Budget: Gisakura Guest House
- Luxury/Upmarket: One&Only Nyungwe House
- Midrange/Moderate: Nyungwe Top View Lodge
- Budget: Gisakura Guest House
- Canopy walk
- Chimpanzee permits
- All transportation on ground as per this itinerary
- Visit to historical sites
- Full time English-speaking guide/driver
- Accommodation options and meals
- Bottled water
- Tips
- Laundry services
- International Airfares
- Beverages
- Bills on telephones
- Insurance
BOOK OUR CURATED SAFARIS
Add Uganda and Rwanda to your travel list this year as we are offering a fantastic tailor-made tours to individual and small groups