Ape Trekking Safaris in Uganda and Rwanda

Ape Trekking Safaris: A Primate Adventure in Uganda and Rwanda

Embarking on ape trekking safaris in Uganda and Rwanda opens the door to a world of extraordinary encounters with mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and golden monkeys. For many travelers seeking a lifetime and memorable safari, choosing the best destination is paramount, and both Uganda and Rwanda offer unparalleled experiences.

Discovering Primate Havens: Gorillas and Chimpanzees

As of 2019 statistics, Uganda boasts over 450 mountain gorillas and more than 5000 chimpanzee individuals across its national parks and game reserves. Notably, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park stand out as prime locations for these remarkable creatures. Trek Africa Expeditions excels in combining Uganda/Rwanda Gorilla tours with diverse activities like game viewing, cultural interactions, and nature walks. With almost half of the existing mountain gorilla population residing in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Uganda serves as an ideal destination for primate enthusiasts.

10 Days Ape Trekking Safaris Itinerary in Uganda

Overview

Embark on a 10-day adventure through Uganda, exploring its diverse national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. This comprehensive itinerary includes Lake Mburo National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park for gorilla trekking, Queen Elizabeth National Park for a boat cruise and game drives, Kibale Forest National Park for chimpanzee trekking, and Murchison Falls National Park for a thrilling conclusion.

Highlights

1. Scenic drive to Lake Mburo
2. Gorilla tracking in Bwindi Forest
3. Boat cruise on Kazinga Channel
4. Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest
5. Bigodi Community walk

Day One: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport and Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park

Commence your 10-day Uganda Chimpanzee Tour with an arrival at Entebbe International Airport. After a morning breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Lake Mburo National Park, passing through charming towns and making a stopover at the Equator line for photographs and informative talks. Enjoy an en route game drive and a boat cruise on the lake, encountering wildlife such as hippos, crocodiles, and water birds.

Accommodation: Rwakobo Rock

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Drive time: 3-4 hours

Day Two: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Start the day with breakfast and an en route game drive through Lake Mburo National Park. Proceed to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, where the journey unfolds through green rolling hills adorned with banana and tea plantations. Lunch en route, and arrival at your lodge in the evening.

Accommodation: Ride 4 a woman, Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Drive time: 5-6 hours

Day Three: Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi National Park

Prepare for an exhilarating day of gorilla tracking in Bwindi National Park. After breakfast and with a packed lunch, head to the Park headquarters for registration and a briefing. Embark on a trek through the dense forest, guided by ranger experts, to encounter the majestic mountain gorillas. Spend an hour with them before returning to the Park offices, receiving a certificate as a cherished souvenir.

Accommodation: Ride 4 a woman, Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day Four: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Following breakfast, depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park, experiencing breathtaking scenery along the way. Lunch at the lodge and an evening game drive in Kasenyi area, the Northern bank of Queen Elizabeth National Park, provide opportunities to spot buffalo herds, antelopes, elephants, and, if fortunate, wild cats.

Accommodation: Elephant Hub Safari Lodge, Bush Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Drive time: 5-6 hours

Day Five: Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Cruise on the Kazinga Channel

Embark on a morning game drive in the plains of Kasenyi, retracing the territory for wildlife missed during the previous evening. After lunch at the lodge, head to the Kazinga Channel for an afternoon boat cruise. This scenic journey offers opportunities to observe hippos, water birds, elephants, buffaloes, and crocodiles, creating a wildlife spectacle along the channel.

Accommodation: Elephant Hub Safari Lodge, Bush Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day Six: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

Start the day with an early breakfast, then check out and drive to the Northern bank of Queen Elizabeth National Park (Kasenyi) for an en-route game drive. Lunch will be served en route, and later, arrive at Kibale Forest National Park in the late afternoon.

Accommodation: Kibale Forest Lodge, Chimpanzee Guest House, Kibale Forest Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Drive time: 3-4 hours

Day Seven: Chimpanzee Trekking and Bigodi Community Walk in Kibale National Park

Embark on a thrilling morning with breakfast, heading to the park headquarters for a briefing before chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park. The afternoon leads to Bigodi for a community walk, fostering direct interaction with the locals residing near the National Park.

Accommodation: Kibale Home Stay, Chimpanzee Guest House, Kibale Forest Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day Eight: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park

After an early morning breakfast, check out of your lodge and drive to the Northern bank of Queen Elizabeth National Park (Kasenyi) for an en-route game drive. Continue the journey to Murchison Falls National Park through small towns and villages, enjoying captivating scenery and views of the rift valley escarpment, arriving late in the evening.

Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge, Twiga Safari Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Drive time: 9-10 hours

Day Nine: Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Cruise to the Bottom of the Falls

Embark on an early morning game drive to the northern sector of Murchison Falls National Park (Paraa) for a chance to spot diverse wildlife. Return to the lodge for lunch, then head to the pier for a two-hour boat cruise to the bottom of the falls, witnessing the Nile River’s dramatic descent. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge, Twiga Safari Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day Ten: Driving Back to Kampala/Entebbe for Your Flight Out

Conclude the 10-day Uganda Chimpanzee Tour with a transfer back to Kampala/Entebbe International Airport after breakfast. Your memorable primate and wildlife adventure comes to an end.

Tour Includes:

• Airport transfers on the first and last days
• Bwindi Gorilla Permit at USD800.00 per person per trek
• Kibale Chimpanzee Permit at USD250.00 per person per trek
• Boat rides as per the itinerary
• Transport in a 4×4 safari Landcruiser/Jeep
• Services of an English-speaking driver-guide
• Fuel for the round trip
• Accommodation and meals plan as per the itinerary
• All park entrance fees
• Drinking water while in the vehicle

Tour Excludes:

• Pre and post-tour accommodation in Entebbe or Kampala
• International airfares
• Uganda Visa (USD50.00, payable on arrival at the Airport)
• Items of personal nature such as tips, drinks, and laundry

Budget Accommodation: Ride 4 a woman – Broadbill tented camp – Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge – Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge

Luxury Accommodation: Chameleon Hill Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, or Lake Kitandara Tented Camp

Activities: Gorilla Trekking, Bird Watching, Photography, Scenic Drive, Nature Discovery, Outdoor Adventures, Safari

Themes: Scenic Road Drive, Thick Jungle Forests, Mountains, World Heritage Site, The Wild

Features: Mountain Gorillas, Jungles, Monkeys, Golden Key. Contact Trek Africa Expeditions to Book your Ape trekking safaris in Uganda and Rwanda with guaranteed gorilla and chimpanzee permits in both countries, and the safaris can be done at any time of the year.