This safari starts with Kibale Forest with its thirteen species of primate including the chimpanzee. Tracking the noisy chimpanzee families racing through this verdant forest is a thrilling experience. Together with Bigodi Wetland nearby, many forest and swamp birds can be seen.

On the savannah plains below the Rwenzoris, see the great game of Africa in the magnificent Queen Elizabeth National Park - elephant, lion, buffalo, hippo and leopard. Track the fast moving and elusive chimpanzees in the Kyambura Gorge nearby. Around Ishasha go on the hunt for the tree-climbing lions lounging on old fig trees. Then continue to track gorillas in the primeval forest of Bwindi. Bwindi has four habituated families and the gorillas there live in thicker tropical forest and tracking is more challenging as the hillsides are steeper. You can also go for nature walks to see birds, monkeys and orchids.

Day 1. Kampala to Kibale. Briefing on the safari. Start for Fort Portal via the town of Mubende set in rolling hills. Picnic lunch en route and continue to Kibale. Arrive late afternoon. Relax at lodge or explore nearby crater lake.
Ndali/Mantana Kibale (2 nights) LD

Day 2. Chimp Tracking. Track the noisy chimps and other primates crashing around through the high canopy of the forest with colourful birds squawking nearby. Packed lunch. Afternoon walk in Bigodi to see swamp birds and see some of the community projects financed by tourism. BLD

Day 3. Queen Elizabeth National Park. Either a day's walk in the foothills of the Rwenzoris, one of the great mountain ranges of the world, looking out for its forbidding peaks in the distance, or drive straight to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The game seen will depend on the season, the Kasenyi plains are good for lion and the Mweya peninsula for a variety of animals.
Mweya/Jacana (2 nights) BLD

Day 4. Chimp Tracking. An excursion to Kyambura gorge nearby to track the fast moving and elusive chimpanzees, one of man's closest relations. The chimp population is quite mobile and viewing is unpredictable but the walk is enchanting. Alternatively go for a nature walk in Maramagambo Forest to see other primates and to visit the bat cave and the blue lake. In the afternoon take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel where the wildlife and a vast array of birds come to drink. BLD

Day 5. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Start for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Either drive via Ishasha, home of the tree climbing lion, roads permitting, or take the alternative route through cultivated expanses. Time permitting, go for a short stroll around the Lodge or explore the village.
Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge (2 nights) BLD

Day 6. Gorilla Tracking. Go gorilla tracking (subject to permit availability at time of booking), walking up steep densely forested hills before finally coming across the gorillas camouflaged in the vegetation. An inspiring moment! Tracking in Bwindi requires stamina and can often take most of the day. Alternatively go for a leisurely nature or community walk. BLD

Day 7. Departure. Early start for Kampala, retracing your steps through this green and pleasant land. Picnic lunch en route. Arrive Kampala late afternoon. BLD

Note: This safari can also be done on a private basis. A pre/post night may be required in Kampala, please enquire in regards to cost. All gorilla permits need to be purchased at the time of booking or deposit in addition to regular deposit requirements. Gorilla viewing is subject to availability of permits, which are limited; any additional gorilla permits required should be purchased when booking. Gorilla permit prices are government regulated and subject to change without warning.

12/09