Gorillas and Chimpanzees of Uganda with Natalie Lockhart

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Wildlife Safari

Wildlife Safari

Explore Uganda's rich wildlife amidst diverse landscapes, from savannah to lush forests. Encounter over 300 mammal species and 1,000 bird types on this thrilling African adventure. Track chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, spot hippos, elephants, and tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and trek to see mountain gorillas in Bwindi. An unforgettable journey into the heart of Africa awaits!

Price starting from $ 6499 Los Angeles | Depart On 10 Jun 2025

OVERVIEW

This 9-day Uganda safari is ideal for those short on time but keen to see Gorillas, Chimps, and wildlife. Start in Entebbe, drive 6 hours to Kibale Forest National Park with a lunch stop in Fort Portal. Kibale offers chimpanzee tracking among 13 primate species. After a morning trek, have lunch at your lodge before heading to Queen Elizabeth National Park for game drives in Kasenyi and Ishasha (famous for tree-climbing lions), plus a Kazinga Channel boat cruise. Next, go to Bwindi National Park for gorilla tracking at one of four locations: Nkuringo, Rushaga, Ruhijja, or Buhoma. With 18 habituated families, tracking groups are 8 people and viewing lasts up to one hour. Trekking time ranges from 3 to 8 hours. End with a visit to Lake Mburo National Park, where you can enjoy walking safaris. On game drives and a 2-hour boat cruise, look for zebras, Buffalo, Impalas, Giraffes, Warthogs, Waterbucks, Crocodiles, Hippos, Kingfishers, and Fish Eagles

Itinerary

Prepare yourself! You are leaving today for Uganda to start your Gorillas and Chimpanzees wildlife journey.

Welcome to Entebbe; a metropolis situated along the northern shores of Lake Victoria, the continent's largest lake. 

Upon arrival in Entebbe, claim your bags and proceed toward the arrival hall. Our representative will meet you and assist you with your transfer to the hotel. (Standard check-in time is 3:00 pm).
Check in at the hotel and catch up on your rest. 

Overnight in Entebbe

In the morning, enjoy breakfast followed by a briefing from your guide before departing Entebbe. The duration of the drive depends largely on traffic conditions in Kampala but is estimated to be around seven hours.

Upon reaching our destination, unwind at our lakeside lodge. Kibale Forest National Park boasts a rich diversity of primates, including nine diurnal species such as vervet, red-tailed, L'Hoest's, red colobus, black-and-white colobus, and blue monkeys. Additionally, grey-cheeked mangabey, olive baboons, and the renowned chimpanzees call this park home. While sightings of chimpanzees cannot be guaranteed, the chances of encountering them are quite high.

Overnight in Kibale.

Start your day with breakfast at your lodge before heading out for a half-day chimpanzee tracking adventure. You'll be taken to the park headquarters at Kanyanchu for a 30-40 minute briefing to learn about chimpanzees and their forest habitat. Then, you'll set off into the forest in search of these primates. Once you find them, you'll have one hour to observe and photograph them. During your trek, you may also encounter other primate species such as L'hoest’s Monkeys, Red-tailed Monkeys, Blue Vervet Monkeys, and Black & White Colobus Monkeys. Additionally, you might see Forest Elephants, Buffalos, and a variety of bird species. After the tracking, return to your lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, renowned for its diverse wildlife including over 600 bird species and mammals such as Lions, Leopards, Elephants, and Buffaloes. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at your lodge

Overnight in  Queen Elizabeth National Park

After an early breakfast, head out for a morning game drive in the Kasenyi area. Keep an eye out for wildlife including Lions, Leopards, Buffalos, Elephants, Antelopes, Warthogs, Waterbucks, and Bushbucks. Following lunch, embark on an afternoon boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, which links Lake Edward and Lake George. This channel is home to one of Africa’s largest hippo populations and a variety of bird species. The 3-hour cruise will offer views of water-loving animals such as Hippos, Elephants, Buffalos, Crocodiles, and various antelopes, as well as numerous bird species. Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay.

Overnight in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

After breakfast, depart from the northern side of the park and head to the southern sector of Ishasha. Spend the mid-morning on a game drive in search of the rare tree-climbing lions. In the afternoon, continue your journey to the renowned Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, famous for its population of endangered Mountain Gorillas. Upon arrival, check-in at your lodge

Overnight in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

The day has arrived for your once-in-a-lifetime encounter with the majestic mountain gorillas. Begin with an early breakfast at your lodge, then transfer to the park headquarters (based on your accommodation location) for a briefing. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest is conducted in four sectors: Buhoma and Ruhija in the north, and Rushaga and Nkuringo in the south. After the briefing, set out on your trek, which may take 2 to 5 hours depending on the gorillas' last known location. Once you locate them, you'll have one hour to photograph, video, and ask the rangers and guides any questions about these incredible apes. Along the way, you might also see other wildlife and bird species, including butterflies, primates, mammals, and frogs. After your gorilla encounter, return to your lodge to relax for the remainder of the day. The entire activity can last between 5 to 9 hours, so a packed lunch and hiring porters are highly recommended. If time allows, you can visit the Ride 4 A Woman project in Buhoma to interact with local women and learn about their crafts, such as basket weaving and knitting. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at your lodge

Overnight in Bwindi

After an early breakfast, you'll be driven to Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda's smallest national park. The drive will offer picturesque views of the Ankole Kingdom, featuring animal farms and various crop plantations. Arrive in time for lunch at your lodge in Lake Mburo. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Mburo, where you might spot Hippos, Buffalos, and more. The park is renowned for having the largest population of Zebras in Uganda. You may also see Impalas, Oribis, recently relocated Giraffes from Murchison Falls, and numerous bird species. Spend the night at your lodge

Overnight in Lake Mburo

Today is the final day of your adventure, starting with a game drive as you leave Lake Mburo National Park. Keep an eye out for the park's wildlife, including Impalas, Zebras, Oribis, Topis, and Elands. Lake Mburo is also one of the few parks where you can enjoy a guided nature walk and still encounter many animals, similar to a game drive. The park is home to over 300 bird species, making it a popular spot for birdwatchers.

Afterwards, drive back to Entebbe. We expect to reach Entebbe by early evening. If there's time, your guide may recommend dining options (at your own expense) before taking you to the airport for your evening flight to your next destination or back home.

INCLUSIONS

  • Round trip economy class airfare ex-Los Angeles 
  • Airport taxes, fuel surcharge, and baggage fees
  • 08 Night's accommodation in TWN/DBL sharing basis at listed hotels or similar
  • Breakfast is included during your stay in Entebbe
  • All meals during your stay at the Lodges
  • Ground transportation by 4x4 tourist vehicle with an English-Speaking Guide
  • Gorilla permits at USD 800
  • Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale USD 250
  • Boat ride on Kazinga Channel and Lake Mburo
  • Game drives, Queen Elizabeth and Lake Mburo
  • Nature walk in Bigodi
  • Water on board
  • Services of English-speaking driver & guide
  • All taxes and surcharges
  • All local applicable taxes

EXCLUSIONS

  • All other meals & other sightseeing or services
  • Gratuities for meals, tourist guides, drivers
  • Visa fee & Travel Insurance
  • Personal expenses such as alcoholic and other beverages, telephone calls, and laundry
  • Any other services or Items not mentioned above as included

Planning a trip to Uganda?

Visa requirements:  In order to enter these countries, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.

  • We recommend having at least two blank passport pages for entry stamps.
  • There is no visa required for U.S. or Canadian citizens to enter the United Arab Emirates.
  • If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.

Culture and customs: Dubai is a conservative city, and it is essential to dress appropriately, especially in public places. It is advisable to avoid wearing revealing clothing, and public displays of affection are not tolerated.

Weather: Dubai has a desert climate, so it is essential to pack appropriate clothing and sun protection. The summer months (June to September) can be extremely hot, and it is advisable to plan indoor activities during this time.

Local laws: Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs, as there are strict penalties for drug offenses, alcohol consumption in public places, and public intoxication.

Language: Arabic is the official language in Dubai, but English is widely spoken in most tourist areas.

Currency: The official currency is the UAE Dirham (AED), and most places accept credit and debit cards. It is advisable to exchange currency or withdraw cash upon arrival.

Transportation: Dubai has an excellent public transportation system, including buses, metro, and taxis. It is advisable to familiarize yourself with the routes and schedules to avoid getting lost.

Electricity: The standard voltage is 220-240V, and the power sockets are the British three-pin type.

Time zone: Dubai is four hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+4).

Safety: Dubai is generally a safe city, but it is advisable to take standard precautions and avoid displaying expensive items in public places.

Ramadan: If you're visiting Dubai during the month of Ramadan, be aware that many restaurants and cafes may be closed during daylight hours, and it's important to be respectful of those observing the fast.

Payment Policy & Insurance

Deposit:           US$ 750 per person [Non-refundable / Non-transferrable]
Booking date: 30th Sep 2024
50% Deposit:  12th January 2025
Full Balance:   12th March 2025

(Once the deposit is paid, the travelers can then pay any amount on any date. Travelers to ensure that the payment deadlines are met as above)

Insurance Policy

We encourage everyone who books a VOYAGES HUB TOURS package, regardless of age or tour choice, to obtain a travel protection plan. While you intend to take that once-in-a-lifetime trip, illness, family emergencies, and other factors can derail your best-laid plans.

VOYAGES HUB TOURS has teamed up with Travel Guard to provide a Travel Protection Plan specifically designed for U.S. residents. Feel free to email us to receive a quote, without any obligation to commit.

Cancellation Policy

  • Starting from the booking date until January 12, 2025, a cancellation will incur a $750 per person non-refundable/non-transferable deposit fee plus any interruption insurance costs if bought.
  • Between January 13, 2025, and March 12, 2025, 50% of the tour price be charged as a cancellation fee.
  • From March 13, 2025 to Jun 10, 2025, canceling will result in the full tour price being charged with no possibility of a refund.

Note:
A person becoming single because of the roommate’s cancellation must pay the single supplement
All payment cut-off dates are firm, and missing deadlines without approved extensions will result in cancellations without refunds being offered. 

PLEASE NOTE

Voyages Hub reserves the right to levy a surcharge commensurate to the fuel increase at the time of operation of this movement.

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