5 day Gorilla and Chimp tracking Safari (Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & Queen Elizabeth National Park)

This exciting package introduces you to two of the great apes found in Uganda and mans closest relatives. Mountain gorillas are highly endangered and only about 700 individuals survive in the world. Chimpanzees are endangered species found only in the forests of Africa. One hundred years ago, as many as 2 million chimps flourished in the rainforests. Today, fewer than 200,000 of the primates are left in their native habitant and their numbers are diminishing. In the South west region of Uganda lays the mysterious Bwindi Impenetrable forest National Park. The forest is regarded to be one of the most biologically diverse forests in Africa, largely due to its antiquity (it dates to before the Pleistocene Ice Age, making it 25,000 years old) and an altitude range of between 1,160m and 2,607m above sea level. Bwindi is a true rainforest, spread over a series of steep ridges and valleys that form the western edge of the Albertine Rift Valley.

In addition to mountain gorillas, there are estimated to be 120 species of mammals (more than any other national park in Uganda except Queen Elizabeth National Park). Other primates found in the forest include Chimpanzees, L’Hoest, red-tailed and blue monkey, as well as black-and-white colobus and olive baboon. There are an estimated 346 species of birds, including 23 localized species found only along the Albertine Rift Valley. There are also more than 200 butterfly species and about 324 tree species, 10 of which occur nowhere else in Uganda.

Chimpanzee tracking will be done in Chambura gorge, which is part of Queen Elizabeth National park. From open savannah to rainforest, dense papyrus swamps and brooding crater lakes to the vastness of Lake Edward, it is little wonder that QENP boasts one of the highest biodiversity ratings of any game reserve in the world.

Almost 130 mammal species and a remarkable 606 bird species makes this superb safari territory, with elephant, lions, buffaloes, a profusion of hippos, the elusive giant forest hog and handsome Uganda kob, water bucks and so much more, all regularly sighted around the tourist village on the Mweya Peninsula - which also boasts a marvelous waterfront setting in the shadow of the Rwenzori Mountains.

ITINERARY

Day 1
Depart Kampala at 8.00am to Bwindi National Park (8-9 hours drive). You will have a stop in Mbarara for lunch then continue the journey to the jungle. Spend the rest of the day at leisure enjoying the sights and sounds of the African jungle.
Dinner and overnight at Buhoma homestead.

Day 2
Early in the morning (7:30am) begin the trek for the mountain gorillas. Tracking these fascinating creatures through the misty Ugandan forests requires patience and stamina, not to mention the long but hopeful hours spent walking in the mud and the wet rainforest floor. But the payoff is indescribable: there is no way to describe the thrill of coming upon a family of gorillas going about their daily activities in the undergrowth. The opportunity to trek within metres of one of the world’s last few hundred mountain gorillas is arguably the most exciting wildlife encounter in Africa.
The gorillas live in groups of 8 to 25 members and we share 97% of the same genes with them. A family scene is captivating: mothers with babies hanging on their chests, youngsters playing more than foraging; several in trees, throwing down an occasional berry or fruit; one picking at the head of another; many merely resting under a bush or alongside a fallen tree.
Return to the lodge for lunch then spend the rest of the day at leisure as you unwind from the tiresome trek. In the evening you will be entertained with cultural performances and dances by a local women’s and orphan’s group. Learn more about the local people found in the area and their way of life. Proceeds from these go directly to improve the welfare of the families around the park.
Dinner and overnight at Buhoma Homestead

Day 3
Depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park. Enjoy the sights of animals including baboons, Uganda Kobs, water bucks, elephants, warthogs and many more on the drive to the lavish Jacana lodge found in Maramagambo forest. Set on the edge of a large crater lake, this tree house lodge grew out of the forest, peacefully at one with nature. The delicate use of rock, poles, wood, rope, organic furniture and rich textures blend perfectly with the smells, sights and sounds of this tropical hardwood forest. A cracking fireplace combined with a magical atmosphere creates an unforgettable experience. There’s plenty of faunal activity too – olive baboon, black-and –white colobus, red-tailed and more occasionally L’Hoest monkey clatter through the canopy overhead, chimps are regularly heard calling across the lake, while common birds include the fish eagle, the localized African darter and a variety of robin-chats, greenbuls and sunbirds.
Dinner and overnight at Jacana Safari Lodge

Day 4
Early in the morning (7:30 am), you will be driven to the Kyambura gorge. The steep Kyambura Gorge, formed by the turbulent waters of the roaring Kyambura River, provides a lush riverine forest, home to chimpanzees that have been habituated to human presence. Chimps are amazing animals which share many similarities with us (98.7% DNA). They hug and kiss each other, live in family groups, enjoy the company of others and they are able to think through problems and use tools. The area is also home to the black and white colobus, red tailed monkeys, olive baboons and other primates, as well as plenty of forest birds.
Return to Jacana for lunch. At 3:00pm you will have a leisurely boat cruise down the Kazinga channel where you will see more of the wild animals as they come down to water and cool off. Enjoy the unique 2 hour boat cruise on the Channel into Lake Edward. This trip passes through possibly the highest concentration of hippos. This launch cruise offers an excellent platform for photography, bird watching and game viewing. The prolific bird life is colourful and awesome with well over 550 resident species.
Expect to see elephants, hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes, antelopes etc and lots of beautiful water birds. Return back to the lodge.
Dinner and overnight Jacana safari lodge

Day 5:
Depart for Kampala. Stop over for lunch in Mbarara town.

Note:
Prices of Gorilla permits were increased to USD 500 as per 1st July 2007. You are advised to book as early as possible to avoid disappointments as permits are on a very high demand.