Meeting with the Primates of Uganda
In the heart of Ugandan forests, face to face with the last mountain gorillas and the chimpanzees of Kibale.
Duration
6 days
From
US$2,200/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Dec
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
Discover the chimpanzees of the Kibale Reserve, which is home to one of the highest concentrations of primates in East Africa. During a guided walk, you will observe these close cousins of humans moving freely in their natural habitat, from the top of the canopy to the understory.
Then, head to the Bwindi Forest for the highlight of your Ouganda adventure: an encounter with the last mountain gorillas, a unique and deeply moving moment. Accompanied by experienced trackers, you will follow the trails of these peaceful giants, in one of the last regions of the world where they still exist in the wild.
Throughout your journey, the magnificent landscapes of volcanoes and mountains, wetlands and arid expanses will captivate you. You will pass through typical villages, tea and coffee plantations, as well as lush hills stretching as far as the eye can see.
This diversity of scenery and wildlife encounters will make you want to return and explore the "Pearl of Africa" in depth, as this country still abounds with treasures waiting to be discovered.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival in Entebbe, on the shores of Lake Victoria
From your window, you catch sight of Lake Victoria, and the small islands scattered in its crystal-clear waters where fishermen are at work. Landing in Entebbe, the gateway to Ouganda, where your driver awaits you and accompanies you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free.
Black Skimmer Observation in Mabamba Swamps
Entebbe → Marais de Mabamba
In the morning, we head to the Mabamba wetlands, an area of exceptional biodiversity, in search of a unique bird highly prized by ornithologists: the Shoebill, an extraordinary bird with dinosaur-like appearance that can only be observed here in Ouganda.
The site remains little frequented and is well preserved by certain members of the local community who have become eco-tourism guides, taking you by canoe through the wetland to observe birds. In addition to the Shoebill, we may have the chance to encounter the Marsh Harrier, White-winged Black Tern, Yellow-billed Duck, various Herons, kingfishers, etc.
Marais de Mabamba → Parc national de Kibale
Then we set off for a long drive through the countryside of deep Uganda awaiting us today to reach the Kibale Forest National Park.
The laterite track we take crosses many villages where we can observe scenes of daily life, these serving as meeting places for peasants transporting their harvests. From Mubende to Fort Portal, we discover a zone of high plateaus carved with steep valleys at the bottom of which rivers transform into marshes. Further west, there will be large tea plantations spreading their greenery that will brighten our route before the landscape becomes more turbulent at the approach of the Ruwenzori foothills, whose snow-capped peaks we will be able to see in the distance.
Arrival at the edges of Kibale Forest, and installation at the Lodge.
Meeting the Chimpanzees of Kibale
Parc national de Kibale → Parc national de Kibale
An extraordinary day awaits us today, discovering the Kibale Forest which is home to one of the densest primate populations in the world (more than 12 species recorded). In the morning, we set out on a walk through the forest where we will be able to observe many monkeys, including chimpanzees, red colobus and blue monkeys.
In the afternoon, our expedition takes us to the Bigodi Wetlands which are home to more than 300 bird species that we will have plenty of opportunity to admire.
Route to Bwindi Forest
Parc national de Kibale → Parc national de Bwindi
Early departure for 8 hours of driving through a hilly region that will take us to the renowned Bwindi Forest where we will meet the Mountain Gorillas. Along the way, the landscape offers us an incredible palette of greens, the blue-green of eucalyptus trees that separate countless plots, the dark green of cypress trees that border the tracks, the tender green of rice paddies at the bottom of deep valleys.
Note: In Ouganda, we purchase gorilla permits for a specific group. We buy permits for 4 sectors distributed across the entire Bwindi park rather than for a specific gorilla group. Each of these 4 geographic entities has an office where travelers converge on the morning of the trek and where the manager assigns them the group to visit. As a result, hotels and travel time may change depending on gorilla permit availability.
Meeting with the Mountain Gorillas
Here has finally arrived the long-awaited experience of your trip to Ouganda: the encounter with Mountain Gorillas
Early morning wake-up, then departure to the Park reception where we will leave accompanied by trackers and our specialized guide in search of Gorillas. These animals appreciate humid forests and are vegetarians. The clans are composed of 8 to 20 individuals including the dominant male, adult females and teenagers. The male has a silver-colored back and can reach a height of 1m70 and weigh up to 250 kg. Our distant cousins are peaceful and good-natured animals that will observe us while continuing to search for their food in their plant world. Emotion and intense sensation guaranteed for all nature lovers!
Walking hours: 3 to 7 hours of forest with ranger-trackers depending on the assigned group.
Parc national de Bwindi → Lac Bunyonyi
After this exceptional moment spent in the company of primates, we resume our journey towards Lake Bunyoni where we can appreciate the beauty of the landscaped hills in terraces descending steeply into the lake. It extends in sinuous curves at nearly 2000 meters altitude and encompasses 29 islands and islets.
We take a walk in the surroundings where we will have the chance to observe some of the 200 bird species recorded in the area and which gave the place its name in Rugika: "The place of many birds"
Since the lake is perfectly suitable for swimming, why not let yourself be tempted by a few strokes in these enchanting waters.
Last moments in Uganda
Lac Bunyonyi → Departure
Early breakfast before this long day of driving as we return to Entebbe to board our return international flight. We make the most of our last moments on Ugandan soil, including an unusual stop on the Equator line for lunch.
See you soon in Ouganda!
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International flights
- Meals not mentioned in the program above
- Alcoholic and recreational beverages
- Tips
- The visa
- Personal expenses
- "High Season" supplement between December 20 and 31
Included
- Accommodation as indicated in the itinerary
- All meals from breakfast on day 2 to lunch on day 6
- 4x4 vehicle transfers, open roof with guaranteed window seat or Minibus depending on chosen option
- English-speaking and experienced driver guide
- Boat on the Kazinga Canal
- Mabamba Swamp Visit
- Mineral water in the car and during treks
- The entrances and activities in the parks
- Gorilla permits: $700
- Chimpanzees Permit: $200
- Bigodi Swamp: 35$
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to Uganda for a tourist stay. As entry requirements may change, we recommend verifying this information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Uganda, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the date of entry into the country and must contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and Canada must obtain a visa to enter Uganda. This visa can be obtained in two ways:
online, before departure, via the official East African Visa portal or the Uganda online visa (e-Visa),
on arrival, at the border post or Entebbe International Airport (visa on arrival), subject to availability and current conditions.
The standard tourist visa permits a stay of up to 90 days. An extension can be requested from the Ugandan immigration services before the visa expires.
The authorities may also request:
a departure ticket from the country (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
a confirmation of accommodation reservation.
East African Tourist Visa
There is also an East African tourist visa allowing you to visit Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda with a single visa. This multiple-entry visa is valid for 90 days and can be particularly advantageous for travelers wishing to explore several countries in the region.
This visa must be requested online before departure and entry into the designated zone must be made through one of the designated entry points.
Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate
Presentation of an international yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow booklet) is mandatory to enter Uganda. This certificate must be obtained at least 10 days before entry into the country and is valid for life.
Without this document, the Ugandan authorities may refuse entry into the country or impose vaccination on arrival.
Health
In addition to yellow fever, several health precautions are recommended before traveling to Uganda:
malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended, as malaria is present throughout the country,
updating routine vaccinations (tetanus, diphtheria, poliomyelitis, hepatitis A and B, typhoid) is advised,
it is recommended to consult a doctor or international vaccination center at least four to six weeks before departure.
Traveling with Children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay and a valid visa.
In some European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to leave the country may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Other Nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire with the embassy or consulate of Uganda in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to have evacuation assistance and medical expense coverage abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partners CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to one of these.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claim procedures is available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with claim notification procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
An e-visa is required and must be applied for online before departure. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date, and a yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory. Processing takes 72 hours. Before booking, check with the consular authorities of your destination for specific conditions applicable to your nationality.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a quality tailored trip, budget between €200 and €350 per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transfers, permits and activities. International flights (€800-1,200 return) are additional. The gorilla permit at Bwindi (USD 800) is the major expense.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each itinerary to match travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, engaging and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to captivate children with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, your budget and your dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until you reach the perfect version. You confirm and depart with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST guarantee (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on site throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Forest Centre
English-speaking advisor in the heart of Lake District Africa, based in Entebbe
Uganda often surprises travelers. You come for the big wildlife, then you leave remembering mostly the landscapes, the smiles, and the energy of the country.
— Charles
