6 Day - Wildlife and Chimps in Uganda

Spend the morning tracking the exuberant chimp families in the Kibale forest. Tracking chimpanzees in their natural habitat, as they swing from the branches in the canopy high above the forest floor, is a thrilling experience. Though they can be difficult to spot, you will be in no doubt of their presence as the forest is alive with their noisy calls. In the afternoon, explore the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. The reserve is abundant with butterflies, plants, animals and, in particular, birds. Spectacular birds like Great Blue Turaco and rare Papyrus Gonolek will be of great interest to birders. The swamp is also home to more elusive animals such as Red Colobus monkeys and Sitatunga antelope. There is also the opportunity to visit local community projects that have been financed by tourism. In the evening enjoy pre-dinner drinks on the terrace with its stunning views.

O/N: Ndali/Primate Lodge (B,L,D)

Set out for Queen Elizabeth National Park. On route, take a short hike in the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains, enjoying the fantastic vegetation, wildlife and views of this magnificent mountain range. Alternatively drive direct to the Queen Elizabeth National Park and the Volcanoes Kyambura Gorge Lodge. Enjoy a restful afternoon by the swimming pool, or relax and simply enjoy the views from your private veranda of the open savannah and snow capped Rwenzori Mountains in the distance.

O/N: Volcanoes Kyambura Gorge Lodge (B,L,D).

Taking an early morning or evening drive, and resting during the heat of the day, provides the best opportunity to see game. What you see depends on the season, but the Kasenyi plains are excellent for sighting lion and large herds of Uganda kob. The Mweya peninsula offers excellent game drives with magnificent views across the water to the Rwenzori Mountains. Mweya is one of the best places to look for leopard, which live in the dense, scrubby thickets. Time permitting visit the Kyambura Womens Coffee Cooperative and its coffee processing station or the wetland reserve to spot birds.  Both projects were set up and are supported by the Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Project.

O/N: Volcanoes Kyambura Gorge Lodge (B,L,D)

The Kyambura Gorge is an extraordinary natural environment and forms a stark contrast to the surrounding grasslands. Here you can track one of our closest animal relatives, the chimpanzee. The chimp population is quite mobile and viewing can be unpredictable but the walk itself is enchanting. In the afternoon take a cruise on the Kazinga Channel, which flows between Lakes Edward and George. Kazinga is home to one of the greatest concentration of hippo in Africa and herds of elephant, buffalo and other animals come to drink at the waters edge. The channel is a magnet for waterbirds, with great flocks of pelicans and others birds on the shore, and a great spot to see African fish eagle.

O/N: Volcanoes Kyambura Gorge Lodge (B,L,D)

Leaving the Kyambura Gorge and set off back to Kampala and Entebbe Airport. On the route north you will be able to stop at the royal drum makers and stand astride the Equator. Return to you hotel or transfer to the airport in time for your return flight.

(B,L)