Iconic primate tracking safari holiday

Iconic primate tracking safari holiday – Mountain Gorillas – Chimpanzees – Golden Monkeys

Iconic primate tracking safari holiday – This iconic primate adventure with apes and monkeys visits four of central Africa’s prime primate sanctuaries. Spend four days tracking the Mountain Gorillas in the best two places on earth of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Volcanoes National Park. Chimpanzees are the focus in Kibale Forest and Queen Elizabeth National Parks, though you are sure to see plenty of different monkey species, too. Scenic Queen Elizabeth is also home to classic plains game, predators, hippos, crocodiles and extraordinary birdlife.

Day One: Entebbe / Kampala

Safaris in Uganda typically start and finish in Entebbe or Kampala. Entebbe, on Lake Victoria, was a former British colonial administrative centre. The National Botanical Gardens, laid out in 1898, are a must-see here. Uganda’s capital, Kampala, was established during the 13th century Buganda Kingdom, one of the oldest in Africa. Built among lush hills and wetlands that were once royal impala-hunting grounds, Kampala City is the biggest among all Ugandan Cities.

Days Two-Three: Kibale Forest National Park

The most accessible of Uganda’s major rainforests, Kibale Forest harbors the greatest variety and concentration of primates in East Africa and is home to 13 species including the Chimpanzees and red colobus monkeys. The elusive forest elephant moves through the National Park seasonally. Kibale Forest’s tremendous biodiversity also attracts a long checklist of rainforest bird species. Activities include forest walks and wildlife viewing along the string of beautiful crater lakes that lie between Fort Portal and Kibale Forest.

Days Four-Six: Queen Elizabeth National Park

Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda’s most popular National Park is arguably it’s most scenic. Stretching from the crater-dotted foothills of the Ruwenzori Mountains along Lake Edward to the remote Ishasha River, its mosaic of habitats includes savannah, wetlands, gallery and lowland forest. The park offers prime grazing for buffalo, elephant and myriad antelope, and boasts 600 bird species. Game drives, forest walks, chimp tracking and boat trips on the hippo-filled Kazinga Channel are popular activities.

Days Seven-Nine: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Named for the dense forests it encompasses, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is home to roughly half the world’s remaining Mountain Gorillas. Though the National Park is best known for its outstanding Gorilla tracking, it also provides refuge to Chimpanzees, monkeys, elephants and various small antelope. Bwindi Forest is a key Uganda bird watching destination, with 23 of Uganda’s 24 Albertine Rift endemics, including threatened species such as African green broadbill and Shelley’s crimson wing.

Days Ten-Fourteen: Volcanoes National Park

On this pilgrimage to Africa’s oldest National Park, set aside in 1925 to protect the Mountain Gorilla, enjoy a full immersion in all the park’s highlights: two days of Gorilla trekking in the rainforests of the Virunga volcano chain, one day trekking to see a troop of 80-100 Golden monkeys, and a visit to pay homage at the grave of Dian Fossey, the world’s most famous Gorilla researcher who lived and worked within this park from 1967-1985.

Day Fifteen: Kigali/Home

Your iconic primate tracking safari holiday in Uganda and Rwanda ends today in Kigali City.

Inclusions

All accommodations

Meals at camps and lodges

Excursions and transfers unless listed as optional

Services an English Speaking driver guide

Relevant park fees

Exclusions

Generally lunch and dinner in city hotels

Alcoholic and soft drink beverages at some camps and lodges

Baggage and medical insurance

Staff gratuities

Any newly-implemented government taxes, levies, fuel or industry increases which are beyond our control

Visa fees where relevant

International flights

Any items of a personal nature

Gorilla trekking permits (USD700 per person per trek in Uganda and USD1500 per person per trek in Rwanda), Chimpanzee trekking permits (USD200 per person per trek), Golden monkey trekking permits (USD100 per person per trek), and Karisoke trekking permit (USD75 per person per trek)