11-Day Primates and Birding Safari in Uganda

Arrive Entebbe Airport, pick up and transfer to the booked hotel

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, your Kisembo Simba Uganda assigned professional birding driver/guide will receive and welcome you to Uganda – the Pearl of Africa. Thereafter, you will transfer to the booked accommodation in Entebbe. Optional (extra cost): In case you have had an early arrival in Uganda and are interested, you can proceed to visit the Entebbe Botanical Gardens. This is one of the places in Entebbe where you can spot many species of birds and also a few primates such as the Black and White Colobus and Vervet monkeys. It is also a place of tranquility and peace, a feast for the eyes with a notable absence of people, and you can simply immerse yourself in nature with only the sounds of birds breaking the stillness of the moment.

Accommodation: Lake Victoria View Guest House-Budget | Meals: Dinner | Drive time: Approx. 15 minutes.

Chimp habituation Experience – Kibale Forest and Birding Bigodi wetland

After breakfast you will move to the rangers’ point for a briefing. From here you will proceed for a lifetime experience of Chimpanzee habituation in Kibale Forest. The activity allows you to accompany Kibale Forest’s research and habituation team on their daily routine. You will spend the first half of the day in the presence of these amazing primates – human’s closest relation – and witness them nesting, de-nesting, feeding, playing etc. while getting first hand explanation from the experts on the ground. Return to the accommodation for some rest and lunch before going out again for the Bigodi birding experience. The Bigodi wetland boasts an extensive array of biodiversity among which are several primate species such as Baboon and Black & White Colobus monkey. Bigodi is also a paradise for bird watchers and among the major bird species within the sanctuary is the Great Blue Turaco. Return for dinner and overnight rest.

Accommodation: (Kibale Forest Camp-Lower Mid-range) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Morning game drive plus birding and Nature walk plus birding Maramagambo Forest

Rise early and after breakfast proceed for a morning game drive in the Kasenyi plains where you have the chance to spot Lion, Leopard (but hard to spot), herds of Elephants and Buffaloes among many others. You will also be able to spot a number of bird species during the game drive. Return to the accommodation for some rest and lunch.

After lunch, move out to explore the nearby Maramagambo Forest. Buzzing with primates including Baboons and several monkey species, the forest is also alive with numerous birds including the rare Forest Flycatcher, White-naped Pigeon and the striking Rwenzori Turaco. After Maramagambo, return to the accommodation for dinner and overnight rest.

Accommodation: (Irungu Forest Safari Lodge-Budget) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Gorilla trekking Bwindi Forest. Return, rest and move out for birding

After breakfast we will move to the rangers’ post where you will receive a briefing (from a ranger guide) on the dos and don’ts during trekking. Thereafter, you will enter the Bwindi Forest for your adventure. The beauty of this rain forest is spectacular! The area offers dramatic steeply forested landscape and is incredibly dense but crisscrossed by numerous animal trails allowing access to tourists. The time taken and the terrain vary with the movements of these great primates. Once you have located a Gorilla group, you will be allowed an hour in their presence. The thrill of spending time observing these gentle but endangered giants is unforgettable. Return to the accommodation for some rest before going out birding in the nearby area.

Accommodation: (Broadbill Forest Camp-Budget)| Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Golden monkey trekking Mgahinga Forest and Birding – the Gorge Trail between Gahinga and Sabinyo

Although not well known by most travelers, golden monkeys are the second most interesting attraction in Mgahinga after the Mountain Gorillas. Scientifically, these species are called Cercopithecus Kandti and trekking them is what makes for a full tourism package in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The activity starts with a briefing by the ranger guide before trekking this awesome but endangered species of monkeys. Thereafter, take some rest and also have lunch before going out on a birding experience along the Gorge Trail between Gahinga and Sabinyo. The trail offers opportunity to spot Cape Robin-chat, Kivu-Ground Thrush, Olive Thrush, Brown-crowned Tchagra to mention but a few. Thereafter, drive back to the accommodation for dinner and overnight rest.

Accommodation: (Travellers Rest Hotel-Lower Mid-range)| Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Drive time: Approx. 40 minutes to and from.

Morning birding – Rubanga Forest and then return to Entebbe to catch return flight out

You will have breakfast and then set out to explore Rubanga forest. Though small, this tract of forest on the western side of Lake Mburo provides a taste of tropical high forest with a closed canopy. It is home to a variety of forest birds but the rare Red-faced Barbet – only seen in Lake Mburo National Park – is one of the forest’s featured species. More common species which you can see are the Green Pigeon, Narina Trogon and Double-toothed Barbet amongst others. From Rubanga Forest, you will embark on a return journey to Entebbe International Airport to catch your return flight out (recommended for 20:00 onwards).

Accommodation: Recommended on request (not included) | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Drive Time: 7-8 hours.