what is the best place to see chimpanzees? If you have been looking for the perfect place to see chimpanzees in the world. The tropical rainforest of Kibale Forest National Park is a place to… Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest
Where is kyambura gorge located? Kyambura is a 100-meter-deep gorge comprising lush tropical vegetation in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Kyambura is situated in the far eastern corner of Queen Elizabeth National Park one of the… Kyambura Gorge-Uganda
Where are tree climbing lions mostly found? The Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park is a famous tourism destination known for harboring the highest number of tree-climbing lions in the whole world. Lions which… Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park
What is chimpanzee trekking? Embark on an unforgettable walk, a journey to your cousins the Chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Uganda (the pearl of Africa) is home to the largest concentration of chimpanzees in the… CHIMPANZEE TREKKING IN UGANDA
Where is Mabamba wetland located? Situated in Kasanje village and about 40km from Entebbe town, the Mabamba wetland and swamp is a true definition of Uganda’s natural beauty. The name Mabamba is in Luganda meaning… MABAMBA WETLAND
Gorilla trekking is a thrilling adventure through dense forests to observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Trekking gorillas in Rwanda happen in volcanoes national park where experienced guides lead small groups of eight and encounter with these majestic creatures providing a unique wildlife experience. It is a conservation success story contributing to the protection of these primates. Volcanoes national park is in Rwanda; a haven for bio diversity with lush landscapes and endangered mountain gorillas. The park encompasses a chain of volcanic mountains including Karisimbi and Bisoke, it is also a primate location where visitors get chance to witness these creatures within their natural environment as they enjoy beautiful views of the stunning scenery of the Virunga massif. Trekking gorillas in volcanoes is a captivating adventure of guided hikes through the lush terrain to encounter mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The activity starts in the morning with a short briefing of the dos and don’ts of gorilla trekking, experienced guides accompany you and help in identifying your assigned gorilla family. It takes about 2 to 3 hours and once you get to encounter these creatures, you get one hour to observe and learn their feeding ways and take a few snaps to keep for future memories. After trekking, you ought to go back to the starting point. In Uganda, gorilla trekking happens in Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga gorilla national parks are in south western part of Uganda. These destinations provide awesome and adventurous gorilla trekking experiences where you get to encounter gorillas in their natural habitat. while Gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable national park starts early in the morning with a short briefing about the dos and don’ts of trekking, into groups of eight and accompanied by experienced guides through the jungle in search of these creatures. Trekking takes about 2 to 3 hours depending on where gorillas will be found and once you get to encounter your respective family, you get to be with them for about 1 hour as you closely observe and learn about their daily activities. You are free to take a few snaps to keep for memories, once you finish, you head back to the starting point for your certificate of participation. Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga gorilla national park offers a unique and intimate experience because it is home to one habituated gorilla group namely Nyakagezi. If you are looking for a quieter, less crowded and private trek, Mgahinga should be your number one choice. Trekking begins early morning with a short briefing of trekking guidelines and later guides accompany you through the jungle, dense forests and volcanic terrain searching for these incredible creatures. Gorilla Trekking takes about 2 to 3 hours and you get chance to see other primates along the way like chimpanzees and monkeys, and once you get to find the Nyakagezi gorilla family, you are given one hour to learn about their feeding habits as you take a few snaps to keep for memories. Once the trek is done, you can go back to the starting point and receive your certificate of participation.
Gorilla trekking permits are available through the Uganda Wildlife Authority through their email or physically contacting them. A tour operator can be the most efficient way to get these gorilla trekking permits.
One may reach out to the Rwanda Development Board which is responsible for issuing gorilla permits through their contacts, website or email, you can as well book physically.
You can as well book through a tour operating company.
June to September, December to February are the best seasons for gorilla trekking. Here the rains are less, shrubs are shorter and trails passable.
A budget safari is also possible when the rains are heavy. the demand is low and accommodation is available at discount prices.
Gorilla permits cost USD 1500 to spend a precious hour in the company of gorillas. You can BOOK WITH US so we make your gorilla dream come true.
Foreign non residents pay USD800, Foreign residents pay USD700 and East African citizens pay UGX 300,000
• Long sleeved shirts and trousers • Waterproof jackets • Hiking boots • Water proof back pack • Garden gloves • Sunglasses and hat • Insect repellent • Sunscreen • First aid kit • Camera or binoculars • Passport • Trekking permits • Packed lunch and water • Batteries • Torch • Exchanged money • Hiking stick • Portable charger.
Flash photography is strictly not allowed as it may disturb gorillas
Always keep distance of at least 7 meters away from gorillas
Visitors have one hour of visit to gorillas to reduce on stress of the gorillas
Eating and drinking or chewing in the presence of gorillas is not allowed to prevent potential contamination
Always follow the instructions of the guide or ranger to ensure a safe encounter
Stay in your group to avoid splitting away to maintain safety
Always cover your mouth and noise while sneezing, coughing and yawning to reduce transmission of diseases.
Dispose of litter appropriately and follow the “leave no trace principles.”
Respect the wildlife and their habitat to avoid unnecessary noise, and respect the natural environment at large
Gorilla trekking often has a minimum age requirement to participate of 12 years and above.
You will be picked up by our safari guide at the airport and proceed to your lodge/hotel later on go for the shoebill hunt on the famous mabamba swamp, straight at the margins of Lake Victoria. This takes about 2-4 hours on the water and is still able to have more extra hours on land. Note that your flight time determines this first day, but regardless of the time the shoebill search happens either on this day or before transferring to the next destination. However, the best idea is arriving a day earlier for relaxation and preparing for the next days.
A 30 day birding and wildlife extensive Uganda Safari officially begins. Have an early breakfast as you enjoy the early morning bird calls, and then drive off to the whispers of the wild. Have stopovers along the way as the country is full of lots of beautiful birding spots, it's fascinating based on how you will find yourself having almost endless bird list just in a day till you arrive at your lodge.
Start the day very early and enjoy the savannah specials, the park is well known for its richness in birds, have a nature walk in the park with a ranger guide, and do the extensive birding on a lucky day you will spot the Black-colored Barbets, crested Barbets Sulphur-breasted Bush-shrike, the African finfoot while on a boat ride, Papyrus Gonolek and many other special birds. You will either have a packed lunch or hot lunch from the hotel, and the back for the evening treat as you look for last lifers and shots as the sundowner fancies the show.
Transfer to the land of Albertine endemics via the Ankole flat lands and mountainous Kigezi, and have enough stopovers along the way while birding, not forgetting the birding along the Echuya forest for the forest dwellers.
The real game for the Albertine endemics starts now in the smallest national park of the country at 33.7km2, have a full day in one of the famous national parks rich in wildlife and home to over 180 bird species, and look for those key specials like the Rwenzori Batis, Kivu-ground Thrush, Blue-headed Weaver, Regal Sunbird, and many others.
. Wake up early have breakfast and organize all the requirements as briefed by your safari guide, like rain gear, packed lunch, drinking water, and many others, all the rest of the dos and don’ts shall be communicated by the ranger guide as you head in the jungle. The experience takes between 2-7 hours and with 60 minutes of viewing. After the epic primate experience, transfer to the Ruhija sector the land of African-green Broadbill and Doherty’s Bushshrike.
Well known worldwide for its possession of the endangered African-green Broadbill, and the famous mubwindi swamp, the sector has several rare species and has a chance to see the Doherty’s Bushshrike, Black-billed Turaco, Regal sunbird, Narina Tragon, Handsome Francolin and many colored Bushshrike and, many others. The list shall be awe at the end of the day as call it a day.
After your sumptuous breakfast, you drive through the forest and partly on the margins with key spots for birding as this gives you a high chase to enjoy more of the forest dwellers like the Cassin’s flycatcher, Black-billed Weaver and much more that shall make the list interesting.
Have an early morning breakfast, and set off to the medley of wonders, have a few stopovers along the way as you connect to the southern sector of the park, you will drive through the home of the tree-climbing lions and shady acacia forests take an eagle eye In all corners, you will as well have an evening birding within the sector as you as well enjoy the sundowner.
After your very early breakfast enter again the sector and search further the beautiful birds doing keen birding as the place is truly rich in wildlife and birds that share premises with the bordering Congo and as it's still the Albertine stretch and has several marshy areas for sporting more water birds both big and small such as the Shoebill, Red-collared Widowbird, Barbets, warblers, starlings, fish eagles, and more big birds; like raptors and vultures and many others You will then still drive through the different reserves that connect to the north via the Maramagambo forest.
Enjoy the birding as the sun rises, and have a great lookout for cats like leopards, lions, serval cats, elephants, and many others. The park offers a variety of savannah specials, flycatchers, lapwings, weavers, Thickness, Bush shrikes, mannikins and finches, snipes, eagles, vultures, kingfishers, and many others. Later on, after lunch, go and enjoy birding on the Kazinga channel as you search for lots of kingfishers, fish eagles, Bee-eaters, and storks not forgetting a big population of big game on the shores of the channel. (you will have a packed lunch)
Birding in Semuliki national park will start in the mid-morning upon arrival and also in the early evening before retiring to the lodge. You will be escorted by an experienced bird guide where you will be able to view different bird species including Red Throated Bee-eater, Purple Glossy-starling, Black-wattled Hornbill, Long Tailed Hawk, Congo Serpent Eagle, and so much more.
Have 2 full days of birding and in search of rare primates in this beautiful land and later transfer to the primate capital, the Kibale forest. The list is endless while in semuliki, however like any other birder/photographer, waking up early and moving with parked lunch shall be routine, you shall be having a ranger guide good in birds and more accompanied by a driver guide to enhancing the birding. Just think of the Dwarf Hornbills, White-crested Hornbills, Piping Hornbills, Black-casqued Hornbills, Orange-cheeked Waxbill, African Piculate, Congo-Serpent Eagle, the famous and rare DeBrazza’s monkey, Mona monkey, the Ugandan red colobus monkey, gray checked Mangabey, Red-rumped Tinkerbird, Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird, and many others mention a few. The park has its natural setup of the beautiful hot springs which at times are key spots of the Painted Snipe.
Having had great days in semuliki, the primate capital shall add more wonders. After your breakfast, drive to the briefing grounds, where you will be distributed into different groups. Carry with you enough drinking water, and a snack and wear as recommended, you will be led by a ranger guide to the jungle and this shall take 2-4 hours and with 60 minutes of viewing. Enjoy the bird calls, ancient tree species, and primates like the red-tailed monkey, blue monkey, red colobus monkey, and many others. Afterward, you shall have a community walk around the surrounding swamps and key birding spots to enlighten the day.
It’s a 5-7 hour drive, meaning that waking up shall be a major aim. Have enough stopovers along the road, the place is so beautiful in landscapes formed by tea plantations, sugarcane plantations, and marginal forests that shall be key stopovers for birding. Any garden bird can be spotted and the raptors as well, getting closer to Budongo more of the forest species can easily be seen on the forest margins.
Located in the Budongo forest situated at the edge of the Albertine rift south of Murchison falls national park. It’s one of the famous birding areas highly recommended with some unique species like the Blue-breasted Kingfisher, Dwarf kingfisher, the Nahan’s Francolin, Cassin’s Spinetail, and more sought-after species.
Check out from your lodge around the Budongo forest and face north of the park, lots of raptors are seen being a lucky day, bee-eaters, storks, and many others. Later go to the top of the falls which is Uganda’s secret wonder, and have a walk around the falls for some rare species like the Rock pratincole, Bat hawks, and many others. It’s so fascinating while at the falls as the Nile squeezes itself into the 8 meters wide devil's cauldron. After the epic adventure proceeds to the open savannah with Borassus palms, cross the Nile, and feed your eyes with the savannah specials, you shall have a morning drive and afternoon boat cruise on the Nile, and all this is a key chance for lots of birds like the Black-billed Barbet, silver bird, sunbirds, and many rare and common species. a great experience during a 30 day birding and wildlife extensive Uganda safari.
After your breakfast, transfer to Africa’s true wilderness, and have a few stopovers along the Pakwach-Kitgum highway as you are connecting to the endless landscapes of the northeast. It’s different from the rest of the areas, flat, hilly, and well artery designed by mountains. Have a great time for the dry land specials towards the park like the Goshawks, pygmy Sunbird, starlings, Grass-hopper Buzzards, kestrels, and many others. Have a different touch of the people and vegetation cover.
Hosting about 75 mammal species and over 470 bird species, bordering South Sudan and western Kenya, the park is rich in some rare species that migrate between those two countries and is among the most eye-catching destinations in the country. Have a chance to spot the Rose-ringed Parakeet, Secretary bird, Fox kestrel, barbets, Clapperton’s Francolin, and lots of vultures having in mind that the park has the highest population of vultures in the whole country. These two full days shall be like no other and packed lunch will always be the way to manage time. It's to note that the area is made of more wildlife like lions, leopards, cheetahs, elands, elephants, reedbucks, giraffes, and many others.
Check out of Kidepo and drive further on the margins of the northeast, to Toronto for about 6-7 hours Pass by the matheniko-Bokora game reserves, these two provide an epic encounter of birds shared with Uganda and Kenya, it’s truly amazing, like the Purple Grenadier, Straw-tailed Whydah, Eastern-paradise Whydah, Steel-blue Whydah, White-bellied Go-away-bird, Boran Cisticola, little-rock Thrush, White-headed buffalo Weaver, and many others. Have an extensive stretch on the road to Kenya for more life and discoveries while already in Moroto. This area is famous for the indigenous Karamojong people, with lots of cattle, lamb, and goats living in round huts.
There's no way one would miss out a Remarkable paradise for avid birders due to the various bird species that dwell within the area, during a 30 Day birding and wildlife extensive Uganda Safari. The reserve is remarkable for Fox’s weaver, Karamoja Apalis, and other specials like the Green Pitta, ostriches, Secretary Bird, and many others. Carry packed lunch and hit the road ready for the bird.
Wake up very early have breakfast go those rare species and have a mixture of wildlife like cheetahs if lucky, oribis, Gunther’s dik-dik, buffalos patas monkeys, and many others later on transfer to the Mount Elgon foothills as you enjoy the well-decorated landscapes.
Hosting over 300 bird species, 40 bird species are restricted in the park. Wake up early in the morning have breakfast and enter the forest, birding shall be conducted on the main trails and accompanied by the ranger guide. Carry with you packed lunch and all the required equipment, and have fun with the forest dwellers like the Jacksons Francolin, Tacazze Sunbird, Black-collared Apalis, Hartlaub’s Turaco, and many others.
It’s on this day that seemed a long trip gets shorter and done, have your breakfast early in the morning and drive to Entebbe airport or a hotel for your final packing before the flight. it will be a fare thee well for d 30 Day birding and wildlife extensive Uganda safari. Meals (half board)-accommodation (optional) Note: we are much flexible for changes that suit your expectations Let us know in case of any itinerary changes needed END OF TRIP
Our favorite journeys you do not want to miss out
Kampala is the commercial and national capital of uganda, at the margins of the biggest lake in africa; lake victoria is a rich area to explore as you enjoy both history and day-to-day life. it’s famous for its major 7 hills that are rich in history such as mengo, makerere, old kampala, rubaga, kibuli, namirembe, kasubi, and nsyambya; however, it has spread to fourteen more. also known as the capital of entertainment both day and night, monday to sunday traffic and music playing from both sides of the capital, motorcycles, finding the easiest means to avoid the traffic, all this buys your attention.
Introduced in 1951 to the pearl of africa and the worship building completed in 1961, the faith is open to all people. this beautiful mashriqu’i-adhkar sits on 21.5 acres of land a place to hold your breath, read a novel, and enjoy the beautiful birds. beautified by the flowers and greener trees and the calmness, it’s a place to visit. the faith is believed to have started in 1844 may 23 by a young man called bab who claimed himself as god’s messenger and had holy offices in israel.
Mengo palace was built in 1922, the former home of Buganda’s king, the palace has stayed empty after Prime Minister Obote ordered a dramatic attack on the road land where the Kabaka Mutesa II stayed in 1966, led by the forces of Idi Amin Dada, the president was stormed and the president was forced out into exile. The Torture chamber or the notorious prison is still for tours though the king’s palace interior is out of reach. Famous for the 1900 Buganda agreement signed between the British colonialists and Buganda’s kabaka (king).
Rubaga cathedral/st mary’s cathedral is a parent of the roman catholic archdiocese of kampala, which is the oldest roman catholic diocese in the country.
The famous holy land was given to the white fathers in 1889 seeking where to establish a church, the kabaka by then mwanga ii allowed these god shepherds to have a decent settlement and preached their gospel at peace.
Sits on the old kampala hill once captain frederick lugard’s camp, the mosque holds the biggest hall in sub-saharan africa, central and east africa. hosts 15000 worshipers, 1100 people in the gallery, and 3500 people on the terrace. it’s a 360 degrees viewpoint of kampala city, it brings the remembrance of the country’s colonial rule and the fact that sits on the old kampala hill. the mosque is the official magistrate of the uganda muslim council and is known to many as the gaddafi mosque due to the monetary assistance given by the late libyan president gaddafi
Also known as saint paul’s cathedral is the oldest in uganda. founded in 1890 and serving as the provincial cathedral of the church of uganda and the diocesan cathedral for namirembe, it’s a great place for christians and has a great history
A great and ancient historic place within kampala sitting of kasubi hill where the decade’s kings of buganda are buried. this makes the site an active religious place in the kingdom of buganda. to the people of the buganda kingdom, the king/ kabaka is the unquestionable symbol of the spiritual, political, and social state of the kingdom.
A very calm and peaceful time around the city, the hindu temple is open to all visitors during the day with a requirement of silence, removing shoes, and camera shutter sound for those enjoying photography. you will be able to see various hindu gods and watch their faithful feed and dress them.
Centered in the middle of the kingdom’s government headquarters and king’s palace, is this gigantic monument. the stretch between these two areas is known as the royal mile or the king’s way. with 11 meters above the ground and a diameter of 12.8 meters, the structure holds a spear and drum representing the emblem of the kingdom that is always seen on the buganda flag.
Centered in the middle of the kingdom’s government headquarters and king’s palace, is this gigantic monument. the stretch between these two areas is known as the royal mile or the king’s way. with 11 meters above the ground and a diameter of 12.8 meters, the structure holds a spear and drum representing the emblem of the kingdom that is always seen on the buganda flag.
Founded in 1908 after george wilson the governor called for “ all uganda’s articles of interest to be procured. the museum exhibits and displays natural-historical, traditional life collections of uganda’s cultural heritage and ethnology. uganda’s history is fluently told through collections of the early man, there are more areas like fort lugard, makerere university, and kissinger house in mengo that speak volumes.
There are places in the city that stir to life all night long, and patrons tap their feet on jazz, country music, or reggae as they sip every type of spirit, beer, and wine as the street food scents hang in the air.
This is a replica in kabalagala, casinos, acacia mall, bugolobi, acacia avenue, centenary park and the garden city. nightlife is relatively safe because each bar and club has bouncers and more so ugandans are hospitable and friendly, a body search starts when entering most night spots.
19 john bahiha (acacia) ave
Kings african rifles, kololo-opens 12 pm
In luggage stadium
Dine-in/takeaway/delivery
Sheraton hotel, kampala
Guvnor club
2nd street industrial area.
Casinos we have, kampala casino, kings casino, casino simba, mayfair casino, and many others.
Kampala city is a melting pot of cultures embracing ugandan and foreign ways of life. a casual walk around and about treats a visitor to the collection at the national theatre, and craft shops, and uganda museum. have a good time while in kampala in areas like,
Is a one-stop point where one can be treated across-section of traditional dances, cuisines, folklore, and wines, enjoy the weird dance strokes as the stars and the moon are seen shying away
just in the heart of kampala city, home of the ebonies theatre group. it’s a cool place for live music shows and stand-up comedy.
On Monday’s, it’s when the artist entertains themselves with karaoke and drama skits. it’s a place the old songs are played and easily kicked and triggering feet tapping
The city can easily be accessed by buses, taxis, boda bodas, and by air using the kajjansi airstrip and entebbe international airport.
Several buses connect to different areas and neighboring countries, that’s kenya and rwanda, and some to tanzania and burundi. there are also commuter vans-taxis or matatus that link you to the neighboring city suburbs, these go while stopping and always delay you when you are in a rush. boda bodas- motorcycles are the easiest and cheapest depending on where you are going, these require to board one who owns a passenger helmet to safeguard yourself, and you must be able to bargain before travel, using applications like safe boda, bold and uber are also available around town which might ease your movements.
Kyambura gorge is the only place within Queen Elizabeth national park where tourists can encounter habituated chimpanzees while in Uganda. The gorge is a tropical forest found on the eastern side of Queen Elizabeth national park. The gorge which is 100m deep, 11km long and about 1km wide, home to different bird species, primates, and mammals.
Kyambura River is the main water channel in this valley and most of the park animals drink water from this stream whose sources are from the rocks surrounding the gorge. Kyambura River flows and pours its water into the Kazinga channel which is the largest water body in Queen Elizabeth national park. chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura gorge draws it to be known as the valley of apes and this is because it’s home to a small population of chimpanzees and other primates.
Kyambura gorge is home to a small population of chimpanzees which are habituated for tourists to spend some time with them. Chimpanzees are somehow related to human beings with about 97% human DNA and it's for this reason that travelers love to spend time around them and closely watch their behaviors.
Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura gorge of Queen Elizabeth national park is done twice a day in the morning and afternoon, all sessions start with a briefing at the visitors center which is near the gorge. Here trekkers are taught about the rules and regulations of chimpanzee trekking and then armed ranger guides can lead them into the jungle. A maximum of 8 people trek chimpanzees in Kyambura gorger per session.
The trekkers are given walking sticks to help them go through the steep slopes and vegetation in the park. The armed ranger guides lead the trekkers down Kyambura gore up to the river down the valley. The search for these chimpanzees doesn’t take so long because the area is small. The moment the chimpanzees are, tourists can be around them for 1 hour.
During the time given to be around chimpanzees, one can learn about their habits, take photos, record videos, and watch the chimpanzees do daily activities which may be mating, nesting, feeding, breastfeeding, hunting, and resting among others. Apart from seeing chimpanzees, tourists to Kyambura gorge can see different mammals, primates, and birds that live in this area.
For any travelers to trek chimpanzees in Kyambura gorge, they must have chimpanzee trekking permits and these are sold to people above the age of 15 years. The chimpanzee trekking permits are bought from Uganda Wildlife Authority and travelers should try to book these permits in advance especially if they are visiting the region in the dry season.
Being a mini-tropical rainforest, travelers are asked to pack good waterproof hiking shoes, long cotton stocks, gardening gloves, a rain jacket, a sweater, long-sleeved pants, long-sleeved shirts, a light backpack, a hat, a pair of binoculars, a camera, sanitizer, insect repellents, sunscreen, drinking water bottle and energy giving snacks.
Tourists that are looking for where to stay around Kyambura should know that there is a variety of lodges in Queen Elizabeth national park. The lodges range from budget to mid-range to luxury options and they include Kyambura Gorge Lodge, Kingfisher resort, Katara Lodge, Elephant Hab Lodge, Mweya Safari Lodge, Pumba Safari Cottages, and Jacana Safari Lodge among others.
Kyambura gore is located in Queen Elizabeth national park and can be accessed from Kampala via Mubende Fort Portal or Kampala via Masaka Mbarara Kasese road to Queen Elizabeth national park where you connect to Kyambura gorge. Luxury travelers can fly to Mweya airstrip from Kajjansi airstrip or Entebbe international airport using Bar Aviation Uganda or Aerolink Uganda.