A 13-day wildlife safari in search of the mammals, particularly the primates of Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth and other national parks, as well as the Mountain Gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

We begin our tour on the peaceful shores of Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa, then head west to Lake Mburo National Park, an attractive area of rolling bush and grassland set around the lake and its substantial papyrus swamp.

As well as an abundant birdlife, which includes the rare and elusive African Finfoot, the park is home to such mammals as Oribi, Burchell’s Zebra and Impala, also Bohor Reedbuck which we are unlikely to see elsewhere in Uganda.

After a night here we head west towards the dramatic mountain ranges that lie along Uganda’s borders with the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda and overnight in a lovely oldfashioned guesthouse in Kabale, close to Lake Bunyoni where we will take a short boat trip to look for otters and enjoy the scenery.

Next we begin the biggest adventure of the tour as we ascend a bumpy, scenic road that takes us up to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, an area of densely forested mountains, ranging from 1,200 to 2,590 metres in altitude, that is home not only to one of Africa’s richest forest floras and faunas, but also to over 300 ‘Mountain’ Gorillas; half of the world’s population!

During our 3-night stay at Bwindi, those that wish may choose to spend a day tracking one of the three habituated gorilla families, a physically demanding full day’s trek. The rest of our time at Bwindi will be spent on less arduous forest exploration in search of the attractive L’Hoest’s Monkey and an assortment of unusual birds.

After an exciting stay at Bwindi, we head north to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Situated on the Kazinga Channel between Lake Edward and Lake George, ‘QE’, as it is affectionately known, is a classic east African game reserve incorporating rolling grasslands, craters and crater lakes, tropical forests, papyrus swamps and lake shore, and offers Uganda’s best gameviewing. Great herds of Uganda Kob roam the grasslands, Giant Forest Hog — so shy and elusive elsewhere in east Africa — is bold and uncaring, and Lion and Leopard are fairly common. Along the broad Kazinga Channel, herds of Elephant, Buffalo and abundant Hippopotamus are encountered by boat, together with a wealth of waterbirds that include both White and Pink-backed Pelicans, a variety of herons, storks and waders, and graceful African Skimmers. QE’s spectacular Kyambura Gorge — a deep, forested and isolated chasm in the plains — harbours a small Chimpanzee population, which we will track with the help of a park ranger.

Kibale Forest, to the east of the snow capped Rwenzori Mountains, is our final port of call — reached by means of some interesting dirt roads! This wonderful forest is home to an incredible eleven species of primates. These include some Chimpanzee families that have been habituated and which may therefore, with luck, be seen. We may also encounter other rare or colourful primates, such as Black-and-White Colobus, Red Colobus, L’Hoest’s and Grey-cheeked Mangabey. Kibale is also home to a group of forest dwelling Elephants, which are occasionally heard but rarely seen. Our lodge, perched on the edge of a crater lake, is set deep in the heart of rural Uganda — a fitting spot to conclude this action-packed safari!
 

"An excellent well-organised trip. The guide, Mercy and driver guide, Livingstone, were exceptional in their service and presence. The guide in particular, displayed huge knowledge and was extremely helpful to us as rank amateurs. Mburu Camp was excellent - a wonderful place. Mweya Lodge was also exceptional." S.R, Dublin.

"Our guide was superb throughout. His knowledge of birds was immense and he was always cheerful, kind and helpful...a well thought out and arranged holiday" N.R, Dublin.

"We had many excellent sightings of wildlife - in particular gorillas, chimps and a leopard. Our guides had excellent knowledge of birds and it is unlikely we will ever get two such expert bird guides on another holiday! We achieved our goals - to see the gorillas and the chimps. An experience we will never forget" A.W&S.J, Northants.life.

Grading. This tour is a lodge and tented camps based Uganda Wildlife Safari. Please remember that, in the game reserves and parks of East Africa, it is generally not permitted for visitors to leave the safety of their vehicles, apart in the reserve forests and lodge grounds.  

Weather. During our tour we can expect most days to be dry and fairly sunny, temperatures ranging from 20- 30^oC, depending on altitude. Overcast weather, particularly in the afternoons, may not be infrequent, but rain is unlikely except on high ground such as Kibale forest, where afternoon precipitation is a possibility. Here the weather can be chilly between sunset and sunrise.

Entry requirements. Most of Europe nationalities passport holders and most other nationalities require a visa for Uganda which is obtained in advance from the nearest embassy.

Tour price, detailed tour plan and how to book your place. For the tour price and a detailed tour plan and in order to book a place on this holiday, please call us now on (00 254) 20 600 14 54. Alternatively, you may fill online booking form or email us at: safaris@mbangosafaris.com giving us your contacts and we will get back to you with further details and to reserve the tour for you.