Safari Overview
The Ngamba Chimps & Wildlife Holiday is an expansive 9-day odyssey designed for primate enthusiasts and big-game lovers. This journey offers a rare double chimp experience: first, visiting the rescued orphans at Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary on Lake Victoria, and later, tracking wild chimpanzees in the Kibale Forest, the primate capital of the world.
The adventure continues through the savannahs of Queen Elizabeth National Park for classic big-game viewing and a boat safari on the Kazinga Channel. The journey culminates in the ancient Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for the ultimate wildlife encounter: Mountain Gorilla Trekking. From volcanic crater lakes to the Switzerland of Africa highlands, this safari showcases the diverse lushness that defines Uganda.
Safari Highlights
- Ngamba Island: A boat cruise on Lake Victoria to see rescued chimpanzees being cared for in a sanctuary setting.
- Double Primate Tracking: Trek both wild Chimpanzees in Kibale and Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi.
- Kazinga Channel Boat Trip: The world’s highest concentration of hippos and prolific birdlife.
- Cultural & Geological Wonders: Visit the Amabere Caves, hike crater lakes, and stand on the Equator line.
- Scenic Kigezi Highlands: Drive through the terraced hills often called the Switzerland of Africa.
Detailed Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in the Pearl of Africa
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport (EBB), your guide will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. Relax by the shores of Lake Victoria as you prepare for your adventure.
- Accommodation: Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa (Luxury) / 2 Friends Beach Hotel (Comfort)
- Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Board a speed boat from the Entebbe dock for a cruise across Lake Victoria to Ngamba Island. Observe the 49+ rescued chimpanzees during their feeding sessions and learn about the sanctuary’s world-class conservation efforts.
- Accommodation: Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa (Luxury) / 2 Friends Beach Hotel (Comfort)
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Scenic Drive to the Primate Capital (Kibale)
Begin the journey west towards Kibale Forest. The drive is incredibly scenic, passing through rolling tea plantations and the vibrant town of Fort Portal. Upon arrival, you transition from the lake breeze to the sounds of a tropical rainforest home to 13 primate species.
- Accommodation: Papaya Lake Lodge (Luxury) / Mountains of the Moon Hotel (Comfort) / Kibale Forest Camp (Standard)
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Wild Chimpanzee Tracking & Bigodi Swamp Walk
Enter the Kibale jungle with an expert ranger to track wild chimpanzees. Spend an unforgettable hour observing our closest cousins. In the afternoon, explore theBigodi Wetland Sanctuary, famous for the Great Blue Turaco and views of local community life.
- Accommodation: Papaya Lake Lodge / Mountains of the Moon Hotel / Kibale Forest Camp
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Amabere Caves & Transfer to Queen Elizabeth Park
Explore the Amabere ga Nyina Mwiru caves, a site steeped in local folklore and geological beauty. Hike the surrounding explosion craters for panoramic views before driving to Queen Elizabeth National Park, located at the base of the Rwenzori Mountains.
- Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge (Luxury) / Kasenyi Safari Camp (Standard)
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Savannah Game Drive & Kazinga Channel Boat Safari
An early 6:30 AM game drive searches for Lions, Leopards, Elephants, and the endemic Uganda Kob. In the afternoon, embark on a launch trip (boat safari) on the Kazinga Channel, where Buffaloes, Crocodiles, and Hippos congregate at the water’s edge.
- Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge / Kasenyi Safari Camp
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Through the Switzerland of Africa to Bwindi
Travel south through the Kigezi Highlands, characterized by terraced hills and bamboo forests. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Virunga Mountains as you arrive at the edge of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
- Accommodation: Silverback Lodge (Luxury) / Rushaga Gorilla Camp (Comfort) / Bunyonyi Overland Resort (Standard)
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Mountain Gorilla Trekking – The Ultimate Encounter
Today is the big day. After a briefing by UWA staff, trek into the dense rainforest to find a Mountain Gorilla family. Spend one life-changing hour observing these gentle giants. Bwindi is the only forest in Africa where Gorillas and Chimpanzees co-exist.
- Accommodation: Silverback Lodge / Rushaga Gorilla Camp / Bunyonyi Overland Resort
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9: Return Journey & Equator Crossing
Drive back to Entebbe or Kampala.
Travel Note: This is an 8–9 hour journey. We include a mandatory stop-over at the Uganda Equator for the water experiment, photography, and last-minute souvenir shopping before your transfer to the airport.
- Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
Tour Inclusions & Exclusions
| Category | Inclusions (What is Included) | Exclusions (What is NOT Included) |
| Permits | 1 Gorilla Permit & 2 Chimp Permits (Kibale & Ngamba) | International Airfares |
| Transport | 4×4 Safari Vehicle (Pop-up roof), Fuel & Boat Transfers | Uganda Entry Visa |
| Staff | Professional English-speaking Ugandan Guide | Tips and Gratuities (Guides, Rangers, Staff) |
| Accommodation | Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) | Porter for Gorilla Trekking |
| Entrance Fees | All National Park entrance fees | Personal Travel/Medical Insurance |
| Activities | Kazinga Channel Boat, Amabere Caves, Ngamba Tour | Expenses of a personal nature (Laundry, Drinks) |
| Refreshments | Drinking water throughout the safari | Meals not part of the accommodation |
Quick Facts
- Core Activities: Gorilla Trekking, Wild Chimpanzee Tracking, and Ngamba Island Sanctuary visit.
- Top Sightings: Rescued Chimps (Ngamba), wild Chimps (Kibale), Mountain Gorillas (Bwindi), and the Big Four in Queen Elizabeth Park.
- Best Time to Visit: Dry seasons (June–August and December–February) ensure easier trekking and better game viewing.
- Insight: As highlighted by our guides, this 9-day itinerary is the complete primate package, bridging the gap between sanctuary conservation and wild jungle trekking.
- Traveler Tip: Ensure you bring sturdy hiking boots and long trousers for the Bwindi trek, the forest is truly impenetrable.
