5 Must activities to Include on Uganda Safari Itinerary

A Uganda Safari can be memorable when you do not leave out major activities like gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, game drive and so many others. These are done on different parks that the country is endowed with CONTACT US

Gorilla trekking

Gorilla tracking is done in Bwindi forest National Park and Mgahinga National park. This brings you closer to the left over mountain gorillas which only exist in Uganda, Rwanda and D.R Congo. They have a dark court that shelters them from the year round coldness. Despite there sheer size, they are generally vegetarian and there best delicacy is bamboo shoot. 

To join other gorilla trekkers, you must have a gorilla permit and when packing you need to have gorilla tracking gears. Only 8 gorillatrekking permits are released for each day per family to book yet in Uganda there are about 10 gorilla trekking families. This is the reason why you really need to book you gorilla permit atleast 6 months in advance. 

Gorilla tracking time is not clear as it may take between 2 hours and beyond depending on the proximity of the mountain gorillas. You are given just one hour with the gorillas because they are habituated to have human presence for just one hour.

Gorilla trekking safari In Uganda

Chimpanzee tracking

 Tracking the chimpanzees is another memorable activity to enjoy. Chimpanzees exist in Kibale National park , Kaniyo Pabidi, Ngamba Island and Kyambura Gorge. They live in communities under the leadership of the alpha male. You also need to book a chimpanzee trekking permit in advance. You have two chance of meeting the chimpanzees that is the morning session and afternoon

Chimpanzees are the closest relatives of the humans in the animal kingdom with about 98% human genes. You may get to recognize them before meeting them as they keep alerting others of your presence.

Game drives

Uganda is endowed with a number of wild animals that live in reserved parks. You have the chance of meeting them on game drives. Some of the wild animals to see include lions, elephants, buffaloes, water bucks, giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, leopards and so many others.

Some of the parks you can book include Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park and so much more. 

Within some of these parks, you may do a lunch cruise or boat ride which gives you the chance of viewing a congregation of animals and birds along the shore. The scenery is so incredible and picturesque. 

Birding in Uganda

Uganda is home to a number of birds. You have the chance of meeting unique birds including the albertine endemics.  Over 1057 bird species and has about 34 birding sites where by Bwindi forest is the top most birding site. It was awarded by the African Bird Club the top destination for birding in Africa. The Pearl of Africa harbors about 47% of Africa’s bird species which makes it the birder’s haven in Africa.

Some of the birds to see include saker falcon, Nahan’s Francolin, Black-Rumped Bottonquail, Denham’s Bustard, African green broadbill, White-bellied Robin-Chat, Oberlaender’s ground thrush, Basra Reed Warbler, Turner’s Eremomela grey headed sun bird, Mackinnon’s fiscal, oriole fich, scare swift, waller’s starling, mountain buzzed, African wood owl, Toro olive-green broadbill, olive thrust, Grauer’s rush-warbler, Red faced woodland-warbler, grey cuckoo-shrink, red sheeted owlet, Handsome fracolin, sooty boubou, African hill babler and so many theres. Sites where to see some birds include Bwindi Forest, Mabira forest, Mabamba Island, Makaga site, Lutembe Beach and so much more. 

White Water Rafting

For adventurous traveller, this is another adrenaline stimulating activity you can book. It is done in Jinja at Itanda Falls. You have the opportunity of selecting the level of tides you wish to take. Take off the stress with this great water activity peddling the tides and going in and over the vigorous water. Visit the source of River Nile the longest river in Africa and witness where the Nile water separates from Lake victoria

5 Options After Gorilla trekking in Uganda

Having enjoyed your gorilla trekking safari whether road gorilla tracking tour or fly-in gorilla tracking safari, you may have an extra day in Uganda and wish to spend it profitably to enjoy. Here are some of the activities you can do

Chimpanzee Trekking Uganda

After Gorilla Tracking Activities In Uganda

Visit Orphaned chimpanzees on Ngamba Island

In case you had your overnight in Kampala or Entebbe, rise up early in the morning and head to the pier in Entebbe to catch up with the boat to Ngamba Island. This is home to rescued chimpanzees which were abandoned, rescued from snares, captivity, circus, and so much more. These chimpanzees may not have the chance to get back to there communities so have to be taken care of.

There are two trips each day that is to say in the morning and afternoon. You really need to make your reservation in time. This is another chance to meet other primates during your gorilla trekking safari but prior to your departure. You will participate in feeding them, in case you underwent inoculation, you may enjoy chimpanzees up close

You may also request for a day room to freshen up before driving to catch up with your flight back home.

After Gorilla Tracking activities in Uganda

Guide tour to Uganda Wildlife Education Center ( UWEC)

This has a number of activities that you may be part of that is keeper for the day activity where you take part in feeding the animals in there exhibits. You also interact with some of the animals just like the center care takers.

Book a guide to take you through the center where you physically get to see the animals you might have missed. This is so amazing as you have the chance of moving to different exhibits and you will notice that this center as unique vegetation cover. 

Kampala city tour

Kampala is the capital city of Uganda. You may have the chance of visiting some of the adorable sites like the Bulange Kabaka palace, the Kabaka manmade lake, the Kasubi tombs though still under construction, Uganda martyrs shrine in Namugongo, the largest Bahai temple in Africa, Uganda museum.

For you to enjoy your Kampala tour, you must have a properly made itinerary because of the regular jam that may be a block to you seeing some sites and get appropriate information.

Botanical gardens

For those interested in birding and primates, this could be another option. This site is forested and incredibly cool. It has very many trees and located close to the airport. 

White Water Rafting After Gorilla Trekking

White water rafting Uganda

On the River Nile, you may be part of the white water rafting experience at the Itanda falls. This adrenaline stimulating activity is done in different stages but ensure that you are healthy and you are insured. You must also book a night flight because you are not so sure about the jam as you drive through the city to meet your return flight.

Recommendation

• ·        You must book a late evening flight so that you do not miss out on your flight because of uncalled for circumstances.
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• ·        In case you wish to enjoy an evening trip to Ngamba Chimpanzee Island. You must book an early morning flying gorilla trekking return flight 
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• ·        For activities like chimpanzee up close, you must go through inoculation procedures. 
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• ·        For keen birders you need binoculars to clearly spot these birds from the hiding.

5 Day Gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking Safari In Rwanda

Gorilla trekking combined with chimpanzee trekking is a great is a chance to see some of the biggest primates of the world. Mountain Gorillas live in Volcanoes national Park while Chimpanzees are residents of Nyungwe Forest national park.  
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5 Day Gorilla trekking And Chimpanzee Tracking

Day1: Drive to Nyungwe National park.
Rise up early in the morning and drive to Nyugwe Forest National Park. This is a natural forest with a great view and beautiful canopy. The way is quite long but very scenic as you drive through the undulating hills, massive water sources and beautiful vegetation Arrive ready for dinner and relax.
Accommodation: Nyungwe safari Lodge

Day 2: Chimpanzee trekking
Early in the morning, you will be transferred to the chimpanzee trekking starting point. Chimpanzees are the closest relatives of humans. They live in communities under the leadership of an alpha male. He is democratically elected by the members not based on age but capability to defend and sort the community. Follow the chimpanzees and drive to Volcanoes National park later.

Accommodation: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge/ Virunga Volcanoes Lodge/ Kinigi Guest House

Day three Day Gorilla trekking

Rise up for breakfast and head to the ranger station for briefing. You will meet other trekkers and after briefing, you will put into groups of 8 and then move into the forest. You will take the walk through the Virunga foothills till you get to the entrance into the forest. Start the search but the time of meeting the gorillas varies based on the movement of the gorillas and food availability. Finally meet the gorillas and take there pictures then after an hour return to the lodge and relax.

Day 4: Golden monkeys trekking
Having enjoyed your breakfast, head to the forest for an encounter with the Golden monkeys. This is a unique type of monkeys who live with other monkey like the black and white monkeys, vervet monkeys, blue monkeys and so many birds. Later drive to Kigali city for a visit to the genocide memorial. Dinner and overnight at

Accommodation: Hotel Mille Collins

Day 5 Return Home
After this gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking safari in Rwanda, drive to the Airport to catch up with your flight back home.

What To pack and Wear As Clothes for Gorilla Trekking tour

What gorilla trekking gear and gorilla tracking wear to pack for a tour in Rwanda is vital information to read before boarding a flight to start your safari to Rwanda. Gorilla trekking safaris take place in the cold South Western Conner of the Rwanda in the North eastern part of Rwanda. This is a volcanic dominated area with mountain ranges like Muhabura Mountain, Karisimbi Mountain, Bisoke Mountain, Gahinga Mountain and Sabyinyo Mountain that form a dense mountain network. This area is extremely cold and misty almost through out the day so you need to be advised on what to carry s your wear to prevent getting cold. At times the temperatures drop as low as 9 degrees centigrade and rain is received unexpectedly so all this calls for prior notice of what to pack for your gorilla trekking safari. Below is a list of what to pack on a gorilla trip

Long sleeved shirt and trouser
This area is known for experiencing cold temperatures almost through out the year therefore a few long sleeved shirts and trousers would be a better option. While in the forest, there are piercing objects and biting nestles that may get onto your skin so you need to wear long trousers and sleeved shirts to protect your skin from any damage in the wilderness. Even the way is quite boggy so you need to pack dull coloured clothes that can be easily washed.

Water proof simple and soft bag, rain coat or poncho
During gorilla trekking, it may rain suddenly and remember in the wilderness there is no shelter or you need to catch up with time since you do not know when you are to find the gorillas and where they are. You need to park any of the above to protect your self and other items like the cameras from getting so wet and cold. The soft bag can be used to carry all your items

Hiking water resistant boots
Mountain gorillas live in a volcanic dominated area and majority live on the slopes of the mountain t making the way quite steep. This forested area is a catchment for a net work of rivers that support the community and besides the geology is impermeable causing a wet ground always. You are required to wear boots that can try helping you not to slip off the ground. You also need to be slightly physically fit to complete the trek.

Insect repellent
This being a wild forest, there are sever biting nettles that may injure your skin so to feel conformable, you need to carry an insect repellent.

Camera
Gorilla trekking is a memorable adventure but you only carry memories of it and leaves the gorillas in the wilderness therefore as a souvenir, you need to carry a camera to take photographs. The best souvenir that will remind you of this great encounter with the huge jungle apes. The camera must be sound proof and flash less because these animals easily get agitated and freighted by light and unusual sounds.

Garden Gloves
On the way to see the mountain gorillas, there are over bent tree branches and other plants that may be thorny or slipper so you need garden gloves to assist you in getting hold of these branches.

Sun glasses.
These protect your eyes from the penetrating sun rays, drops of water from the tree leaves and flying insects that may fall into them.

Energy bites
These help you to carry on since you are not sure at what time you expect to see the gorillas. They also keep you busy and not hungry.

A wide brimmed hat would also be of importance to protect your head and hair

A walking stick can be hired before the start of the trek.

Rwanda Gorilla trekking recommendation

• Book your gorilla trekking permit at least 6 months to the start of your gorilla trekking safari
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• When packing your gorilla trekking gears, have a check list to ensure that you do not forget any important details.
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• Book accommodation in the area where you have booked the gorilla trekking permit to a void waking up early in the dark to drive to the briefing point.
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• Hire a pick up safari vehicle from the airstrip because there is quite a distance to the lodges
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• Book a seat on the daily domestic flights because of the high demand.
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• Send us your flight details for reconfirmation in case of any changes especially the departure flights.

7 Day Luxury Gorilla trekking and wildlife Safari Uganda Rwanda

The gorilla trekking safari and wildlife tour in 7 days takes you to the Bwindi forest gorilla trekking park, Volcanoes national Park and Queen Elizabeth National park. You enjoy the primates while you walk to meet the mountain gorillas. They are shy animals with brown eyes but very much susceptible to human diseases. You must remember to carry a package for gorilla trekking including the gorilla tracking gears. CONTACT US

7 Day luxury gorilla tracking And Wildlife Safari Uganda

Day 1 Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Early in the morning, you will be transferred by your driver guide from your hotel to Queen Elizabeth National Park.  This is the home of the renowned tree climbing lions that live in Ishasha sector of the park. This park is at times called a biosphere reserve because of the variety of wildlife, unique land scape and animals that roam with in the park. From Kampala, the drive is between 6 to 7 hours to get to Queen Elizabeth National park but with a stopover at the equator where you perform the water experiment and stand in both sides of the earth at the same time. Carry on and enjoy lunch enroute. Arrive and check into your lodge.

Uganda safari

Mweya safari Lodge/ Ishasha Wilderness camp

Day 2: Game drive and exclusive Launch cruise

Early in the morning, you will be drive to the crater lakes area to enjoy the amazing wildlife and incredible bird life. In this area, you may have the chance of meeting animals like the lions, leopards, herds of elephants and buffaloes, water bucks, bush bucks, and so many others. Spot a variety of crater lakes both wet and dry craters including the Nyamunuka Lake which is the animal hospital. Enjoy late day breakfast and after lunch, hear to the pier for an exclusive launch cruise. At the shore of Kazinga channel, animals congregate to quench there thirst and cool of the day’s heat. This area has a rich bird life that congregates at the shores including those foreign birds. Take pictures and return to the land to relax

Booking a gorilla trekking permit

Day 3: Drive to Bwindi Forest national Park

After breakfast, drive to Bwindi forest national park the home of the mountain gorillas. This prehistoric forest is one of the survivors of the ice age era. Within it are the mountain gorillas and a variety of other primates like the chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, blue monkeys, grey checked mangabey and so many others. Birding in this forest is very interesting and several birds are residents so for keen birders, this is a double opportunity. The drive is between 5 to 6 hours but very interesting as you get to see the amazing land scape and other physical features. Arrive and check into your lodge. 

Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge, Gorilla Forest Camp, Gorilla Safari Lodge

Day 4: GorillaTrekking

After breakfast, head to the ranger station to share gorilla trekking briefing with other clients. Remember to carry your gorilla trekking gears and hire a porter to assist you during the trek to see the gorillas. You will later be escorted by the ranger guide to meet search for the gorillas. The way is boggy because of the regular rains and since the forest is a water catchment area, you cross a number of rivers. Birds keep whistling from the tree branches and monkeys also cross from one branch to another so you enjoy the forest drama. Finally when you get to meet the gorillas, you may stay with them for just an hour watching them play in the vines, brush the fur of the young ones and pick fruits for the day’s meal. Return to the lodge later carrying only the memories of your experience.

Day 5: Drive to Volcanoes National Park

Early in the morning, you will be driven to Volcanoes National Park. This is the home of gorilla tracking in Rwanda. You will cross the border and get to Rwanda. Prepare for gorilla trekking and get yourself ready for another encounter with the big apes.

Dinner and overnight at Sabyinyo silverback lodge/ Virunga Volcanoes Lodge/Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

Day six Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Ready with your gorilla trekking gears, embark on a tour to see the mountain gorillas. You will be advised on how to behave while you trek to see the gorillas, what you are likely to find in the field and when in the presence of the gorillas. You will us a path that finally gets yoo to the entrance into the forest to start searching. When you finally get to meet the gorillas, take there pictures and stay with them for just an hour. Return to the land and relax.

Day 7: City tour and Drive to the Kigali airport.

Having enjoyed your 2 gorilla tracking experiences, with your victory, head to Kigali city for a city tour. Visit the genocide memorial and later head to the airport to catch up with your flight back home.

Recommendation For Gorilla trekking

• Rwanda is generally a hilly country and cold for most parts of the day. You must park some warm clothes for yourself especially during the wet seasons when it gets so cold.
• Book your gorilla trekking permit early so that you don’t miss out this great experience. Gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda cost $ 750 and Uganda $ 600 and you may go through a tour operator or visit the ORTPN which is the gorilla permit selling body. In Uganda gorilla trekking permits are sold at Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
• Carry some hard cash on you in case you need to buy some thing or you need to make payment because in Africa, credit cards are not so commonly used.
• Gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda requires you to book accommodation early and closer to Volcanoes National Park. This will assist you to head to the ranger station in time for briefing. You will be advised on what you need to do while you trek to see the gorillas. To have success, you need to follow the recommendations given by the ranger guide because they have more knowledge about the behavior of the mountain gorillas than what you read about.
• As for the gorilla trekking clothes, you need to remember to pack the trekking boots, long sleeved shirts, long trousers, hut, camera, insect repellant and so much more. Volcanoes national Park is situated in a water catchment area so you will come across a number of rivers and the surface is water logged.
• For those who wish to do a 2 day gorilla trekking tour, ensure that you book a late night flight so that you can freshen up and catch up with your flight back home. Book a lodge or hotel closer to the Airport for easier transportation especially for the late night departures.
• Apply for a visa to Rwanda early enough to avoid inconveniences while at the airport or at the border, Even if you are connecting from one country to another. In case you have two trekking dates that is to say in Rwanda and Uganda, you may book the East African Visa that will assist you while at the border.
• Gorilla trekking starts early so you must remember that you need to pack your gorilla trekking gears. They are very vital for your trek to be successful but you must remember to carry your lunch box. Because the time of return is not known.
• During gorilla trekking briefing, you are recommended to carry nothing but memories of your gorilla trek however, you need to have a camera to take some amazing shots to show your family or friends.
• In case you are not sure of your fitness, hire a porter to carry your belonging and give you support when you are tired. Also make it a point to ask for a walking stick for extra support especially when you get to the boggy ground.
• Gorillas are susceptible to human diseases, ensure that you inform the authorities in time so that you do not affect the highly protected mountain gorillas with your communicable disease.
• Buy a souvenir to directly support the local community but this is not compulsory.
• While in Rwanda or Uganda, do not liter or trace pass because this will cause you to be detained.
• Although tipping is not compulsory, show some kind of appreciation for a service rendered.