Tree Planting and Great Apes Conservation Safari

Country

Uganda

Duration

7 days

From

US$2395

Highlights

  • Chimpanzees tracking and conservation experience.
  • Gorilla tracking and conservation experience.
  • Tree planting with community conservation groups.
  • Game drive and boat cruise at Queen Elizabeth National Park.
  • Sempaya hot springs and conservation experience.
  • Joining researchers on a Lion Tracking project.

Overview

Embark on the ultimate Uganda conservation and safari adventure! Dive into thrilling activities like Mountain gorilla trekking, lion tracking, and chimpanzee trekking, while also immersing in meaningful conservation experiences. Explore the breathtaking landscapes with game drives in pristine National Parks, embark on captivating boat safaris, and discover the rich traditions of local Kingdoms. Unwind at the rejuvenating Sempaya Hot Springs and capture memories of the iconic tree-climbing lions. Your journey will lead you through the remarkable landscapes of Kibale, Semuliki, Queen Elizabeth, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Parks, ensuring an unforgettable exploration of Uganda’s natural wonders.

Day-to-Day

Arrival & Entebbe: Upon your arrival, our safari team will warmly welcome you and transfer you to one of our comfortable accommodations, including Lake Height Hotel, Lake Victoria, Palm Beach Hotel, or 2 Friends Beach Hotel. These are conveniently located near Entebbe International Airport, offering a tranquil overnight stay to begin your journey.

Day 1: Kampala to Kibale National Park (Fort Portal): After a hearty breakfast, embark on a scenic 4-5 hour drive to Kibale National Park with captivating stops en route. Your journey will lead you to the picturesque Fort Portal town and the park’s entrance. Enjoy a delicious lunch at one of the following lodges or hotels: Mountains of the Moon Hotel, Fort Motel, Primate Lodge, Ndali Lodge, Rwenzori Travelers Inn, or Fort View Hotel. In the afternoon, experience tree planting at ‘Amabere ga Nyina Mwiru’ Cultural Center, promoting conservation. Explore mysterious caves and partake in wildlife and conservation activities before returning to the Mountains of the Moon Hotel for relaxation, dinner, and a peaceful night’s rest.

Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking & Conservation Experience – Kibale National Park: An early start and breakfast set the stage for an extraordinary day in Kibale National Park. Embark on a morning chimpanzee tracking and conservation adventure at Kanyanchu Visitors Centre. Witness diverse wildlife, including baboons, red-tailed colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, various bird species, butterflies, and more. After a satisfying lunch, venture to Bigodi, a cultural site, for a guided nature walk, bird watching, and engaging in tree planting activities and community conservation awareness initiatives. Return to your chosen accommodation, either Kibale Forest Camp, Ndali Lodge, or Primate Lodge, nestled in the heart of Kibale National Park, for relaxation, dinner, and a restful night.

Day 3: Nature Walk & Hot Spring Conservation Experience – Semuliki National Park: Another early start precedes a day filled with adventure. After breakfast, head to Semuliki National Park for a hot spring encounter, a guided nature walk, and conservation immersion. Witness an array of wildlife, including baboons, red-tailed colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, various bird species, butterflies, and more. Following a delightful lunch, journey back to Fort Portal for a visit to the Toro Kingdom palace and the Toro King’s burial site, “Karuzika.” Join the Toro cultural group for tree planting activities, contributing to the preservation of the Mpanga River, and enjoy traditional dances. Return to your accommodation, be it the Mountains of the Moon Hotel, Kyaninga Lodge, or Nyeika Hotel, for relaxation, dinner, and overnight comfort.

Day 4: Fort Portal to Queen Elizabeth National Park: Following breakfast, embark on an exhilarating drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, nestled in the shadows of Mt. Rwenzori. Along the journey, take in scenic beauty and stop for landscape viewing and a tree planting activity with “Pearls of Uganda, Rwenzori Community.” Arrive at the park in the afternoon, where you’ll indulge in a mouthwatering lunch. Then, prepare for a thrilling 2-hour launch trip along the Kazinga Channel. Witness hundreds of hippos, buffalos, elephants lingering on the shoreline, and over 60 bird species. Return to your lodge, choosing from Jacana Lodge, Mweya Safari Lodge, or Ihamba Safari Lodge, for relaxation, dinner, and an overnight stay.

Day 5: Wildlife Conservation Tour – Queen Elizabeth National Park: Begin your day with a morning game drive, providing an opportunity to spot early risers like predators, bush bucks, hyenas, elephants, bush pigs, lions, buffaloes, jackals, and even the famed tree-climbing lions. After the drive, return to your lodge for a satisfying lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, embark on a captivating road tour through the Kigezi highlands and the terraced hills of the Bakiga and Bafumbira people, ultimately reaching Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Check in at Gorilla Mist Camp or Buhoma Lodge for relaxation, dinner, and an overnight stay.

Day 6: Mountain Gorilla Tracking & Conservation Experience – Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: An early morning start and a hearty breakfast precede the highlight of your journey: Mountain gorilla tracking within the forest sanctuary. Commencing at 8:00 am, you’ll embark on an unforgettable adventure, joined by others in your group. Each day, only eight individuals are permitted to view each gorilla family. Be sure to carry a packed lunch, drinking water, rain jackets, and trekking boots. Walking sticks will be provided for those who require them. Consider hiring a porter to assist with carrying your belongings during the tracking experience, as the gorillas roam freely in the forest. Your encounter with these majestic creatures will last approximately one hour, an exceptionally rewarding and awe-inspiring experience. After gorilla tracking, return to Gorilla Mist Hotel for relaxation, dinner, and an overnight stay. If time permits, consider embarking on the Batwa trail experience.

Day 7: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to Entebbe International Airport/Entebbe: On your final day, rise early for breakfast and visit the local Buhoma Community Primary School, which is supported and managed by community members. The school’s mission is to raise awareness of the environment for sustainable development through quality education. Afterward, embark on a captivating road conservation trip to Kampala and Entebbe International Airport, with a stopover at Igongo Cultural Centre for lunch, landscape and equator viewing, and cultural experiences. Arrive at Entebbe International Airport in the evening to catch your flight back home.

Your adventure through Uganda, filled with wildlife encounters, conservation initiatives, cultural experiences, and breathtaking landscapes, will leave you with lasting memories of this remarkable journey.

Costs

TYPE 1 person 2 persons 3 persons 4-12 persons
Upmarket accommodation US$5,916 US$4,532 US$3,990 US$3,614
Mid-range accommodation US$4,527 US$4,172 US$3,716 US$3,010
Budget accommodation US$3,924 US$3,561 US$2,790 US$2,395

Included

  • Tree planting costs
  • Gorilla Permit fees
  • Chimpanzees trekking fees
  • All park entrance fees
  • Cultural entertainment fees
  • Nature walk fees
  • Conservation interventions fees
  • Park Ranger fees
  • All relevant Government Taxes
  • Full Board accommodation and en-route meals as indicated in the itinerary.
  • Full time English-speaking Driver/Guide
  • Ground transportation by a 4×4 safari vehicle
  • Airport transfer.

Excluded

  • Airfares
  • Visa Fees
  • Personal Insurance
  • Expenses of personal nature such as; drinks, tips, laundry, telephone, accommodation & meals not indicated in the itinerary and optional activities.

What to bring?

  • Wear stout shoes or walking boots suitable for steep muddy slopes.
  • Gardening gloves are excellent in the forest when pulling on vines and nettles and during tree planting activity.
  • Carry rain gear, sunscreen lotion, a hat (as the weather can be unpredictable) and insect repellent.
  • Porters are available to hire when need a rise.

Tour information

Trip typeTailor-made
LodgingSafari Lodges
ActivitiesGame Drive
Transport4×4 Safari Vehicle

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