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15 Days In-depth Uganda Primate Tour & Zanzibar Beach Holiday
From
From $8996 per person for two sharing
Tour Overview
This 15-day journey is designed for travellers who want to discover Uganda through its remarkable primate life. You will explore some of the country’s best primate destinations to encounter mountain gorillas, chimpanzees and several other monkey species in their natural habitats. Along the way, you will also discover Uganda’s wider wildlife and landscapes through game drives, boat trips and guided walks. After your time in Uganda, fly to Zanzibar for a few days of complete relaxation at The Palms Zanzibar, an exclusive boutique resort on the island’s tranquil southeast coast of Zanzibar. Set in tropical gardens beside a white sandy beach, the resort offers private villas, personal butler service and an intimate atmosphere. It is a peaceful way to end an active wildlife journey in Uganda.
Highlights
- Private guide/guide on safari
- Boat tour to track down the shoebill
- Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest
- Game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Boat trip on the Kazinga Channel
- Chimpanzee trekking in the Kyambura Gorge
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi
- Guided game walk in Lake Mburo National Park
- Direct flight from the Entebbe to Zanzibar
- Dream beaches and turquoise Indian Ocean
- Relaxation in Zanzibar
Itinerary IN dETAIL
Discover your route below. This itinerary is the starting point, tailor your adventure with the specific experiences.
Day 1 | Arrival Entebbe Airport, Meet & Greet
Welcome to Uganda! As soon as you step off the plane at Entebbe International Airport (EBB), you will be enveloped by the pleasant, tropical warm weather of Uganda. Right outside the exit, the gateway to your adventure opens: your personal Ugandan guide will be waiting for you with a beaming smile and your name sign. “The Pearl of Africa”—that is what Winston Churchill once called this fascinating country, deeply impressed by its lush nature and unmatched diversity. A name that stands like a promise over your journey. After the warm welcome, your driver will take you to your charming accommodation. Here you will have time to relax after your flight, soak up your first African impressions, and settle in completely before your safari adventure begins.
Accommodation: The Boma Entebbe
Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast
Day 2: Entebbe – Mabamba Shoebill Tour – Kibale Forest (Travel time approx. 6 hours)
Arise to a hearty breakfast and check out from the hotel. Today, you will be taken to the famous Mabamba Wetlands on the shores of Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa. Here, you will exchange your car for a small boat. Accompanied by a local guide from the community, you will glide through the narrow channels of the dense papyrus swamp. The ultimate goal: an encounter with the legendary shoebill. This prehistoric-looking bird, with its enormous beak which looks like a shoe is one of the most amazing birds on Earth. Keep your camera ready – besides the shoebill, countless other exotic bird species will cross your path.
Around 10:00 AM, you will leave the swamp behind and head towards your next destination in the west: the verdant Kibale rainforest. Along the way, you will encounter herds of cattle and pass through small villages where vibrant fruit and vegetable stalls burst with color. Your driver will be happy to share information about the region, its people and culture. Kibale is situated near the “Shadow of the Mountains of the Moon”—the name given to the majestic snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains. You will arrive at your accommodation in the late afternoon. Here, it’s time to put your feet up and relax. You will spend the night surrounded by nature, where a fascinating array of birds and butterflies inhabit the lush greenery of the rainforest.
Accommodation: Turaco Treetops Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3: Kibale Forest - Chimpanzee Trekking – Bigodi Swamps
This morning is dedicated to our closest relatives in Kibale Forest National Park. You will set off into the dense rainforest jungle in search of the resident chimpanzees. The chances are very high, with a sighting probability of an impressive 95%. Sometimes, however, the chimps don’t make it easy for you, as they often frolic high in the treetops. But Kibale rainforest is far more than “just” the home of chimpanzees. It is a true paradise for primates. With a bit of luck, you might also encounter black-and-white colobus monkeys, red colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, Uganda mangabeys, Olive baboons, Vervet monkeys, and many other species. You will also encounter some of the over 370 bird and 200 butterfly species that transform the forest into a vibrant natural oasis.
Chimpanzee trekking lasts around 2 to 4 hours, covering a distance of about 3 to 5 kilometers on foot. In the afternoon, a guided hike through the community-run Bigodi Wetland awaits. This protected wetland is an important refuge for wildlife and renowned for its incredible botanical diversity. As you explore the trails, you will be surrounded by the vibrant chorus of rare birds and the rustling of monkeys in the dense papyrus. After an eventful day in the jungle, a delicious dinner awaits you at your accommodation. Afterwards, unwind around a crackling campfire – the perfect place to share the day’s magical moments with fellow travelers.
Accommodation: Turaco Treetops Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4: Kibale - Queen Elizabeth National Park (travel time approx. 2 hours)
In the morning after breakfast, you continue your journey to the famous Queen Elizabeth National Park in the southwest of Uganda. The drive takes you along the majestic backdrop of the Rwenzori Mountains – a truly breathtaking sight. Your first stop is at the Equator Monument near the park for photoshoot. Afterward, you will proceed towards the vibrant Kazinga Channel region. This impressive 32-kilometer-long natural channel connects Lake George with Lake Edward. It is the defining feature of Queen Elizabeth National Park and attracts countless wild animals and birds. It is famous for being home to one of the densest populations of hippos and Nile crocodiles in the world. After a good lunch, a relaxing boat safari on the channel awaits you. From the water, African wildlife reveals itself from a completely new perspective. It is truly impressive how close you can get to the banks by boat to observe the animals. Afterward, you will enjoy a wildlife viewing cruise as the sun slowly sets on the horizon.
Accommodation: The Bush Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Have your camera ready! You will embark on another morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park to observe the awakening wildlife. Afterward, you will bid farewell to Queen and travel further south through the so-called “Switzerland of Africa,” the rolling hills of Kigezi, to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Your destination for the day is the legendary Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The name “Impenetrable” already hints at what awaits you: a densely vegetated, primeval mountain rainforest, one of the most fascinating ecosystems on the planet. Bwindi is a sanctuary for nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Besides the mountain gorillas, nine other primate species, as well as countless rare forest birds, call this place home. The dense mountainous jungle has developed since the Ice Age, and the shrub and bush vegetation provides an ideal habitat for the primates. You will arrive at your accommodation in the afternoon. Use the remaining hours to settle in and take a deep breath. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the rainforest. Take your time to relax and unwind at the end of the day so you’re refreshed and ready for the gorilla trekking adventure.
Accommodation: Four Gorillas Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 7: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park - Gorilla Trekking
After a good breakfast this morning, you will take a short walk to the park headquarters in Rushaga. There, an experienced Uganda Wildlife Authority guide will give a detailed briefing on the rules of conduct that are important for mountain gorilla trekking. You will then set off with the ranger into the mountain rainforest. The ranger follows the instructions and tracks of the trackers who started at sunrise. The trackers first went to the spot where they encountered the gorillas the previous day and are now following their movements since then.
As soon as you spot the mountain gorillas, they inform the guide. You carefully approach the gorilla family and the silverback. It is a wonderful moment to stand face to face with these gentle giants of the jungle. Your visit with the family of gorillas must be limited to one hour to minimize disruption to their natural rhythms. The walk to the gorillas can be strenuous, depending on the family you are visiting. This is quickly forgotten when you see these majestic apes, but a certain level of fitness is recommended. It is also essential that you are in good health. Even a cold can prevent you from entering the gorilla enclosure to ensure their safety.
The trekking duration varies depending on the gorilla family. Proper equipment is essential. Good footwear, gaiters, and rain gear are standard. Gloves are also highly recommended, especially when encountering thorny plants. Enjoy your time with the gorillas. This visit is much more than “just” wildlife viewing. When you look into the eyes of these gentle giants, you see so much of ourselves. Over 98% of our genes are identical to those of gorillas, and you experience a truly sublime feeling when you stand close to these magnificent creatures. The young ones are playful and frolic within the gorilla family. A late lunch awaits you at your accommodation. After you’ve eaten, you can relax at the lodge for the rest of the afternoon.
Accommodation: Four Gorillas Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 8: Bwindi – Lake Mburo National Park (travel time approx. 6 hours)
After an early breakfast, you will leave Bwindi for Lake Mburo National Park. Located on the way back towards Kampala and Entebbe, this national park is far too often overlooked by travelers – quite undeservedly! It awaits you with beautiful scenery and a wealth of activities. Although it’s the smallest savannah national park in Uganda, it conceals a true natural paradise. Birdwatchers, especially, will be in their element. More than 350 different species, such as the rare Papyrus Gonolek, the Black-headed Lapwing, and the African Finfoot, call this park home.
In the afternoon, you will head out into nature for an extended game drive. Keep an eye out for topi, oribi, buffalo, eland, and many other animals. Besides the remote Kidepo National Park, Lake Mburo National Park is one of the only places in the entire country where you can see zebras in their natural habitat! In the evening, you’ll embark on a night game drive, experiencing nature and wildlife from a completely different perspective. Enjoy the tranquil, magical atmosphere of this special park and unwind amidst the wilderness as the day draws to a close.
Accommodation: Mihingo Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Day 9: Mburo Game Walk– Entebbe – (travel time approx. 4 hours)
This morning, you will have an early morning game walk. Accompanied by an experienced ranger guide, you will set off on foot through the bushland, where he will be happy to share his knowledge of the local flora and fauna. Savor the special moment when you come face to face with zebras, giraffes, or antelopes. The first rays of the rising sun will bathe the savanna in a mystical, golden light – the perfect backdrop for unforgettable photos. Afterwards, enjoy a leisurely breakfast before embarking on a drive back to Entebbe. On your way back, you’ll make a stop at the equator, providing the perfect opportunity to browse for souvenirs. Upon arrival at the hotel in Entebbe, you can freshen up and relax.
Accommodation: The Boma Hotel Entebbe
Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast
Day 10: Entebbe - Flight to Zanzibar
Afterwards a hearty breakfast, a driver will transfer you to Entebbe International Airport for your direct flight to Zanzibar. Your beach stay begins: In Zanzibar, a driver will be waiting for you and will take you to your hotel. Kick off your dusty safari boots, feel the soft sand beneath your feet, and arrive in paradise.
Accommodation: The Palms Zanzibar
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, all-inclusive
Day 11- 14: Zanzibar
Enjoy wonderful days in Zanzibar. Swim in the pleasantly warm waters of the Indian Ocean, stroll along the white sandy beach, and let yourself be pampered by the service at your hotel. In the evening, listen to the soothing sound of the waves. The Palms Zanzibar is an exclusive boutique resort on the tranquil southeast coast of Zanzibar. Nestled in tropical gardens directly on a white sandy beach, the resort offers the utmost in privacy and serenity. With only a few villas, personalized butler service, and stylish Balinese-inspired décor, The Palms is one of the island’s most intimate and luxurious retreats. Ideal for honeymooners and guests seeking absolute relaxation in an exclusive atmosphere.
The accommodation offers 7 exclusive villas. All villas are spacious and directly facing the sea. Standard occupancy is as a double room. Single occupancy is possible, while extra beds for children or triple configurations are limited and available upon request.
Accommodation: The Palms Zanzibar
Meals: All-inclusive
Day 15: Zanzibar – Return flight home
Even the most wonderful dream trip eventually comes to an end. Enjoy one last tropical breakfast under palm trees and soak in the breathtaking ocean views. Your driver will pick you up from the hotel in time for your international flight and take you to Zanzibar Airport. We wish you a safe and pleasant flight and would be delighted to welcome you back for another safari.
Meals: Breakfast
Tour Price
|
Number of People |
Price per Person |
|
1 People |
USD 9325 |
|
2 People |
USD8996 |
|
3 People |
USD 7622 |
|
4 People |
USD 7533 |
|
5 People |
USD 6942 |
| 6 People | USD 6898 |
Inclusions
- All park entrance fees
- Transport in a safari-equipped off-road vehicle
- Experienced English-speaking driver/guide
- All meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Game drives as indicated in the itinerary
- Drinking water in the vehicle
- 2 nights at The Boma Hotel Entebbe
- 2 nights at Turaco Treetops Lodge (luxury cottage)
- 2 nights at The Bush Lodge - Banda
- 2 nights at the Four Gorilla Lodge
- 1 nights at Mihingo Lodge
- Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale (permit included)
- Bigodi Swamp hike in Kibale Forest
- Gorilla trekking in Bwindi (permit included)
- Chimpanzee trekking in the Kyambura Gorge - (permit included)
- Boat trip on the Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Shoebill Tour in Mabamba
- Guided hike + night game drive in Lake Mburo National Park
- 5 nights all-inclusive at The Palms Zanzibar
- All airport transfers in Entebbe & Zanzibar
- Regional flight Entebbe - Zanzibar
Exclusions
- International flights to/from Uganda
- Optional excursions or activities not pre-booked
- Uganda visa costs (USD 50)
- Travel Insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Drinks
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