Snowfield Treks

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7 Day Safari: Uganda Birds & Primates Explorer

Overview

This comprehensive 7-day safari combines Uganda’s premier primate experiences with exceptional bird watching opportunities. The journey takes you from the Shoebill-rich swamps of Mabamba to the primate havens of Kibale Forest, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and Mgahinga National Park. This unique itinerary offers chances to encounter some of Africa’s most remarkable species, including the prehistoric-looking Shoebill, chimpanzees, mountain gorillas, and the rare golden monkeys of the Virunga Volcanoes.

Trip Highlights

This specialized wildlife tour offers extraordinary encounters:

  • Shoebill tracking in Mabamba Swamp, one of the world’s premier locations for viewing these prehistoric birds
  • Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park
  • Two different gorilla trekking experiences in both Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks
  • Golden Monkey tracking in Mgahinga National Park
  • Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary visit for diverse bird species including the Great Blue Turaco
  • Cultural experience with the Batwa community
  • Views of the magnificent Rwenzori Mountains

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, meet your professional guide who will welcome you to Uganda – the Pearl of Africa. Transfer to your accommodation in Entebbe for overnight rest.

Accommodation: To be arranged
Included Meals: Drinking water

Day 2: Shoebill Trek and Transfer to Kibale National Park

Begin your day early with breakfast at 6:00 AM before heading to Mabamba Swamp for Shoebill tracking. This protected area boasts one of the highest concentrations of Shoebills worldwide and offers almost guaranteed sightings of these remarkable birds in their natural wetland habitat. The 2-3 hour leisure boat cruise explores the waterways, providing opportunities to spot numerous bird species endemic to Lake Victoria.

After the Shoebill trek, transfer to Kibale Forest National Park, with lunch en route and views of the Rwenzori Mountains.

Journey Time: 5-8 hours
Accommodation: Chimpundu Lodge (Luxury)
Included Meals: All meals and drinking water

Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking and Transfer to Bwindi

After breakfast, receive a briefing on chimpanzee trekking protocols before entering Kibale Forest. An experienced ranger guide will lead you to the chimpanzees, allowing a full hour of observation once located. After lunch and rest, explore the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a biodiversity hotspot featuring various primates including baboons, black & white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, and L’Hoest monkeys. The sanctuary is also a paradise for bird watchers, with the Great Blue Turaco being a highlight.

Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the afternoon.

Journey Time: 3-5 hours
Accommodation: Mahogany Springs Lodge (Luxury)
Included Meals: All meals and drinking water

Day 4: Gorilla Trekking and Transfer to Mgahinga National Park

Experience your first gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Africa’s oldest and most biologically diverse rainforests. Dating back over 25,000 years, this magnificent forest hosts half the world’s mountain gorilla population across nine habituated family groups. The park is also home to 5 other primate species, 120 mammal species, over 220 butterflies, and 360 bird species.

After your one-hour encounter with the gorillas and the Batwa Cultural Experience, transfer to Mgahinga National Park.

Journey Time: 2-3 hours
Accommodation: Mutanda Lake Resort (Luxury)
Included Meals: All meals and drinking water

Day 5: Golden Monkey Tracking

Start early with a transfer to the briefing point for golden monkey tracking. These primates, unique to the Virunga Volcanoes, are typically more active than gorillas and are often seen feeding on bamboo shoots, fruits, vegetation, and ants. The trek can be steep in places, and porters are recommended. You’ll have one hour with the golden monkeys once located.

Accommodation: Mutanda Lake Resort (Luxury)
Included Meals: All meals and drinking water
Note: Armed rangers accompany groups for protection from wildlife

Day 6: Mgahinga Gorilla Trek and Transfer to Mbarara

Experience your second gorilla trek, this time in Mgahinga National Park. Treks begin at 9 AM, following the same protocols as Bwindi, with one hour of observation time at a 7-meter distance. After lunch, transfer to Mbarara City for overnight stay.

Accommodation: Emburara Farm Lodge (Luxury)
Included Meals: All meals and drinking water

Day 7: Return to Entebbe via Mabamba Swamp

Depart at 6:00 AM with packed breakfast for your final Shoebill trek at Mabamba Swamp. This 2-3 hour boat cruise offers another chance to spot these remarkable birds and other wetland species before your departure.

Tour Rate Includes

The package includes:

  • Park fees (for non-residents)
  • Two gorilla permits (one per person, non-resident)
  • Chimpanzee permits (one per person, non-resident)
  • Shoebill treks at Mabamba Swamp
  • All specified activities
  • All accommodation (unless listed as upgrade)
  • Professional driver/guide
  • All transportation in 4×4 Jeep with open roof top
  • All taxes/VAT
  • Round-trip airport transfer
  • Specified meals and drinks

Tour Rate Excludes

The following are not included:

  • International flights
  • Accommodation before and after the tour
  • Tips (Tipping guideline 10.00 USD pp per day)
  • Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
  • Government-imposed increase in taxes and/or park fees

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