Pearl of Africa
Endangered mountain gorillas and intriguing chimpanzees are the star attractions in this adventurous safari to lush Uganda. Venture to the verdant Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to track and observe the habituated primates with your expert guides. Immerse yourself in the sheer magnificence of Uganda’s physical beauty – view its endless panoramas of emerald forests, jewel-like crater lakes and the striking Kyambura gorge from your intimate lodges.
- 7-nights accommodations
- 19 meals (7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners)
- Gorilla permit
- Explore the Kazinga Channel aboard a small boat in search of pink backed pelicans, saddle billed storks, buffalo, Nile crocodile and hippo
- Discover the forest dwelling indigenous pygmy tribes of Uganda
- Experience the coveted hour with Uganda's rare and endangered mountain gorillas. Watch the family - its dominant male silverback leader and protector, their attentive mothers, and playful juveniles - move through their forest home
- Enjoy observing the animated chimpanzees as they traverse the tree canopy and forage on the forest floor
Upon your airport arrival, you’ll be welcomed and transferred to your tranquil resort hotel in the green city of Kampala.
Travel through Uganda's crater lakes region to your idyllic lodge on the outskirts of Kibale Forest. The rest of your day is at leisure - relax poolside and soak up the surrounding views of Lake Kyaninga and the Mountains of the Moon - or start exploring.
Set out for the lush Kibale Forest National Park, where the star attractions are some 1,500 chimpanzees and 13 species of primates, the most ever recorded in an African forest. Wrap up your day with a visit to the Bigodi wetlands to spot the graceful swamp birds as well as learn about some of the community projects financed by tourism.
Your safari continues through the grassy plains, volcanic craters and tropical forests of Queen Elizabeth National Park, boasting one of the highest biodiversity ratings in the world. Kick off your wildlife viewing with an afternoon game drive to seek out lions, elephants, antelopes and buffalo, among some 100 types of mammals and over 600 different bird species. Watch the sun set over Kyambura Gorge and the verdant savannah.
Look out for the fast-moving chimpanzees as you join expert trackers for a walk in Kyambura Gorge. Later, board a small boat to cruise the Kazinga Channel and watch for pinkbacked pelicans, saddle-billed storks, Nile crocodiles and hippos coming down to eat and drink. At your lodge, gather for sundowners and watch wildlife on the savannah plains.
Journey southwest to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, renowned for its prized population of about 300 mountain gorillas. The magic begins with your stay at your stunning ecolodge - watch primates and birds right from your deck overlooking the forest. During your stay, you have the chance to meet the local Batwa Pygmy people and learn more about their culture.
Don your hiking boots and rain gear and get ready to penetrate the "impenetrable forest." Your expert guide will lead you along the steep jungle trails to meet the habituated gorilla families and learn about the ongoing conservation efforts to protect them. Observe the uncannily human-like primates quietly chew away at the foliage and tenderly groom and discipline their offspring. Tonight, gather around the fire to share your impressions of these gentle primates with your fellow adventurers.
Bid farewell to your forest friends and travel to Kigali for your onward arrangements.
