Uganda: Gorilla Trekking Safari Holidays + Primate Tours + Chimpanzees
Uganda is a premier wildlife destination - as over 10 different species of primates can be found in this lush country, including the severely endandered mountain gorilla. Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari Holidays & Primate Tours offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to view these magnificent creatures in the wild, as well as chimpanzees and a wide range of plains game and their predators, including the tree-climbing lion.
Dubbed the 'Pearl of Africa' by Winston Churchill, Uganda is a lush and scenic country. Vast Lake Victoria, the largest in Africa, forms its southern border whilst Lake Albert and Lake Edward in the Great Rift Valley define its western limit. Murchison Falls National Park offers some of the best game viewing in all of Africa. Uganda is also home to over 1,000 bird species, making it one of the top birding destinations on the continent.
Uganda boasts the highest concentration of primates in the whole of Africa, including 50% of the world’s population of endangered mountain gorillas. Coming face-to-face with these magnificent creatures on Uganda gorilla trekking safari holidays and primate tours is an experience that is at the top of many people’s travel wish list and it doesn’t disappoint! Gorillas are found living in family groups on the slopes of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in the southwest of the country, near the border with Rwanda.
Uganda gorilla trekking safari holidays & primate tours are not complete without viewing the chimpanzees of Kibale Rainforest, the river-based wildlife of Queen Elizabeth National Park and the tree- climbing lions of Ishasha.
Combine your ideas with our expertise and let us help you create a holiday of a lifetime. We offer a wide range of options at different price points, all of which can be tailor made to your needs.
Selling Uganda gorilla trekking safari holidays & primate tours to see chimpanzees for over 20 years.
More information on Uganda gorilla trekking safari holidays and primate tours to see chimpanzees:
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest & Mgahinga
Following a family of gorillas and their silverback males is a life-changing experience. However you do need to be reasonably mobile to walk through these steep equatorial rainforests in search of them, as they are constantly moving. Expect to walk 1 to 4 hours each way, in steep and sometimes muddy conditions. Once you reach a gorilla family all the effort of the trek will be forgotten, as the encounter is almost without fail a very moving one.
You must be over 15 years to track gorillas and not have any colds or infections, as they have little immunity to human germs. On Uganda gorilla trekking safari holidays and primate tours, it is essential to wear good walking boots, long trousers and gloves for protection, as you scramble through the forest. Plan to pay a porter to carry your backpack as you need to carry 2-litres of water, a packed lunch, rain gear and light fleece, as early mornings in the rainforest can be chilly. A walking stick will be provided to help with the steep ascents, if you don’t bring your own.
The family of gorillas that you track are habituated and are remarkably relaxed about the presence of humans, but important rules should be observed, such as remaining 7 metres from any gorilla – although some of the younger ones may let their curiosity get the better of them! On Uganda gorilla trekking safari holidays and primate tours you will have strictly one hour to observe the behaviour of the gorillas, a rare privilege indeed.
Murchison Falls National Park
This outstanding wildlife reserve is situated in the northwest of the country, on the shores of Lake Albert, and is divided into two sections by the mighty Nile River that flows through it. This is the premier wildlife reserve in Uganda and one of the finest in the world. It is home to predators such as lion, hyena and leopard as well as huge herds of elephant, buffalo, giraffe, Jackson’s hartebeest, warthog, baboon and waterbuck – all easily seen on the open terrain. Observing these rolling hills alive with the movement of thousands of Uganda kob (an antelope similar to an impala) is truly unforgettable on Uganda gorilla trekking safari holidays and primate tours.
A boat ride to the base of the Murchison Falls is a must, followed by a hike to the top of the falls. Here the upper Nile dramatically plunges 40 metres through a narrow gorge, before widening into a fast flowing river. Birdlife is abundant and you will see many pied kingfisher fishing and nesting along the river banks, as well as numerous pods of hippo.
Murchison Falls is most easily accessed by light aircraft from Entebbe. However you can also travel overland with your own driver/guide, stopping along the way at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, which is home to the only wild rhino in Uganda.
Kibale Rainforest
Chimpanzees are our closest animal relatives, sharing 98% of our DNA, so observing their behaviour in the wild is another thrilling primate experience on Uganda gorilla trekking safari holidays and primate tours. Chimpanzees spend much of their time nesting high in the forest canopy, but as the day warms up they drop to the cool forest floor to feed and this is where the most exciting encounters occur – as chimps are more boisterous than their larger gorilla cousins. Seeing the chimps is never guaranteed, but your best opportunity is in Kibale Rainforest, which has a success rate of over 90% and relatively easy terrain.
Almost 1,500 chimpanzees live in Kibale, as well as 12 other primate species including the Black-and-white colobus, Red colobus, Red-tailed monkey, Grey-cheeked mangabey, Blue monkey, Bush baby, Vervet monkey, L’ Hoest’s monkey and Olive baboon. The forest is rich in birdlife, with over 300 recorded species. Chimpanzees can also be tracked in Budonga Forest, Kyambura Gorge and Semuliki National Park. Expect to walk up to 3 hours, as the chimps move very quickly through the trees.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
This is Uganda’s most visited game reserve, due to its proximity to the gorillas and relatively easy access from the capital of Kampala. It is bordered by Lake Edward and the Ishasha River to the west, with the Kazinga Channel dividing the park as it flows from Lake George in the northeast. On Uganda gorilla trekking safari holidays and primate tours, a highlight of any visit to this park is a boat ride on the Kazinga channel where you will see thousands of buffalo, hippo and elephant cooling off along its shores. The channel is also a magnet for great flocks of water birds which gather to fish – including a variety of pelican, eagle, vulture, kingfisher, stork, spoonbill, cormorant, ibis and many others.
Almost 100 mammals can be found here, including 20 predators and many antelope including the Uganda kob, bushbuck, topi and semi-aquatic sitatunga. During the dry season most of the wildlife migrates from the Kasenyi Plains to the lakes and rivers, but patience will be rewarded with sightings of lion, hyena and maybe even leopard. The Ishasha Plains in the southwest of the park are renowned for their tree-climbing lions.
Lake Mburo National Park
On Uganga gorilla trekking safari holidays and primate tours, Lake Mburo is the usual stopover if travelling overland back to Entebbe with your own driver/guide. Lake Mburo offers excellent plains game viewing and is the best place in the country to see eland, zebra, topi and impala. You can also enjoy horse riding and walking safaris here.
Kidepo Valley National Park
Less visited, the rugged and semi-arid savanna of this park in the far northeast of the country offers an another big game fly-in safari experience that complements all Uganda gorilla trekking safari holidays and primate tours.
Jinja
Uganda's second largest city, Jinja is the place to go for adrenalin activities. Here the Nile River has its source and its thundering rapids, up to grade 5, offer some of the safest white water rafting in the whole world, as there are no submerged rocks, hippos or crocodiles. Afterwards visit the Chimpanzee Sanctuary on Ngama Island and relax on the shores of Lake Victoria, with over 3,000 islands - the perfect end to Uganda gorilla trekking safari holidays and primate tours.
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FEATURED HOLIDAY
Uganda: White Water Rafting + Gorilla Trekking
7 NIGHTS FROM:
$4,098
Per person sharing
Scheduled flights quoted separately
URD7E
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• Lake Mburo National Park
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• Skywalk Canopy Zip Line, Jinja
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• Gorilla Trekking
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• Adventure Holiday
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• Gorilla Safari, Uganda
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• Kigali
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• Community Village Walks
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• Cross the Equator
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• Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
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• White Water Rafting, Nile River
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This exciting gorilla safari in Uganda is also an adventure holiday as it includes white water rafting down the Nile River, with its thundering grade 5 rapids at Jinja. Then trek to view a family of endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest - an incredible experience. Also stand on the equator & enjoy a safari game drive in Lake Mburo National Park. All transfers & gorilla permits included. Min age 15 yrs.
FEATURED HOLIDAY
Tanzania + Uganda: Serengeti Safari + Uganda Gorillas
7 NIGHTS FROM:
$5,508
Per person sharing
Scheduled flights quoted separately
TRK7K
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• Big Five Safari
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• Gorilla Trekking Uganda
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• Mount Kilimanjaro
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• Serengeti Safari Tours, Tanzania
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• Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
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• Tracking Mountain Gorillas
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• Golden Monkeys
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• Serengeti National Park
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• Arusha
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• Fly to Kigali
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Combine once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking in Uganda with one of our Serengeti safari tours in Tanzania on this thrilling wildlife holiday. Enjoy tracking endangered mountain gorillas in the tropical rainforests of Bwindi, then fly to the open plains of the Serengeti in Tanzania for awesome Big Five game viewing. Light aircraft flight, all transfers, game drives, park fees & gorilla permits included.
FEATURED HOLIDAY
Uganda Primate Safari: Chimps + Gorillas
10 NIGHTS FROM:
$5,765
Per person sharing
Scheduled flights quoted separately
UPA10E
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• Gorilla Trekking, Bwindi
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• Gorilla Trekking, Uganda
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• Lion Tracking
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• Queen Elizabeth Park
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• Chimps, Kibale Rainforest
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• Endangered Mountain Gorillas
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• Boat Ride on Kazinga Channel
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• Uganda Safari Holiday
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• Game Drive, Ishasha
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• Entebbe
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Experience the thrill of gorilla trekking in Uganda on this safari holiday, travelling with your own private driver guide. See up to 10 different primate species - as we track chimps in Kibale Rainforest, view elephants, lions & more in Queen Elizabeth Park & track endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. All park fees, gorilla & chimp permits included. Min 15 yrs.
FEATURED HOLIDAY
Birding in Uganda: Kibale + Crater Lakes + Bwindi
7 NIGHTS FROM:
$5,765
Per person sharing
Scheduled flights quoted separately
7UPA7E
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• Gorillas option
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• Queen Elizabeth Park
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• Shoebill Stork
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• Kibale Rainforest
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• Bwindi Rainforest
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• Chimp Trekking
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• Private Guide
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• Lake Mburo
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• Birding Holidays & Tours Uganda
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• Entebbe
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Our tailor made birding holidays & tours to Uganda travel with a private guide who is an expert on the birds of this wonderful country. With over 1,000 different species, including the iconic Shoebill stork, Uganda is a birders paradise. Also search for chimps in Kibale rainforest, visit Queen Elizabeth National Park & Bwindi, with the option of trekking to see mountain gorillas. Price is for 2 people (reduces as number in group increases).
FEATURED HOLIDAY
Kenya + Uganda: Masai Mara Safari + Gorilla Tracking
9 NIGHTS FROM:
$5,765
Per person sharing
Scheduled flights quoted separately
KRP9N
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• Gorilla Trekking
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• Golden Monkeys, Mount Mgahinga
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• Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
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• Uganda Gorilla Safari Tours
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• Kenya and Uganda Gorilla Safari
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• Masai Mara Game Reserve
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• Kigali Genocide Museum
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• Big Five Game Drives
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• Hot Air Balloon Rides
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• Tailor-Made Holidays, Big Five
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Our thrilling Kenya and Uganda gorilla safari tours & tailor-made holidays combine viewing the Big Five in the Masai Mara Game Reserve, famous for its predators and plains game, with gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impentrable Forest. Also view Golden Monkeys at Mount Mgahinga and visit Kigali Genocide Museum. It is also possible to add on optional chimp tracking in Kibale Rainforest. All transfers included.
FEATURED HOLIDAY
Uganda Flying Safari: Gorillas + Murchison Falls
8 NIGHTS FROM:
$6,021
Per person sharing
Scheduled flights quoted separately
URA8E
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• Safari, Murchison Falls
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• Bird Watching
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• Luxury Uganda Flying Safari
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• Gorilla Trekking Holiday
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• Game Drives
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• Chimp Trekking
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• Entebbe
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• Batwa Pygmies
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• Boat Ride on Nile River
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• Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
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This luxury Uganda flying safari combines Murchison Falls National Park - one of the best wildlife reserves in Africa - with a gorilla trekking holiday in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Also enjoy a boat ride down the Nile River, walk to the top of the waterfall & track chimps in Budonga Forest. All light aircraft flights, game drives, gorilla & chimp permits included. Min age 15 yrs.
FEATURED HOLIDAY
Classic Uganda Safari: Murchison Falls + Chimps + Gorillas
12 NIGHTS FROM:
$6,400
Per person sharing
Scheduled flights quoted separately
UPB12E
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• Uganda Safari Holidays
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• Queen Elizabeth National Park
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• Private Driver Guide
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• Gorillas of Bwindi
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• Kigali
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• Kazinga Channel Boat Ride
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• Rhino Sanctuary
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• Ishasha Tree, Climbing Lions
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• Murchison Falls National Park
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• Chimps, Kibali Rainforest
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Experience the abundant wildlife & friendly people of this beautiful country, on one of our tailor made Uganda safari holidays, travelling overland with your own private driver guide from Murchison Falls National Park, via the chimps of Kibale, the river-based game of Queen Elizabeth Park & Ishasha, to the gorillas of Bwindi. All transfers, game viewing & gorilla permits included. Min age 15 yrs.
FEATURED HOLIDAY
Ethiopia Historic Treasures + Uganda Gorillas
12 NIGHTS FROM:
$6,406
Per person sharing
Scheduled flights quoted separately
YPK12A
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• St Georges Church
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• Kigali
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• Holiday: Gorillas & Ethiopia
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• Lake Tana Monasteries
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• Simien Mountains
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• Gorillas of Uganda
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• Lalibela Churches
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• Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
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• Addis Ababa
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• Gondar Palaces
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This holiday combines gorillas with Ethiopia, to provide a fascinating contrast. Enjoy the cultural highlights of Ethiopia on this private tour, including the ancient monasteries on Lake Tana, endemic wildlife in the Simien Mountains, the palaces of Gondar & the rock-hewn Lalibela churches. Afterwards fly to Uganda to trek to see magnificent mountain gorillas. All transfers, gorilla permits & specified sightseeing included.
FEATURED HOLIDAY
Uganda Flying Safari: Murchison Falls + Chimps + Gorillas
14 NIGHTS FROM:
$7,689
Per person sharing
Scheduled flights quoted separately
UPC14E
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• Chimps, Kibale Forest
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• Queen Elizabeth Park
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• Ishasha Plains
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• Flying Safari Vacation Uganda
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• Kazinga Channel Boat Ride
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• Boat Ride on River Nile
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• Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
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• Murchison Falls, Safari Vacation
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• Tree Climbing Lions
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• Vacation, Uganda Gorillas
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Fly to beautiful Murchisson Falls National Park, the country's premier wildlife reserve, on this flying safari vacation to Uganda. Trek to see endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Rainforest, tracking chimps in Kibale & search for tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth Park. All light aircraft flights, transfers, gorilla permits & game viewing included. Min age 15 yrs.
FEATURED HOLIDAY
Uganda + Rwanda: Primate Safari - 2 countries
12 NIGHTS FROM:
$7,692
Per person sharing
Scheduled flights quoted separately
UPR12K
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• Volcanoes National Park
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• Rwanda Gorillas & Chimps
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• Gorilla Trekking, Bwindi Forest
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• Chimps & Monkeys, Kibale
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• Kazinga Channel Boat Ride
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• Golden Monkeys
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• Queen Elizabeth National Park
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• Entebbe
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• Primate Safari: Uganda & Rwanda
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• Dian Fossey Grave Hike
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View over 10 different primate species on this magnificent Primate Safari that travels through Uganda & Rwanda. Trek to see endangered mountain gorillas in both Bwindi & Volcanoes National Park, track chimps in Kibali, view river-based wildlife in Queen Elizabeth Park, search for rare golden monkey & hike to the Dian Fossey grave. All transfers, game viewing & permits included. Min age 15 yrs.
FEATURED HOLIDAY
Birding Holiday, Uganda: Murchison Falls to Bwindi
14 NIGHTS FROM:
$8,715
Per person sharing
Scheduled flights quoted separately
7UPB14E
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• Bird Watching Holiday, Uganda
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• Uganda Birding Vacation
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• Bwindi Gorillas
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• Royal Mile, Budongo Forest
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• Shoebill, Mabamba Wetlands
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• Murchison Falls
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• Queen Elizabeth Park
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• Kibale Rainforest
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• Chimp Trekking
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• Lake Mburo
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On this wonderful bird watching holiday in Uganda you will travel with your own birding guide to the key birding vacation hot-spots including Mabamba Swamp, home of the elusive Shoebill stork, Budongo Forest, Murchison Falls, Kibale Rainforest, Bwindi & Lake Mburo. This holiday can be tailor made, with optional gorilla trekking. All transfers & park fees included. Price is for 2 people (reduces as number in group increases).
FEATURED HOLIDAY
Grand Uganda Primate Safari: Kidepo + Murchison Falls + Gorillas
19 NIGHTS FROM:
$8,971
Per person sharing
Scheduled flights quoted separately
UPD19E
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• Murchison Falls
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• Mabamba Wetlands
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• Chimps, Kibale Forest
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• Uganda Primate Safari
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• Rhino Sanctuary
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• Entebbe
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• Gorillas, Bwindi Forest
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• Birding
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• Lake Mburo
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• Kidepo Valley National Park
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Enquire about this bucket-list privately guided Uganda primate safari, starting with Kidepo National Park, known for its dramatic landscapes and exceptional big game viewing. Continue to the sweeping plains of Murchison Falls, where the Nile crashes through a narrow gorge, before tracking chimps in Kibale rainforest & trekking to see endangered mountain gorillas in misty Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. This is a wildlife trip of a lifetime.
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