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Birds of Volcanoes National Park : With about 200 bird species, Volcanoes National Park is one of the best birdwatching destinations in Rwanda. Although the park is renowned for mountain gorillas with gorilla trekking being its highlight activity, it also has interesting avifauna to keep bird lovers excited. The highest percentage of this park’s species are forest birds and most of them are found in Nyungwe National Park.

Of the total bird species in Volcanoes National Park, 17 of them are endemic to the Albertine rift and 16 of them are endemic to the Virunga Mountains.

Common bird species in Volcanoes National Park

While on a birding tour in Volcanoes National Park, there are high chances of seeing the Black-crowned waxbill, common stonechat, Baglafecht weaver, Rwenzori Turaco, Handsome Francolin, Rwenzori Double-collared sunbirds, Collared Apalis, Archer’s Ground robin, Dusky Crimsongwing and Red-Faced woodland warbler among others.

Special birds in the park include the scarlet-tufted sunbird and the Grauer’s swamp warbler.

Birdwatching in Volcanoes National Park is done in the morning and evening and it starts with a briefing at the park offices.

Best time for bird watching in Volcanoes National Park

Birders can visit the park any time of the year although the best time is during the dry season. This is because the wet season gets the park shrouded in mist hence limiting clear views of the birds. The dry season from June to early September and January to February is friendly for bird watching because the park trails are dry and the clear sky gives good lighting for more sightings. Note that this is also the best time for gorilla trekking.

For those interested in seeing migratory birds, the wet season (between April and November) is the best.

Other things to do in Volcanoes National Park

• Gorilla trekking
• Golden monkey tracking
• Dian Fossey Tomb hike
• Iby’Iwachu Cultural tour
• Volcano climbing

Packing list for bird watching in Volcanoes National Park

To have the best of your experience, the right packing list should be a priority for your birding tour. Ensure to pack this equipment;

• A pair of binoculars
• A camera with a good lens
• A notebook and pen
• A guide book
• Bird journal

Clothing and other apparel required for the activity include long trousers, long-sleeved shirts, a hat, a light rain jacket, closed shoes, stockings, and a backpack. During bird watching, you will also need to carry drinking water (you can pack a reusable water bottle) and energy-giving snacks. A first aid kit is essential on any African safari and it should not be missed on these birding tours too.

How much is bird watching in Volcanoes National Park

A birding permit in Volcanoes National Park costs $55 per person per day. The same amount is charged per person in a group. The fee comes with a professional birder/guide assigned by the park. It excludes meals, drinks and tips.

Where to stay while on a birding tour in Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park is a major safari destination with many options for accommodation. Groups, couples, and solo travelers should simply give us a range of their budget and we shall recommend a suitable lodge from these below and others.

• One&Only Gorilla’s Nest
• Singita Kwitonda Lodge
• Volcanoes Virunga Lodge
• Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
• Amakoro Songa Lodge
• Eagle View Lodge
• Urugano Virunga Palace
• La Plame Hotel
• Villa Gorilla Da Vinci Gorilla Logde

Looking for an African safari expert to organize your birding tour in Rwanda? Send an email to dolphintours@live.com or info@ugandagorillatrekkingtrips.com. Feel free to make any other inquiries regarding East African Safaris.

Kigali International Airport : Years after peace had returned to Rwanda following the 1993 genocide, the country has realized a drastically high number of international visitors with Kigali international Airport being the main air hub for entry. It is operated by Rwanda Airports Authority and Rwanda civil aviation authority. The airport serves domestic, regional and international flights.

Rwanda’s flag carrier airline is Rwanda Air while International airlines that serve at Kigali International Airport include;

• KLM
• Ethiopian Airlines
• Brussels Airlines
• Kenya Airways
• Qatar Airways
• EgyptAir
• Turkish Airlines
• Coastal Aviation

Other airlines based in Kigali are Akagera Aviation, Tempus Jet, and Nexus Aero. The airport operates cargo and charter flights to specific destinations.

Geographical location of Kigali international airport

The airport is located in Karombe Sector in the east of Kigali. From the city centre, it is about 5 kilometers by road. Kigali international airport sits at an elevation of 1,491m above sea level.

Basic requirements at Kigali International Airport

Travelers going through Kigali International Airport are required to present a valid passport and visa except for those from African countries who are exempt from visas. All visitors and transit passengers are required to have a negative COVID-19 PCR test result from a certified laboratory taken within 72 hours of departure to Kigali.

Accommodation near Kigali International Airport

Upon arrival and after going through all the checks at the airport, you can rest your body at a hotel that will make you feel special and comfortable. Although you can hire a car on arrival, we recommend that you book for an airport transfer to the hotel in advance to save time and enjoy reliable and quality services. Here are some of the hotels near Kigali International Airport;

• Kigali Serena Hotel
• Radisson Blu Hotel
• Karisimbi Hotel
• Hotel Des Milles Collines
• Park Inn by Radisson
• Kigali Marriott Hotel
• Grand Legacy Hotel
• Gorillas Golf Hotel
• Quiet Haven Hotel
• Ubumwe Grande Hotel

it is also possible to arrive and connect to tourist destinations including national parks.

Distances from Kigali to major tourist destinations

Rwanda is awesome to explore and its touristic destinations are easy to reach by road. The roads connecting to the destinations are in good state and will allow you to reach the places in the expected period of time. For better planning of your tours, here are the road distances from Kigali International Airport.

Major destinations: Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe National Park

7 Days Rwanda Primate Safari : This somewhat short trip is the ultimate safari package for those looking for a typical primate tour in Rwanda. The 7 days safari will take you to two national parks with visits to other tourist destinations to spice up the exploration experience. Get ready to meet the endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park and the playful chimpanzees in Nyungwe National Park. Under the guidance of your private safari guide from Dolphin Tours and Travel, you will meet and interact with local people for a deeper understanding of their culture and lifestyle. This 7 Days Rwanda Safari will start and end in Kigali.

Safari highlights

• Gorilla trekking
• Golden monkey tracking
• Chimpanzee tracking
• Musanze caves tour
• Iby’Iwachu cultural tour
• Kigali city tour

Trip schedule

• Day 1: Arrival and transfer to Volcanoes national park
• Day 2: Gorilla trekking and Iby’Iwachu cultural tour
• Day 3: Golden Monkey tracking and Musanze cave tour
• Day 4: Transfer to Nyungwe National Park
• Day 5: Chimp tracking and canopy walk
• Day 6: Drive back to Kigali, city tour
• Day 7: Airport drop off

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your private safari guide who will lead you to the car to transfer to Volcanoes National park in the northwestern corner. Depending on the time of arrival, you could first have a meal while the guide takes you through a briefing on your 7 Days Safari.

You will enjoy your evening, dinner and overnight at your lodge near Volcanoes National Park.

Meal plan: Dinner

Day 2: Gorilla trekking and Iby’Iwachu Cultural tour

The highlight for this day is gorilla trekking. It will start early morning with breakfast at the lodge before heading to the park offices where the adventure commences with a briefing. Meet your trekking guides and set off for the adventure. No one is certain about the duration of the trek, as this is determined by the location of the gorillas. However, in case it takes long, you can enjoy your lunch in the forest. And once the gorillas are spotted, you will be allowed to stay with them for a maximum of one hour before exiting the forest. The trek also gives a pleasure to see several bird species of Volcanoes National Park.

Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing at the lodge. In the evening, you will head out to the Iby’Iwachu cultural centre where you will meet with the local people for a unique Rwandan experience. It will be a cultural entertainment including music, dance and a demonstration on how the traditional ceremony of marriage is carried out. Drive back to the lodge for diner and the overnight.

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3: Golden Monkey tracking and Musanze cave tour

Get yourself ready for another day out in the forest to search for golden monkeys. These primates are quite easier to spot compared to gorillas because they can have their night in the same location for about 3 days. However, when you spot them, you have got to be flexible and fast because they are playful and fond of making quick shifts from one location to another.

Enjoy a relaxed afternoon at the lodge before going for the evening adventure at Musanze caves. Located at the foothills of Volcanoes National Park, the caves were formed as a result of volcanic eruption. The tour gives a deeper understanding of the geographical and geological history of the world and physical features in this region. Later, you will be driven back to the lodge.

Meal plan: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4: Transfer to Nyungwe National Park

Rise up to a leisurely breakfast after which you will leave for Nyungwe National Park in the south of Rwanda. The driving time to the destination is about 4.5 hours. Along the way, delight in the stunning views of Lake Kivu and the rest of the landscape. In the late afternoon, you will arrive and check in to the lodge, having the evening at your disposal.

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5: Chimp tracking and canopy walk

Wake to a morning breakfast and transfer to Uwinka where the briefing on chimpanzee tracking takes place. Meet your trekking guides and set off to search for the primates in Nyungwe forest. The somewhat strenuous landscape of the park offers a great adventure to the trekkers. This all year round activity also gives a chance to see other attractions like the L’Hoest’s monkey, red-tailed monkeys, and mona monkeys. When you locate the chimps, you will have an hour to observe, learn about and take photos with them.

You will have lunch at the lodge and later go for the canopy walk. It starts with a short hike that connects to the 160m long canopy walkway. This is one of the most thrilling adventures you ought to do while in Rwanda. It offers great panoramic views of Nyungwe Forest.

Meal plan: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6: Drive back to Kigali

On this 6^th day of the 7 Days Rwanda Safari, you will drive back to Kigali for a city tour. Visit Kigali Genocide Memorial for an insight of the 1993 Rwanda genocide and later go and spend some time at Caplaki Craft market to have a look at the various locally made crafts, artistic items and apparel. They are attractive and we advise that you plan to get something for a souvenir.

Optional places to visit for the city tour include Kandt House Museum, Rwanda Art Museum, Niyo Arts Gallery, Inema Arts Centre and Belgian Peacekeepers Memorial.

Before dusk, you will drive to your hotel for dinner and the overnight.

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7: Airport drop off

This last day of the 7 Days Rwanda primate safari will exclusively be for an airport drop off for you to catch your flight back home.

What will be included in the cost price

• Transport in a standard safari vehicle
• Experienced professional safari guide
• Gorilla and chimpanzee permits
• Accommodation and meals
• Activities as per the itinerary
• Drinking water during travel

What will be excluded in the cost price

• Visa and air ticket
• Travel insurance
• Tips and gratuity
• Extra meals and drinks
• Optional activities
• All other items of personal nature

Major Destinations: Kibale, Murchison and Lake Mburo National Park

9 days across the western part of Uganda gets you exploring some of the country’s most fascinating natural wonders. The safari will take you to Lake Mburo National Park for wildlife viewing, Kibale Forest for chimp tracking and Murchison Falls National Park to see the mighty waterfalls that are also the strongest in the whole world.

Tour highlights

• Stopover at the Equator
• Boat cruise on Lake Mburo and the Victoria Nile
• Game viewing
• Chimpanzee tracking
• Visit the top of Murchison Falls
• Bigodi Swamp Walk

Tour Schedule

• Day 1: Arrive and transfer from Kampala or Entebbe
• Day 2: Equator and Lake Mburo afternoon Boat ride
• Day 3: Game drive/ nature walk or Horse ridding
• Day 4: Kibale National Park, evening at leisure or crater lakes exploration if time allows
• Day 5: Chimps and Bigodi
• Day 6: Head to Murchison Falls National Park, Evening at leisure
• Day 7: Game drive, Boat ride
• Day 8: Top of the falls head back to Kampala
• Day 9: Departure

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive and transfer from Kampala or Entebbe

We ensure to have you are received and welcomed at the airport on time and our friendly safari guide will drive you to your hotel so that you can relax and prepare for the next day’s travel to Lake Mburo. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Kampala or Entebbe.

Meal plan: Dinner

Day 2: Equator and Lake Mburo afternoon, Boat ride

You will have breakfast at the hotel and check out, drive towards the west stopping over at the equator for a moment to experience how it feels like to be at this point. You can also buy a souvenir from the craft shops and therefore proceed with the journey to Lake Mburo National Park.

On arrival at the park, you will have lunch and go for the afternoon boat cruise. Expect to see hippos, crocodiles and several bird species. After the launch trip, drive to the lodge and relax. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Meal plan: Full board

Day 3: Game drive and evening nature walk

Early morning game drive which will give you a chance to see zebras, waterbucks, giraffes, buffaloes, and the topi among others. Back to the lodge, have lunch and relax. Later in the evening, head out for a nature walk to see giraffes and zebras up-close on foot. This is an exciting experience you ought not to miss.

Back to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Meal plan: full board

Day 4: Transfer to Kibale National Park, evening at leisure or crater lakes exploration if time allows

After an early morning breakfast, check out for the lodge and set off to your next destination, Kibale National Park. You will have an en-route lunch and enjoy a tour to view some crater lakes around the region. Drive to your lodge, check in, have dinner and rest.

Meal plan: Full board

Day 5: Chimps and Bigodi

Breakfast at the lodge and transfer to the offices of Kibale National Park, go through a briefing and set off for the tracking adventure. It will take you through the forest to search for the chimps and you will be allowed to stay with them for one hour. While in the forest, you have a chance to see other primates and animals residing there.

Back to the lodge, have lunch and later head out for Bigodi Swamp walk. This is another impressive activity taking you through the beautiful swamp where you will spot several bird species and more primates.

Meal plan: Full board

Day 6: Head to Murchison Falls National Park, Evening at leisure

After having breakfast at the lodge, check out and set off to Murchison Falls National Park. You will drive through Hoima District, have an enroute lunch and arrive at your booked lodge in the evening. If time allows, you may do a short game drive before checking in to your lodge.

Meal plan: Full board

Day 7: Game drive, Boat ride

Early morning, you will have breakfast at the lodge and head out for a game drive around the plains of Murchison Falls National Park. Giraffes, buffaloes, Jackson’s hartebeeests and Uganda kobs are highly expected to be spotted. You may also see lions, hyenas and a leopard. Return to the lodge for a relaxation, later have lunch and go for an afternoon boat cruise to the bottom of the falls. More wildlife to see while on the launch trip include hippos, crocodiles and water birds.

Drive back to the lodge and relax while you enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Meal plan: Full board

Day 8: Top of the falls and head back to Kampala

As you prepare to return to Kampala, you will have your last activity – visit the top of Murchison Falls. This is one of the most impressive sites in Uganda. Enjoy the showers of water from the viewing point, the roars of the falls and later get on the road back to Kampala. You will have an en route lunch and arrive in Kampala in the evening. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Meal plan: Full board

Day 9: Departure

This is your last day of your safari and it will start with breakfast at the hotel, meet your safari driver and he will drop you at the airport so you can catch your flight back home.

End of safari

The tour package includes;

• Transport in a safari vehicle
• English-speaking private safari guide
• Chimpanzee permits
• Park entrance fees
• Accommodation and meals
• All activities mentioned in the itinerary
• Drinking water during travel

The tour package excludes;

• Visa and air ticket fares
• Travel insurance
• Tips and gratuity
• Extra meals and drinks
• Optional activities
• Items of personal nature

5 Days Gorilla trekking and Batwa Cultural Experience

5 Days Bwindi Safari : An exclusive gorilla trekking safari does not require many days. This 5 day Uganda gorilla tour offers plenty of time to enjoy two major captivating activities in Bwindi; gorilla trekking and the Batwa cultural experience. You will have a breathtaking moment in the pristine Bwindi forest with the majestic mountain gorillas.

Tour Schedule | 5 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari  

• Day 1: Arrival and transfer to hotel in Entebbe or Kampala
• Day 2: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Day 3: Gorilla trekking and Batwa cultural experience
• Day 4: Return to Kampala
• Day 5: Transfer to Entebbe airport for flight

Detailed safari

Day 1: Arrival and transfer to hotel in Entebbe or Kampala

On arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will meet our company representative who will also be your driver guide for this 5 Days safari. He will give you a briefing about the safari, and drive you to your hotel where you will have a meal and relax.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Meal plan: Dinner

Day 2: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Driving from Kampala to Bwindi takes 9-11 hours depending on the trekking sector. You will therefore rise early morning, have breakfast, and set off for Bwindi. Have a brief moment in Kayabwe for the equator experience and proceed with the journey to Bwindi where you will arrive in the evening.

Meal plan: Full board

Day 3: Gorilla trekking and Batwa cultural experience

An early morning breakfast at the lodge and a transfer to the park offices where you will have a briefing about gorilla tracking. Thereafter, enter the forest and search for the mountain gorillas. You will stay with them for an hour from the time of sight. From here, you will visit the Batwa community and spend some time with the Batwa people who used to live in the gorilla forests before they were evacuated for conservation purposes.

Evening at leisure, dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Meal plan: Full board

Day 4: Return to Kampala

Another day on the road! Check out of the lodge and hit the road for a long journey back to Kampala or Entebbe. You will have an en-route lunch, arrive at your hotel in the evening, have dinner and rest.

Meal plan: Full board

Day 5: Transfer to Entebbe airport for flight

This is your last day of the 5 days gorilla safari and you are expected to get ready for the airport transfer early enough. Meet your safari driver and drive to the airport. We’ll wish you a safe journey back home with the best memories of the trip.

End of safari

The tour package includes;

• Transport in a standard safari vehicle
• Professional local safari guide
• Gorilla permit
• Activities mentioned in the itinerary
• Accommodation
• Meals as per the itinerary
• Bottled drinking water during travel

The tour package excludes

• Visa and air ticket
• Tips and gratuity
• Optional activities
• Extra meals
• Alcoholic drinks and cigar
• Other items of personal nature

5 Days Kibale Chimps and Community Tour : Combining a primate safari with a community visit is one of the best ways you can enjoy an African safari. This 5 Day Uganda tour takes you to Kibale National Park for chimpanzee tracking and Bigodi Village for a coffee tour and swamp exploration. Trekkers get an opportunity to encounter chimps in their natural habitat which can also expose more of its resident wild animals like monkeys, baboons, and rare forest elephants.

The coffee tour allows visitors to go to the coffee plantation where they get to see and learn about how the cash crop is grown, harvested, and traditionally made for drinking organically.

Tour highlights   

• Day 1: Arrival at the airport and transfer to the hotel in Kampala
• Day 2: Transfer to Kibale
• Day 3: Chimp tracking and Bigodi swamp walk
• Day 4: Coffee tour, and drive back to Kampala
• Day 5: Transfer from Kampala to Entebbe International Airport

Note that this itinerary can be customized to perfectly suit your travel interests. Get in touch with us through dolphintours@live.com or info@ugandagorillatrekkingtrips.com for inquiries and bookings.

Detailed Safari | 5 Days Chimp tracking and Community tour

Day 1: Arrival at the airport and transfer to the hotel in Kampala

Our safari driver will pick you up from the airport when you arrive and transfer you to your hotel in Entebbe or Kampala. Just before you enjoy your dinner at the hotel, you will have a briefing on the safari, and the driver will thereafter leave.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel

Day 2: Transfer to Kibale

You will wake up and have breakfast, then meet your private safari driver and set off to Kibale. Using the Mityana-Mubende-Fort Portal route, you will enjoy a scenic drive with views of huge rock outcrops and tea plantations among others. Arrive in Fort Portal in about 6 hours, have lunch there, and proceed to Kibale where you will enjoy your evening at leisure.

Dinner and overnight at the lodge in Kibale

Day 3: Chimp tracking and Bigodi swamp walk

Your safari driver will ensure that you are up at the agreed-upon time, so you can get ready for chimp tracking. After having breakfast, transfer to the park offices for a briefing and meet your tracking guide. You will walk through Kibale forest in search of the chimps and once you spot them, take an observation for an hour and return to the lodge. You will have lunch, relax, and later head out for a swamp walk in Bigodi. Things you should expect to see there include birds, more primates and other mammals. At the end of the walk, you will drive back to the lodge for the overnight.

Day 4: Coffee tour, and drive back to Kampala or Entebbe

On this 4^th day of your 5 days safari is an optional activity that will take you to the community close to the park – Bigodi. Go for a farm tour to learn about coffee farming and the procedures for making organic coffee at home. You will taste the organically made coffee and later get on the road back to Kampala. Arrival at the hotel in Kampala or Entebbe in the evening.

Day 5: Transfer from Kampala to Entebbe International Airport

After having breakfast at the hotel, meet your driver, check out and transfer to Entebbe Airport for your flight back home.

Optional activities: Kampala City tour, a visit to Mabamba Swamp or Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC)

End of safari

The tour package includes;

• Transport in a safari vehicle
• Professional local safari guide
• Chimp permit
• Activities mentioned in the itinerary
• Accommodation
• Meals as per the itinerary
• Bottled drinking water during travel

The tour package excludes

• Visa and air ticket
• Tips and gratuity
• Optional activities
• Extra meals
• Alcoholic drinks and cigar
• Other items of personal nature

7 Days Uganda Chimps, Wildlife, and Hot Springs (Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, and Semuliki)

7 Days Uganda Chimps, Wildlife, and Semuliki Safari : If you are looking to combine wildlife viewing with chimp tracking for your upcoming trip, this 7-day Uganda safari is a good option. It takes you to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale National Park, and Semuliki National Park, all located in western Uganda. Major attractions of the safari include Kibale forest chimpanzees, savannah wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and the Sempaya hot springs in Semuliki.

Safari Highlights

• Day 1: Arrival and transfer to hotel
• Day 2: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Day 3: Morning game drive and Afternoon boat cruise
• Day 4: Game drive and transfer to Kibale, Crater exploration
• Day 5: Chimp tracking and Bigodi swamp walk
• Day 6: Bigodi Community visit
• Day 7: Drive to Entebbe

Should you be interested in this itinerary or want some changes to it so it can perfectly suit your travel interests, simply contact us at dolphintours@live.com or info@ugandagorillatrekkingtrips.com

Detailed Itinerary | 7 Days Uganda Chimps, Wildlife, and Semuliki Safari

Day 1: Arrival and transfer to hotel

Pick up upon arrival at the airport and transfer to the hotel in Entebbe or Kampala. You will have a briefing from your safari driver and he will also give you details of the next day’s program. He will later on leave and you will also have a meal and relax.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel

Meal plan: Dinner

Day 2: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Today, you will have a somewhat long journey (of 8-9 hours including stopovers) from Kampala or Entebbe to Queen Elizabeth National Park in western Uganda. You will have a stopover in Kayabwe for the water experience and straddling at the equator monument. Visit the Igongo Cultural Centre and have lunch in Mbarara. You will proceed with the journey, have a stopover en-route to watch craters, and continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park. You will arrive at your lodge in the evening, check-in, have dinner, and relax.

Meal plan: Full board

Day 3: Morning game drive and Afternoon boat cruise

During your visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park, you will explore the savannah plains for wildlife viewing. Kasenyi plains will give you chances to see Uganda kobs, elephants, large herds of buffaloes and waterbucks, lions, and sometimes a leopard. In the afternoon, you will go for a boat cruise along the Kazinga channel and this trip almost gives a guarantee to see hippos and crocodiles. Other animals you may see along the channel include elephants, buffaloes, waterbucks, warthogs, and many bird species.

You will drive back to the lodge and enjoy a leisurely evening. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Meal plan: Full board

Day 4: Game drive and transfer to Kibale, Crater exploration

You will wake up at your leisure, have breakfast and check out of the lodge. Go for a short game drive for a chance to see animals that you might have missed on the last game drive. From here, proceed to Kibale and enjoy a crater exploration as you head to your lodge.

Meal plan: Full board

Day 5: Chimp tracking and Bigodi swamp walk

Wake up to an early breakfast and head out for chimp tracking. The activity starts with a briefing at the park offices where you also meet your tracking guides. As you walk through the forest in search of the chimps, you may come across other animals like monkeys and baboons. And once you spot the chimps, you will be allowed to stay with them for an hour before leaving the forest.

In the afternoon, you will go for a walk through Bigodi Swamp. It is an interesting one that gives a chance to see and learn about a rich diversity of wildlife, see many bird species and primates. In the evening, you will return to the lodge for the overnight.

Meal plan: Full board

Day 6: Bigodi Community Tour

This 7 Days Uganda safari allows for a community tour around Bigodi village and this day will be spent doing several activities there. They include; a coffee tour, local food preparation and visiting institutions that have emerged out of the Bigodi Community Walk Project and meeting groups of women who make craft items from materials obtained from Bigodi swamp.

Dinner and overnight at the lodge

Meal plan: Full board

Day 7: Kibale to Entebbe

On this last day of your safari, you will have breakfast at the lodge, check out and set off for Entebbe where you will arrive in the late afternoon. Your safari driver will drop you at the airport for your evening flight.

End of safari

The tour package includes;

• Transport in a safari vehicle
• Professional local safari guide
• Park entrance fees
• Chimp permit
• Boat cruise
• Bigodi Swamp walk
• Activities mentioned in the itinerary
• Accommodation
• Meals as per the itinerary
• Bottled drinking water during travel

The tour package excludes

• Visa and air ticket
• Tips and gratuity
• Optional activities
• Extra meals
• Alcoholic drinks and cigar
• Other items of personal nature

6 Days Chimp Tracking and Bigodi Safari (Kibale National Park, Bigodi Village and the Craters)

6 Days Uganda Chimps and Bigodi Safari : 6 days on the roads of Uganda to explore its fascinating nature and dive into the local community to learn more about the lifestyle of the Ugandans in the western region. This 6 Days Uganda safari is taking you on an adventure to search for chimps in Kibale forest, visit Bigodi swamp, and get to points where you will have the best views of craters in the surrounding.

Safari highlights

• Day 1: Arrival
• Day 2: Transfer from Kampala to Kibale
• Day 3: Chimp tracking and swamp walk
• Day 4: Bigodi community tour
• Day 5: Crater exploration and drive to Kampala
• Day 6: Drop off at the airport for a return flight back home

If you want to have this itinerary customized to perfectly suit your travel interests, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Send an email to dolphintours@live.com or info@ugandagorillatrekkingtrips.com.

Detailed Itinerary | 6 Days Uganda Chimps and Bigodi Safari

Day 1: Arrival at the airport and transfer to the hotel

Welcome to Uganda: upon arrival at the airport, you will be welcomed by our company representative who will also be your safari driver for this 6-day Uganda safari. He will transfer you to your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe, take you through a briefing of the tour, and you will later have a meal and relax. The safari driver will give you a program for the next day before he leaves.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel

Meal plan: Dinner

Day 2: Transfer from Kampala to Kibale

Wake up and have a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, thereafter check out and transfer to Kibale. The journey takes you through the beautiful Fort Portal town where you will arrive in about 6 hours, have lunch and proceed to Kibale. You will arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon or evening, check in and relax.

Dinner and overnight at the lodge

Meal plan: Full board

Day 3: Chimp tracking and Bigodi swamp walk

On this 3^rd day of the 6 days safari, you will go chimp tracking in the morning, return to the lodge for lunch, and relax. Later in the afternoon, head out for a swamp walk in Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. When tracking chimps in Kibale forest, you have a chance to see other primates like the grey-cheeked mangabey, red-tailed monkey, and more, while the Bigodi swamp rewards with sightings of attractive bird species. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Meal plan: Full board

Day 4: Bigodi Community Tour

The 4th day of your 6 Day safari will start with a light breakfast at the lodge followed by a transfer to Bigodi village. Visit a home where you will participate in food preparation. Among the activities to do there are organic coffee preparation and cooking local meals.

In the evening, you will hike Kaikusa Hill and meet groups of women who weave beautiful baskets and make other craft items. After this evening activity, you will return to the lodge for the overnight.

Meal plan: Full board

Day 5: Crater exploration and drive back to Kampala

Your day 5 will have a short adventure and the rest of the time will be spent on the road: After breakfast at the lodge, you will check out and go exploring the craters around Kibale and Fort Portal. You will hike to the “top of the world viewing point” where you will have a beautiful view of Uganda’s landscape. From here, you will drive to Fort Portal for lunch and set off back to Kampala or Entebbe where you will arrive in the evening.

Dinner and overnight at the lodge

Meal plan: Full board

Day 6: Drop off at the airport

Optional activities: Kampala city tour, Mabamba Swamp tour

As you come to the end of your 6 Days Uganda safari, you can choose to do a brief city tour around Kampala or visit Mabamba swamp to look for the shoebill stork. This would mean that you will catch your flight in the evening. If you are not doing any activity on this day, you will have breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer to the airport. The driver will make sure to have you dropped at the airport on time.

End of safari

The tour package includes;

• Transport in a safari vehicle
• Professional local safari guide
• Chimp permit
• Bigodi Swamp walk
• Activities mentioned in the itinerary
• Accommodation
• Meals as per the itinerary
• Bottled drinking water during travel

The tour package excludes

• Visa and air ticket
• Tips and gratuity
• Optional activities
• Extra meals
• Alcoholic drinks and cigar
• Other items of personal nature