Top Highlights of the Adventure:
- Chimpanzee Habituation Experience (CHEX): An unparalleled, extended period (up to 4 hours) with semi-habituated chimpanzees in the wild.
- Chimpanzee Trekking: The thrilling search and one-hour intimate viewing of a fully habituated chimpanzee community.
- Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary Walk: An opportunity to spot the unique Sitatunga antelope, multiple monkey species, and exceptional birdlife.
- Amabere Caves & Crater Lakes: Cultural and mythological exploration paired with stunning volcanic landscape views near Fort Portal.
- Uganda Equator Experience: Photo opportunity and scientific demonstration at the point where the northern and southern hemispheres meet
A 4-Day Chimpanzee and Crater Lakes Expedition
Day 1: The Scenic Drive and Fort Portal Exploration
The journey begins in the bustling capital, Kampala, heading west along the Kampala-Mubende road. The drive is a spectacle itself, offering a continuous panorama of changing Ugandan life—from busy towns to rural villages and then opening up to vast expanses of lush, emerald-green tea and banana plantations. A major stop is made near the charming town of Fort Portal, known for its proximity to the stunning Crater Lakes region. Following an en-route lunch, the day's key highlight will be an engaging visit to the Amabere ga Nyina Mwiru Caves, steeped in local mythology, often combined with an optional trek up a nearby hill to gain breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding crater lakes. The final leg of the day is the short drive to your accommodation near the forest, where you check-in for dinner and a restful night, preparing for the next day's primate trek.
Day 2: The Chimpanzee Habituation Immersion
The morning starts before dawn, heading to the park headquarters with packed provisions for a full day in the forest. After a briefing on the etiquette of primate viewing, the main highlight begins: the Chimpanzee Habituation Experience. This deep dive involves trekking into the rainforest with researchers and experienced guides, locating a semi-habituated chimpanzee community as they wake up and de-nest for the day. You'll spend an extended period, up to four hours, with the chimps, observing their complex social structures, feeding habits, grooming, and playing. This immersive, all-day activity offers a profound connection with our closest relatives in their natural habitat. The day concludes with the trek back, arriving at the lodge tired but exhilarated for dinner and reflection.
Day 3: Primate Tracking and Community Encounter
A more relaxed start to the day sees a return to the forest for the standard Chimpanzee Trekking experience. Following the morning briefing, you will enter the forest in search of a habituated chimpanzee group. The trek can range from a short walk to a few hours of following the rapid movements of the chimps until they are located. Once found, the key highlight is spending one precious hour quietly observing and photographing them as they go about their routine. In the afternoon, the focus shifts to a cultural and natural gem: a guided walk in the adjacent Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. This is an exceptional birding and secondary-primate viewing opportunity, with the chance to spot the rare Sitatunga antelope and several monkey species like the Red Colobus and L'Hoest's Monkeys, followed by an optional visit to the local Bigodi community project to learn about local life and conservation efforts.
Day 4: Farewell Drive and Equator Stop
The final morning is dedicated to a leisurely breakfast and checkout. The adventure now turns back east, utilizing the main Kampala road once more. This long drive serves as a reflection on the preceding days' wildlife encounters. The journey's closing highlight is a stop at the Uganda Equator crossing near Kayabwe. Here, you can take memorable photos straddling both hemispheres, participate in the classic water experiment demonstrating the Coriolis effect, and browse the local craft shops for souvenirs before continuing the final stretch back to Kampala or Entebbe, marking the conclusion of the trip.
What is Included (Inclusions)
-
All ground transportation in a comfortable 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof for optimal viewing.
-
The services of a professional English-speaking driver/guide.
-
Full-board accommodation (Dinner, Bed, and Breakfast) for the duration of the adventure.
-
Chimpanzee Habituation Permit fee.
-
Chimpanzee Trekking Permit fee.
-
All park entrance and activity fees as mentioned (Bigodi Swamp Walk, Amabere Caves entry).
-
En-route lunch meals during the long transit days.
-
Bottled drinking water throughout the safari.
What is Not Included (Exclusions)
-
International and domestic flights and associated airport taxes.
-
Uganda Tourist Visa fees.
-
Tips and gratuities for the driver/guide, park rangers, and lodge staff.
-
Personal travel insurance.
-
Laundry services at the lodges.
-
Drinks and beverages beyond the provided bottled water (alcoholic and soft drinks).
-
Items of a personal nature (souvenirs, phone calls, etc.).
-
Any extra activities not specifically mentioned in the itinerary.
Destinations
Pay