Chimps, Gorillas and Giza

This trip offers some of the most incredible wildlife experiences on the planet. Our safari begins in Uganda, one of the safest, friendliest, most secure and stable countries in Africa.  In 1908, Winston Churchill referred to Uganda as “ the Pearl of Africa”. Situated at the heart of the African continent in the Nile Basin with a long shoreline on Lake Victoria, the Ugandan landscape is lush and green. In 1858, British explorers John Speke and Richard Burton ventured through Uganda and discovered Lake Victoria as the source of the Nile River. We will arrive in Entebbe and begin our journey here starting our adventure in the Mabamba swamp (see itinerary). 

We will track chimpanzees in Kibale National Park. Kibale National Forest has one of the highest diversity and concentration of primates in Africa.  It is home to a large number of endangered chimpanzees, as well as red colobus monkeys and the rare and endangered L’Hoest’s monkey.  For three days we will track lively, entertaining and noisy chimpanzees while also looking for the other primate species such as blue monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, baboons and more. After our three days with the chimps, we will be ready to drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest where we will have the unforgettable experience of tracking mountain gorillas.  Bwindi, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its dense, cloud-covered rainforest is home to the largest population of mountain gorillas in the world. It is located in southwestern Uganda and is rich in biodiversity being a haven for over 120 mammal species, 350 bird species and diverse flora. Bwindi plays a crucial role in protecting mountain gorillas - which came dangerously close to extinction in the 1980s and 1990s. This is a Great Ape lover’s safari. The mountain gorilla tracking is physically challenging, but the rewards are so tremendous that the rigors are quickly forgotten. There is nothing like being in the presence of a 200 kg (450 lb) silverback mountain gorilla and his lively family.

When we leave Uganda, our adventure continues into northern Kenya. We will fly to a private camp where for several days we will be hunting the elusive and rare black leopard. We will focus our attentions on the black leopard while having amazing opportunities for the more common gold leopards, lions and many other wildlife species. This is a unique trip with specific focus on certain species. Africa constantly gifts us with miracles of nature that remind us of our beginnings. This trip allows us to share in these gifts. 

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Please read the REVIEWS of our previous East Africa tours!

  • Duration
    14 days
  • Group Size
    6 people
  • Price

    $24,450.00 – $27,790.00

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Hotel #5


Primate Lodge


Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi


Four Points by Sheraton, Nairobi


Laikipia Wilderness Camp


Letters correspond to points on the map in the map tab.


  • Day 1: February 08:

     

    Arrive in Entebbe, Uganda

    Arrival at Entebbe International Airport and transfer to your hotel.
    Overnight Hotel #5 (Meals on your own as this is a travel day)

  • Day 2: February 09

    Mabamba swamp - Kibale National Park

    After an early breakfast, we will visit the Mabamba swamp located on the northern shore of Lake Victoria, the source of the Nile river. This swamp was awarded status of a ‘Wetland of International Importance’ since it contains several globally threatened species such as the prehistoric-looking shoebill stork. It is here that we will take a boat cruise looking for the shoebill stork which can stand as tall as 5 feet with a wingspan up to 7.7 feet. After lunch we will transfer back to Entebbe Airport in order to board a private charter to Kasese which lies at the foot of the mystical Rwenzori Mountains (70 minute flight). We will be picked up in 2 safari equipped Landcruisers and transferred to Kibale National Park, home to Ugandas chimpanzees. Kibale National Park is located in southwestern Uganda and is a tropical rainforest that guarantees the best viewing opportunities in all of East Africa for endangered chimpanzees. Upon arrival, we will be transferred to our lodge which has the best location being near to the entrance of the park. We can relax and prepare for our early morning the next day. 
    Primate Lodge (B.L,D)
     

    Day 2: February 09

  • Day 3-5, February 10-12

     

    Kibale National Park - Trekking Chimpanzees

    For the next three days after an early warm breakfast, we will make our way to the park entrance to track chimpanzees. We will be in the park for 3 - 4 hours and then return to our lodge for lunch. Our lodge is sheltered in the rainforest on the perimeter of the national park. It is in the perfect location for tracking primates.
    Kibale is home to about 70 forest mammals including African buffaloes, forest elephants and various antelope species. Considered the primate capital of Africa and a primatologist's dream, Kibale has an abundance of primate species. There are 13 different primates that live in this forest including chimpanzees. Included in these species are: Red-tailed monkeys,  Black and White Colobus monkeys, L'Hoest monkeys, Vervet monkeys, Olive baboons, Blue monkeys, Grey Cheeked Mangabeys, Uganda Red Colobus, Demidoff Galago, Potto, Patas monkeys and Uganda Mangabeys. This will be a fantastic day to see African primates. 
    We are free to relax until dinner in front of the fire to prepare for our tracking adventure the next morning.
    Primate Lodge (B,L,D)

  • Day 6: February 13

    Queen Elizabeth National Park - Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

    Today will be a long travel day. After breakfast, we will check-out and drive approximately 2 -3 hours to the northern Mweya sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. We will take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel and then have lunch. We will continue our drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park which is an approximate  4 - 5 hours drive further. If we have time, we will make time for a game drive through the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park which is known for its tree climbing lions and then we continue the last push in order to reach Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.  Mountain gorillas are divided between three East African countries:  Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). When we finally arrive in Bwindi, we will check-in, relax, enjoy dinner and prepare for our very exciting next day of trekking mountain gorillas!
    Buhoma Lodge (B,L,D)
     

    Day 6: February 13

  • Day 7-8: February 14-15

     

    Bwindi Impenetrable National Park - Gorilla Trekking

    During the next two days we will have an early breakfast and depart our lodge no later than 6:45am. We will arrive at the park headquarters for our “gorilla briefing”. The park rangers will tell us what to expect, and give us some guidelines as to how we behave when in close proximity to these massively wonderful great apes. They will also watch to make sure that we are not ill or sick with a head cold - a simple cough or head cold can wipe out an entire family of gorillas for they do not posses the antibodies to fight off any human diseases. Our trek can take anywhere from 3 to 7 hours depending on the location of the gorillas. The terrain is steep and can be muddy. The rigors of our hike are quickly forgotten when we reach the gorillas. There is nothing that can compare to being in the presence of mountain gorillas. It is not only exciting, but also an emotionally touching experience. We will spend just over one full hour with these great apes. It will feel much longer than that, only because it is tremendously exciting.
    We will have a packed lunch with us and a porter can carry your day pack (approximately $20 - $30 per person). We will then return to our lodge for a delicious hot meal and enjoy the rest of the day to relax in front of the fire while reflecting on the amazing morning with these great apes.
    Overnight Buhoma Lodge (B,L,D)

  • Day 9: February 16

    Flight to Nairobi

    This is our last morning in Bwindi and we will start with a warm breakfast before transferring to the Kasese Airstrip for our scheduled flight back to Entebbe. We will then connect on a flight to Nairobi, Kenya where we will be met and transferred to our hotel for the night.
    Four Points by Sheraton (B,L,D)
     

    Day 9: February 16

  • Day 10: February 17

     

    Laikipia Wilderness - Black Leopard

    After breakfast, we will be transferred to Wilson Airport for our private charter to Sosian Airstrip, the nearest airstrip to Laikipia. Upon arriving, we will be met by our driver who will drive us appropriately 30 minutes to camp. We will check-in, have lunch and get ready for our first game drive in hopes of finding Giza, the black leopard of Laikipia. Laikipia has three wilderness camps on their property; the Main Camp, the River Camp and the Palm Camp. All three camps have private chefs and are very comfortable if not a bit rustic. This is not a luxury camp, but rather is comprised of three smaller eco-camps. The camp has been monitoring a pack of wild dogs for years. They are not guaranteed by any means. Wild dogs have huge home ranges and cover a lot of territory but we will be watching for them and with luck, will get to see them. 
    Laikipia Wilderness Camp (B,L,D)

  • Day 11-13: February 18-20

    Laikipia Wilderness - Black Leopard

    For the next three days, we wake up and meet at the fire pit in camp for coffee and a bite.  We then depart camp for our game drive. We will have exclusive use of  the only two designated safari vehicles used for tracking Giza, the black leopard. These two vehicles known as ‘Black Leopard Private Vehicles’ (BLPV) are given the highest priority to the leopard. Many visitors coming to these camps are unaware of this. Our vehicle will have the freedom to stay with Giza as long as we like while the other vehicles in camp may come and see her, and then move off after a brief time. We will also be able to stay with her and track her after dark since this is a private reserve. This is a very special experience as very few in the world have seen a melanistic leopard. At the time of this writing, there have been only two other locations including India, that have black leopards. Black leopards are not a separate species but have a genetic mutation causing an overproduction of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin and hair color. When their fur appears black, their rosettes (patterns of circular or flower-like markings on their fur) are still present and can be seen in certain light conditions. Black leopards are considered highly rare worldwide. Again, you will be one of the fortunate few to see this cat. 
    Our vehicle will focus mainly on this leopard. However, we will see golden leopards, lions, possibly cheetah, giraffes and other wildlife. With this in mind, our concentration will be centered on finding the black cat. 
    Laikipia Wilderness Camp (B,L,D)
     

    Day 11-13: February 18-20

  • Day 14: February 21

     

    Nairobi and international flight home

    After breakfast, we will leave Giza behind and make our way back to the airstrip where we will return to Nairobi. We will have day rooms to freshen up and relax before our evening flights home. Once again, the magic of Africa has penetrated our souls, hearts and memories to last a lifetime. Thank you for sharing it with us!
    Four Points by Sheraton (B only) 

Included

  • Two Safari Leaders (Jami and Theo)
  • Scheduled flight from Entebbe to Kasese and Kahihi Airstrip
  • Arrival / departure transfers at airstrips/airports
  • Mabamba Swamp Boat Cruise 
  • Scheduled flight from Entebbe to Kasese Airstrip and Kahihi Airstrip / Entebbe Airport
  • All Park Entry Fees / Conservation fees to the various National Parks & Game Reserves
  • Highly experienced, English-speaking drivers/ guides for the entire safari
  • Game Drives as per itinerary
  • 04 Nights at Primate Lodge inclusive of house drinks
  • 3 Chimpanzee trekking permits per person
  • 03 Nights at Buhoma Lodge (Inclusive of house drinks)
  • 2 Gorilla trekking permits Bwinde Impenetrable National Park (nonrefundable or transferrable)
  • 2 x fully kitted safari LandCruisers with professional English-speaking safari guides (Kibale only)
  • One-way flight from Entebbe / Nairobi with Kenya Airways / Air Uganda
  • 01 Night on bed & breakfast basis at the Four Points by Sheraton
  • One-way transfer from Four Points by Sheraton to Wilson Airport
  • Return private charter flights Wilson Airport / Sosian Airstrip in a Cessna Caravan) with a payload of 1000 Kgs.
  • Return airstrip transfers from Sosian Airstrip to Laikipia Wilderness Camp
  • 04-nights accommodation at THE LAIKIPIA WILDERNESS CAMP inclusive of: Meals, local drinks and Laundry, Conservation fees, Activities including game drives, early night drives, walking, wild dog tracking, fly-camping, fishing, mountain biking, bush meals, river swimming and rafting (when water levels permit)
  • Transportation and exclusive use of 2 (two) custom safari built 4 x 4 Landcruiser’s with pop-up roof or hatches
  • Guaranteed window seat in the Landcruiser
  • Day room in Nairobi at the Four Points by Sheraton 
  • Mineral water on game drives

Not Included

  • International flights to/from East Africa
  • Extra meals in the cities (unless where mentioned)
  • Optional activities
  • Visa / ETA fees
  • Telephone calls
  • Laundry (unless where specified otherwise)
  • Tips (lodge staff, camp staff, driver/guides)
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended: see Wild Focus website: https://wildfocusexpeditions.com/travel-insurance/
  • Beverages in various lodges/camps (unless specified otherwise)
  • Change of itinerary

Participants on this trip should be fit and capable of hiking along forest trails involving a gradual ascent with possible muddy and uneven terrain. Depending on the location of the gorillas (and chimpanzees), hikes through the rain forest usually take between two and five hours, but can be as short as 15 minutes or as long as eight hours (this is not typical, but possible). We will take our time, and porters will be available for hire to carry your camera gear and/or daypack. The fee for hiring a porter for the day is approximately USD $20 - $30. We will hike in the rain forest at a pace to accommodate all participants with their designated porter for assistance.

The accommodations in Uganda are comfortable, but relatively basic due to the remote locations that we visit. Many of the camps are constructed from local materials and provide an authentic and truly off-the-beaten-path experience. It should be noted that there are no fences around the camps or lodges. Animals of all sizes are sometimes encountered within the camp boundaries (as is the case on most of our safaris).
For our participants who have an appreciation for wildlife and natural history, possess a sense of humor, flexibility and spirit of adventure, your expedition to the rainforest of Uganda will be a trip of a lifetime and will be remembered always. Spending time with wild mountain gorillas and chimpanzees cannot be compared with anything else. The rigors that you may experience from the hike will be long forgotten when you are in close proximity to these amazing, intelligent and human-like great apes.
For Kenya extension:
Our Classic African safaris require little physical conditioning and are not considered strenuous. Travel will sometimes be by small charter aircraft and game-drive vehicles.  Safari-goers should be aware that the game drives are often over bumpy surfaces and can sometimes be long depending on our sightings.  Our mornings start early before daybreak and evening meals are served after sundown. All travelers must be able to climb into and out of raised 4x4 safari vehicles.
Our Kenya and Tanzania safaris will be in permanent to semi-permanent tented camps. All of our tents are en suite, are designed to the highest standards, and are comfortable with hot showers and an adjoining toilet. All of our camps will have separate lounge and dining areas which add to the excitement and ambiance of being on safari. It should be noted, however, that there are no fences around our camps, and animals of all sizes are sometimes encountered within the camp boundaries. Please be assured that you will be safe at all times. Our Expeditions Leaders and camp staff will be there to assure your safety. 
In February, Uganda temperatures are very comfortable. Mornings can be quite cool to cold while warming up as the day continues. Nights can be cold and midday temperatures can get up to 79ºF (26ºC).  February in Kenya remains hot and dry with long sunny days and little to no rain. Daytime highs can reach upper 70s F to low 90s F. 
Our Handbook which you will receive prior to the trip, will provide more detailed information about clothing, packing and trip preparation. 
We recommend that our travelers bring an adventurous spirit, as you will often enjoy the closest animal encounters.

Expedition Leaders

Jami Tarris

East Africa is recognized by paleontologists as the cradle of humankind - the birthplace of humanity. Its fascination lies in the richness and diversity of its natural and cultural history. Wherever you look you find wildlife wonders, majestic landscapes, excitement,  adventure and colorful tribes. It is a photographer’s and adventurer’s paradise. I fell in love with East Africa over thirty years ago and have deeply experienced its magic and beauty during my travels from the south to the far wild north of the region. Every time I return, I know that I am home.

Theo Allofs

I started relatively late visiting Africa, not counting countries in Northern Africa. Since my 4.5 months adventure in 1995/96 exploring South Africa, Botswana and Namibia I was hooked. Meanwhile I have spent in total more than 4 years on this diverse, wild and exciting continent. It is the mix of wild nature, the African fauna, the array of breath-taking landscapes and last not least the amazing colorful tribes that have drawn me back over and over again, sometimes several times a year.

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