Primates of East Africa (18 days)
Our 18-day trip brings you the primates of Uganda and Rwanda: You can see up to 20 primate species, including mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, the rare golden monkeys, dent's monkeys, black and white colobus, red colobus, mona monkey, and Angolan colobus monkeys. In Queen Elizabeth National Park you can also see the animals of the savannahs including lion, elephant, buffalo, hippo and leopard.
This trip specifically includes: Kibale Forest National Park, Semuliki National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi National Park, Mgahinga National Park, Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Highlights
- See the chimpanzees and 12 other monkey species in Kibale Forest
- Experience the spectacular hot springs in Semuliki National Park
- Boat trip on the Kazinga Channel with the biggest concentration of hippos and spectacular birds
- See the Golden monkeys in Mgahinga National Park
- Meet the Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi National Park in Uganda, and/or Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda
- See the chimpanzees and 10 other monkey species in Nyungwe Forest
Videos
Kazinga Tours - Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Seeing the mountain gorillas is a very intense and unique experience. Take a look at our Video to get a glimpse of how it is to see them in the wild….
Kazinga Tours - Uganda from the Sky - Highlights
See the beautiful landscapes and animals of Uganda from the sky, filmed with a drone. This is the highlights movie, please look at the videos from the specific areas as well. Places visited with our drone: Murchison Falls, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, Lake Mutanda, Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Mburo National Park.
Kazinga Tours – Kibale Forest and Tea Plantations
Kibale Forest National Park is one of the highlights of Uganda. This beautiful forest is home to the Chimpanzees and 12 monkey species. The forest creates its own mist. With our drone we have been able to fly above the mist, which gave a spectacular view of the forest with the Rwenzori Mountains behind it. Apart from the National Park, Kibale Forest is surrounded by tea plantations, which gives beautiful views from above. Come and see this beautiful videos for yourself!
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel to see our new uploads!
This video is made by www.theworldfromthesky.com
Kazinga Tours - Uganda Highlights
Kazinga Tours - Bwindi from the Sky
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of the highlights of Uganda. This jungle is home of the Mountain Gorillas! And it is also beautiful seen from the sky. With our drone we have been able to fly above the mist, which gave a nice view of the forest and the ‘sharp line’ with the surrounding rural land. Come and see this beautiful videos for yourself!
This video is made by www.theworldfromthesky.com
Please subscribe to our YouTube channel.
And for more other drone videos, please check www.theworldfromthesky.com
Route
Day to day program
Entebbe Airport - Entebbe
Arrival at Entebbe Airport. Your guide will be there waiting for you. Pick up and proceed to your accommodation.
Included: airport transfer
Entebbe - Kibale Forest
After breakfast we drive to Kibale Forest. You can make a walk around the community in the afternoon (optional).
Kibale Forest is a spectacular jungle, with 13 primate species! Including chimps, baboons, black and white colobus, red colobus, grey cheeked mangabey and L’Hoest monkey.
Kibale Forest
Chimpanzee tracking in the morning or in the afternoon. It is also possible to upgrade this 1-hour tracking to a Chimpanzee Habituation Experience, whole day with the chimps.
Included: chimp tracking
Kibale Forest
Morning forest walk in Kibale Forest with many chances of meeting primate species and different birds on the way. In the afternoon we will make a community walk in the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. This gives you another chance to see the monkey species of Kibale Forest.
Included: forest walk, Bigodi Swamp Walk
Kibale Forest – Semuliki National Park – Fort Portal
After breakfast, optional visit to one of the crater lakes in Kibale and afterwards transfer to Semuliki National Park. In Semuliki National Park you will visit the Sempaya Hot Springs. Afterwards return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Semuliki is a unique place and the only lowland jungle in East Africa, part of the Congo eco system.
Included: visit hot springs
Semuliki National Park - Queen Elizabeth National Park
Transfer to the Queen Elizabeth National Park. On our way we pass the equator. Game drive in the afternoon.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the best places in Uganda to see lions. Expect to see elephants, lions, many hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes and maybe leopards.
Included: game drive
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Chimpanzee tracking in the Kyambura Gorge in the morning. Afternoon boat trip on Kazinga Channel.
The Kyambura Gorge is a Gorge of 500 meters deep and up to 1 km wide. The gorge is forested and is inhabited by habituated chimpanzees.
The Kazinga Channel is one of the highlights of Uganda and has the highest concentration of hippos in the world.
Included: chimp tracking, boat trip
Queen Elizabeth National Park - Bwindi Impenetrable
Nature walk in Maramagambo Forest in the morning and afterwards transfer to Bwindi Forest National Park for an overnight.
Bwindi Impenetrable is a unique jungle, with many monkey species. Bwindi is one of the 2 places in the world where you can find Mountain Gorillas!
Included: nature walk
Bwindi Impenetrable
Gorilla tracking!!! Early morning departure with your ranger to search for one of the world's most interesting and endangered animal, the Mountain Gorilla! You will spend one hour with one of our closest relatives. An experience you will never forget.
Bwindi Impenetrable - Lake Mutanda
In Bwindi it is possible to do one of the optional activities: second gorilla tracking, forest walk, birding walk or a community experience with the exceptional Batwa people. Afterwards transfer to Lake Mutanda, one of the most beautiful places in Uganda.
On a clear day you can see the 3 volcanoes in the distance. Relax at the lodge or do one of the following activities (one activity included): boat trip on the lake, walk along the lake or to the local people, go for a swim, or visit the pygmies.
Lake Mutanda - Mgahinga National Park – Lake Mutanda
Visit Mgahinga National Park to see the Golden Monkeys.
Mgahinga National Park is part of the Virunga Volcanoes and borders Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. Apart from Mountain Gorillas, the stars of Mgahinga are the golden monkeys, a subspecies of the Blue Monkey.
Included: golden monkey tracking
Lake Mutanda – Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda)
Transfer to the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. It is possible to visit a pygmy village on the way (optional).
Volcanoes National Park is part of the Virunga Mountains, covering 3 countries: Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. Together with Bwindi this is the only place in the world to see the Mountain Gorilla’s.
Volcanoes National Park
Optional activities for today: Do a second gorilla tracking (must be booked in advance to be sure), visit the golden monkeys, make a nature walk in the national park, climb a volcano, visit Dian Fossey's Grave, or visit the Twin Lakes, Lake Ruhondo and Lake Burera (all activities optional).
Volcanoes National Park - Kibuye
Transfer to Kibuye by the shores of Lake Kivu. Relax at the shores of this beautiful lake. It is possible to make a walk along the lake or visit a vising village or make an optional boat trip on the lake.
Kibuye – Nyungwe Forest National Park
After breakfast we drive to Nyungwe Forest. Optional walk around the lodge to see monkeys and birds.
Nyungwe is one of East Africa’s largest forests. It is home to 13 primate species including chimpanzees. Other attractive monkeys to see: Angolan Black Colobus, Mona Monkey, Blue Monkey, L’Hoest Monkey and Owl Faced Monkey.
Nyungwe Forest National Park
Early morning Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest. You can also go for a walk to the waterfall or visits to the Angolan Black Colobus monkeys (both activities optional).
Included: chimp tracking
Nyungwe Forest National Park
Today we make a beautiful waterfall walk in search for monkeys (especially Angolan Black Colobus and Mona Monkey. It is also possible to do the canopy walk (optional).
Included: waterfall walk
Accommodations
Legend: BB = Bed and Breakfast / HB = Half Board / FB = Full Board
* Depending on the group of gorillas you will be tracking we will choose where to sleep in Bwindi. There are 4 areas for Gorilla tracking in Bwindi: Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo and Rushaga.
Lodges we use for Medium Budget:
- Buhoma: Buhoma Haven Lodge (HB)
- Ruhija: Bakiga Lodge (HB)
- Nkuringo: Gorilla Close up Lodge (HB)
- Rushaga: Rushaga Gorilla Camp (HB)
Lodges we use for High Budget:
- Buhoma: Mahogany Springs (FB)
- Ruhija: Ruhija Gorilla Lodge (FB)
- Nkuringo: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge (FB)
- Rushaga: Four Gorillas Lodge (FB)
Prices 2024
Price on request, please send an email to mail@kazingatours.com
Includes
- Airport transfers
- Accommodations with meals mentioned
- Bottled drinking water
- Private 4x4 custom built safari van with knowledgeable driver/guide and fuel
- Entrance fees to the included National Parks
- Activities mentioned as included
Excludes
- Flights
- Visa
- All optional activities
- Insurances
- Meals not mentioned and beverages
- Tips and personal expenses such as laundry and communication
The Government of Uganda requires mandatory proof of Yellow Fever Vaccination for travelers 1 year of age and above. Travelers should possess a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate (vaccine received at least 10 days ago) prior to entry into Uganda. Travelers who do not meet this requirement must be vaccinated at the Airport (with possibility of isolation as determined by the Aiport health authority) prior to entry into Uganda at the travelers own costs.
Furthermore all required inoculations must be recorded by your health practitioner on a valid vaccination certificate. You must carry this document with you throughout the tour. All visitors should take malaria prophylactic drugs. We also advise that you bring a mosquito repellent with you. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for up to date requirements, inoculations and personal recommendations!
Normally you need the following vaccinations (but please always consult a doctor):
- Yellow Fever
- DTP
- Hepatitis
For Malaria you need to take tablets, Malarone or Lariam. Malarone is mostly used (please always consult a doctor).
Hygiene is not at the same standard as in your home country, so we advise you to bring a disinfectant cream with you. Always drink bottled water instead of tap water.
A certificate proving that you have received a yellow fever vaccination is obligatory. Furthermore all required inoculations must be recorded by your health practitioner on a valid vaccination certificate. You must carry this document with you throughout the tour. All visitors should take malaria prophylactic drugs. We also advise that you bring a mosquito repellent with you. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for up to date requirements, inoculations and personal recommendations!
Normally you need the following vaccinations (but please always consult a doctor):
- Yellow Fever (you must have this can even be checked on arrival, especially when flying within East Africa)
- DTP
- Hepatitis
For Malaria you need to take tablets, Malarone or Lariam. Malarone is mostly used (please always consult a doctor).
Hygiene is not at the same standard as in your home country, so we advise you to bring a disinfectant cream with you. Always drink bottled water instead of tap water.
On arrival on the airport our guide will be there waiting for you. During safari we use custom made safari vehicles, custom made for an optimal view of the wildlife. Safari vehicles (and small aircrafts) provide limited space for luggage. It is therefore recommended to travel with light bags since bulky suitcases will overload and might be difficult to be taken on board.
Uganda visa information
The Government of Uganda has an online visa application When you are visiting Uganda you must apply for a visa online:
- Go to the website https://visas.immigration.go.ug/
- Please make sure you have the following documents in .pdf, .jpeg, .png or .bmp format: a copy of your passport, copy of recent passport size photograph and a vaccination certificate (Yellow Fever)
- Fill in the form:
- Visit Uganda only: single entry: “ordinary” visa, USD 50
- Visit 2 countries or more: East Africa / multi entry visa, USD 100 (participating in the East African visa: Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya)
- When you send the form you will immediately receive a tracking code. This code helps you to keep track of how far your application has progressed. You can check its status from this webpage
- The Ugandan authorities will send you a letter in the email after they have approved your application (please check you SPAM folder too)
- Print this letter and bring it with you when you arrive at the overland border or at Entebbe International Airport. You need this letter to be allowed to purchase the entree visa there for USD 50 (Uganda) or USD 100 (East Africa-Multi Entry).
Some nationalities do not require a visa, please check this in advance.
The Rwandan authorities made their Visa one of the easiest to get.
- All Visitors Going to Rwanda can get Visa on arrival at the Immigration desk at $30
Some nationalities (like Americans and Germans) do not require a visa, please check this in advance.
It is your own responsibility to inform yourself about the visa procedures (as the information given above can change at any time) and to arrange your visa(s) correctly and timely, but if anything is unclear of course we will be glad to assist you.
Note: This information is subject to change! Always consult the Rwandan embassy in your country if you are not sure.
In most of the cities it is possible to withdraw money from an ATM. Travelers Cheques are not widely accepted and it is very difficult or impossible to pay by credit card outside the cities. The US dollar is traditionally the hard currency of preference. We advise to bring some Dollars for daily expenses and tips.
Dollar bills should not be older than 10 years.
The unit of currency is the Rwandan Franc. Please check the latest exchange rates before you go to your destination. This will be a guideline. Please note you will get a better exchange rate in the bigger cities.
We advise you to apply for a Flying Doctors membership. The membership provides a quick and reliable air evacuation and medical care if needed.
AMREF Flying Doctors offers 2 covers (Annual and Short Term). You can choose between the Maisha Silver (Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar), Maisha Gold (Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi) or Maisha Platinum (Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan and Ethiopia).
Please check out the AMREF Flying Doctors website for more information and to become a member.
Educated Ugandans are generally fluent in English, which is the official language in Uganda. Next to English there are about 30- plus different indigenous languages.
The official languages of Rwanda are French and English, the local language is Kinyarwanda.
Uganda is a tropical country, with higher temperatures at lower altitudes (Kampala, Murchison Falls, Kidepo and Bundibugyo).
Areas around Bwindi, Mgahinga, and Lake Bunyonyi are generally cooler.
Uganda can be visited at any time throughout the year. But please keep in mind that mountain hikes, gorilla tracking and other forest walks are more challenging during the rainy seasons (March - May and October - November).
For birders the rainy season is considered to be the best time to visit Uganda.
Rainy season means it rains more often, but not every day and not the whole day.
Rwanda is a tropical country, with higher temperatures at lower altitudes (Akagera).
Areas around Nyungwe, Lake Kivu and Volcanoes National Park are generally cooler.
Rwanda can be visited at any time throughout the year. But please keep in mind that mountain hikes, gorilla tracking and other forest walks are more challenging during the rainy seasons (March - May and October - November).
For birders the rainy season is considered to be the best time to visit Rwanda.
Rainy season means it rains more often, but not every day and not the whole day.
Daytime temperatures are generally warm to hot, so bring lots of light clothing. Evenings are cooler, especially at high altitudes (areas around Bwindi, Mgahinga, Lake Bunyonyi and Kabale) so carry a couple of sweaters too.
Those who intend to do mountain hiking will be exposed to alpine temperatures and should pack accordingly. Do not forget to bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a waterproof jacket.
During safaris we advise to avoid black and dark blue clothes (because they can attract tsetse flies).
If you are planning on doing a community walk or visit the local people, we advise you to wear appropriate clothing. For example women putting on long skirts and a top that covers the shoulders
Daytime temperatures are generally warm to hot, so bring lots of light clothing. Evenings are cooler, especially at high altitudes (areas around Volcanoes National Park and the Virungas), so carry a couple of sweaters too.
Those who intend to do mountain hiking will be exposed to alpine temperatures and should pack accordingly. Solid walking shoes and sturdy clothing are ideal for forest walks.
When you are doing gorilla tracking some gardeners gloves are handy because of the thick vegetation and thorns.
Do not forget to bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a waterproof jacket. During safaris we advise to avoid black and dark blue clothes (because they can attract tsetse flies).
If you are planning on doing a community walk or visit the local people, we advise you to wear appropriate clothing. For example women putting on long skirts and a top that covers the shoulders. We also advise you not to wear purple clothes. Rwanda has “adopted” purple as the official color of mourning after the Genocide of 1994.
A valid passport is mandatory (passport must be valid for at least 3 months after re-entry) and visa requirements for all countries you are planning to visit should be checked before you travel.
To make the most of your visit to the game reserves and national parks, we advise you to carry binoculars and field guides.
Photographers will need a zoom lens for wildlife (70-300 or more). Please make sure to carry enough memory cards with you. Toiletries and other essentials can be bought in the cities.
A torch (flashlight) can proof to be very useful
We advise you to take an international adapter with you for your electric equipment. The system used in Uganda is the British system. In most lodges it is possible to charge your batteries.
We advise you to take an international adapter with you for your electric equipment. The system used in Rwanda is the Western European system. In most lodges it is possible to charge your batteries.
Driving in Uganda is on the left-hand side.
Visitors without experience of African roads are advised to travel with a 4x4 vehicle driven by a knowledgeable driver/guide, rather than self-drive.
All our guides are well trained in "Defensive Driving".
Driving in Rwanda is on the right-hand side.
Visitors without experience of African roads are advised to travel with a 4x4 vehicle driven by a knowledgeable driver/guide, rather than self-drive.
All our guides are well trained in "Defensive Driving".
Please mind that washrooms along the road are sometimes not to European standards, for example squatting toilets, no flushing toilets or no toilet paper available. Like the locals say: T.I.A. This Is Africa.
Bathroom facilities and accommodations can be more basic when traveling on a medium to low budget. In the eco lodges mind that the water reserves are limited and in most cases there are no sockets in the room, but you can always charge your devices at the reception.
Tipping will always be appreciated. It is normal to tip 5-10% in hotels and restaurants. Guides, drivers and carriers should always be tipped. Indication: for carriers USD 1-3 and for your driver/guide USD 5-15 per day, depending on the group size, number of days and your satisfaction.
The Bradt Travel Guide is the most detailed guidebook for Uganda. The Lonely Planet (East Africa), Footprint Guides and Spectrum Guides produce other guidebooks. For wildlife, the best guidebook is ‘Watching Wildlife East Africa’ from the Lonely Planet. For birding, the best guidebook is ‘birds of East Africa’. It is advisable to get the most updated copy.
The Bradt Travel Guide is the most detailed guidebook for Rwanda. The Lonely Planet produces another guidebook (Lonely Planet East Africa). For wildlife, the best guidebook is ‘Watching Wildlife East Africa’ from the Lonely Planet. For birding, the best guidebook is ‘birds of East Africa’. It is advisable to get the most updated copy.
