Primates and Wildlife

Known as the ‘Cradle of the Nile’, Uganda is one of Africa’s best kept secrets. Few countries can boast the infinite variety of flora and fauna and such diverse and spectacular scenery. Uganda has much to offer the first time visitor to Africa as well as veteran travelers. The Boma is situated on the outskirts of Entebbe and only 5 minutes from Entebbe International Airport so it’s an ideal stopover en route to exploring the country highlights. The Boma staff and management team ensure guests receive a personable service and enjoy hospitality standards which are in keeping with the tradition of this charming lakeshore town. The Boma consists of six bedrooms decorated along African themes, all of which have their own private bathrooms. A residents’ and diners’ bar set in a landscaped garden with lake views combine to provide a charming and relaxed “country house” experience. The main house includes a private dining veranda and living room for overnight guests.

In the morning, depart for Mabamba Swamp. Here, you’ll travel via boat through the papyrus-lined channels in search of the region’s spectacular bird life. Mabamba has been recognized by worldwide conservation and birding organizations as a critical ecological site. Beloved by birders and wildlife photographers alike, the wetlands are an incredible opportunity to see the region’s bird life.
Afterwards, enjoy lunch, followed by a visit to Ngamba Island. A boat trip from the dock in Entebbe takes you to the island’s shores, where you’ll learn about the rehabilitated chimpanzees at the sanctuary and have the chance to watch their feeding from the viewing platform. These playful, inquisitive animals share 98% of their DNA with humans and are fascinating to watch as they play, feed, and care for each other. Return to the mainland around 6:00pm, transferring to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Located in southern Uganda, Kibale Forest National Park is said to be home to the highest density of primates in Africa. Although the highlight of the park is the habituated chimpanzees, the treetops are alive with all manner of monkey including: red-tailed monkey, L’Hoest’s monkey, grey-cheeked mangabey, red colobus and black and white colobus monkeys, they can all be spotted here. When you’re not searching for monkeys there are over 300 bird species and an incredible 250 species of butterfly to keep you busy. Visitors can look forward to chimpanzee tracking, birding tours and guided nature walks. Primate Lodge Kibale is tucked deep in the forest and right next door to the starting point for Chimpanzee tracking excursion as well as the incredible Chimpanzee Habituation, really, two of the most genuinely breath-taking wildlife experiences on the planet. Located deep in the forest, the luxury cottages offer both privacy and excellent views of the forest from your veranda.

After registration and briefing, you will enter the forest in search of the cheeky chimpanzees. This forest also hosts 12 other primate species. After a packed lunch, enjoy a guided walk at Bigodi swamp. The Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is a community development enterprise located on the edge of Kibale National Park where guided tours are conducted along a path through the wetland and at times along a boardwalk trail. Bigodi is a birder’s paradise with 138 bird species having been identified there including the crowd please Great Blue Turaco. The sanctuary is also home to 8 primate species including the black and white colobus, red colobus, mangabey, red tail, vervet, and L’Hoest.

Morning road transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, known for its rich biodiversity, wildlife and history. In the southern part of the park, the remote Ishaha sector is home to tree-climbing lions who spend long lazy days dozing in the pretty fig trees. The Uganda Kob, a type of antelope, are watched carefully by the tree lions while grazing the plains Around Lake Edward, enjoy fishing and more game watching – make sure to look out for chimpanzees, elephants, crocodiles, and perennial and migratory bird species.
Stay at Elephant Plains Lodge and enjoy the views from your room overlooking lake Kikorongo where you can see elephants and buffaloes come to drink.

The Kazinga Channel alone is said to contain the world’s largest concentration of hippos, and other wildlife includes buffalo, the rare aquatic sitatunga antelope, giant forest hog, Uganda kob, Defassa waterbuck and elephant. Don’t miss the Kyambura Gorge, which is home to habituated chimpanzees. The boat trip along the Kazinga Channel provides a memorable game viewing experience where you will see thousands of hippos, birds and other river wildlife and if you are lucky buffalo, elephant and maybe even a lion.

After an early breakfast, check out and drive across the park through the southern end of Ishasha sector. Proceed via Kihihi to Buhoma sector of the Bwindi Impenetrable. Located in southwestern Uganda, the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is said to be Africa’s oldest rainforest. It is world-renowned for its excellent gorilla-sighting opportunities. The rugged landscape features dense jungle, cascading waterfalls, sparkling mountain streams, deep valleys and steep ridges. This untouched forest has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its breathtaking natural beauty and unique ecological significance. Aside from the amazing gorilla interactions, there are other highlights such as a network of forest walks, over 340 species of bird to spot and a variety of butterflies. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the spectacular Virunga Volcanoes.
Overlooking the primeval Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and with stunning views of the forest canopy across a serene stream, Bwindi Lodge is one of Africa’s unique lodges. The property has dramatic views of the impenetrable forest and is a great place to spot the monkeys and birds hidden in the foliage. The award-winning Bwindi Bar, in the high street of the village nearby is the most stylish and colorful bar in the area! Guests also enjoy informal tapas style meals inspired by Ugandan dishes.

After breakfast take a short drive to Park Headquarters and meet with excellent local guides and trackers who will give a talk on the etiquette of gorilla trekking. You then hike into the forest where the gorillas were seen the night before and track from that point. The trekking can take from 1 to 6 hours and climb to altitudes in excess of 7,500 feet. The terrain is rough and at times muddy. Although the hike is physically demanding the beauty of the forest and surrounding scenery make the trekking worthwhile. Once the gorillas are located all fatigue is forgotten, as the experience is often described as being the most profound natural history experience in the world. Picnic lunches are provided and it is important to take plenty of water. Cameras and plenty of fast speed film is recommended. It can rain at a few minutes’ notice; hence waterproof clothing is a good essential including zip lock bags for cameras and film. Generally, you will return to the lodge my mid-afternoon

Located in southwestern Uganda, in the Kisoro District, the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park forms part of the much larger Virunga Conservation Area. This wilderness sanctuary was created to protect the rare mountain gorillas that inhabit its dense forests. The striking landscape boasts three conical volcanoes which are a part of the magnificent Virunga Range which fringes Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. Aside from the main attraction which is the mountain gorillas, the park is home to buffaloes, elephants, endangered golden monkeys and many of bird species. The three extinct volcanoes offer plenty of hiking trails. Nestled at the base of the Virunga Volcanoes, Mount Gahinga Lodge is a stunning luxury adventure lodge hidden in the southern corner of Uganda. Its rustic charm is inspired by traditional design and building techniques. Mount Gahinga Lodge is the perfect base to go gorilla tracking, track the rare golden monkey, climb a volcano, walk through local villages and most of all to share the culture of the Batwa pygmies, the oldest inhabitants of the Central African rain forest. The lodge with its beautiful living room, sun room and terrace has fantastic views of the volcanoes and the Kisoro valley below. The luxury bandas reflect the magic of the aesthetic traditions of the Bufimbira people, with their distinct colours. Each Banda has an ensuite luxury shower room, fireplace and private porch.

With only a small number remaining in the world, the Golden Monkey can be found in the foothills of the volcanic mountains of Mgahinga National Park in Uganda. Characterized by its bright golden body, cheeks and tail, with contrasting black limbs, crown and tail end, these playful primates are a pleasure to watch. Whether you choose to do this on the Rwandan or Ugandan side, the walk will take you from the bamboo stands and forested gorge on the lower levels of the volcanoes, to the elevated heath and moorland higher up.
In the afternoon, set out on a cultural visit with the local Batwa tribe.