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Uganda - Ultimate Primate Experience

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Itinerary | Safari Schedule | Photography | Pricing | Enquire

Join Alex on a stunning primate safari through Uganda to experience chimpanzees and mountain gorillas in their natural habitats.

Nature looms large in East Africa - Join Alex on this stunning safari to diverse Uganda and have the opportunity to see and photograph its most iconic primate species.

 

For ten days our small group will travel through colourful Uganda known as the ‘Pearl of Africa. Arriving in Entebbe then flying north for two days of chimpanzee trekking in Kibale, From there it’s to the wonderful wilderness of Ishasha in Queen Elizabeth National Park to search for the infamous tree-climbing lions for which the area has become synonymous.

 

The final leg of the safari will take us to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and the journey headliners, coming face-to-face with the noble mountain gorillas.

 

This well-curated safari offers the best of both worlds, blending primates and big cats in one of the most beautiful countries in all of East Africa.

 

Your safari is much more than travelling to places far and wild. It’s about immersing you in the environment, giving you the best, most intimate experience with every detail taken in to consideration. Reaching fantastic places, searching for beautiful and inspiring aspects of wildlife and the natural world. All are key to helping you capture more thought provoking images.

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Itineray

Itinerary - Uganda Primates

Uganda is probably one of the most underrated of safari destinations and in all fairness, that's how I like it.

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The beautiful 'Peal of Africa'  offers some of the most exciting game viewing on the continent in some remarkably stunning locations. Bwindi Forest is one of the most beautiful places I have been fortunate to visit and the undulating plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park and the Ishasha Wilderness area are truly stunning.

Chimpanzee Trekking | Kibale Forest | Turaco Treetops Guestlodge

After arriving and overnighting in Entebbe at the wonderfully boutique Hotel No. 5 with its pool, spa and bar all ready for you to unwind after your international flight - we head north by air towards Kibale National Forest, one of the best strong holds for chimpanzees which boasts some of the highest population numbers left in the wild.

 

Here, we will stay at the lovely Turaco Treetops guest lodge on the peripheral of the forest which has spectacular views over both Kibale and the Ruwenzori Mountains on the horizon.

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Chimpanzees are our closest living relative and this will become apparent when you first come face-to-face with them. Their social dynamics, their individuality and the opportunity to witness and capture moments of emotion which almost a mirror to our own will be a fantastic way to kick off your safari.

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One chimpanzee trek is simply not enough. Many people travel to Kibale and simply ‘tick off’ a chimpanzee trek. This itinerary gives you multiple opportunities to experience them in the wild. Firstly with an afternoon trek to whet your appetite followed by a full day’s habituation trek the next day.

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The latter can be a little more hard work than the usual morning or afternoon treks but they can be ultimately more rewarding as you have chance to spend more than the allotted one hour in the company of chimpanzees once a group has been located - sometimes up to four hours. More time, means better opportunity for learning, understanding and appreciating these wonderful cousins of ours.

Tree-climbing lions | Queen Elizabeth National Park | Ishasha Wilderness Camp

After two nights in Kibale we drive south towards the northern section of Queen Elizabeth National Park, crossing the Equator en-route and stopping at Mweya on the Kazinga Channel for a private boat cruise and lunch before continuing south to the beautiful, remote private concession of Ishasha and our home for the next two nights - the brilliant and award-winning Ishasha Wilderness Camp idyllically located on the banks of the Ntungwe River.

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This will be our base from which to explore the savannahs and riverines in search of elephants, hippo, buffalo, the Ugandan kob and the tree-climbing lions. Ishasha is an excellent example of an authentic, luxury safari which you will undoubtedly fall in love with.

Mountain Gorillas | Bwindi Impenetrable Forest | Buhoma & Nkuringo

After two nights, we depart the savannahs of Ishasha heading further south towards to indomitable Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to the noble mountain gorillas. We'll spend a total of four nights in the region, firstly; two nights at Buhoma Lodge and secondly at Lake Mutandu in the Nkuringo section of the forest.

 

Bwindi is home to roughly 40% of the world's mountain gorilla population, which is why, as with chimpanzee trekking - time in the field is imperative to maximise your chances of getting 'the shot'. We will experience two gorilla treks; one in the Buhoma sector and one in the Nkuringo area. I've chosen two locations for very good reason. The first, Buhoma, is the traditional home of gorilla trekking and makes for a brilliant introduction with five families in the region which can be reached. Our home for two nights whilst in Buhoma is the superb Buhoma Lodge which is nestled in to the jungle hillside inside the borders of the national forest and commands spectacular views over the mist shrouded jungle vista.

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Our second gorilla trek will take place in the Nkuringo section of the park and although trekking can be more difficult here, the rewards promise to be brilliant. This sector is the preferred choice of wildlife photographers and film-makers with dominant silverbacks often 'showing off' their physical prowess and beating their chests. It will certainly get your blood racing. Our home for the penultimate two nights in Nkuringo will be at the tranquil Lake Mutanda Resort on the shores of picturesque Lake Mutanda.

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Having enjoyed some wonderful primate encounters and experienced some of the very best that Uganda has to offer, on the morning of day ten, we will take a short flight from Kisoro back to Entebbe where we will say our goodbyes and head home or on to another safari destination.

Photography

Photography - Ugnda Primates

Your safari is so much more than the images you create. It’s about immersing you in the nature of your safari, giving you the best, most intimate experience with every detail taken in to consideration and enabling you to reach fantastic places is search of beautifully inspiring aspects of wildlife and the natural world.

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These trips are not just for seasoned photographers. Whatever your level of experience, from beginner to a dedicated creative looking to build upon your portfolio – everyone is welcome and all skill levels catered for and I’m aware that some people are more interested in photography than others.

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And with that in mind, I will be on-hand to give you exactly the level of tuition you want, helping you get the most out of your camera, offering unobtrusive, in-field photography mentorship. I’ll be making sure you capture the best possible images, helping you tell the story of your safari through a dynamic collection of images.

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Small groups means more personal attention. I’ll be there to assist you with camera settings, composition, inspiration to try new techniques and explanation in to species behaviour . Helping you to capture those fleeting, story-telling moments through your lens - all in aide of capturing more thought provoking images.

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Following excursions and activities, I will host photo review sessions and post production editing discussions. Without becoming too technical, these sessions are designed to help you edit your images and give you a well rounded, evocative portfolio and amazing memories to inspire and take home with you. 

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I want you to leave with a newly found sense of appreciation for the natural world and already longing to return. 

Pricing

Pricing - Uganda Primates

The total price for this ten day Ultimate Primates of Uganda safari is USD $ 9199.00 per person sharing - single supplement options are available so please enquire if this fits your needs. A deposit of USD $3575.00 per person is required at time of booking to secure your primate trekking permits, accommodation and internal flights within Uganda.

Requesting to book or to get in touch for more info couldn't be easier - simply click the button below, submit the form and Alex will be in touch to talk through this outstanding journey to Uganda with you. 

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The maximum group size will be for FIVE guests. Meaning a small group, more personal attention but also very limited spaces so don't hesitate to get in touch and begin your own journey to the 'Pearl of Africa'.

Enquire - Uganda Primates

INCLUSIONS

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All four primate trekking activity permits:

  • Kibale - 1x PM Chimpanzee trek & 1x chimpanzee habituation trek

  • Bwindi - 1x gorilla trek Buhoma sector & 1x gorilla trek Nkuringu sector

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All accommodation on safari:

  • 1x night Entebbe - Hotel No 5. (Bed & breakfast)

  • 2x nights Kibale - Turaco Treetops (Full board)

  • 2x nights QENP - Ishasha Wilderness Camp (Full board)

  • 2x nights Bwindi Forest - Buhoma Lodge (Full board)

  • 2x nights Lake Mutanda - Lake Mutanda Resort (Full board)

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  • Exclusive 4x4 safari vehicle and road transport in Uganda

  • Internal flights in Uganda with extra baggage allowance: Entebbe to Kasase - Kisoro to Entebbe

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  • Photography mentorship, tuition and editing sessions with your host, Alex

EXCLUSIONS

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  • International flights and appropriate visas.

  • Items of a personal nature.

  • Photography equipment.

  • Appropriate medical, travel and other insurances - this is highly recommended.

  • Evening meal and drinks in Entebbe, Uganda

  • Tips, gratuities and primate trekking porter hire.

Below is just a small sample of images and clips captured on previous primate safaris to Uganda - just to tempt you that little bit more and give you a taster of what to expect when joining me on safari. I look forward to hearing from you soon! And remember to turn up the volume!

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