Uganda Primates & Safari Experience
We would like to invite you to join and make this unique experience with us.
Boasting an astonishing assortment of wildlife amid an array of magnificent parks, Uganda more than fulfils all expectations for an African safari. Its awesome landscape, startling in their diversity, has delighted millions of visitors. The land continues to enthral everyone who has an eye for natural beauty. The magnetism of the golden savannah, semi desert thirst land and equatorial rainforest are home to the African bid mammals, half of the world remaining mountain gorillas and thousand of colourful and eye catching bird species.
Often described as the Pearl of Africa, this lush tropical land is the true birth place of the Nile, where the world’s longest river spills out of Lake Victoria and starts its journey to the Mediterranean sea. These formidable attractions are backed by good infrastructures that deliver a high level of service and comfort.
Visitors almost universally report that they like the country and find its people hospitable and extremely friendly. The country is home to over 40 tribes and languages within its borders each with a unique cultural practices, music, dance and food. In instances where the food is similar, it is sometimes prepared differently and have certain different flavors and rituals. There are different kingdoms currently existing but with no political powers, namely Buganda, Bunyoro, Tooro, Busoga, and the defunct Ankole Kingdom. In some areas there are chief dorms as opposed to Kingdoms.
Indeed Uganda has everything to offer on your adventure holiday and since you made that choice to experience the pearl of Africa, you won’t regret. Here we go…
One unique experience adapted and exclusive for you.
Traveling to Uganda :
-We strongly advice, that when you start to plan your Uganda Primates Experience, you take a travel consultation with a doctor for information about vaccinations, etc. (The World Health Organisation recommends the following vaccinations for South Africa: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza)
-One link on the bottom of the page will give you the necessary information about visa requirements necessary to enter Uganda. This requirements may change without notice, better check just before your travel.
-One link on the bottom of the page will inform you about the requirements for traveling with children to Uganda.
Money and Tipping :
The local currency is the Uganda shilling (UGX). 20.000USh are approximately 5.50CHF/5€/4.50£/5.50$ (2021). Uganda shillings cannot be purchased outside of Uganda. US dollars are the most useful hard currency, specially in small towns, though euros and pounds sterling are also widely accepted.
There is no expectation of tipping at the event or activities, of course, local people will be happy if you do it. The guideline is voluntary tipping of 10% on service fee/food/beverages.
Voltage :
For Uganda the associated plug type is G, which is the plug that has three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern. Uganda operates on a 240V supply voltage and 50Hz.
Electricity supplies worldwide can vary from anything between 100V and 240V. It can be extremely dangerous to use an electrical appliance that is rated at a voltage different from the supply.
As voltage can differ from country to country, you may need to use a voltage converter or transformer whilst in Uganda. If the frequency is different, the normal operation of an electrical appliance may also be affected. For example, a 50Hz clock may run faster on a 60Hz electricity supply. Most voltage converters and transformers come supplied with plug adaptors, so you may not need to buy a separate travel adaptor.
All converters and transformers will have a maximum power rating (AMPS or WATTS) so make sure that any appliance you intend to use does not exceed this rating.
Insurances :
All participants are expected to take out comprehensive medical and travel insurances in the event of unforeseen circumstances leading to participants falling ill or having to cancel their trip in Uganda.
Dress Code :
The entire event is very casual. Just one little reminder about colours, it is important the using of earth colours (greens, browns and khakis), specially for the game drives and bush walks.
Bush walks are walking safaris and we are invading the territory of the animals and possibly predators. For your safety and the safety of your group, you will be expected to dress in neutral tones (earth colours), so white, bright colours or busy patterns are not appropriate.
Dark colours, like blacks and dark blues are thought to attract flies and mosquitos. Red is also not a very good idea, predators identify red with wounded animals.
The weather in Africa is nothing like one would expect, most people think that this part of the world is constantly warm, if not unbearably hot. Nothing could be more farther from reality. During the early morning and evening safaris a warm jumper, cardigan or coat is highly advised as it can get quite cold on the open plan jeeps.
Wear a hat/cap, anyone who’s spent time in the African sun can attest to the power of the rays, and wearing a hat/cap for safari is the first line of defence from sun damage.
Very confortable shoes at all time is a must, specially for the bush walks is recommended high trekking shoes.
If you are trekking the gorillas in Bwindi, waterproof hiking boots will be high on what to wear on safari in Uganda packing list. You’ll not trek gorillas in your long tucked trousers and socks in canvas shoes.
The jungle floor is mostly dumpy, and there are no designated hiking trails, so you’ll have to put your best foot forward. And your best foot will be thick-soled, waterproof, and with a decent ankle support pair of jungle boots that feel like Indiana Jones.
Folk that don’t know the purpose gaiters often giggle when they first see them; they are not the most stylish fashion accessory, BUT then wish they had them an hour into the jungle trail.
These “beauties” are absolutely brilliant at keeping grass seeds and burs off your socks, as well as bugs climbing up your trousers and making you pull off the Gangnam style dance in the bush.
Suppose you are going on a walking safari, a short bushwalk, or a gorilla trekking excursion. In that case, you could find yourself walking through dense undergrowth, and wearing gaiters will prevent bugs and other nasties from attaching to your often vulnerable ankles and socks. The good thing is that they’re light and won’t bulk your suitcase; pack a pair.
What can you expect ?
Full days of fun, emotions, adventures, wildlife and cultural interaction.
Brief schedule:
Day 1: Transfer to Kibale National Park.
Day 2: Chimpanzee tracking and transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Day 3: Game-drive and boat ride on Kazinga channel.
Day 4: Transfer to Bwindi impenetrable forest.
Day 5: Gorilla tracking at Bwindi National park and Batwa community visit.
Day 6: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park.
Day 7: Bush-walk and transfer to Kampala.
AND unfortunately, departure.
Attention: All times and structure of the day planning can be adjusted accordingly with the activities we are doing, weather, etc.
Be prepared for great fun in a real Uganda Primates Experience.
Prices :
The prices of your Uganda Primates Experience are 3'000€ (3'500€ for 2025). (Children under 14yo are unfortunately not allowed.)
The event fee include: Gorilla and Chimpanzee tracking permits; transports in 4x4 tourist customised vehicle; all park entrance fees; all park activities; accommodations on full board plan; bottled mineral water.
The event fee do not include: flights; visa fees; tips; personal requirements; alcoholic drinks: PCR tests.
The inscriptions will be validate just after the payment of 30% of the event fee (non-refundable). The participant agrees to pay the full payment until 60 days prior 0f the event. If the inscription will be made 60 days or less from the begging of the event , the full fee should be payed for inscribing. The Maia Wildlife Safari Experience have the right to cancel all inscriptions, when the payments did not follow the conditions here described.
We have a limited number of inscriptions, early reservations are advised.
Don't forget to pack :
Adaptor for Uganda wall plugs; sun cream; insects spray; hat/cap; sunglasses; swimming suit; pool towel; binoculars; photo camera; basic medication;
And the most important, an open mind and lots of fun.
Itinerary :
Day 1: After a healthy morning breakfast, prepare to transfer to Kibale forest national park.
Kibale forest is one of Uganda’s magnificent tropical rain forests and one of the most rewarding areas to explore. This park is the world’s primate capital and a home to 13 species of monkeys and man’s closest relative; the chimpanzees, these delightful apes are the most closest to human than to any living creature. These can be seen swinging in tree branches as one treks through the forest trails. Other animals like the red colobus, L’Hoest’s monkey and the endemic Uganda Mangabey a species of old world monkey found only in Uganda
Day 2: Breakfast at the lodge, head to the park head offices for briefing about your chimp tracking experience.
Kibale Forest boasts the highest number of primate species in the world, including our delightful cousins, the chimpanzees. Today, in Uganda, there are approximately 5,000 chimpanzees left in the wild, which makes it a perfect place to spot them! The experienced ranger takes you to track chimpanzees in the morning or afternoon depending on your choice; in the meantime, showing you the many monkey species that live in this tropical forest. A wonderful jungle trip is the result, finishing in an hour of eye to eye contact with the chimpanzees.
After lunch, you will set off for Queen Elizabeth National park. On arrival late in the evening, you will check in immediately, dinner and an overnight stay
Day 3: Be early to raise, have a cup of coffee and set out for a game drive where you will see some early risers along the Kasenyi track such as Elephants, antelopes, solitary buffaloes, lions, warthogs, as well as birds. After the drive which takes 2 to 3 hours head to the lodge and have breakfast and lunch after some time go for the launch cruise on Kazinga channel. The boat cruise is one of the amazing activities to enjoy in the park; you will enjoy watching elephants, buffaloes along the banks, crocodiles, hippos, waterbucks, birds among others.
Return to the lodge, freshen up, have dinner and overnight.
Day 4: After breakfast, begin your journey to Bwindi going through the Ishasha sector with a glance at the climbing lions and many other wildlife species. Along the way you will enjoy nice landscape views. Have lunch en-route; arrive at the lodge late in the evening.
Day 5: Prepare to a life-time memorable experience.
After morning breakfast, you will get ready, along with your packed lunches to embark on the lifetime memorable experience in this magnificent forest for gorilla tracking. The trail you use may reward you with exciting moments of the giant mountain gorillas in Uganda this will be a reward of the ultimate gorilla experience’ as well as other primates that inhabit the forest. This may take you about 4-5 hrs in the jungle. Expect to walk a long distance in steep and muddy conditions, sometimes with rain overhead before you encounter any gorilla. But it will definitely be worthwhile as you observe them closely while they eat, play and rest. For conservation purposes, time will be limited to one hour. The ranger guide will always briefs you on how to behave with these gentle giants
You will return to the lodge for dinner and peaceful overnight at the lodge.
Day 6: In the morning, you will drive east to Mbarara; a major town in western Uganda and the former capital city of Ankole kingdom for 400 years until it was split during independence in 1962. From there proceed to Lake Mburo national park which is famous for its many antelopes and home to the rare Bushel’s Zebra among others that include a wide array of bird species.
Day 7: Early in morning after breakfast, the day will start with a walking safari, you will walk past unique animals such as the zebras, antelopes, buffaloes, elands, giraffes and many bird species.
Later you will proceed to the Entebbe to prepare and catch your flight back home late in the night.
Take a relaxed drive back to Kampala; you will enjoy warm lunch along the way with a stop at the equator to experience both the northern hemisphere and the southern hemisphere of the universe in one place. Photographs and shopping from the equator are a great evidence of a memorable safari in Uganda. Arrival late in the evening in Kampala, I will transfer you to the airport to catch your flight back home in the night.
Enriched with an experience of a lifetime and unforgettable memories, you say goodbye to the Pearl of Africa.
Click on the picture for more information about the visa requirements necessary to enter Uganda .
Click on the picture for more information about the necessary requirements for traveling with children to Uganda.
Please, contact us for all kind of questions and informations.
We are very happy to share this experience with you.