16-Day Adventure: Katavi, Uganda, and Beyond – Chimpanzee and Gorilla Trekking

Tour Overview

Get ready for a thrilling 16-day journey through Tanzania, Uganda, and beyond! Start your adventure with an unforgettable safari in Katavi National Park, then immerse yourself in the lush, untamed forests of Uganda, home to captivating chimpanzees and majestic mountain gorillas. With stunning landscapes, wildlife-filled game drives, and rich cultural encounters, this journey is bound to inspire memories that last a lifetime.

Plan Your Perfect Trip With Us

Our Sample Itineraries

Day 1: Journey to Katavi National Park

Destination: Katavi National Park Accommodation: Mbali Mbali Katavi Camp Meal Plan: Full Board (Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch)

Highlights:
- Early Morning Flight: Begin your adventure as you take off from Dar-es-salaam, soaring above Tanzania’s captivating landscapes on your way to Mpanda Airport.
- Road Transfer to Katavi: Enjoy a scenic two-hour road transfer to Katavi National Park, where wild horizons stretch endlessly.
- Welcome to the Wilderness: Upon arrival at the camp, relax and unwind with a delicious lunch, taking in the tranquil sights and sounds of the African bush.
- Afternoon Game Drive: As the sun dips low, embark on your first game drive in Katavi. Look out for vast herds of buffalo, prides of lions, and rare antelope as you explore one of Tanzania’s most untouched national parks.
- Evening at the Camp: Savor a hearty dinner under the stars and settle in for a peaceful night’s sleep in the heart of the wild.

Days 2-3: Immersive Katavi Experience

Accommodation: Mbali Mbali Katavi Camp Meal Plan: Full Board
- Highlights:
  - Morning and Afternoon Game Drives: Each day starts with a cup of freshly brewed coffee as you prepare for thrilling game drives through Katavi. The park is known for its raw wilderness feel, massive hippo pods crowding the pools, and herds of elephants roaming the plains.
  - Explore Untouched Wilds: Experience the untouched splendor of Katavi. Your guide will take you deep into the park, where you’ll witness the interaction of wildlife from antelope grazing to crocodiles sunning by the riverbanks.
  - Optional Activities: Choose to go on a full-day game drive complete with a packed picnic lunch, allowing you to stay out longer and experience the beauty of the African savanna. There’s always something new to see and experience.

Day 4: Return to Dar-es-salaam

Destination: Dar-es-salaam Accommodation: Dar-es-salaam Serena Hotel Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast

Highlights:
- Early Breakfast: Begin your day early with a nourishing breakfast at the camp.
- Transfer to Mpanda Airport: Enjoy a final morning in Katavi before boarding your flight back to Dar-es-salaam.
- Relax at Your Hotel: Arrive in Dar-es-salaam and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure—perhaps head to the pool, explore local markets, or relax with a massage.

Day 5: Arrival in Uganda - Entebbe

Destination: Entebbe Accommodation: Karibu Guest House Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast

Highlights:
- Welcome to Uganda: Touch down in Entebbe, where you’ll be greeted by your guide and transferred to your guest house. Entebbe offers a tranquil welcome with its beautiful lakeside location.
- Relax and Settle In: Spend the rest of the day settling into your guest house, relaxing in the garden, or enjoying views of Lake Victoria.

Day 6: Entebbe to Kibale Forest National Park

Destination: Kibale Forest National Park Accommodation: Primate Lodge Kibale Meal Plan: Full Board

Highlights:
- Scenic Drive to Kibale: After a leisurely breakfast, begin your journey west through lush landscapes, passing tea plantations and picturesque villages.
- Mountains of the Moon: Arrive in Fort Portal, a town nestled at the foot of the legendary “Mountains of the Moon.” Continue to Kibale Forest National Park, renowned for its incredible biodiversity.
- Evening Relaxation: Arrive at the lodge and enjoy a cozy evening surrounded by the enchanting sights and sounds of the forest.

Day 7: Chimpanzee Trekking & Bigodi Village

Accommodation: Primate Lodge Kibale Meal Plan: Full Board
- Highlights:
  - Chimpanzee Trekking Adventure: After breakfast, set off for an exhilarating trek through Kibale’s lush rainforest. Track a family of over 120 chimpanzees—watch them swing effortlessly through the trees, groom one another, and go about their daily lives.
  - Forest Walk: Your guide will share fascinating insights into the forest ecosystem and introduce you to the many other primates and bird species that make Kibale their home.
  - Bigodi Village Visit: In the afternoon, explore Bigodi Village with a local guide. Gain a deeper understanding of local customs, visit traditional homesteads, and learn about the various crops grown in the area.

Day 8: Kibale to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Destination: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Accommodation: Mahogany Springs Lodge Meal Plan: Full Board

Highlights:
- Drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park: Depart Kibale and pass through the vast plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Enjoy a picnic lunch and keep your eyes peeled for tree-climbing lions lounging in the branches.
- Journey to Bwindi: Continue your journey through beautiful rural Uganda to reach the mysterious Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to the majestic mountain gorillas.

Day 9: Gorilla Trekking Adventure

Accommodation: Mahogany Springs Lodge Meal Plan: Full Board

Highlights:
- The Ultimate Adventure: Today is the highlight of your trip! Prepare for an adventure of a lifetime—gorilla trekking in Bwindi. Meet your guide and fellow trekkers for a briefing before heading out into the misty forest in search of these gentle giants.
- An Hour with Gorillas: After a rewarding trek, find yourself face-to-face with a family of gorillas. Watch them play, feed, and interact—every moment is magical, and the hour spent with them will pass in a heartbeat.
- Unforgettable Memories: Return to the lodge filled with awe, and spend your evening recounting the day’s extraordinary experience over a delicious dinner.

Day 10: Bwindi to Entebbe