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Uganda – Primates & Shoebills

Nature Safari of 8 giorni in Uganda among the forests of Bwindi, Kibal And Mgahinga, in search of mountain gorilla, chimpanzee, golden monkey and the elusive shoe-shaped beak. An exclusive tour between Trekking with primates And photographic birdwatching, ideal for those looking for a safaris in uganda complete and authentic.

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Uganda – Primates & Shoebills

Days

Dal 15 al 22 Giugno

Max participants

7 participants

Price

 2.000,00

4290€
3590€

4 Spots Left

Destination

In the green heart of Uganda, between volcanic mountains, impenetrable forests and protected wetlands: a journey in search of the continent's rarest primates and species.

This itinerary will take us to discover three of the most extraordinary natural areas in Africa. Starting from the Kibale National Park, considered the world capital of primates, where over 1,500 chimpanzees live in the wild.

We will continue towards the mythical Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO heritage site and refuge for almost half of the world's population mountain gorilla. Here two days of trekking await us, dedicated to observing and photographing these giants, among the branches shrouded in fog and the deep silence of the forest.

Finally we will explore the suggestive Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, where among the bamboo forests we will search for the expressive golden monkey, and the marshes of Mabamba, one of the best habitats to spot the legendary shoe-shaped beak, among reeds, fog and absolute silence.

An itinerary built to offer primate sightings, great photographic encounters and total immersion in Uganda's biodiversity.

Dates and participants

Duration

8 days and 7 nights

Dates

Dal 15 al 22 Giugno

Number of participants

7 participants

Activity details

Overnight stay and meals

All overnight stays in double tents

breakfast lunch dinner

Photographic activities

Difficulty

🟡 Medium

Preparation and equipment

Sono previsti trekking in foresta

Modality

Trekking ed Escursione in barca

Costs and Tour leader

Tour leader

Sharon Vanadia

Starting from

4290€
3590€

Payment

€2,000 to proceed with the advance purchase of all permits. The balance must be paid 90 days before departure

Learn more about your experience

This experience is designed for those who wish to live an authentic experience, in close contact with primates and endemic birdlife of UgandaThe days will be marked by trekking, transfers and photo sessions immersed in the tropical forest, always accompanied by Qualified local guides and a professional photographer.

After the first night in Entebbe, we will start the exploration with the trekking of the chimpanzee in Kibale Forest, then moving south towards Bwindi, where they await us two days gorilla trekking among the most exciting in Africa.

We will then reach the volcanic area of Mgahinga Park, habitat of the golden monkey, and we will conclude the tour with a magical canoe excursion in the Mabamba Swamp, in search of the incredible shoebill.

A complete itinerary for those seeking biodiversity, trekking and moments of true connection with nature.

The activities

Travel in Uganda with Just Explorers It means immersing yourself in some of East Africa's most exciting ecosystems, where every outing is a close encounter with nature at its most authentic. The journey unites adventure, observation And photograph on a complete itinerary that will take you through the rainforests, large savannas and tropical lakes of the country.

Il cuore dell’esperienza sarà il trekking dedicato ai gorilla di montagna, intense and profound moments, in which you can closely observe the behaviors of these extraordinary primates. Added to these are a trek with chimpanzees e un’uscita nel Parco Nazionale di Mgahinga per incontrare le golden monkeys, a rare and fascinating species that lives only in this region. The adventure will then continue in the wetlands of the Mabamba Swamp, where we will look for the famous shoe-shaped beak, one of the most emblematic birds of the continent.

Each activity will be led by official rangers And expert local guides, true connoisseurs of the forest, its tracks and its sounds. A professional photographer It will always be by your side to help you read the light, interpret scenes, improve composition and capture intense images even in complex environments like the equatorial jungle.

The pace of the journey is designed to maintain a natural balance Between challenging trekking sessions and regenerating breaks at the lodges, you can enjoy each experience with clarity, enthusiasm, and without rushing. Days can be adapted based on sightings, weather conditions, and the group's needs, always maintaining the quality and care that distinguishes Just Explorers.

A trip like this is not just a safari: it is a total immersion in landscapes, in the sounds and in the emotions of equatorial Africa. An experience to be lived and photographed, without compromise.

Traveling as a couple?

Sharing a safari makes the experience even more special.

This itinerary is perfect even for those who don't take photographs and simply want to experience an authentic safari In Africa. Activities follow the same pace as traditional tourist safaris, but with more relaxed schedules, longer stops, and a special focus on wildlife observation.

Anyone accompanying a photographer will never feel out of place: the beauty of African landscapes, close encounters with wildlife, and the thrills of the bush are experiences that captivate anyone.

For the double bookings (couples or friends sharing a room) are available dedicated discounts.

Contact us to receive the offer reserved for your travel dates.

Our Lodges

During our tour in Uganda we will stay in structures selected for their strategic position, tranquility and integration with the natural environment.

TO Kibal, we will stay in a structure surrounded by greenery, a few kilometers from the national park, with spacious rooms, a restaurant and a view of the tea plantations.

TO Bwindi, we will be hosted in a lodge located close to the trekking trail, ideal for gorilla trekking: a place surrounded by forest, with welcoming rooms, panoramic terraces and a relaxing atmosphere after the intense experience in the bush.

In the area of Kisoro, for the golden monkey, we will sleep in a historic hotel, with large rooms, a garden and a view of the Virunga mountains.

TO Masaka, we will have a simple but functional structure, useful as an intermediate stop before the last excursion.

Finally, the night at Entebbe It will be in a comfortable guest house, ideal for relaxing after the trip and concluding the tour in peace.

With Just Explorers you can count on a small group, professional guidance and all the assistance you need before, during and after the trip.

Detailed plan

Find out how the days will unfold and which activities make up the experience

Day 1 – Arrival in Entebbe

Arrivo individuale all’aeroporto internazionale di Entebbe in qualsiasi orario della giornata. Le principali compagnie internazionali collegano quotidianamente l’Europa e il Medio Oriente con arrivo generalmente tra la mattinata e il pomeriggio.

All’uscita dall’aeroporto incontro con la guida locale e trasferimento in guest house, situata nei pressi del Lago Vittoria.

Entebbe è una cittadina tranquilla, verde e ordinata, affacciata sulle sponde del lago più grande dell’Africa. Il clima è mite grazie all’altitudine (circa 1.100 m), e la vegetazione tropicale è già un primo assaggio dell’ambiente che caratterizzerà il viaggio.

La giornata è volutamente leggera per permettere di recuperare dal volo e adattarsi al fuso orario.

Cena in struttura e pernottamento.

Day 2 – Entebbe > Kibale National Park

Dopo colazione partenza verso ovest in direzione della regione di Kibale.

Il trasferimento (circa 6–7 ore effettive di guida) attraversa la parte centrale del Paese, offrendo un’interessante panoramica sulla vita rurale ugandese: coltivazioni di banane (matoke), campi di manioca, mercati lungo la strada e piccoli villaggi animati.

Avvicinandosi a Fort Portal, il paesaggio cambia progressivamente: colline più pronunciate, piantagioni di tè ordinate e, nelle giornate limpide, scorci lontani dei Monti Rwenzori.

Pranzo lungo il tragitto e arrivo nel pomeriggio nei pressi della foresta di Kibale, uno degli ecosistemi tropicali più importanti dell’Africa orientale.

Check-in, tempo per sistemarsi e cena.

Giorno 3 – Chimpanzee Trekking nella Kibale Forest

Sveglia presto e trasferimento al punto di briefing del parco.

Kibale è conosciuto come una delle aree con la maggiore concentrazione di primati in Africa: oltre agli scimpanzé, qui vivono colobi rossi, colobi bianchi e neri, L’Hoest monkey e altre specie.

Il trekking si svolge all’interno di una foresta pluviale semi-decidua, con alberi che possono superare i 40–50 metri di altezza. La durata varia in base alla posizione del gruppo assegnato.

Una volta individuati gli scimpanzé, si trascorre un’ora in loro presenza, osservando comportamenti naturali come grooming, vocalizzazioni territoriali e interazioni tra adulti e giovani.

Rientro al lodge per il pranzo.

Nel pomeriggio tempo libero per relax oppure possibilità di escursione opzionale verso i laghi craterici della zona, bacini vulcanici che offrono panorami interessanti sulle colline circostanti.

Dinner and overnight stay.

Giorno 4 – Kibale > Bwindi

Dopo colazione partenza verso sud-ovest in direzione Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Il viaggio (circa 6–7 ore) è considerato uno dei più panoramici dell’itinerario. Si attraversano aree agricole terrazzate, colline ondulate e piccoli centri rurali. Il territorio diventa progressivamente più montuoso man mano che ci si avvicina al confine con Rwanda e Congo.

Sono previste soste lungo il percorso per pranzo e pause fotografiche.

Arrivo nel pomeriggio nel settore di Rushaga, situato nella parte meridionale della foresta, a un’altitudine che può superare i 1.800–2.000 metri.

Check-in e briefing preparatorio per il trekking del giorno successivo.

Dinner and overnight stay.

Giorno 5 – Gorilla Trekking e trasferimento a Kisoro

Colazione molto presto e trasferimento al quartier generale del parco per l’assegnazione dei gruppi.

Il trekking può durare dalle 2 alle 6 ore (talvolta anche più), a seconda dei movimenti della famiglia di gorilla. Il percorso si sviluppa su sentieri forestali irregolari, con tratti in salita e discese ripide.

Bwindi ospita quasi la metà della popolazione mondiale di gorilla di montagna. L’ora trascorsa in loro presenza è regolamentata e avviene sempre sotto la supervisione dei ranger.

Dopo il rientro al lodge e il pranzo, trasferimento verso Kisoro (circa 2 ore), cittadina situata in un’area vulcanica ai piedi dei Virunga.

Dinner and overnight stay.

Giorno 6 – Golden Monkey Trekking nel Mgahinga

Dopo colazione trasferimento al Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, situato nella parte ugandese della catena dei Virunga.

Il parco è caratterizzato da foreste di bambù e paesaggio vulcanico. L’altitudine e la vegetazione differiscono rispetto a Bwindi, offrendo un ambiente più aperto.

Il trekking delle golden monkey è generalmente più dinamico rispetto a quello dei gorilla: questi primati si muovono rapidamente tra i bambù e sono particolarmente attivi nelle ore mattutine.

L’area ospita anche altre specie come il duiker e diverse varietà di uccelli di montagna.

Rientro in struttura nel pomeriggio e tempo libero per riposo.

Dinner and overnight stay.

Giorno 7 – Kisoro > Masaka

Partenza dopo colazione per il lungo trasferimento verso Masaka (circa 7 ore di guida effettiva).

La strada attraversa la parte meridionale del Paese, tra colline, coltivazioni e villaggi rurali. È una giornata di spostamento ma permette di osservare la varietà del paesaggio ugandese.

Soste previste per pranzo e pause tecniche.

Arrivo nel pomeriggio/sera presso la guest house.

Dinner and overnight stay.

Giorno 8 – Mabamba Swamp e partenza

Partenza al mattino presto verso il Mabamba Swamp, una zona umida classificata come sito RAMSAR lungo la sponda settentrionale del Lago Vittoria.

L’escursione si svolge in barca e canoa tradizionale attraverso canali di papiro. Oltre alla ricerca del becco a scarpa (shoebill), è possibile osservare altre specie di avifauna acquatica, martin pescatori, aironi e aquile pescatrici.

Dopo l’attività rientro a Entebbe.

L’arrivo in aeroporto è previsto nel pomeriggio (generalmente entro le 16:00). Si consiglia di prenotare voli con partenza dopo le 18:30.

Trasferimento organizzato in base all’orario del volo.

Which flights to buy:

Day 1 – Arrival in Entebbe The day of arrival does not include any scheduled activities. Flights of the main airlines (Qatar Airways, Emirates, KLM, Turkish Airlines) generally land in the morning or afternoon. It is also possible to arrive the day before and stay overnight in a partner guest house.

Giorno 8 – Partenza da Entebbe The tour will end with the return to Entebbe in time to catch an evening flight. It is recommended to book flights departing from 18:00 onwards.

Important note: Before purchasing any flight, we ask you to send the complete schedule (dates, times and flight numbers) to Just Explorers support so as to verify its compatibility with the program.

Tour leader. Find out who will accompany you on the tour

Sharon Vanadia

Born in Rome in 1994, she showed a strong sensitivity towards nature from a young age. Graduated in Biological Sciences and specialized in Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management, she became a professional photographer. He leads nature workshops and tours around the world, combining his passion for biology with nature photography. With years of experience in the field, she is followed internationally for her work and dedication to nature conservation.

What's included

All overnight stays in lodges and guest houses as per program
Meals indicated in the itinerary (breakfasts, lunches and dinners on activity days)
All private transfers in 4x4 vehicle with local driver/guide
Professional Italian/English nature photographer for the entire duration of the tour
Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale National Park
1 trekking dei gorilla nel Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
1 Golden Monkey Trek in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Canoe trip in Mabamba Swamp
Complete assistance before, during and after the trip
All entrances to national parks and reserves
Assistance in Italian language
English language support

What is not included

International flight to/from Entebbe
Cena del giorno 1 a Entebbe
Extra drinks and personal expenses
Health insurance (mandatory)
Tips (optional but recommended)
Cancellation Insurance

Frequent questions

Absolutely not. The trip is open to everyone, and no photography experience is necessary. You can participate as a simple nature lover and experience a complete and well-organized safari, identical to a’traditional tourist experience but with a more leisurely pace and greater attention to animal observation.

If you want, this tour It can also be an opportunity to get closer to nature photography: You'll have a professional photographer by your side, ready to explain techniques and tips in a simple and natural way. Upon request, you can also rent a complete photography kit directly through Just Explorers, so you can enjoy your first experience with the right equipment.

And if you prefer not to take pictures, no problem: Africa, the light, the animals, and the atmosphere of the parks are emotions that can be experienced intensely even just with the eyes... or with a cell phone.

Signing up will be very simple.

Just follow the booking procedure by clicking on “Book Now”. After entering your personal information, you will only be asked to pay a deposit, not the full cost of the trip. Once completed, you will receive a confirmation email and your registration will be officially registered. The balance will be due according to the terms indicated at the top of the page, generally 60 days before departure.

In the days leading up to the trip you will be placed in a dedicated WhatsApp group, useful for receiving quick communications, staying in touch with the support team and interacting directly with your tour leader. You will also be sent a PDF with all the final instructions, including practical information on what to bring, logistical details, and helpful tips to help you prepare for the experience.

Are you a photographer? Here's what we recommend:

To get the most out of your photographic experience, we recommend using reflex, mirrorless or bridge cameras, equipped with objectives among the 50mm and 400mm. This range of focal lengths allows you to obtain sharp images even from variable distances. During trekking, sightings can be even a few meters away, so a 70–200mm it can be perfect.

During the entire trip you will be accompanied by a professional photographer, which will help you get the most out of your equipment: you will receive personalized advice, technical support and suggestions on composition, light and shooting settings. Even beginners will be able to improve their approach to nature photography.


Are you a nature lover without a camera?

No problem! We still recommend that you bring with you a pair of binoculars, ideal for observing primates and birds. You can also record videos or take suggestive pictures with your smartphone: Ugandan nature will give you unforgettable moments, even without a telephoto lens.

To enter Uganda, a visa is required. Electronic Tourist Visa (e-Visa) to be requested online before departure.

AND Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory, to be proven with an international certificate.

Anti-malarial prophylaxis and vaccinations against hepatitis A and typhoid are also recommended. For further details, consult your travel medicine center.

By booking by paying the deposit to the organizers you accept the following clauses:

1. Since this is a pre-registration, the organizer will endeavor to promptly communicate any possible change in the price of the tour, characterized by cost fluctuations. An annual price fluctuation of around 5% is highly likely if booking is made more than one year in advance. in relation to potential changes in prices of ground services (for example changes influenced by fluctuating costs of electricity, fuel and more).
2.⁠ ⁠The price of the entire workshop will be paid via the payment methods offered by the organizer, such as bank transfer, PayPal, credit card or cash according to the procedures and deadlines established by the organizers, taking charge of the transaction costs.
3.⁠ ⁠⁠In the event that the tour does not take place due to the organiser, the entire amount paid will be refunded.
4.⁠ ⁠In case of cancellation for personal reasons of any kind and in any case not dependent on the organizer, the deposit and any other registration fees will be retained as a reimbursement of expenses.
5. In case of cancellation for personal reasons within 60 days of departure, the entire balance of the tour will be required.

By registering, paying the deposit and sending your personal data you again accept clauses 1,2,3,4,5.

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Uganda – Primates & Shoebills

4290€
3590€

4 Spots Left