Other ideas for Uganda & Rwanda

Semliki Valley Reserve

The 500 square kilometre Semliki Valley Reserve is set in the basin of the Western Rift Valley. Its diverse range of habitats of riverine forest, woodland and savannah, results in Chimpanzees co-existing with Elephants, Lions, Cape Buffalo and Leopard. In fact, Semliki which is quite unique, is the oldest protected area in Uganda - the savannah is criss-crossed by shining river valleys, and the escarpment, the edge of the Western Rift Valley, plunges into Lake Albert. The area is rich in birdlife too with some 400 recorded species and includes such specialities as Shoebills, Carmine Bee-eaters, Scops, and Pearl-spotted Owls.

Semliki Safari Lodge

The only accommodation in the park is the luxurious Semliki Safari Lodge. This small private tented lodge is nestled on the crest of the Wasa River valley. Staying at the lodge you will have the opportunity to enjoy both day, and night game drives, go Chimpanzee tracking at dawn and dusk, and explore Lake Albert by boat. Each en-suite tent has a private veranda with a stunning panoramic view.

Chimanzee Care-Giver for the day?

Why not visit Ngamba Island Sanctuary on Lake Victoria, near Entebbe, home to chimps confiscated from illegal owners and poachers. A half day visit to the island can accommodate 20 at a time. In addition to the half day visit, the forest walk with juvenile chimps is a unique opportunity to share the world of the chimpanzee; it will only be offered while the juvenile group is manageable. There are 4 permits per day, only in the morning, for the forest walk. The Ngamba Island Caregiver day program is a unique program where visitors get the opportunity to experience a day in the life of a Chimpanzee Caregiver by becoming Caregivers themselves and by preparing their food and feeding them, under close supervision This is a new program aimed at helping visitors understand and appreciate what it takes to look after our orphaned cousins on Ngamba Island as well as raising funds for their wellbeing. The proceeds from this program go directly back to the chimps. Vaccinations and health checks are mandatory for forest walks and the caregiver program. Please contact us for further details.

Tailor-make your trip

For general information about what to do now! Click here for our regional guide to a tailor-made holiday to Uganda & Rwanda