Safari Highlights :
· Rhino tracking at Ziwa
· Boat safari to the Murchison Falls
· Chimp tracking in Kibale Forest
· Exploration of the crater lakes
· Game viewing in Queen Elizabeth NP
· Gorilla tracking in Bwindi Forest
· Explore the “Gorilla Highlands”
· Free gift package upon arrival
· Optional: Adventure at the Source of
· the Nile or relaxation at the shores of Lake Victoria
Day 1 ARRIVAL
Arrival at Entebbe Airport where you will be welcomed and transferred to your accommodation in Entebbe. Overnight at Airport Guesthouse (B&B).
** Airport pick up by your guesthouse. **
Close to the airport but away from the hassle of town, Airport Guesthouse is very conveniently located. The cozy guesthouse consists of 12 en-suite rooms, set in a lovely garden. The comfortable rooms are completed with private bathrooms, ceiling fan, mosquito netting and large patio chairs. In addition the guesthouse provides a 24 hr free shuttle service from and to the airport.
Day 2 ENTEBBE – MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK (7 hrs)
Today we will depart for the most beautiful protected area in Uganda: Murchison Falls National Park. En route we will make a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, home to the only wild rhinos in Uganda. The reserve was created to reintroduce rhinos to the country which have been extinct since 1982. Together with a guide you will track the rhinos and observe them in their habitat at a very close and safe distance. After this activity continue to Murchison Falls. Dinner and overnight at Fort Murchison (safari tent). (B-L-D)
Fort Murchison opened its doors in June 2012. The lodge is located just outside the national park in the northern area, at 10 minutes drive from the Tangi gate. It has been built in Arabic Fort/Swahili style and offers fabulous view of the river Nile. The lodge provides 12 rooms located in the main building, with private bathroom and balcony, as well as 12 safari tents (with shared facilities) overlooking the river.
Day 3 MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK
After an early breakfast we start the day with a game drive on the northern bank of the Nile, with chances of seeing giraffes, elephants, lions, hartebeest and different species of birds. In the afternoon the safari will be continued with a boat cruise on the river Nile for game viewing at close quarters. Upon reaching the bottom of the waterfalls we will depart the boat and climb our way up to the Top of the Falls where you will be rewarded with amazing views of the Nile. After this activity we continue to the rainforest for dinner and overnight at Budongo Eco Lodge. (B-L-D)
Budongo Eco Lodge is located in the heart of Budongo Forest Reserve in Murchison Falls National Park. The lodge consists of a visitor’s centre, restaurant, comfortable self-contained cabins and spacious dorm rooms with shared facilities. In addition, the lodge offers many different activities in the direct surroundings, including chimp tracking, chimp habituation, forest walks and bird watching.
Day 4 MURCHISON FALLS – KIBALE NATIONAL PARK (9 hrs)
We depart Murchison Falls and head towards Fort Portal. This long journey will be rewarded with stunning views while you pass small villages and local markets. Fort Portal rests in the shadow of the fabled “Mountains of the Moon” and is famous for the many tea plantations. From this lovely town we will continue to the dense forest of Kibale National Park. Dinner and overnight at the cottages of Primate Lodge Kibale. (B-L-D)
Comfortable cottages which are beautifully located in the middle of Kibale Forest. Each has a spacious bedroom, en suite bathroom and a private veranda overlooking the forest. The main lodge has a dining room, serving local and international meals, with an adjacent bar and open lounge area.
Day 5 CRATER LAKES
Have a calm breakfast before we head off for an exploration of the crater lakes. Enjoy the beauty of the numerous small lakes, surrounded by gentle hills, and the stunning views. Take a hike at Lake Nkuruba to encounter different species of primates and birds, and visit the Mahoma Falls. Meet the local people as you walk through their villages, learn about the customs of the Batoro tribe and enjoy the panoramic views. Dinner and overnight at the cottages of Primate Lodge Kibale. (B-L-D)
Day 6 KIBALE FOREST & BIGODI SWAMP
Today the forest opens its doors for a sensational chimp tracking. Kibale Forest is reputable of having the greatest variety and highest concentration of primates in East Africa. Enjoy a guided nature walk in the tropical rainforest in search of the wild chimpanzee, red-tailed monkey, black-and-white colobus monkey and many others. After a hearty lunch we transfer to the Bigodi Swamp for another, totally different nature walk. The Bigodi Swamp Walk is an initiative of the local community and is known for its rich diversity of birds and primates. Dinner and overnight at the cottages of Primate Lodge Kibale. (B-L-D)
Day 7 KIBALE FOREST – QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK (3 hrs)
Today you can enjoy the majestic Rwenzori Mountains in its full glory! Have a guided walk at the foothills of the mountains and learn about the local culture firsthand. After this hike we calmly transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Dinner and overnight at Simba Safari Camp. (B-L-D)
Affordable safari accommodation just on the border of Queen Elizabeth National Park and only 2 km from the equator. It is located on a hill with spectacular views on Lake George, the Kazinga Channel and the wide savannah plains. The camp features 11 en suite rooms with private veranda, four dormitory rooms and a well-stocked restaurant.
Day 8 QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK
The day begins early when we start with a morning game drive and head to the mating ground of the Uganda Kobs. We search for lions, elephants, buffaloes and other wild animals in their natural habitat before returning for lunch. In the afternoon we take on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural channel between Lake Edward and Lake George. Thanks to the abundant birdlife that is sighted, and the elephants, buffaloes and hundreds of hippos that are cooling off at the shores, this cruise will definitely be one of the highlights of your safari. Dinner and overnight at Simba Safari Camp. (B-L-D)
Day 9 QUEEN ELIZABETH – RUSHAGA (Southern Bwindi NP, 6-7 hrs)
Today we will depart the beautiful area of Queen Elizabeth and drive to the southwest. After a calm and scenic drive we will arrive at the shores of Lake Mutanda in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight at Mutanda Lake Resort. (B-L-D)
Mutanda Lake Resort, previously known as Nkuringo Safari Lodge, is located on a peninsula in Lake Mutanda, in the shadow of the Virunga Mountain Range. The resort offers 13 cottages built on a wooden platform, each with private veranda and en-suite bathroom, all facing the lake.
Day 10 GORILLA TRACKING
The highlight of your safari: a meeting with the gentle giants of Bwindi! Especially hikers will love the tracking in the beautiful ecosystem of the park. Expect to walk a long distance in steep and muddy conditions, sometimes with rain overhead, before you encounter any gorillas. But it will definitely be worthwhile as you observe them closely while they eat, play and rest. A unique and unforgettable experience!
Those who prefer not to participate in the gorilla tracking can explore the surroundings at own arrangement or join a nature/village walk. Dinner and overnight at Mutanda Lake Resort. (B-L-D)
Day 11 THE BATWA TRAIL
Although Bwindi is mainly known for the gorillas it has a lot more to offer. Today you will enjoy the Batwa Trail, a firsthand introduction to one of the most unique cultures worldwide. The Batwa pygmies are a forest people displaced from the rain forest they shared with mountain gorillas. This experience will give you the opportunity to learn more about their age old culture while you enjoy a hike with the Batwa guides, see how they lived and hunted, hear ancient legends and learn about medical plants. The revenue generated from these activities directly benefits the Batwa to strengthen their community. Dinner and overnight at Mutanda Lake Resort. (B-L-D)
Day 12 BWINDI NATIONAL PARK – LAKE BUNYONYI (4 hrs)
After breakfast we depart to Lake Bunyonyi, the second deepest lake in Africa. At 14.00 hr, after lunch, you will be able to join a 5-hour trek that leads you to the peaks of the Kyabahinga peninsula for breathtaking views, a nursery, herbalist and craft maker. Dinner and overnight at Bunyonyi Eco Resort. (B-L-D)
Bunyonyi Eco Resort is located on Kyahugye, a private island in Lake Bunyonyi and just a 5 minutes boat ride from the main land. The resort sits on 35 acres of land with tropical green vegetation and wildlife such as zebra, impalas, waterbucks and hundreds of birds species. The ten bungalows are built in traditional style, each with a spectacular view of the lake and surrounding community. There is a bar and open restaurant offering the same great views of the lake as well.
Day 13 LAKE BUNYONYI – KAMPALA (7-8 hrs)
After a calm breakfast we depart the beautiful lake and head back to the capital city. En route we will pass the Equator where we will make a stop for photos and souvenir shopping. Late in the afternoon arrival in Kampala. Overnight at Orchidea Guesthouse. (B-L)
Orchidea Guesthouse is located in a peaceful suburb of Kampala, at approximately 10-15 minutes from the city centre. The small guesthouse provides well tendered mini cottages, each one with its own compound and sitting room. All rooms are en suite and have a satellite tv, wireless internet and view of the tropical garden. Adjacent is a lounge/bar and restaurant with Italian cuisine.
Day 14 DEPARTURE
Enriched with an experience of a lifetime and unforgettable memories you will say goodbye to the Pearl of Africa. In time you will be transferred to Entebbe Airport for your international flight... (B)
Included in the price:
- Airport transfer to/from Entebbe Airport
- Ground transport per private 4WD safari vehicle
- English speaking driver/guide
- Accommodation in places mentioned in the itinerary, based on a twin/double room
- Meals as described in the itinerary
- Bottled mineral water in the safari vehicle
- Entrance fees and ranger fees for national parks
- Activities and excursions mentioned in the program
- Permit for chimp tracking in Kibale Forest
- The Batwa Trail in Bwindi
- Free welcome gift package including a detailed map of Uganda
- AMREF Flying Doctors Insurance
- VAT for hotels and lodges outside Kampala
Exclusions:
- International flight
- Visa (USD $50, available upon arrival)
- Gorilla permit
- Any optional activities
- Meals and drinks not mentioned above
- Items of personal nature
- Tips
- Christmas supplement
