10 Days Uganda Albertine rift encounter
Kampala, Uganda
$3,518
Overview of the 10 Days Uganda Albertine Rift Encounter
The 10 Days Uganda Safari Encounter in the Albertine rift is a remarkable package that takes you to the Uganda’s tourism hot spot. The safari features active adventures like cycling in Mpanga tea estates, hiking in the Fort Portal Crater Lake Field, Mount Rwenzori hiking, Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest, eco - community tour like the Bigodi wetland walk, coffee tour in Kisoro and the remarkable Prime Safaris African Home Experience offering an authentic touch of the African homestead. The safari also features remarkable wild game viewing in the savannah landscapes of Queen Elizabeth National Park where four of the big five thrive namely lions including tree climbing lions, leopards, buffaloes and elephants. The night game drive in Lake Mburo National Park also offers you sights of savannah dwelling nocturnal species.
Safari Highlight
Day 1: Arrive in Uganda (Entebbe International Airport) and transfer to the lodge
Day 2: Transfer to Fort Portal, do Mpanga Tea Estate Cycling, hike the Fort Portal Crater Lake hike to encounter the famous Kyeganywa hill with the views of Rwenzori Mountains, visit Amabere g’ Nnyinamwiru caves – the legendary heritage of the Bachwezi & then transfer to Kibale National Park.
Day 3: Do Chimpanzee trekking in the primate capital of the world - Kibale National Park along with other 12 species of primates in the morning, afternoon Bigodi wetland walk & transfer to Kasese
Day 4: Whole day hiking on Mount Rwenzori dubbed the legendary Mountains of the moon first summited by the duke of Abbruzi in 1906
Day 5: Do Morning game drive in the rolling savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park for amazing wildlife including lions, elephants, buffaloes, Antelopes, leopard, etc. & an afternoon launch cruise along the Paradise of Hippos – the 45km long Kazinga Channel with sights of Hippos, Nile crocodiles and birds.
Day 6: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & do Ishasha game drive en route (tree climbing lions).
Day 7: Do gorilla trekking (Encounter the world’s critically endangered mountain gorillas where almost a half of the world population 400 out of 880 thrive in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park) & transfer to Lake Bunyonyi for an evening boat ride and relaxation
Day 8: Prime Safaris Africa Home Experience: Whole day authentic encounter in a home of a Mukiga gaining an experiential touch whatever takes place in an ordinary African homestead
Day 9: Do morning coffee tour in Kisoro & transfer to Lake Mburo National Park for a night game drive. Do night game drive in Lake Mburo National Park for amazing nocturnals including; hare, porcupine, Aardvack, white-tailed mongoose, honey badger, side – stripped jackal, bush pig, spotted hyena, serval cat, jenet cat, civet, thick – tailed Galago and black galago.
Day 10: Do morning game walking safari and transfer to Kampala and departure.
Detailed Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Uganda (Entebbe International Airport) and transfer to the lodge
Arrive in Uganda following the flight from your respective country of origin. You land at Entebbe International Airport which is the main gateway to Uganda where you will find the company representative dedicated to offer you a courteous welcome. The amazing weather and brightening atmosphere on the shores of Lake Victoria give you a remarkable first impression of Uganda. After briefing about Uganda and the safari, you will connect to the respective hotel for relaxation, dinner and overnight
Accommodation:
Upmarket / Luxury: Kampala Sheraton Hotel / Speke Resort Hotel Munyonyo
Midrange / Standard: Cassia Lodge / Humura Resort
Budget / Basic: Banda Inn / Nexus Resort Hotel
Camping @Back Packers Hostel
Day 2: Transfer to Fort Portal, do Mpanga Tea Estate Cycling, hike the Fort Portal Crater Lake hike to encounter the famous Kyeganywa hill with the views of Rwenzori Mountains, visit Amabere g’ Nnyinamwiru caves – the legendary heritage of the Bachwezi & then transfer to Kibale National Park.
After breakfast at your hotel in Kampala / Entebbe, you embark on the drive to Fort Portal Area 300km about 5 – 6 hours’ drive. You will drive through impressive scenic landscapes on smooth tarmac viewing the unique geographical features including the Mubende Inselbergs not forgetting the small towns en route including Mpigi, Mityana, Mubende and Kyenjojo. You arrive in Mpanga tea estates in the mid-morning and then embark on a cycling experience. The green tea plantation is spread over a beautiful undulating landscape with endless scenic views which makes it ideal to encounter on your mountain bikes. On your cycling, you encounter the estate staff plucking tea and you are free to participate in the exercise to gain the exact touch. Retreat from the activity and continue to Fort Portal town where you will settle for lunch after which you will connect to Fort Portal Crater Lake Area. Upon arrival, you are welcomed by the local inhabitants of the place with deep understanding and history of the place. You visit the Amabere g’ Nnyinamwiru caves – the breast like features believed to have belonged to Nyinamwiru the daughter of Bukuku who was a self-enthroned King of the Bachwezi. She was denied the opportunity to breastfeed her baby Ndahura as the father had been alerted that the child will take over his throne. The milk continues to flow out of Nyinamwiru’s breasts. Retreat from this encounter and embark on the hike to the Fort Portal Crater Lake field where you traverse the challenging slopes of Kyeganywa hill surrounded by a range of crater lakes and crater hollows presenting one of the beautiful scenic sites in Uganda. The top of Kyeganywa hill offers the views of Rwenzori Mountains on a clear day. Retreat from the activity and transfer to Kibale National Park 26km from Fort Portal town for relaxation, dinner and overnight
Accommodation:
Upmarket / Luxury: Primate Lodge – Luxury Cottages / Ndali Lodge /
Midrange / Standard: Kibale Forest Camp – Safari Tent / Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse – Cottages /
Budget / Basic: Rwenzori View Guesthouse
Camping @Primate Lodge Campsite
Day 3: Do Chimpanzee trekking in the primate capital of the world - Kibale National Park along with other 12 species of primates in the morning, afternoon Bigodi wetland walk & transfer to Kasese
Gather at Kanyanchu Tourism Center in Kibale National Park to catch up with Chimpanzee trekking which begins at 8am. The encounter commences with a briefing from the respective park rangers who will be your guides through the activity detailing the conduct of the exercise. After this, you head to the forest in search of the man’s closest relative. The dense forests of Kibale comprise of lush flora with mature trees marked with huge buttress and climbers, impressive bird species including the African Pitta, Afep Pigeon, Green-breasted Pitta, White-naped Pigeon, Red-chested Owlet, Crowned Eagle, Black Bee-eater, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, Western Nicator, Little Greenbul, Blue-breasted Kingfisher, Brown-chested Alethe, African Grey Parrot, Brown Illadopsis, Scaly-breasted Illadopsis, Black-capped Apalis, Collared Apalis, Blue-headed Sunbird, Dusky Crimsonwing, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Yellow Spotted Nicator, Black-eared Ground Thrush Little Green Bul and Abyssinian Ground-thrush among others. Apart from chimps, Kibale also supports other 12 Primate Species including the threatened red colobus with the highest population thriving in Kibale, the rare I’Hoest’s monkey, black-and-white colobus, grey-cheeked mangabey, red-tailed and blue monkeys, bush baby, olive baboon and potto which may be viewed during the trek. Finally you approach the common chimpanzees which have been fully habituated and thus offering you an opportunity to draw closer to them and take pictures. Viewing them as they munch fruit, swinging in trees, socializing, patrolling, mating and making pant hooting calls may lure you into unforgettable excitement. You have hour availed to you to encounter these precious apes and you are free to take as many photos as you can. Retreat from the activity which tend to last 2 – 5 hours and get back to the starting point where you will rejoin your company safari guide, settle for your packed lunch after which you transfer to Bigodi wetland Sanctuary a famous successful community tourism initiative in the whole of Uganda presenting a magical walk in its communally controlled wetland with possible sights of 138 species of birds including the great blue turaco, the papyrus gonoleks and a range of hornbills. The sights of the swamp dwelling sitatunga antelope that is resident in the swamp may also be explored. The walk offers a touch of the community including the home of the traditional healer and an extension to the local school can also be arranged. The range of arts and crafts at the centre put together by local women offers you an impressive look of the local expertise. Retreat from the encounter and embark on the transfer to Kasese 135km about 2 hours’ drive following the Rwimi road driving along impressive views of Kasenda crater field and you are welcomed by the magical views of the mountains of the moon – the Rwenzoris. Retire for relaxation, dinner and overnight
Accommodation:
Upmarket / Luxury: Equator Snow Lodge
Midrange / Standard: Ihamba Safari Lodge
Budget / Basic: Ruboni Community Camp
Wild Camping
Day 4: Whole day hiking on Mount Rwenzori dubbed the legendary Mountains of the moon first summited by the duke of Abbruzi in 1906
Gather at Nyakalengija park station early in the morning to embark on the whole day hike to the Rwenzori Mountains. The Rwenzori Mountain rises to 5,109m above sea level with snowcapped peaks despite its closeness to the world’s main latitude – the Equator. Encounter the world heritage site which is greatly known for its impressive flora other than fauna. The impressive giant lobelias and groundsels are lovely to encounter. The sights of the peaks can be viewed at a distance, the sights of glaciers flowing down the mountain is beautiful not forgetting the savannah landscapes of Queen Elizabeth National Park, the rift valley lakes of George and Edward and Kasese town below. You have lunch on the mountain and retreat in the evening around 5pm for relaxation, dinner and overnight
Accommodation:
Upmarket / Luxury: Equator Snow Lodge
Midrange / Standard: Ihamba Safari Lodge
Budget / Basic: Ruboni Community Camp
Wild Camping
Day 5: Do Morning game drive in the rolling savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park for amazing wildlife including lions, elephants, buffaloes, Antelopes, leopard, etc. & an afternoon launch cruise along the Paradise of Hippos – the 45km long Kazinga Channel with sights of Hippos, Nile crocodiles and birds.
After breakfast, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park for a morning game drive exploring the park’s rolling savannah landscapes dotted with counts of wild game including the big four of the big five like lions, leopards, buffaloes and elephants, antelope species like water bucks, Kobs, bushbucks among others, jackals among other wild game. The stretch to Kasenyi and the Mweya peninsular offers you the best of these. You settle for lunch at Mweya lodge after which you gather at the Mweya jetty to embark on a thrilling boat cruise on the 45km long Kazinga Channel. The cruise takes 2 hours with possibilities of encountering the aquatic species such as Nile Crocodiles and Hippos not forgetting other wild game that tends to congregate on the channel shores to consume water. Retreat from the activity and do a game drive along the channel track with in the Mweya peninsular to explore more game. Retire for relaxation, dinner and overnight
Accommodation
Upmarket / Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge / Katara Lodge
Midrange / Standard: Enganzi Game Lodge / Marafiki Safari Lodge – Private Tent/ Kasenyi Safari Camp
Budget / Basic: Pumba Safari Cottages
Wild Camping
Day 6: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & do Ishasha game drive en route (tree climbing lions).
After breakfast, embark on the transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park driving through southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park named Ishasha well known for its tree climbing lions. The Ishasha sector presents a remarkable encounter with the unique tree climbing lions which are only existing in two spots in the whole world with Ishasha sector having the best viewing opportunities. You continue on the drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park arriving in the evening for relaxation, dinner and overnight
Accommodation
Upmarket / Luxury: Chameleon Hill Lodge / Buhoma Lodge
Midrange / Standard: Gorilla Mist Camp / Gorilla Valley Lodge
Budget / Basic: Broadbill Forest Camp
Wild Camping
Day 7: Do gorilla trekking (Encounter the world’s critically endangered mountain gorillas where almost a half of the world population 400 out of 880 thrive in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park) & transfer to Lake Bunyonyi for an evening boat ride and relaxation
This is a special day dedicated for the mountain gorillas. The Bwindi Impenetrable National Park supports a minimum of 400 mountain gorillas which on global scale are given as critically endangered. Therefore, undertaking the gorilla trekking experience in the hilly forested landscapes of Bwindi is such a life time endeavor that will create lasting memories. You gather at the respective park headquarters for briefing in the morning at 8am where you are also allocated the respective gorilla families to track. From here, you head to the forest in the company of the armed ranger guides that will lead you up the gorillas. The walk is beyond the ordinary as it involves traversing the dense jungle whose thickness would at some points necessitate using a machete to make a path, hiking the challenging landscapes some of which are steep and slippery at times under the canopy of the mature forest which forms darkness even during the day. You are treated to the impressive bird songs and beautiful flowers through the experience. The encounter tends to take 2 – 8 hours depending on the gorilla movements and one hour is availed to you to have a direct touch with the gorillas. Upon approaching gorillas, their reaction is not predictable as it can include them giving you a courteous welcome, minding less about you and charging against you. However, as a result of habituation, Mountain gorillas are always welcoming with the Silverback beating a little of his chest to demonstrate his might and also welcoming to you to the group. The young gorillas are very playful and are at times not aware of the 7m rule thus can try to draw closer to even touching on your body – save it by taking some steps away to observe the distance. You are not limited in any way to ask as many questions about gorillas and their habitats along with taking pictures so long as you have the opportunity to do so. Retreat from the activity and transfer to the starting point to embark on the transfer to Lake Bunyonyi driving through fascinating Kigezi Highlands which locals apply terracing method to cultivate their slopes deriving impressive scenic landscape. You arrive at Lake Bunyonyi in the afternoon after which you embark on a thrilling boat ride to explore the Lake of a thousand Islands. The views of the Islands, the surrounding Kigezi Highlands, the bird life on the lake and the sights of local people with their canoes as they connect to and from the Islands is very magical and impressive to explore before retire for dinner and overnight
Accommodation
Upmarket / Luxury: Birdnest @Lake Bunyonyi Resort
Midrange / Budget: Lake Bunyonyi Eco – resort
Wild Camping
Day 8: Prime Safaris Africa Home Experience: Whole day authentic encounter in a home of a Mukiga gaining an experiential touch whatever takes place in an ordinary African homestead
Wake up very early and connect to the home of a Mukiga family to catch up with them as they wake up to embark on their daily routine. This is an opportunity to gain an experiential touch of the authentic African homestead mixing up with them according to the respective roles. The man joins the men while the woman joins the women group. Activities include cultivating on the steep slopes of Kigezi Highlands using traditional hoes, fishing on Lake Bunyonyi, brewing of local beer, live stock rearing, traditional food preparation, the art and craft making encounter and the traditional entertainment including music, dance and drama. You enjoy all the meals with the family and settle with them for overnight
Accommodation: Home stay
Day 9: Do morning coffee tour in Kisoro & transfer to Lake Mburo National Park for a night game drive. Do night game drive in Lake Mburo National Park for amazing nocturnals including; hare, porcupine, Aardvack, white-tailed mongoose, honey badger, side – stripped jackal, bush pig, spotted hyena, serval cat, jenet cat, civet, thick – tailed Galago and black galago.
After breakfast, embark on the coffee tour experience in the area of Kisoro in the shadows of Virunga Mountains. The fertile volcanic soils present a rich ground for the growing of coffee which is among the first three foreign exchange earners for Uganda. The coffee tour is a typical experiential tour where the coffee farmers themselves take you through the process of coffee growing right from planting to maintenance, harvesting, processing, the final products and their respective use. You can engage actively in the process to gain an authentic touch of this remarkable cash crop. Chill for a cup of coffee and then embark on the transfer to Lake Mburo National Park 199km about 5 - 6 hours’ drive. You drive through impressive countryside landscapes of south western Uganda before approaching Mbarara town – the largest in the sub region 45km to Lake Mburo NP continuing on the drive to Igongo Cultural Center the largest private Museum in Uganda with a range of artifacts featuring the tribes of southwestern Uganda and the 1520AD Eclipse monument. You settle for lunch and you can visit the museum and the monument as optional activities. Continue on the drive to Lake Mburo National Park checking in at your lodge and relax until dinner time. At 7pm, you embark on the night game drive in the savannah landscapes of Lake Mburo National Park with possibilities of exploring nocturnal Species including hare, porcupine, Aardvack, white-tailed mongoose, honey badger, side – stripped jackal, bush pig, spotted hyena, serval cat, jenet cat, civet, thick – tailed Galago and black galago. You also have chances of viewing the day hunters and grazers having in a night rest. Retire for overnight
Accommodation
Upmarket / Luxury: Mihingo Safari Lodge
Midrange / Standard: Arcadia Cottages Mburo / Rwakobo Rock
Budget / Basic: Eagles Nest
Wild Camping
Day 9: Do morning game walking safari in Lake Mburo NP & Transfer to Kampala; Make a stop at Uganda Equator crossing Kayabwe and departure through Entebbe International Airport in the evening
After your early morning breakfast, you will undertake a nature walk at 7am departing at Rwonyo tourist center to gain chances of exploring various species of primates, birds, antelopes like elands, waterbucks, Impala, Topis, Bush buck, Klipspringer among others, buffaloes, Rothschild giraffe, Burchell’s Zebra , wart hogs among other species not forgetting the beautiful savannah landscape dotted with great acacia. Retreat from the activity and embark on the transfer to Kampala 240km and Entebbe 280km from Lake Mburo National Park. You make a stop at Igongo Cultural Center for traditional lunch and another stop at Uganda Equator crossing Kayabwe for amazing photo shoots where one leg is on the northern hemisphere and the other in the southern hemisphere. The site also has good souvenir shops where you can secure your memorabilia about Uganda before continuing on the drive to catch up with an evening flight at Entebbe International Airport
End of the 10 Days Uganda Albertine Rift Encounter
