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16 days pearls of Uganda and Rwanda safari
Kampala, Uganda
$8,069
Overview of the 16 Days Pearls of Uganda and Rwanda Safari The 16 Days Pearls of Rwanda and Uganda is one of the rewarding safari options that allow you to explore the remarkable safari highlights of Uganda and Rwanda. The safari takes you through Gisozi genocide memorial to pay tribute to the counts of Rwandese that lost their lives during the bloody genocide, Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking, Lake Bunyonyi for relaxation, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for a second gorilla trekking, Queen Elizabeth National Park for amazing wild game viewing including tree climbing lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopard among others, Kibale National Park for an amazing Chimpanzee habituation experience, Murchison Falls National Park for wild game viewing including the Rothschild Giraffes, Jackson Hartebeest, Aquatics like Nile Crocodiles, Hippos and the shoebill stork that tend to dwell on the river bank and the eventual encounter in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to encounter the white Rhinos. The Prime Safaris Africa Home Experience in Uganda and Rwanda are incorporated to facilitate extensive cross cultural interaction with the native tribes of Africa. Safari Highlight of the 16 Days Pearls of Uganda and Rwanda Safari Day 1: Arrive in Kigali Rwanda and transfer to the hotel for relaxation and overnight Day 2: Explore the Gisozi genocide memorial to gain an insight into the bloody genocide that befell Rwanda in 1994 & drive to Volcanoes National Park in the Ruhengeri Day 3: Undertake mountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park sharing 480 mountain gorillas that thrive in the greater Virunga Massif & relax at the lodge Day 4: Prime Safaris Africa Home Experience in Rwanda. Whole day experiential encounter of the family life in Rwanda Day 5: Undertake golden Monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park – another endangered species of Primates & cross to Uganda - Lake Bunyonyi Day 6: Undertake a sunrise boat cruise on Lake Bunyonyi exploring its 29 Islands & then transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable NP Day 7: Do gorilla trekking in the forested landscapes of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & relax at the lodge Day 8: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Do a game drive in Ishasha sector in the south of Queen Elizabeth National Park in search of tree climbing lions Day 9: Undertake game drive / wild game viewing in the morning & launch cruise along the Paradise of Hippos – the 45km long Kazinga Channel Day 10: Drive to Kibale National Park and explore the Rwenzori Art foundation which is the only bronze casting center in Africa and the Ruboni Community wax and craft center en route Day 11: Prime Safaris Africa Home Experience in Uganda: Whole day authentic encounter in a local home near Kibale National Park gaining an experiential touch whatever takes place in an ordinary African homestead Day 12: Undertake the whole day chimpanzee Habituation in Kibale NP dubbed the primate capital of the world with 13 primate species. Day 13: Drive to Murchison Falls National Park. Whole day drive Day 14: Undertake game drive / wild game viewing in the morning, Nile launch cruise in the afternoon & hike to the top of the falls - the world’s powerful waterfall in the world. Day 15: Transfer to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, track white Rhinos and spend an overnight Day 16: Transfer to Kampala and night departure through Entebbe International Airport Detailed Safari Itinerary of the 16 Days Pearls of Uganda and Rwanda Safari Day 1: Arrive in Kigali Rwanda and transfer to the hotel for relaxation and overnight Arrive in Rwanda’s Kigali International Airport after you long day flight in the evening here you will be welcomed by your driver guide who will then transfer you to your respective lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight. Accommodation: Midrange / Standard: Hotel Chez Lando Budget / Basic: Discover Rwanda Youth Hostel Day 2: Explore the Gisozi genocide memorial to gain an insight into the bloody genocide that befell Rwanda in 1994 & drive to Volcanoes National Park in the Ruhengeri After your breakfast at your place of stay in Kigali city embark on the drive to Gisozi genocide memorial to pay a visit to the counts of Rwandese who lost their dear lives during the bloody genocide that befell Rwanda in the year 1994. The number of skulls line in the building and the respective writings gives you a fresh picture of what exactly transpired during that period. After this encounter, you will have lunch in Kigali and then embark on the transfer to Volcanoes National Park 116km about 3 hours’ drive. The drive will take you through the amazing country side landscapes marked with rolling hills and the rural farmlands presenting an ideal round for scenic photographs. You will arrive in Ruhengeri in the evening for relaxation, dinner and overnight. Accommodation Midrange / Standard: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge Budget / Basic: Muhabura Hotel Day 3: Undertake mountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park sharing 480 mountain gorillas that thrive in the greater Virunga Massif & relax at the lodge After a thrilling breakfast from your respective lodge, you will gather at the Volcanoes Park Headquarters in Kinigi at 8am for briefing and the eventual start of the gorilla tracking encounter. The park rangers will give you the situation that surrounds gorilla trekking and the respective dos and don’ts for the very activity while enjoying a thrilling cup of Rwandan coffee and being entertained by the famous Intore dance demonstrating the traditional Rwandan society. Embark on the actual gorilla tracking hiking through the jungle of Volcanoes following the respective assigned gorilla family and in company of those the eight team mates that have been put together with you track a given gorilla group. The duration for the gorilla tracking tends to fall between 2 – 8 hours and the encounter is more that the ordinary. The hike through the jungle passing by amazing flora and fauna, the impressive and magical scenic landscapes of the Virungas would definitely leave you in a state of bewilderment. The eventually one hour direct encounter with mountain gorillas seeing direct in their frightening eyes enjoying the beauty of their fur and the being entertained by the playful young ones settles your thoughts of the worthiness of the gorilla permit price. Return from this encounter and transfer to your lodge for an afternoon relaxation and reciting of the memories. Accommodation Midrange / Standard: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge Budget / Basic: Muhabura Hotel Day 4: Prime Safaris Africa Home Experience in Rwanda. Whole day experiential encounter of the family life in Rwanda Wake up very early and connect with the family members to embark on the whole day routine of their everyday life. If you are a man, you follow your fellow men and if you are a woman, you follow the women. Rwanda features extensive coffee plantations and tea not forgetting the livestock. The women would do cleaning of the houses and the homestead, cultivating, the preparing food, making of crafts among others while men would go in or activities like Milking, Cultivating, live stock rearing, and construction among others. The experience includes enjoying local cuisine, interaction and storytelling and traditional performances before you eventually settle for another overnight. Accommodation: Home stay Day 5: Undertake golden Monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park – another endangered species of Primates & cross to Uganda - Lake Bunyonyi After breakfast, embark in the golden monkey tracking starting at 8am at the Volcanoes park headquarters. The golden monkey trek is one of the thrilling encounters that you can have while on safari in Rwanda and Uganda. The golden monkeys are among the critically endangered primate species that are only thriving in the Virunga massif on global scale. They have impressive skin colors that have got a golden patch on their back thus attractive to look at. After this encounter which tends to last for about 4 hours, you will retreat to the lodge for lunch and then transfer to Lake Bunyonyi passing through magical sights of the Virunga massif and rolling hills of Kigezi known as the Switzerland of Africa. Branch off at Muko from the main Kisoro – Kabale road which is very scenic to drive along Lake Bunyonyi known as the lake of a thousand islands connecting to the lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight. Accommodation: Midrange / Budget: Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort Day 6: Undertake a sunrise boat cruise on Lake Bunyonyi exploring its 29 Islands & then transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable NP After breakfast, embark on the boat cruise on the lake of a thousand islands amidst the rolling hills of Kigezi. The boat will enable you explore the major islands and the history behind them. The boat can take 5 hours before returning to the lodge for lunch. After lunch, you will embark on the drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park via the fascinating views if the farmed Kigezi Highlands arriving in the evening for relaxation, dinner and overnight. Accommodation: Midrange / Standard: Gorilla Mist Camp Budget / Basic: Broadbill Forest Camp Day 7: Do gorilla trekking in the forested landscapes of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & relax at the lodge Gather at the respective park headquarter in the morning after an early heavy breakfast for briefing about the gorilla trekking encounter by the park rangers at 8am. After briefing, you will head to the forest for the thrilling gorilla trekking adventure. The hike across the varied landscapes of Bwindi marked with deep valleys, steep hills and dense vegetation cover is very rewarding. The moment you come across the critically endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is one those must list moments that you can ever encounter in the life time. The gorilla trek lasts between 2 – 8 hours and after the one full hour of direct encounter with them; you will return the starting point and transfer to the lodge for an afternoon relaxation, dinner and overnight Accommodation: Midrange / Standard: Gorilla Mist Camp Budget / Basic: Broadbill Forest Camp Day 8: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Do a game drive in Ishasha sector in the south of Queen Elizabeth National Park in search of tree climbing lions After breakfast transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – the highest visited Game Park in Uganda. The drive involves traversing the rolling hill of Kigezi and eastern forested landscapes of Bwindi as you make your way to the north before approaching the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park – Ishasha where you will undertake simple game drive in search of tree climbing lions that tend to rest on the fig tree branches. The tree climbing lions thrive in only in this part of Uganda and in Lake Manyara National Park but Ishasha offers ideal encounters because of its short trees. You might be lucky to spot some and then continue to your respective lodge for relaxation and overnight. Accommodation Midrange/standard: Enganzi Game lodge Budget/Basic: Pumba Safari Cottages Day 9: Undertake game drive / wild game viewing in the morning & launch cruise along the Paradise of Hippos – the 45km long Kazinga Channel After an early morning cup of coffee, embark on the drive through impressive rolling savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth in search of wild game. The stretch to the Kasenyi plains where the mating ground is found offers you opportunities of encountering a range of wild game including elephants, buffaloes, water bucks and Kobs along with predators like lions, leopards and jackals. The game drive takes 3 – 4 hours and you get back to the lodge after the activity for relaxation and lunch after which you connect to Mweya jetty for an afternoon boat cruise. The Kazinga Channel boat commences at 2pm and 4 pm for the Marasa boats and 3pm and 5pm for the UWA boats. The cruise offers you opportunities of spotting Hippos and Nile Crocodiles and other counts of wild game that come to quench their thirst on the channel side. Return for the activity and the drive along the channel track as you head back to the lodge. Accommodation Midrange/standard: Enganzi Game lodge Budget/Basic: Pumba Safari Cottages Day 10: Drive to Kibale National Park and explore the Rwenzori Art foundation which is the only bronze casting center in Africa and the Ruboni Community wax and craft center en route After a relaxed breakfast, embark on the transfer to Kibale National Park 157km about 3 - 4 hours’ drive excluding stops en route. The drive will take you through amazing sceneries of Rwenzori Mountains that were named them mountains of the moon by the ancient Greek geographer Ptolemy in 150AD towering to 5,109m above sea level with snowcapped peaks. You will make a stop at Rwenzori Art Foundation which is the only bronze casting Center in the whole of Africa with impressive sculpture that are lined with in the building and a range of art works on the compound. You will marvel at the process of casting and you have an opportunity to participate. From the art foundation, you continue to Ruboni Community Camp which presents the traditional way of basketry and the wax processing technique. Various wax products are on display made by the local people. You can also participate in the art and craft making. Retreat from these activities and continue to Kibale National Park arriving in the afternoon for relaxation, dinner and overnight. Accommodation Midrange / Standard: Kibale Forest Camp – Safari Tent Budget / Basic: Rwenzori View Guesthouse Day 11: Prime Safaris Africa Home Experience in Uganda: Whole day authentic encounter in a local home near Kibale National Park gaining an experiential touch whatever takes place in an ordinary African homestead You wake up very early and connect to one of the native homes to spend the whole day with them, learning their methods of work, immersing in their way of life including traditions and practices. Due to differing roles in the African tradition, the women can team up with fellow women while men can team up with men. The activities include; cultivation, looking after livestock, art and crafts making, traditional food preparation and the music, dance and drama. Retire for overnight Accommodation: Home Stay Day 12: Undertake the whole day chimpanzee Habituation in Kibale NP dubbed the primate capital of the world with 13 primate species. Wake up early enough to gather at Kanyanchu Tourism Center at 6am for briefing and eventual heading to the forest to embark on the whole day Chimpanzee habituation encounter. The Chimpanzee Habituation unlike Chimpanzee trekking which lasts one hour with chimps, the former offers a whole day encounter with Chimpanzees. You are able to see them as they leave their nests in the morning as they set out to feed, hunt, socialize, patrol, mate, make ant hooting calls, copulate among others until they retire in the evening and build new nests for overnight about 7pm. This is a whole day experience that does not only expose you to Chimps but also other forest offerings like birds, other primate species like Black and white colobus monkeys and impressive flora. Retire from the evening for relaxation, dinner and overnight. Accommodation Midrange / Standard: Kibale Forest Camp – Safari Tent Budget / Basic: Rwenzori View Guesthouse Day 13: Drive to Murchison Falls National Park. Whole day drive After breakfast at the lodge, embark on the whole day drive to Murchison Falls National Park 441km about 9 hours’ drive passing through impressive countryside landscapes with the unique features of the Albertne rift. The scenic views en route will make your long journey memorable. Arrive in Murchison Area in evening to check in at your lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight. Accommodation Midrange / Standard: Murchison River Lodge – Thatched Safari Tent Budget / Basic: Heritage Safari Lodge Day 14: Undertake game drive / wild game viewing in the morning, Nile launch cruise in the afternoon & hike to the top of the falls - the world’s powerful waterfall in the world. After an early morning cup of coffee, embark on the drive to the park to explore its wilderness. The game drive carried out in the northern bank of the park presents remarkable encounters with one of the finest wild life species in Uganda and Africa at large giving a typical representation of African savannah. The counts of Rothschild Giraffe, lions, elephants, buffaloes, Jackson’s Hartebeest, Uganda Kobs, Oribis, Leopard, among others can be encountered in this 3 – 4 hour activity. Explore the designated tracks stretching to the delta area where the wildlife tends to congregate. Retreat from the activity and return to the loge for relaxation and lunch after which you will gather at the Paraa jetty for an afternoon boat trip to the bottom of the falls. The boat trip starting at 2pm see you depart from the Paraa Jetty cruising along the Nile up to the bottom of the falls. The sights of the Nile crocodiles and Hippos may not be missed. The Shoebill stork tends to dwell on the River and can be luckily seen. The other wild game drinking along the river including elephants and a range of antelopes combine to make the boat worth undertaking. Retreat from this 3 hour cruise and get back to the lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight. Accommodation Midrange / Standard: Murchison River Lodge – Thatched Safari Tent Budget / Basic: Heritage Safari Lodge Day 15: Transfer to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, track white Rhinos and spend an overnight After breakfast, embark on the transfer to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary 129km about 2 hours’ drive excluding stops en route. You will branch off from the main road at Nakitoma for 7km to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to track the white Rhino which only exist in this protected area in the whole of Uganda. The Rhinos which go extinct in 1983 saw their re-introduction in 2005 for re-breeding and later release back to the wilderness. Trekking the Rhinos which are among the big five land animals in the savannah thicket of Ziwa is very rewarding to encounter. Retreat from the activity and retire to the lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight. Accommodation: Amuka Lodge Day 16: Transfer to Kampala and night departure through Entebbe International Airport After a relaxed breakfast, embark on the 176km transfer to Kampala driving along the flat stretches of Nakasongora with its impressive savannah landscapes and sights of Ankole long horned cattle. You will arrive in Kampala do a simple city drive as you head for other 40km to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight back home. End of the 16 Days Pearls of Uganda and Rwanda
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14 days Uganda Rwanda gorilla and wildlife safari
Kampala, Uganda
$7,775
Overview of the 14 Days Uganda Rwanda Gorilla and Wildlife Safari The 14 Days Uganda Rwanda Gorilla and Wildlife Safari is a detailed gorilla and wildlife encounter in Uganda and Rwanda. The safari incorporates culture and history. Taking you through Murchison Falls, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi and Volcanoes National Parks, the 14 Days Safari brings you closer to primates than ever before with the possibility of encountering the two (2) big apes including gorillas and chimpanzee. It also features the big five of Land animals namely; Rhinos, Elephants, Buffaloes, Lions and Leopards. The safari incorporates the Batwa Culture, a night in Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park for tree climbing lions, Coffee tour, the recreational encounter on Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Kivu and the historical tours at Gisozi genocide museum in Kigali. The Prime Safaris African home experience in both Uganda and Rwanda offers an authentic touch of the diverse African societies presenting a detailed cultural immersion. Safari Highlight of the 14 Days Uganda Rwanda Gorilla and Wildlife Safari Day 1: Arrive in Uganda – Entebbe International Airport & transfer to the hotel Day 2: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park. Visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary en route to encounter the 15 southern white Rhinos Day 3: Do morning game drive and afternoon Nile launch cruise and hike to the top of the falls Day 4: Transfer to Kibale National Park. Whole day drive Day 5: Do chimpanzee trekking in the morning, afternoon Bigodi wetland walk and transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park Day 6: Do morning game drive in Kasenyi Plains, afternoon Kazinga Channel launch cruise & evening game drive along the channel track as you connect to the lodge Day 7: Transfer to Ishasha sector and do whole day game drive in search of tree climbing lions. Overnight in Ishasha Day 8: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Do coffee tour en route Day 9: Do gorilla trekking in the forested hilly landscapes of Bwindi dubbed the Impenetrable and transfer to Lake Bunyonyi for relaxation Day 10: Prime Safaris Africa Home Experience in Uganda: Whole day authentic encounter in a home of a Mukiga gaining an experiential touch whatever takes place in an ordinary African homestead Day 11: Do sun rise boat cruise on Lake Bunyonyi dubbed the lake of a thousand Islands because of its 29 Islands and transfer to Volcanoes National Park – Rwanda Day 12: Prime Safaris Africa Home Experience in Rwanda. Whole day experiential encounter of the family life in Rwanda Day 13: Do gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and transfer to Gisenyi – Lake Kivu Day 14: Transfer to Kigali, visit the Gisozi genocide memorial & depart Detailed Safari Itinerary of the 14 Days Uganda Rwanda Gorilla and Wildlife Safari Day 1: Arrive in Uganda – Entebbe International Airport & transfer to the hotel 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: Midrange / Standard: Cassia Lodge Budget / Basic: Banda Inns Day 2: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park. Visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary en route to encounter the 15 southern white Rhinos After breakfast, you embark on the drive to Murchison Falls National Park covering 311km in around 5 hours’ drive. You branch off at Nakitoma after 115km drive from Kampala diverting from the main road for 7km to Ziwa Rhino Headquarters where you are welcomed and taken to the wild on foot to track the white Rhinos. Here, you have the opportunity to encounter the white Rhinos only here in the whole of Uganda that were reintroduced in the year 2005 following their extinction in the year 1983. Trekking the fifteen (15) southern white Rhinos thriving in their natural savannah thicket of Ziwa Sanctuary while walking past beautiful flora, amazing landscapes and birds present a rewarding encounter that is worth undertaking. It marks the beginning of your moments with the big 5 of land animals. Retreat from the activity and continue on the drive to Murchison Falls National Park arriving in the evening for relaxation, dinner and overnight. Accommodation: Midrange / Standard: Murchison River Lodge – Thatched Safari Tent Budget / Basic: Heritage Safari Lodge Day 3: Do morning game drive and afternoon Nile launch cruise and hike to the top of the falls After an early morning cup of tea at the lodge, head to the park for a morning game drive which tend to last 3 – 4 hours exploring the park’s wilderness in detail. The activity is conducted in the northern section of the park which is a common dwelling ground for counts of wildlife including lions, Rothschild giraffes, leopards, elephants, Buffaloes, Jackson Hartebeest, Oribis, Kobs among others. Retreat from the activity back to the lodge for relaxation and lunch after which you gather at Paraa Jetty for an afternoon Nile launch cruise departing at 2pm to the bottom of the falls. The boat offers you opportunities of encountering Nile Crocodiles, Hippos and the vulnerable shoebill stork not forgetting other wild game drinking water on the river banks. The stretch to the bottom of the falls and the eventual hike to the top of the falls exposes to the thunderous roar of the Nile River which is the longest in the world as it squeezes its self to pass through a less than 8m ravine forming a plume of spray marked by a trade mark rain bow as it falls 43m below to what has been termed as the Devil’s Cauldron. Retire from the 3 hour activity for relaxation, dinner and overnight. Accommodation: Midrange / Standard: Murchison River Lodge – Safari Tent Budget / Basic: Heritage Safari Lodge Day 4: Transfer to Kibale National Park. Whole day drive After your breakfast, embark on the transfer from Murchison Falls National Park via the Albertine Escarpment of the great Western Rift Valley heading southwest to Fort Portal Area 441km about 9 hours’ drive. You drive through impressive countryside landscapes with rural settlements and village towns en route. A lunch stop is made in Hoima which is undergoing rapid growth due to oil discovery in the Albertine graben. You proceed to arrive in Fort Portal the capital of the Tooro kingdom, a warm and beautiful town situated in the shadow of the fabled “Mountains of the Moon,” (the Rwenzori) for relaxation, dinner and overnight Accommodation: Midrange / Standard: Kibale Forest Camp – Safari Tent Budget / Basic: Rwenzori View Guesthouse Day 5: Do chimpanzee trekking in the morning, afternoon Bigodi wetland walk and transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park 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 for an afternoon eco-walk. The Bigodi wetland is an eco-community initiative offering impressive nature walk in the community controlled wetland which features over 138 species of birds including the famous Great Blue Turaco and a range of hornbills. The swamp also shelters the swamp dwelling sitatunga antelope and other primate species like monkeys with chimpanzees making occasional visit. Retreat from the activity and embark on the drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park 157km about 2 – 3 hours drive arriving in the evening for relaxation, dinner and overnight Accommodation: Midrange / Standard: Enganzi Game Lodge Budget / Basic: Pumba Safari Cottages Day 6: Do morning game drive in Kasenyi Plains, afternoon Kazinga Channel launch cruise & evening game drive along the channel track as you connect to the lodge After an early morning cup of coffee, embark on the game drive in the rolling savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park extending to the Kasenyi tracks exploring the park’s unique landscape dotted with counts of wildlife including lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, water bucks, jackals among others. The activity lasts 3 – 4 hours after which you return to the lodge for relaxation and lunch after which you transfer to Mweya jetty for an afternoon boat cruise along the Paradise of Hippos. The Kazinga Channel which stretches to 45km in length at one time had great concentrations of Hippopotamus in the region which prompted the management to carry out the great Hippo culling of 1960s. You enjoy the view of the Nile crocodiles not forgetting other wild game drinking on the channel shores, Retreat from the 2 hour activity and do a game drive along the channel track as you connect to the lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight Accommodation: Midrange / Standard: Enganzi Game Lodge Budget / Basic: Pumba Safari Cottages Day 7: Transfer to Ishasha sector and do whole day game drive in search of tree climbing lions. Overnight in Ishasha After breakfast, embark on the drive to Ishasha sector in the south of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The sector is a dwelling area for the tree climbing lions and other range of game. Encountering this unique wild game hanging on fig tree branches is a rewarding encounter that you can ever undertake. The stretch to Democratic Republic of Congo boarder is also interesting. The Ishasha sector also has elephants, buffaloes, Kobs, water bucks among other wild game that will occupy you the whole day. Retire for relaxation, dinner and overnight. Accommodation Midrange / Standard: Ishasha Jungle Lodge Budget / Basic: Savannah Resort Hotel Day 8: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Do coffee tour en route After breakfast, embark on the transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Ruhija Gorilla trekking region in particular. En route, you will take time to encounter the local coffee plantations owned by the local people themselves. They will take you through the process of growing coffee, its maintenance and outcomes. This also gives you an opportunity to interact with the locals directly exploring some bit of their traditions. Continue on the drive to arrive in Ruhija in the afternoon for relaxation and preparation for the next day’s gorilla trekking. Accommodation Midrange / Standard: Gorilla Mist Camp Budget / Basic: Broadbill Forest Camp Day 9: Do gorilla trekking in the forested hilly landscapes of Bwindi dubbed the Impenetrable and transfer to Lake Bunyonyi for relaxation This is a great day that will mark your re-union with your long lost cousins – the mountain gorillas. 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. After your one hour with the gorillas, return to the starting point 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 for an evening boat ride enjoying the amazing scenic sights of Lake Bunyonyi with 29 Islands before retiring for relaxation, dinner and overnight Accommodation Midrange / Budget: Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort Day 10: Prime Safaris Africa Home Experience in Uganda: 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 11: Do sun rise boat cruise on Lake Bunyonyi dubbed the lake of a thousand Islands because of its 29 Islands and transfer to Volcanoes National Park – Rwanda Undertake an amazing boat ride exploring the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi with its magical 29 Islands that have earned it a dub as the lake of a thousand Islands. The sun rise boat cruise presents a soothing experience amidst fresh air on the Lake. The boat encounter last about 2 - 3 hours after which you embark on the drive to Volcanoes National Park passing through the fascinating Kigezi Highlands and the scenic Kabale – Kisoro road. The journey is 120km about 3 hours drive. Cross via Chanika border and settle at the lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight Accommodation Midrange / Standard: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge Budget / Basic: Muhabura Hotel Day 12: Prime Safaris Africa Home Experience in Rwanda. Whole day experiential encounter of the family life in Rwanda Wake up very early and connect with the family members to embark on the whole day routine of their everyday life. If you are a man, you follow your fellow men and if you are a woman, you follow the women. Rwanda features extensive coffee plantations and tea not forgetting the livestock. The women would do cleaning of the houses and the homestead, cultivating, the preparing food, making of crafts among others while men would go in or activities like Milking, Cultivating, live stock rearing, and construction among others. The experience includes enjoying local cuisine, interaction and storytelling and traditional performances before you eventually settle for another overnight. Accommodation: Home stay Day 13: Do gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and transfer to Gisenyi – Lake Kivu Gather at Volcanoes National Park headquarters Kinigi after breakfast at your place of stay to catch up with briefing at 8am local time. If you arrive early before, you have an opportunity to attend to the impressive Kinyarwanda dance performance and drinking a hot cup of Rwandan coffee till the briefing time. You attend to briefing our respective gorilla groups allocated to you on spot and then embark on the drive to trail heads of each gorilla family. You head to the slopes of the volcanoes in search of these critically endangered apes. You have one hour with them gain at them as they forage, socialize and the silverback demonstrating its manhood. The encounter tends to last 2 – 8 hours depending on the gorilla movements and the gorilla family allocated to you. Retreat from the activity and transfer to Gisenyi - Lake Kivu 110km about 2 hours’ drive. Arrive on the romantic beaches of Lake Kivu which is the largest lake in Rwanda. You have options of undertaking a sun set boat cruise, swimming or other water sports like wind surfing. Alternatively, you can do sun bathing on the shores. Retire from dinner, relaxation and overnight. Accommodation: Midrange / Budget: Paladise Malahide Day 14: Transfer to Kigali, visit the Gisozi genocide memorial & depart Following your breakfast at the lodge, embark on the transfer to Kigali city. Upon arrival, you will tour the Gisozi genocide memorial to pay tribute to the counts of Rwandese that lost their lives during the bloody genocide that befell the country in the year 1994. The Gisozi site is a collection of the remains of some of the victims. There is a detailed themed interpretation of the entire genocide occurrence. Retreat from the activity and connect to Kigali International Airport for flight departure End of the 14 Days Uganda Rwanda Gorilla & Wildlife Safari
4
4
8 days Uganda Rwanda gorilla safari
Kampala, Uganda
$5,294
Overview of the 8 Days Uganda Rwanda Gorilla Safari The 8 Days Uganda Rwanda Gorilla Safari takes you through the impressive countryside landscapes of Uganda and Rwanda providing a perfect escape from the daily bustling life that most people are always accustomed to. The safari incorporates double gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda in the respective parks of Volcanoes and Bwindi, golden Monkey tracking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, recreational boat cruise on Lake Bunyonyi and rewarding wild game viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park including the tree climbing lions, elephants, Buffaloes among others not forgetting the aquatics of the Kazinga Channel namely the Hippos and the Nile Crocodiles. Safari Highlight of the 8 Days Uganda Rwanda Gorilla Safari Day 1: Arrive in Rwanda – Kigali International Airport & drive to Volcanoes National Park Day 2: Undertake gorilla trekking & drive to Uganda (Mgahinga Gorilla National Park) Day 3: Undertake golden Monkey tracking & drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Day 4: Undertake gorilla trekking & Batwa Community tour in the evening Day 5: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Do an afternoon boat cruise along Kazinga Channel and evening game drive along channel track Day 6: Do morning game drive in upper Queen Elizabeth NP & transfer to Ishasha sector for another game drive in search of tree climbing lions Day 7: Transfer to Kigali. Do Coffee tour en route Day 8: Departure. Visit the Gisozi genocide memorial if the flight is in the afternoon Detailed Safari Itinerary of the 8 Days Uganda Rwanda Gorilla Safari Day 1: Arrive in Rwanda – Kigali International Airport & drive to Volcanoes National Park You land at Kigali International Airport following your flight from the country of origin where you will be welcomed courteously by the guide giving you briefing about Rwanda and the safari in particular. You embark on the transfer to Volcanoes National Park 116km about 2 - 3 hours’ driving through impressive hills of Rwanda that have earned her the naming as the land of a thousand hills making stops at ideal spots for sightseeing and photography. You continue to arrive in Volcanoes National Park for relaxation, dinner and overnight Accommodation Upmarket / Luxury: Mount Gorilla View Lodge / Virunga Lodge Midrange / Standard: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge / Hotel La Palme Budget / Basic: Muhabura Hotel Camping Day 2: Undertake gorilla trekking & drive to Uganda (Mgahinga Gorilla National Park) Gather at Volcanoes National Park headquarters Kinigi after breakfast at your place of stay to catch up with briefing at 8am local time. If you arrive early before, you have an opportunity to attend to the impressive Kinyarwanda dance performance and drinking a hot cup of Rwandan coffee till the briefing time. You attend to briefing our respective gorilla groups allocated to you on spot and then embark on the drive to trail heads of each gorilla family. You head to the slopes of the volcanoes in search of these critically endangered apes. You have one hour with them gain at them as they forage, socialize and the silverback demonstrating its manhood. The encounter tends to last 2 – 8 hours depending on the gorilla movements and the gorilla family allocated to you. Retreat from the activity and cross to Uganda for relaxation, dinner and overnight. Accommodation Upmarket / Luxury: Mount Gahinga Lodge Midrange/Budget: Travellers Rest Kisoro Wild Camping Day 3: Undertake golden Monkey tracking & drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Gather at the Park headquarter Mgahinga for briefing at 8am after which you head to the forest in search of the golden monkeys. The golden Monkeys are considered as critically endangered world over and are known to be thriving in the Virunga massif. The hike through the forested landscapes of the Volcanoes gives you an opportunity to explore the impressive flora and fauna not forgetting counts of birds and amazing sceneries of the Volcanoes. The golden monkeys tend to dwell in the Bamboo zone and the encounter tends to last 4 hours. You retreat from the activity and embark on the drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park 201km to Buhoma, 100km to Ruhija and 53km to Rushaga and Nkuringo. Arrive 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 4: Undertake gorilla trekking & Batwa Community tour in the evening After breakfast, gather at the respective park headquarters for a rewarding gorilla trekking encounter in the hilly forested landscapes of Bwindi dubbed the impenetrable. You attend to the briefing at 8am after which you head to the mist following your respective gorilla family trails in the company of the ranger guide and a group of 8 gorilla trekkers walking through their challenging hilly landscapes marked with dense undergrowth and mature trees. You eventually come across the critically endangered mountain gorillas thriving in their natural habitat. The one hour is available for you to maximize the experience where you can photo as well. The trekking encounter tend to last 2 – 8 hours after which you retreat from the activity and retreat to the lodge for relaxation. In the evening, you explore the Batwa people which are known to be among the last groups of short people in the world. The Batwa are shorter than an average person and have got impressive traditions that are worth exploring. You attend to their cultural performances and retreat from the activity 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 5: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Do an afternoon boat cruise along Kazinga Channel and evening game drive along channel track Embark on the drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park in the north of Bwindi 160km from Buhoma, 218km from Ruhija, 309km from Rushaga and 316km from Nkuringo. You will drive through impressive rural landscapes of Kihihi and Kanungu before arriving in the Mweya Peninsular where you gather at the Mweya jetty for an afternoon boat cruise starting at 2pm for Marasa and 3pm for UWA with the interval of 2hours to make a round trip for another turn. The encounter offers you opportunity of encountering the Nile crocodiles, the Hippos and water birds along the channel. The wild game also tends to come to the channel shores to quench their thirst. Retreat from that and do a game drive along the channel track as you connect to the lodge for overnight. Accommodation Upmarket / Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge / Katara Lodge Midrange / Standard: Enganzi Game Lodge / Kasenyi Safari Camp / Marafiki Safari Lodge Budget / Basic: Pumba Safari Cottages Wild Camping Day 6: Do morning game drive in upper Queen Elizabeth NP & transfer to Ishasha sector for another game drive in search of tree climbing lions Drive to the rolling plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park with its extensive savannah grassland for amazing game viewing experience after breakfast. The drive through the Kasenyi tracks enables you to explore a range of game including the elephants, lions, buffaloes, leopards, water bucks, side stripped jackals among other species. The activity tends to last 3 – hours after which you will embark on the transfer to the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park named Ishasha. You undertake a game drive in Ishasha sector in search of tree climbing lions that tend to lie on fig tree branches overlooking their prey in the plains. Retire for relaxation, dinner and overnight. Accommodation Upmarket / Luxury: Ishasha Wilderness Camp Midrange / Standard: Ishasha Jungle Lodge Budget / Basic: Savannah Resort Hotel Wild Camping Day 7: Transfer to Kigali. Do Coffee tour en route After breakfast embark on the transfer back to Kigali. You will drive through impressive Kigezi highlands dubbed the Switzerland of Africa and the impressive hill sides of Rwanda dubbed the land of a thousand Islands. You undertake coffee plantation tour en route in Kanungu district exploring the coffee growing practices right from planting to maintenance, harvesting, processing and eventual use. You participate in the process like harvesting and gain an authentic touch of the local coffee growing and enjoy the themed interpretation from the local farmers explaining the significance of coffee and its cultural attachment especially its use in extending friendship among individuals. You arrive in Kigali in the evening for relaxation, dinner and overnight Accommodation Upmarket / Luxury: Hotel des Milles Collines Midrange / Standard: Hotel Chez Lando Budget / Basic: Discover Rwanda Youth Hostel Day 8: Departure. Visit the Gisozi genocide memorial if the flight is in the afternoon This day is dedicated for your departure but if the flight is in the evening, embark on the tour to the Kigali genocide memorial exploring the historic living museum of the horrific genocide that befell Rwanda in the year 1994. It is the greatly visited genocide memorial in Rwanda and it features a detailed themed interpretation of the entire occurrence. Retreat to connect to Kigali International Airport for flight departure. End of the 8 Days Uganda Rwanda Gorilla Safari
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5
18 days comprehensive safari in Uganda
Kampala, Uganda
$8,149
Overview The 18 Days comprehensive Safari in Uganda as the name suggests features an extended encounter allowing you to explore a range of Uganda safari sites in detail. The 18 Days Safari commences and ends in Entebbe incorporating adventure, culture, wildlife, primates like gorillas and chimpanzees, recreation and the famous Prime Safaris Africa Home Experience. The destinations featured include; Jinja which is the source of the world’s longest River and a haven for white water rafting, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for Rhino tracking, Murchison Falls National Park for sightseeing Murchison Falls, wild game viewing including; Rothschild giraffes, elephants, Buffaloes, Jackson’s Hartebeest, the Nile Launch Cruise or sights of Nile crocodiles, Hippos and Shoebill stork, Kibale National Park for chimpanzee trekking, Mpanga tea estates for cycling, Rwenzori Mountains and Virunga Volcanoes for adventure mountain climbing, Semliki National Park for the Sempaya hot spring tour, Queen Elizabeth National Park for tree climbing lions and the Kazinga Channel, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for tracking the critically endangered mountain gorillas, the Lake Bunyonyi for recreational encounter, Lake Mburo National Park for magical savannah game including the Impala antelope, eland, Rothschild giraffe, Topis, Burchell’s Zebra among others and the cultural tours to the Banyankole community, Batwa of Ntandi and Bakonzo of Rwenzori. The Prime Safaris Africa Home Experience presents an authentic experiential touch of the local African homestead. Safari Highlight Day 1: Arrive in Uganda (Entebbe International Airport) & transfer to the lodge Day 2: Drive to Jinja – the source of the mystical Nile River which is the world’s longest and the center of white water rafting adventure in Uganda Day 3: Drive to Murchison falls National Park. Make a stop en route at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary which is the only home of white Rhinos in Uganda for white Rhino tracking Day 4: Undertake a game drive in the savannah landscapes of Murchison Falls National Park & an afternoon launch cruise along the Nile River Day 5: Visit the top of the Murchison Falls – the world’s powerful water fall and drive to Hoima. Make a stop at Kibiro Salt Gardens en route Day 6: Drive to Fort Portal Area, settle for lunch in Fort Portal town and do either cycling in Mpanga tea estates or visit the Amabere g’Nnyinamwiru caves, hike the Fort Portal Crater lake and then transfer to Kibale National Park Day 7: Do morning chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park and do an afternoon eco-tour walk in the adjacent Bigodi wetland Day 8: Drive to Semliki National Park. Visit the Sempaya hot springs, Batwa of Ntandi & drive to Kasese. Upon arrival, tour the Africa’s only bronze casting center – the Rwenzori Art Foundation and Ruboni Community craft village Day 9: Undertake a whole day adventure hiking to Rwenzori Mountains commonly known as the mountains of the moon the 3rd tallest in Africa rising to 5,109m above sea level with snowcapped peaks Day 10: Do game drive in the morning in Queen Elizabeth National Park with sights of elephants, lions, buffaloes, leopard, Antelopes etc. settle for lunch at Mweya and undertake the Kazinga Channel launch cruise in the afternoon with sights of Hippos and Nile Crocodiles Day 11: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Undertake a game drive in Ishasha sector in the south of Queen Elizabeth National Park in search of tree climbing lions and other wild game Day 12: Undertake the mountain gorilla trekking in the hilly forested landscapes of Bwindi Impenetrable with a minimum of 400 out of the 880 mountain gorillas that are known to thrive in the wild & then drive to Mgahinga National Park Day 13: Undertake an adventure climb to any of the three Volcanoes of Gahinga, (3,474m), Muhabura (4,127m) and Sabyinyo (3,669m) or undertake the golden monkey tracking Day 14: Undertake the Batwa Heritage Exploration and transfer to Lake Bunyonyi driving through the fascinating Kisoro – Kabale Road Day 15: Whole day authentic encounter in a home of a Mukiga gaining an experiential touch whatever takes place in an ordinary African homestead Day 16: Undertake a coffee tour and drive to Lake Mburo National Park, settle for traditional lunch at Igongo Cultural Center and do a night game drive in Lake Mburo National Park. Explore the Nocturnal animals like 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 17: Undertake the cultural tour to the Banyankole community at Enyemebwa center exploring the Ankole long horned cattle, its surrounding heritage and in the afternoon drive back to Kampala. Make a stop at Uganda Equator Crossing Kayabwe en route Day 18: Departure. Detailed Safari Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Uganda (Entebbe International Airport) & 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: Drive to Jinja – the source of the mystical Nile River which is the world’s longest and the center of white water rafting adventure in Uganda After breakfast, transfer to Jinja driving 80km from the Uganda’s capital City Kampala which takes about 2 hours. The drive takes you past the impressive landscapes of the city outskirts before entering into the sugarcane plantations at Lugazi, the forested lands of Mabira and eventually arriving in Jinja for impressive white water rafting. The Nile River moves out the Victoria Lake at the submerged Rippon falls heading to the north of Uganda before continuing to empty into Mediterranean Sea. On its course it meets series of impermeable rocks that form cascades and rapids. Thus, getting onto the rafts to undertake such challenging adventure is worthy undertaking. You raft in the company of expert guides who are at your rescue in case the waters push you off the raft. The crowd cheers from the locals on the river bank enjoying the free sights of your struggle with waters makes you part of the community and loved more. This adventure goes for the half day after which you relax a little and then connect to the source of the Nile in the afternoon. The boat cruise to the source of the Nile is a rewarding adventure as it exposes you to opportunities of exploring counts of birds including beautiful Kingfishers. Stepping the point where John Speke stood as the first European to discover the source of the River Nile takes you back to the ancient times when the mystical Nile River Source lured great men into the world of the unknown. Retreat from Jinja and settle in Kampala for 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 3: Drive to Murchison falls National Park. Make a stop en route at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary which is the only home of white Rhinos in Uganda for white Rhino tracking After breakfast, embark on the drive to Murchison Falls National Park covering 311km around 5 hours’ drive. You branch off at Nakitoma after 115km drive from Kampala diverting from the main road for 7km to Ziwa Rhino Headquarters where you are welcomed and taken to the wild on foot to track the white Rhinos. Here, you have the opportunity to encounter the white Rhinos only here in the whole of Uganda that were reintroduced in the year 2005 following their extinction in the year 1983. Trekking the fifteen (15) southern white Rhinos thriving in their natural savannah thicket of Ziwa Sanctuary while walking past beautiful flora, amazing landscapes and birds present a rewarding encounter that is worth undertaking. It marks the beginning of your moments with the big 5 of land animals. Retreat from the activity and continue on the drive to Murchison Falls National Park arriving in the evening for relaxation, dinner and overnight. Accommodation: Upmarket / Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge / Baker’s Lodge Midrange / Standard: Pakuba Safari Lodge / Murchison River Lodge Budget / Basic: Heritage Safari Lodge / Fort Murchison (Tent) Wild Camping Day 4: Undertake a game drive in the savannah landscapes of Murchison Falls National Park & an after launch cruise along the Nile River Head to the rolling savannah landscapes of Murchison Falls National Park for an impressive morning game drive in the northern part of the park. The activity which commences at 7am takes you to the haven of wild game catching up with them before they disperse off completely to graze and hunt. You follow the designated tracks including the Buligi, Albert, Queen, Pakuba among others stretching to the delta area gaining impressive views of wildlife and the landscapes. The possible sights include Rothschild Giraffes, the Jackson’s Hartebeest, the lions, the leopards, the elephants, the Cape Buffaloes, the Oribis, Kobs among others. You retreat from the activity that lasts 3 – 4 hours and get back to the lodge for relaxation and lunch after which you gather at Paraa jetty for an afternoon boat cruise commencing at 2pm. The Nile launch cruise offers you an opportunity to explore the calm waters of Nile River as they approach the delta gaining views of the aquatic Species like Nile crocodiles and Hippos not forgetting the lucky sights of the most sought after shoebill stork. The boat stops at the bottom of Murchison Falls – the world’s powerful water fall enjoying one of the magical sceneries in Uganda. Retreat from the activity and connect to the lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight. Accommodation: Upmarket / Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge / Baker’s Lodge Midrange / Standard: Pakuba Safari Lodge / Murchison River Lodge Budget / Basic: Heritage Safari Lodge / Fort Murchison (Tent) Wild Camping Day 5: Visit the top of the Murchison Falls – the world’s powerful water fall and drive to Hoima. Make a stop at Kibiro Salt Gardens en route After breakfast, cross with the ferry to the southern section and drive to the top of the falls to explore the famous Murchison Falls. You encounter the world’s longest Nile River as squeezes itself to pass through an 8m ravine forming a plume of spray marked by a thunderous roar and a trade mark rainbow as it falls 43m below to the Devils Cauldron. The site is impressive for photography. Retreat from the activity and embark on the transfer to Hoima after breakfast. You make a stop en route at Kibiro Salt Gardens to encounter the heritage of this historic site. The Kibiro Salt Gardens has supported the livelihoods of the surrounding community dating far back to 900 years ago far before the coming of Europeans. The locals extract fine salt which they then exchange with the other communities for food and other items. The work of salt extraction at this site has for long been a dominant of female. The process of extracting is rather long and technical than the ordinary but it is amazing to see how the indigenous knowledge is put into use to have a product out well made. Accessing the site exposes you to walking on steep and challenging landscapes with narrow paths that can only be accessed by foot. Retreat from the encounter and transfer to Hoima arriving in the afternoon for relaxation, dinner and overnight Accommodation: Hoima Cultural Lodge Day 6: Drive to Fort Portal Area, settle for lunch in Fort Portal town and do either cycling in Mpanga tea estates or visit the Amabere g’ Nnyinamwiru caves, hike the Fort Portal Crater lake and then transfer to Kibale National Park Transfer to Fort Portal Area after breakfast following five (5) hours’ drive passing through the impressive countryside landscapes of Kagadi and Kyenjojo that are dotted with lush green, rural homesteads and farmlands. Upon arriving in Fort Portal Area, you settle for lunch in one of best restaurants in Fort Portal town after which you embark on the cycling in the Mpanga tea estates. 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. Alternatively, you can opt to visit the Amabere g’ Nyinamwiru Caves and hike the Fort Portal Crater Lake field. 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 chosen activity and transfer to Kibale National Park 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 Wild Camping Day 7: Do morning chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National Park and do an afternoon eco-tour walk in the adjacent Bigodi wetland 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 for an afternoon eco-walk. The Bigodi wetland is an eco-community initiative offering impressive nature walk in the community controlled wetland which features over 138 species of birds including the famous Great Blue Turaco and a range of hornbills. The swamp also shelters the swamp dwelling sitatunga antelope and other primate species like monkeys with chimpanzees making occasional visit. Retreat from the activity and drive back to the lodge 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 Wild Camping Day 8: Drive to Semliki National Park. Visit the Sempaya hot springs, Batwa of Ntandi & drive to Kasese. Upon arrival, tour the Africa’s only bronze casting center – the Rwenzori Art Foundation and Ruboni Community craft village Drive to Semliki National Park after breakfast at your lodge 78km about 2 – 3 hours’ drive. You drive passed the town of Fort Portal which is one of the organized beautiful towns of Uganda before proceeding to Bundibugyo area welcomed by the views of the Mount Rwenzori block. On arriving in Semliki National Park, you undertake the famous Sempaya Nature walk to explore the hot springs both the female and the male hot springs. The male hot spring also known as Bitente has a wider pool while the female hot spring Nyansimbi features hot boiling geyser that sprouts up to 2m high and boiling to more than 100 degrees Celsius. You can boil some plantain or eggs to have picnic bites. The walk to the hot springs also exposes to the lush flora of Semliki Forest which is an extension of Congo forest biome. The Primate species like Black and white colobus monkeys might also be viewed. Retreat from the activity and connect to Ntandi to visit the Batwa people who are initially forest dwellers that were evicted to pave way for conservation. They dance for you and tell you stories of their ancient heritage. From Semliki, you connect back to Fort Portal and transfer to Kasese. Upon arrival in Kasese, visit the Rwenzori Art Foundation which is the only bronze casting center in the whole of Africa where you have an opportunity to explore the gallery with a collection of beautiful artworks. The foundation also offers an experiential touch and allows you to participate in casting process. From the art foundation, if you still have time, you visit the Ruboni Craft village and encounter the local women putting together different material to produce one of the best craft products in Uganda. You can learn a skill like basket weaving. Retire for relaxation, dinner and overnight on the foothills of Rwenzori Mountains. Accommodation: Upmarket / Luxury: Equator Snow Lodge Midrange / Standard: Ihamba Safari Lodge Budget / Basic: Ruboni Community Camp Wild Camping Day 9: Undertake a whole day adventure hiking to Rwenzori Mountains commonly known as the mountains of the moon the 3rd tallest in Africa rising to 5,109m above sea level with snowcapped peaks 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 10: Do game drive in the morning in Queen Elizabeth National Park with sights of elephants, lions, buffaloes, leopard, Antelopes etc. settle for lunch at Mweya and undertake the Kazinga Channel launch cruise in the afternoon with sights of Hippos and Nile Crocodiles 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 as you head to the lodge 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 11: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Undertake a game drive in Ishasha sector in the south of Queen Elizabeth National Park in search of tree climbing lions and other wild game 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 12: Undertake the mountain gorilla trekking in the hilly forested landscapes of Bwindi Impenetrable with a minimum of 400 out of the 880 mountain gorillas that are known to thrive in the wild & then drive to Mgahinga National Park Embark on the mountain gorilla exploration in the Impenetrable forest of Bwindi. 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 Mgahinga Gorilla National Park to the extreme south west of Uganda in the Virunga massif where it shelters three peaks of the eight mountain chain. You drive through impressive Kigezi highlands while enjoying the sights of the Virunga Volcanoes arriving at your lodge in the evening for relaxation, dinner and overnight. Accommodation Upmarket / Luxury: Mount Gahinga Lodge Midrange / Budget: Travelers’ Rest Kisoro Wild Camping Day 13: Undertake an adventure climb to any of the three Volcanoes of Gahinga, (3,474m), Muhabura (4,127m) and Sabyinyo (3,669m) or undertake the golden monkey tracking Gather at the Ntebeko Park Headquarters for briefing from the park rangers at 8am and then embark on the adventure Volcano climbing to the mountain of our choice. At this time, you would have chosen which mountain to climb between Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyibyo. The 3,669m Sabyinyo Mountain takes around 8 hours to make a 14km round trip with series of peaks at the top, Gahinga towering up to 3,474m taking about 6 hours with the opportunity to spot the golden monkey if lucky in the Bamboo forest on the mountain slopes and Muhabura Mountain which rises to 4,127m taking about 8 hours to make a 12km round trip involving a steep climb to the top and the peak offers distant views of Bwindi forest, the Rwenzori Mountains on a clear day, the entire Virunga Mountain chain and the three countries of Uganda, Congo and Rwanda. Alternatively, embark on the golden monkey tracking where you have opportunity to explore the endangered golden monkeys are confined to the Virunga massif on a world scale. The habituated groups thrive in the Bamboo zone on the slopes of Mount Gahinga and their golden patch and playful tactics makes them interesting to encounter on Uganda safaris. Retreat from the day adventure and connect to the lodge for evening relaxation, dinner and overnight. Accommodation Upmarket / Luxury: Mount Gahinga Lodge Midrange / Budget: Travelers’ Rest Kisoro Wild Camping Day 14: Undertake the Batwa Heritage Exploration and transfer to Lake Bunyonyi driving through the fascinating Kisoro – Kabale Road Mgahinga Mountain forest was one of the ancient habitats for the Batwa people before they were evicted to settle on the margins of the gazetted park. The trail has been developed to enable you explore the heritage of the Batwa under the company of the Batwa guides who are well set to give an interesting themed interpretation of their past and the present. You start off at Ntebeko visitor center in the morning following the designated trail with the Batwa showing you a range of items and what they meant to their traditional life including medicinal plants, the edible plants and roots, the wild honey extraction, the Bamboo cup making, the tree houses, forest hunting techniques until you reach the Ngarama Cave which was their center and the home to their chief. The Batwa women will sing a range of traditional songs that will take you back to the life in the forest and their remarkable culture and heritage. It is a journey back to the authentic culture that now facing the risk of extinction. Retreat from the encounter taking about 5 – 6 hours and embark on the transfer to Lake Bunyonyi driving along the scenic Kisoro – Kabale Road with tits challenging road sections, branch off at Muko and connect to Lake Bunyonyi for relaxation, dinner and overnight Accommodation Upmarket / Luxury: Birdnest @Lake Bunyonyi Resort Midrange / Budget: Lake Bunyonyi Eco – resort Wild Camping Day 15: 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 16: Undertake a coffee tour and drive to Lake Mburo National Park, settle for traditional lunch at Igongo Cultural Center and do a night game drive in Lake Mburo National Park. Explore the Nocturnal animals like 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 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 make a stop at Igongo Cultural Center for lunch 12km past Mbarara town also standing as the largest private Museum in Uganda with a range of artifacts featuring the tribes of southwestern Uganda and the 1520AD Eclipse monument. You visit these sites 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: Rwakobo Rock Budget / Basic: Eagles Nest Wild Camping Day 17: Undertake the cultural tour to the Banyankole community at Enyemebwa center exploring the Ankole long horned cattle, its surrounding heritage and in the afternoon drive back to Kampala. Make a stop at Uganda Equator Crossing Kayabwe en route Wake up 6am and connect to the Enyemebwa center to catch up with the herds men getting up to do the milking and their daily routine. You arrive and get the milking equipment including the tying rope and the milking pot to actively participate in the traditional hand milking of the Ankole long horned cattle, from milking you participate in sick animal treating, caring for cows like brushing their body using the locally made fiber brush (Enkuyo) and set out to graze in the wilderness. You enjoy the stimulating sounds that are made by the herds men as they set out to the grazing field and be mesmerized by the cows know how to align themselves forming a line headed by those that have special character of leading others. You retreat back and visit the traditional hut where you find the women churning milk in the churning gourd, from here the guide can take you to explore the crop bit of it exploring the extensive banana plantations where you learn about various banana types and their respective use participate in pruning and weeding using local methods and then participate in initial arrangements for traditional lunch. You take a break from that and rush to the well with red soil that is used for smearing the soil made water trough, smear the trough and fill it with water and then wait for the cattle to come and water them accordingly. You can opt to have a bull slaughtered and grilled traditionally for you where you can also have it alongside the delicious local sauce that is made without fire called Eshabwe. Retreat from the activity and embark on the transfer back to Entebbe in the afternoon 280km about 4 hours’ drive making a stop at Uganda Equator crossing Kayabwe for amazing photo shoots where you have opportunity to taking photos with one leg in the northern hemisphere and another one in the southern hemisphere. Continue to arrive in Entebbe in the evening for relaxation, dinner and overnight Accommodation: Upmarket / Luxury: Lake Victoria Serena Hotel Midrange / Standard: Boma Hotel Budget / Basic: Airport Guesthouse Day 18: Departure. Transfer to Entebbe International Airport for the flight departure back home. End of Safari
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14 days Fort night Uganda safari
Kampala, Uganda
$6,538
Overview The 14 Days Fort Night Uganda Safari with a day of Volunteering features mostly the destinations of western Uganda and a day of Volunteering at the Christ Our Vision International Children Ministries in Kalagi Mukono. Adventure in Western Uganda features a perfect period that suites in the commonly given two weeks leave. The safari incorporates the wild game viewing, adventure, culture, primate tracking including gorillas and chimpanzees, culture and recreation. The Fort Night Uganda safari encounter starts and ends at Entebbe International Airport taking you to the destinations of Lake Mburo National Park with counts of Rothschild giraffes, Impala, Burchell’s Zebra elands, Topis among others, the tour to the Banyankole community well known for their impressive long horned cattle, Lake Bunyonyi known as the lake of a thousand Islands because of tits 29 islands, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park a re-known mountain gorilla trekking safari destination, Queen Elizabeth National Park which is the most popular Uganda safari destination with four of the big five including tree climbing lions, the elephants, the Buffaloes, the leopards, aquatics like Hippos and Nile crocodiles, mountain hiking adventure to the Rwenzori Mountains known as the mountains of the moon, Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park known as the primate capital of the world and eventually cycling adventure in the Mpanga Tea Estates. The day volunteering at the Orphanage which our company supports is a humanitarian cause that is worth undertaking in a life time. Safari Highlight Day 1: Arrive in Uganda (Entebbe International Airport) & transfer to the hotel Day 2: Drive to Lake Mburo National Park making a stop at Uganda Equator crossing Kayabwe for impressive photo shoots and amazing water experiments. Upon arrival in the park, undertake an evening walking safari Day 3: Undertake the cultural tour to the Banyankole community for the whole day. Learn into the culture and heritage of the pastoralist Bahima and the Bairu cultivators Day 4: Drive to Lake Bunyonyi, explore Igongo Cultural Museum en route 12km before Mbarara & after arriving at Lake Bunyonyi, undertake a canoe paddle in the evening mixing up with the local fishermen and other people transferring to and from the Islands Day 5: Undertake a whole day Island hopping on Lake Bunyonyi and transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the evening Day 6: Undertake gorilla trekking in the Impenetrable Bwindi and settle for traditional Batwa / Bakiga performances in the evening Day 7: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park & undertake a game drive in Ishasha sector in the south of Queen Elizabeth National Park in search of tree climbing lions and other wild game Day 8: Undertake a morning game drive / viewing experience, Kazinga Channel boat cruise in the afternoon and then drive to Rwenzori area Day 9: Undertake a whole day adventure hiking experience to the Rwenzori Mountains to explore the legendary mountains of the moon rising to 5,109m forming the highest point in Uganda and the third in Africa covered by snow. Day 10: Visit the Rwenzori Art foundation – the Africa’s only bronze casting center, Ruboni Community craft village, transfer to Fort Portal Area to visit the Amabere g’ Nnyinamwiru caves and hike the Fort Portal Crater Lake field & then transfer to Kibale National Park Day 11: Undertake Chimpanzee trekking experience in Kibale Forest National Park and connect to Fort Portal to engage in the pet name giving ceremony of the Batooro or do a leisure walk in Fort Portal town or relax at the lodge Day 12: Undertake cycling in Mpanga Tea Estate and then transfer to the Orphange at Kalagi - Mukono. Explore the Nakayima tree en route in Mubende. Day 13: Whole Day Volunteer work at Christ Our Vision International Children’s Ministry – the Company supported Orphanage Day 14: Departure Detailed Safari Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Uganda (Entebbe International Airport) & transfer to the hotel 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: Drive to Lake Mburo National Park making a stop at Uganda Equator crossing Kayabwe for impressive photo shoots and amazing water experiments. Upon arrival in the park, undertake an evening walking safari After breakfast embark on the transfer to Lake Mburo National Park in the south west of Uganda departing your place of stay at 6:30am. The drive to Lake Mburo National Park is 240km about 3 – 4 hours’ drive and you will break this journey after driving only 77km from Kampala at the Equator crossing Kayabwe which is a re-known site for photography since most of the travellers prefer taking pictures with one leg in one hemisphere and the other leg in a different hemisphere. There are also geographical experiments that can be carried out for the keen geographers to demonstrate the geographical separation of the north and southern hemispheres. You retreat from this break and continue on the drive to Lake Mburo National Park. You will check in at the lodge and rest for lunch and simple relaxation. In the early evening, you embark on a thrilling game walking safari passing through the impressive savannah ecosystem with lots of Acacia. You enjoy beautiful views of the area including open stretching plains. The walk offers you an opportunity to explore the a range of wild game including; Rothschild giraffes, Impala, Burchell’s Zebra, Topis, Warthogs, waterbucks, bushbucks, elands not forgetting acacia associated birds. Hiking the Kazuma hill offers you one of the magical scenic views in Uganda. Retreat from the activity for relaxation, dinner and overnight Accommodation Upmarket / Luxury: Mihingo Safari Lodge Midrange / Standard: Rwakobo Rock Budget / Basic: Eagles Nest Wild Camping Day 3: Undertake the cultural tour to the Banyankole community for the whole day. Learn into the culture and heritage of the pastoralist Bahima and the Bairu cultivators Wake up 6am and connect to the Enyemebwa center to catch up with the herds men getting up to do the milking and their daily routine. You arrive and get the milking equipment including the tying rope and the milking pot to actively participate in the traditional hand milking of the Ankole long horned cattle, from milking you participate in sick animal treating, caring for cows like brushing their body using the locally made fiber brush (Enkuyo) and set out to graze in the wilderness. You enjoy the stimulating sounds that are made by the herds men as they set out to the grazing field and be mesmerized by the cows know how to align themselves forming a line headed by those that have special character of leading others. You retreat back and visit the traditional hut where you find the women churning milk in the churning gourd, from here the guide can take you to explore the crop bit of it exploring the extensive banana plantations where you learn about various banana types and their respective use participate in pruning and weeding using local methods and then participate in initial arrangements for traditional lunch. You take a break from that and rush to the well with red soil that is used for smearing the soil made water trough, smear the trough and fill it with water and then wait for the cattle to come and water them accordingly. You can opt to have a bull slaughtered and grilled traditionally for you where you can also have it alongside the delicious local sauce that is made without fire called Eshabwe. Join the women as they clean milk pots and smoking them with the help of handmade of ceramic and specially chosen tree and grass Species, making crafts and calf pen arrangement. In the evening after the cows have settle in their Kraal, you attend to the traditional performances including citations, dancing and singing. It is a whole day encounter that allows you to gain a deep immersion of the local culture. Retire for relaxation and overnight Accommodation Upmarket / Luxury: Mihingo Safari Lodge Midrange / Standard: Rwakobo Rock Budget / Basic: Eagles Nest Wild Camping Day 4: Drive to Lake Bunyonyi, explore Igongo Cultural Museum en route 12km before Mbarara & after arriving at Lake Bunyonyi, undertake a canoe paddle in the evening mixing up with the local fishermen and other people transferring to and from the Islands Embark on the transfer to Lake Bunyonyi 199km about 4 – 5 hours’ drive making a stop at Igongo Cultural Center 12km before Mbarara town to visit the largest private Museum in Uganda featuring a range of artifacts of the tribes of south western Uganda. The sculpture and charts display a lot of history of the past and the well organize interpretation offered by the site guides make it thrilling to encounter. You proceed to Lake Bunyonyi arriving in time for lunch. In the afternoon, you embark on thrilling canoe paddle on the lake of a thousand Islands. The canoe paddling adventure gives a local touch of navigation and is an active activity yet recreational. You have the opportunity to crack stories with the local fisher men and the Islanders connecting to and from the Islands. Retire in the evening for relaxation, dinner and overnight Accommodation Upmarket / Luxury: Birdnest @Lake Bunyonyi Resort Midrange / Budget: Lake Bunyonyi Eco – resort Resort Camping Day 5: Undertake a whole day Island hopping on Lake Bunyonyi and transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the evening After breakfast, embark on the Island hopping exploration visiting the main Islands of Lake Bunyonyi. You explore the Bucuranuka (Upside down) Island which is believed to have buried people alive after refusing to offer local brew to an old woman and she cursed the Island turn upside down burying its inhabitants. You also visit the Akampane (Punishment) Island where the girls with unwanted premarital pregnancies would be dumbed to die of hunger or as they as try to swim back the main land. There is also Bushara, Kyahugye and Njuyera Islands which can also be visited. The hopping experience exposes you to the local life of the Island communities including the process of brewing local beer. You retreat from the activity and embark on the transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the evening driving through fascinating Kigezi Highlands. Arrive in the evening for relaxation, dinner and overnight Accommodation Upmarket / Luxury: Birdnest @Lake Bunyonyi Resort Midrange / Budget: Lake Bunyonyi Eco – resort Resort Camping Day 6: Undertake gorilla trekking in the Impenetrable Bwindi and settle for traditional Batwa / Bakiga performances in the evening 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 back to the lodge for relaxation. In the evening, you are treated to the thrilling traditional performances of the local tribal groups of the Bakiga and Batwa depending on their preference. Their dances and songs are thrilling and would definitely make your evening colorful. 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: Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park & undertake a game drive in Ishasha sector in the south of Queen Elizabeth National Park in search of tree climbing lions and other wild game After breakfast, embark on the transfer to Queen Elizabeth 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 the north of Queen Elizabeth National Park arriving in the evening 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 8: Undertake a morning game drive / viewing experience, Kazinga Channel boat cruise in the afternoon and then drive to Rwenzori area 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 drive to Kasese for relaxation, dinner and overnight Accommodation: Upmarket / Luxury: Equator Snow Lodge Midrange / Standard: Ihamba Safari Lodge Budget / Basic: Ruboni Community Camp Wild Camping Day 9: Undertake a whole day adventure hiking experience to the Rwenzori Mountains to explore the legendary mountains of the moon rising to 5,109m forming the highest point in Uganda and the third in Africa covered by snow. 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 10: Visit the Rwenzori Art foundation – the Africa’s only bronze casting center, Ruboni Community craft village, transfer to Fort Portal Area to visit the Amabere g’ Nnyinamwiru caves and hike the Fort Portal Crater Lake field & then transfer to Kibale National Park After breakfast, tour the Rwenzori Art Foundation which apparently the only bronze casting center in the whole of Africa. Its gallery features impressive works of art where you can choose to get a memorabilia. The foundation also offers the opportunity to participate actively in the casting process. From the Art foundation, you proceed to visit the Ruboni Community craft village where you have an opportunity to participate in African craft making and also view a range of already made crafts. You drive to Fort Portal for lunch after which you embark on the tour the Amabere g’ Nnyinmwiru Caves and the Fort Portal Crater Lake field. 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 Wild Camping Day 11: Undertake Chimpanzee trekking experience in Kibale Forest National Park and connect to Fort Portal to engage in the pet name giving ceremony of the Batooro or do a leisure walk in Fort Portal town or relax at the lodge 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 and transfer to Fort Portal town. You spend an afternoon with the Batooro people who are the local inhabitants of the area and encounter their famous traditional ceremony called Empaako or giving the pet name. You have an opportunity to go through or watch the Batooro rituals as regards this event. You have yourself a pet name like Appuli, Akiiki, Araali, Amooti among others. Alternatively you can opt to undertake Fort Portal town walk or relax at the lodge Accommodation: Upmarket / Luxury: Kyaninga Lodge Midrange / Standard: Mountains of the moon Hotel Budget / Basic: Rwenzori View Guesthouse Day 12: Undertake cycling in Mpanga Tea Estate and then transfer to the Orphange at Kalagi - Mukono. Explore the Nakayima tree en route in Mubende. After breakfast, embark on the cycling in the Mpanga tea estates. 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 embark on the transfer to Kampala 300km about 5 – 6 hours’ drive. You make a stop in Mubende to visit the Nakayima tree a heritage site of the Bachwezi demi gods. The tree is named Nakayima who was the wife of Ndahura the first Muchwezi ruler notably known for expanding the Chwezi Empire in the interacustrine region. Drive through Kampala for light shopping if required before transferring to the Christ Our Vision International Children Ministries in Kalagi Mukono 40km about 1 hour drive. Settle for relaxation, dinner and overnight Accommodation: Vision for Africa Cottages Day 13: Whole Day Volunteer work at Christ Our Vision International Children’s Ministry – the Company supported Orphanage You dedicate this day to a humanitarian cause. Prime Safaris dedicates a percentage of its profits to support counts of children at the Christ Our Vision International Ministries which has a school, church and home located in Kalagi Mukono. Depending on one’s professional expertise, the day can be spent in someone’s specialty. Health specialists can engage in treatment of animals, the teachers can teach, the social workers would counsel the children and restore home and many more according to one’s specialty. You enjoy their entertainment and sports in the evening. The day with these children would be a profound step in the humanitarian world. You retreat in the evening for relaxation, dinner and overnight Accommodation: Vision for Africa Cottages Day 14: Departure This is the last day and is entirely dedicated for your departure. You can do some last minute shopping and connect to Entebbe International Airport for your flight departure back home End of Safari
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13 days encounter in the shadows of Virunga and Rwenzori Mountains
Kampala, Uganda
$6,103
Overview of the 13 Days Encounter in the shadows of Virunga and Rwenzori Mountains This 13 day Encounter in the shadows of Virunga and Rwenzori Mountains offers Gorilla trekking, Chimpanzee tracking and wild life game drives coupled with amazing scenery. The Rwenzori Mountains rise to 5,109m above sea level standing as the third highest on the African continent along with the Virunga Volcanoes which is a chain of eight mountains standing to the south west of Uganda form a natural wonder of life time that is worth exploring. Exploring the shadows of these mountains presents impressive wild game viewing in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Murchison Falls, Lake Mburo and Queen Elizabeth National Parks including the Big five of land animals, chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National park dubbed the primate capital of the world, the gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and recreation encounter on Lake Bunyonyi dubbed the lake of a thousand hills which combine to generate ultimate Africa safari memories. The Prime Safaris Africa Home Experience in the traditional rangelands of Ankole offers an auntetic experiential touch of the Munyankole pastoralist homestead and daily routine. Safari Highlight of the 12 Days Encounter in the shadows of Virunga and Rwenzori Mountains Day 1: Arrive in Uganda – Entebbe International Airport and transfer to your hotel Day 2: Transfer to the Uganda safari destination of Murchison Falls National Park. Make a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for white Rhino tracking en route & visit the top of the falls on arrival Day 3: Undertake game viewing / game drive in Murchison Falls National Park & afternoon launch cruise along the Nile River Day 4: Transfer from Murchison Falls to Hoima. Visit the Kibiro Salt Gardens en route and take Hoima town tour on arrival Day 5: Transfer to Fort Portal Area. Undertake the Mpanga Tea Estate cycling or the Fort Portal crater lake hike & Amabere g’ Nyinamwiru caves tour Day 6: Undertake Chimpanzee Tracking Safari in Kibale Forest National Park & transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park Day 7: Do wildlife tour / game drive / game viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park & afternoon Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise Day 8: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Do game drive in Ishasha sector en route in search of tree climbing lions Day 9: Do gorilla trekking and attend to the Batwa / Bakiga cultural performance at the lodge Day 10: Undertake coffee tour in Kisoro, boat cruise on Lake Bunyonyi and transfer to Lake Mburo National Park Day 11: Prime Safaris Africa Home Experience: Whole day authentic encounter in the home of a Munyankole Pastoralist immersing deep into their everyday life Day 12: Do game walking safari and transfer to Kampala. Make a stop at Uganda Equator crossing Kayabwe Day 13: Departure through Entebbe International Airport Detailed Safari Itinerary of the 13 Days Encounter in the shadows of Virunga and Rwenzori Mountains Day 1: Arrive in Uganda – Entebbe International Airport and transfer to your hotel 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 gives you a remarkable first impression of Uganda. 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 the Uganda safari destination of Murchison Falls National Park. Make a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for white Rhino tracking en route & visit the top of the falls on arrival Very early in the morning your Uganda safari guide will pick you from the hotel at 6:30am and transfer you to Murchison Falls National Park 311km about 5 hours’ drive. On your way, you will pay a visit to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – where white rhinos thrive in their natural environment. The next stop-over shall be at either Kabalega diner or Masindi town for your lunch and arrive in the evening at the top of the falls-where the world`s longest river -Nile River, is forced to flow through a 7 meters wide narrow rocky gauge before ferociously plunging down 43 meters. From here you will take a ferry across the river to the northern section for relaxation, dinner and overnight. Accommodation Upmarket / Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge / Baker’s Lodge Midrange / Standard: Murchison River Lodge / Fort Murchison Budget / Basic: Heritage Safari Lodge / Fort Murchison (Tent) Wild Camping Day 3: Undertake game viewing / game drive in Murchison Falls National Park & afternoon launch cruise along the Nile River To further accelerate this Uganda safari, you will have an early morning game drive towards the northern river bank commencing at 7am in search for Cape buffalo, elephants, bohor reed bucks, lions, Rothschild’s giraffes, hyenas, hartebeests, waterbucks, oribi, bushbucks, and if lucky, leopards. Return from the 3 – 4 hour game drive to the lodge for relaxation till you take your lunch. After lunch, go for a boat cruise to the bottom of Murchison Falls at 2pm. This boat trip along the Nile is the highlight of a tour to Murchison Falls National Park and is so fascinating. It allows you to have a close and personal interaction with the animals. With over about 4,000 hippos reported to be along this stretch of the river and numerous Nile crocodiles and a birdlife stunning with brightly colored kingfishers and bee-eaters dwelling along the riverbanks you are assured of a great adventure. On your luck day, you may see the rare shoebill-a cross between the dodo and a dinosaur. The boat cruises you to the base of the falls to further your impression of the falls and the Nile at large. You settle for your overnight. Accommodation Upmarket / Luxury: Paraa Safari Lodge / Baker’s Lodge Midrange / Standard: Murchison River Lodge / Fort Murchison Budget / Basic: Heritage Safari Lodge / Fort Murchison (Tent) Wild Camping Day 4: Transfer from Murchison Falls to Hoima. Visit the Kibiro Salt Gardens en route and take Hoima town tour on arrival After breakfast, cross with the ferry to the southern section at 9am embarking on the transfer to Hoima. You make a stop en route at Kibiro Salt Gardens to encounter the heritage of this historic site. The Kibiro Salt Gardens has supported the livelihoods of the surrounding community dating far back to 900 years ago far before the coming of Europeans. The locals extract fine salt which they then exchange with the other communities for food and other items. The work of salt extraction at this site has for long been a dominant of female. The process of extracting is rather long and technical than the ordinary but it is amazing to see how the indigenous knowledge is put into use to have a product out well made. Accessing the site exposes you to walking on steep and challenging landscapes with narrow paths that can only be accessed by foot. Retreat from the encounter and transfer to Hoima town and upon arrival, you embark on the tour of the Hoima town preferably on foot walking around the local centers including the markets and the streets exploring the local setting and interacting with the community. Retire in the evening for relaxation, dinner and overnight Accommodation: Hoima Cultural Lodge Day 5: Transfer to Fort Portal Area. Undertake the Mpanga Tea Estate cycling or the Fort Portal crater lake hike & Amabere g’ Nyinamwiru caves tour Transfer to Fort Portal Area after breakfast following five (5) hours’ drive passing through the impressive countryside landscapes of Kagadi and Kyenjojo that are dotted with lush green, rural homesteads and farmlands. Upon arriving in Fort Portal Area, you settle for lunch in one of best restaurants in Fort Portal town after which you embark on the cycling in the Mpanga tea estates. 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. Alternatively, you can opt to visit the Amabere g’ Nyinamwiru Caves and hike the Fort Portal Crater Lake field. 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 any of the encounters and transfer to Kibale National Park for relaxation, dinner and overnight Accommodation Upmarket / Luxury: Primate Lodge – Luxury Cottages / Ndali lodge Midrange / Standard: Kibale Forest Camp – Safari Tent / Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse – Cottage Budget / Basic: Rwenzori View Guesthouse Wild Camping at Primate Lodge Campsite / Kanyanchu River Camp Day 6: Undertake Chimpanzee Tracking Safari in Kibale Forest National Park & transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park After breakfast early in the morning go to the ranger station in Kibale National Park at 08.00am for a briefing before tracking the habituated chimps. These beautiful apes-more closely related to humans than to any other living creature, are a great adventure watching as they squabble and jump from tree to tree. This forest is home to over 13 primate species include the red Colobus monkey, bushbabies, the rare L’Hoest monkey, black-faced vervet monkeys, blue monkey, grey mangabey, pottos, plus baboons. Birders have close to 335 species recorded to watch including the endemic Prirogrines ground thrush. The shady forest trails offer much delight to botanists and butterfly lovers, the forest elephant, smaller and hairier than the savannah one, moves seasonally into the developed part of the park and other mammals including the giant forest hog, buffalo and antelope species like duiker are all that will spice your Uganda safari adventure. Right after the encounter, you will embark on the transfer to Queen Elizabeth National park driving past the Rwenzori Mountains with impressive magical sights before arriving in Queen Elizabeth NP in the evening for relaxation, dinner and overnight Accommodation Upmarket / Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge / Katara Lodge Midrange / Standard: Enganzi Game Lodge / Kasenyi Safari Camp / Marafiki Safari Lodge – Private Tent Budget / Basic: Pumba Safari Cottages Wild Camping Day 7: Do wildlife tour / game drive / game viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park & afternoon Kazinga Channel Boat Cruise Have an early morning game drive so as to spot the early risers such as the elusive leopards and spotted hyenas. The game drive also offers you possible views of lions, Buffaloes, elephants, waterbucks, spotted hyenas, Uganda Kobs among others. After the game drive return to the lodge for relaxation and lunch after which you gather at Mweya jetty for afternoon boat trip along the Kazinga channel to have a likely close look at hippos and crocodiles. The banks of the channel are also home to many bird species that include the saddle billed stork, the pink-backed pelicans, the pied and malachite kingfishers among others. From the 2 hour activity, you can undertake a game drive along the channel track in the Mweya peninsular to spot more game before retiring for dinner and overnight Accommodation Upmarket / Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge / Katara Lodge Midrange / Standard: Enganzi Game Lodge / Kasenyi Safari Camp / Marafiki Safari Lodge – Private Tent Budget / Basic: Pumba Safari Cottages Wild Camping Day 8: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Do game drive in Ishasha sector en route in search of tree climbing lions After an early morning breakfast, embark on your transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park via Ishasha Sector in the south of Queen Elizabeth National Park. In Ishasha, you search for tree climbing lions that tend to lie on the fig tree branches in the day time. Settle for lunch in Ishasha and continue in the drive to arriving in Bwindi 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 9: Do gorilla trekking and attend to the Batwa / Bakiga cultural performance at the lodge After a heavy early breakfast but with packed lunch, you will transfer to the park headquarters in the respective region where your gorilla permit is located for a briefing before embarking on your gorilla trek at 8:00am. Park guides will after take you through the thick buttress root tree forest plus undergrowth- tracking the gorillas. This 2 - 8 hour Gorilla trek requires a reasonable degree of fitness a pair of jungle shoes. Once tract, interaction with the gorillas as you listen to them grumble as well as taking photographs with them takes only 1hour. It’s important to note that there are only about 880 of these beautiful apes left in the world most of them over 400 are fortunately found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. You retreat from the activity and connect to the lodge for relaxation. In the evening, you attend to the local performances of the Batwa or the Bakiga which the surrounding tribal communities enjoying their impressive dance that features their long held traditions. The evening performance preferably on a camp fire offers an insight of the ancient custodians of the gorillas. Retire for 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 10: Undertake coffee tour in Kisoro, boat cruise on Lake Bunyonyi and transfer to a Lake Mburo National Park Embark on the coffee tour experience in Kisoro exploring the coffee growing practices. Coffee growing is significant as it is not only a foreign exchange earner but also a traditional crop that has cultural attachment to the local people. You explore the process of coffee growing right from planting to the cup. The opportunity is presented to you to participate actively in these practices including harvesting. The stories of how coffee seeds were used to extend friendship are also fascinating. Retreat from the coffee encounter, connect to Lake Bunyonyi driving through the amazing Kigezi Highlands and undertake a boat cruise on Lake Bunyonyi exploring the calm waters of Bunyonyi – the second deepest in Africa intercepted by counts of 29 Islands some of which are inhabited. You disembark from the boat, settle for lunch and then proceed on the transfer to Lake Mburo National Park 199km driving past Ntungamo and Mbarara town not forgetting Igongo Cultural Center before arriving in Lake Mburo National Park in the evening for relaxation, dinner and overnight Upmarket / Luxury: Mihingo Safari Lodge Midrange / Standard: Rwakobo Rock Budget / Basic: Eagles Nest Wild Camping Day 11: Prime Safaris Africa Home Experience: Whole day authentic encounter in the home of a Munyankole Pastoralist immersing deep into their everyday life Wake up very early to connect to the homestead of the local homestead at 6am catch up with the family members as they wake up to catch up on their daily routine. The women and men here have distinct roles though others are overlapping. The Masculine encounters include; milking in the morning, taking the milk to the collection center if the buyer is not picking it at home, setting out to the field with the cows to graze in the extensive wilderness, watering the cows on the handmade soil troughs, treating the sick animals and it is spraying day, you participate in spraying of cows, evening grazing and eventual evening milking. Mid morning breaks can be used to visit the banana plantations and crop gardens where you can participate in the respective activities as well like pruning, planting or harvesting depending on the season, weeding among others. The Women encounters include; home cleaning including house and the courtyard sweeping, preparing tea, milk churning, cultivating, making crafts, lunch preparation including the dish that is made without sauce – Eshabwe from Cow Ghee among other aspects. You have a general entrainment with men in the evening marked by impressive citations, singing and dances. Accommodation: Home Stay Day 12: Do game walking safari and transfer to Kampala. Make a stop at Uganda Equator crossing Kayabwe After your early morning breakfast, you will undertake a nature walk-the most interesting game walks in the country that presents possible exposure to 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 an embark on the transfer to Kampala 240km about 3 – 4 hours’ drive making a stop at Uganda Equator crossing Kayabwe for magical photo shoots where one leg can be placed in north sphere and the other remains in the south. It also am impressive site for purchasing memorabilia to take back home as a remembrance for this safari in Uganda 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 13: Departure through Entebbe International Airport Connect to Entebbe International Airport for your flight back home. End of the 13 Days Encounter in the shadows of Virunga and Rwenzori Mountains
3
3
7 days Uganda honeymoon luxury safari
Kampala, Uganda
$1,755
Overview The 7 Days Uganda Honeymoon Luxury Safari involves an extensive wild game viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park gaining possible sights of Lions including the tree climbing lions, Leopards, Elephants, Buffaloes, Uganda Kobs, Topis among others along with an amazing river safari along Kazinga Channel for possible sights of Nile Crocodiles, Hippos, birds like Great Cormorants and African skimmers and wild game drinking on the channel shores. It also involves a walking safari in Lake Mburo National Park gaining possible sights of Rothschild Giraffes, Impala, Elands, Burchell’s Zebra and Warthog among others. An optional horseback safari can as well be arranged. Besides wild game, the safari includes; Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and a free day at Lake Bunyonyi – the lake of a thousand Islands. Safari Highlights Day 1: Transfer from Kampala to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Make a stop at Uganda Equator crossing Kayabwe and a traditional lunch stop at Igongo Cultural Center Day 2: Do morning game drive and afternoon boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel & an evening game drive along the channel track Day 3: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Do a game drive in Ishasha sector in the south of Queen Elizabeth NP in search of tree climbing lions and other wild game Day 4: Do gorilla trekking in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and transfer to Lake Bunyonyi for relaxation Day 5: Free Day at Lake Bunyonyi – the lake of a thousand Islands with a boat ride or canoe paddle Day 6: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park, traditional lunch at Igongo Cultural Centre and evening game drive Day 7: Do Morning game walking safari in Lake Mburo National Park & transfer back to Kampala Detailed Safari Itinerary Day 1: Transfer from Kampala to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Make a stop at Uganda Equator crossing Kayabwe and a traditional lunch stop at Igongo Cultural Center After breakfast at your place of stay in Kampala, you get into your confortable safari vehicle in the company of your guide at 6:30 and drive to the south west of Uganda to Queen Elizabeth National Park 417km about 7 hours’ drive. You make a stop at Uganda Equator Crossing Kayabwe after driving 77km from Kampala and have time to explore this significant geographical site – the Sun’s way and the point of separation between the northern and southern hemisphere. A well interpreted water experiment is performed to show the separation of these two poles. The place also features rewarding photographing opportunities where you take photos with one leg in the northern hemisphere and another in the southern hemisphere. Continue on the drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park making another stop at Igongo Cultural Center for an amazing traditional lunch where you enjoy a local food organically produced and freshly served. You can also take an optional tour to the Erijukiro Museum which features a range of artifacts of the tribes of south western Uganda. Embark on the drive passed Mbarara town and enjoying the views of Bunyaruguru Crater and the lush Kalinzu forest. You can make a stop at the crater field for sightseen and photo taking. Arrive in Queen Elizabeth National Park in the evening for relaxation, dinner and overnight Accommodation Luxury / Up market: Mweya Safari Lodge – Standard room Day 2: Do morning game drive and afternoon boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel & an evening game drive along the channel track You wake up for an early morning cup of coffee in the views of the moist savannah before heading to the park for the game drive at 7am. Undertake a game drive in the Kasenyi tracks and the Queen’s Mile in the open savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park lying flat on the Albertine rift floor. This Uganda safari encounter offers you an opportunity to explore a range of wild game including; cape Buffaloes, Leopards, Topi, Elephants, Kobs, Waterbucks, Warthogs, Hyena, lions, side stripped jackals among other wildlife not forgetting counts of bird species since Queen Elizabeth National Park has the highest bird count in the whole of Uganda and East Africa (over 600) including the Martial Eagle, African Skimmer, Black-rumped Buttonquail, Chapin’s Flycatcher, Pinkbacked Pelican, Verreaux’s Eagle Owl, White-tailed Lark, Black Bee-eater, White-winged Warbler among other birds. Retreat from the activity for relaxation and lunch after which you gather at Mweya jetty for an afternoon Kazinga Channel boat cruise departing at 2pm. You will have an afternoon 2-hour boat cruise running along the Kazinga channel that stretches from Lake George to Lake Edward covering 45km distance. This cruise offers you an opportunity to see at close range the highest concentration of water submerged Hippos, surrounded by over 550 species of migrant and resident birds plus crocodiles drinking and resting at water edges. The cruise offers an excellent platform for photography, bird watching and game viewing. You retreat from the boat cruise and do an evening game drive along the Channel track to explore more wild game in their evening moments. Continue to the lodge for overnight Accommodation Luxury / Up market: Mweya Safari Lodge – Standard room Day 3: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Do a game drive in Ishasha sector in the south of Queen Elizabeth NP in search of tree climbing lions and other wild game and coffee plantation tour en route After breakfast at your respective lodge, embark on the transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park either Buhoma or Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkurigo depending on where you are going to track gorillas from. The drive takes you through Ishasha sector in the south of Queen Elizabeth National Park where you spend some time driving in its rolling plains marked by counts of fig trees in search of tree climbing lions that tend to climb the fig trees during the day time. The short trees with overlying branches in Ishasha present the best opportunities for viewing tree climbing lions than any other part of the world where such Species exist. Continue on the drive to make another stop in the local communities of Kanungu for a coffee plantation tour to explore the traditional coffee growing practices, its cultural attachment to the local people and its significance to the local community. Arrive in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the evening for relaxation, dinner and overnight. Accommodation Luxury / Up market: Chameleon Hill Lodge Day 4: Do gorilla trekking in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and transfer to Lake Bunyonyi for an evening boat cruise Have breakfast at your respective lodge and then go to the park offices to get briefed and at 8:00am after which you embark on the Uganda gorilla trek along the designated trails within the impenetrable forest in search for these great mountain gorillas. The gorilla trekking might take you 2 – 8 hours to find the giant Gorillas depending on their movement. The trek/quest for these great apes is tiresome but very well rewarded by meeting, spending time with and photographing these great gorillas as you look straight into their inviting brown expressive eyes, this is a life time thrill of a wild life adventure only Africa can offer you. After your one hour with the gorillas, return to the starting point 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 for relaxation, dinner and overnight Accommodation Luxury / Up market: Birdnest @Lake Bunyonyi Resort Day 5: Free Day at Lake Bunyonyi – the lake of a thousand Islands with a boat ride or canoe paddle This is dedicated for your romance! You have a tranquil stay at the Island resort with sights and sounds of birds and resident wildlife including Zebra, Impala, Waterbucks and De brazza Monkey. You can undertake a soothing boat ride to explore the scenic lake Bunyonyi with a count of 29 Islands that have earned her a dub as the lake of a thousand Islands. You can as well do a canoe paddle instead of a boat to have an experiential touch of the lake surrounded by the fascinating Kigezi Highlands. Accommodation Luxury / Up market: Birdnest @Lake Bunyonyi Resort Day 6: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park, traditional lunch at Igongo Cultural Centre and evening game drive After breakfast, embark on the transfer to Lake Mburo National Park 199km about 4 hours drive enjoying the lush countryside landscapes of south western Uganda. You make a stop at Igongo Cultural Centre 12km past Mbarara town for a thrilling traditional cuisine after which you proceed to the park for an evening game drive gaining remarkable views of the savannah at the sun set. Retire for relaxation, dinner and overnight Accommodation Luxury / Up market: Mihingo Safari Lodge Day 7: Do Morning game walking safari in Lake Mburo National Park & transfer back to Kampala You gather at Rwonyo Tourist centre at 7am to embark on a guided walking safari in the moist savannah landscapes of Lake Mburo National Park gaining possibilities of viewing Rothschild Giraffes, Burchell’s Zebra, Deffassa Waterbuck, Impala, Elands, Warthogs and Topis among others. Retreat from the 2 hour activity and embark on the transfer to Kampala 240km about 3 – 4 hours’ drive. A lunch stop will be made at Igongo Cultural Center and another can still be made at the Equator crossing Kayabwe to get yourself a memorabilia to carry back home. End of Safari
5
5
6 days honeymoon with the mountain gorillas & tree climbing lions
Kampala, Uganda
$1,755
Overview The 6 Days Honeymoon with the Mountain Gorillas & Tree climbing lions is done in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the Uganda safari destination of Queen Elizabeth National Park all in the south west of the country. The destination Bwindi is the greatest mountain gorilla habitat on earth with almost a half of their world population (400 out of the 880). The park comprises of dense forest undergrowth with mature trees that form the canopy while standing on a rugged hilly landscape with deep saddles which combine to justify it as an impenetrable forest. This natural setting makes the gorilla trekking encounter in Bwindi to go beyond only gorillas. The 6 Days Honeymoon with the Mountain Gorillas & Tree climbing lions also features the Uganda Safari destination of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The Queen Elizabeth National Park stretches over the western arm of the East African rift Valley for 1,978km2 overlooking the mystical Rwenzori Mountains. The park is a home to over 600 species of birds, the 95 mammal species, the impressive 45km long Kazinga Channel connecting Lake George and Edward, Ishasha sector with its tree climbing lions, the Kyambura gorge the home of chimpanzees and the remarkable scenic Katwa explosion Crater. The 6 Days Honeymoon with the Mountain Gorillas & Tree climbing lions commences and ends in Kampala. Safari Highlights Day 1: Transfer from Kampala to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Make a stop at Uganda Equator crossing Kayabwe and a traditional lunch stop at Igongo Cultural Center Day 2: Do morning game drive and afternoon boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel & an evening game drive along the channel track Day 3: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Do a game drive in Ishasha sector in the south of Queen Elizabeth NP in search of tree climbing lions and other wild game Day 4: Do gorilla trekking in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and transfer to Lake Bunyonyi for relaxation Day 5: Free Day at Lake Bunyonyi – the lake of a thousand Islands with a boat ride or canoe paddle Day 6: Transfer from Lake Bunyonyi back to Kampala Detailed Safari Itinerary Day 1: Transfer from Kampala to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Make a stop at Uganda Equator crossing Kayabwe and a traditional lunch stop at Igongo Cultural Center After breakfast at your place of stay in Kampala, you get into your confortable safari vehicle in the company of your guide at 6:30 and drive to the south west of Uganda to Queen Elizabeth National Park 417km about 7 hours’ drive. You make a stop at Uganda Equator Crossing Kayabwe after driving 77km from Kampala and have time to explore this significant geographical site – the Sun’s way and the point of separation between the northern and southern hemisphere. A well interpreted water experiment is performed to show the separation of these two poles. The place also features rewarding photographing opportunities where you take photos with one leg in the northern hemisphere and another in the southern hemisphere. Continue on the drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park making another stop at Igongo Cultural Center for an amazing traditional lunch where you enjoy a local food organically produced and freshly served. You can also take an optional tour to the Erijukiro Museum which features a range of artifacts of the tribes of south western Uganda. Embark on the drive passed Mbarara town and enjoying the views of Bunyaruguru Crater and the lush Kalinzu forest. You can make a stop at the crater field for sightseen and photo taking. Arrive in Queen Elizabeth National Park in the evening for relaxation, dinner and overnight Accommodation Midrange / Standard: Enganzi Game Lodge / Bush Lodge / Katara Lodge Day 2: Do morning game drive and afternoon boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel & an evening game drive along the channel track You wake up for an early morning cup of coffee in the views of the moist savannah before heading to the park for the game drive at 7am. Undertake a game drive in the Kasenyi tracks and the Queen’s Mile in the open savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park lying flat on the Albertine rift floor. This Uganda safari encounter offers you an opportunity to explore a range of wild game including; cape Buffaloes, Leopards, Topi, Elephants, Kobs, Waterbucks, Warthogs, Hyena, lions, side stripped jackals among other wildlife not forgetting counts of bird species since Queen Elizabeth National Park has the highest bird count in the whole of Uganda and East Africa (over 600) including the Martial Eagle, African Skimmer, Black-rumped Buttonquail, Chapin’s Flycatcher, Pinkbacked Pelican, Verreaux’s Eagle Owl, White-tailed Lark, Black Bee-eater, White-winged Warbler among other birds. Retreat from the activity for relaxation and lunch after which you gather at Mweya jetty for an afternoon Kazinga Channel boat cruise departing at 2pm. You will have an afternoon 2-hour boat cruise running along the Kazinga channel that stretches from Lake George to Lake Edward covering 45km distance. This cruise offers you an opportunity to see at close range the highest concentration of water submerged Hippos, surrounded by over 550 species of migrant and resident birds plus crocodiles drinking and resting at water edges. The cruise offers an excellent platform for photography, bird watching and game viewing. You retreat from the boat cruise and do an evening game drive along the Channel track to explore more wild game in their evening moments. Continue to the lodge for overnight Accommodation Midrange / Standard: Enganzi Game Lodge / Bush Lodge / Katara Lodge Day 3: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Do a game drive in Ishasha sector in the south of Queen Elizabeth NP in search of tree climbing lions and other wild game and coffee plantation tour en route After breakfast at your respective lodge, embark on the transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park either Buhoma or Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkurigo depending on where you are going to track gorillas from. The drive takes you through Ishasha sector in the south of Queen Elizabeth National Park where you spend some time driving in its rolling plains marked by counts of fig trees in search of tree climbing lions that tend to climb the fig trees during the day time. The short trees with overlying branches in Ishasha present the best opportunities for viewing tree climbing lions than any other part of the world where such Species exist. Continue on the drive to make another stop in the local communities of Kanungu for a coffee plantation tour to explore the traditional coffee growing practices, its cultural attachment to the local people and its significance to the local community. Arrive in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the evening for relaxation, dinner and overnight. Accommodation: Midrange / Standard: Gorilla Mist Camp / Gorilla Valley Lodge Day 4: Do gorilla trekking in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and transfer to Lake Bunyonyi for an evening boat cruise Have breakfast at your respective lodge and then go to the park offices to get briefed and at 8:00am after which you embark on the Uganda gorilla trek along the designated trails within the impenetrable forest in search for these great mountain gorillas. The gorilla trekking might take you 2 – 8 hours to find the giant Gorillas depending on their movement. The trek/quest for these great apes is tiresome but very well rewarded by meeting, spending time with and photographing these great gorillas as you look straight into their inviting brown expressive eyes, this is a life time thrill of a wild life adventure only Africa can offer you. After your one hour with the gorillas, return to the starting point 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 for relaxation, dinner and overnight Accommodation Midrange / Budget: Lake Bunyonyi Eco – resort Day 5: Free Day at Lake Bunyonyi – the lake of a thousand Islands with a boat ride or canoe paddle This is dedicated for your romance! You have a tranquil stay at the Island resort with sights and sounds of birds and resident wildlife including Zebra, Impala, Waterbucks and De brazza Monkey. You can undertake a soothing boat ride to explore the scenic lake Bunyonyi with a count of 29 Islands that have earned her a dub as the lake of a thousand Islands. You can as well do a canoe paddle instead of a boat to have an experiential touch of the lake surrounded by the fascinating Kigezi Highlands. Accommodation Midrange / Budget: Lake Bunyonyi Eco – resort Day 6: Transfer from Lake Bunyonyi back to Kampala After breakfast, embark on the transfer back to Kampala 437km about 7 hours’ drive. You drive through the magical highlands of Kigezi covered with mist in the morning before continuing through impressive south western Uganda landscapes of Ntungamo with extensive banana plantation and cattle farms. A lunch stop will be made at Igongo Cultural Center and another can still be made at the Equator crossing Kayabwe to get yourself a memorabilia to carry back home. End of Safari
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5
4 days Uganda honeymoon safari to Queen Elizabeth national park
Kampala, Uganda
$1,138
The 4 Days Uganda Honeymoon safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the best short Uganda Honeymoon safaris that you can ever opt to undertake. It includes the rewarding game viewing like lions, buffaloes, elephants, water bucks, leopard, warthogs and jackals; recreational launch cruise on the 45km long Kazinga channel full of birds, Nile crocodiles and Hippos; and optional Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura gorge and the equator crossing experiences. Safari Highlight: Day 1: Travel by Road to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Make a stop at Uganda Equator crossing Kayabwe & traditional lunch stop at Igongo Cultural Center Day 2: Do morning game drive & spend the afternoon at leisure Day 3: Morning chill at the lodge, afternoon Kazinga Channel boat cruise & evening game drive along the channel track Day 4: Transfer to Kampala. An optional Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge / Kalinzu forest reserve can be arranged Description: Day 1: Travel by Road to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Make a stop at Uganda Equator crossing Kayabwe & traditional lunch stop at Igongo Cultural Center After breakfast, embark on the drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. You will drive out of Kampala towards the south west after which you will make a stop at the equator crossing Kayabwe 77km from Kampala for photo shooting and water experiments featuring the geographical separation between the north and southern hemispheres. Continue on the journey through the farmed hill sides and the rangelands of Ankole before making an early lunch stop at Igongo cultural center 12km to Mbarara town. After lunch, continue on the drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Drive distance: 417km Drive time: 7 hours. Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge (Upmarket/luxury) Day 2: Do morning game drive & spend the afternoon at leisure Wake up for an early morning 3 - 4 hour game drive though the Kasenyi tracks where you will have chances of viewing a range of wildlife. Some of these include; lions, elephants, Buffaloes, Antelopes, jackals, among others. You will marvel at them as they gather what to put in their stomachs and others taking a rest. The savannah landscape in which they thrive is an attraction in its self. Retreat from the activity and spend the afternoon in the comfort of your lodge either resting in your lush room or plunge into the Olympic sized swimming pool Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge – Standard room (Luxury / Upmarket) Day 3: Morning chill at the lodge, afternoon Kazinga Channel boat cruise & evening game drive along the channel track Spend the entire morning at the comfort of your lodge enjoying the sweet moments in your room or chill by pool in the mid morning sun overlooking the Kazinga Channel, Lake Edward and Lake George at a distance. At 2pm, you gather at Mweya for a launch cruise on Kazinga channel. The 2 hour launch cruise takes you through the offers of the 45m long Kazinga channel including possibilities of encountering the Nile crocodiles, Hippos, abundant bird life and a range of wild game quenching their thirst along the channel waters. From the activity, you embark on an evening game drive in the Mweya peninsular to enjoy the exciting views of wild game at the sun set. Return to the lodge for relaxation and overnight. Accommodation: Mweya Safari Lodge – Standard room (Luxury / Upmarket) Day 4: Transfer to Kampala. An optional Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge / Kalinzu forest reserve can be arranged After breakfast, embark on the transfer back to Kampala 417km about 7 hours drive. If opt for a chimp trek, then the day would flow like this; Transfer early in the morning to catch up with Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura gorge at 08:00am. You will attend a short briefing by the park rangers after which you will head to the gorge in search of these chimps. The experience is very interesting as it involves sloping down the steep terrain of the gorge and again trekking back to the top. The forest jungle which thrives below the sea level with a river flow on the gorge bed makes the activity to go beyond mere chimpanzees. Upon encountering chimpanzees, you will marvel at them as the swing through the tree branches, gather fruit and socialize not forgetting their pant – hoot calls which will leave you in a state of amazement. Retreat from 2 – 5 hour activity to embark on the drive back to Kampala. You will arrive late in the evening. End of safari:
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5
15 days Rwanda сomprehensive gorilla safari with Karisimbi Mountain
Kampala, Uganda
$7,836
The 15 Days Rwanda Comprehensive Gorilla Safari with Karisimbi Mountain Climbing is an extensive Rwanda safari package that combines adventure, Primates, wildlife and culture in Rwanda to derive remarkable Rwanda safari memories. The Safari involves historic tour to Kigali genocide memorial, the wild game viewing ad boat cruise in Akagera National park, cultural and historic tours in Butare, Chimpanzee trekking, canopy walk and Black and white colobus monkey tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park, the recreational tour on Gisenyi Lake Kivu, the gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, Karisimbi Mountain hike in Volcanoes National Park. The Musaze caves tour, twin lakes walk and tea estate tour and the Prime Safari Africa Home Experience combine to derive remarkable Rwanda safari memories. Safari Highlight Day 1: Arrive in Rwanda – Kigali International Airport & transfer to the lodge Day 2: Explore the Gisozi genocide memorial in Kigali & drive to Akagera National Park Day 3: Undertake morning game drive & boat cruise on Lake Ihema in the afternoon Day 4: Transfer to Butare – Huye District. Visit the Royal Palace at Nyanza, the Ethnographic Museum & Butare National University Day 5: Visit the Rwesero Art Gallery & transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park Day 6: Undertake morning chimpanzee trekking and Nyungwe Forest Canopy walk in the afternoon Day 7: Do Colobus Monkey tracking & afternoon Tea Plantation tour Day 8: Drive to Gisenyi (Lake Kivu). Drive along the Congo Nile divide trail Day 9: Whole day recreation at Lake Kivu (Gisenyi) Day 10: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park. Visit the Musaze Caves upon arriving in Musaze Day 11: Undertake mountain gorilla trekking & evening relaxation at the lodge Day 12 & 13: Undertake the Karisimbi Volcano Climbing Day 14: Prime Safaris Africa Home Experience. Whole day experiential encounter of the family life in Rwanda Day 15: Do golden Monkey tracking and transfer back to Kigali Detailed Safari Description Day 1: Arrive in Rwanda – Kigali International Airport & transfer to the lodge Following your long flight, arrive at Kigali International Airport which is the main gateway if you are travelling by Air. You are welcomed by the company representative who will transfer you to the lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight Accommodation Upmarket / Luxury: Hotel des Milles Collins Midrange / Standard: Hotel Chez Lando Budget / Basic: Discover Rwanda Youth Hostel Day 2: Explore the Gisozi genocide memorial in Kigali & drive to Akagera National Park After breakfast, embark on the visit to Gisozi genocide memorial to pay tribute to the counts of Rwandese that lost their lives in the 1994 bloody genocide. The site has a detailed interpretation of what transpired during that time. Retreat from the activity for lunch after which you embark on the transfer to Akagera National Park 135km about 3 hours’ drive arriving in the evening for relaxation, dinner and overnight. Accommodation Upmarket / Luxury: Ruzizi Tented Lodge Midrange / Standard: Akagera Game Lodge Budget / Basic: Dereva Hotel Wild Camping Day 3: Undertake morning game drive & boat cruise on Lake Ihema in the afternoon Embark on a thrilling game drive along the rolling savannah plains of Akagera National Park along with its papyrus swamps that fringe the series of lakes and the rolling hills that are filled by counts of wildlife. The game drive offers you possibilities of viewing elephants, Buffaloes, Masaai Giraffe, Topis, Roan Antelopes, Lions, leopards, waterbucks among other wildlife. You retreat from the 3 – 4 hour activity and return to the lodge for relaxation and lunch. In the afternoon, you embark on the boat cruise on Lake Ihema which is the second largest lake in Rwanda. The cruise is a thrilling on the calm waters of this lake with possible views of Nile Crocodiles and Hippos and papyrus dwelling birds. Retreat from the activity in the evening for relaxation, dinner and overnight. Accommodation Upmarket / Luxury: Ruzizi Tented Lodge Midrange / Standard: Akagera Game Lodge Budget / Basic: Dereva Hotel Wild Camping Day 4: Transfer to Butare – Huye District. Visit the Royal Palace at Nyanza, the Ethnographic Museum & Butare National University After breakfast, embark on the transfer to Butare – Huye District in the Southern Province of Rwanda. You drive through impressive Rwandan countryside with magical scenery before arriving in Butare to embark on the tour of the Ethnographic Museum formerly referred to as the Butare National Museum with a wide range of collections that count to over 100,000 artifacts making it among the largest museums in East Africa. The tour to the Museum gives a detailed encounter of the Rwanda’s past. You proceed to visit the Royal Palace at Nyanza which is the home to the two Rwandan monarchical Kings namely King Musinga and his successor King Rudahigwa. The palace features a complete royal setting and most significantly the Royal hut which has been restored in the exact setting as it used to appear during the pre-colonial era with the equipment that these Kings used in their daily life. The traditional Inyambo cows exist at the site with their remarkable parade and beautiful horns. You explore the Butare University which is major national University in Rwanda before retiring for relaxation, dinner and overnight. Accommodation Upmarket / Luxury: Barthos Hotel Midrange / Standard: Hotel Faucon Budget / Basic: Shalom Guest House Day 5: Visit the Rwesero Art Gallery & transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park After a relaxed breakfast, you embark on the tour of the Rwesero Art Gallery to explore the contemporary Rwandan art works bringing out the authentic Rwandan creativity without overlooking the history and traditions. The Rwesero Art Gallery building was built by Rudahigwa Mutara III as his palace but he suddenly passed away without occupying it making a site of great historical and cultural attachment as well. After this tour, you embark on the drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park arriving in the afternoon for relaxation, dinner and overnight Accommodation Upmarket / Luxury: Nyungwe Forest Lodge Midrange / Standard: Nyungwe Hill Top View Hotel Budget / Basic: Gisakura Guesthouse Wild Camping Day 6: Undertake morning chimpanzee trekking and Nyungwe Forest Canopy walk in the afternoon Gather at the Nyugwe forest headquarters for the chimpanzee trekking experience. You attend to briefing by the park rangers at 8am after which you head to the forest in search the man’s closest relative – the chimpanzees. The trek exposes you to impressive scenic landscapes of the largest mountain forest in East Africa marked with verdant flora including the beautiful orchids. The park is also supports other 12 primate species apart from Chimpanzees which might be encountered too during the hike including the Black and White Colobus Monkeys. The eventual encounter with the chimps as they munch fruit, the young chimps rolling themselves on tree branches and playing with their mothers, the male chimpanzees doing the patrolling along with scary pant hooting calls and viewing them eye to eye lures you to the world of the unknown that you have never dreamt of. You come to accept the reality that indeed man and chimps share the common ancestor. The chimpanzee trekking activity tends to last 2 – 5 hours inclusive of one hour direct encounter with the chimps. Retreat from the activity and transfer to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, you embark on the adventurous Nyungwe canopy walk which is noted as the first of its kind in East Africa and the third on the African continent. The 90m long and 40m high walkway with the views of the deep forested saddles, the lush canopy filled with primates, birds and butterflies make the activity worth undertaking while on Rwanda safari. Retreat for the two hour adventure and return to the lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight Accommodation Upmarket / Luxury: Nyungwe Forest Lodge Midrange / Standard: Nyungwe Hill Top View Hotel Budget / Basic: Gisakura Guesthouse Wild Camping Day 7: Do Colobus Monkey tracking & afternoon Tea Plantation tour After breakfast, you embark on the Black and White Colobus Monkey tracking to explore the largest grouping of Black and white colobus monkey in the whole of Africa close to 400 individuals. The impressive views of the black and white coats along with young ones that are purely white before they start coloring at 3months make the tracking memorable. The encounter starts at 8am and tend to last 2 – 5 hours. You retreat to the lodge for lunch and relaxation and in the evening, you embark on the tea plantation tour to explore the tea growing practices and the touch of the local community towards the tea growing project. You retire for relaxation, dinner and overnight Accommodation Upmarket / Luxury: Nyungwe Forest Lodge Midrange / Standard: Nyungwe Hill Top View Hotel Budget / Basic: Gisakura Guesthouse Wild Camping Day 8: Drive to Gisenyi (Lake Kivu). Drive along the Congo Nile divide trail Settle for a relaxed breakfast amidst the fresh humid forests of Nyungwe after which you embark on the drive to Lake Kivu (Gisenyi) 294km about 7 hours’ drive passing along the Congo Nile divide which acts as the separation of the water catchment area for two great African Rivers namely; River Congo and River Nile which is also the longest in the world. The magical sceneries of Lake Kivu are impressive to encounter en route. Arrive on Lake Kivu in the afternoon for relaxation, dinner and overnight. Accommodation Upmarket / Luxury: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel Midrange / Standard: Hotel Gorillas Lake Kivu / Water Front Lake Kivu Budget / Basic: Paladise Malahide Resort Camping Day 9: Whole day recreation at Lake Kivu (Gisenyi) You take your thrilling breakfast in the fresh water breeze of Lake Kivu after which you have a range of optional activities that you can participate in including; the boat cruise, swimming in this Bilharzia free lake, wind surfing experience, sun bathing, cycling among others. It is a whole day magical recreation on the beaches of tropical Africa far away from home. Retire for overnight. Accommodation Upmarket / Luxury: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel Midrange / Standard: Hotel Gorillas Lake Kivu / Water Front Hotel Lake Kivu Budget / Basic: Paladise Malahide Resort Camping Day 10: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park. Visit the Musaze Caves upon arriving in Musaze After a relaxed breakfast, embark on the transfer to Volcanoes National Park 110km about 2 hours’ drive driving through impressive countryside landscapes of Rwanda before being welcomed by the towering Virunga massif. Upon arrival in Musaze, you embark on the Musaze Caves tour to explore the 2km long cave with 31 entrances that was formed 65 million years ago as a result of lava flow from Sabyinyo and Bisoke Mountains. You enjoy a guided walk in the Cave that lasts for 2 hours with protection from an armed Soldier. Retreat from the activity and connect to the lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight Accommodation Upmarket / Luxury: Mount Gorilla View Lodge / Virunga Lodge Midrange / Standard: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge / Hotel La Palme Budget / Basic: Muhabura Hotel Wild Camping Day 11: Undertake mountain gorilla trekking & evening relaxation at the lodge You wake up early in the morning at your lodge for breakfast and embark on the transfer to Volcanoes National Park Park headquarters Kinigi. At the headquarters as you wait for the briefing time, you are treated for a warm cup of coffee served courtesy of Rwanda Development Board while being entertained by the Kinyarwanda dance troupes before the park rangers set to allocate the respective gorilla families and then briefing in your respective gorilla groups at 8am. After briefing you drive to the respective gorilla family trail heads to head to the jungle in search of the critically endangered apes. The hike through the volcanic slopes marked with steep slopes and dense vegetation beautiful in nature present amazing scenic views. The eventual encounter with the mountain gorillas as they forage to feed their huge tummies, attending to the frightening welcome of the silverback, watching the baby gorillas as they roll themselves on tree branches, play with other and respective mothers among other aspects will lure you into an unforgettable amazement. The one hour is availed to you to experience what you have heard, read and thought of for long and the remarkable pictures will form a lasting memorabilia for this lifetime experience that is so far the best in Africa. The gorilla trekking activity tends to last 2 – 8 hours depending on how long the gorillas have moved. Retreat from the activity and get back to the lodge for relaxation and dinner and overnight. Accommodation Upmarket / Luxury: Mount Gorilla View Lodge / Virunga Lodge Midrange / Standard: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge / Hotel La Palme Budget / Basic: Muhabura Hotel Wild Camping Day 12 & 13: Undertake the Karisimbi Volcano Climbing with a visit to Dian Fossey Wake early for a two day thrilling adventure hike to the Karisimbi Volcano which is the highest of all the eight Volcanic Mountains that form the greater Virunga massif. The Karisimbi Volcano is a dormant huge dome whose name literally translates to white shell referring to its white capped summit which results not from snow but from hail and sleet that gather on the mounting top as a result if its frequent storms. The adventure hike to the Karisimbi Mountain standing at 4,507m making the sixth highest mountain in East Africa lasts two (2) days and requires appropriate equipment and clothing. You drive to the trail head at 16km from the park office after which you head to the mountain for the life time adventure. The climbing encounter commences at around 2,600m above sea level. The hike through varied vegetation landscapes and the views of other volcanoes is impressive to encounter. On your first day of ascend, you visit the Dian Fossey site to pay tribute to this famous gorilla conservationist that the world has ever had. You first camp at 3,700m before proceeding the next day to summit the peak and descend to the starting point which takes about 6 hours. Accommodation Upmarket / Luxury: Mount Gorilla View Lodge / Virunga Lodge Midrange / Standard: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge / Hotel La Palme Budget / Basic: Muhabura Hotel Wild Camping Day 14: Prime Safaris Africa Home Experience. Whole day experiential encounter of the family life in Rwanda Wake up very early and connect with the family members to embark on the whole day routine of their everyday life. If you are a man, you follow your fellow men and if you are a woman, you follow the women. Rwanda features extensive coffee plantations and tea not forgetting the livestock. The women would do cleaning of the houses and the homestead, cultivating, the preparing food, making of crafts among others while men would go in or activities like Milking, Cultivating, live stock rearing, and construction among others. The experience includes enjoying local cuisine, interaction and storytelling and traditional performances before you eventually settle for another overnight. Accommodation: Home stay Day 15: Do golden Monkey tracking and transfer back to Kigali After breakfast at your lodge, you gather at Kinigi Park headquarters at 7am for briefing about the golden monkey tracking experience. After the briefing, you drive to the trail head where you embark on the hike through impressive forested landscapes of Volcanoes National Park with its chain of Volcanic Mountains. The golden monkeys are given as endangered and are only found in the Virunga massif. They would definitely impress you as they leap among the Bamboo tree branches on the foot hills of Sabyinyo Mountains. You have one complete hour to maximize your experience with them the camera will have to be set in the speed shutter speed to match their fast movements in the tree branches. Retreat from this 4 hour activity and embark on the transfer to Kigali 116km about 3 hours to mark the end of safari. End Safari
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13 Days Gorilla and wildlife safari in Rwanda
Kampala, Uganda
$7,227
The 13 Days Gorilla and Wildlife Safari in Rwanda is one of the comprehensive safaris that can be taken in the destination Rwanda. The safari features a perfect blend of wild game, primates including gorillas and chimpanzees and then Culture. It incorporates gorilla trekking and golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes, chimpanzee trekking and canopy walk in Nyungwe forest, heritage tours in Butare, recreational encounters on Lake Kivu and Lake Ihema, game viewing in Akagera National Park and genocide tours at Gisozi and Nyamata genocide. The Prime Safaris Africa Home Experience offers a detailed encounter with the real life of the local Rwandese homestead from morning to evening. Safari Highlight Day 1: Arrive in Kigali International Airport Rwanda Day 2: Transfer to Nyungwe National Park. Visit the National Institute of Rwandan Museums in Huye (Butare) en route Day 3: Do Chimpanzee trekking in the morning and afternoon Nyungwe canopy walk Day 4: Do Black and White Colobus Monkey tracking & evening Tea Plantation tour Day 5: Transfer to Gisenyi via Kibuye passing through the Congo Nile divide trail: Spend the rest of the day relaxing on Lake Kivu. Optional activities include; boat cruise, wind surfing, cycling among others. Day 6: Transfer to Ruhengeri – Volcanoes National Park. Visit Musaze Caves upon arrival in Musaze Day 7: Do gorilla trekking and relax at the lodge Day 8: Do golden Monkey tracking and relax the lodge Day 9: Prime Safaris Africa Home Experience. Whole day experiential encounter of the family life in Rwanda Day 10: Transfer to Kigali & visit the Gisozi genocide memorial Day 11: Visit the Nyamata genocide memorial and transfer to Akagera National Park Day 12: Do morning game drive and afternoon boat cruise at Lake Ihema Day 13: Transfer to Kigali & depart Detailed Safari Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Kigali International Airport Rwanda After a flight from your point of origin, you land at Kigali International Airport where you will be received by our company representative giving you a courteous welcome and a brief introduction about the country after which you transfer to the lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight. Accommodation Upmarket / Luxury: Hotel des Milles Collines Midrange / Standard: Hotel Chez Lando Budget / Basic: Discover Rwanda Youth Hostel Day 2: Transfer to Nyungwe National Park. Visit the National Institute of Rwandan Museums in Huye (Butare) en route After breakfast at you place of stay in Kigali, you will embark on the transfer to Nyungwe Forest Natiaon Park 268km about 6 hours’ drive excluding stops en route. The drive will take you through the impressive country side landscapes of the south. You will make a stop in Butare town and encounter the National Institute of Rwanda Museums with one of the largest ethnographic museums in East Africa. The stop will also take you through the Nyanza palace which is a hub of the Rwandan traditions. It the home of the two kings of Rwanda King Musinga and King Rudahigwa that governed the pre-colonial Rwanda. The site features an impressive architectural hut and the Inyambo long horned cows which make it remarkable to encounter. You will have lunch in Butare after which you will transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park arriving in the evening for relaxation, dinner and overnight. Accommodation Upmarket/Luxury: Nyungwe Forest Lodge Midrange/Standard: Nyungwe Hill Top View Hotel Budget/Basic: Gisakura Guesthouse Wild Camping Day 3: Do Chimpanzee trekking in the morning and afternoon Nyungwe canopy walk After breakfast, embark on the chimpanzee trekking encounter in the prehistoric forests of Nyungwe. The trek starts at 8am commencing with briefing at the park headquarters before proceeding to the forest in search of our closest cousins the Chimpanzees. Walking through the forest and eventually having direct encounter with these chimpanzees for one (1) hour makes the chimp trek memorable. The species thrive in their natural habitats and they are impressive to look at as they munch fruits, roll themselves on the trees, mate and socialize. The activity tends to last between 2 – 5 hours after which you return to the lodge for lunch and short relaxation. In the afternoon, you gather at Uwinka Visitor center to embark on the famous Nyungwe Canopy walk which is the first of its kind in East Africa and the third in the whole of Africa. The canopy walk way us raised to 40m from the ground and it is 90m long hanging above a steep deep valley with impressive scenic views of the landscapes and the flora and faunal species that are found in the area. Retire in the evening to the lodge for relaxation and overnight. Accommodation Upmarket/Luxury: Nyungwe Forest Lodge Midrange/Standard: Nyungwe Hill Top View Hotel Budget/Basic: Gisakura Guesthouse Wild Camping Day 4: Do Black and White Colobus Monkey tracking & evening Tea Plantation tour After breakfast, you embark on the Black and White Colobus Monkey tracking to explore the largest grouping of Black and white colobus monkey in the whole of Africa close to 400 individuals. The impressive views of the black and white coats along with young ones that are purely white before they start coloring at 3months make the tracking memorable. The encounter starts at 8am and tend to last 2 – 5 hours. You retreat to the lodge for lunch and relaxation and in the evening, you embark on the tea plantation tour to explore the tea growing practices and the touch of the local community towards the tea growing project. You retire for relaxation, dinner and overnight Accommodation Up market / Luxury: Nyungwe Forest Lodge Midrange / Standard: Nyungwe Hill Top View Hotel Budget / Basic: Gisakura Guesthouse Wild Camping Day 5: Transfer to Gisenyi via Kibuye passing through the Congo Nile divide trail: Spend the rest of the day relaxing on Lake Kivu. Optional activities include; boat cruise, wind surfing, cycling among others. After breakfast, embark on the transfer to Gisenyi Lake Kivu driving along the Congo Nile Divide trail with the impressive views of Kivu Lake and the resort towns of Kibuye. The journey is 294km about 7 hours’ drive. In afternoon, you relax on the shores of Lake Kivu one of the largest lakes in Africa. You embark on an evening thrilling boat cruise on Lake Kivu which is the largest lake in Rwanda that stretches to the Democratic Republic of Congo. The cruise presents a memorable recreational adventure on the lake allowing exploring some of its Islands. Retire for relaxation, dinner and overnight. Accommodation Upmarket / Luxury: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel Midrange / Standard: Hotel Gorillas Lake Kivu / Water Front Resort Lake Kivu Budget / Basic: Paladise Malahide Resort Camping Day 6: Transfer to Ruhengeri – Volcanoes National Park. Visit Musaze Caves upon arrival in Musaze After a relaxed breakfast, embark on the transfer to Volcanoes National Park 110km about 2 hours’ drive driving through impressive countryside landscapes of Rwanda before being welcomed by the towering Virunga massif. Upon arrival in Musaze, you embark on the Musaze Caves tour to explore the 2km long cave with 31 entrances that was formed 65 million years ago as a result of lava flow from Sabyinyo and Bisoke Mountains. You enjoy a guided walk in the Cave that lasts for 2 hours with protection from an armed Soldier. Retreat from the activity and connect to the lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight Accommodation Upmarket / Luxury: Mount Gorilla View Lodge Midrange / Standard: Hotel La Palme Budget / Basic: Muhabura Hotel Wild Camping Day 7: Do gorilla trekking and relax at the lodge After a thrilling breakfast from your respective lodge, you will gather at the Volcanoes Park Headquarters in Kinigi at 8am for briefing and the eventual start of the gorilla tracking encounter. The park rangers will give you the situation that surrounds gorilla trekking and the respective dos and don’ts for the very activity while enjoying a thrilling cup of Rwandan coffee and being entertained by the famous Intore dance demonstrating the traditional Rwandan society. Embark on the actual gorilla tracking hiking through the jungle of Volcanoes following the respective assigned gorilla family and in company of those the eight team mates that have been put together with you track a given gorilla group. The duration for the gorilla tracking tends to fall between 2 – 8 hours and the encounter is more that the ordinary. The hike through the jungle passing by amazing flora and fauna, the impressive and magical scenic landscapes of the Virungas would definitely leave you in a state of bewilderment. The eventually one hour direct encounter with mountain gorillas seeing direct in their frightening eyes enjoying the beauty of their fur and the being entertained by the playful young ones settles your thoughts of the worthiness of the gorilla permit price. Return from this encounter and return to the lodge for relaxation. Accommodation Upmarket / Luxury: Mount Gorilla View Lodge Midrange / Standard: Hotel La Palme Budget / Basic: Muhabura Hotel Wild Camping Day 8: Do golden Monkey tracking and relax the lodge Embark on the golden monkey tracking in the forests of Volcanoes National Park in search of the endangered golden monkeys thriving in the Bamboo Zone of the Volcanoes. The encounter commences at 7am at the Park headquarters Kinigi and tends to last about 4 hours inclusive of one hour direct encounter with these species. Retreat from the activity and retreat to the lodge fro relaxation, dinner and overnight Accommodation Upmarket / Luxury: Mount Gorilla View Lodge Midrange / Standard: Hotel La Palme Budget / Basic: Muhabura Hotel Wild Camping Day 9: Prime Safaris Africa Home Experience. Whole day experiential encounter of the family life in Rwanda Wake up very early and connect with the family members to embark on the whole day routine of their everyday life. If you are a man, you follow your fellow men and if you are a woman, you follow the women. Rwanda features extensive coffee plantations and tea not forgetting the livestock. The women would do cleaning of the houses and the homestead, cultivating, the preparing food, making of crafts among others while men would go in or activities like Milking, Cultivating, live stock rearing, and construction among others. The experience includes enjoying local cuisine, interaction and storytelling and traditional performances before you eventually settle for another overnight. Accommodation: Home stay Day 10: Transfer to Kigali & visit the Gisozi genocide memorial After your breakfast at your place of stay in Ruhengeri, embark on the transfer to Kigali city 116km about 3 hours’ drive passing through amazing country side landscapes. You will arrive in Kigali early enough to connect Gisozi genocide memorial to pay a visit to the counts of Rwandese who lost their dear lives during the bloody genocide that befell Rwanda in the year 1994. The number of skulls line in the building and the respective writings gives you a fresh picture of what exactly transpired during that period. You will have lunch in Kigali and then retire for overnight. Accommodation Upmarket / Luxury: Hotel des Milles Collines Midrange / Standard: Hotel Chez Lando Budget / Basic: Discover Rwanda Youth Hostel Day 11: Visit the Nyamata genocide memorial and transfer to Akagera National Park After breakfast, embark on the visit to the Nyamata genocide memorial where other counts of Rwandese lost their lives in the bloody genocide. The people had sought a refugee in the Nyamata Church before they were attacked and killed miserably with in the same place. You retreat from the activity and embark on the transfer to Akagera National Park to the east of Rwanda arriving in the afternoon for relaxation, dinner and overnight. Accommodation Upmarket / Luxury: Ruzizi Tented Lodge Midrange / Standard: Akagera Game Lodge Budget / Basic: Dereva Hotel Wild Camping Day 12: Do morning game drive and afternoon boat cruise at Lake Ihema After an early cup of coffee, embark on the morning game drive exploring the rolling savannah landscapes of the park with the impressive plains that stretch to the boarder of Tanzania dotted with counts of wild game. The game drive in the morning exposes you to counts of elephants, buffaloes, Masaai giraffes, antelopes like Impala, bushbucks, water bucks among others, the predators including leopards among other wild game that thrive in this natural habitat. The stretch to the upper hills of Mutumba presents a rewarding encounter on your safari in Rwanda. You retreat from this activity that lasts 3 – 4 hours and return to the lodge for relaxation and lunch. In the afternoon, you will connect to Lake Ihema for a thrilling boat cruise that offers you an opportunity to encounter the Rwanda’s second largest lake which has counts of Hippos and Nile Crocodiles not forgetting a range of water birds that dwell on the lake shores. Retire from dinner and overnight Accommodation Up market / Luxury: Ruzizi Tented Lodge Midrange / Standard: Akagera Game Lodge Budget / Basic: Dereva Hotel Wild Camping Day 13: Transfer to Kigali & depart After breakfast, embark on the transfer back to Kigali city for final shopping and departure. End of Safari
2
2
10 days Rwanda primate and wildlife safari
Kampala, Uganda
$6,072
The 10 Days Rwanda Primate and Wildlife Safari is one of the comprehensive safaris in Rwanda that allows you to encounter the country in detail. The safari takes you to the Akagera National Park for amazing wild game viewing and boat cruise, Nyanza for culture encounters, Nyungwe Forest National Park for chimpanzees and canopy walk Gisenyi for beach relaxation on Lake Kivu and Volcanoes National Park for gorilla, Golden Monkeys, Dian Fossey site and the Prime Safaris Africa Home Experience in the surrounding community. The historical genocide site tour and the drive through the amazing scenery of the hilly landscapes combine to generate ultimate Africa safari memories. Safari Highlight Day 1: Explore the Gisozi genocide memorial in Kigali & drive to Akagera National Park Day 2: Undertake morning game drive & boat cruise on Lake Ihema in the afternoon Day 3: Drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park in the south west. Make a stop in Butare to visit the Nyanza Royal Palace. Day 4: Undertake morning chimpanzee trekking and Nyungwe Forest Canopy walk in the afternoon Day 5: Drive to Gisenyi (Lake Kivu). Drive along the Congo Nile divide trail Day 6: Relax on the lake and drive in the evening to Volcanoes National Park Day 7: Undertake mountain gorilla trekking & evening relaxation at the lodge Day 8: Prime Safaris Africa Home Experience. Whole day experiential encounter of the family life in Rwanda Day 9: Undertake golden monkey tracking and visit the Musaze Caves in the afternoon Day 10: Undertake the hike to the Dian Fossey site and transfer back to Kigali Detailed Safari Description Day 1: Explore the Gisozi genocide memorial in Kigali & drive to Akagera National Park After breakfast, embark on the visit to Gisozi genocide memorial to pay tribute to the counts of Rwandese that lost their lives in the 1994 bloody genocide. The site has a detailed interpretation of what transpired during that time. Retreat from the activity for lunch after which you embark on the transfer to Akagera National Park 135km about 3 hours’ drive arriving in the evening for relaxation, dinner and overnight. Accommodation Upmarket / Luxury: Ruzizi Tented Lodge Midrange / Standard: Akagera Game Lodge Budget / Basic: Dereva Hotel Wild Camping Day 2: Undertake morning game drive & boat cruise on Lake Ihema in the afternoon Embark on a thrilling game drive along the rolling savannah plains of Akagera National Park along with its papyrus swamps that fringe the series of lakes and the rolling hills that are filled by counts of wildlife. The game drive offers you possibilities of viewing elephants, Buffaloes, Masaai Giraffe, Topis, Roan Antelopes, Lions, leopards, waterbucks among other wildlife. You retreat from the 3 – 4 hour activity and return to the lodge for relaxation and lunch. In the afternoon, you embark on the boat cruise on Lake Ihema which is the second largest lake in Rwanda. The cruise is a thrilling on the calm waters of this lake with possible views of Nile Crocodiles and Hippos and papyrus dwelling birds. Retreat from the activity in the evening for relaxation, dinner and overnight. Accommodation Upmarket / Luxury: Ruzizi Tented Lodge Midrange / Standard: Akagera Game Lodge Budget / Basic: Dereva Hotel Wild Camping Day 3: Drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park in the south west. Make a stop in Butare to visit the Nyanza Royal Palace. After breakfast, embark on the transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park to the south west of Rwanda. You make a stop in Nyanza to visit the Nyanza palace which is a home to the past traditional leaders of Rwanda. The King Musinga and is successor King Rudahigwa stayed in this palace. It has an impressive architectural hut and inyambo cows. Retreat from the activity and continue on the drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park arriving it the evening for relaxation dinner and overnight. Accommodation Upmarket / Luxury: Nyungwe Forest Lodge Midrange / Standard: Nyungwe Hill Top View Hotel Budget / Basic: Gisakura Guesthouse Wild Camping Day 4: Undertake morning chimpanzee trekking and Nyungwe Forest Canopy walk in the afternoon Gather at the Nyugwe forest headquarters for the chimpanzee trekking experience. You attend to briefing by the park rangers at 8am after which you head to the forest in search the man’s closest relative – the chimpanzees. The trek exposes you to impressive scenic landscapes of the largest mountain forest in East Africa marked with verdant flora including the beautiful orchids. The park is also supports other 12 primate species apart from Chimpanzees which might be encountered too during the hike including the Black and White Colobus Monkeys. The eventual encounter with the chimps as they munch fruit, the young chimps rolling themselves on tree branches and playing with their mothers, the male chimpanzees doing the patrolling along with scary pant hooting calls and viewing them eye to eye lures you to the world of the unknown that you have never dreamt of. You come to accept the reality that indeed man and chimps share the common ancestor. The chimpanzee trekking activity tends to last 2 – 5 hours inclusive of one hour direct encounter with the chimps. Retreat from the activity and transfer to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, you embark on the adventurous Nyungwe canopy walk which is noted as the first of its kind in East Africa and the third on the African continent. The 90m long and 40m high walkway with the views of the deep forested saddles, the lush canopy filled with primates, birds and butterflies make the activity worth undertaking while on Rwanda safari. Retreat for the two hour adventure and return to the lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight Accommodation Upmarket / Luxury: Nyungwe Forest Lodge Midrange / Standard: Nyungwe Hill Top View Hotel Budget / Basic: Gisakura Guesthouse Wild Camping Day 5: Drive to Gisenyi (Lake Kivu). Drive along the Congo Nile divide trail Settle for a relaxed breakfast amidst the fresh humid forests of Nyungwe after which you embark on the drive to Lake Kivu (Gisenyi) 294km about 7 hours’ drive passing along the Congo Nile divide which acts as the separation of the water catchment area for two great African Rivers namely; River Congo and River Nile which is also the longest in the world. The magical sceneries of Lake Kivu are impressive to encounter en route. Arrive on Lake Kivu in the afternoon for relaxation, dinner and overnight. Accommodation Upmarket / Luxury: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel Midrange / Standard: Hotel Gorillas Lake Kivu / Water Front Lake Kivu Budget / Basic: Paladise Malahide Resort Camping Day 6: Relax on the lake and drive in the evening to Volcanoes National Park You take your thrilling breakfast in the fresh water breeze of Lake Kivu after which you have a range of optional activities that you can participate in including; the boat cruise, swimming in this Bilharzia free lake, wind surfing experience, sun bathing, cycling among others. Retreat for lunch and relaxation at the lodge after which you embark in the transfer to Volcanoes National Park 110km about 2 hours’ drive arriving in the evening for relaxation, dinner and overnight. Accommodation Upmarket / Luxury: Mount Gorilla View Lodge / Virunga Lodge Midrange / Standard: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge Budget / Basic: Muhabura Hotel Wild Camping Day 7: Undertake mountain gorilla trekking & evening relaxation at the lodge You wake up early in the morning at your lodge for breakfast and embark on the transfer to Volcanoes National Park Park headquarters Kinigi. At the headquarters as you wait for the briefing time, you are treated for a warm cup of coffee served courtesy of Rwanda Development Board while being entertained by the Kinyarwanda dance troupes before the park rangers set to allocate the respective gorilla families and then briefing in your respective gorilla groups at 8am. After briefing you drive to the respective gorilla family trail heads to head to the jungle in search of the critically endangered apes. The hike through the volcanic slopes marked with steep slopes and dense vegetation beautiful in nature present amazing scenic views. The eventual encounter with the mountain gorillas as they forage to feed their huge tummies, attending to the frightening welcome of the silverback, watching the baby gorillas as they roll themselves on tree branches, play with other and respective mothers among other aspects will lure you into an unforgettable amazement. The one hour is availed to you to experience what you have heard, read and thought of for long and the remarkable pictures will form a lasting memorabilia for this lifetime experience that is so far the best in Africa. The gorilla trekking activity tends to last 2 – 8 hours depending on how long the gorillas have moved. Retreat from the activity and get back to the lodge for relaxation and dinner and overnight. Accommodation Upmarket / Luxury: Mount Gorilla View Lodge / Virunga Lodge Midrange / Standard: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge / Hotel La Palme Budget / Basic: Muhabura Hotel Wild Camping Day 8: Prime Safaris Africa Home Experience. Whole day experiential encounter of the family life in Rwanda Wake up very early and connect with the family members to embark on the whole day routine of their everyday life. If you are a man, you follow your fellow men and if you are a woman, you follow the women. Rwanda features extensive coffee plantations and tea not forgetting the livestock. The women would do cleaning of the houses and the homestead, cultivating, the preparing food, making of crafts among others while men would go in or activities like Milking, Cultivating, live stock rearing, and construction among others. The experience includes enjoying local cuisine, interaction and storytelling and traditional performances before you eventually settle for another overnight. Accommodation: Home stay Day 9: Undertake golden monkey tracking and visit the Musaze Caves in the afternoon After breakfast at your lodge, you gather at Kinigi Park headquarters at 7am for briefing about the golden monkey tracking experience. After the briefing, you drive to the trail head where you embark on the hike through impressive forested landscapes of Volcanoes National Park with its chain of Volcanic Mountains. The golden monkeys are given as endangered and are only found in the Virunga massif. They would definitely impress you as they leap among the Bamboo tree branches on the foot hills of Sabyinyo Mountains. You have one complete hour to maximize your experience with them the camera will have to be set in the speed shutter speed to match their fast movements in the tree branches. Retreat from the activity that tends to last for 4 hours and get back to the lodge for relaxation and lunch. In the afternoon, you head to the Musaze caves to encounter the ancient caves of Musaze whose formation dates back to 65 million years ago accruing from the lava flow for the eruption of Sabyinyo and Bisoke Mountains. The caves stretch for 2km inside and have got 31 entrances with a large bat colony inside. The inside of the caves is actually frightening to walk along. However, you are always accompanied by the armed guide. The activity tends to last 2 hours after which you return to the lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight. Accommodation Upmarket / Luxury: Mount Gorilla View Lodge / Virunga Lodge Midrange / Standard: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge / Hotel La Palme Budget / Basic: Muhabura Hotel Wild Camping Day 10: Undertake the hike to the Dian Fossey site and transfer back to Kigali After breakfast, embark on the hike to the Dian Fossey site. The encounter gives you an opportunity to pay tribute to Dian Fossey. Dian Fossey is a famed American Primatologist who dedicated her life to the conservation of Mountain gorillas. She carried out substantive research about and advocated for their plight. Visiting her research site at Karisoke where she lays in rest alongside her most loved silverback Digit is rewarding to encounter. Retreat from this 4 hour activity and embark on the transfer to Kigali 116km about 3 hours to mark the end of safari. End Safari
5
5
8 days safari in Rwanda
Kampala, Uganda
$5,042
Overview of the 8 Days Safari in Rwanda The 8 Days Safari in Rwanda features the most interesting Rwanda safari destinations including the Akagera National Park, the Nyungwe National Park, Lake Kivu, the cultural city of Butare and Volcanoes National Park. The activities to engage in include; gorilla trekking, colobus monkey tracking, the chimpanzee trekking, Prime Safaris Africa Home Experience, the historical tour to the Gisozi genocide memorial, heritage tour in Butare and Wild game viewing in Akagera National Park. It is a fun filled adventure worth exploring! Safari Highlight of the 8 Days Safari in Rwanda Day 1 of the 8 Days Safari in Rwanda: Tour the Gisozi genocide memorial & drive to Akagera National Park Day 2 of the 8 Days Safari in Rwanda: Undertake morning game drive & boat cruise along Lake Ihema in the afternoon Day 3 of the 8 Days Safari in Rwanda: Drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park. Tour the National Institute of Rwandan Museums & the Nyanza Palace in Butare en route Day 4 of the 8 Days Safari in Rwanda: Undertake Chimpanzee Trekking in the morning & Nyungwe Canopy Walk in the afternoon Day 5 of the 8 Days Safari in Rwanda: Undertake colobus Monkey tracking in the morning & visit the tea estate Day 6 of the 8 Days Safari in Rwanda: Drive to Volcanoes National Park Day 7 of the 8 Days Safari in Rwanda: Prime Safaris Africa Home Experience. Whole day experiential encounter of the family life in Rwanda Day 8 of the 8 Days Safari in Rwanda: Do gorilla tracking and transfer back to Kigali Detailed Safari Itinerary of the 8 Days Safari in Rwanda Day 1 of the 8 Days Safari in Rwanda: Tour the Gisozi genocide memorial & drive to Akagera National Park After breakfast, you embark on the tour to the Gisozi genocide memorial. The tour allows you to explore the living museum of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. The museum features writings, audio presentations in various sections of the gallery that would avail you with the general picture of what actually transpired during the horrific genocide. You retreat from the activity and embark on the drive to Akagera National Park 135km about 2 ½ hours’ drive arriving in the afternoon for relaxation, dinner and overnight Accommodation Upmarket / luxury: Ruzizi Tented Camp Midrange / Standard: Akagera Game Lodge Budget / Basic: Dereva Hotel Wild Camping Day 2 of the 8 Days Safari in Rwanda: Undertake morning game drive & boat cruise along Lake Ihema in the afternoon Following an early morning breakfast, you head to the rolling savannah plains of Akagera National Park for wild game viewing. The drive features offers you sights of various wild game including; Masaai Giraffes, the elephants, the Buffaloes, the Impala, bushbucks, waterbucks, roan antelope, reedbuck, leopards among other species. The stretch to the northern landscapes of Mutumba hills offers you impressive views of the area and the overlooking Tanzanian plains. Retreat from the 3 – 4 hour encounter and return to the lodge for relaxation and lunch. After lunch, embark on the thrilling boat cruise on Lake Ihema to explore a range of aquatic Species including the Nile Crocodiles and Hippos. Lake Ihema stands as the second largest in Rwanda after Lake Kivu and its expanse waters offer an extensive recreational encounter. The papyrus that fringe the lake offers a rich habitat for birds. Retire for relaxation and overnight Accommodation Upmarket / Luxury: Ruzizi Tented Lodge Midrange / Standard: Akagera Game Lodge Budget / Basic: Dereva Hotel Wild Camping Day 3 of the 8 Days Safari in Rwanda: Drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park. Tour the National Institute of Rwandan Museums & the Nyanza Palace in Butare en route Following an early breakfast, you embark on the drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park which is 268km about 6 hours’ driving through impressive southern province landscapes with impressive hills with local settlements before making a stop in Butare to explore the Ethnographic Museum with a count of 100,000 artifacts that feature the history, culture and heritage in Rwanda. You continue on the tour to visit the Nyanza Royal Palace to explore the ancient palace notable for having been a home to the two Rwandan Kings – King Musinga and his successor King Rudahigwa. The site features an impressive architectural hut and the traditional Inyambo cows. You proceed to arrive in Nyungwe forest in the evening for relaxation, dinner and overnight Accommodation Upmarket / Luxury: Nyungwe Forest Lodge Midrange / Standard: Nyungwe Hill Top View Hotel Budget / Basic: Gisakura Guesthouse Wild Camping Day 4 of the 8 Days Safari in Rwanda: Undertake Chimpanzee Trekking in the morning & Nyungwe Canopy Walk in the afternoon Following a cup of tea at your lodge, gather at the Nyungwe Forest park headquarters to attend to the briefing at 8am about chimpanzee trekking experience. The forest of Nyungwe is considered as the largest montane forest in the region and is a rich habitat to 310 Species of birds, over 75 mammal Species, 13 Species of Primates of which common Chimpanzees are among along with counts of butterflies, impressive trees and beautiful orchids. The chimp trek tend to last 2 – 5 hours inclusive of one hour direct encounter with the chimps as you see them munch fruit, roll themselves on tree branches, socialize, patrol, copulate among other interesting aspects that will lure you to make full utilization of your Camera space. Retreat from the activity and connect to the lodge for relaxation an lunch. In the afternoon, you connect at Uwinka Visitor Center to embark on the afternoon Nyungwe canopy walk. The two hour walk on top of the forest canopy offers you impressive views of the forest and the species that thrive in it including primates and birds. Retreat from the activity and connect to the lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight Accommodation Up market / Luxury: Nyungwe Forest Lodge Midrange / Standard: Nyungwe Hill Top View Hotel Budget / Basic: Gisakura Guesthouse Wild Camping Day 5 of the 8 Days Safari in Rwanda: Undertake colobus Monkey tracking in the morning & visit the tea estate After breakfast, embark on the colobus monkey tracking the largest grouping of colobus monkeys in Africa close to 400 monkeys. It is an exciting encounter to view these Black and white Species spread all over trees and most of them with their young ones that tend be white while still young. The encounter lasts 2 – 5 hours after which you settle for lunch and relax a little. In the afternoon, you embark on the exploration of the nearby tea estate. You can consider visiting the Nyungwe tea estate or Gisakura tea estate exploring the impressive scenery of the plantation, the tea growing practices, processing, packaging and distribution channels. After the estates visit, retreat to the lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight Accommodation Up market / Luxury: Nyungwe Forest Lodge Midrange / Standard: Nyungwe Hill Top View Hotel Budget / Basic: Gisakura Guesthouse Wild Camping Day 6 of the 8 Days Safari in Rwanda: Drive to Volcanoes National Park After breakfast, embark on the transfer to Volcanoes National Park 338km about 10 hours drive enjoying some scenic sections of the Congo – Nile divide trail along with the views of impressive Lake Kivu before approaching Musaze and eventually Volcanoes National Park for relaxation, dinner and overnight Accommodation Up market / Luxury: Mount Gorilla View Lodge / Virunga Lodge Midrange / Standard: Hotel La Palme / Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge Budget / Basic: Muhabura Hotel Wild Camping Day 7 of the 8 Days Safari in Rwanda: Prime Safaris Africa Home Experience. Whole day experiential encounter of the family life in Rwanda Wake up very early and connect with the family members to embark on the whole day routine of their everyday life. If you are a man, you follow your fellow men and if you are a woman, you follow the women. Rwanda features extensive coffee plantations and tea not forgetting the livestock. The women would do cleaning of the houses and the homestead, cultivating, the preparing food, making of crafts among others while men would go in or activities like Milking, Cultivating, live stock rearing, and construction among others. The experience includes enjoying local cuisine, interaction and storytelling and traditional performances before you eventually settle for another overnight. Accommodation: Home stay Day 8 of the 8 Days Safari in Rwanda: Do gorilla tracking and transfer back to Kigali Connect to headquarters of the Volcanoes National Park at Kinigi to attend to briefing at 8am. If you arrive earlier, you catch up with the impressive Kinyarwanda performances and a free cup of coffee served at the site. After the gorilla family allocation and briefing, you head to the mist in search of the critically endangered mountain gorillas. Trek through impressive landscapes with the Volcanic soils which may not be all that firm and can be slippery. The park also features lush flora and bird species. The one hour moment with the gorillas is also remarkable. It is an exciting adventure to come into a direct contact with the mountain gorillas. The entire trek is not predictable but can range from 2 – 8 hours. You retire from the activity and embark on the transfer to Kigali 116km about 2 – 3 hours’ drive driving through impressive hill sides of Rwanda arriving in the evening to mark the end of the safari. End of Safari
5
5
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
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5
8 days Uganda big ape, scenery & wild game safari
Kampala, Uganda
$2,724
8 DAYS UGANDA BIG APE, SCENERY & WILD GAME SAFARI Overview The 8 Days Uganda Primate, Wild game & Scenery Safaris is one of the short but well detailed safaris that allows you to explore Uganda – the pearl of Africa in detail. The 8 Days encounter features Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest NP, adventure hiking to the Rwenzori Mountains, the wild game viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park which including the tree climbing lions, the elephants, buffaloes, leopards, Nile crocodiles, Hippos and a range of antelopes, the mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park not forgetting a recreational encounter on Lake Bunyonyi dubbed the Lake of a thousand Islands because of its 29 Islands surrounded by the fascinating Kigezi Highlands. Safari Highlight Day 1: Arrive in Uganda (Entebbe International Airport) & transfer to the Hotel Day 2: Transfer to Kibale National Park & do an afternoon Chimpanzee trekking in the primate capital of the world - Kibale National Park along with other 12 species of primates. Day 3: Transfer early to Rwenzori Mountains & do whole day Rwenzori hiking. Encounter the legendary mountains of the moon as described by the Greek geographer Ptolemy in 150 AD towering to 5,109m above sea level covered by snow. Day 4: Morning game drive in the rolling savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park in the shadows of Rwenzori Mountains 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 5: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & do Ishasha game drive en route (tree climbing lions). Day 6: 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 Day 7: Do a morning boat ride on the Lake of a thousand Islands as it has been dubbed because of its 29 islands surrounded the magical highlands of Kigezi famously known as the Switzerland of Africa & transfer to Kampala with a stop at Igongo Cultural Center for lunch & at the Equator crossing – Kayabwe for amazing photo shoots an water experiments. Day 8: Departure. If the flight is in the evening, do half day tour of Kampala city Detailed Safari Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Uganda (Entebbe International Airport) & transfer to the Hotel 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 Kibale National Park & do an afternoon Chimpanzee trekking in the primate capital of the world - Kibale National Park along with other 12 species of primates. After an early breakfast at your hotel in Kampala / Entebbe, you embark on the drive to Fort Portal Area 300km about 5 – 6 hours’ drive starting off at 6am. 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 branch off in Fort Portal town and drive 26km further on rough muraam road to Kanyanchu Tourism Center in Kibale National Park. Gather at Kanyanchu Tourism Center in Kibale National Park to catch up with Chimpanzee trekking which begins at 2pm. 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 and connect to your Lodge 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: Transfer early to Rwenzori Mountains & do whole day Rwenzori hiking. Encounter the legendary mountains of the moon as described by the Greek geographer Ptolemy in 150 AD towering to 5,109m above sea level covered by snow. Wake up early enough to depart at 6am driving to Mount Rwenzori National Park 135km about 2 hours’ drive to catch with Mount Rwenzori hiking commencing at 8am. Gather at Nyakalengija park station 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 4: Morning game drive in the rolling savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park in the shadows of Rwenzori Mountains 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 5: 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 6: 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 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 for relaxation, dinner and overnight Accommodation Upmarket / Luxury: Birdnest @Lake Bunyonyi Resort Midrange / Budget: Lake Bunyonyi Eco – resort Wild Camping Day 7: Do a morning boat ride on the Lake of a thousand Islands as it has been dubbed because of its 29 islands surrounded the magical highlands of Kigezi famously known as the Switzerland of Africa & transfer to Kampala with a stop at Igongo Cultural Center for lunch & at the Equator crossing – Kayabwe for amazing photo shoots an water experiments. After breakfast, embark on the sunrise boat cruise on Lake Bunyonyi exploring the impressive scenic views of the Lake marked with 29 Islands surrounded by magical Kigezi Highlands dubbed the Switzerland of Africa. The calm waters of Lake Bunyonyi allows you to rub shoulders with the local people as they paddle their canoes connecting to and from the Islands and also doing some fishing. Retreat from the 2 hour activity and embark on the transfer to Kampala 437km about 7 hours’ drive driving through impressive country side landscapes of south western Uganda making a traditional lunch stop at Igongo Cultural Center for typical African buffet and another stop at Uganda Equator crossing Kayabwe for amazing photo shoots where one leg would be in the southern hemisphere and the other in the northern hemisphere. Continue to arrive in Kampala in the evening for relaxation, dinner and overnight Accommodation: Upmarket / Luxury: Speke Resort Hotel Munyonyo / Kampala Sheraton Hotel Midrange / Standard: Cassia Lodge / Humura Resort Budget / Basic: Banda Inn / Nexus Resort Hotel Camping @Back Packers Hostel Day 8: Departure. If the flight is in the evening, do half day tour of Kampala city This is dedicated for your flight departure back home. If the flight is in the evening, you can do a half day tour of Kampala exploring the sites of historical, religious, cultural and political significance. These include; the Ugandan Parliament, the Uganda National Museum, Namugongo Martyrs Shrine where 45 converts were burnt because of converting to Christianity, the Rubaga Cathedral which is the headquarter for catholic faith in Uganda, the Namirembe Cathedral for Protestants and the Baha’i Temple which is the only temple of the Baha’i in Africa. End of the 8 days Uganda big ape, scenery & wild game safari