DETAILED ITENERARY

Day 1: Kibale National Park, Crater Lakes Exploring

Briefing on the safari before we drive westwards towards Fort Portal to the Kibale Forest National Park (about 5 hours).

Traveling on both asphalt and unpaved roads, you pass through traditional Ugandan villages where you see people at work tending their traditional crops of millet, sorghum, beans and maize. The lush rolling hills of this region provide good photo opportunities.

As you approach Fort Portal in the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains, you enter Uganda's famous tea plantation region. A carpet of green spreads before you, as far as the eye can see, and seems an unusual contrast to the countryside through which you have just passed.

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You arrive at Fort Portal, then, continue toward Kibale Forest, one of the great African rainforest research reserves. Years of study by scientists (who have cut a grid through the forest) have habituated many of its animals to human observers. This forest is famed for the variety of primates found here and it is a terrific area for birds. This rural Ugandan town (Fort Portal) is locally famous for its weaving and basketry, and we can spend some time briefly to examine some of this local art.

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Fort Portal is a small and attractive city. The fort was built between 1891 and 1893 and named after Sir Gerald Portal, the British Consul General of Zanzibar who arrived in Uganda in 1892 to formalise the protectorate of Uganda. He died of malaria a few months after the fort was completed.

During the afternoon we have time to visit the scenic crater lakes region, checking out the superbly terraced tea estates.

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In the south of Fort Portal is Kasenda Crater Lakes region. It sits on the rim of Lake Nyinambuga—the back of the main building looks down over the lake, while the other side of the lodge looks out over another lake in the distance and, further off, the Rwenzori Mountains, which were perpetually shrouded in the clouds, except early in the morning. There’s plenty to do in this area and we can also take an hour’s walk around Lake Nyinambuga.

 

Accommodation options available (all on full board basis)

Up-market: Kyaninga Lodge | Crater Safari Lodge | Ndali Lodge

Moderate: Isunga Lodge | Kibale Forest Camp (ensuite safari tents)

Low Budget: Kibale Forest Camp (Tents)| Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse (ensuite rooms in the main house )

 

Day 2: Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale National Park & Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary

Assemble at Kanyankyu River camp at 08:00 hours to go for the most popular activity in this park which is chimpanzee tracking.

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Chimpanzees are man’s closest cousins though they are one of the most threatened primate species. More primates like black and white colobus monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabey, red-tailed monkeys, bush babies, pottos and many bird species like the yellow spotted nicator, rumped tinker bird, little greenbul, green breasted pitta, the crowned eagle, black bee-eater and mammals like elephants can be seen in this walk.

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Kibale National park, which averages about 3,300 feet in elevation, is an extension of the great rainforests of central Africa. It is inhabited by three large communities of chimps, each numbering more than 100 individuals. Each community has a complicated social structure. The big adult males dominate the group and defend the community territory against incursions by male outsiders; the females usually wander in small family groups.

Typically, we locate the chimps by listening for their pant-hooting calls, then hustle to the area from which they are calling. We get to observe them as they feed in fruiting trees, lounge, and socialise with each other, or even, occasionally hunt.

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In the afternoon we visit a nearby forest swamp that is excellent for viewing primates and other forest animals. At the eastern edge of Kibale Forest is Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary which is maintained by the local community. You will expect birds like the great blue turaco, blue monkeys, baboons, otters, mongoose, bushbucks, bush pigs and among others.

 

Accommodation options available (all on full board basis)

Up-market: Kyaninga Lodge | Crater Safari Lodge | Ndali Lodge

Moderate: Isunga Lodge | Kibale Forest Camp (ensuite safari tents)

Low Budget: Kibale Forest Camp (Tents)| Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse (ensuite rooms in the main house )

 

Day 3: Queen Elizabeth National Park, Viewing Rwenzoris & Game Drives

Either a day’s walk in the foothills of the Rwenzoris, one of the great mountain ranges of the world, looking out for its forbidding peaks in the distance, or drive straight to Queen Elizabeth. The game seen will depend on the season; the Kasenyi plains are good for lion and the Mweya Peninsula for a variety of animals.

Shift to Queen Elizabeth National Park this morning (about 3 hours driving).

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Leaving through Fort Portal town, you turn south and early this afternoon enter Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is dominated on its northern border by the snow-capped 16,000-foot Rwenzori Mountains-the famed "Mountains of the Moon".

This 767-square-mile conservation area is bordered on the north-east by Lake George and on the south-west by Lake Edward; its western border adjoins the Congo Parc du Virunga. You will expect to see teeming herds of impala-like Uganda kob, as well as topi, elephant and lion, giant forest hog, Cape buffalo. There are also several soda lakes filling ancient volcanic calderas where flamingos reside seasonally.

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In the afternoon enjoy a game drive in the northern part of the park, visiting the Baboon Cliff famous for its nice scenery, and good views of the shadows of the mountains of the moon – the Rwenzoris. The drive to the lodge leads through large expanses of savannah grasslands and plenty of wild game

 

Accommodation options available (all on full board basis)

Up-market/Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge (deluxe room or tent) | Katara Lodge

Mid-range or moderate facility: Ihamba Lakeside Safari Resort| Enganzi Lodge | Bush Lodge (ensuite safari tent)

Budget price: Bush Lodge (tents) |  Simba Safari Camp (tents) | Pumba Cottages

Meals included today: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

 

Day 4: Queen Elizabeth National Park Game Drive & Boat Trip

We set out early in the morning for a game drive in the northern part of the park on the Kasenyi Track in search of lions, elephants, solitary buffaloes. This is the best time for opportunities of viewing the cats in action owing to the vast population of Uganda kobs. We have an excellent chance to view just about every animal here at very close range.

In the afternoon we will go for a launch trip along the Kazinga Channel. This gives you the opportunity to view wildlife up close: hippo’s huff and spray at a mere feet away from the boat, buffalo linger in the shallows. The shores of the channel are also home to an array of birds including pink backed pelicans, pied and malachite kingfishers, saddle billed stork and many others.

 

Accommodation options available (all on full board basis)

Up-market/Luxury: Mweya Safari Lodge (deluxe room or tent) | Katara Lodge

Mid-range or moderate facility: Ihamba Lakeside Safari Resort| Enganzi Lodge | Bush Lodge (ensuite safari tent)

Budget price: Bush Lodge (tents) |  Simba Safari Camp (tents) | Pumba Cottages

Meals included today: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

 

Day 5: Tree climbing lions in Ishasha & Maramagambo Forest Bush Walk

Another early start for a bush walk through the Maramagambo Forest.

This is one of the largest forests in Uganda, and forms a habitat for a number of primates and forest dwellers. Due to its location, Maramagambo also has a great diversity of butterflies and birds. The walk culminates in a visit to volcanic caves that are home to thousands of bats. Pythons are often observed in the crevices of the bats cave as they prey on bats. In this walk you will see the picturesque blue lake Kimeranjojo which got its name after swallowing an elephant. Other trails will lead you to the Crater Lake and habitats of the wild chimps and forest bird.

In the afternoon you will proceed to Ishasha Sector. Drive along the deep and wide dry craters that are occupied by savanna grasses and acacia. The drive takes you through the unique western rift valley escarpment and the (southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park) Ishasha sector where you will take on yet another game drive in search of tree climbing lions in the afternoon and evening.

 

Accommodation Options (Full Board)

Up-market/Luxury: Ishasha Wilderness Campsite

Mid-range: Enjojo Lodge | Ishasha Ntungwe River Camp

Budget: @ the River

Meals included today: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

 

Day 6: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Early morning guided bush walk for a closer interaction with nature in Ishasha. The mid morning will be spent on a game drive for the tree climbing lions, elephants and other Big Mammals, thereafter proceed to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

The journey takes about 2-3 hours but driving through interesting features. We shall be arriving in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the evening. This park is home of the rare mountain gorillas plus 11 other primates species including the blue and red tailed monkeys. The forest itself is lush and green and there are streams running through it.

 

Accommodation Options (Full Board)

Up-market: Buhoma Lodge | Mahogany Lodge | Chameleon Hill Lodge

Moderate: Engagi Lodge | Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge | Gorilla Mist Camp

Low Budget: Rushaga Gorilla Camp | Ruhija Gorilla Friends Camp | Buhoma Community Campground

 

Day 7: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

After breakfast, proceed for the morning briefing before enjoying the highlight of the trip - gorilla trekking, which may last the entire day.

We trek through the rainforest and bamboo covered slopes, accompanied by a guide and trackers, in search of a mountain gorilla family. The walking can sometimes be tough and long, but when you catch a glimpse of the magnificent silverback, any discomforts will be quickly forgotten. When sighted, visitors will be guided to within 6 metres from the gorillas, sit around them for a whole hour while gazing into their big round eyes.

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Gorilla trekking is unpredictable. It's difficult to foresee how many hours you will hike. The gorilla excursion can take from 2 up to 8 hours. Expect to walk along distance in steep and muddy conditions, sometimes with rain overhead, before you encounter any gorillas. A good physical condition is recommended. For conservation purposes, time spent with the gorillas is limited to one hour. A ranger will brief you on how to behave with the gorillas.

While most of today's forests are no more than 12,000 years old, Bwindi's vegetation has been weaving itself into tangles over at least 25,000 years, in the process accumulating a lengthy species list. This includes 310 species of butterfly, 51 reptiles, 200 trees, 88 moths and an exceptional 120 types of mammal including 10 primates. The latter includes chimpanzee, L'Hoest's, red tailed and blue monkey, black and white colobus, baboon, and Bwindi's most famous resident, the mountain gorilla.

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Bwindi is a prime destination for birdwatchers. Its 350 species include seven which are IUCN red data listed and 90% of all Albertine rift endemics, species which are difficult or impossible to see in any other part of East Africa.

 

Accommodation options available (all on full board basis)

Up-market: Buhoma Lodge | Mahogany Lodge | Chameleon Hill Lodge

Moderate: Engagi Lodge | Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge | Gorilla Mist Camp

Low Budget: Rushaga Gorilla Camp | Ruhija Gorilla Friends Camp | Buhoma Community Campground

 

Day 8: Lake Mburo National Park

We drive east to Mbarara, now one of Uganda’s major towns, but formerly capital of Ankole kingdom for over 400 years until disbanded by independence in 1962. In the days before modern Uganda came into being, the area had a series of fiercely independent tribal states.

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The once nomadic Bahima people, part of Bantu-speaking Ankole kingdom, are renowned for the particular bond they forge with their unique, long-horned Ankole cattle. These hardy cattle respond to their individual names when called by their male herder; he in turn lives in close harmony with them.

From here you continue to Lake Mburo, a small but picturesque national park renowned for its herds of antelope and one of the only two Ugandan parks home to Burchell’s zebra. The park is also especially good for acacia-associated bird.

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Accommodation options available (all on full board basis)

Luxury: Mihingo Lodge | Mantana Tented Camp | Arcadia Cottages

Medium: Rakobo Rock Lodge or Lake Mburo Safari Lodge

Low Budget: Mburo Eagles Nest | Rwonyo Restcamp

 

Day 9: Lake Mburo National Park Game Drives and Boat Trip

Rise early for breakfast before a short drive to the Rwonyo Park headquarters.

This has often been a good chance of seeing hyenas coming back to their dens, hippos walking back to the water, you will see buffalo, zebra, impala and topi and with a bit of luck maybe even a sitatunga, an antelope rarely seen living in the papyrus swamps.

After your early morning activities, return the lodge for a late breakfast on the wooden decking overlooking the water hole. Before lunch you can relax at the pool, the bar area or enjoy the privacy of your room.

After lunch take a boat trip inside Lake Mburo and see for yourself the Crocodiles, Pelicans, Hippos, Herons and the rare Shoebill stork.The most popular activity in Lake Mburo is the motorboat trip on the lake. A journey on the lake will provide great opportunities to observe mighty hippo and croc populations. Water bird species are often too numerous for even the keenest birder to identify them all. These great wildlife experiences coupled with the stunning scenery and panoramic landscape views will really impress upon you true African beauty.

 

Accommodation options available (all on full board basis)

Luxury: Mihingo Lodge | Mantana Tented Camp | Arcadia Cottages

Medium: Rakobo Rock Lodge or Lake Mburo Safari Lodge

Low Budget: Mburo Eagles Nest | Rwonyo Restcamp

 

Day 10: Depart to Entebbe

Heading south-east from Lake Mburo, we bid farewell to the park’s friendly staff as we depart for Entebbe.

We drive through a magnificent hilly country and lush cultivation on an approximately four-hour journey. En route we will stop at the Equator for photographs and ‘polar-water experiment', then a local community popular for making local drums (Mpabire Village), gardens, crafts shops and fruit markets.

We will be in Entebbe in the evening before for your flight back home.