Uganda Safaris and Gorilla safaris to Uganda and Rwanda

Gorilla Tours & Safaris - Gorilla Tracking Tours to Uganda & Rwanda

2009-06-05T01:55:00.000-07:00

Gorilla Tours & Safaris - Gorilla Tracking Tours to Uganda & Rwanda

Gorilla tracking tours is a very captivating activity; it involves walking in the wilderness in search of these great apes. There are two gorilla parks in the pearl of africa which are prime areas for tracking these endangered giants. The Kigezi gorilla Reserve, [Mgaginga National Park] is on the northern rim of the Virunga volcanoes. The only habituated gorilla group in Mgaginga crossed into Rwanda in 2006, but is expected to return to its old range in future because of human encroachment in Rwanda. The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in the south west of Uganda is the richest forest in the country in terms of plant species, and there exists more than half (about 350) of the world's population of mountain gorillas. There are four primate family locations for tracking. Three families are accessed from Buhoma in the North of the Park, and the fourth is accessed from Kisoro in the south.

Uganda Gorilla Tours - Gorilla Treks to Uganda

Bwindi Gorilla Trek - 3 days Uganda Gorilla safari to Bwindi Impenetrable Gorilla Park for a gorilla trek & mountain gorilla tracking tour. Bwindi protects more than half of the remaining mountain gorillas in the world and gorilla tracking within this steep sided forest is a world class premier adventure activity that can only be carried out from Uganda. View Details

Gorilla Special Safari - 3 Days Uganda Gorilla Touri to Bwindi Gorilla Park & Queen Elizabeth National park. Safari activities include a gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable forest, wildlife life tour & game viewing from Queen Elizabeth Elizabeth national park, launch trips along the Kazinga channel, bird watching etc View Safari Details

Gorillas, Chimps & Wildife - 7 days safari to Kibale Primates Forest, Bwindi Impenetrable Gorilla national park and Queen Elizabeth National park. Adventure safari activities during this Uganda Tour include mountain gorilla tracking in the montane forest, chimpanzee tracking, wildlife game viewing, bird watching, launch cruise on the Kazinga channel etc View safari Details

Rwanda Gorilla Tours - Gorilla Tracking Safaris in Rwanda

Rwanda Gorilla Tour - 5 Days Rwanda Gorilla safari including mountain gorilla tracking in the Volcanoes Gorilla National park - a renowned gorilla conservation park, a mountain hike to the Karisimbi Mountains, Visits to the Genocide Memorial at Gisozi, excursions to beautifull lakes in Rwanda, sight seeing etc View safari Details

Rwanda Gorilla Safari - 9 days gorilla tour to the beautifull country side of Rwanda. safari activities include a gorilla trek in the Volcanoes gorilla park, wildlife tours, game viewing andbirding in Akagera National park, Canoe rides on Lake Ihema and a city tour in Kigali City - the Capital of Rwanda. View Gorilla safari Details

Mountain Gorilla Safaris in Uganda

2009-02-02T23:12:00.000-08:00

Mountain gorilla trekking can make Uganda's tourism better

By Uganda safaris
Though the estimated 10,000 residents occupying land belonging to Entebbe International Airport may not agree, the Civil Aviation Authority plan to expand the facility is good news for many players in the Ugandan economy.

To the tourism industry, the plan to build an airport city signals government’s determination to support their sector by increasing the number of visitors because that is the only way the project could pay for itself. Without these additional tourists the project would be a white elephant.

The benefits of increased tourist arrivals and departures would trickle down the value chain right from airlines, taxis, Uganda tour operators,Uganda hotels and everyone who grows or produces goods and services consumed by the visitors. This would include the country’s wildlife services like National parks and eco-tourism sites in Uganda

In time, the tourism industry could become the country’s top foreign exchange earner surpassing both traditional and non-traditional exports.

Indeed, the important role the Uganda Safaris sector could play can be gauged from the fact that industrialized countries in Europe and America, go out of their way to lure tourists into their cities and countryside. This has made the sector one of the most competitive in the world.

The industry’s high competitiveness also means that now, more than ever before, Uganda has to be serious about cashing in on its comparative advantages. This means the people and institutions charged with the responsibility of marketing the country have to burn the midnight oil to come up with winning strategies. It also means that despite its many financial challenges, the finance ministry has to find the money needed to implement these strategies.

But, perhaps, the biggest challenge facing the tourism ministry is to sell itself to the finance ministry and other government organs which may not be convinced that the money spent marketing the country would bring in much, much more in the short and longer-term. In that case, the tourism ministry should arrange for top finance ministry officials to visit other countries that are reaping huge dividends from investing in tourism.

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These visits need not cost an arm and a leg because they could be done on a reciprocal and regional basis. But, whatever the cost, the bottom line is that Uganda should get on the band wagon or tapping into the world’s fastest growing industry. To be left behind now would only increase the price of getting in later.

The importance of tourism when it is well integrated into the rest of the economy means that though painful, the estimated 10,000 residents of the airport land have to be moved. There are no two ways about it. The best they can hope for, assuming they settled on the land illegally, is compensation for their houses. Beyond that, they would be whistling in the dark!

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Mountain Gorilla naming Rwanda

2009-02-02T22:42:00.000-08:00

NAMING THE GORILLAS OF RUHENGERI RWANDA

There is one in every family. For the Amahoro family, a - called Ghahinga is the “black sheep” in one of the last surviving families of the rare mountain gorillas of Central Africa.

Ghahinga and his family occupy a very human space amidst the misty green shrubbery that clings like a sixties Afro hairstyle on the Volcanic hills of the Virunga mountain range which straddles the borders of Uganda, Rwanda and DRC.

Game rangers and conservationists who track the gorillas daily for curious visitors often travelling as families themselves, named Ghahinga.

Amahoro means peace but Ghahinga is the naughty one. Gorilla naming, which in Kinyarwanda is known as Kwita Izina has been turned into a worldwide conservation event in Rwanda by two friends of mine, Rosette and Henry Rugamba both formerly careerists in Uganda who have settled in Kigali.

Last year, movie stars like Natalie Portman (who is rumoured to be filming in Rwanda) attended the ceremonies in honour of these not-so-distant human cousins. This year’s Kwita Izina, hosted a conservation conference and a charity concert by west African music star, Oliver Ngoma.

In August Rob Walton, the head of Wal-Mart, once the world’s largest retailer, is coming to Rwanda and may well go see Ghahinga. While a colourful rack of events accompanies the Kwita Izina, the gorilla naming itself is where it comes together. The rangers often name the newborns, but often, other people are invited to offer names, the way one invites friends to propose a name for a child.

“It allows tourists to get to know the individual gorilla and track him. Some of the ones who have fallen to poachers are still being looked for because we know them and call them by their names,” a tracker explained to me.

If mountain gorillas are a common human heritage, visiting them is as personal as the unique nose prints (equivalent to the fingerprint) that identify each individual of the 700 or so remaining ones.

The journey to the Virunga massive as this tri-country mountain home of the gorillas is known started as a normal coffee-powered news day at the Daily Monitor where newsmakers tend to be the usual suspects.
Less than 14 hours, after a ride through the smoky motoring jungle of Kampala's roads, a 35 minute flight to Kanobe Airport, and a two-hour jeep ride to the Volcano National Park, visitors are exposed to the cold air, looking down at the potato filled gardens of Ruhengeri, trying to stay calm about the visit to see Ghahinga and his family.

The drive up to the boundary of the park is bumpy but little children, obviously accustomed now to visiting tourists, left the side of their parents, many in their well laid out gardens and ran towards waving and shouting, “Bonjour, bonjour!”

There is a stone boundary, chipped away at the point of entry into the park was meant to keep away buffaloes from the village and the villagers away from the forest.

Buffalo excrement on the pathways, the stinging nettle – a plant whose touch is like a corrosive chemical – and the extremely physical march up and down the hills through bush to the location of the gorillas are just some of the few distractions one has to put up with.

A group of visitors (only eight are allowed to visit) were joined by some “porters” to assist with carrying bags, an armed soldier (a precaution against poachers and errant buffaloes) and two guides.

Much of the Gorilla trek is mainly a nature walk, the radio call crackling kept in touch with the trackers over the exact location of the gorillas.

Gorillas are nervous about sticks because they recognise them as spears used by poachers. Water bottles are also not allowed in case they get curious.

“Turn off the flashes on your cameras. The family may get nervous about that and charge.

The Amahoro family despite its name (Amahoro means peace) was born out of strife. Before, they were a larger family known as Omubano. But three silverbacks proved to be too much of a crowd.
A fight ensued and the head of the Amahoro left with a “few females” to start his family after one of his feuding brothers died. Ironically Omubano means “unity” making this family history a large contrast with its names.

Gorilla Tracking Trips are arranged by:

Uganda Grand Safari | Gorilla Safari

2008-10-22T23:23:00.001-07:00

THE GRAND UGANDA SAFARI | UGANDA GORILLA SAFARI
(17 DAYS 16 NIGHTS)

DAY ONE:

Arrive at the Airport where you will be transfered to your hotel in Entebbe for either lunch or dinner.

DAY TWO:

After Breakfast prepare for a boat trip to Ngamba Island. The 45-minute boat trip using a speed boat will land you Ngamba Island Sancuary whre you wll have the rare opportunity to see the orphaned chimpanzees and have some photographs done. Return to Entebbe to Uganda Wildlife Education centre to see different animals and birds in their ecosystems.Expect to see Monkeys, crocodile, chimpanzees, lion, snakes, hyaena, leopard and several birds. Drive to Kampala for dinner and over night.

DAY THREE:

This day is dedicated for an urban tour of Kampala City. Exciting places to see range from Kasubi tombs (Royal burial grounds for Buganda Kings), Bahai temple, Namugongo martyrs shrine where 22 christians were brutally murdered by burning in 1886, Kibuli Mosque, Rubaga Cathedral, Namirembe Cathedral, Makerere University, Uganda Museum. You will also get the chance to see Cultural performances and crafts by the local population. Dinner and overnight at you Hotel.

DAY FOUR:

Greet the early morning rising sun. After breakfast, by road to Masindi stopping in Masindi for snacks. Then head for Murchison Falls National Park. On entering the park, a game view en-route and a visit to the top of the falls for photography and relaxation before crossing the ferry to Paraa Safari Lodge for lunch. Evening game drive to view animals and Dinner and overight at Paraa Safari Lodge.

DAY FIVE:

Drive to Lake Albert and the Nile Delta for a Game drive to see elephant, buffalo, giraffe, lion, leopard, waterbuck, and a variety of antelopes. After lunch, a boat trip to the bottom of Murchison Falls is extraordinary where you will see the Nile from the bottom angle. Crocodiles, hippos, waterbucks and water birds can be seen around. Dinner and overight at Paraa Safari Lodge.

DAY SIX:

An early start by road for Kibale National Park. Enjoy the rift valley scenery and section of lake Albert. Overnight at Ndali Lodge,

DAY SEVEN:

An early morning chimpanzees trekking in Kibale. Here you may find families of Chimpanzees swinging high in the forest and a lot of fauna and insects. An option of birding can be chosen at Bigodi Santuary after lunch.
Evening drive to Semliki Wildlife reserve. A night game drive in Semliki. Dinner and overnight at Semliki Safari lodge.

DAY EIGHT:

After breakfast a boat trip on Lake Albert to see the Shoebill and a picnic is amazing. Return to Semliki Safari lodge for lunch. After lunch visit the pygmy-primitive people and an evening game drive. Dinner and overnight at Semliki Safari lodge.

DAY NINE:

After breakfast, depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park. Enjoy the beautiful scenery 'Mountains of the Moon’ present. After lunch a boat trip on the Kazinga Channel to view hippos, buffaloes, elephants, bushbucks, warthogs and a variety of bird life. Dinner and overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge.

DAY TEN:

An early sunrise game drive along Kasenyi and Queens mile view lion, kobs and birds. Game viewing en route to Mweya Safari Lodge for lunch. After lunch, sight seeing around the crater region and babboon cliffs is much more rewarding. Overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge.

DAY ELEVEN:

Early morning chimp trek in Kyambura Gorge with your parked lunch. Proceed to Bwindi via Ishasha road. This route is famous for the rare tree climbing lions and other game. Dinner and overnight at Gorilla Forest Camp.

DAY TWELVE:

Early morning entry into gorilla sunctuary after a briefing from park authorities. Carry along with you rain jacket, jungle boots, enough drinking water and snacks and go for a gorilla Trek. Return to your camp for late lunch. Dinner and overnight at Gorilla Forest Camp.

DAY THIRTEEN:

Begin your day with a drive to Lake Bunyonyi via Kabale a region popularly known as the 'Switzerland of Africa'. You will be se thwe beautiful scenery of the hills and valleys, terraced landscape. Dinner and overnight at Lake Bunyonyi Safari Resort.

DAY FOURTEEN:

The day begins with a boat trip for sight seeing and birding along Lake Bunyonyi. Feel the wonders of nature as you will see big terraced hills, big valleys, and forests! Return to the camp for lunch. After lunch, drive back to Mbarara for Dinner and overnight.

DAY FIFTEEN:

After breakfast, drive to Lake Mburo National park for a game drive.The park is renowned for zebras, impalas, buffaloes, hippos, topi and elandsIt also habours several species of Birds including the rare shoebill, crested crane, pelicans, fish eagle, heron and many water birds. Drive to Kampala. A stop over for photography is a must at equator crossing! Lunch break in Kampala. Drive towards Jinja and the Owen Falls Dam via Mabira Forest. Visit Bujagali Falls, Itanda falls. Dinner and overnight at Jinja Nile Resort.

DAY SIXTEEN:

Adventure on the mighty Nile, prepare for water rafting. The Rapids downstream offer one of the best river-rafting experiences worldwide! Return to Kampala in the evening. Dinner and overnight at Sheraton Kampala Hotel.

DAY SEVENTEEN: Shopping and transfer to Entebbe for departure.

The Uganda safari package to include:

Full board accommodation as per the itinerary
Private safari 4 x 4 Land cruiser vehicle and English speaking guide/driver
National park entrance fees
Boat trips
Ferry crossing
Primate walk along Kyambura Gorge and Kibale Forest
One gorilla permit per person to secured and paid for in advance
Nature walks
Ferry crossing
Government taxes

The package to exclude expenses of personal nature like: drinks, laundry, tips, telephone, cigars, etc.

Uganda Gorilla Safaris Blog by Uganda safaris

2008-10-21T10:01:00.000-07:00

Uganda - Wildlife and Gorilla Safaris

E-mail : info@uganda-safaris.co.ug

Mountain Gorillas are the rarest of the three subspecies of gorillas. Uganda gorilla Safaris to track some of the 700 remaining mountain gorillas through the forested slopes of Africa in Bwindi, Mgahinga or Nkuringo is without doubt one of the absolute highlights of African travel if not global travel. Coming face to face with these amiable primates is both awe inspiring and scary. Accompanied by local guides, you will not be able to help yourself but from respecting these magnificent creatures. Fearsome in appearance yet remarkably peaceable creatures almost everybody that visits the gorillas experiences the most spine-tingling wildlife experience possible. Looking into the soft brown eyes of these gentle giants is a life changing experience. In order to conserve the natural habitat and environment of gorillas, visitors are closely monitored and only a limited number of permits are available; in order to avoid disappointment it is advisable to book early.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest offers the chance to track one of three families from Buhoma in the north of Bwindi, and has a total of 24 permits available daily. Gorilla trek is more challenging than in Rwanda as hillsides are steeper and can take 3-10 hours.
Mgahinga in southern Uganda is a breathtaking location, tracking in the shadow of the awesome Virunga volcanoes. Mgahinga has one habituated gorilla family, with 6 permits available, which is about 2-5 hours walk.
Nkuringo in southern Bwindi with one gorilla family and 8 permits, is one of the most difficult areas to track in and is about a 2 hour drive away from Mt Gahinga Lodge.
Chimpanzees - Some of mankind's closest relatives the chimpanzee offers a completely different experience to that of tracking the mountain gorilla. Kibale Forest one of the principal primate forests of Uganda, has thirteen species of primate including the chimpanzee, red colobus and vervet monkey. Tracking the fast moving and elusive chimpanzees through the lush forest is a thrilling experience. Following them through the forest as they converge on a newly fruiting tree, or listening to them, as they drum on tree buttresses to call in their family or friends or let out their head turning pant hoots is a "back to nature" experience. Kyambura Gorge in combination with the savannah park of Queen Elizabeth National Park offers another opportunity to track the chimps, this time along a narrow gorge known for its use as an access route for elephants and as a watering hole for some lazy hippos. If this is not enough then Ngamba Island Chimp Sanctuary provides an opportunity to see the chimps in slightly less strenuous circumstances. 40 chimpanzees rescued from poachers populate this island on Lake Victoria accessed via Entebbe. Travellers have the opportunity to study these primates from the viewing platform at feeding time or alternatively go on one of the half day forest walks with these mischievous creatures, a once in a lifetime chance to interact with them in their semi-wild environment (the forest walk does require travellers to have a wide range of vaccinations. Please contact us for further details.
Savannah Game - Past history sadly dramatically affected the savannah game of Uganda as poaching became rife and numbers of game dwindled. The present day however portrays a much brighter future as numbers are rapidly increasing and Queen Elizabeth National Park now offers some of the best game viewing in the country. QE gives one the opportunity to combine some of the best primate viewing available with the game drives that you would experience on Kenya Tour and Tanzania Safari. Admittedly volume of game cannot be compared to the Serengeti or Masai Mara however with the backdrop of the magnificent Rwenzori mountains one can see lion, leopard, elephant, hippo, and experience the Kazinga Channel, one of the best river safaris in East Africa.

Mountain Gorilla Trek in Uganda
One of the best attractions in Uganda, but also in Rwanda and Congo is the mountain gorilla tracking. Mountain gorillas are an endangered species of primates which could only be found in few rain tropical forests in these areas of Equatorial Africa.Mountain gorillas only in recent decades were studied and approached by the science, especially thanks to some primatologists, including the most famous Dian Fossey (“Gorillas in the Mist”, 1988). Fossey was killed in 1985, age 52, after spending years sensitizing the world on the protection of the gorillas against poachers and illegal trades.The national authorities for the preservation of the national parks started to habituate some of the gorilla families, so that they could be familiarised to receive visitors as humans. This activity so called “gorilla tracking” must be booked long in advance to secure the individual permit. It is carried out in small groups of people, maximum of 8 per day per family of gorillas. This helps to safeguard and preserve the livelihood of the primates.

Gorilla Tracking in Uganda Tour

Day 1 our representative will welcome you to Uganda. Transfer for overnight to your hotel in Kampala, Serena Hotel or similar (C) or budget hotel (E). BB Uganda Safari

Day 2 - The Source of the NileAfter breakfast, drive eastwards to Jinja, the town on the Lake Victoria where the real source of the Nile is found, as it was discovered by J. Speke in 1864.Optional recommended: For lovers of water sports and nature, do not miss the opportunity to book the white water rafting along river Nile, one of the most exciting and safest in the world. You can also choose among other activities like quad riding, boat trips on the Nile, mountain bike cycling and horse riding. Lunch included.Visit Bujagali Falls the rapids on the river Nile few kilometers from the source. In the evening proceed to Mbale for dinner and overnight at Mbale Resort Hotel or similar. FB

Day 3 - The Sipi FallsAfter breakfast you take the road in the direction of Mount Elgon National Park and Sipi trails. Sipi Falls are four spectacular falls along river Sipi, down the Mount Elgon and the area is particularly panoramic with view of the Karamoja valley. You will take the trekking through banana and coffee plantations to the Sipi Falls. Ensure you carry packed lunch with you. The activity will take you through the daily life of the African villages and expect to see many children. In the evening return to Jinja for dinner and overnight at Jinja Nile Resort (C) or Sunset Hotel (E). FB

Day 4 – Masindi and Ziwa ReserveAfter breakfast your adventure in Uganda will begin driving Northwest to Masindi town and Murchison Falls National Park, stopping over at the many stalls on the road to try the typical roasted cassava and other local food (if you are enough courageous!). First activity is the nature walk in Ziwa Rhino sanctuary, the conservation project which has brought back to Uganda the rare white and black rhinos and you will see them closely while walking freely. You can take photographs and movies as well, the emotion is guaranteed. Lunch. Proceed to Masindi, passing through the African villages, the colors of the landscapes and the people. Dinner and overnight in Masindi, Masindi Hotel (C) or Court View Hotel (E). Today transfer is about 6 hours drive, part of it through marram road within the park. FB

Day 5 – Murchison Falls National ParkAfter breakfast, you enter Murchison Falls National Park, the largest in the country and, for many visitors, the most beautiful. After traversing Budongo Forest, you reach the so called “top of the falls”, where you see the falls from the summit. The river Nile creates a narrow canyon of thunderous water large only 7 meters and it drops for over 43 meters. Enjoy this magnificent nature and the rainbow from the water. You will check in to your lodge for lunch. In the afternoon take a game drive and sight seeing. Dinner and overnight at Paraa Safari Lodge / Nile Safari Lodge (C) or Red Chilli Rest Camp (E). FB

Day 6 – Murchison Falls National ParkToday you will explore the National Park. After a cup of coffee, you will depart for an early morning game drive using our safari vehicle to explore the savannah, in the region of the delta of the Nile on Lake Albert, Northern bank. Among other animals in the wild, you might find elephants, lions, buffalos, giraffes, hartebeests, waterbucks, oribis, bushbucks, spotted hyenas and leopards. You will see the unforgettable African savannah around the Delta of the Nile on Lake Albert. Be ready with your camera for the best snaps. Relax as you drive back to the lodge where you will have breakfast and lunch. In the afternoon, another safari will be organized, by boat along the river Nile to the base of the Murchison Falls for about 23 Kilometers. It is amazing the concentration of wildlife in the bank of the river Nile, including hippos and many crocodiles (Amin once said that “this is the headquarters of the crocodiles”), plus a variety of birds species, like African eagles, the rare shoebill stork, pelicans, kingfisher, Egyptian geese and much more. Dinner and overnight at Paraa Safari Lodge / Nile Safari Lodge (C) or Red Chilli Rest Camp (E). FB

Day 7 – Albertine Rift Valley and Fort PortalAfter breakfast you leave the National Park proceeding Southwest along the Lake Albert and Rift Valley escarpment for panoramic view points on Bugungo Forest, the Lake and you see in distance the Blue Mountains of Congo. You will pass through a very green countryside with sugarcane, tea, banana, coffee and cocoa plantations. You pass via Hoima the capital town of Bunyoro kingdom for stop over. Lunch en route. After Kyenjojo you reach the main tarmac road and soon you are in Fort Portal the capital town of Tooro kingdom on the shadow of Rwenzori Mountains, the biggest mountain range in Africa. Dinner and overnight at Nyinabulitwa Country Resort / Mountains of the Moon Hotel or similar. Today transfer is long, about 6 hours according also to road conditions. FBOptional: Dinner with a local family where you will learn about the Batooro traditional food, dances and life style. Overnight at Kafred community homestead in Bigodi.

Day 8 - Kibale National ParkAfter breakfast, today activity is the nature walk in Kibale National Park for experiencing the rain tropical forest, birding and especially to encounter the chimpanzees in their environment. The ranger from the park will guide you in a group through the forest’s trails and will make sure to instruct you on the aspects of flora as well as fauna. The terrain is not difficult as it is not a mountain forest. Other primates you might see include black and white colobuse red tailed monkey, mangabeys. For lunch you might choose to experience the local food. In the afternoon you will visit the ecotourism project in Bigodi, a small village close to Kibale forest. Here the local community organizes village walks to see the typical homestead, handicraft, cultural performances. The local people will inform you about the cultural traditions and the life style. Moreover, do not miss the view points of Kasenda Crater lakes and the short trekking to Mahoma Falls from Rusoona village. Dinner and overnight at Nyinabulitwa Country Resort / Mountains of the Moon Hotel or similar. FB

Day 9 – From Fort Portal to Queen Elizabeth National ParkAfter breakfast, the journey through Uganda proceed to the “pearl” of the national parks, Queen Elizabeth, which lies between Lake George on the East, Lake Edward on the West and Rwenzori Mountains on the North. This park is a mixture of African savannah and forest reserves. As you enter the park after Kasese town, a game drive will spot animals like Ugandan kobs, waterbucks, buffaloes, elephants. Have lunch at your lodge. In the afternoon, from Mweya peninsula the most exciting safari by boat will take you along Kazinga channel, one of the most popular sites in Uganda for its concentration of wildlife and opportunities of goods photographs. This cruise will introduce you to the bird life, and you will be in a position to view birds endemic to the channel, prominent among them the Great Rwenzori turaco. Moreover, you will see plenty of hippos, buffaloes and elephants. Optional activity: short evening game drive around Mweya peninsula to enjoy the sunset and to search for the leopards. Return at lush to your lodge for dinner and overnight, Mweya Safari Lodge / Jacana Safari Lodge (C) or Hippo Hill Camp (E). FB

Day 10 - Queen Elizabeth National ParkAfter a cup of coffee, at around 6.30 AM be ready for a game drive though the tracks of the national park, in the Northern side and towards Lake George and Kasenyi village, using our safari vehicle. Expect to see lions, elephants, buffaloes, spotted hyenas, waterbucks, Ugandan kobs, perhaps the leopard though is shy and rare to be seen. The wildlife population in Queen Elizabeth has much recovered from the dark period of the Seventies, and now the park is a good place to spot animals and it enjoys unique landscapes and views of crater lakes and the Albertine Rift Valley, which make this area special and unforgettable. Lunch. In the afternoon the exploration of the park continues and you can choose to see the shore of Lake Edward at Katwe where the salt is produced, the Baboon Cliff and explosion crater lakes, or Kyambura Gorge, a spectacular site where the escarpment breaks into a deep gorge of over 100 meters and 16 kilometers long (optional: chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura). Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight, Mweya Safari Lodge / Jacana Safari Lodge (C) or Hippo Hill Camp (E). FB

Day 11 – Ishasha and South West of Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable ForestAfter breakfast, you leave the Northern sector of Queen Elizabeth and proceed to the South West of Uganda, where are found the rain tropical forests which are hosting the remaining world population of the endangered mountain gorillas. The choice of the area of the gorilla safari depends on the availability and allocation of the Gorilla permits to secure this activity. According to the road and climatic conditions, you will pass via Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth, the Southern region of the park, where can be found a rare population of so called “tree climbing lions”. During the hot hours of the day, lions of this area enjoy resting lying on top of Figs trees and it is exciting to see this spectacular spot. Lunch en route. You reach by evening Bwindi National Park in Buhoma via Ishasha or in Kisoro for dinner and overnight, Bwindi Gorilla Resort – Nkuringo Safari Lodge (C) or Buhoma Community Rest Camp – Kisoro Tourist Hotel (E). FBN.B: Today transfer is very long approximately 5 to 8 hours and road conditions are variable. FB

Day 12 - Mountain gorilla safari Today is the key day for many: the gorilla tracking! Early in the morning you enter the rain tropical forest of Bwindi for the gorilla safari (note: in case the allocation of the permits is in Rwanda Volcanoes National park, this will be communicated and the program changed accordingly). The activity starts at 8AM and you will follow the ranger guide in a group of maximum 8 people as you search for the location of the habituated family of mountain gorillas which was allocated according to the permits. Bwindi forest in Uganda has a population of about 370 gorillas, which is half the world population for the 2007 gorilla population surveys. Only some of the families have been habituated to receive visitors and this opportunity helps to support the conservation project. It is not predictable the time you will spend to find the gorillas. You have one hour for observing the primates and their behaviors, while taking photographs. Ensure you take the packed lunch and water with you in the bag. Return for dinner and overnight, Bwindi Gorilla Resort – Nkuringo Safari Lodge (C) or Buhoma Community Rest Camp – Kisoro Tourist Hotel (E). FB

Day 13 - Lake Bunyonyi in KabaleAfter breakfast drive to Kabale and Lake Bunyonyi, the area so called “Switzerland of Africa” for the characteristic terraced cultivated hills of the Kigezi region. The inhabitants are the Bakiga and exploring the islands on the lake is also a journey through the culture of the people – there are 80th islands on the lake. In Kabale you can visit the local Bakiga cultural museum as well as visiting local schools. You will cross the lake in locally made canoes, carved from a single eucalyptus tree. You will then visit the pygmies locally known as the Batwa. They are an endangered community of Bushmen in Uganda. They will perform their dances punctuated by songs where the rhythm and body movements will find you joining in the celebrations and joy of these people. The you will visit to the third biggest anti-malaria production field in the world where anti-malaria tablets are produced from artemisia plants. Lunch. Dinner and overnight at Heritage Habuharo Lodge – Arcadia Cottages (C) or Jajama Panorama (E), and in this day you might be entertained with Bakiga traditional dancers from the lodge. FB

Day 14 - Lake Mburo National ParkAfter breakfast, leave Lake Bunyonyi and proceed to the smallest of Ugandan National Parks, Lake Mburo. As you enter the park, you go for game drive in search for the beautiful impalas, elands, topi and many antelopes, buffaloes, zebras. It is possible to take a nature walk guided by the rangers for birding and sceneries. Dinner and overnight at Mihingo Lodge (C) or budget accommodation in Masaka (E).Day 15Reserved for departure from Entebbe International airport. BBPossible extensions:3 days to Ssese Island Bugala Island (

Day 15 – 16 – 17 - 18)1 day Ngamba Island and Entebbe (first or last day)1 day Semliki National Park (after day 7 or 8)4 to 7 days trekking in Rwenzori Mountains1 day trekking Muhavura mountain VirungaD.J. EXTENSION SSESE ISLANDS:Day 15 - Ssese Islands in Lake VictoriaAfter breakfast, you drive to Entebbe, where you board the ferry boat connecting to the Ssese Islands of Lake Victoria. On arrival at Bugala Island and Lutoboka bay, the representative of Mirembe Resort Beach will transport you to the hotel just located on the peaceful, sandy beach. Lunch and Dinner at Mirembe Resort Beach. FBDay 16 – Explore Ssese IslandsAfter breakfast and briefing from the guide, the resort will organize for you a full day trip by boat to explore other islands of the archipelago. You will stop over to see birds and forested islands. You reach up to the last, Bukasa Island, with its wild and beautiful nature, the fishermen villages, forest trails. Ensure you have packed lunch with you as well as sun cream protection and hat. Return to Bugala for dinner and overnight at Mirembe Resort Beach. FB

Day 17 - On the beach at Bugala IslandThis day you can relax on the sandy beach and swim on the lake. However, you can also choose among many optional activities offered by the resort, like sport fishing, cycling and nature walk to explore other areas of the islands and the rock caves. Full board at Mirembe Resort Beach.Day 18 -After breakfast you board the ferry boat back to Entebbe. Reserved to the transfer to the International Airport.Optional: if you have still the time, drive to Kampala for visiting handicraft markets, as well as visiting the cultural sites like Kasubi royal tombs or the art galleries.

Uganda Gorilla Safaris

Day 1 – KigaliOn arrival at Kigali International Airport we will welcome you and transfer to the hotel, Mille Collines or Hotel Gorillas (C) or Iris Guest House (E) for the overnight in BB. If we still have time, we shall arrange a sightseeing in Kigali. BB

Day 2 – Volcanoes National ParkAfter breakfast we can organise for you the city tour of Kigali, for visiting cultural and traditional sites, including the handicraft markets, the local markets, the museum and the memorial and education center. After lunch, leave Kigali to reach the town of Ruhengeri at the gate of Volcanoes National Park. You check in at your lodge in the evening. Dinner and overnight at Mount Gorilla Nest Lodge – Hotel La Palme (C) or Kinigi Guest House – Hotel Muhavura (E). FB

Day 3 - Mountain Gorilla tracking After breakfast, at 7 in the morning starts the trekking in the forest in search for one of the habituated families of the mountain gorillas. After the briefing from the ORPTN rangers, you will reach the starting point for the trekking. Bring with you water and packed lunch, while wearing trekking boots. It is not predictable the time you will spend to find the gorillas. After you finally reach and see the gorillas, you have right to one hour for observing the primates and their behaviors, while taking photographs. Return to the lodge at leisure. Dinner overnight at Mount Gorilla Nest Lodge – Hotel La Palme (C) or Kinigi Guest House – Hotel Muhavura (E). FB

Day 4 - The shores of Lake Kivu from GisenyiAfter breakfast, leave Ruhengeri and proceed down to Gisenyi, a pretty town located on the shores of the Lake Kivu, the main water body of Rwanda. Lunch. You can relax on the beach or,Optional: arrange a boat trip to the closest islands on the lake, to discover unspoiled places and sceneries. Dinner and overnight at Serena Kivu Hotel – Stipp Hotel (C) or Urumwe Hotel (E). FB

Day 5 – The South West of Rwanda Safari After breakfast, you leave Gisenyi in the direction of South Western Rwanda along the road on the shores of Lake Kivu. The stop over for lunch will be in Kibuye, a pretty town on the lake where you will enjoy stunning sceneries. Proceed in the afternoon to Cyangugu, on the Southern cost of the lake. The small town is the gateway to Nyungwe Forest National Park. You will have dinner and overnight at Peace Guest House or similar. FBNOTE: today journey might take up to 7 hours according to the conditions of the roads

Day 6 - The primates of Nyungwe National ParkAfter an early breakfast, at 6 am you enter Nyungwe forest for the chimpanzees trekking and other primates like the beautiful Angolan colobus. The park is spread for over 970 sq km of green hills, the largest uncontaminated piece of tropical forest in Eastern Africa. Nyungwe hosts 13 species of primates, including the chimpanzee, the Rwenzori colobus, the Hoest Monkey, the silver monkey, owl faced monkey, red tailed monkey, vervet monkey and olive baboon. Ensure you carry with you packed lunch and water for a picnic lunch. You will have dinner and overnight at Peace Guest House or similar. FB

Day 7 – Gikongoro - Butare – NyanzaAfter breakfast you will drive back to Kigali. The first stopover is in Gikongoro for a tour of the Genocide Memorial of Murambi, the most important nationally. Lunch in Butare, the second town in Rwanda, considered the cultural capital, hosting the university and the National Museum. Very rewarding are the handicraft shops where are sold typical products made by Rwandan artisans, especially in the weaving and baskets. As you proceed, a stop over is made in Nyanza, that in the past was the political capital and it hosts the antique Royal palace, entirely renovated for the visitors, displaying original items and pieces of history of the Mwami, the king. Arrive in Kigali for dinner and overnight at Hotel Gorillas – Hotel Mille Collines (C) or Iris Guest House (E). FB

Day 8 - Akagera National Park After breakfast, depart for Akagera National Park located along the Tanzanian border of Rwanda. After lunch at the Lodge, go for game drive in the park and take the boat trip on the Lake Ihema to see the large number of hippos, the huge Nile crocodile and birds. The park is famous for its herds of game animals including Burchell's Zebra, lions, elephants, topi, giraffes, impalas and over 425 species of birds including the shoe billed stock, African jacana, sacred ibis goliath heron. Dinner and overnight at Akagera Game Lodge (C) or ORTPN Camping Site (B) with view on the Lake Ihema. FB

Day 9 - Akagera National ParkEarly morning game drive along the trials of Akagera Northwards while exit the park. Lunch en route. Drive back to Kigali for dinner and overnight at at Hotel Gorillas – Hotel Mille Collines (C) or Iris Guest House (E). FBDay 10Reserved for departure flights from Kigali International Airport or Entebbe International Airport. BB

14 DAYS BEST OF UGANDA SAFARI

This Uganda safari or Uganda tour will take you through the city tour, visit to the top of the falls, game drives, boat trip, village walks, forest walks, chimpanzee trekking, Gorilla tracking, Lake Bunyonyi, Lunch and water enroute and other activities that are mentioned in the itinerary.Day 1After a warm welcome by our experienced guide at Entebbe airport, you will be transfered to your hotel and our guide will brief you about your safari. Incase you arrive in the morning, you will go for a city tour. Overnight at the Hotel. BB
Day 2 After breakfast, you will head to the north western part with a stop over for lunch in Masindi town. You will then continue to Murchison Falls National Park and proceed to the top of the Falls where you can see the Nile’s beauty perfected! Marvel at the Nile, compressing from up to one km squeezed through a 7-metre canyon dropping 150 metres with a thunderous roar, creating a beautiful rainbow. Overnight at Paraa Safari Lodge or Nile Safari Camp for Luxury accommodation, Sambiya River Lodge for medium accommodation or Red chili for budget accommodation. FB

Day 3 You will have an early morning game drive on the northern bank where you will spot lion, waterbuck, Roth child’s giraffe, elephant, cape buffalo, bushbuck, hartebeest, if you are lucky the leopard and other animals. After lunch go for a boat cruise safari and you will spot the hippos, crocodiles, might see elephant, waterbuck, Uganda Kob and different bird species like goliath heron, pelican bee-eater, Egyptian goose, kingfisher, cormorant, the rare shoebill stork and hornbill. Overnight at Paraa Safari Lodge or Nile Safari Camp for Luxury accommodation, Sambiya River Lodge for medium accommodation or Red chili for budget accommodation. FB
Day 4You will transfer to Fort Portal after breakfast arriving in time for lunch at the lodge. In the afternoon you will just relax at the Lodge. In the evening, our guide will brief you on the following day program. Overnight at either Ndali Lodge or Primate Lodge for Luxury accommodation, Rwenzori View Guest House or Ataco Guest House for medium accommodation or Toro Resort for Budget Accommodation. FB

Day 5You will go to visit the hot springs and then visit the pygmy villages that is located near the Ituri Rainforest. The guide will have lunch arranged for you to be served as a picnic while you experience the "real Africa". Afternoon transfer to Fort Portal. Overnight at either Ndali Lodge or Primate Lodge for Luxury accommodation, Rwenzori View Guest House or Ataco Guest House for medium accommodation or Toro Resort for Budget Accommodation. FB
Day 6 Today you will start with chimpanzee tracking which will start from Kanyanchu River Camp. You will have an opportunity to see primates including l’hoestes, red colobus, blue red tailed and gray cheeked mangabey. After lunch, you will visit the Bigodi swamp giving you an opportunity see other small mammals and birds. Overnight at either Ndali Lodge or Primate Lodge for Luxury accommodation, Rwenzori View Guest House or Ataco Guest House for medium accommodation or Toro Resort for Budget Accommodation. FB

Day 7After breakfast, you will transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park where you will have an enroute game drive that will enable you to view hyena, elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo and a variety of antelope species. After lunch, you will visit the bat cave and hunters cave where we take a close look at the bats, rock python and forest cobras. Overnight at either Mweya or Jacana Safari Lodge for luxury accommodation, Kingfisher safari Lodge or hippo hill camp for medium accommodation or Mweya Hostel for budget accommodation. FB
Day 8This morning with the help of our guide, you will go for game drive giving you an opportunity to see lion, leopard, giant forest hog, cape buffalo, elephant, defassa waterbuck, Uganda Kob, topi and bushbuck. After lunch, you will enjoy the unique 2-hour boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel into Lake Edward. This boat cruise offers an excellent platform for photography, bird watching and game viewing. Overnight at either Mweya or Jacana Safari Lodge for luxury accommodation, Kingfisher safari Lodge or hippo hill camp for medium accommodation or Mweya Hostel for budget accommodation. FB

Day 9 After breakfast, you will drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Park through the Kigezi highlands, known as the "Switzerland of Africa", with terraced farming and mountain scenery then you will get to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Overnight at either Gorilla Forest Camp or Gorilla Resort for luxury accommodation, Buhoma Homestead or L. Kitandara Tented Camp for medium accommodation or Buhoma Community Bandas. FB

Day 10Today you will go for the excellent gorilla tracking through the impenetrable forest then the different animals’ trails allowing access to tourists. Gorilla tracking is an inspiring and wonderful adventure which one can’t miss and looking in the eye of the Gorilla is the unforgettable experience. Incase you get time after tracking, you will enjoy the Buhoma Village Walk that is organized by the local community. Overnight at either Gorilla Forest Camp or Gorilla Resort for luxury accommodation, Buhoma Homestead or L. Kitandara Tented Camp for medium accommodation or Buhoma Community Bandas. FBDay 11/12After an early morning breakfast, Lake Mburo National Park for the game drive and boat trip. Overnight at the Lodge. FB

Day 13Leisurely drive back to Kampala with a stop over for lunch. Overnight at the Lodge. BB

Day 14 Transfer to the airport. Uganda safaris Uganda safaris

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