Day1: arrive at Entebbe airport and join your tour guide from your preferred Uganda safari and tour company. Board vehicle for transfers to Kampala, driving through Uganda’s busy streets, past the Lake Victoria waters and into the bustle and hustle of Kampala city, the Ugandan capital

Dinner, bed and breakfast are available from any of Kampala’s widest range of five star hotels, standard hotels, guesthouses, inns and motels. Cassia Lodge, Speke hotel, Holiday Express, tourist hotel, Kampala Serena, Kampala Sheraton and many other options

Day 2: Get an early breakfast and drive for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park found in a small south western town Kisoro, past Mbarara where you’ll get lunch en-route. Bwindi Forest is home of Uganda’s mountain gorillas with only a population of around 800 living in Rwanda, Uganda and DR Congo.

Get dinner and overnight accommodation from either Bwindi Gorilla Resort, Buhoma lodge, Clouds Lodge, Engagi Lodge, Budget  Buhoma Community or Bwindi View Bandas

Day 3 start your day’s adventures with a warm breakfast at your lodge and then straight to the ranger station for short sessions with your gorilla trackers and guides. At 8h00 the gorilla trekking expeditions begin in Bwindi Forest Park. It may take 2-6 hours of following the previous night gorilla trails until you pounce on one silverback led family with around 8 members. Meeting the giant endangered apes is very brings tear into your eyes. Enjoy the single hour of taking pictures, identifying the humanly behavior but remember to follow each safety guideline your lead Gorilla tracking team guide sets.

Day 4 – Board for yet another exciting day at Queen Elizabeth National park and be greeted by sight of the tree climbing lions of Ishasha found on a game drive into the southern part of the park in Ishasha. The afternoon game drive also takes you to Kyambura reserve near Ishasha for chimpanzees and other primates that occupy the tropical rain forest on Kyambura gorge. Overnight and accommodation is available at Mweya Luxury safari lodge, Jacana safari lodge, and other campsite near the park.

Day 5 – start off your day with a relaxing boat cruise down the Kazinga Channel that drains in Lake Edward. Regular sights on the trail include schools of hippos spraying water, buffalos wallowing in the shallow river banks, water birds tossing in the water and scenic views of the Rwenzori Mountains up high in the misty clouds.

Return to the lodge for lunch and then have an afternoon game drive in one of Uganda’s largest parks with exciting encounters of lions, elephants, buffalo, warthogs, leopard, hyena, mongoose, Uganda kobs, topi and a lot of birds like pelicans, fishing eagles, martial eagle, sun birds, herons, cormorants, stork and others. Board tour van for transfer to Kibale Forest near Fort Portal where you’ll find diner and overnight from Primates lodge, Ndali lodge, Mountains if the Moon Lodge and public campsites at Kanyankyu.

Day 6 – Meet your Chimpanzees trekking guides at the park gate and begin your day in Kibale Forest National Park. Some of the other primates you’ll find include grey checked mangabeys, bush babies, olive baboons, vervet monkeys, black & white colobus, red colobus, popots and many other smaller apes.

Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight

Day 7- Return to Kampala with a stop at the equator crossing for a few refreshments and lunch snacks. Transfers to Entebbe airport for late evening departure flights

Day 1

Late arrivals via Entebbe airport are followed by Kampala city tours to different sights and sounds within Kampala. Get accommodation, dinner and breakfast from Kampala hotels, apartments, and Uganda safari lodges such as Speke hotel, Tourist hotel, Hotel Africana, Holiday Inn or Holiday Express Hotel.

Day 2 –Murchison Falls National Park

Drive off from Kampala to Uganda’s largest National park, Murchison Falls Park found 350 km from Kampala. Take a stop At Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Nakasongola and be art of the rhino conservation efforts in Uganda.

Continue on to Masindi, having lunch at Masindi hotel of Masindi Kolping hotel and then to book full board accommodation near the park. Paraa safari lodge, Red chillis, Chobe safari lodge, Nile safari lodge, Sambiya river lodge and shoe bill campsite.

Day 3 – Victoria Nile boat cruise

An early morning game drive in the northern part of the park is quite exciting. Find some of the largest concentration of zebras, giraffes, warthog, forest hog, elephants, Uganda kobs, eland, impala, forest hog, hartebeests and waterbuck among other animals.

Lunch is ready at your lodge and then a boat cruise on River Nile, flowing through a 7m narrow gorge to make a thunderous waterfall 43m high. The river boils below and runs on a series of rapids to continue its flow thorough the park.

There are several schools of hippos, crocodiles and buffalos found down the river and many birds toss across the water.

Day 4 – drive to Kibale Forest National park

The drive through Fort Portal with the backdrop views of Rwenzori Mountains, locally referred to as the Mountains of the Moon since the peaks lies in misty clouds looking lie a moon hideaway.

Reach Kibale for a pre-arranged lunch at any town hotel and visit the magnificent Toro Kingdom building, and its beautiful peoples. Get accommodation with Fort Portal town or near Kibale forest. Bed and breakfast accommodation at Ndali Lodge, primates lodge, mountains of the moon lodge, chimp nest lodge and Kanyankyu tourist camp.

Day 5 – Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park

Track on the noisy chimps in Kibale forest finding many playing in the forest canopy and other feeding on wild vines and fruits. On the trail are other primates like phoestes, Red-colobus, Blue monkeys, Red-tailed colobus, grey cheeked mangabeys, birds, butterflies and a few antelopes. For the afternoon, it is a walk to Bigodi wetland and the small crater Lake called Kasenda.

Day 6 – Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Finish your breakfast and then meet the tour guide for transfers to Queen Elizabeth Park, the second largest game park in Uganda. The park overlooks the scenic Mweya peninsula and is crossed by the Kazinga channel.

Arrive in time for an arranged lunch and an afternoon launch cruise on Kazinga Channel, meet the yawning hippos, crocodiles basking on the river banks, buffalos in the shallow banks and different birds.

Full board accommodation is available at Mweya Safari Lodge, Jacana lodge, Ihamba safari lodge, Hippo Hill Camp, Simba Safari Camp or Institute of Ecology Hostel.

Day 7 – Queen Elizabeth National Park

Start your day with a worthy breakfast, and then a game drive in Kasenyi and queen’s mile tracks where regular sights include lions, elephants, warthogs, giraffes, buffalos, spotted hyenas, mangoose, the Uganda kobs, waterbucks and so much more. The park is crossed by the Kazinga channel that adjoins Lake George and Albert.

Overnight accommodation facilities overlook iconic hills, the coursing water of Kazinga Channel and have full board facilities.

Day 8 – Queen Elizabeth Ishasha tree climbing Lion safari tour

On the drive to Bwindi forest park, south of Ishasha sector where the famed tree climbing lions of Ishasha are found. You’ll be amazed by the number of lioness lounging in the branches of umbrella acacia trees.

Drive on to Bwindi reaching by the late evening and get full board accommodation from Bwindi forest camp, Gorilla resort camp, sliver back lodge, clouds lodge, Buhoma community bandas and Nkuringo lodge.

Day 9 – Bwindi mountain gorilla safaris

Follow trails in Bwindi forest for the endangered mountain gorilla that inhabit the Bwindi Impenetrable forest. Finding the gorillas is quite exhilarating; these giant but coy apes are a beautiful sight.

Return for the lodge for dinner and overnight accommodation

Day 10 – Lake Bunyonyi

Within the hills of south western Uganda in Kabale hides Lake Bunyonyi named after the very many little birds that nest the swamps and trees around the lake. Visit the different islands on the lake, each with interesting history.

Find accommodation from Bunyonyi resort, Arcadia cottages, heritage lodge, and many others.

Day 11 – Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo is actually the smallest game park on Uganda wildlife safaris but gifted with savannah wildlife herds such as zebras impala, big five, elands, oribi, topi, giraffes, forest hog, warthog and many others. More than 250 bird nest on the shores of Lake Mburo and four other lakes within the park.

Day 12 Returns to Kampala.

Remember to buy souvenirs and visit some of the cultural sites within Kampala. Arrive in time for departure flights at Entebbe

On arrival at Kigali International airport, meet your booked Rwanda safari and tour guide, who will then escort to Nyungwe forest park in south western Rwanda. Arrive in the park and book your overnight accommodation from Gisakura Guesthouse.

Day 2: Nyungwe Forest Chimpanzee Tracking

Start your Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe forest by the mid morning after your breakfast. The tracking experience can sometimes last a few hours and some times more than 5 hours of intense trekking.

Beside the feeding chimpanzees, there are golden monkeys, Rwenzori colobus, L’hoest monkeys, silver monkeys, mangabeys, owl faced monkeys and many other primates that you’ll find along the trails.

Day 3: Transfers to Ruhengeri

Board your tour van for transfers to Ruhengeri a small suburb village on the foot hills of Virunga Volcano Mountain Ranges in northern Rwanda. Volcanoes National park is home to more than 500 mountain gorillas that share the dense rainforests bordering Rwanda with Uganda and DR Congo.

Arrive in the area during the early evening after a long hours drive. Check into your preferred overnight and dinner accommodations from Gorilla Nest Luxury camp, La Palme up market hotel or Kinigi Guesthouse.

Day 4 & 5: Gorilla Trekking

Experience a lifetime adventure with two days of ecstatic Rwanda Gorilla trekking from Virunga Volcanoes National Park

The day starts with breakfast and transfers to the park headquarters at Kinigi from where short briefing sessions are held. In groups of 8 persons, begin gorilla tracking under the lead of experienced park rangers and guides. Carry your lunch boxes and camera since the gorilla can be seen sometimes after long 3-8 hours of intense trekking.

You have a maximum of 1 hour to enjoy the gorillas each time you meet the silver back family or a black family, take their pictures but remember they can sometimes be aggressive.

Trekking can sometimes be through long slippery trails after heavy rains. Pack their appropriate gear as advised by the park guides.

Dinner and overnight accommodation will be from Gorilla Nest Lodge, mountain Gorilla view lodge, Gorilla Hotel Kinigi, Kinigi Guesthouse and from luxury La Palme Hotel.

Day 6: Golden Monkey Tracking

Begin day 6 with a full English breakfast and then head for the forest walk, this time tracking for the rare Golden monkeys that inhabit the Albertine rift alone. The Golden monkeys are a rare primate species and live in small numbers around the Virunga volcanoes, in Bwindi forest park Uganda and in the dense forests of DR Congo.

Take a visit to Dian Fossey’s grave and learn more about her Gorilla conservation efforts at Karisoke Research Centre located with the volcanoes park. Uganda safaris will offer you the best encounter on your tour.

Day 7: Departure

Take your morning breakfast before transfers to Kigali airport for early departures.

Another intense safari day tour takes your to Bwindi Forest park for tracking experiences of the endangered mountain gorillas. Mountain gorilla safaris are the most exciting part of any Uganda Safari itinerary and are something you’ll remember for this African safari.

Day 1: Lake Mburo National Park

Meet your safari tour guide from the hotel or at the airport who will escort you south of Uganda for Lake Mburo National park for a five hours drive. Stop by the equator crossing fro lunch snacks and refreshments.

Arrive just in time for lunch and then take a canoe or boat ride on the lake finding hippos, buffaloes, crocodiles, kingfishers, fish eagles, sunbirds and stork among many other birds.

For the evening, embrace the beautiful savannah park and it different wild animals including eland, impala, buffalos, giraffe, zebras, sitatunga, bush duikers, elephants, warthogs and others.

Your dinner and overnight accommodation can be an option from Rwoonyo luxury camp, Arcadia cottages, Mantana Luxury tented camps and Mihingo Lodge.

Day 2: Lake Mburo to Bwindi Gorilla Park

When breakfast is finished, board the tour van for transfers to Bwindi Forest Park further into the south western hills of Uganda, also called the Switzerland of Uganda. Arrive to a ready lunch at any pre-arrange hotel or lodge, check into your pre-booked accommodation from Buhoma guest house, Virunga Hotel, Nkuringo camp, Lake Kitandara camp, Clouds lodge, Engagi Lodge, Wagtail Eco Lodge and/or Gorilla Nest camp.

An evening walk to the nearby village community will be as relaxing as a soothing massage at the beach!

Day 3: Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park

Wake up early to a served breakfast and then go to the ranger station for briefing about the Bwindi gorilla tracking experience. Remember to pack your lunch, bring comfortable walking shoes, and be physically fit if you intend to be part of this memorable adventure.

Set off before the intense sun heat around mid morning behind a trained ranger and tracker. Sometime the gorilla tracking takes hours and hours (2-7 hours) on fruitless trekking but the rewards sooner or later delight your sight to a silver back family, tucked away within the forest canopy only reached if you cut through the intertwined vines. It is then one hour of unbeatable anxiety as you watch the habituated giant coy creatures feed, play with each other and greet their guests.

Return to the lodge for a light evening snack, after which travel to Lake Bunyonyi where you’ll find dinner and overnight accommodations from Kyahugye Island Resort or Budget Bushara Island and Arcadia Cottages.

Day 4: Transfer to Kampala

Take an early morning boat or canoe ride on Lake Bunyonyi, visiting several bird colonies in the fringing swamps, many of which fly on hearing the boat engine. The birds on the lake are something you’ll not forget.

Board the tour van after the breakfast and travel to Kampala for your afternoon and late departures at Entebbe airport.

The five day Uganda safari experience takes you to the mountain gorillas of Bwindi impenetrable forest park, to Queen Elizabeth national park chimpanzee tracking experiences and game drives.  The short 5 day safari is full of intense wildlife experiences besides tracking on Uganda’s leading primates.

Day 1: Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park

Begin Uganda Gorilla and primates safari after a hearty English breakfast in a Kampala hotel and start on your 8 hour journey to south west Uganda into the beautiful rolling hills of Kisoro.

Take your stops first at the equator crossing, then at a hotel in Mbarara or a nearby town for lunch after which drive straight to the park found within the deep valley and slopes of the rift valley escarpment

Overnight and dinner is at Gorilla Forest Camp, Lake Kitandara Camp, Clouds lodge, Gorilla Valley lodge and Buhoma Community Bandas

Day 2: Gorilla tracking in Bwindi Forest

This will be one of the most exciting days of your life. Bwindi national park is home to five gorilla families living within the thick dense rainforest 4 of which (among them Nkuringo) are habituated to visiting tourists.

Gorilla tracking is however not as easy as it may sound. Sometimes they experience ends after 2- 8 hours upon which you’ll meet one family led by a male silver back. In the single hour you are given to interact with the giant shy creatures, take their pictures, stare into their eyes and observe some of the trait they share with humans.

Retire to the lodge for diner and night accommodation from Gorilla Forest Camp, Cloud Lodge, Gorilla Nest resort, Buhoma Community Bandas, Kisoro Travelers rest and many other options are available in Kisoro Town.

Day 3:  To Queen Elizabeth National Park

From Bwindi, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park after breakfast for unlimited game viewing experiences and chimpanzee tracking. Some of exciting game drives will be in southern Ishasha where you’ll find the famous Ishasha tree climbing lions, buffalos, giraffes, zebras, and the Uganda kob among many other animals. Dinner and overnight will be arranged and available from the luxury Mweya Safari Lodge of from the cheap Institute of Ecology Hostel.

Day 4: Chimpanzee tracking and boat cruise

Begin the day with a full breakfast and then board 4X4 open vehicle to Kyambura forest reserve found within the park. Several primates inhabit this dense forest including chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, owl faced monkeys, mangabeys, bush baby and olive baboons.

The afternoon in the park is on a boat cruise on Kazinga channel where you’ll encounter schools of hippos, crocodiles and buffalos along the banks, different birds crossing and dipping into the water for a swim and experience a typical African dusk.

Day 5: Game Drive and Continue to Kampala

Wake up to the call of an early bird, which is followed by a game drive in the park. return to your lodge for a heavy breakfast and later pack your belongings for a return trip to Kampala.

This safari itinerary includes visits to Uganda’s most prominent wildlife parks namely queen Elizabeth National park, Murchison falls National Park and the to the habituated mountain Gorillas of Bwindi Forest National Park. Go on chimp and gorilla trekking adventures and savor the best of Uganda’s warm climate and friendly people. Uganda safaris have a lot to offer to its tourists and the encounter is memorable.

Day-1

Early arrivals at Entebbe airport will allow for Kampala city tours to the National theatre, Uganda museum, visits to the martyr’s shrine at Namugongo and visits to Buganda royal and cultural sites like the Kabaka’s Palace, the Kabaka’s Lake and Kasubi Royal Tombs.

Check into any of Kampala’s wide range of luxury, standard and budget hotels, lodges, guesthouses and inn. Standard and budget accommodation is available from Holiday inn, Holiday Express hotel, The Tourist Hotel and Speke hotel

Day 2- Transfers to Murchison falls on the Nile

Upon finishing breakfast, head for 350km journey to Murchison Falls national park in western Uganda. Visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary after 2 and half hours drive from Kampala on Murchison Falls Route for nature walks, on foot rhino tracking and birding. Continue on to Murchison Falls Park, Uganda’s largest wildlife park and stop by the narrow gorge at which the Victoria river flows to make thundering Murchison Falls.

Get diner and overnight from Paraa lodge, Sambiya river lodge, Chobe safari lodge shoebill campsite, Red Chilli hideaway and many other overnight facilities.

Day 3 – Murchison Falls Boat cruise

Wake up to an early morning game drive to the northern section of the park, view and take pictures of elephants, buffalos, hippos, hartebeests, waterbucks, hippos, giraffes, Uganda kobs, lions, leopards and different birds.

Lunch is ready at the lodge and then your 2 hours boat trip on the river to the foot of Murchison falls that is 43m high. The amazing sight is proceeded by some rapids and a boiling water caldron at the bottom. Down the river are schools of hippos, crocodiles on the shallow river banks and herds of animals are seen on regular visits to the river bank for water and some predators for an afternoon kill. Return to the camp or lodge for dinner and overnight accommodation.

Day 4 – Drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Drive from the shadows of Fort Portal town, the towering Rwenzori ranges, the beautiful Albertine rift escarpment, visiting the Toro kingdom palace, and Lugard Portal monument at the heart of Fort Portal Town.

Arrive in Masindi town and find accommodation in town (at Masindi kolping hotel, Ataco Country resort) or near queen Elizabeth national park gate

Day 5:  Queen Elizabeth National Park

Short transfer after breakfast to Queen Elizabeth national park and start on the safari game drive immediately after an early lunch. Queen Elizabeth national park borders the crater lakes of Lake Edward and George which are connected by Kazinga Channel. On the game drive are sights of Thornicroft and Rothschild giraffes, zebras, lions, leopards, warthogs, antelopes and so much more wildlife. For the evening is a 2 hour pre-booked launch cruise on the Kazinga Channel while the setting sun turns the water golden. Find schools of hippos, water birds and crocodiles that make Kazinga Channel a beautiful boating destination.

Accommodation and overnight is at Mweya peninsular camping, Mweya safari lodge, Ihamba safari lodge, Simba safari Lodge, Jacana Safari lodge, Institute of Ecology Hostel and Katara Lodge

Day 6: Kyambura Gorge nature walks

Kyambura gorge and the forest reserve are part of Queen Elizabeth national Park. An early game drive to Kasenyi track is filled with sights of lions, elephants, buffalos, and different birds. The gorge at Kyambura is beautiful at 16km ling and covered in lush forested slopes. Kyambura forest reserve is good for chimpanzee tracking and on the trail are other primates like vervet monkeys and colobus monkeys.

Accommodation and dining is available at Ishasha Ntungwe river camp and Ishasha wilderness camp.

Day 7:  Queen Elizabeth Lion Safari

South of the park is Ishasha sector famous for the tree climbing lions visited on day 7 after breakfast. Drive out of Queen Elizabeth park towards Bwindi forest, further into the beautiful hills of south west Uganda, known as the Switzerland of Uganda. From Kabale to Bwindi via Buhoma park headquarters is 3-4 hours drive on 4WD. Get accommodation at Buhoma Lodge, Buhoma community bandas, Nkuringo gorilla camp site, Clouds Lodge, Gorilla forest camp, Silver Back lodge

Day 8:  Bwindi Mountain Gorilla trekking

Bwindi is a renowned gorilla trekking zone on Uganda safari followed by Mgahinga mountain gorillas. Trekking through the dense rainforests of Bwindi is not an easy task, it requires determination and patience as tracking lasts more than 2 hours in some instances. Remember to get your packed lunch just in case.

Return to the lodge for late lunch meal and then take a trip in Kabale town visiting the Batwa communities and then drive off to Lake Bunyonyi. Drive through the mythical rolling hills that shelter the beautiful lake that is named after its vast bird population.

Dinner and overnight accommodation is available at Luxury Kyahugye Island Resort, Bunyonyi safari resort, Arcadia cottages or Budget Bushara Island with its incredible view of Lake Bunyonyi.

Day 9:  Lake Bunyonyi Adventures

After breakfast, it is either a canoe ride or motorized boat safari on Lake Bunyonyi to Nyombwe swamp, via Akampene island( Bakiga Punishment Island), Sharp Island and Bucuranuka island. Birding is good on the lake with sights of hopping African jacana, yellow billed ducks, kingfishers, sun birds, herons, egrets and many other water birds.

Drive back to Kampala after lunch arriving in the late evening.

Day 1: Drive from Kampala to Kibale Forest National Park

From Kampala to Kibale is 450km and is a 5-6 hours journey reaching the park by the afternoon to a ready lunch snack. Kibale Forest park is home to more than 10 different primates including chimps, grey checked mangabeys, red tailed colobus, blue monkeys, black and white colobus and others

Find dinner and accommodation from Luxury Primates Lodge, Ndali Lodge, Kanyankyu tourist camp or the Chimpanzee Guest House.

Day 2: Kibale Forest Chimpanzee Tracking and Bigodi swamp walk

Start your chimp tracking after briefing sessions with the park ranger guides at the tourist point. Head for the forest trails tacking on the noisy chimpanzees in the forest finding other primates like vervet, colobus monkeys, mangabeys and others.

Return to the lodge or Kanyankyu tourist point for lunch.

Bigodi swamp walk is for the afternoon itinerary. The swamp is managed by local communities and the wildlife authority and is particularly a rich habitat for more than 100 different birds and swamp vegetation.

Get dinner and over night at

Day 3:  Transfers to Queen Elizabeth Park

Following breakfast, it is time to head for Queen Elizabeth National Park in 3-4 hours of drive from scenic south western hills, beautiful tea estates, forest reserves and grazing cattle herds.

Arrive in time for an arranged lunch at a lodge within the park and go on an afternoon game drive in the park. The second largest game park in Uganda has vast herds of zebras, giraffes, hyenas, warthog, crocodiles, the big five,  in addition to a wide variety of birds like Black Chested Eagle, the Swallow Tailed Bee Eaters, to mention but a few

All these are regularly sighted around the tourist village on the Mweya Peninsula and all this makes a superb Uganda safari territory. Overnight at Mweya safari lodge, Jacana lodge, Hippo Hill camp or Institute of ecology Hostels

Day 4: Queen Elizabeth Park wildlife tours

Start your Queen Elizabeth tours with chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura forest reserve, visiting the caves on the gorge that house thousands and thousands of bats and prey snakes like rock pythons, cobra, rippers, mambas and others .

Return to the lodge for lunch and then a launch cruise on Kazinga Channel finding hippos that spray water up to 1m high, buffalos, crocodiles basking at the banks, papyrus endemic birds like White pelicans, sunbirds, fish eagles, Pink-Backed Pelicans, Long-Tailed Cormorants, Open-Billed Stork, African Jacana, Malachite kingfishers and so many other birds.

Day 5: Transfers to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

From Kasese, its only 4 hours drive to Bwindi forest park after an interesting morning game drive and hearty breakfast. Bwindi has 600 of the last surviving mountain gorillas in the whole world and shares this gorilla habitat with Rwanda and DR Congo. Also in the forest are 23 of the 24 Albertine rift endemic birds like African green broadbill, long tailed trogon, and others. Golden monkeys are also endemic to this park and Volcanoes National park in Rwanda.

Take a forest walk in the evening to Lake Mutand and to Munyanga falls within the park, see beautiful butterflies, different primates like blue monkeys, mangabeys, colobus monkeys and many others.

Get full board accommodation from Silver back lodge, Clouds Lodge, Gorilla forest camp, Buhoma camp and other safari lodges near the park

Day 6: Gorilla tracking safari in Bwindi Forest

Bwindi forest is the home of mountain gorilla in Uganda with about 5 gorilla families, 2 living south of the park (including the habituated Nkuringo family). Pack your lunch and head for the ranger station where you are allocated in groups of 8 persons to begin your gorilla trekking adventures before the mid-morning sun heats up.

Follow last night’s trails behind a lead ranger guide and finally reach a silver back family feeding within the forest canopy. The tracking experience often takes up to 2-6 hours.

Return to the lodge for a light snack and take trips to the local Batwa communities living at the foot hills of the forest park. These people sometimes put up a show on theie traditional dances, crafts and warm smiles just for you!

Day 7: To Lake Mburo National Park

Drive to Lake Mburo National park for 6-7 hours, find a pre-arranged lunch at the lodge. Enjoy the intensely terraced hills slopes of Kigezi, grazing long horned cattle and the fresh wind breeze.

Take an afternoon motor boat ride on the lake, one of the smallest lakes in Uganda, Lake Mburo that is part of the five lakes found in the small game park. the lake is rich with papyrus endemic birds like African Jacana, bush shrike, African fin foot, sunbirds, cranes, eagles, sunbirds and so much more. Accommodation is from Luxury  Mantana Tented Camp, Mihingo lodge or Rwonyo Rest camp.

Day 8 Lake Mburo Game drive – Kampala – Entebbe

After breakfast, have a game drive in Lake Mburo National Park. On the lake are schools of yawning hippos, basking crocodiles on the shallow lake shores, buffalos, Big five, vervet monkeys and baboons can be seen en-route to Kampala in banana plantations.

Stop by the equator crossing near Masaka for a few souvenir purchases, snacks and refreshments. Dinner and accommodation is available from Tourist hotel Kampala, Speke hotel Kampala or Boma Guest house Entebbe or Entebbe Central Inn.

Day 9: Lake Victoria & Ngamba Island Tours

Catch the early Boat to Ngamba Island at 10:30 am on Lake Victoria boating safari and reach Ngamba Island in about 2 hours. While on the island, check out the orphaned chimp sanctuary, interact with them during the feeding time, take a forest walk on the island and then to the mainland at 16h00. Visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, formerly Entebbe zoo as an add-on the Lake Victoria safaris

Get Entebbe overnight and dinner from Boma Guest house, Lake Victoria Windsor Hotel, Entebbe Central Inn, or Imperial Botanical resort Hotel.

Day 10: Departure

For early departure flights at Entebbe, get an early breakfast at your lodge or Entebbe hotel to be on time.

Location: East of Uganda, on the bordering area to Kenya Approx. 250 km from Kampala.

Mammals: elephant, buffalo, forest hog, bushbuck, Tree hyrax, duiker, hyena, leopard, Guerezas, Vervet monkey, species of birds

Mt. Elgon, 4.321 m high and 50 to 80 km in diameter lies in the middle of the park. The highest point, Wagagai can be climbed from the Kenyan or Ugandan side. Just like other East African mountains, the Mt. Elgon has different vegetation zones.
There is choice of three different routes- Sasa Trail, Sipi Trail and Piswa trail.

Sipi Falls Elgon Mountaineering Tours Uganda

Tourist Activities, Mount Elgon National Park Uganda

Mountaineering
Mount Elgon National Park, mountaineering can be experienced on this volcanic mountain which is (4,321 m), the 4th highest mountain in East Africa, located in the eastern part of Uganda on the border with Kenya.

Its highest peak is Wagagai 4321m. Mount Elgon is the 4th Highest Mountain in East Africa. The hot springs bubbling on the Caldera floor, the spectacular water falls, caves, hot springs and mountain vegetation make it a spectacular place for visiting. You need: good water-proof hiking shoes, warm clothes, Rain clothes, gloves and a hat which covers the ears, sleeping sack and something to lie on (a foam mattress or an air mattress), a torch, spare batteries, 2 Thermos flasks, rucksack, Sea sack or a big holdall which can carry a weight of 10 kg.

Three main trailheads lead to the mountain’s peaks. The Budadiri (Sasa trailhead), forest exploration center-Kapkwai (Sipi trailhead) or Kapkwata (Piswa trailhead). Sasa trail is accessible from Mbale and is the most direct route to the peaks. Uganda Safari It passes through the park’s largest area of bamboo forest.

Sipi trail leads to the Tutum cave hidden within extensive forest, while Piswa trail is famous for the Podpcarpus forest, a good place for wildlife viewing. The Sipi and Piswa trails start at much higher elevations with longer more gradual climbs to the peaks.

Visitors have options of returning using the same trails or descend via a different route. Each trail/route has camping stages with a nearby water source, as well as tent pads and latrines. A full trekking circuit to the peaks takes about 5 days to complete.

A trained ranger guide is required on all excursions to show you the way and enrich your journey by interpreting the flora and fauna of the environment. Local porters carry up to 18 kgs of supplies

Bird Watching
Mount Elgon has a recorded 300 species of birds. Among key species include Jackson’s and Moorland francolins, Red fronted parrot, Green Tinkerbird, Oriole-Finch
The best birding is along the Mountain bamboo trail a 7km loop that traverses a variety of montane habitats. Key species here are Olive Pigeon, Black and white casqued hornbill, Grey throated barbet and many other Slender –billed and mountain Greenbuls, Red-winged and montane oriole among others.

Wildlife viewing
Game viewing is excellent and the Park is home to an estimated 400 elephants, buffalos, leopards, the protected colobus and blue monkeys, giant forest hog, waterbuck among other antelope species. A number of primates inhabit the mountain; other animals include bushbuck, antelope, civet, and wildcat and the elusive leopard.

Bush duiker, hyena, jackal, rock hyrax, buffalo and elephant can be seen between the forest and the moorland

Lush scenery sipi falls.

The falls are located 55km north of Mbale, in the foothills of Mt Elgon and not far from the town of Kapchorwa. The Sipi River rises on the upper slopes of Mount Elgon cascading down the foothills over 7km to form a series of 4 pretty waterfalls Not only are the falls spectacular, so too are the views of Mt Elgon above them, and the wide plains of eastern and northern Uganda disappearing into the distance below.

There are three levels of falls, but the two upper levels are fairly small compared with the main drop. There are some excellent walks on a network of well-maintained local trails, and beautiful scenery in every direction. It is easy enough just to walk off on your own.

Location: Southwest of Uganda, 220 km from Kampala

Mammals: waterbuck, buffalo, zebra, impala, oribi, Sitatunga, reedbuck, duiker, topi, leopard, Eland, crocodile, hippopotamus, jackal, hyena, 313 species of birds.

Lake Mburo National Park is situated between the towns of Masaka and Mbarara. It is the only park that contains an entire lake. Uganda Safari The attractive acacia-dotted savanna (158 square miles) is home to huge herds of impala, as well as topi, eland, klipspringer and other antelope, Zebra and buffalo.

At the lake there are hippos and crocodiles the park hosts over 310 bird species. Lake Mburo harbors several species of mammals; Zebras, Impala, Buffaloes, and birds. Its landscape of rolling grassy hills and idyllic lake shore has a varied mosaic of habitats forest galleries, seasonal and permanent swamps and rich acacia wood valleys which all support a wealth of wildlife.

Accommodation

MIHINGO LODGE
Mihingo lodge is a luxury lodge situated 8km from the Nshara gate with a swimming pool and magnificent views of the parks landscape. The rooms have stunning combination of part safari tent – erected onto a wide wooden floor leading out onto a decking -attached to a permanent building incorporating the hallway and bathroom.

MANTANA LUXURY TENTED CAMP- LAKE MBURO
Mantana Luxury Tented Camp Lake Mburo is located outside the park, erected on a hill with a view of the lake, the camp offers 8 comfortable furnished accommodation tents, free time offers.

Agip Motel (Mid range)
Strategically located near the gates Mbarara town in South Western Uganda, Agip Motel is a quiet and charming hotel, on the Mbarara-Masaka highway. The motel is the is number one stop for anyone going through or stopping in Mbarara.

Flora and Fauna:
The vegetation can best be described as open tree savannah, which varies much in structure and composition.
Dry mountains and forest dominates some of the hills, while areas along the Lorupei River support dense Acacia geradi forest.

The park harbours a greater diversity of animal species than other parks in Uganda. Of the 80 species of mammals listed in 1971, 28 were not known to occur in any other Uganda park. Carnivores species unique to Kidepo and Karamoja region include the bateared fox, striped hyena, aardwolf, caracal, cheetah and hunting dog. Less common ungulates include the gretare and lesser kudu, Chandlers Mountain reedbuck, klipsinger and dikdik. Among other large ungulates are bush elephant, burchell’s zebra, bush pig, warthog, Rothschild giraffe, cape buffalo, eland, bushbuck, bush duiker, defassa waterbuck, bohor reedbuck,, Jackson’s hartebeest and oribi. Five species of primates are found in the park, of which the Kavorondo bush baby is endemic. Carnivores present include; lion, leopards, several small cats, spotted hyena, black-backed jackals and side-striped jackal.

The park boasts an extensive avifauna. 465 species have been recorded (three new species were added to the list in 1995), of which 112 species were then (1972) not recorded in any of the Ugandan park. Of particular interest, the Ostrich and the Kori bustard are principally associated with this region.

The park is outstanding for it’s birds of prey. Of 58 species recorded, 14 are believed to be endemic to Kidepo and Karamoja region. These include Verreaux’s eagle, Egyptian vulture and pygmy falcon. Also of note are species of hornbills. The red-billed, the yellow-billed and Jackson’s hornbills are popular to Kidepo, while the giant Abyssinia ground hornbill is quite common.

There is however no comprehensive survey in Kidepo and visitors stand a good chance of adding to the current list. The landscape throughout the park is studded with small hills, rocky outcrops and Inselbergs, from which one can obtain stunning views in all directions.

Visitors will be able to enjoy guided walks from Apoka, enabling them to quietly appreciate the peaceful atmosphere of the park and the beauty of mountain scenery. They will also find great interest in the native flora and with many of the smaller creatures of the park.

Tourist Attractions:
In addition to supporting huge diversity of endemic species, Kidepo is the only park in Uganda where the visitors can view both zebra and giraffe. Most of the wildlife is concentrated with Narus valley. From the verandah of the Apoka Rest Camp, visitors may view a variety of wildlife.

At least 60% of the visitors come to the park in dry seasons to enjoy good views of lions (that some times climb trees). Other animals of interest include buffaloes, elephants and giraffes. A number of game drive loops direct visitors to prime wildlife viewing locations in the Narus valley. Hiking can be carried out in Morungole Mountain just some few kilometers from the park headquarters. Lonyili Mountain is another possible hiking place.

Visitors can also go to view the splendid Kidepo Valley dominated by borassus palm forest; it’s wide flat river bed is dry for most of the year. Visitors may enjoy picnic on the sand, and the sound of palm leaves in constant motion in the wind. From the Kidepo valley, visitors may also visit the Kanangorok hot springs, which are located only 11 km from Kidepo River valley.

The mountain and savannah landscape of the park is spectacular. The Narus valley is situated in South west of the park; the rugged Napore-Nyagea mountain range forms its western boundary. Separating it from the Kidepo Valley in the Northeast, are the Lakayot hills. To the North in the Sudan, are the Lotukei Mountains and the Morungole range marks the Southern boundary of the park.

Visitors can be entertained by the traditional dances such as the Emuya dance of the Napore and Nyangea ethnic groups, and the Lakaraka and Apit dances of the Acholi.

Interested visitors may be able to visit Karamojong Manyattas (homesteads) and probably kraals, to see traditional customs, stools, spears, headdresses, knives, bows and arrows and jewellery, some of which may also be obtained from the park tourist office. It’s better to arrange the visit two days in advance either from the park headquarters at Apoka or from UWA headquarters in Kampala.
Along the Moroto-Soroti road, visitors will be enthralled by the of the steep volcano of Alekilek, about midway between Moroto and Soroti. Visitors who take Kotido-Lira road will enjoy the scenery of the Labwor hills and in particular the massive and bare Alerek (Kidi Rwot) rock, about 55km from Kotido.

Kidepo Accommodation Uganda

Accommodation and Meals:
The park also runs a self-catering hostel comprising of 14 bandas, each with two beds. It offers cooking facilities only, but may provide visitors with basic drinks (beer and soda). Visitors are advised to bring sufficient food and drinks for a full duration of their stay.

Apoka Rest Camp, managed by Uganda Safari Company, provides food and bedding for upmarket on full board basis. However, provision of water, firewood and charcoal can be arranged.

Access:
The park can be reached by road or air. Driving is more rewarding, as vast parts of Karamoja are scenic and total wilderness. However, Uganda Safari road conditions are sometimes difficult and 4WD vehicles are recommended. Visitors should note that the road mainly in use from Kotido to Kaabong, passes via Kanawauat not via Losilang as indicated in most maps. Inquire from Kotido. (Visitors intending to come by road are advised to contact UWA headquarters, to seek advise about conditions and safety on the roads).

There are three routes by road:

§    Kampala via Karuma-Lira Kotido-Kidepo-705kms.
§    Kampala via Mbale-Soroti-Moroto-Kidepo-792km.
§    Kampala via Mbale-Sironko-Kotido-Kidepo-740km.

Chartered aircrafts are available from Entebbe International Airport to the park headquarters.
The Civil Aviation Authority manages an airstrip at Lomej, about 3km South of the park Headquarters.

The Civil Aviation Authority has plans to make Lomej an International Airport, which will permit visitors to fly in direct from other countries. The flight from Entebbe takes about 2 hours.
Chartered flight may be arranged with Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF), United Airline, Eagle Aviation or KAFTC.
Chartered flights may also be arranged with tour companies in Kampala.

Kibale is located south of Fort portal, at an altitude of about 1,230m above sea level. The forest covers an area of about 760sq km and is divided into seven zone for management purposes, the forest is characterized by mountain forest and a mixture of tropical deciduous wood with swamps and grasslands. Kibale Forest National park is one of the most gorgeous and marvelous forests in Uganda. It is the most popular habitat for the endangered Chimpanzee. This park has one of the highest numbers of primates in Africa totaling around 13 species with Blue monkey, Red Tailed monkey, and Black and White Colobus monkeys, Bush Babies, Grey Cheeked Mangabey and Pottos.
Apart from about 800 chimpanzees other 12 primates such as guerezas, blue monkeys, bush babies, black-backed monkeys, red-tailed monkeys and the rare red colobus monkeys.

Kibale Accommodation

Fort Motel
Fort motel is a mid range accommodation facility located adjacent to the Tooro Golf course less than a mile from fort portal town. The hotel has modern and spacious rooms with Internet access and direct dial telephones. The motel is location is enhanced with views of Fort portal town, volcanic hills and the Rwenzori Mountains. In the rooms there is Video and digital satellite television, Mini bars in rooms, Self contained rooms with shower cabins; bath tubs births and elegant furnishing.

Ndali Lodge
Ndali Lodge is a luxury or high range lodge located 24km south of Fort portal town and built on the edge of the breathtaking Lake Nyinambuga. The Lodge is a working farm with a long colonial history. Dramatic views of the surrounding crater lakes or the Rwenzori Mountains envelop you while relaxing on your private porch. Each of the eight bungalows features local weavings, crafts and brightly colored décor.

Primate Lodge Kibale Uganda Safari
The lodge is located in the middle of the forest at the Kanyanchu tourist centre site where excursions for chimpanzee trekking start from. It consists of eight unique safari tents in African style. Each of them is provided with comfortable twin beds and en-suite bathroom.

The tents are raised on a wooden platform, with a spacious private veranda overlooking the forest.. The lodge also offers a well-maintained camp site for backpackers. There is a Sky Tree House where one can spend a night high up in the trees and listen to the meandering elephants in the forest.

Mountains of the moon
The Mountains of the Moon Hotel is conveniently located about 2 kilometers from the town of Fort Portal.

The hotel is an ideal place for tourists whilst visiting Uganda. The Mountains of the Moon Hotel takes it’s inspiration from the natural world.

The 33 fully appointed rooms are homely and inviting with many distinguishing features characterized with sleek hand curved furniture in natural woods.

Other amenities include a well designed health club and swimming pool, restaurants featuring fusion cuisine and an exclusive bar offering only world class wines and award winning beers.
The rooms have internet access, television and full time DSTV, direct dial telephone and a large balcony facing the leafy main gardens or the back yard gardens. Again, wireless Internet access is provided.

Kibale Tours Uganda Attractions and Destinations

Chimpanzee tracking
Tracking the chimpanzee that is a very interesting experience. The way they feed, climb trees, respond to humans, caring for their young ones, is just phenomenal. A maximum of 36 people visit the chimps every day in the park, 18 people in the morning (3groups) and 16 people in the afternoon.

With a pair of binoculars, you can have good views of the chimps. Chimps travel around in family groups; it is lovely to watch young chimpanzees swinging on the branches.

Nature walks in Bigodi Wetland Uganda Safari
The Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, established to protect the Magombe Swamp, has about 137 bird species, plus butterflies and a number of primates. The guided walks through this sanctuary have been developed with the aim of assisting community development projects in the Kibale area.
The guides have a good knowledge of bird life in the sanctuary. The best time to go is early morning or late afternoon.

Bird Watching
This is the best place for birders. It is where guided nature walks along a trail take place with board walks. It has got around 138 bird species including the Great blue turaco, and many number of butter flies.

Visit to the Crater lakes
A visit to one of the crater lakes will enrich your wildlife experience and provide you with one of the unforgettable breathtaking experiences The Park hosts four main groups of crater lakes.

The Kasenda cluster to the west of Kibale Forest National Park, The Katwe cluster in the part of the Rift Valley protected within the Queen Elizabeth National Park, The Bunyaruguru cluster within the rift escarpment, south east of Queen Elizabeth National Park and the Fort Portal cluster, North West of Fort Portal town.

A trek through this, one of Africa’s most ancient rainforests, in search of the endangered mountain gorilla, ranks among the world’s premier wildlife encounters.

Bwindi can be cold especially in the morning and at night. The annual average temperature range is 70C-200C with the coldest period being June and July. Warm clothing is required, plus wet weather gear since Bwindi receives up to 2390mm of rain/year.

This is concentrated during two wet seasons, short rains in March-May and heavy rains in September-November. Instead of short tropical deluges, rain in Bwindi often falls as long as soft drizzle.

How to get there:
Bwindi lies in South-western Uganda, about 530Km from Kampala. The park can be reached by road from several directions.

Queen Elizabeth National Park (Mweya)-Kihihi-Buhoma:
This route passes the park’s Southerly Ishasha sector, providing the chance of a stopover to search form the famous tree-climbing lions. Bwindi is 160km from Mweya and 64Km form Ishasha.

Kampala-Kabale-Kanungu-Buhoma: Uganda Safari This route follows a tarmac highway to Kabala (414km) and takes 5-6 hours. The next section, which follows winding murram roads for 120km, passes through Kanungu and Kanyantorogo and takes 4-5 hrs.
A 4WD vehicle is required.

Kampala-Kabale-Ruhija-Buhoma: The Kabale-Ruhija-Buhoma segment on this route is 95 kilometers on a murram road ad takes 3-4 hours. The Ruhija section is in poor condition and should only be attempted with a 4WD vehicle. The public does not frequently use this road.

Kampala-Kabale-Nkuringo: Nkuringo is 105km from Kabale. The drive takes 4 hours on a mountainous murram road. Most visitors overnight in Kisoro (80km from Kabale) before proceeding to Nkuringo. The road from Kisoro is a winding 35km that takes
1-1.5hours. A 4WD vehicle is recommended for both approaches to Nkuringo.

Public transport:
A bus runs daily from Kampala to Butogota, from which a taxi can be hired fro the last 17Km to Buhoma. There is no public transport to Nkuringo, but vehicles can be hired Kisoro.

Air:
Travellers can fly from Entebbe or Kampala (Kajjansi airfield) to the modern tarmac airstrip at Kisoro. Visitors to Buhoma can charter planes to the grass Kayonza airstrip.

Gorilla Tracking Bwindi

Gorilla is a captivating and unforgettable experience, which more than repays the effort needed to reach Bwindi and to trek through the forest. Bwindi has four habituated gorilla groups that are tracked by tourists. Three of these are in the vicinity of Buhoma and one at Nkuringo gorilla safari.

What to take-a checklist:
§    Solid walking shoes of boots.
§    Rain gear and hat.
§    Sunscreen.
§    Insect repellent.
§    Drinks and snacks.
§    Binoculars.
§    Camera.

Uganda Safari
Porters are available at a modest cost.

1.    The Mubare group (‘M’ group) was opened for tourism in 1993 and consists of 10 gorillas with a silverback.
2.    The Habinyanja group (‘H’ group) was opened for tourism in 1998 and is composed of 21 individual with 2 silverbacks.
3.    The Rushegura group (‘R’ group) is composed of 10 gorillas and I silverback) and was opened for tourism in 2002.
4.    The Nkuringo group (‘N’ group) was opened for tourism in 2004 and is composed of 19 gorillas and 1 silverback.

Gorilla tracking is Uganda’s most sought after tourism activity.
You should book well in advance to ensure that permits for your requested dates are available.

Gorilla tracking can be challenging and you needs to be reasonably fit. Registration and briefing at the park offices at Buhoma and Nkuringo commences at 7:45am and can last from a few hours to the whole day depending on where the gorillas are in the forest.

Uganda Trails , Bwindi Tours

Around the park:
Buhoma:
Bwindi’s busiest tourism site is Buhoma on the Northern edge of the forest. It is the-trailhead for tracking three gorilla groups and a wide range of accommodation is available. Though gorilla tracking is the main attraction, a range of other walks provide more relaxed opportunities to spot birds and monkeys while exploring one of Uganda’s loveliest rainforests. These walks can be arranged to depart in the morning at 9:00am and the afternoon at 2:15pm.

§    Munyanga River Trail in the valley below Buhoma provides an ideal short walk to view birds and primates along the forest edge.
§    Waterfall Trail leads through one of Uganda’s most pristine tracts of rainforest, passing beneath tree ferns, epiphytic ferns and orchids, to visit three sparkling water falls.
§    Rushura Hill Trail provides expansive views across the plains of the Western Rift Valley to the west and (on clear day0 Lake Edward and the Rwenzori to the north.
§    Muzabajiro Loop climbs to the summit of Rukubira Hill for breathtaking views of Bwindi forest, the Western Rift Valley and the Virunga volcanoes. gorilla safari
§    River Ivi Trail follows an old road through beautiful forest emerging near Nkuringo on the Southern edge of the forest. It is highly recommended for bird watchers.

Buhoma community walk and cultural performances:
The local community operates a village walk, which takes up to three hours. This immerses visitors in village life. Sites visited include a typical homestead, the traditional healer and a banana beer brewery. Local dance groups also perform traditional dance and music in the evenings by arrangement. Proceeds from these events are used for community development projects.

Nkuringo: Uganda Safari
As the crow flies, Buhoma is just 10km from Bwindi’s second gorilla-tracking location at Nkuringo on the Southern edge of the forest. However, this is covered by the Impenetrable Forest and the lovely walk between the two sites takes at least four hours. The Nkuringo trailhead lies on the isolated Nteko Ridge, which enjoys grandstand views across Bwindi Forest to the North and towards the Virunga volcanoes in the South.

Gorilla tracking is the primary activity at Nkuringo. Visitors should be fit as the park boundary lies in a steep valley 600m below the road. This provides good exercise before and after tracking gorillas.

Nkuringo Community Walk:
Villagers at Nkuringo operate a community walk that visits a traditional healer, rural homestead, blacksmith, and brewers.

Ruhija:
Visitors with their own vehicles should consider crossing the centre of the park from Buhoma park headquarters through Ruhija (a 4WD is essential). This ridge-top route offers vistas into deep valleys containing undisturbed rainforest. Watch out for duiker, primates and both forest and grassland bird species.
At Ruhija, birders should take the three-hour hike to visit the Mubwindi swamp. Visitors may also climb through the bamboo zone to find Afromontane vegetation and panoramic views towards Lake Bunyonyi and Mafuga forest.

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Uganda

No one with a communicable disease, such as flu or diarrhea, is allowed to visit the gorillas.
§    Do not surround the gorillas but remain in a tight group.
§    Leave a distance of at least 5m between you and the gorillas. If they approach you, move back slowly.
§    Flash photography is strictly forbidden.
§    Do not eat or smoke within 200m of the gorillas.
§    If you need to sneeze or cough, turn away from the gorillas and cover your nose and mouth.
§    Bury all human feaces in a hole dug at least 30cm (one foot) deep and ensure that it is properly filled in afterwards. gorilla safari
§    All litter must be removed from the park for disposal.
§    Do not spit on vegetation or soil while in the park.
§    No person under 15 years is allowed to track gorillas.
§    When with the gorillas, avoid making loud noises or sudden movements.
§    Contact time with the gorilla is strictly limited to one hour.
§    Please observe all instructions from your guide.

Uganda Safari
Guide to Bwindi and Mgahinga National Park.
(David Bygott and Jeanette Hanby)
Brandit Guide to Uganda (Philip Briggs)
Uganda’s Great Rift Valley (Andrew Roberts).

Tariffs:
For information on fees for park entrance and activities, please refer to the UWA tariff sheet.

20% of all park entry fees are shared with communities living in park boundary parishes in order to spread the benefits of Ecotourism and generate local support for conservation.

Bwindi Accommodation

Buhoma:
A range of accommodation caters for both up-market and budget visitors. It is advisable to book well in advance.

Up-market and moderate locations:
§    Gorilla Forest Camp.
§    Mantana Tented Camp.
§    Volcanoes Bwindi Camp.
§    Gorilla Homestead.gorilla safari
§    Buhoma Homestead.
§    Lake Kitandara Camp.
§    Gorilla Resort.

Budget locations:
§    Buhoma Community Campground.
§    Bwindi View Canteen.

Ruhija:
A self-catering guesthouse can be booked through Uganda Wildlife Authority headquarters in Kampala.

Bwindi Tourism Uganda

Flora and Fauna:
Bwindi supports a tremendous biodiversity as a result of two factors. Firstly, its slopes extend over a broad altitudinal forest at 1160m to rare Afromontane vegetation above 2600m. Secondly, it is extremely old. When most of Africa’s forests disappeared during the arid conditions of the last ice age (12,000-18,000 years ago), Bwindi was one of a few ‘refugia’ that persisted. gorilla safari

Consequently, while most of today’s forests are 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 tree, 88 moths and an exceptional 120 types of mammal including 10 primates. Uganda Safari 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 guerrilla.

Bwindi is a prime destination for birdwatchers. Is 350 species including seven, which are lUCN 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? An experienced bird watcher can easily identify up to 100 species in a day!

Local people
The local people neighbouring the park are mostly Bakiga and Bafumbira. Small communities of Batwa  (Pygmies) are also present. The Bwindi area supports one of the highest rural population densities in Uganda with 350 people/km2.

Day One; L Mburo National Park
In the morning right after breakfast you will drive south west to Lake Mburo national park. The drive will take about 4 hours to reach the park in the afternoon. You will check in your lodge to have lunch and then go for an afternoon birding in the Rwonyo area. Expect bird species like the White winged warbler, Nubian woodpecker, lesser and greater moorhen, northern black tit, Lilac breasted Roller, Red winged Francolin and others. Overnight at Mantana Luxury Tented Camp or Rwonyo Camp.

Day Two; Lake Mburo National Park
Very early in the morning you will go for a nature walk/Game driver in the park searching for birds like Green capped Eremomela, Red faced barbet, Temminck’s Courser, Black-collared Barbet, Narina Trogon, Nightjars, Black Cuckoo-shrike, African wattled plover Coqui Francolin, and many more. In the afternoon you will go for a boat ride on Lake Mburo this will reward you with the water birds and animals such as hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes. On the launch you should expect birds such as Yellow throated Leaflove, Pied and Malachite Kingfishers, , African fin foot, spur winged plover, African water rail, African Darter to mention but afew. Overnight at Mantana Luxury Tented Camp or Rwonyo Camp.

Day Three Uganda safari ;
In the morning after breakfast you will transfer to Bwindi forest to stop in Mbarara for lunch to reaching the park in the late afternoon. In the evening you will go for a nature walk in the Buhoma sector searching for birds Overnight at Buhoma homestead / Buhoma community Bandas.

Day Four
In the morning you will walk along the river ivy’s trail in search for birds. You should expect birds like the Narrow tailed, slender billed starlings, Archer’s robin –chat, Purple-breasted sunbirds and the Dwarf- honey guide. In the afternoon you will walk along the short trail to Mubwindi and this is also another rewarding route. Expect birds such as White headed wood hoopoe, the Black billed, Carruther’s’ Cisticola, Turaco, Bar-tailed trogon and the localized Grauer’s Rush Warbler. Overnight at Gorilla Resort / Buhoma homestead lodge / Buhoma Community

Day Five;
Wake up to a heavy breakfast to transfer to the headquarters after 8:00 am. At the headquarters you will have a short briefing and then after the briefing you will head in groups of 6 through the different forest trails in search for these great apes (Gorillas). It’s hard to determine the time you will take before meeting the gorillas. However depends on the movement of the gorillas and it usually ranges between 2- 8 hours. Therefore you should carry packed lunch. You will walk along steep tracks especially during the wet season but meeting the gorillas is worth the struggle. You will watch them eat drink, take care of their young ones, and play. They are just like humans, astounding! Spend an hour with them and then using the same or a different route you will transfer back to the main road where you will be picked to go back to your lodge. Watch out for birds as you trek the gorillas. Overnight at Gorilla resort, Buhoma Lodge, Lake Kitandara tented camp, or Buhoma community Bandas

Day Six;

This morning we shall transfer to the Ruhija sector of Bwindi to go walk through this sector of the forest searching for not only birds but also a afew primates. In this area you should expect for birds like, Archer’s Robin-Chat, Mountain Illadopsis, Northern Olive Thrush, Dusky Crimsonwing, Red-throated Alethe White-starred Robin, Blue headed Sunbirds and others. Over night in Buhoma homestead / gorilla resort / Buhoma community Bandas.

Day Seven;
In the morning you will have breakfast and then transfer to Queen Elizabeth national park. You will have a game drive enroute to watch out for tree climbing lions. You will reach Queen Elizabeth in the afternoon. Go for nature walk in the Mweya peninsula. Overnight at Mweya Safari lodge/ Mweya hostel.

Day Eight;
Very early in the morning you will go for a game drive in search for nocturnal dwellers both birds and animals. You will spend this whole morning walking through the park searching for birds. The park has over 600 species of birds to offer to include stock, raptors and various vultures. In the afternoon you will go for boat ride on the Kazinga channel to watch out for water birds. Expect birds like the African Fish Eagle, the Great white and pink backed Pelicans, Common Squacco Heron, African Open-billed Stork, White-faced Whistling and Knob-billed Ducks, and African Jacana, to mention. Overnight at Mweya Safari lodge / Mweya Hostel.

Day Nine;
In the morning after breakfast you will transfer to Kibale national park. The drive will take you about 4 hours to reach fort portal in the afternoon. You will have lunch and then go for a nature walk in the Bigodi wetland to search for wetland endemics. Overnight at Ndali lodge / primates lodge.

Day Ten.
On this day you will go for a walk in Kibale forest searching for birds and primates like the chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, red tailed monkeys and many more. Expect birds like the Nahan’s francolin, Narina’s trogon, blue-headed bee-eater, yellow-billed barbets, Cassin’s Spinetail, joyful greenbul and others. After the morning walk you will drive back to Kampala to stop in fort portal for lunch, reaching Kampala in the evening.

]]> http://www.ugandasafari.co.uk/birdwatching-safari/wildlife-birding-holiday.html/feed 0 http://www.ugandasafari.co.uk/birdwatching-safari/forest-birding-safari.html http://www.ugandasafari.co.uk/birdwatching-safari/forest-birding-safari.html#comments Thu, 16 Sep 2010 11:52:09 +0000 admin http://www.ugandasafari.co.uk/?p=47 5 Days Birding Budongo forest birding and Murchison falls National park

Day One
In the morning after breakfast you will drive to Masindi Budongo forest reserve. The drive will take you about 8 hours to reach the reserve in the late afternoon. The drive offers you a panoramic view of plantations, vegetations and country side homesteads. Overnight at Nyabyeya Forestry College/ Busingiro Tourist site.

Day Two
In the afternoon you will go for a walk in the forest searching for birds. Take a walk thorugh the royal mile area which is also referred to as the country’s premier forest birding Very early in the morning after breakfast go for a full day birding in the forest to begin with the Royal mile area of the forest. The Royal mile is referred to as the country’s premier forest birding locality that harbours a number of species of which some include, Banded Snake eagle, crowned and African pied hornbill, and Bat hawk seen at dusk, the chocolate backed blue breasted and African dwarf king fisher, white thighed hornbills, yellow billed barbets, western black –headed Oriole and purple headed starling. Green bulls such as Cameroon sombe. You will have a picnic lunch in the forest as you bird. Have diner and over night at Nyabyeya Forestry College/ Busingiro Tourist site.

Day Three Uganda safari
After breakfast drive to the Kaniyo Pabidi sector of the forest for more birding and this area also offers an opportunity to see chimpanzees, as you proceed to Murchison falls NP. In this area of the forest you should watch out for birds like Puvel’s Illadopsis a bird that has been recently discovered, rare green breasted Pitta, African wood and African scops owls enroute. You will drive towards the top of the falls as where the Nile perfects its beauty.- here the wide , languid Nile is transformed into an explosive foam of thunderous wide water as it funnels through a narrow cleft in the Rift valley escarpment offering the most inspiring sight of its type in east Africa. Here you will be able to see birds like the Red-winged grey warbler, chest-nut crowned and Pel’s fishing Owl. You will then be transferred on the Ferry to Paraa Safari Lodge for dinner and an overnight.

Day Four
Early in the morning after breakfast go for a boat cruise on the Nile to the bottom of the falls. It takes off at 9:00 am and it is advisable to sit on the left side of the boat because it offers a good view of the birds and the other animals since most of them bank on the left side. Animals to be seen include crocodiles, hippos, buffaloes and others. These are surrounded by birds like Goliath heron, African Darter weavers, Fulvous Ducks, Egyptian geese, African skimmer and pied King fishers. Have lunch and then I the afternoon bird around hotel. As you prepare for the next day birding. Dinner and overnight at Paraa Safari Lodge.

Day Five
Early in the morning after breakfast you will be transferred to the northern game viewing circuit to go through the whistling thorn acacia where you will see birds like speckle-fronted weaver through past the airstrip through the Victoria Nile track that Leads down the edge of the Victoria Nile delta. On reaching the Nile, scan for papyrus edges for the resident shoebills, blue breasted bee-eater and swamp flycatchers. You will then head towards the Albert Nile track to watch out for black scimitar bill and white billed barbet. Descend to Paraa safari lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day One; Drive to Murchison falls National Park.
In the morning at 7:30 am you will drive to Murchison falls national park. The drive will take you about 7 hours to reach the park in the late afternoon. You will stop in Masindi for lunch and then hike down the falls to before you proceed to your hotel. This hike is rewarding as you might spot afew birds such as the Pel’s Fletcher, Red winged grey warbler, and chestnut crowned owls. You will take afew photos at the falls and then transfer to Your hotel. Over Night at Paraa Safari Lodge / Sambiya river lodge.

Day Two; Whole day birding in Murchison Falls Uganda safari .
Very early in the morning you will drive through the park searching for the nocturnal birds and predators. You will retire from the drive at 7:30 am and then have breakfast to prepare for the morning boat ride as it is more rewarding when it comes to both birds and animals. You will then go for a 2 hours boat ride starting at 9:00a m. We advise you to make use of the left side of the boat as it is more rewarding. The launch will reward you with birds like the Goliath Herons, Egyptian Geese, African Skimmer and pied Kingfisher and many more standing and playing on the backs of the buffaloes, crocodiles and hippos. They are exhilarating. After the launch you will return to the lodge for lunch before you head on through the park for the afternoon bird search. Overnight at Paraa Safari lodge./ Sambiya river lodge / Red chilies lodge.

Day Three; Whole day birding.
On this day walk / drive along the Victoria Nile track and the Albert Nile track searching for the different birds the park has to offer. You will carry packed lunch to save you the time of going back to the lodge for lunch. Spend the whole day in the wilderness searching for some of the best birds the park has to offer. Note; You can also spot the rare shoe bill in this sector. Blue breasted bee eater, swamp flycatcher, white bellied are some of the other birds that you can spot. . Overnight at Paraa Safari lodge./ Sambiya river lodge / Red chilies lodge.

Day Four;
In the morning you will wake up before sunrise to go search for more nocturnal avifauna before you drive back to Kampala. After the walk/ drive you will return to your lodge for breakfast and then park your bags to drive back to Kampala reaching in the evening.

Uganda’s prime attraction for ornithologist is the presence of more than 100 West African forest species at the most accessible extent of their range. This appealing list of forest species is comprised of the raucous Black-and White casqued Hornbill, Great blue Turaco, gem-like green Broadbill, and the 23 species that are endemic to the Albertine Rift. The country is also the best place to see the most sought After African shoebill a swamp dweller with a heavy broad bill. .

The key sites in Uganda include Queen Elizabeth National park for a checklist of over 600 bird species, Semliki National parks for the Congo basin endemics, Mabamba swamp for the shoe bill. Bigodi wetland f or the great blue Turaco, Murchison falls national park for savanna specialties and Bwindi for the Albertine Rift endemics.

Bird Watching in Uganda safari

Known to be Africa’s most complete bird watching destination, Uganda has more than 1000 species recorded within an area that’s compared to that of Great Britain. Tours of specialist usually list a tally of up to 400 bird and 300 for learners within the same period of time.

Uganda’s prime attraction for ornithologist is the presence of more than 100 West African forest species at the most accessible extent of their range. This appealing list of forest species is comprised of the raucous Black-and White casqued Hornbill, Great blue Turaco, gem-like green Broadbill, and the 23 species that are endemic to the Albertine Rift. The country is also the best place to see the most sought After African shoebill a swamp dweller with a heavy broad bill. .

The key sites in Uganda include Queen Elizabeth National park for a checklist of over 600 bird species, Semliki National parks for the Congo basin endemics, Mabamba swamp for the shoe bill. Bigodi wetland f or the great blue Turaco, Murchison falls national park for savanna specialties and Bwindi for the Albertine Rift endemics.

You have probably read somewhere that Uganda is the pearl of Africa, otherwise the 1,000 bird species in such a small country would not be here.

In almost every part of Uganda, there ia s bird to see. Be it the city parks, the forests, wetlands, name it, you can do some birdwatching safaris.

But the concentration of wildlife birds in the national parks and the wetlands. Visit the Mabamba wetlands for the shoebill stork. There are many forest birds in Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga. Other places include Budongo forest, Mabira Forest and so much more.

A birding tour to be rewarding should take you a minimum of 7 days but you can stretch it even to 30 days.

Among the equipment to take should include the binoculars, trekking boots and so much more.

Information presented here includes field reports, birding trips, travel advise and where to go for birdwatching in Uganda and Africa.

Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park and other heritage tourist sites will make you realize how close these primates are to human.

Other primates to watch for include monkey variants such as white and red colobus, baboons and so more but you will not see Oratungans.gorilla safari

Other national parks you can visit for a chimpanzee safari include queen elizabeth wildlife park, murchison falls and so much more.

DAY 1: Transfer from Kampala to Fort Portal

Depart from your hotel for Fort portal in the west of Uganda. The drive will take you about 6- 7 hours to reach fort portal town. It is a scenic drive taking you through woodlands, tea plantations and forests to reach fortportal in the afternoon. Watch out for black and white monkeys on the way. You will reach in the afternoon to check in your lodge have lunch and then transfer to the Ndali crater lakes regions for the nice sceneries.

Overnight at Ndali Lodge/ Mountains of the Moon / Kanyankyu ecological centre.

DAY 2: Chimp tracking, Uganda safari Nature walk in Bigodi swamp excursion

In the morning you will have breakfast and then transfer to Kibale park headquarters where you will be briefed about the whole tracking and Kibale as a park. After briefing you will then hike through this tropical forest in search for chimps and other primates to include, baboons, bush babies, red tailed monkeys, colobus monkeys, and grey cheeked Mangabeys to mention but a few. After tracking chimps you will have lunch and then later in the afternoon go for a nature walk in the Bigodi wetland sanctuary. This wetland has sole fauna and flora that is unique.
Overnight at Ndali Lodge/ Mountains of the Moon / Kanyankyu ecological centre.

DAY 3: Leave Kibale for Kampala.
Have breakfast and then transfer to Kampala. You will reach in the afternoon. End of tour.

Day One;
In the morning you will have breakfast and then transfer to the landing site in Entebbe to get your boat to the island. You will reach the island in the afternoon to have lunch and then view the chimpanzees on a raised plat form as you participate in feeding them. Later in the evening you will go for a forest walk to with the young chimpanzees, an interesting adventure. Overnight on the island.

Day Two; Uganda safari
On this day you will wake up to breakfast and then spend the whole day participating in the chimpanzee care giving activities of the day. You will care, treat and feed them for the whole day.  You will have lunch at you lodge and proceed with the days programme of care giving finishing in the evening. Overnight at on the island.

Day Three;
This morning you will have breakfast and then transfer to the main land in Entebbe. You will then be transferred to your proposed hotel / lodge.

Day 1: Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park

Begin Uganda Gorilla and primates safari after a hearty English breakfast in a Kampala hotel and start on your 8 hour journey to south west Uganda into the beautiful rolling hills of Kisoro.

Take your stops first at the equator crossing, then at a hotel in Mbarara or a nearby town for lunch after which drive straight to the park found within the deep valley and slopes of the rift valley escarpment

Overnight and dinner is at Gorilla Forest Camp, Lake Kitandara Camp, Clouds lodge, Gorilla Valley lodge and Buhoma Community Bandas

Day 2: Gorilla tracking in Bwindi Forest

This will be one of the most exciting days of your life. Bwindi national park is home to five gorilla families living within the thick dense rainforest 4 of which (among them Nkuringo) are habituated to visiting tourists.

Gorilla tracking is however not as easy as it may sound. Sometimes they experience ends after 2- 8 hours upon which you’ll meet one family led by a male silver back. In the single hour you are given to interact with the giant shy creatures, take their pictures, stare into their eyes and observe some of the trait they share with humans.

Retire to the lodge for diner and night accommodation from Gorilla Forest Camp, Cloud Lodge, Gorilla Nest resort, Buhoma Community Bandas, Kisoro Travelers rest and many other options are available in Kisoro Town.

Day 3:  To Queen Elizabeth National Park

From Bwindi, drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park after breakfast for unlimited game viewing experiences and chimpanzee tracking. Some of exciting game drives will be in southern Ishasha where you’ll find the famous Ishasha tree climbing lions, buffalos, giraffes, zebras, and the Uganda kob among many other animals. Dinner and overnight will be arranged and available from the luxury Mweya Safari Lodge of from the cheap Institute of Ecology Hostel.

Day 4: Chimpanzee tracking and boat cruise

Begin the day with a full breakfast and then board 4X4 open vehicle to Kyambura forest reserve found within the park. Several primates inhabit this dense forest including chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, owl faced monkeys, mangabeys, bush baby and olive baboons.

The afternoon in the park is on a boat cruise on Kazinga channel where you’ll encounter schools of hippos, crocodiles and buffalos along the banks, different birds crossing and dipping into the water for a swim and experience a typical African dusk.

Day 5: Game Drive and Continue to Kampala

Wake up to the call of an early bird, which is followed by a game drive in the park. return to your lodge for a heavy breakfast and later pack your belongings for a return trip to Kampala.

Another interesting park in murchison falls, the main attraction is the murchison falls where fast and heavy water forces itself through a narrow cleft and then falling 40 metres down to the cascading water way.

A boat trip will enable to see the Buffaloes, crocodiles, elephants, bird species and so much more gorilla safari.

Other parks include Lake Mburo where you will see the Zebra, Kobs and Impala. Visits to Kidepo Valley National Park and Semliki wildlife reserves are also rewarding.

Days One; Leave Kampala for Lake Mburo.
In the morning you will have breakfast and then drive to Lake Mburo National park, one of the nearest parks in Uganda. You will drive for 4 hours to reach that park in the afternoon. You will check in your lodge, have lunch and then go for an afternoon boat ride on Lake Mburo. The ride will reward you with views of animals like hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes, and zebras at the shores. After the boat ride you will relax at your lodge. Overnight at Mantana tented camp, Rwonyo rest camp.

Day Two; Game drive/ Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National park.
In the morning you will go for a game drive/ nature walk through the park in search for animals. The walk /drive will reward you with game like the Uganda kob, zebras, giraffes, impalas, elephants, buffaloes, lions to mention but afew. After the nature walk/ game drive you will transfer to Queen Elizabeth National park to reach in the evening and then check in your lodge. Overnight at Mweya safari lodge, Mweya hostel.

Day three; Game drive/ Boat ride Uganda safari .
Before sunrise you will wakeup to a game drive through the different trails of the park in search for animals like the buffaloes, lions, elephants, hyenas, zebras and others. After the game drive you will return to your lodge for late breakfast and lunch and then later in the afternoon go for a boat ride on the Kazinga channel. This launch cruise will reward you with game like hippos and buffaloes and plenty of birds to include residents and migrants. Overnight at Mweya safari lodge, Mweya hostel

Day Four; Leave Queen Elizabeth for Kampala
In the morning after breakfast you will pack your bags to drive back to Kampala. The drive will take you about 7 hours to reach the park in the late afternoon.

End of tour.

OR

Day 1: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Depart for Queen Elizabeth Park at 8.00am heading towards Western Uganda on the Masaka-Mbarara highway. We drive through Masaka, Mbarara and the scenic tea plantation of Bushenyi. We arrive at Albertine Rift Safari Camp in Queen Elizabeth in the evening, dine and rest at budget-Albertine Rift Safari Lodge FB, midrange-Kingfisher Kichwamba FB, upgrade-Mweya Safari Lodge FB.

Day 2: Queen Elizabeth National Park
We rise before the sun and with your packed breakfast go for an early morning game drive. You will be likely to meet grazing hippos, elephants, the rare occasional lion, spotted hyenas, the Uganda kob, bushbuck, waterbuck, and warthogs, also visit the mating grounds for kobs. You will have a picnic breakfast at a spot of your choice. After lunch at the lodge, go for an afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga channel. You will see schools of hippos that huff and spray feet away from the boat, buffaloes, elephants that linger in the shallows and crocodiles, which can be seen on the banks a diversity of birds’ species. Return to lodge; dinner and lodging at budget-Albertine Rift Safari Lodge FB, midrange-Kingfisher Kichwamba FB, upgrade-Mweya Safari Lodge FB.

Day 3: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi-Kabale
We will arise early in the morning after breakfast on your way out to Kabale drive to the Northern part of the park. This part of the park is traversed by the equator and comprises a scenic area of explosion craters, some containing salt lakes; some of the craters are dry. This unique concentration of unspoiled craters forms a unique scenic vintage point. We branch off at Ishaka town and drive to the Kitagata hot springs.
We then proceed south through the breathtaking grasslands of Ankole; you will get to see the famous long horned cattle, the highlands of Kigezi with their beautifully terraced hills. We arrive at Lake Bunyonyi in the evening, Dinner and overnight at the Nature’s Prime Island FB.

Day 4: Transfer to Kampala
After breakfast, you will engage in an optional activity of your choice ranging from nature walk, boat cruise for scenic viewing, a boat ride to the Batwa village or a swim on the lake. We drive to Kabale town, and proceed to Kampala via Mbarara early in the afternoon. We stopover at Mbarara another stopover at the equator to visit craft shops and proceed to Kampala arriving in the evening.

Queen Elizabeth Park boasts of open savannah, a section of protected forest reserves, backdrop views of the Rwenzori Mountains and so much more. Wildlife in the park include lions, warthogs, zebras, Rothschild giraffes, buffalos, elephants, hippos, crocodiles, antelopes, spotted hyenas, leopards, and others. Find more than 300 different birds, woodland, savannah and water endemics living in the park, some of which include Black Chested Eagle, the Swallow Tailed Bee Eaters, Open-Billed Stork, Pink pelicans, African Jacana, Malachite kingfishers, long tailed cormorants, Pied Kingfishers and many others. Bird watching on Kazinga channel is good in February and march which coincides with the season of migrant birds.

Kyambura gorge and reserve are part of Queen Elizabeth Park which borders the tropical montane forest called Maramagambo. In Kyambura forest are chimps, baboons, vervets, colobus monkeys, snakes (Rock-Python, Puffadders, Spitting Cobras, Gabon Rippers, Green Mambas e.tc), thousands of bats living in the caves and so much more.

Day 1: Travel to Queen Elizabeth Park

On finishing breakfast at your hotel, meet your escort tour guide and then set off to southern Uganda to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The 410 km journey is 5-6 hours with stop over for a few refreshments and snacks at the Equator point and by a hotel for  pre-arranged lunch.

Drive by the scenic Mweya peninsula and rift valley escarpment into the gates of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Have a relaxing evening walk in the park or opt for a swim in the pristine swimming pool at your lodge.

There is accommodation of all tastes, Mweya Luxury safari lodge, Jacana safari lodge, Kingfisher lodge, hippo hill camp, and institute of Ecology Hostel for budget accommodation.

Day 2: Make an early morning game drive to find the elusive nocturnal predators such as the lions, spotted hyena, leopards and others. Return to the lodge for a ready breakfast meal. Take a Uganda safari  walk into the open savannah with your camera and pair of binoculars and find other animals that visit the Kazinga channel during the dry season for water, small insects and birds.

Meet different schools of swimming hippos in the channel on the boat cruise, some buffalo linger in the shallow river banks, a tremendous variety of birds grace the grasses on the shores and also Nile crocodiles lie along the banks indistinct with the muddy earth in which they lay.

Day 3: Journey back to Kampala

For the morning, a game drive to either Kisenyi area to look for Lion prides and other wildlife like the Uganda Kob or to Ishasha sector further south for the famed tree climbing lions is good enough to bid farewell to the 3 day safari itinerary. Report back to the lodge for breakfast and then proceed on to Kampala having lunch en-route in a hotel or motel.

Day One: Right in the morning, leave Kampala at 6.30 and proceed to visiting the biggest reserve and game park in Uganda. As you drive through, you will see the beautiful scenery including the well organized farms, bananan plantations as well as fruits and vegetations sold along the route. You will be welcomed by some food vendors in some stations as you enjoy your journey .They come running with chichen, meat, cassava, water and sodas, travelers buy them and you will find this experience so exciting when in the country.

We shall go through Masindi town and have lunch thereafter head to Murchison falls National park, A good picture of this place can be seen on the Google maps or other maps, formerly it was known as the Kabarega falls.Idi Amin who was once the president of Uganda changed to Murchison Falls and that was around 1979.This was witnessed by the French news group that had him interviewed just closer to the falls.

Getting to your selected Accommodation; if you are on a budget  Uganda safari, you may book lodges like Global Village Guest House or Red Chilli Camp. For those on luxury safaris, they may take up Paraa lodge or even Nile safari lodge. Whichever accommodation you decide on, when we reach to the destination, it’s better to first get into your room and freshen up after that long journey. At Nile safari lodge and Paraa lodge there is a swimming pool you can delight in.Paraa lodge is for high class people that visit Uganda, Choba lodge is a bit far away from the park and not anywhere close to Paraa.

Immediately after lunch, we get prepared for our game drive.Camaras are allowed to enable you get memorable pictures of different kinds of animals for example antelopes, giraffes, elephants, lions, buffaloes, warthogs and many others. There is no need to rush; you are given ample time to see and even get closer to the animals. A tour guide will take you to the best spots where to find elephants, lions and giraffes.

After all this is done, you return to your lodge, you cross the Nile by the ferry as you continue to see animals that settle on the shores. When at the Nile, don’t expect to see the sun as it sets. In the evening you have dinner as you listen to African music.

Day Two: You start the day with breakfast and head to a game drive across the savannah next to Lake Albert Delta. As the sun comes out, you will see many different kinds of animals going back to their habitant. What you see or feel in Africa can’t be seen anyway in the world, it’s a dream come true and the experience is for a lifetime. In Murchison Falls, you will get a chance to see the bird species, animals such as warthogs, giraffes, lions, elephants, buffaloes, antelopes and many others. When you are in Murchison Falls is when you realize that Uganda is the pearl of Africa.

Right after lunch, we go for the most exciting activity, the boat trip to River Nile. It moves at a slow pace as it gives people chance to see animals along the river bank among these include hippos,crocodiles,antelopes,elephants,buffaloes and different kinds of bird species like storks and fish eagle and many others. As the boat sails gently, you will get a good view of these animals as come to the river. You will see big crowds of elephants cooling off heat, crocodiles basking under the sun and the Hippopotamus playing in water

When it’s time to visit the real amazing Murchison falls, you will be thrilled by the beauty of nature. The river is about 50 meters over the falls, it flows through the 6 meter gorge and the falls are approximately 44 meters. The sound of the falls is hard-hearing and the glance makes you wonder how Mother Nature forces the water to the same place without drying. The bottom of the falls is also exciting to visit and no vegetation can survive under this force of water.

The river Nile banks are occupied with Nile crocodiles as they enjoy the sun in the afternoon and Hippos can also be spotted as they play around with water. This place is a home to many hippos and bird species.

The ride back on the river is actually slow to give you another chance to see the animals as you proceed to your lodge for dinner. The evening is spent relaxing and if not you go sightseeing the different kinds of bird species like egrets, eagles, storks and many more. Primates can also be discovered on the shores. Delight in the Nile boat. Nights in Africa are so unique because you are awakened by the sound of the different kinds of bird species that are different from other destination.

Day 3: Very early in the morning, we take breakfast and get prepared to get back to Kampala. On our way, we take time to stop at the top of the falls and see how the earth plainly quivers from the power of the falls. You see the rainbow as it crosses through the falls. The experience at this point is so amazing worth remembering for the rest of your life.

We hit the road and stop at Masindi hotel for lunch and thereafter continue to Kampala. The hotel was constructed in 1923 and it’s well known to be the oldest hotel in Uganda. Something important to take note is that Sir Samuel Baker and his wife Florence toured Murchison falls and even other historians that had love for Uganda although by now are dead.

Depending on the package you choose, you may as well include a visit to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and Budongo Forest Chimpanzee Tracking.

The safari costs include;

*Accommodation full board with self contained lodging

* Safari Vehicle as well as a driver

*Charges for fuel

*Entry fee to the park and vehicle

*Wildlife Expert along with two wildlife game drives

*Ferry crossings are in two shifts.

*Boat ride on River Nile and to the bottom of the falls,

*Visits to the Top of the falls

*Bottled water along the journey

Lunch is had in Masindi and is cratered for. Things that are not cratered include phone calls, laundry and drinks at lodges. These are individually done. Enjoy your safari.

Travel by hired tour van from Kampala to the rolling hills of south western Uganda with short visits at the Equator crossing near Masaka, drive past the grazing Ankole cows, view the beautiful intensely terraced hill slopes of Kigezi, and much of Uganda’s famed scenic landscape features.

Reaching the town of Kisoro draws closer looks at the Virunga volcanic ranges from northern Rwanda and Rwenzori mountains from the Ugandan side. Bwindi Forest Park is found within the forest valleys and is the best place of your Uganda safari as well as  Gorilla trekking adventures.

Overnight and dinner is available from Clouds lodge, Gorilla Nest Resort, Gorilla forest camp, Bwindi Safari Lodge, Lake Kitandara camp and Buhoma community guesthouse and bandas.

Day 2 Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Gorilla Trekking

Set off after an early breakfast prepared at your lodge to the ranger station where you’ll be allocated in groups of 8 persons and then begin your gorilla tracking in Bwindi by mid morning.

2 of the 6 gorilla families living in Bwindi are Nkuringo and Nshongi. Tracking for say one of these families is often tiresome and could last more than 2 hours. Pack you lunch just in case it takes you longer than you estimated. Finding the gorilla within the forest is exciting, the silver males often led their families and the juvenile will be seen playing within the forest canopy. It only one have that is given to sit and interact with the animals, take their pictures and observe their humanly behavior. Along the trails are several other primates like chimpanzees, colobus, baboons, mangabeys and many other mammals.

For the afternoon, take a nature walk to Munyaga river and to Lake Mutanda found within the forest. Find the amazing waterfalls coursing along unique flora diversity of ferns, tossing butterflies, sounds of crickets, frogs and everything you imagine in an un touched wild scenery!

Check into overnight lodging of your choice; Gorilla forest luxury Camp, Clouds lodge, Bwindi Safari lodge and Lake Kitandara Camp. Check out the budget options from Buhoma Community Bandas and Ruhija Safari Lodge.

Day 3 Travel to Rwanda

Board the tour van after a good breakfast at your lodge and drive for a few hours to the Uganda Rwanda border at Kisoro, clear your travel documents with the border officials and cross to the land of a thousand hills to Volcanoes National Park

Parc Nationale de volcanoes is Rwanda’s prime safari tourist destination set in huge, lush rainforest bamboo giving the mountain gorilla a diverse forest habitat. Rwanda tourism entirely focuses on conservation of the mountain gorillas which are an endangered species, about 800 of these are found in Rwanda’s 8 silverback gorilla families.

Overnight accommodation is available at Gorilla Nest Camp, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Virunga Volcanoes luxury Lodge or from Sabinyo Silverback lodge.

Day 4 Gorilla tracking Rwanda

Begin gorilla tracking in volcanoes national park after your breakfast with a short drive to the ORTPN offices in the town Musanze at the foot hills of the Virunga volcanic ranges.

By mid morning, be sure to have begun on the gorilla tracking adventures under the lead of an expert ranger and tracker.

The tracking experience often lasts several hours and you are advised to have comfortable walking shoes and a packed lunch. After 2-7 hours of following last night’s trials, you’ll pounce on a silver back headed group hidden within the forest canopy. It is exciting to find these rare shy creatures but you have to be calm. It takes only one hour to interact and take their pictures before you head back to your lodge.

In the evening, visit Dian Fossey’s grave, Karisoke research centre, Lake Kivu or drive to Gisenyi to visit Ross Carr Orphanage. Retire to your lodge for overnight and dinner.

Day 5:    To Kampala

Pack your luggage after breakfast and board your tour van back to Kampala. Stop by a hotel in Mbarara for a pre-booked lunch break.

Uganda gorilla safaris are part of every Uganda safari itinerary and make an African Uganda safari more memorable. Bwindi impenetrable forest park in south western Uganda is the distinguished home of mountain gorillas in Uganda. The dense rain forest houses some of the last remaining families of mountain gorillas besides the Virunga forest in Rwanda and DR Congo.

You’ll find more primates other than gorillas, say chimps, the endangered golden monkeys, red colobus, baboons, butterflies, amphibians, unique forest vegetation and wild animals. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest Park is under strict guidelines; in groups of 8 persons max., under led by a trained tracker with intentions to minimize any attacks from the giant shy mammals.

Day 1 Transfers to Kisoro

Early morning departures from Kampala into south western Uganda with stops en-route at the Equator crossing and a hotel fro pre-arranged lunch. Drive past the lush forested slopes, cultivated hillsides, grazing Ankole long horned cattle and in many small towns where you can buy refreshments and snacks.

The journey is around 5-6 hours and you’ll most certainly arrive in the early evening. Find dinner and accommodation from Bwindi Gorilla Resort, Nkuringo Lodge, Clouds lodge, Buhoma Community Bandas and guesthouse among other available overnight facilities.

Day 2 – Bwindi Forest Gorilla Trekking

Begin your day tours with breakfast at your lodge, head for the ranger station for briefing, get your trekking equipment and ranger guides and trackers to lead and make way through the intertwined forest canopy, sometimes slippery and impassable after heavy rains.

You may need to pack your lunch because gorillas can be seen after several hours on tiresome trekking. The reward however comes when you meet one of the 4 families living in Bwindi Forest. The silver back or black headed families can be found feeding and the juveniles swing between the overhanging vines. It is one hour of gorilla viewing, take some pictures of the 350 pounds giants that are seemingly helpless.

Return to your lodge for a light meal and then head to Lake Bunyonyi for dinner and overnight at Luxury Kyahugye Island Resort, Arcadia cottages or Bushara Island budget lodge

Day 3 Kampala Transfers

Wake up and have your breakfast with views of the vast lake named after its dense numbers of different Birds-Bunyonyi and then pack your belongings for transfers back to Kampala. Lunch and snacks can be arranged from a hotel in any of the towns en-route.

This 15 day Uganda safari itinerary is designed for the tourists on holiday with more time to check out Uganda’s wildlife, gorillas and adventure tours. It includes visits to Mt Elgon, Murchison Falls National park, Bwindi impenetrable park, Lake Bunyonyi, Lake Mburo National park, Queen Elizabeth National park, visits to the source of the Nile in Jinja and finally trips to Ssese Islands in Lake Victoria. Gorilla safari

Day 1Arrivals at Entebbe International Airport, meet the safari and tour guide and find a Kampala hotel or accommodation facility for overnight and dinner. Options include the Tourist Hotel, Kampala Sheraton Hotel, Kampala Serena, Speke Hotel, Holiday Express and others, all with full board facilities.

Day 2 – Jinja tours & the Source of the river Nile

Travel east of Kampala, drive through the dense Mabira forest on the Jinja Highway, into the Jinja town where the source of the Nile is found. For Jinja tours are visits to the Nile Brewery, Monument of Ghandi, some of the oldest building in ancient Indian-arabic architectures and Bujagali falls where white water rafting and bungee jumping are exceptionally thrilling.

Picnic lunch is served at Bugajali and then drive to Mbale town, in the far east for the overnight stay at Mbale resort or Mount Elgon hotel.

Day 3 – Mount Elgon and Sipi Fall

Start your day with a good breakfast at your hotel and then a drive to hills of Kapchorwa chasing the shadow of Mount Elgon peak within the misty clouds. Take walk from Sipi River Lodge down the steep rocks, through banana plantations and finally reach the touch of the Sipi the main water fall. Sipi falls is a series of three waterfalls that course their way from the glaciers of Mount Elgon falling to a length of up to 80m.

Get your picnic lunch or snack at Crow’s Nest, a camping and lodging site and then head back to Jinja town in the afternoon for water rafting at Bujagali Falls or golfing time at Jinja Golf club and later retire to your Jinja hotel or lodge for overnight and dinner at Jinja Nile Resort, Haven River lodge or Sunset Hotel International.

Day 4 – To Ziwa Rhino sanctuary

Leave Jinja in the early morning to western Uganda, in Nakasongola where Ziwa rhino sanctuary is located. It is 2-3 hours drive from Kampala on Murchison Falls drive. This sanctuary is located within the beautiful rocky hills of Nakasongola and your visit here is a worthy financial contribution towards the Rhino Fund and conservation efforts.

Get dinner and full board overnight at Masindi Hotel, Masindi Kolping Hotel or Court View Hotel

Day 5 – Murchison Falls National Park

Finish your early breakfast and then continue to Murchison Falls National Park, actually Uganda’s largest game park that is crossed by Victoria Nile. Arrive in time for a pre-arranged lunch and then an afternoon game drive north of the park. Some of the regular r sights include waterbucks, hippos, big five, Rothschild giraffes, oribi, eland, spotted hyena and so much more.

Diner and overnight accommodation at Paraa Luxury Safari Lodge, Chobe Safari Lodge, Nile Safari Lodge, Sambiya River Lodge or the Budget  Red Chilli Camp and Shoebill campsite

Day 6 – Murchison Falls and Victoria Nile Boat cruise

Start the morning with an early game drive on the banks of the river, return to the lodge for a sumptuous breakfast and then rest for the afternoon when you’ll catch the launch cruise on Victoria Nile to Murchison falls. The river flows through a narrow 7m gap to make the beautiful waterfall that is 43m high. Below the falls is a boiling caldron ‘devil’s cauldron’ and head of the river are a series of water rapids, some of the sights here include yawning hippos, Nile crocodiles, and some birds that live in the savannah that fringes the riverbanks. Birds found here include goliath herons, crowned cranes, Egyptian geese, sunbirds, pelicans, cormorants, bee-eaters, the rare shoe bill stork, kingfishers, hornbills and others. The 3 hour boat trip is a true reward from the Nile river adventures.

Day 7 – Drive to Fort Portal at the foothill of the Mountains of the Moon

Following breakfast is a long drive from Murchison Falls to fort portal town, with backdrop views of the Rwenzori Mountains, also called the Mountains of the Moon as seen from the misty clouds.

While in Fort Portal town, visit the Toro Kindom palace buildings, Sir Lugard Portal’s monument and then drive to the western rift valley region. Overnight and full board accommodation is available from Mountains of the Moon Hotel, Semiliki Safari lodge or Chimpanzee Nest Lodge or Chimpanzee Guest House

Day 8 – The Semliki National park & Hot Springs

Begin the day with breakfast and thenhead for Semiliki valley where Uganda’s newest national park is found. A game drive in the young park shows you around its unique flora and fauna; chimps, Uganda kob, elephants, buffalos, forest hog, hippos, leopard, sitatunga, rare shoe bill stork and other birds within the swampy area.

For the afternoon adventures is a walk to Kasenda crater lake, the traditional female and male hot springs from where you can have your eggs boiled and ready to eat!

Return to the lodge for overnight and dinner.

Day 9 – Queen Elizabeth National Park

Wake up to the call of kingfishers, a ready breakfast and off on-road to Queen Elizabeth National Park. This park is probably the second largest game park on Uganda wildlife safaris. It is intersected by the Kazinga Channel that joins Lake George and Edward and is a source of life within the park.

Arrive in time for lunch and then a full 2 hours of boat cruise on Kazinga Channel where you are greeted by spraying and yawning hippo schools, crocodiles, buffalos, water birds and a host of animals that visit the banks for an afternoon drink.

Book accommodation from Mweya Safari Lodge, Hippo Hill camp, Ihamba safari lodge or Simba camp or the institute of Ecology hostel for budget accommodation

Day 10 – Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Forest Reserve

Kyambura gorge and the fringing forest reserve are part of the park accessed by Kasenyi tracks and queen’s mile. On the tracks are lion prides patrolling the savannah plains, bufaflos, warthogs, giraffes, mangoose, kob, leopards and spotted hyenas

The forest walk in Kyambura Forest reserve after a picnic lunch is chimp tracking time. Expect to see other primates like grey checked mangabey, vervet monkeys, olive baboons, owl faced monkeys, colobus monkeys and birds too. Visit the caves on the gorge that host thousands of bats and prey snakes like the spitting cobra, python, green mamba, turtle and others.

Day 11 – Ishasha tree climbing lions, transfers to Bwindi Forest Park

South of the pack is Ishasha sector, a famed section for tree lounging lions only a few of these found in East Africa from Lake Manyara Park in Tanzania. The acacia umbrella trees are perfect for tree climbing lions and draw other predators like spotted hyenas, leopards and giraffes.

Proceed on the journey to Bwindi forest park in the south western hills of Uganda. Check into full board accommodation from Buhoma Lodge, Nkuringo capsite, Buhoma community banda, silver back lodge, Clouds Lodge, Engagai Lodge and Bwindi Gorilla resort.

Day 12 – Bwindi mountains gorilla trekking

Mountain gorillas in Uganda are found in Bwindi forest and Mgahinga national parks. Gorilla tracking is interesting in Bwindi’s lush forest canopy but can last several hours (2-6 hours), make sure you have lunch, a rain jacket, camera, walking stick and jungle boots on the trail.

On the trails are golden monkeys, chimps, leopards, birds, butterflies, buffalos and other interesting/ unique plant species.

Drive back to Kabale after a light meal at the lodge, past the terraced hill slopes, large acres of Banana plantations, grazing cattle herds and into the Lake Bunyonyi region.

Find ready Dinner and overnight at Luxury Kyahugye Island Resort, Bushara Island camp, Arcadia Cottages, Bunyonyi safari resort or at lake side cottages.

Day 13 – Visit Lake Bunyonyi

Begin your day with a boat ride on Lake Bunyonyi, visiting some of its historical and traditional islands such as Akampene Island. Bird viewing is excellent on the lake with sights like cormorants, sun birds, kingfishers, fish eagles and so much more.

Head to your lodge for lunch and then off to Lake Mburo National park.

Dinner and full board overnight at Mihingo lodge, Mantana tented camp or Rwonyo rest camp

Day 14 – Lake Mburo National Park tours

Early morning game drive within the park, the smallest park on Uganda wildlife safaris and see; impala, zebra, buffalos, elands, oribi, sitatunga, hippos, crocodiles, vervet monkeys, baboons, kingfisher and African finfoot among other birds.

Get a quick picnic lunch and get on the return trip to Kampala with stops at Equator crossing and the royal drummers.

Day 15 – Departures

Grace your day with visits to different African gift and craft shops around Kampala; buy some souvenirs and gifts to take home. Also get some time to tour Kampala’s monuments, cultural sites, cathedrals, Namugongo martyr’s shrine and be in time for afternoon departure flights at Entebbe airport.

Day One: To Murchison Falls National Park

Early departures to Murchison falls National Park in western Uganda on a 6 hours drive into Masindi. Stop by Ziwa Rhino sanctuary and be par to the rhino conservation drive by just visiting the sanctuary.

Continue north to Murchison falls that explodes from the river Nile that crosses Murchison falls National Park. The short game drive leads to your preferred lodge within the park. Dinner and overnight is available from Paraa safari Lodge, Red chilli, Nile Safari camp, Sambiya River Lodge and others

Day Two: Murchison Falls National Park

Rise to the call of chirping birds and a game drive for the animals like hyenas, Leopards, elephants, hartebeests, Oribis, Uganda Kobs, giraffes and antelopes often seen visiting the banks of Victoria Nile in the early morning.

Return to the lodge for lunch and then enjoy the late boat ride on the Nile taking you to the top of Victoria Falls. The river plunges on a raised rift valley gorge to make 43m high waterfall and a white water boiling caldron below. On the ride, you’ll notice 6m long Nile crocodiles resting on the banks, hippos, and several birds including fish eagles, king fishers, shoe billed stork, skimmers, cormorants, malachite eagles and many others

Day Three: Transfers to Kibale National Park

Begin the trip to Kibaale National Park after a good breakfast meal. Drive for about 4 hours into the town of Fort Portal where you’ll find lunch at a hotel. With backdrop views on the Rwenzori Mountain in the misty clouds, you’ll be finally at Kibaale Forest National park.

Check into a hotel or Uganda safari lodge near the forest park from Ndali Lodge, Primates Lodge or Mountains of the Moon Hotel and at other private camp site. Go on a guided town visit either on foot or using a shuttle van and experience the tea estates, the monument of Sir Lugard Portal and Toro Kingdom palace building

Day Four: Chimpanzee tracking & Transfer to Queen Elizabeth

Set your chimpanzee tracking adventures in motion after breakfast and meet you r tracker guides at the park offices. Follow a given tour guide into the forest meeting several chimpanzees feeding on the vines and wild fruits, other playing and swinging from one tree to another and other primates too are seen; olive baboons, mangabeys, bush baby, vervet monkeys, popots, black and white colobus, red tailed colobus and other animals.

After lunch is time to visit the birds from Bigodi swamp that is found within the park’s protected area. Travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park and get your affordable overnight lodge at Mweya Safari Lodge , Mweya Institute of ecology Hostel, Hippo Camp or Jacana safari Lodge .

Day Five: Queen Elizabeth National Park

Wake up to an early served breakfast and then a game drive within the park. Lunch is served at the lodge before an arranged boat cruise to the Kazinga Channel that connects the crater lakes of Lake Edward and Lake George. Much of the sight down the channel is of snuffing hippo schools, wallowing buffalos, crocodiles and birds tossing along the water.

Day Six: Game drive / Drive to Bwindi Gorilla Park

On a morning game drive are loins, warthog, the Uganda kob, hyena, leopard, stripped jackal, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and many others. Return to a hearty breakfast at your lodge and then pack for another exciting adventure to Bwindi forest park, crossing through south Ishasha sector for sights of the tree climbing lion.

Find ready dinner and overnight accommodation from Gorilla Nest resort, Gorilla forest camp, Engagi Lodge, Clouds Lodge or Buhoma community Bandas.

Day Seven: Gorilla tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Wake up early enough 6h00 and head for the ranger station with your packed lunch and get some briefing session with tracker guides and forest authorities. Head into the dense forest, cutting through the dense forest canopy behind a trained tracker

It is often more than 2 hours of trekking before you make sight of a silver back family or a black family feeding on wild fruits and leafy vegetation.

The sight is an exhilarating encounter that Uganda safari is proud to conserve for many generations to come.

The afternoon leads to Lake Bunyonyi in Kabale where you will go on a birding trip along the lake that was named after its thousand birds that nest around it. Overnight and dinner will be from Arcadia cottages, Bushara lodge or Kyahungye island resort.

Day eight: Return to Kampala

The return trip to Kampala gets underway after breakfast with photographic moments, snacks and drinks at the equator crossing near Masaka.

The population of these apes the gorilla berengei berengei is about 650 left in the world. On its road to extinct, it becomes clear that a few people will leave to see these gorillas.

A gorilla safari can take on a full day in the forests, tracking these giants.A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs USD 500, tracking begins in the morning and last a full day.

While on gorilla tracking you will see other attractions such as the forest birds, insects, other primates like the chimpanzees and monkeys.Other gorilla variants in the tropical forest of Africa include the lowland gorillas, eastern lowland and western gorilla. Gorilla Tour You are advised to book your African gorilla safari permit some months before you actual gorilla tour in Africa.

A gorilla is the largest living primate. Half of the world’s population of Mountain Gorillas are found in Uganda.

A gorilla is a ground dwelling Gorilla Holiday omnivore animal and largely dwells in the forest. An example of such forest is the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda.

There are 3 classifications of Gorilla. That is the Western Lowland Gorilla, the Eastern Lowland and the Mountain Gorilla. All these gorillas are endangered due to poaching, habitat destruction and trade in bush meat. Gorilla Trekking activities in Bwindi national park.

Gorillas move in groups led by the male gorilla, the Silverback. Silver back is about 12 years of age or more with silver hair on his back. Its resposible for the entire movement of the troop, decision making and safety.

The two homes of mountain gorilla Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi National park and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda.
In Rwanda, Gorilla tracking is done in Parc de Volcans.

The Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi largely feed on fruits, foliage and epiphytes. the Bwindi gorilla diet is almost the same as that of the Bwindi Chimpanzees.

Gorilla tracking or trekking is the top safari activity of tourists who flock to Uganda.
Gorilla Safari Uganda Mainpage

For late arrivals at Entebbe International Airport, check into a hotel for overnight and dinner, alternatively, arrive straight through Kigali the capital of Rwanda.

Day 1 Transfers to Rwanda

From Kampala, have your breakfast in your hotel and then travel south west through the beautiful rolling hills, past the famed long horned Ankole cattle grazing by the road side, and for the intensely terraced Kigezi hill slopes and reach the Uganda-Rwanda border in Kisoro. The long 8 hour journey ends at Ruhengeri where you’ll find overnight accommodation and dinner from Gorilla nest lodge, Mountain Gorilla view lodge or Kinigi guesthouse.

Day 2 Volcanoes National Park Gorilla tracking

Wake up to a heavy breakfast and then head to Musanze a small town at the entrance of the park where you’ll be given sessions of briefing on Uganda safaris and details on your gorilla trekking adventures. By mid-morning start your gorilla tracking experience behind the lead of a trained tracker and guides

Trails through the dense forests on the slopes of the Virunga Volcanic mountains lead you silver back gorilla families or black gorilla families feeding deep within the forest canopy. On the trail are sights of the rare golden monkeys only seen here! Gorilla trekking is sometimes more than 2 hours. Remember to take your lunch box for the gorilla trekking takes longer hours.

Enjoy the one-hour you have to take pictures of the coy forest giants before you return to your lodge for overnight accommodation and dinning.

Alternatively, head back to Uganda immediately after the trekking experience and find overnight accommodation from Kisoro town. Dinner and overnight is available from Kisoro Tourist Hotel or Arcadia Cottages on Lake Bunyonyi.

Day 3

Board your tour van after breakfast for a 9-hour journey to Kampala. Get your lunch break at a hotel en-route. Arrive in time for departure flights at Entebbe airport.