Enjoy beautiful Uganda from above as you fly to Kisoro as your next destination. The 1-hour flight from Entebbe airport/Kajjansi airstrip will provide the best experience as you feed your eyes with the green nature, hills, and mountains and get closer to the Virunga massive where you can glance at mountains like sabyinyo and Muhabura. On your arrival, you are picked up by our driver guide to your lodge.
There are optional activities for the few days you will spend around. Gorilla trekking is the main target, but the area also has a lake for canoeing and a community where you can have local interactions.
Day 1: Shoebill Tracking – Mabamba wetland sanctuary
Have an early sumptuous meal, and leave for the one-of-a-kind shoe bill stork experience in Mabamba wetland sanctuary. The activity takes about 2-4 hours, and then you are returned to your hotel for an overnight stay. Meals and Accommodation: Hotel No.5
Day 2: Fly to Kisoro
Kisoro is the magical area of Uganda ,wake up early morning and go to your next domestic flight to Kisoro. Upon arrival, you will be picked up by our safari guide, who will take your next luxurious lodge. The day will still be young so you have optional activities like canoeing on Lake Mutanda and community walks.
These activities enable you to interact with the locals and stretch your muscles as you breathe in the cool air from the lake. Meals and Accommodation: Chameleon Hill Forest Lodge Bwindi
Day 3: Gorilla trekking
Gorilla tracking day has come, wake up early morning, set yourself up, and make sure you have all it takes like rain gear, cameras, fully charged phones, and packed lunch. The activity takes 2-4 hours depending on where the gorillas are located, you are escorted by the ranger guide who will be leading you to the jungle and advising you on the dos and don’ts.
You are given 60 minutes to spend viewing the great apes and after your trek back to your starting points. The impenetrable forest does not only harbor gorillas it has a lot of Albertine endemics like the 3 horned chameleons, birds, and antelopes, chanced enough you can spot forest elephants and beautiful forest views. Meals And Accommodation: Chameleon Hill Forest Lodge
Day 4: Golden monkey trekking
Wake up early morning, have breakfast and go for Golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga national park. Same jungle attire is required, enough drinking water, snack, good hiking shoes.
You will have briefing by the ranger guide and later proceed to the jungle; it takes about 2-4 hours or sometimes more depending on where they are located and 1-hour viewing hour.
After the golden monkey experience, relax at the lodge at own leisure with an option of visiting the community for great history and interaction. Meals and Accommodation: Chameleon Hill Forest Lodge Bwindi
Day 5: Fly back to Entebbe
Wake up lazily and have your bags ready, get dropped at the airstrip, and before going to the airport, you can re-freshen via the guest house.
Meet our closest cousins in style, feel the fresh waters of Lake Victoria and later fly to the south, spend 2 nights in the gorilla land as you meet your dreams from the jungle. This tailor-made trip is more suitable for all travel and nature lovers.
Our representative will pick you up from the airport, and to your hotel. Depending on the arrival time or how strong you are, plenty of options for you around this calm little peninsula. Walk around by yourself, or use the local boda boda (motorcycles) or the taxis, visit the kitoro local market, catch-up up with the greenery of the famous Botanical gardens for bird lovers, and get closer to Lake Victoria, you can as well cruise on the lake by boat as you target the sunset, sip a beer from one of the bars lookout into craft shops. There is also a tour of the Mabamba swamp for shoebill tracking, contact us for any private reservations.
Meals and Accommodation: Hotel No.5
Day 2: Fly to Bwindi | Scenery viewing
Wake up early enough and start your Ugandan adventure, have a chance to drive through the city suburbs, as you connect to the rhino sanctuary. Break for the rhino trekking which takes 1-2 hours, you will have your lunch around the sanctuary or en route, and later on, proceed to the biggest park in the country. Visit the top of the falls, get showered by the fall’s splashes, and take beautiful clips and photos of the rainbow. After the untold stories at the falls, drive to the northern sector as you feed your eyes with plenty of wildlife such as giraffes, elephants, buffaloes, by chance lions, Patas monkeys, waterbucks, and many others.
Meals and Accommodation: Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking | Jungle Exploration
The awaited day has come, it’s an experience that words cannot aptly explain. After breakfast just walk to the briefing grounds as you will be led by your guide. Note that gorilla trekking is a strenuous activity and gorillas can move anywhere in the jungle, the walk takes between 1-8 hours.
Spend one good hour closer to these endangered species and after come to the lodge for a complementary massage.
Day 4: Departure
After having breakfast, transfer to the airstrip, you will be picked up by our representative and either proceed with international departure or be taken to the hotel.
No.5
Note: For any extensions or changes contact us as we are so much flexible.
Start your trip from Entebbe or Kampala city and visit the Rhinos , later proceed to murchssion falls for boat cruise and game drive. Drive to Kidepo valley the home of the vast landscapes have yourself incredible photography for both people and wildlife, it is Uganda’s most isolated park but it’s so rich, the park borders South Sudan and western Kenya, its among the areas you can spot cheetahs, and ostriches and other rare species.
Day 1: Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and Murchison Falls National Park
Exit the city suburbs and proceed to the northern part of the countryside, you will have to stop at a ziwa rhino sanctuary, which is a great experience to track these huge creatures just meters away from you. Later leave for Murchison falls park, visit the top of the falls as you feel the roar from the devils cauldron and massive nile waters being squeezed into 7m wide and about 42 m deep gorge. After the falls drive to your lodge Foran overnight stay.
Meals and Accommodation: Pakuba Safari Lodge
Day 2: Morning game drive and Afternoon River Nile Boat cruise
Start your day within early game search as you are catching up with sunrise. lookout for lions, leopard, elephants, giraffes, buffalos, birds, and later in the afternoon go for gentle boat ride towards the Murchison falls. its a rewarding boat ride with chances of spotting lots o wildlife like crocodiles, hippos, lots of bird species, animals like elephants floating on the river banks, one the boat is done drive back to your lodge.
Meals and Accommodation: ,B.Pakuba Safari Lodge
Day 3: Kidepo Valley National Park | Night Game viewing.
Wake up early morning, have yourself breakfast, and drive to the vast landscapes of Kidepo valley national park, The Park lies in the rugged, semi-arid valleys between Uganda’s borders with Sudan and Kenya. It has a large population of big game and boasts about 85 mammal species almost 500 bird species.
Being the most isolated national park in Uganda, Kidepo valley national park is the most magnificent and ranks among Africa’s finest wildernesses. Summarise your journey with a night drive as you search for nocturnals like leopards, hyenas, civets, aardvarks, lions, serval cats and ,much more.
Meals and Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah Lodge
Day 4: Morning Nature Walk And Evening Game drive
After breakfast, explore the vast landscapes and plain savannah of the true wilderness, as you search for more game on foot. It’s a park that feeds you lots of wildlife such as giraffes, lions, leopards, elands, birds, thousands of buffaloes, and many others. After relaxation leave an evening a catchup with these animals nearing their sleep time and more that might be more active during the evenings.
Day 4: Morning Bush Breakfast | Visit To The Karimajong Homes or Hike to the Ike People
Wake up early and prefer any activity of your choice, as you will be served a bush breakfast, with beautiful moments in the wild, traverse the manyatas and enjoy the unmatched high jump of the Karimajongs, with an option hike to the mountains in search of the Ike People.
Meals and Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah Lodge
Day 5: Transfer To Entebbe Airport | Hotel
After an early morning breakfast, you will either drive to Kampala arriving late evening.
Meals: Halfboard
Enjoy the best adventure while in Uganda, hike mount Sabyinyo, trek to the mountain gorillas, and meet the golden monkeys within Mgahinga national park as you trek through the sharp ridges and different spectacular vegetation covers.
Have a chance to interact with the once forest dwellers, the Batwa, get to know their lifestyle, cruise on lake mutanda, and interact with fishermen. Have a relaxed vacation within incredible lodges as we shall always be at your service.
Day 1: Entebbe – Shoebill Tracking |optional city Tour
Upon arrival, you will be picked from the airport and transferred to your hotel. There are lots of optional activities once you arrive early and the most recommended is the Shoebill tracking. This activity is experienced on Lake Victoria using the local motorised boats to the mabamba swamp, which takes 3-4 hours. The other options are, visiting a shopping mall, the Uganda wildlife education center, botanical gardens and local markets. Meals and Accommodation: Boma Guest House Entebbe
Day 2: Transfer To Lake Mburo National Park For An afternoon Nature walk
After an early morning breakfast, start your journey to lake Mburo national park the sanctuary zebras and impalas. You will have a chance to stop at the equator line for photos and explanations about the northern and southern hemispheres, the equator point has a lot of craft shops so moving around would be an ideal. basing on time you able to have your lunch enrolee to your next lodge. once you arrival at the lodge relax and later on drive to the park for a relax nature walk. this is a rewarding walk that bring s you closer to the animals like giraffes, zebras, impalas, buffaloes, the birds, and learning more about nature with your ranger guide. Lake Mburo is famous for bing the only park in Uganda where you walk in the wild. after the drive back to the lodge for a relaxed evening. Meals and Accommodation: Rwakobo Rock Lodge
Day 3-4: Morning Game drive | Transfer To Kisoro and Hiking Mount at Sabyinyo 3,645 meters above sea level
Have a morning game drive on the third day before transferring to Kisoro near your next adventure park. Search for animals that you might have missed the previous day like topis, baboons, giraffes, warthogs, zebras and much more. On you fourth day drive to the visitor centre at Ntebeko after your breakfast (2360m), where you will have a general briefing before your activity commences. Trek for about a kilometer in the flat swampy flat land, join the bamboo zone for about an hour and join the rain forest. Ably enough to spot wildlife, like the duikers, bushbucks, birds like the Rwenzori turaco and forest buffaloes. Get through to the steeper ridges as you enjoy the best moments of the adventure. Have the best photos, both scenery, and birds or even wildlife, have a look at Rwanda and Congo up in the mountains, at one point you will earn yourself a free visa to the three countries with one step while up at the summit. After the days adventure, you relax at the hotel. Meals and Accommodation: Ichumbi Hotel Kisoro
Day 5: Golden monkey trekking and transfer to Lake Mutanda
Golden monkey trekking briefing commences at 7:30 am. Your lead guide will take you to the awaited adventure. Enter into the bamboo zones where the golden monkeys fancy a lot, and get the zigzag watch, the monkeys are cheeky, noisy, and so playful. A after having a great time with the golden monkeys, trek back to your start point and drive to your next destination.Meals snd Accommodation: Lake Mutanda Resort
Day 6: Lake Mutanda Exploration And Community Visit
At your own pace, go for canoeing, or boat ride on the fresh waters of Lake Mutanda, interact with fishermen, and have beautiful views of the volcanoes if the weather is well enough It’s a day of sipping on a cup of coffee as you check through your photos and talking to your families. Meals snd Accommodation: Lake Mutanda Resort
Day 7: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi impenetrable national park
gorilla trekking starts early morning with a general briefing at 8:00am. have an early breakfast and drive to the park, you will have a general briefing and later on be assigned to a gorilla family. It’s important to note that long pants, rain coats, good hiking shoes, long sleeved shirts or t-shirts are recommended. The activity can either be short, medium or long, this requires packed lunch and enough drinking water. You are given one good hour to stay with the gorillas and after trek back to your start point. Have a relaxed evening after the gorilla experience as you prepare for the next day. Meals and Accommodation:lake Mutanda resort
Day8. Transfer to Kigali, City Tour and Airport drop-off
You will have an early breakfast, later transfer to Kigali, drive through the curvaceous hills and mountains of Rwanda, get welcomed by the green and a clean streets. You will visit the genocide memorial as you read and listen to how the Rwandese died in the terrible rase massacre. Depending your flight time, you can visit kimironko market, art markets and much more. This will mark the end of your classy adventure.
Overview
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The 8 days classic Safari is a phenomenon primate and big game adventure in Mabamba swamp for the elusive Shoebill, gorillas in Bwindi impenetrable national park, chimpanzees in Kibale Forest park, and the primate capital of the world.
You will have the magnitude, to explore the shady vegetation of Queen Elizabeth national park the second biggest in the country as you cruise on the Kazinga channel for the big game viewing while on water, proceed further south for the tree-climbing lions as you get closer to Bwindi for gorilla trekking, and later the odds will be facing to the central via lake Bunyonyi and lake Mburo national which has lots to see as the only living dinosaur the Shoebill waves the final chapter of the trip.
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Day 1. Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park for chimpanzee trekking
Upon your arrival from the airport/hotel, you will be picked up from your destination location and transferred to the primate capital of the world, Kibale national park.
Enjoy the chaotic exit of Kampala city suburbs motorcycles and taxis crossing each other and people making it more interesting, the route has a lot of green and beautiful landscapes, as you get closer to the cutting edges of the Rwenzori snow-capped mountains, and endless tea plantations. Have lunch along the way and stopovers for leg stretch and photography, check in at your lodge in the evenings, and have an individual treat.
Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking and Transfer to Queen Elizabeth NP
Wake up early morning and have a morning enzyme booster, take with you a packed lunch and enough drinking water, good hiking shoes, and rain gear, at around 7:30 am, your guide drives you to the briefing grounds, you will be located into your respective groups as you are joined by other travel enthusiasts of the day, the ranger guide leads to the virgin forest where chimpanzee echoes and other primates are making the forest more entertaining, you will be given 1 hour for viewing and photographing these apes, later on, transfer to queen Elizabeth national park via the magnificent crater lakes as your drive at the footprints of the Rwenzori mountains. This will enable you to drive through the park towards your lodge as you feed your eyes with the endless landscapes and wildlife.
Day 3: Game Drive and Boat Cruise at Kazinga Channel
After having a beautiful day with the chimps, the big game viewing would be an awe booster, you will wake up early morning for sunrise and looking the big cats which are lions, and leopards, since they are always active during the morning hours, the park also has several elephants, water-backs, kobs, buffaloes and many others.
After the early wild game search returns to the lodge for lunch and goes for the magnificent boat cruise at the Kazinga channel the biggest in the world, enjoy lots of hippos, and elephants playing in the waters, and lots of birds like the African fish eagle, crocodiles and the cool breeze from Lake Edward and George as you are in between them. After the activity comes back to the lodge for sunset and relaxation.
Day 4: Transfer to Bwindi for gorillas Via Ishasha, home of Tree-Climbing lions.
Face further the south part of the country as you drive to Bwindi, the home of mountain gorillas. Get a chance to pass via Ishasha which is the southern sector of the park in search of the tree-climbing lions, find their sagging legs up the trees, resting for shade, later proceed to your lodge at the edges of the Bwindi as you wait for the gorilla trekking day.
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking and Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi
It’s a day like no other as you traverse the hills and mountains of the ancient forest Bwindi looking for the great apes. It’s always a short, medium, or long walk depending on where the gorillas are located, it’s one’s energy and cameras on this note that is required. The experience is given 1 hour for viewing when you find the gorillas, your ranger guide will be following the directions from the rest of the team with a walkie-talkie, rain gear, long-cleaved shirts, and trousers are required, enough drinking water and a snack is key.
You will later come back from the forest and transfer to Bunyonyi Lake for relaxation and cool breath in the waters, with an option of visiting the pygmies, the once-forest people, and a boat cruise at the lake to have a detailed explanation of the 29 islands and way of living.
Day 6: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park for Evening Game Drive & Birdwatching
Have a lazy morning wake up, have your breakfast as you enjoy the bird calls around the lake, and then later drive through the curved corners of the Kigezi highlands, get covered by the morning mist and fog in the valleys as you face the central, check in at your lodge for lunch and later in the after lunch hours go for an evening game viewing and as you move at minimal pace while enjoying the birds, and other unique species like the Giraffes, Elands, leopards, warthogs, zebras, and lots buffaloes, it’s considered the home of zebras and impalas in the country. The park has the advantage of also conducting a night game drive looking for nocturnal animals.
Day 7: Nature Walk | Birdwatching | Transfer to Mabamba Swamp for Shoebill Tracking
It’s a different experience when you walk in the wild with help of the ranger guide getting closer to the plants, and animals with further explanations. Have a chance to take a shot at giraffes, zebras, giraffes, impalas, and many other animals while on foot.
It’s indeed the whispers of the wild as the birds sing from all corners of the park, the park also has horse riding which is privately arranged. After the walk transfer to Mabamba which is about 5 hours from the park.
Day 8: Shoebill Tracking and Airport Transfer
At the shores of Lake Victoria is the Mabamba swamp the Ramsar site which inhabits the mighty Shoebill stork, the bird is big enough to be visible and an experience beyond borders, it takes about 2-4 hours while on the engine local boat to penetrate through the marshy wetland.
Lots of other birds are seen like Yellow-billed Ducks, kingfishers, geese, and many others. This signs out the experience magically as you say farewell to Uganda, after this, you are taken to the airport or hotel for re-freshening depending on your flight schedule.
Note: we are flexible for comfortable changes in the program.
Drive through the scenic landscapes of Uganda, as you are encountering plenty of wildlife. It’s quite magical to trek to the gorillas, look out for tree-climbing lions, and connect to Rwanda via the Virunga massive for more gorilla experience, Dian Fossey Museum exploration, golden monkeys, and visit the genocide memorial museum.
Upon arrival, our representative will meet and transfer you to your hotel. You will a chance to explore the historical Entebbe town and easy to explore by yourself on foot or using the local taxis and motorcycles. Walk around the botanical gardens, or catch up with a boat ride on Lake Victoria, several restaurants, and bars where you can sip a local beer, craft shops, and much more. in case there’s a need for a private tour kindly reach out to us.
Accommodation: Papyrus Guest House or a similar viability
Day 2. Transfer To Queen Elizabeth National Park
Wake early morning and have your breakfast, leave for Queen Elizabeth national park via the equator line. have a brief stopover for photoshoot and crafts. You will have your lunch along the way before your arrival to Queen Elizabeth national park. depending on your time you may have a relaxed evening or proceed for an evening drive in the park. Elephant Hab Lodge
Day 3. Morning Game Search | Afternoon Boat Cruise
Queen Elizabeth National Park is the second largest park in Uganda rich in flora and fauna. it harbours animals alike lions, leopard, elephants, cape buffaloes, waterbucks, about 600 bird species and much more. You will have a chance to drive around as you are searching for most of all this, once you are through go for an afternoon bot ride on the Kazinga Channel. It’s a magical channel set in the Albertine Rift Valley with hundreds of hippos, elephants, buffalos, birds, antelopes, hogs, and crocodiles. Elephant Hab Lodge
Day 4. Kyambura Gorge Nature Walk | Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Via Ishasha
Kyambura Gorge is well known to be the valley of apes, the green forest between the open savannah of Queen Elizabeth national park. It’s about 11.5 kms long , 100m deep and 1.5 km wide with a permanent river that is a home to hippos and other animals like elephants ,birds, buffaloes and more. It’s a home to the community of Chimpanzees that are habituated, this allows you walk around the gorge as you search for these apes for about 2-4 hours. Later drive to the south of the park as you enjoy the true wilderness of the park via Lake Edward, maramagambo forest, swamps, and plain savannah, ably to encounter, leopards, elephants, monkeys, and waterbucks roaming the yards. Look out for large herds of elephants, buffalos, topis, Uganda kobs, and search for the Tree climbing lions that are lazily resting in the trees before leaving for the Bwindi Forest. Bwindi is a recognized world heritage site ecosystem in Africa. Home to over 160 tree species,200 butterfly species,120 mammals, and over 345 bird species are the key in the line of the Albertine endemics.
Meals and overnight: Buhoma Haven Lodge
Day 5. Gorilla Trekking | Community Interaction
The humbling gorilla experience awaits, spend one thrill hour with these endangered mountain gorillas. Getting face-to-face with the gorillas is something that words cannot aptly describe. Gorilla trekking is strenuous and ranges between 1-8 hours as it’s not a guarantee to view them but 95% of encountering them is guaranteed. After your gorilla experience Immerse yourself in Ride 4 a woman’s project, an initiative that was started to support the rural ladies. Watch as you learn how the local crops are transformed into ready food, like Bananas, and millet flour(kalo), After the gorillas, head back to your lodge and relax or talk to your guide for advice about, forest walks, visiting local schools and orphanages, the pygmy villages, or the curio shops.
Meals and overnight: Buhoma Havens Lodge
Day 6. Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
leave for Volcanoes national park a second gorilla sanctuary. Drive through the curvaceous highlands of Kigezi facing the Virunga as It is indeed a beautiful place to explore, lakes, valleys, and the green on a clear view of the Virunga ranges is something words can not aptly describe. The drive can easily take 6-8 hours with an extra border clearances. After the border driver just for an hour to the next accommodation for relaxation.
Dinner and overnight stay: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
Day 7. Volcanoes National Park | Gorilla Trekking
Extend your experience with these primates as you are welcomed by a cup of coffee and have a general briefing. You are later distributed into respective groups and led by ranger guides. This takes either short, medium or long walks based on where the gorillas are located.
When you return in time you can opt to experience the Ibyi’Wachu culture cultural centre, wine tasting, coffee or just walk around by yourself to the Dian Fossey’s museum.
“Note: you can replace the gorilla trekking with trekking to the golden monkeys or even walk to Dian Fossey’s Grave. Let us know if any changes are required.
Meals and overnight: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
Day 8. Transfer to Kigali city
Drive off from the volcano footprints to the clean capital of Rwanda with a visit to the Genocide memorial that draws you closer to the senseless massacre of 1994. Innocent lives were killed, quite terrifying as you look at the 250,000 lives that were put to rest against the Tutsi.
You will be dropped off at the airport, we advise you to book a late flight back home or book a hotel for an overnight stay. Meals-Half Board | No Accommodation
During The 8 Day Kenya Samburu Ol Pejeta | Nakuru | Maasai Mara big 5 Safari, discover the key specials of Samburu/Shaba with a chance to meet the legendary Samburu warriors.
Meet Barack the blind rhino at Ol Pajeta and spend time with the northern white rhinos that are almost extinct
Explore the land of flamingos and connect to the Masai lands for endless wildlife and photography adventure
You will be at one destination, Transfers to destinations can be by road or scheduled local flights to avoid any fatigue. Comply with the country’s standard operating procedures for any documentation and transmissions.
The tour is limited to a maximum of 6 travelers per vehicle and a 40% deposit on confirmation.
Includes / Excludes
Inclusions
Services of an English-speaking guide | special request
Wake up early morning and have your breakfast from your destination hotel after breakfast prepare and Proceed further North across the Equator to the edge of the Northern Frontier district of Samburu – The Samburu National Reserve. Arrival will be in time for lunch and thereafter, enjoy an afternoon game drive in this reserve famous for the ‘Big Cats’ – the Leopards, Cheetahs, and Lions. Optional to visit the Samburu warriors for a great cultural experience as you truly love the shiny shukas, and unmatched designs, with the high jump and folk roars.
Dinner and overnight stay at Sarova Shaba Game Lodge (E) Full Board
2-Samburu National Reserve | Buffalo Springs
On this particular day, you will have the game drive(s) while viewing along the tracks of Samburu National Reserve, one in the morning and a long one in the evening exploring Buffalo Springs. In the afternoon do a game drive that brings you closer to the indigenous resident species including reticulated giraffes, Grevy’s zebra, the Somali ostrich, Beisa Oryx, and long-necked gerenuk. Return to the lodge for lunch and dinner,
overnight at Sarova Shaba Game Lodge (E) Full Board
3-Transfer to OlPejeta Conservancy (1 night)
After a sumptuous breakfast, you will be transferred to OlPejeta Conservancy. On arrival, you will be welcomed by the ever-smiling team of the conservancy; the conservancy offers some of the most spectacular wildlife viewings that Kenya has to offer including big cats, elephants, and endangered black rhinos. Spend the day with the last 2 living northern white rhinos. In the afternoon, take a game Look out for majestic leopards and lions, roaming the vast landscape. return to your lodge as the sun comes down, and have a chance to take that wonderful sunset photo from the open plains.
Dinner and Overnight at Serena Sweet Waters
4-Lake Nakuru National Park (1 night)
Wake up early morning have breakfast as you are enjoying the morning bird calls and have a chance to watch and photograph some later on departing to Lake Nakuru National Park. Depending on the time you will have a stopover at Thompson Falls and descend the escarpment of the Great Rift Valley down to the park. Have Lunch. Enjoy an afternoon game drive in this small game and bird-filled park, famous for its flamingo populations, rhinos, leopards, lions, and giraffes. As you drive to the hills surrounding the park, you can enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the lake. Return to your lodge or camping at dusk for dinner and overnight, Sarova Lion Hill Game Camp /Lake Nakuru Game Lodge (E) Full Board
overnight at Sarova Shaba Game Lodge (E) Full Board
5-Maasai Mara National Reserve
After breakfast, proceed the journey past the Maasai town of Narok having a few stopovers for bird watching and photography moments at the legendary Maasai Mara National Reserve. Have Lunch and later enjoy an afternoon game drive returning to your lodge or camping for dinner and overnight
Sarova Mara Game Camp/ Kichwa Tembo tented camp (E) Full Board
6- Maasai Mara National Reserve
Have morning breakfast A full day in the Mara with game drive early morning and late afternoon, each of about 3 hours. luckily enough millions of wildebeests cross the Mara River from the Serengeti National Park of Tanzania to the Maasai Mara Game Reserve of Kenya – an annual spectacular event, which brings along thousands of plains game and predators to the Mara. From June to October the migration is from Kenya to Tanzania, while from November to May is from Serengeti to Maasai Mara. However, the phenomenon is more linked to the actual changes in weather.
Sarova Mara Game Camp/Kichwa Tembo tented camp (E) Full Board
7-Maasai Mara National Reserve / Masai Cultural Visit
Early morning game drive in the Mara is followed by breakfast and thereafter, have morning breakfast set yourself up with a parked lunch and enjoy a whole day of game drives spotting all species of animals come back to your lodge. Enjoy the Option of Experiencing the Masai cultural way of life. From the food they eat to the way they dress and sleep Or Enjoy an afternoon game drive returning to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Sarova Mara Game Camp/Kichwa Tembo tented camp (E) Full Board
8-Maasai Mara – Nairobi
Have an early lazy wakeup call depending on schedule, have breakfast, and transfer to Nairobi /Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by road or local scheduled flight to Wilson airport
Day 1: Transfer to Bwindi impenetrable national park
pick up from the airport or hotel and drive to the southwest of Uganda via scenic countryside, have a stopover at the equator point for photography, and have a chance to stand at 0 degrees latitude marginal line. Lunch is served along the way, have enough stopovers for scenery viewpoints and local interactions where necessary.
Dinner and overnight stay: Gorilla Mist camp
Day 2: Gorilla trekking and community visit
Have an early breakfast, drive for a very short distance to the briefing grounds, and get entertained by the local women as they surely portray their skills while dancing with the local folks. After you are briefed by the ranger guide about dos and don’ts. Its important to note that you are required to have good hiking shoes, long pants, long-sleeved shirts or t-shirts, a rain jacket, enough drinking water, and a snack while going for the gorilla trekking. The activity takes 2-8 hours depending on where the gorillas are located and you are given 1 full hour while viewing . Once your gorilla viewing time is done, you trek back to your starting point, all successful trekkers are awarded a gorilla tracking certificate which marks the end of the ultimate jungle experience.
Meals and Accommodation: Gorilla Mist Camp | Ride 4 a woman or available alternative
Day3: Transfer to Kampala/Entebbe airport
Have an early breakfast and embark on your journey to Entebbe airport or hotel.
Point to note! This plan can also be fit starting from Rwanda to Uganda and getting back Rwanda or proceeding to Entebbe Airport.
A local flight in Uganda to Kihihi also eases your distance to the gorillas let us know for any change
The Royal mile
A dream yard for any birders and nature enthusiasts, Budongo forest is one of the natural forests with majestic mahogany and ironwood trees that have been in existence for centuries in Uganda. The forest owns an exceptionally large Mahogany tree which is more than 80 meters tall and 20 meters in circumference and is home to endangered chimpanzee species.
The forest is home to over 360 birds, birding is one of the visitor’s activities in Budongo. The forest claims both migratory and none migratory birds of East Africa making Budongo a birding paradise. Other activities like guided community walks, hiking, and camping among others make Budongo a top destination for tourists.
Pian Upe wildlife reserve
This is the second largest conservation area after Murchison falls national park, the reserve was previously declared a debasien animal sanctuary in 1958 before establishing as a wildlife reserve in 1964.
Located north of Mount Elgon eastern Uganda connected to the Bokora-matheniko game reserve land tenure government features is this beautiful reserve.
With over 242 bird species recorded pian up is a highly recommended birding destination for any birder. The wildlife reserve is home to the endangered fox’s weaver and the Karamoja Apalis only found in the far east of the country. There are also better spots of the secretary birds, Common Ostriches, the uncommon Yellow-billed Shrike, the Rock Partridges, Bruce’s Green pigeon, Straw-tailed Whydah the Peregrine falcon is the fastest bird on the planet, the Red-fronted Barbet and many others.
Despite being a great birding spot, It’s rich in wildlife and it’s among the most entertaining areas any visitor would go to while in Uganda. Leopards, cheetahs roaming the yards, mountain reedbucks, Roan antelopes, oribis, Jackson’s, Hartebeests, wildcats, servals, civets, elands, the giraffes, crested porcupines and With its thrilling numbers of carnivores and ungulates, this park is a key target for most travelers. Easy to connect while coming from sipi falls or Kidepo valley national park, and more activities like hiking and trekking, bike tours and game drives, and more so cultural tours visiting the Karimojongs and the neighborhood are conducted.
Lutembe bay
Remarkably known for being home to the 7 threatened bird species globally like the shoebill, African Skimmer, Papyrus Gonolek, Great Snipe, Madagascar Squacco heron, Papyrus Yellow Warbler, and much more.
Lutembe is Ramsar site located just northwards at the mouth of Africa’s largest inland water body, Lake Victoria. It’s well decorated by papyrus reeds and harboring about 52% of the White-winged Terns, it’s home to both residents and migrants. Birding occurs at all times of the year however, the months of September-October and February-to-march are key for the migrants. Have a great day as you enjoy both water and on land bird species such as the Knob-billed Duck, Caspian Terns, Herons, Gulls, Bee-eaters, and much more.
Semliki national park and Toro Semliki wildlife reserve
Blessed with over 441 bird species, all birders who make it to Semuliki will be astonished by some of Africa’s best forest birding. Sempaya and Ntandi provide excellent viewing of the birds the White-crested Hornbill, Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill, Piping Hornbill, and Yellow-throated Nicator. Kirumia River is another interesting birding spot and it’s great news that the shoebill stork is regularly seen at close quarters on Lake Albert and forest walks are good for tracking water birds. Toro semliki wildlife reserve is also a great visitor spot for nature walks and game drives for lengthy game viewing and reaching the community just at the margins of Rwenzori ranges
Mgahinga national park
The most birding spot is the gorge trail between Gahinga and Sabinyo that in most cases requires 3-5 hours. This area can easily provide spectacular sightings of the Dusky-turtle Dove, Cape Robin-chat, Kivu-ground Thrush, Rwenzori Batis, and many others. Other birding areas are the bamboo belt at about 2500m above sea level and the tall montane forest at 2660m. The Rwenzori Turaco is mostly sighted at around 2700m and on ground level; Doherty’s Bush-shrike Red-faced Woodland Warbler is a vocal yet inconspicuous inhabitant of the tangled vegetation at the forest edge.
Lake Mburo national park
The best birding spots in Lake Mburo national park are the swampy valleys of Warukiri; the road between the camp of Rwonyo Jetty and the viewing platform which overlooks the salt lick. Species found at these locations include, Rufous-bellied Heron, Bateleur, Coqui Francolin, Grey Crowned Crane, Common Scimitarbill, White-winged Warbler, Red-faced Barbet Long-tailed Cisticola, and lake Mburo being the only place to spot African Finfoot, having a special arrangement for keen birders they can walk to Rubanga forest, the birding tours can be enjoyed in the safari vehicle, by boat, nature walks and even while cycling
Kidepo valley national park
Bordering South Sudan and Kenya Kidepo valley national park is a tremendous Birding Safaris Area that would recommend in Uganda with close to 475 bird species making it the second only in Uganda to Queen Elizabeth national park. Key specials are the Karamoja Apalis and the Fox’s Weaver in the park’s game reserves, not forgetting other large numbers as you move around. it’s a point to note that of the 56 birds of prey recorded, 14 are found in Kidepo Park, Verreaux’s Eagle, and pygmy Falcon which are known endemic to the Karamoja region. There has however been no comprehensive survey of the birds In Kidepo and visitors stand a good chance of adding to the current list. Birding can be done around Apoka rest camp, Narus, and Namamukweny valleys, and having a chance to spot the Clapperton’s Francolin only found in the park, like any other activity in the park birding is most rewarding during early and late hours of the day.
Kibale forest national park
Lush tropical rainforest with fascinating diversity, a great birding spot harboring a large concentration of 13 primate species. Over 375 bird species are recorded in Kibale National Park with one of Uganda’s most sought-after birds, the olive long-tailed cuckoo, African and Green-breasted pitta, Nahan’s Francolin, Black Bee-eater, White thighed hornbill, and many others. Birding in Kibale national park happens all year round, and like all other park activities, all tourists shall be accompanied by one of the expert guides, its easily accessed from the main capital Kampala, by road or by air and between areas like Queen Elizabeth national park and semliki national park.
Bwindi impenetrable National park
A world heritage site, massively known for harboring the endangered mountain gorillas but also rich in green nature that attracts researchers from different corners. With at least 23 of the 24 Albertine rift endemics and over 351 bird species, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a favorite spot for birders, with its sheer diversity. Birding trips are led by one of the expert guides along the trails through this ancient forest. Tourists may be lucky to spot some of the park’s other wildlife and this is what makes Bwindi and Uganda’s birding safaris even more interesting.
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MOUNTAIN GORILLAS
The bulkiest member of the primate family, the subspecies of the eastern gorilla stands up to 1.8 meters high and weighs up to 210 kg. This high-altitude creature is an Albertine rift endemic found only in two localities, that’s Uganda’s Bwindi impenetrable national park and the Virunga Mountains shared by the democratic republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda. There are about 1000 mountain gorillas left in the world, and half of them inhabit the Bwindi forest.
Like the name, these gorillas live in high altitudes between 8000-13000 feet, mountain gorillas are primarily vegetarians, feeding on leaves, shoots, fruits, and over 140 different plant species. Out of 100%, 2% of its diet is insects and other invertebrates with an estimated life expectancy of 35-50 years.
Reproduction
Mountain gorillas give birth in a range of 9 months like humans; it takes 6-8 years for a female gorilla to become sexually active. The female stays loyal to the male until he dies or until he loses his throne. Unlike their powerful parents, newborns are always tinny weighing 1-2 kg, and always supported by the mother’s fur for warmth.
These infants are entertaining between 2-3 years, where they spend most of their time swinging on branches, chasing one another, and copying a lot from the adults.
It takes the whole family to look after the young ones, however, the father and others are more protective. Juveniles spend most of their time playing and looking after the young ones this gives room to the mother to feed enough and relax a little bit.
It’s unusual to encounter a mountain gorilla giving birth all new babies have been reported while hours old, they are prone to death due to bad weather and falling off the bedding and branches.
Social behaviour and Alpha male
In the gorilla world dominance and territories mark the limits, it takes courage and strength to challenge the alpha, this is a battle of the titans, injuries, noise, death, stealing females from either group, and being kicked out of the family are major expectations. The winner of the battle takes over the troop, any new alpha male will kill all the infants to draw the mother’s focus on getting to oestrus faster. It’s no doubt that these animals sleep in cold environments, they possess long hair that helps keep them warm, and despite their size, they can climb up to the canopies for feeding, unlike the chimpanzees that sleep up the trees. Mountain gorillas are however mostly seen on the ground feeding, mating, drinking water, and playing, it’s always a harem of about 30 individuals.
It’s the alpha male that determines where to feed from, and where to sleep in a radius of about 1-16 square miles. Mountain gorillas are friendly animals once they get used to humans, it’s only those that are fully habituated that are accessible for normal tracking.
What to carry while trekking to and tracking mountain gorillas
These are thick forests, there’s a need for good jungle shoes, long pants and shirts, rain jackets, insect repellants, gloves, and much more.
Based on the ultimate experience, you are required to carry with you enough drinking water and a snack; this gives you a chance to be ready for any time that will come out of the jungle.
For photographers, 2 sets of camera batteries, enough SD cards, and good rain gear for your gadgets.
When to visit
Mountain gorillas are accessed at any month of the year and are only tracked once in a day, this is done early morning, by 8 am till you are out of the forest. People travel for different targets, and photographers will get to know the picture they want and this determines their travel.
In Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo, the months of March-May, September, and November are rainy and this might make the whole experience unpleasant for most travelers. However, June -August is dry, and good for anyone who doesn’t want the wet season.
Dos and don’ts while with the mountain gorillas
Feeding wildlife is punishable, and an 8-10 meter distance must be maintained while with gorillas, however, these animals can tend to be provocative, they don’t know the distance, and sometimes they come closer or even pass by. You must listen to your ranger guide if you can make a few steps back or behind or stand still not running and avoiding straight eye contact.
A face is a must-have, this is a measure to avoid any transmissions between 2 parties, and without one you are not eligible for the activity.
Single file -straight is required while trekking and while with the apes, getting closer to each other is key to avoid stressing these animals.
No flashlight and shutter noise is required while viewing the apes, you must keep your voice at a low tone, and keep your gadgets intact to avoid any grabbing.
Eating, smoking, drinking water, and littering are highly condemned while viewing the mountain gorillas, you must turn off the gorillas and cover your nose with your elbow and cough, for eating and drinking u must go at an average distance.
999 helicopter and gorilla tracking price
Gorilla tracking in Uganda costs 700$ for normal tracking -1500$ for the habituation experience, while in Rwanda its starts from 1500$ and above, with Congo having a minimum fee of 400$. All these destinations are rich in these apes however Congo is not much recommended due to the political instabilities.
The 999 helicopter is a stretcher that is designed to give help to those who are unable to make it to the gorillas, both the disabled and the tired ones, this comes at a negotiable minimum fee, size, and distance determine the money you will pay the porters who will gently take to the gorillas and bring back to the starting point.
This initiative was amended to enable all people to access the jungle and feel the cool breath as they view these great apes.
