This fantastic Uganda Tour to Kibale Forest, Bigodi swamps, Queen Elizabeth, Ishasha sector and Bwindi National Parks for game viewing, chimpanzee tracking, cultural trips, gorilla trekking, boat cruise, tree climbing and bird watching.
Itinerary
Day 1: From Entebbe Airport, tour briefing; drive to Kibale National Park
We drive westwards towards Fort Portal to the Kibale Forest National Park (about 5 hours). Traveling on both asphalt and unpaved roads, you pass through traditional Ugandan Villages where you see people at work tending their traditional crops of millet, sorghum, beans and maize. The lush rolling hills of this region provide good photo opportunities. As you approach Fort Portal in the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains, you enter Uganda's famous tea plantation region. A carpet of green spreads before you, as far as the eye can see, and seems an unusual contrast to the countryside through which you have just passed. You arrive at Fort Portal, then, continue toward Kibale Forest, one of the great African rainforest research reserves. Years of study by scientists (who have cut a grid through the forest) have habituated many of its animals to human observers. This forest is famed for the variety of primates found here and it is a terrific area for birds.
Overnight at
Up-market option: Kyaninga Lodge or Ndali Lodge / primate lodge kibale / Kibale safari lodge
Moderate option: Kibale Forest Camp
Low Budget option: Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse;
Meals Included today: Lunch and Dinner at the Lodge.
(Driving time ± 6hrs on mainly surfaced roads)
Day 2: Chimpanzee tracking, tracking over 12 primates in Kibale National Park
Assemble at Kanyankyu River camp at 0800hours to go for the most popular activity in this park which is Chimpanzee tracking. Chimpanzees are man’s closet cousins though they are one of the most threatened primate’s species. More primates like Black and white Columbus monkeys, L’Hoest Monkeys, Grey cheecked Mangabey, Red tailed monkeys, bush babies, pottos and many bird species like the yellow spotted nicator, rumped tinker bird, Little greenbul, green breasted pitta, the crowned eagle, black bee eater and mammals like Elephants can be seen in this walk.
Kibale National park, which averages about 3,300 feet in elevation, is an extension of the great rainforests of central Africa. It is inhabited by three large “communities” of chimps, each numbering more than 100 individuals. Each community has a complicated social structure. The big adult males dominate the group and defend the community territory against incursions by male outsiders; the females usually wander in small family groups.
Typically, we locate the chimps by listening for their pant-hooting calls, then hustle to the area from which they are calling. We get to observe them as they feed in fruiting trees, lounge, and socialize with each other, or even, occasionally hunt.
Overnight at
Up-market option: Kyaninga Lodge or Ndali Lodge / primate lodge kibale / Kibale safari lodge
Moderate option: Kibale Forest Camp
Low Budget option: Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse;
Meals Included today: Lunch and Dinner at the Lodge.
Day 3:Tour Fort Portal Crater Lakes, Amabeere ga Nyinamwiru Caves, transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park,
Leave the National Park after breakfast and drive to Fort Portal. You will visit the Amabere caves in Nyakasura area. This is the traditional home of the Bachwezi who were believed to be demi-gods. This area still has historical regalia of the Bachwezi that helps one in understanding the life they lived while still on earth (they later disappeared). You will then take a nature walk to the crater lakes whose history is associated with the mysterious Bachwezi. We incorporate some crater lake hikes into our this program. You will be simply by amazed by the beauty of these ancient and not ancient crater lakes found in the Fort Portal area
Afterwards, we drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park this morning (about 3 hours driving). Leaving through Fort Portal town, you turn south and early this afternoon enter Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is dominated on its northern border by the snow-capped 16,000-foot Rwenzori Mountains-the famed "Mountains of the Moon". This 767-square-mile conservation area is bordered on the North East by Lake George and on the South West by Lake Edward; its western border adjoins the Zaire Parc Du Virunga. You will expect to see teeming herds of impala-like Uganda Kob, as well as topi, elephant and lion, giant forest hog, Cape buffalo. There are also several soda lakes filling ancient volcanic calderas where flamingos reside seasonally.
Overnight at
Up-market option: Mweya Safari Lodge / Katara Lodge or Jacana Lodge / Enganzi lodge (luxury)
Moderate option: Queen Elizabeth Safari Lodge or Simba Safari Camp
Low Budget option: Mweya Hostels or Kazinga Channel Lodge;
Meals Included today: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner at the Lodge.
(Driving time to Bush Lodge ± 2½hrs on mainly surfaced and muram roads)
Day 4: Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Game drive, boat trip on Kazinga Channel
We set out early in the morning for a game drive in the northern part of the park on the Kasenyi Track in search of lions, elephants, solitary buffaloes. This is the best time for opportunities of viewing the cats in action owing to the vast population of Uganda Kobs. We have an excellent chance to view just about every animal here at very close range. In the afternoon we will go for a launch trip along the Kazinga Channel. This gives you the opportunity to view wildlife up close: hippo’s huff and spray very close from the boat, buffalo linger in the shallow; elephants watering, and many other wildlife. At least 80% of the wildlife in Queen Elizabeth national park can be found along this Channel. The shores of the channel are also home to an array of birds including pink backed pelicans, pied and malachite kingfishers, saddle billed stork and many others.
Overnight at
Up-market option: Mweya Safari Lodge / Katara Lodge or Jacana Lodge / Enganzi lodge (luxury)
Moderate option: Queen Elizabeth Safari Lodge or Simba Safari Camp
Low Budget option: Mweya Hostels or Kazinga Channel Lodge;
Meals Included today: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner at the Lodge.
(Game Drive takes about 3 hours, boat trip takes 3 hours)
Day 5: Ishasha Sector for tree-climbing lions, and transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
We drive through the Ishasha sector in search for the tree-climbing lions. Nowhere in Africa do you stand a better chance of seeing this than in the large low limbed fig trees of Ishasha. This game drive en route will expose you to some of the animals that you might have missed seeing while on your game drives in Kasenyi and Queens Mile.
Afterwards, we head towards the breathtaking adventures of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
Overnight at
Up-market option: Buhoma Lodge/ Mahogany Springs Lodge
Moderate option: Engagi Lodge/ Silverback Lodge / Gorilla Safari Lodge/ Camp, Ruhija
Low Budget option: Buhoma Community Restcamp or Ruhija Gorilla Friends / gorilla valley lodge /Travellers hotel
Meals Included today: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner at the Lodge.
(Game Drive takes about 2 hours, driving to Bwindi 3 hours)
Day 6: Gorilla trekking (Bwindi Impenetrable NP) other primates
You will surely enjoy these two days! After breakfast, proceed for the morning briefing before enjoying the highlight of the trip- Gorilla trekking, which may last the entire day. We trek through the rainforest and bamboo covered slopes, accompanied by a guide and trackers, in search of a mountain gorilla family. The walking can sometimes be tough and long, but when you catch a glimpse of the magnificent silverback, any discomforts will be quickly forgotten. When sighted, visitors will be guided to within 6 metres from the gorillas, sit around them for a whole hour while gazing into their big round eyes.
Gorilla trekking is unpredictable. It's difficult to foresee how many hours you will hike. The gorilla excursion can take from 2 up to 8 hours. Expect to walk along distance in steep and muddy conditions, sometimes with rain overhead, before you encounter any gorillas. A good physical condition is recommended. For conservation purposes, time spent with the gorillas is limited to one hour. A ranger will brief you on how to behave with the gorillas.
While most of today's forests are no more than 12,000 years old, Bwindi's vegetation has been weaving itself into tangles over at least 25,000 years, in the process accumulating a lengthy species list. This includes 310 species of butterfly, 51 reptiles, 200 trees, 88 moths and an exceptional 120 types of mammal including 10 primates. The latter includes chimpanzee, L'Hoest's, red tailed and blue monkey, black and white colobus, baboon, and Bwindi's most famous resident, the mountain gorilla. Bwindi is a prime destination for birdwatchers. Its 350 species include seven which are IUCN red data listed and 90% of all Albertine rift endemics, species which are difficult or impossible to see in any other part of East Africa.
Overnight at
Up-market option: Buhoma Lodge/ Mahogany Springs Lodge
Moderate option: Engagi Lodge/ Silverback Lodge / Gorilla Safari Lodge/ Camp, Ruhija
Low Budget option: Buhoma Community Restcamp or Ruhija Gorilla Friends / gorilla valley lodge /Travellers hotel
Meals Included today: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner at the Lodge.
Day 7: Canoe trekking on Lake Bunyonyi-Uganda
After breakfast, set out for a 5-hour canoe trek as well as bird watching on the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi, traversing to the gorgeous Kyabahinga peninsula. Here you will be gladly welcomed with songs plus dances by the resident school children. You will enjoy with the locals at least a cup of “Obushera” which is a local brew. You will ascend the Kyabahinga slopes having a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the birdlife and the verdant terrain. The view is very breathtaking! The guide will certainly brief you about the history of the area.
Among the bird species you will see are the Dusky Tutle Dove, the Handsome Francolin and Alpine Chat. A renown herbalist who is a tradition healer -Omugurusi Jeremiah, based on the hill top will disclose to you some of the secretes about the flora on the tropical highland.
Dinner and overnight stay at either Bushara Island Camp, Bunyonyi overland resort (lower budget)
Moderate: Bird's Nest
Up-market: Bird's Nest/ Archadia Cottages
Day 8: Batwa community visit
Today wake up to a leisurely breakfast and prepare for yet another adventure around the park as you visit these indigenous natives the Batwa in Mgahinga national park. The Batwa are Uganda’s marginalized people and are view with derision by most of the Ugandan Nationals. The Batwa have lived their lives to current generations by hunting and gathering in the forest. The visit to the Batwa invariably involves songs and a dance demonstration, and once the music begins you can’t help but notice that they project a genuine pride in themselves. You shall then return to the lodge for lunch and also relax. Enjoy your evening at leisure as you prepare yourselves for the next day’s journey back to Kampala/Entebbe. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight. Accommodation options available (all on full board basis)
Dinner and overnight stay at either Bushara Island Camp, Bunyonyi overland resort (lower budget)
Moderate: Bird's Nest
Up-market: Bird's Nest/ Archadia Cottages
Day 9: Lake Bunyonyi-Lake Mburo National Park
We drive east to Mbarara, now one of Uganda’s major towns, but formerly capital of Ankole kingdom for over 400 years until disbanded by independence in 1962. In the days before modern Uganda came into being, the area had a series of fiercely independent tribal states. The once nomadic Bahima people, part of Bantu-speaking Ankole kingdom, are renowned for the particular bond they forge with their unique, long-horned Ankole cattle. These hardy cattle respond to their individual names when called by their male herder; he in turn lives in close harmony with them. From here you continue to Lake Mburo, a small but picturesque national park renowned for its herds of antelope and one of the only two Ugandan parks home to Buchell’s zebra. The park is also especially good for acacia-associated bird.Accommodation options available (all on full board basis)
Accommodation options available (all on full board basis)
Up-market: Mihingo Lodge / Mantana Tented Camp/ Archadia Cottages
Moderate: Lake Mburo Safari Lodge/ Rakobo Rock
Low Budget: Rwonyo Campsite
Day 10: Game drive & Boat ride
Have breakfast or an early morning cup of coffee, take morning game drive looking for several wildlife species like the Zebras, Elands, Impalas, lions, leopards, buffaloes, elephants, water and bush bucks, warthogs, bush pigs, Uganda Kobs and other types of antelopes. This experience takes 3-4 hours, thereafter transfer to Kampala with lunch enroute and connect to Jinja in the evening for dinner and overnight at Nile Resort or Kingfisher Safari Resort pr Gately inn
Day 11: Source of the Nile and Bujagali Falls Rafting
After breakfast, we go for a full/ half day rafting adventure on the Nile. Get prepared by listening to some briefing, fitting of life jackets and few minutes training. Feel the adrenaline rush as you paddle with your team though grade 5 rapids for over 11 km. If you’re doing half day rafting, your trip will end on Malubisi Island where you have lunch and drinks but if you’re on full day, it will continue to the last Nile Special wave with a mouth watering buffet and drinks at the end.Transfer to hotel in Kampala for dinner and overnight. Accommodation options available (bed breakfast basis)
Up-market: Sheraton Kampala hotel, Serena hotel
Moderate: Golf course hotel, Grand imperial, imperial royal
Low Budget: Red Chili hideaway,
Day 12: Kampala City tour and Departure
Take a city tour in Kampala, visit Kasubi tombs, bahai temple, Uganda Museum, Art and crafts shots and local markets, and later transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Note: If you’re not interested in rafting, there are plenty of other fun-filled activities you can enjoy while on tour in Jinja and these include Bungee Jumping, River Kayaking, Quad biking, horseback riding, Jet boating among others. Just let us know which activity you want and we will add it to the itinerary.
+256 704 63 5044 , +256 776 566 077 OR via
our email info@sightseeinguganda.com. or sightseeingug@gmail.com
We are warmly waiting for you inquiry!
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