This safari starts and finishes in Entebbe/Kampala. This Ugandan allows you to experience up close these magnificent animals. Kibale Forest - Kibale Forest has the highest number of primates in Africa - thirteen species in all, including red, black and white colobus, blue monkeys and baboons and a large number of chimpanzees. A forest walk provides a high possibility of seeing and hearing the vast number of chimps and other primates playing and jumping around through the forest. With over 300 bird species recorded in the forest, Kibale boasts of many rewarding experiences not thought of in some other forests of Africa. Money paid for Bigodi and Magombe goes directly to the local communities. Queen Elizabeth National Park for game drives, boat trip on the Kazinga Channel, chimpanzee tracking, bush walks Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla tracking - Seeing some of the last remaining 700 mountain gorillas in the world is a fantastic experience. This safari takes you tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Bwindi has four habituated families and the gorillas there live in thicker tropical forest and tracking is more challenging as the hillsides are steeper. You can also go for nature walks to see birds, monkeys and orchids. Lake Mburo National Park for game viewing.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Entebbe airport. Meet, greet and start for Fort Portal via the pretty little town of Mubende set in rolling hills. Choice of a brief stop at Nakayima Shrine, a splendid tree known to be 400 years old, worshiped by local people and thought to be holding the spirit of an ancient king. Lunch en route and continue to Kibale. Arrive late afternoon. Relax at lodge or explore nearby Crater Lake. Includes: (L, D).
Day 2: This 766-square-kilometer tropical rain forest is the natural habitat for an amazing 12 primate species, and contains the highest primate density of an area on Earth. Here, on a guided forest walk, you may find families of Chimpanzees and Red Colobus Monkeys chattering and swinging through the ancient forest trees. Some of the trees are 50 to 60 meters (150 to 180 feet) in height, and provide a majestic canopy for the profusion of rain forest life, including 325 bird species. Even though you may only rarely see them, the park is home to the largest population of Forest Elephant in Uganda, and is also home to Buffalo, Uganda Kob, Genet, Civet, Waterbuck and Bushbuck. Take a guided walk through this fascinating forest, following the well-marked trails. After lunch visit a nearby forest swamp that is excellent for viewing more primates and other forest animals. Includes: (B, L, D).
Day 3: Start for Queen Elizabeth National Park. Set in the western branch of the Great Rift Valley, the park is incredibly diverse in the type of terrain it encompasses. Prehistoric volcanic explosion craters now serve as huge amphitheaters across the floor of which troop herds of Elephant and Buffalo. Some of these craters have formed salt lakes in which Flamingo from as far away as Kenya are scattered like delicate pink dust. Wide open plains support fair numbers of game, both prey and predator. The two large lakes that bound the park - Edward and George, together with the connecting Kazinga Channel are home to large numbers of Hippo, and numerous Crocodile. Arrive at Mweya Lodge, dramatically located on a peninsula that juts out into Lake Edward and provides excellent views of the Kazinga Channel. Enjoy the first game drive in the evening. Includes: (B, L, D).
Day 4: Drive to the Kyambura Gorge, a deep natural ravine in the surrounding plains. Descend into the floor of the gorge, track the fast moving and elusive chimpanzees, one of man's closest relations. The chimp population is quite mobile and viewing is unpredictable but the walk is enchanting. Alternatively go for a nature walk in Maramagambo Forest to see other primates and to visit the bat cave and the blue lake. In the afternoon take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel where the wildlife and a vast array of birds come to drink. Includes: (B, L, D).
Day 5: Start for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Either drive via Ishasha, home of the tree-climbing lion, roads permitting, or take the alternative route through cultivated expanses. Time permitting, go for a short stroll around the Lodge or explore the village. Includes: (B, L, D).
Days 6-7: These two days activities may be amongst the most exciting and challenging of the entire expedition. The Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi are part of a worldwide population of just 600 individuals. The gorillas are by no means tame, and are completely wild animals. However, experienced guides accompany you on tracking, many of who have been involved in the habituation process themselves. The guides use their knowledge of the gorillas’ habits and information from the previous day to locate the group’s whereabouts. Time taken to track the gorillas varies enormously, from as little as half an hour to as much as 9 hours. Once the gorillas are located, one is allowed a maximum of one hour with the gorillas. This is one of the world’s truly memorable experiences - a look into one of these magnificent creatures eyes brings home the bond that exists between them and us. The hour is often over all too quickly! Includes: (B, L, D).
Day 8: Travel eastwards to Lake Mburo National Park. After lunch in Mbarara, drive to the park and check into your camp. Enjoy an evening game drive to view the parks plains, game species and birds, followed by a return to the camp to freshen up for dinner. Includes: (B, L, D).
Day 9: Early morning game drive and return to Entebbe. Lunch. Afternoon at leisure. Transfer to the airport for your return flight.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price includes the gorilla permit in Bwindi.
Note: Single Room Supplement per person using room alone $541
Also see tour packages in:
Africa
Uganda
Wildlife Viewing
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