Overview

6 Days Congo gorilla trekking safari and Nyiragongo hiking tour is a 6 days safari in Congo to Virunga National Park on a gorilla trekking safari and hike to Mount Nyiragongo. Visiting Virunga National Park in Congo offers a chance to trek the only mountain gorillas of West Africa as well as hike one of the most active Volcanoes in the world with spectacular, long lasting views on the volcano summit.

This 6 days safari to Congo is the time spent within Virunga with arrival and departure from the country. The safari includes two gorilla treks within the jungle as well as a hike to Mount Nyiragongo. Double gorilla trekking offers a chance to learn more about the gorillas with different characters. Throughout the trip, your Congo safaris guide will do transfers and ensure all activities are undertaken.

Safari Inclusions

• Accommodations
• Meals and drinking water
• Gorilla trekking permit
• Volcano trek permit
• All ground transfers

Safari Exclusions

• Extra drinks/beverages
• Hiring porters
• rental of Nyiragongo backpack,
• Tips
• Any other purchase of personal nature

Day 1: Transfer to Congo

On the first day of your trip, your tour guide will ensure a transfer to Congo and ensure check in with Virunga tourism office. Most tourists to the country arrive through Kigali International Airport which takes about an 8 hours drive; therefore, early arrival is recommended or spend a night in Kigali. After receiving safari permits, the drive continues to a booked lodging facility in Congo. Check in and relax at the lodge. On early arrival to the lodge, you can Rumangabo’s several nature trails, go bird watching or visit Virunga’s Congo hounds.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Mikeno Lodge

Day 2: First gorilla trek in Virunga National Park

First gorilla trek in Virunga National Park

Early morning after breakfast at Mikeno Lodge you set off to Bukima Ranger post for briefing before setting off for gorilla trekking. On arrival at the ranger post by 8:00am local time, there’s briefing by park rangers on the do’s and don’ts of Congo gorilla safaris.

Gorilla trekking takes about 1-2.5 hours of hiking each way, depending on location of the group being trekked and the difficulty of the terrain. After spending the allotted hour with the gorillas, trekkers will return to Bukima camp where a late lunch will be served. In the afternoon, you can explore Bukima with bird watching and visiting the Park’s bamboo project.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Bukima Camp

Day 3: Second gorilla trek at Virunga National Park

This morning, you have breakfast and go for a second gorilla trek in Virunga National Park. This time, you have chance to spend 1 hour with another gorilla family increasing on the gorilla encounters. After the trek, you return to Mikeno Lodge for relaxation.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Mikeno Lodge

Day 4: Spend the day at leisure in Mikeno Lodge

The fourth day of your trip is spent at relaxation at Mikeno Lodge.  Relax at the peaceful surroundings of Mikeno Lodge as you relax from the trek and prepare for the hike the next day.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Mikeno Lodge

Day 5: Hike Nyiragongo and spend the night at the summit

Hike Nyiragongo

Have a morning breakfast at Mikeno Lodge and start the transfer to Kibati Ranger post, departure point for the Nyiragongo volcano trek. On arrival to Kibati, climbers will receive a briefing and have the opportunity to hire porters. Hiring porters takes an extra cost and therefore you need to carry some cash for this. The hike to the Nyirangongo summit lasts about 6 hours depending on the hikers’ ability.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Nyiragongo summit cabins

Day 6: Descend Mount Nyiragongo and depart

After a great night at the Nyiragongo summit, you then descend to the Kibati post. The descend is about four hours. Once at the bottom, you are transferred to your departure point.

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TRIP OVERVIEW
A Gorilla trek within the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a highlight of all visits done in Uganda and certainly mountain gorillas are the major reason as to why very many people visit Uganda. On the other hand, Uganda is recognized as a very safe and more so secure country in which you can see these Gorillas in serene surroundings. Enjoy close encounters with wildlife Family friendly and See native wildlife in their natural environment

Accommodation; midrange-Bakiga lodge

 Luxury – Four Gorillas heights

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INCLUSIONS

1. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
2. 1 Gorilla permit per person
3. 2 nights’ accommodation as per itinerary
4. National Park entry fees
5. Bottled water
6. Driver/guide
7. Transport by private vehicle
8. Hotel/port pickup and drop-off

PRICE EXCLUDES:

1. Entry permit/visas for Uganda if required.
2. International/domestic flight fares.
3. Souvenirs and items of a personal nature like telephone calls
4. First and last night’s accommodation in Kampala or Entebbe (This can be arranged on request at an extra fee)
5. Any personal insurance
6. Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
7. Gratuities

Departure & Return
Departure Point: Traveler pickup is offered (From Hotel or Airport)
Return Point: Returns to original departure point

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WHAT TO EXPECT – YOUR TRIP ITINERARY

Day 1: Kampala – Bwindi

Leaving Kampala very early stop at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, that is Kabale in the Western Region of Uganda, it’s almost a full day’s drive through the beautiful Mother Nature to the ancient rain-forests of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. On the way, skirt the north-eastern shores of Lake Victoria, and climb into the mountainous south-western region of Uganda through terraced hillsides dotted with traditional settlements. Expect to arrive at our picturesque space on the edge of the forest in the late afternoon. Overnight at the Lodge

Drive Duration: 4-6 hours

Day 2: Bwindi gorilla trekking; Bwindi is a magnificent green swathe of dense rain-forest and is one of the most biologically diverse areas on earth and a recently proclaimed World Heritage Site. Begin your gorilla trek in the early morning, and set off into the tangled and mist-shrouded forests with guides and trackers who are very experienced at locating the gorillas by finding the nest the family had used the previous night. The search for these majestic animals goes through thick untamed rain-forest, where you will be scrambling over mossy rocks and through deep undergrowth and it can be arduous at times. But when you come face to face with the gorillas for the first time, the trek will be more than worth it, and watching gorillas in their natural habitat is a memory that will last a lifetime. After spending an hour with the gorillas we head back to the base camp for a late lunch and a relaxing afternoon.

Day 3: Bwindi – Kampala Stop At: Kampala Fair, Kampala, Central Region Departing early in the morning start your journey back to Kampala stopping for lunch en route. Expect to arrive back in the city in the early evening after a quick but exhilarating visit to the mountain gorillas.

Duration: 4 hours

ADDITIONAL  INFORMATION

1. Confirmation and customized Itinerary will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
2. Not recommended for pregnant travelers
3. Each traveler is allowed a maximum of 1 suitcase and 1 carry-on bag.
   Over sized or excessive luggage (e.g. surfboards, golf clubs or bikes) may have certain restrictions, please inform us prior to travel to confirm if your excess luggage is acceptable.
4. Not wheelchair accessible
5. Not recommended for travelers with back problems, heart problems or other serious medical conditions.
6. Travelers should have a strong physical fitness level
7. A domestic flight to Bwindi can also be arranged at an extra fee subjected to availability.

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Midrange-Ikorom Safari Lodge

Luxury- Chobe Safari lodge / Sambiya River lodge

OVER VIEW

Murchison Falls stands as the largest National Park in Uganda covering approximately 3,877 Sq. km and one of the most spectacular in Africa.At the Murchison Falls, the Nile River plunges through a narrow crevice and over a 40-metre drop.East of the Murchison Falls within the park, are the Karuma Falls, where the Nile River cascades over a breath-taking 23 km of rapids.

Your cruise upstream the Nile to the Falls is would definitely be an unforgettable experience. On the banks of the Nile River you will find prolific wildlife including elephant, crocodile, hippopotamus, lion, giraffe, buffalo, and countless antelopes and birds can be observed

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PRICE INCLUDES:

1. Ground Transportation (4WD Vehicle)
2. 2 nights’ accommodation as per options in the itinerary
3. Applicable hotel tax and VAT
4. Activities as stipulated on the safari program
5. Services of an English-speaking EDX travel driver/guide
6. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (During the stay)
7. Bottled drinking water while on safari
8. All park fees and Entries except the optional ones

PRICE EXCLUDES

1. Entry permit/visas for Uganda if required.
2. International/domestic flight fares.
3. Souvenirs and items of a personal nature like telephone calls
4. First and last night’s accommodation in Kampala or Entebbe (This can be arranged on request at an extra fee)
5. Any personal insurance

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WHAT TO EXPECT

1. Murchison Falls National Park Game drive
2. Launch Cruise to the bottom of the Falls
3. Mild Bird watching at the River Banks
4. Hike to the Top of the Murchison Falls
5. Rhino trekking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

YOUR TRIP ITINERARY

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DAY 1: TRANSFER TO MURCHISON FALLS.

START POINT: KAMPALA

We will pick you from the meeting point in Kampala in the morning hours after Breakfast; you will have a road trip through Mubende while you enjoy the beautiful Mother Nature green on the road side.  You will stopover at Ziwa rhino sanctuary in Nakasongola to track rhinos . After a fun-filled ride of 5 hours, EDX travel team will check you into your Hotel inside the National Park for an overnight.

Among the activities you will enjoy that evening; A relaxed memorable view of the Park, Camp fire, wild animal sounds and a few friendly wild animals that will visit the surrounding of the Hotel.

DAY 2: GAME DRIVE, BOAT CRUISE & HIKE

After your delicious early morning breakfast, EDX travel will pick you from your Hotel for game drive in the pursuit for Lions, Giraffes, Elephants, Hyenas, Uganda Kobs, Buffaloes and waterbucks. The Hot Air Balloon safari can also be arranged on request at an extra charge of $400 per person (Optional). After a 2-4 Hours Game drive/ride in the wild, we will return to the Hotel for lunch. Then in the afternoon you will enjoy a 2 hours thrilling boat cruise upstream to the bottom of the famous Murchison falls. This offers a closer view of the East Africa’s biggest mighty waterfall on River Nile. Expect to see beautiful birds, hippopotamus and Nile crocodiles in the water as well as elephants, warthogs, and buffaloes along the shores. The boat will drop us at the bottom of the falls where we will take our 1 hour hike to the top. While you hike, you will witness the gorgeousness of the milky thunderous Murchison falls. This God given wonder is a gift to Mother Nature Uganda. The humble smooth mist from the falls will welcome you from the hike to the top.

You will then return to the Hotel for freshening up, dinner and overnight.

DAY 3: JOURNEY BACK TO KAMPALA.

After Breakfast, you will check out of your hotel and we will drive to Budongo Forest for chimpanzee tracking at an extra fee of $100 per person (Optional). Then drive back to Kampala and if time allows, you will go on a shopping bender at the craft market on Buganda road or National Theatre (Uganda National Cultural centre).

Reliant on your departure time EDX travel will escort you to Entebbe Airport; flag you goodbye as you catch your flight back home.

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Confirmation will be received within 24 hours at time of booking, unless booked within 7 days of travel. In this case confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability.
• Minimum drinking age is 18 years
• The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic on the road
• All visa requirements are the sole responsibility of the traveller Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants
• A current valid passport is required on the day of travel

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DAY 1:NAIROBI-SAMBURU?GAME RESERVE(B,L,D))

This morning depart by road from to buffalo spring game reserveSamburuGame Reserve the Kenya’s rugged, semi-arid of the Northern Eastern Province. Lunch will be served on your way tosamburu. Afternoon game viewing drives in the game reserve. Dinner and overnight at the Umoja camps

SamburuNational Reserve is a place of endless skies, dust-red plains and palm-fringed rivers,Samburu sNational Reserve lies on the fringes of the vast and arid desert once known as the Northern Frontier District, whose heat-scorched scrublands extend all the way to the jade-green waters of Lake Turkana and beyond. Physically dramatic, the 104 sq kilometre landscape of the Reserve features rocky battlements, craggy scarps, dry river beds and fallen boulders rising out of the thorn scrub against a backdrop of the far-distant hills and the great red table mountain known as Lololokwi. As for wildlife,Samburu provides one of the few sanctuaries in Kenya for the endangered Grevys zebra, the rare beisa oryx and the blue-shanked Somali ostrich whilst large herds of elephants roam the gaunt hills during the day before returning to bathe on the banks of the river in the evening.

DAY 2:SAMBURUGAME RESERVE FULL DAY(B, L, D)

After breakfast ,morning and afternoon game viewing drive in the Sambaru game reserve

The surrounding terrain is renowned for rare game, long-necked gerenuk, Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, and the Beisa Oryx. Leopards are frequent passers-by. Game drives and bird-watching safaris are the ideal way to experience the native wildlife in its natural splendour. Dinner and overnight at the Umoja camp/similar Dinner and overnight at? Samburu Sopa Lodge/similar

DAY 3:SAMBURU TO LAKE NAKURU (B, L, D)

Breakfast at the Camp/lodge  This morning depart by road from Samburu to Lk. Nakuru passing via the Nyahururu Water Falls (Thompson Falls commonly known as the T-falls!) stopping briefly (optional hike at an additional cost of around $3).

LakeNakuru National Park is world famous and was created a National Park, to protect its stunning flocks of lesser and greater flamingos, which literally turn its shores pink. Its birdlife is world renowned: a beacon for leading Ornithologists, scientists and wildlife filmmakers. The park spans an attractive range of wooded and bush grassland around the lake offering wide ecological diversity, from lake water, and woodland to the rocky escarpments and ridges. Notable game within the lake includes hippos and clawless otters. On the shores roam waterbuck, Bohor’s Reedbuck and zebra. The woodlands and forest are now home to both black and white rhinos. Game viewing is relatively easy: buffalo, leopard, tree-climbing lions, Rothschild’s giraffe, and Black and White Columbus monkeys are plentiful in the forest. The bushlands offer eland, steenbok, impala, Chandler’s reedbuck and dik, whilst rock hyrax and klipspringer occupy the cliffs and escarpment. Dinner and overnight at the Golden Palace Resort or/similar. Dinner and overnight at Lake Nakuru Lodge or/similar

DAY4: LAKE NAKURU MASAI MARA (B,L, D)

After breakfast, proceed for a morning game drive, later leave L.Nakuru for Masai Mara and drive north ascending the Great Rift Valley for breathtaking views and photography. The Rift Valley was formed millions of years ago. Stretching some 5,000 miles from Jordan to Mozambique, it’s the largest Rift on Earth. Descend the escarpment and drive to Narok-town where you will stop for early hot lunch. Proceed to Masai Mara after lunch arriving in good time at your camp.

After checking into your camp, freshen up then go for an introductory game viewing drive. Masai Mara is famous for its black manned lions and yearly migration of wildebeests and the big five. Dinner and overnight stay at? Enchoro wildlife lodge or Similar (B, L, D)? www.enchorowildlifecamp.com Dinner and overnight stay at Mara Sopa Lodge or Similar (L, D)

DAY5:MASAI MARA  WHOLE DAY (B, L, D)

A full day spent game viewing a cross the rich savannah grassland and rolling hills. The famous Mara is renowned for its great herds of plain game, black-manned lions, leopard and cheetah but also contains numerous elephants and virtually every type of wildlife to be found here in the Mara. Dinner and overnight at Enchoro wildlife Camp Similar- (B, L, D).Camping at or similar www.enchorowildlifecamp.com Dinner and overnight stay at Mara Sopa Lodge or Similar (L, D)

DAY6:MASAI MARA/ SERENGETI THROUGHISEBANIA (B, L, D)

After Early morning breakfast leave Masai mara with a game drive en route to connect with our Tanzania. Driver guide atIsebania, for Serengeti since this is an extension of Masai mara.
Dinner and overnight stay at Seronera Camp. Dinner and Overnight stay at Ikoma Camp

DAY7: SERENGETI FULL DAY

Breakfast at the Serengeti park. This morning depart from the Western side of the vast?Serengeti?National park to the central side of the park. Lunch will be at Ikoma Lodge. Afternoon game viewing drives on this side of the park. Dinner and Overnight at the Ikoma lodge

DAY 8: SERENGETI NGORONGORO (B, L, D)

After breakfast depart for Serengeti passing through Olduvai Gorge the site of the Leakey family’s discovery of fossils of human and animal ancestors dating back to almost two million years. Meals and overnight at Simba A Camp.  Dinner and Overnight stay at NSYA Lodge

DAY9: NGORONGORO FULL DAY (B, L, D)

Today we drive from Ngorongoro to Tarangire. With a permanent water source, the park is virtually guaranteed enormous herds and excellent game viewing including cheetah, lion (some tree-climbing!), leopard and hyena and a herd of 3,500 elephants. The park is also host to a number of rare species including eland, oryx, kudu and gerenuka tranquil oasis overlooking the rolling plains. Dinner and overnight stay at Zioni camp
Dinner and Overnight stay at NSYA Lodge

DAY 10: NGORONGORO -AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK (B, L, D)

After breakfast starts your journey driving through the magnificent scenery and herds of wild animals to Amboseli National Park. The park lies at the base of snow-capped Mt. Kilimanjaro and is renowned for its large population of huge red/elephants. Amboseli is in the centre of Masai land. Dinner and overnight at Kimana camp
Dinner and overnight or Similar-MaraSopa Lodge (B, L, D).

DAY 11:AMBOSELI FULLDAY (B, L, D)

After breakfast, proceed for full-day game drive.. After Lunch siesta break then continue with the game drive where the plains game namely zebra, wildebeest, giraffe and various antelopes can be seen.
You will have a great view of the peak of Kilimanjaro which may be seen during clear weather from the camp, anywhere in the park or from the observation hill. Large herds of elephants and hippos can be seen bathing in the swamp grounds whose water source is Mt. Kilimanjaro. Hyenas laughing, lions growling, buffaloes blindly grazing in the fields and other species of wildlife and birds.
Dinner and overnight at Kimana camp. Dinner and overnight or  Similar-Mara Sopa Lodge (B, L, D).Camping at or similar

DAY 12:AMBOSELI NAIROBI (B, L.D)

An early morning game drive come back for breakfast then depart? Amboseli? with game drive en route back to Nairobi. Dinner at carnivore restaurant. Dinner and overnight at the Kipepeo Hotel similar. Dinner and overnight at? Sarova panafric /similar

What’s included:

• The services of our knowledgeable English-speaking driver/guide
• Full board accommodation?in self-contained-tents/camps /Lodges+ Meals on Safari (B.L.D)
• Picnic-lunches as indicated
• All the Park entrance/ conservation fees
• Transport in a safari Micro-Toyota 4×4 wheel-drive with a pop-up roof for wildlife viewing and photography in?Kenya? and a land cruiser at? Tanzania
• Guaranteed windows/and comfortable seats
• 13 nights/14 days Accommodation
• Game viewing drives as per the safari program
• bottled mineral water throughout the safari
• Return transfer to your place of staying
• Emergency flying doctors evacuation cover up to a radius of 1000 km ex-Nairobi
• All applicable taxes & government tolls
• Crater lake fee at Ngorongoro

Cost excludes:

• Soft drinks, juices, alcoholic and other beverages taken with lunch/dinner
• The optional visit to tribal villages e.g. visit to a Maasai village$ 20 PP, it’s also negotiable with the Masai chief Ballon safari in the Mara $ 450 pp-bookable before departure.
• Tip to driver/guide
  

                       

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Highlights: 1night Nairobi, 2 night Mt Kenya, 1night Aberdare, 1night Nakuru, 2nights Mara

Day 1?? Nairobi

Welcome at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by our representative and transfer to a city hotel on a bed and breakfast basis (other meals to be paid direct). Depending on arrival time, an optional excursion to Bomas of Kenya is available on request. ?BOMA? is a Swahili homestead, and this is what you will find at this famous venue located a few minutes. drive from the City Centre. This introduces you to Kenya’s 16 major tribes and the homesteads reflect the diversity of the country’s rich culture. The highlight of the tour is a display of traditional dances and acrobatic shows performed at the venue’s expansive arena. Hotel/Lodge – BB

Day 2?? Nairobi? Mt Kenya Region

Morning departure for Mwea Tebere rice fields, the traditional rice growing area of Kenya. The region has stunning views of rolling hills carpeted with all manner of vegetation. Picnic lunch out in the open fields whilst you enjoy the countryside scenery before proceeding to Nyeri town, which overlooks Africa’s highest mountain. Dinner and overnight at Hotel / Lodge – LDBB

Day 3?? Mt Kenya Region

Depart after breakfast for Mt. Kenya tea growing farms, which are adjacent to the rainforest in this mountain region. Some items of interest to buy in this region are fresh fruits, Samburu crafts and jewellery, and Kikuyu baskets. Dinner and overnight at Hotel / Lodge – LDBB

Day 4 Aberdare Region

After breakfast drive through Karatina town, with the largest open-air market in East Africa to arrive for lunch at Thompson’s Falls Lodge, which overlooks the mighty falls discovered by Joseph Thompson in 1883. An afternoon spent visiting the town market area and the environs returning for dinner and overnight at the Hotel / Lodge – LDBB

Day 5?? Nakuru National Park

Drive through Subukia after breakfast to arrive in Nakuru town late morning. Visit the dormant Menengai Crater, which bubbles up every so often, causing faults that break up the highway nearby. Visit the lake Nakuru National Park in the afternoon to view the magnificent Pink Flamingoes and other birds on the lake, which also has a protected sanctuary for endangered species. Dinner and overnight at Hotel / Lodge – LDBB

Day 6?? Masai Mara National Game Reserve

Depart for the world-famous Masai Game reserve after breakfast. The National Reserve was the shooting location for the film Out of Africa and remains the location for the British Broadcasting Corporation’s Big Cat dairy wildlife series. The reserve’s major attraction is the great wildebeest and Zebra migration from Serengeti in Tanzania which happens between July and September. This annual migration is the greatest wildlife spectacle on earth. Dinner and overnight Camp / Lodge -LDBB

Day 7?? Masai Mara National Game Reserve

Full day in the Mara viewing game with a picnic lunch in the open plains. A visit to the Mara Hippo pools where crocodiles and Hippos bask lazily in the sun. Do the pools also happen to be natural? corridor? for the annual migration of the Wildebeest as they cross from Serengeti in Tanzania to the Kenyan Mara reserve. Dinner and overnight at Camp / Lodge -LDBB

Day 8?? Nairobi/Depart

After breakfast and check out depart for Nairobi with an optional stop at the Masai Village which is conducted at an extra cost. Arrive for Lunch, before your drop off at your hotel or JKI Airport.

The costs include:

• Park entrance fees in the Game Reserves and National Parks
• Fullboard Accommodation while on safari
• Experienced English Speaking driver-guide
• Transportation in a chauffeur-driven minivan with a pop-up roof for easy game viewing & photography with??? guaranteed window seat in the minivan (unless specified by agent)
• All meals as specified in the itinerary
• Free Mineral water during game drives

The cost excludes:

• Additional sightseeing or deviation from the itinerary
• All items of a personal nature such as tobacco; laundry; phone calls, alcoholic & non-alcoholic drinks etc
• Tips and gratuities to hotel, lodges, camp staff and driver-guides
• Any Other Items not mentioned above

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DAY 1:  NAIROBI-AMBOSELI (L, D)

After breakfast, we will pick you up from your place of stay at -0800hrs. Thereafter depart for Amboseli National Park arriving in time for lunch at the camp. Freshen up before an introductory late afternoon game drive in the Park with a perfect view of Africa’s highest mountain, Kilimanjaro in the backdrop!

Dinner and overnight at kimana camp 

Amboseli National Park provides the classic Hollywood image of Africa. Set in rolling savannah scenery it is dwarfed by the presence of the pink-tinged, snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro which, at 5,896 meters, is the highest free-standing mountain in the world and topped by one-fifth of all the ice in Africa. Against this magnificent backdrop roam vast herds of elephants accompanied by a kaleidoscope of other fabulous beasts -lion, buffalo, cheetah, giraffe, baboon, gazelle hippo and wildebeest to name but a few. There are also over 400 species of birds, all manner of reptilian, flora and fauna and some of the most soul-searing views in Africa.

DAY 2: AMBOSELI FULL DAY (B, L, D)

After breakfast, Leave for a full day with picnic lunch in the park After lunch, it’s a leisure or further evening game drive in search of herds of elephants, plains game and the several bird species that are resident in this park.

Dinner and overnight at Kimana Camp

DAY 3: AMBOSELI – NAIROBI– (B, L, )

Early morning breakfast then depart Amboseli with a game drive en route back to the Namanga border to connect the shuttle bus to Arusha on your own.

KEY: (B, L, D) B-Breakfast, L- Lunch, D- Dinner

What’s included?

• Kenyan Experience with home comfort
• Quality safari
• The services of our knowledgeable English-speaking driver/guide
• Full board accommodation in self-contained-tents/camps + Meals on Safari (B.L.D)
• Picnic lunches at the Mara River on the second day as indicated
• All the Park entrance/ conservation fees
• Transport in a safari Micro-Toyota van with a pop-up roof for wildlife viewing and photography.
• Guaranteed windows/and comfortable seats
• 02nights/3 days staying in the Amboseli
• Saftyness
• Bottled mineral water throughout the safari
• Return transfer to your place of staying
• Emergency flying doctors evacuation cover up to a radius of 1000 KM ex-Nairobi
• All applicable taxes & government tolls

Cost excludes:

• Soft drinks, juices, alcoholic and other beverages taken with lunch/dinner
• The optional visit to tribal villages e.g. visit a Maasai village $ 20 PP, it’s also negotiable with the Masai chief Ballon safari in the Mara and is $ 450PP -bookable before departure.
• Tip to driver/guide

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Accommodation: Kidepo Savannah lodge

OVERVIEW

Kidepo Valley National Park is one of Uganda’s most spectacular parks and it is located in Uganda’s remote north eastern corner. It lies in the rugged, semiarid valleys between Uganda’s borders with Sudan and Kenya, some 700km from Kampala. Gazetted as a national park in 1962, it has a profusion of big game and hosts over 77 mammal species as well as around 475 bird species. The park is 1,442km2 in Size and its altitude ranges between 914m and 2,750m above sea level.

Kidepo National Park contains two rivers – Kidepo and Narus – which disappear in the dry season, leaving just pools for the wildlife. The local communities around the park include pastoral Karamojong people, similar to the Masai of Kenya, and the IK, a hunter-gatherer tribe whose survival is threatened.

Kidepo is Uganda’s most isolated national park, but the few who make the long journey north through the wild frontier region of Karamoja would agree that it is also the most magnificent, for Kidepo ranks among Africa’s 3rd finest wildernesses. From Apoka, in the heart of the park, a savannah landscape extends far beyond the gazetted area, towards horizons outlined by distant mountain ranges.

During the dry season, the only permanent water in the park is found in wetlands and remnant pools in the broad Narus Valley near Apoka. These seasonal oases, combined with the open, savannah terrain, make the Narus Valley the park’s prime game viewing location. Kidepo Valley N.P. was rated 3rd best National Park in Africa by CNN.

INCLUSIONS 

• 3 nights accommodation
• National Park fees and Professional guide
• Bottled water, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Hotel pickup and drop-off and Transport by air-conditioned minivan​

EXCLUSIONS

• Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
• Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

Departure Point: Airport, Hotel in Entebbe or Kampala City
Departure Time: 7:00 am, Hotel pickups commence prior to this time
Return Point: Entebbe Airport, Hotel in Entebbe or Kampala City

WHAT TO EXPECT – ITINERARY

Day 1: Pickup from Kampala and travel to Kidepo Valley National Park. You will start the drive to Kidepo with lunch en route at Gulu town Continue to drive past Kitgum town and be driven through Karamoja land up to Kidepo Valley National park. The park offers breathtaking Savannah landscapes, which end in a rugged horizon. A huge latitudinal range and correspondingly wide climatic conditions have evolved an extremely diverse flora. Unique birds are found here like the Ostrich, kori bustard and secretary with 463 bird species. Overnight at Kidepo Savannah Lodge

Day 2: Two game drives. Early morning after breakfast, you will do a game drive. You will most likely be able to view those animals that are unique to the African Savannah like giraffes, antelopes, lions, elephants, hyenas, buffaloes and the Uganda Kobs. The splendid Kidepo river valley is dominated by the Borassus palm forest, the startling savannah landscape and the stunning view of the Narus valley situated in the southwest of the park. To the north of Sudan at the Lotukei Mountains and the Morongole range which marks the southern boundary of the park and ends the trail at the Kanangorok hot spring with a view of a number of faunas that can be seen wandering around like the tall Ostrich. After you will be driven back to Park bandas for lunch and resting. After lunch and relaxing, you will take on another game drive in the evening exploring different wildlife in the area. Seeing herds of buffaloes, elephants and a variety of birds like ostrich herons, OR visit the Kanangorok Hot Springs. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 3: Another game drive in a different area. You will have another morning in the park exploring different wildlife in Kidepo. The game drive will give you a chance for bird watching having a chance to see some of the rear bird and animal species like the cheetah and hunting dog, bat fox and striped hyena, gazelles, zebras, Rothschild’s giraffes, antelope species including roan antelope, bushbuck, boho reed buck Jackson’s hartebeest, Buffaloes, Elands, Bushbucks, Waterbucks, Elephants and the jackal, From here you will understand by the end of the tour why their pride makes them slow to adapt to the dynamic world and their love for cattle is comparable to the better known Masai of Kenya and Tanzania. After lunch, you will make a visit to the Karamajong community and learn about their lifestyle.

Day 4: Morning after breakfast you will be driven back to Kampala. Arrival will be in the evening, then head to Entebbe airport for your evening flight back home or drop off to Hotel in Kampala.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 

• Confirmation will be received within 24 hours of booking
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Infant seats available
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• The dress code is smart casual
• Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at the time of booking for all participants
• This is a private tour/activity so only your group will participate
• A scheduled Flight can be arranged from Entebbe airport to Kidepo National Park at an Extra fee.

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OVERVIEW

Executive Destinations & Experiences Limited (#EDXTravel) is a travel advisory and safari company based in Kampala, Uganda. Every day, we work, relentlessly, to become, our clients’ most most-trusted travel advisors. Our mission is to save our clients time and money, by selecting the choicest and most competitively priced destinations that create unforgettable authentic African travel experiences.

The 14 Days Around Uganda the Pearl of Africa Experience is the ultimate unforgettable experience for anyone seeking to experience the best of Uganda- the Pearl of Africa.

Uganda offers everything precious, rare and beautiful in Africa, in one destination. The best way to enjoy this unique destination is to savour it, slowly, which is why this safari is truly an adventure of a lifetime. This trip will take you to five of Uganda’s most-prized national parks and treat you to a rare experience of the “Big Five” – lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalos.

Uganda, being the Primate Capital of the World, this trip has been curated to offer you an unrivalled opportunity to see chimpanzees and the rare mountain gorillas— Uganda is home to 53% of the entire world’s population of gorillas. You will also get to see several other animals, including giraffes, zebras, hippopotamus, and crocodiles, as well as several birds and butterfly species.

Visitors will get to visit the Source of the Nile, the longest river in the world as well as a raft on its world-famous rapids. This trip also offers a visit to two of East Africa’s most spectacular waterfalls—Murchison Falls and Sipi Falls as well as the one-of-a-kind Sempaya Hot springs in the Semuliki National Park.

Along the entire route, you will be astounded by the picturesque landscapes, and impenetrable natural rain forests as well as visit local communities and interact with the amazing people and cultures and indulge with our rich cuisines most of which have been culturally preserved for centuries.

This, in Uganda, the Pearl of Africa!

PACKAGE INCLUDES:

1. Ground transportation (4WD Vehicle)
2. 13 nights’ accommodation
3. Gorilla trekking permit (One per person)
4. Applicable hotel tax and VAT
5. Activities as stipulated in the safari program
6. Services of an English-speaking EDX travel driver/guide
7. Breakfast, lunch and dinner (during the stay)
8. Bottled drinking water while on safari
9. All park fees and permits except the optional ones

PACKAGE EXCLUDES

1. Entry permit/visas for Uganda if required.
2. International/domestic flight fares.
3. Souvenirs and items of personal nature like telephone calls
4. First and last night’s accommodation in Kampala or Entebbe (This can be arranged on request at an extra fee)
5. Any personal insurance

ITINERARY

Day 1:   On your Arrival, Meet and Greet an EDX travel representative at the airport. Transfer to your hotel from the airport.

Day 2:   Early in the morning after breakfast, we will drive to Jinja, for several adventure activities like such as white-water rafting at Itanda Falls, and visiting the source of the Nile for a boat ride. In the evening you will rest at the hotel in Jinja for an overnight.

Day 3:   After breakfast, we will proceed to Itanda falls still in Jinja and thereafter drive to Mbale District, to your Hotel for an overnight. This is a 2-3 hour drive.

Day 4:   Early in the morning after breakfast, EDX travel will pick you up from your Hotel for a drive to Kapchorwa for Sipi falls experience. You will have a hike to the three magnificent falls, and then the adventurous abseiling activity. In the evening, after the local coffee tour, we will drive back to Mbale for an overnight.

Day 5:   Early in the Morning after breakfast, we will drive to Murchison falls, National Park with Rhino tracking in Zziwa Rhino sanctuary.

Enroute and make a visit to Zziwa Rhino sanctuary for your first Big 5 experience where you will have an hour of rhino tracking. Another stop will be in Masindi in order to enjoy your lunch. Continue to the park and check in to your accommodation to relax for the evening

Day 6: GAME DRIVE, BOAT CRUISE & HIKE

After your delicious early morning breakfast, EDX TRAVEL will pick you up from your Hotel for a game drive in the pursuit of Lions, Giraffes, Elephants, Hyenas, Uganda Kobs, Buffaloes and waterbucks. The Hot Air Balloon safari can also be arranged on request at an extra charge of $400 per person (Optional). After a 2-4 Hours Game drive/ride in the wild, we will return to the Hotel for lunch. Then in the afternoon, you will enjoy a 2 hours thrilling boat cruise upstream to the bottom of the famous Murchison falls. This offers a closer view of East Africa’s biggest mighty waterfall on the River Nile. Expect to see beautiful birds, hippopotamus and Nile crocodiles in the water as well as elephants, warthogs, and buffaloes along the shores. The boat will drop us at the bottom of the falls where we will take our 1-hour hike to the top. While you hike, you will witness the gorgeousness of the milky thunderous Murchison falls. This God-given wonder is a gift to Mother Nature Uganda. The humble smooth mist from the falls will welcome you from the hike to the top.

You will then return to the Hotel for freshening up, dinner and overnight.

Day 7:  Exit Murchison falls NP and transfer to Kibale National Park.After breakfast embark on one last  game drive through Murchison falls NP as you might see some of the animals you did not get the chance to see earlier.The drive is quite long but greatly scenic as you will pass through the lush green countryside with hills dotted with forests and plantations of different cash crops.Kibale NP is popular for its primates such as black and white colobus monkeys,and Uganda mangabey but most importantly the CHIMPANZEES.

You will reach and do little but check into your accommodation where you will have dinner and overnight rest.

Day 8: Undertake Chimp trekking early in the morning and crater lakes trekking

Have an early breakfast in preparation for serious primate business. Make your way to the briefing point to get the chimp trekking rules and regulations in order to keep you secure then head off to find our distant cousins in the forest with guidance of a guide. After they have been located, make sure you enjoy the hour with them and after make your way back to the lodge for relaxation and lunch.

After lunch, we shall extend our tour with on the crater lakes tour that are close to Kibale NP. One of the most famous crater lakes in Uganda is the Nyinambuga Crater lake whose photo is engraved on the twenty thousand Uganda shilling note.

After the great experience of the crater lakes tour, you will check into your hotel in Fort Portal. Dinner and overnight.

Day 9: Drive to Semuliki National Park where you will be exposed to both the Female and Male Hot springs. We will have an egg-boiling session in the hot springs. In the afternoon, we will drive back to Fort portal for lunch and in the evening Visit the Mabere ga Nyinamwiru Caves. Drive back to Hotel for an Overnight.

Day 10:  After your Breakfast, we will drive to Queen Elizabeth National park, check in at your Hotel and after freshening up, you will have an Evening Game drive in the wilderness. Then back to the hotel for Dinner

Day 11:  Game drive and boat cruise. You will set off early (about 6.30 am) for a morning game drive, an awesome experience to spot the animals in natural habitats.  Expect to see the famous Big Five; elephants, Buffalos, Lions, Bush bucks, Kobs, Giant forest hogS, Hyenas leopards, antelopes, and Waterbucks as well as birds. You will return for breakfast and relax till lunch. In the afternoon you will take a launch cruise along the amazing Kazinga channel to see, at close range, the water animals to include Hippos, Buffalos, Crocodiles and elephants bathing on the channel banks. There is also a variety of bird species on the water banks, especially the famous Shoebill, pelican and Jacana. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.

Day 12: After breakfast, we will drive you to Bwindi impenetrable forest early in the morning.

DAY 13: Bwindi gorilla trekking; Bwindi is a magnificent green swathe of dense rainforest and is one of the most biologically diverse areas on earth and a recently proclaimed World Heritage Site. Begin your gorilla trek in the early morning, and set off into the tangled and mist-shrouded forests with guides and trackers who are very experienced at locating the gorillas by finding the nest the family had used the previous night. The search for these majestic animals goes through the thick untamed rainforest, where you will be scrambling over mossy rocks and through deep undergrowth and it can be arduous at times. But when you come face to face with the gorillas for the first time, the trek will be more than worth it, and watching gorillas in their natural habitat is a memory that will last a lifetime. After spending an hour with the gorillas we head back to the base camp for a late lunch and a relaxing afternoon.

Day 14:  Drive back to your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe airport depending on your departure Schedule.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

1. Confirmation will be received 48 hours from the time of booking
2. Children must be accompanied by an adult
3. The minimum drinking age is 18 years
4. Please advise any specific dietary requirements at the time of booking
5. A vegetarian option is available, please advise at the time of booking if required Passport name, number, expiry and country are required at the time of booking for all participants
6. A current valid passport is required on the day of travel You MUST confirm and obtain any visa requirements before the border crossing. All visa requirements are the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Accommodation

1. JINJA -Nile Front Cottages
2. MBALE – Wash &Wills / Sipi valley resort
3. FORT PORTAL-Lodge Bella Vista
4. QUEEN ELIZABETH NP- Enganzi Lodge /Kikorongo Safari lodge
5. BWINDI- Bakiga Lodge
6. KIBALE NP –CHIMPANZEE LODGE KIBALE
7. MURCHISON FALLS-Ikorom safari lodge

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TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

• Multi-park Birding
• Canoe rides
• The Murchison Launch cruise
• Multiple Game drives
• Chimpanzee tracking
• Gorilla tracking experience
• Cultural encounters
• Discover Lake Bunyonyi
• Track the tree climbing lions
• Experience one of the world’s strongest waterfalls
• Optional Rhino tracking
• A true African sunset experience
• Kampala City Tour

TOUR ITINERARY

 Day 1: Arrival, Transfer & Birding in Mabamba Bay

Depending on your arrival time, you will be transferred to your hotel/lodge in Entebbe and later on you will go birding in Mabamba Bay, while on a canoe.

This is a wetland on the edge of Lake Victoria, North West of the Entebbe Peninsular, with protected bird species to include the endemic shoebill stork and it is home to over 260 bird species; some of these will meet your expectations:

• Shoebill stork
• Pallid harrier
• Black kite
• Papyrus canary
• Papyrus gonolek
• Blue swallow
• White-winged warbler
• Goliath heron
• Malachite kingfisher
• Gull-billed terns
• Winding Cisticola
• Veil lot’s black weaver
• Grosbeak Weaver

Right after this birding warm-up you will return to your hotel/lodge and stay at leisure.

Overnight: Airport Guest House / LAICO Lake Victoria Hotel

Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast

Day 2: Travel to Semiliki National park

Journey time: 6 – 7 Hrs.

After your breakfast and checking out, you will immediately start your journey to Semuliki National Park: Located on the western side of the Rwenzori Mountains, dominated by an ancient Ituri forest (12 to 18000 years). This park is unique in such a way that most of its features are associated with West Africa, rather than East Africa like many other parks, thus providing a West African feel within Uganda. This has hot springs which have been in existence since14 million years ago to date.

Upon arrival, you will have a game drive and see unique animals which include but not limited to the following; a variety of birds which may include Ross’ Turaco, Shoebill stork, White-tailed hornbill, Black-wattled hornbill, Crested flycatcher, Long-tailed hawk and also animals like elusive bush babies, pygmy hippos’ leopards, buffalos, waterbucks, warthogs, Uganda Kob, crocodiles, bushbucks, sitatungas, and many more.

Thereafter, you will report to your lodge and enjoy your leisure activities for the rest of the day.

Overnight: Semuliki Safari Lodge

Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 3: Explore The Birds Of Semiliki National Park

In the morning after your breakfast, you will hike/nature walk Kirumia trail through Ituri forest to river Semliki where you will spot a variety of endemic birds like:

• White-crested hornbill
• White-tailed hornbill
• Red-billed dwarf hornbill
• Black-wattled hornbill
• Piping hornbill
• Crested flycatcher
• Yellow throated Nicator
• Great blue turaco
• Orange weaver
• Ross’ turaco
• Congo serpent eagle
• Shoebill stork
• Red-billed malimbe
• Canather’s Cisticola & more

After your lunch break, have a nature walk taking the Sempaya trail where you will approach yet another bunch of interesting bird species, and then get to the Sempaya Hot springs;

While at the Hot springs; boil some eggs and plantain and have a taste of what has been boiled by the natural hot water. You will also spot some primates like the grey-cheeked Manga bey, black and white colobus monkeys and visit a tree house where you will experience an aerial view of the park. Later on, you will return to your lodge and rest.

Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 4: Depart Semiliki National Park For Kibale National Park

Journey time: 2 – 3 hours

After your breakfast & morning at leisure, you will start off your journey to Kibale National Park.

Kibale is famously known for Chimpanzee tracking. The park is home to a total of 70 mammal species, of which 13 species are primates including the chimpanzee, with over 375 bird species.

On arrival you have optional activities where you will have interesting cultural encounters; to include:

• Visiting homesteads
• Visiting a local church & Bigodi Trading Centre
• Bigodi village trail
• Guided nature walks in Bigodi wetland sanctuary (Birding)
• Experience a Ugandan school system
• Visit elders’ homes for storytelling
• Get engaged in local community interactions.

Later on, after this memorable experience, return to your lodge and enjoy your leisure in a quiet environment with the sounds of fauna.

Overnight: Primate Lodge Kibale / Papaya Lake Lodge

Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 5: Birding In Kibale National Park “World’s Primate Capital “

Kibale National Park is famously known as the ‘’primate capital of the world’’ with 13 primate species and the highest number of Chimpanzees (over 1450 chimps), 372 birds species (60% recorded as Uganda’s forest birds) together with other animals like the elusive forest elephants, giant forest hogs, buffalos, genet cats and more.

In the morning, you will go birding, spiced up with primate treks (chimps and monkeys), nature walks and more. You will come across birds which include the following:

Black eared ground-thrush

• Brown-chested alethe
• Crowned eagle
• Blue-breasted kingfisher
• Abyssinian ground thrush & others

Some of the primates you will encounter include but are not limited to the following:

• Chimpanzees, L’hoest’s monkey, Blue monkey, Black & white colobus, Olive baboons
• Grey-cheeked, Manga beys, Ugandan Manga beys, Red-tailed monkeys, bush babies & Pottos

After the morning session of your birding experience, return to your lodge for your lunch break.

After lunch, you will be taking the Bigodi trail and get to Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary where you will see the following bird species:

• Speckle-breasted woodpecker
• Cabanis’s greenbul
• White-collared olive back
• Olive-green camaroptera
• Grey apalis
• White-chinned prinia
• Joyful greenbul
• Blue-shouldered robin-chat
• Lesser honeyguide
• Olive long tailed cuckoo

You will also have an opportunity to visit the local communities of Bigodi where you will be interacting with the locals and share experiences.

And late in the evening, return to your lodge and relax after the long day.

Meal Plan: Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, and Lunch

Day 6: Transfer To Queen Elizabeth National park

Journey time: 2 – 3 Hrs

Queen Elizabeth National Park is famous for its diverse ecosystems which include sprawling Savannah, shady humid forests, sparkling lakes, wetlands and amazing craters. Ideal for the big game, and primate species to include Chimps and over 612 bird species both migrant and resident birds. It has superb scenic views of the Kazinga Channel, the Rwenzori Mountains and crater lakes which are home to a wide variety of birds.

After your breakfast enjoy a leisurely morning, and later on start off your journey to ‘’a medley of wonders’’. On arrival after a stopover at the equator, you will check into your lodge for lunch, refreshment and leisure or do an evening game drive optional.

Overnight: Enganzi Game Lodge

Basis

Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast,

Tea, Coffee, and Soft Drinks Included

Day 7: Explore Queen Elizabeth National Park

 Start off the day with a tasty breakfast and then get deeper into the highlights of this amazing park. Dawn Game Drive; explore the park’s flora and fauna to include elusive bird species and a wide variety of animals like elephants, buffaloes, hippos, bushbucks, waterbucks, Kobs, warthogs and many more. Don’t miss out on the scenic views of the crater lakes like Nyamunuka which is medicinal to the animals.

Katwe Community; interact with the people learn about salt mining by local means and share cultural experiences. Return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation in preparation for the afternoon activities.

Boat cruise; this is the main activity after lunch where you will spot a number of birds like; the African fish eagle, pelicans, Hammerkop, egrets, pied kingfishers, marabou storks, vultures, kites and many more, together with animals like hippos, buffalos, warthogs, crocodiles, waterbucks and more as most of them visit to water and cool off. This boat cruise is spiced up with stunning views of the Mweya peninsular and a local fishing village along the lake shores.

Meal Plan

Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8: Transfer To Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Journey time: 4 – 5 Hrs

After your breakfast, travel to another amazing scene of unique flora and fauna. This scenic journey takes approximately 2 hours from the Mweya Peninsular and it will reward you with the most amazing experience.

Located in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Ishasha will offer you an unforgettable of experience. The sector is a composition of riverine and open Savannah kind of vegetation alongside the acacia and fig trees.

Tree climbing lions; is the most captivating experience in Ishasha, thus its popularity in the entire national park. Tree climbing lions that reside up in the acacia and fig trees are spotted each and every time hanging up in the trees, as they try to avoid tsetse fly and other ground insects’ bites, and they usually enjoy their prey high up in the trees. In addition to the tree climbing lions, other animals are seen here including; elephants, buffalos, antelopes, Uganda Kobs, impalas, waterbucks, warthogs, and elands among others. So spend enough time here for a wonderful experience.

Later on, proceed to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Check-in  your lodge

Overnight: Buhoma Safari lodge

Meal Plan: Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, and Lunch

Day 9: Birding Adventure In Bwindi

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (331 sq. km) is home to half the world’s mountain gorillas, over 346 bird species, 202 butterfly species, 400 plant species, 163 tree species, 120 mammal species & 27 frog species, making it an incredible birding destination with Rwamunyonyi Peak(2607m) as the best birding spot.

After breakfast, you will start off the day with birding hiking up to Rwamunyonyi peak while seeing birds of all kinds, different tree and plant species, and butterflies which will spice up your birding experience.

Expect to spot a variety of birds such as:

• African-green pigeon
• Black-billed turaco
• African-harrier hawk
• African broadbill
• Cinnamon-chested bee-eater
• Black bee-eater
• Crowned hornbill
• Regal sunbird
• Giant kingfisher
• Pettit’s cuckoo
• Newman’s warbler
• Sooty boubou
• Purple-breasted sunbird
• Equatorial akalat
• Rwenzori turaco
• Handsome francolin
• African broadbill
• Rwenzori batis
• Ruwenzori Apalis
• Shelley’s crimson-wing
• Olive-breasted greenbul

After this adventure, return to your lodge and have lunch at leisure.

Later on, you will have a second-round birding trip taking the Muzabajiro Loop Trail, climbing up to the summit of Rukabira Hill where you will also enjoy astonishing views of Bwindi forest, the Western Rift Valley and the Virunga volcanoes for great photo moments. Later return to your lodge and stay at leisure, and in the night, you will have your campfire together with storytelling.

Meal Plan: Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Day 10: Depart Bwindi for L.Bunyonyi

Journey time: 2 – 3 Hrs

In the morning, after breakfast you may have an optional gorilla tracking prior to departure to Lake Bunyonyi. This tracking experience will add value to your birding safari, where you will meet one of the habituated gorilla families. But to be able to have this adventurous optional activity, prior booking of the gorilla permits is highly recommended.

If you don’t choose the Gorilla Trek, just spend some leisure time at your lodge as you enjoy the morning sunshine and the breath-taking views of the surroundings. Thereafter, embark on your journey to Lake Bunyonyi (a place of many little birds):

The second deepest lake in Africa with 29 islands and a perfect place to chill after a safari, gorilla tracking, volcano climbing, hiking and other tiresome activities, all because of its quietness and magical beauty. This is the safest lake to swim in as it is free from hippos, crocodiles and bilharzia.

Upon arrival at your lodge; you will have a chance to explore some optional activities below:

• Swimming
• Dugout canoe boating (discover the 29 Islands)
• Biking
• Sport fishing
• Island hopping
• Cultural encounter

You may also decide to relax in this quiet environment for the whole day amidst beautiful views.

Overnight: Arcadia lodges Bunyonyi’

Meal Plan: Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Day 11: Explore the Birds of L.Bunyonyi

Early in the morning after your breakfast, start off the day by discovering the birds of Lake Bunyonyi where you will encounter a number of rare bird species which include but are not limited to the following

• African hobby
• Black kite
• Swamp flycatcher
• Scarlet-chested bird
• Grey-crowned crane
• Herons
• Weaver birds
• White-tailed blue Monard
• African harrier hawk
• Slender-billed baglafetch
• Levillant cuckoo
• Cardinal Woodpecker
• Bronze-chested birds
• White-headed saw-wing bird
• Red-chested-sunbirds

Please note that this morning’s activity is composed of hikes, nature walks & a scenic view of Lake Bunyonyi terraces & the local community visit.

Meal Plan: Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Day 12: Depart L.Bunyonyi to L.Mburo National Park

Journey time: 4 – 5 Hrs

After breakfast, you will travel to Lake Mburo National Park.

Lake Mburo National Park is conveniently located close to the Kampala–Mbarara highway, with varied wildlife in the middle of an extensive rich acacia woodland. It is home to over 332 bird species including the rare African fin foot, shoebill, papyrus gonolek, yellow warbler, saddle-billed stork, brown-chested wattle, and plover among others. Upon arrival, you will check in at your lodge and then have lunch.

After lunch, a boat cruise will take you close to the rich flora and fauna of Lake Mburo. And along the shores, you will spot a variety of birds which include but not limited to Malachite Kingfishers, African Fish Eagle, Blue Headed Weavers, Rufous, and Long Tailed Starlings, Pied kingfishers, Hammerkop, Herons, Pelicans, the rare Shoebill Stork as well as the cormorants and hadada ibis. Here is another opportunity to view the crocodiles as well as hippos in their hundreds and animals that come to cool off during the afternoon.

These include antelopes, buffaloes, and over 3 types of otters that are found in the lake. After boat cruise, feel free to take part in some optional activities which include; horseback rides, walking safari, or mountain biking through the park where you will spot more wildlife; elands, zebras, buffaloes, klipspringer, and more grazers.

Overnight: Arcadia lodge

Mal Meal Plan: Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Day 13: Transfer to Kampala

Journey time: 4 Hrs: 45 Min

Early in the morning after breakfast, you will check out and proceed for your game drive in the woodland acacia. Expect a variety of flora and fauna, here is a chance to spot some rare bird species which include water and swamp birds like Papyrus gonolek, Yellow Warbler, Saddle-billed Stork, Cisticola, White-winged Warbler, Crested Crane and many more Plus animals which include zebras, Roth’s child giraffes, elephants, elands, wart hogs, Topi, Kob and by chance some leopards. Visit the salt licks and watch animals licking natural salt to supplement their diet while at a viewing platform.

After your game drive, you will depart for Kampala make a stopover at the equator for a photo opportunity then proceed to Kampala city and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight: Speke Resort Munyonyo

Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast

Day 14: Birding in Mpanga Eco Forest

Journey time: 1hr

After breakfast departs Kampala for the Mpanga forest.

Mpanga forest is a wonderful getaway for nature lovers! It is one of Uganda’s birding spots nearest to Kampala and it is very productive for forest species. A birding day in this forest starts at the cleared visitors’ information centre at the edge of the forest. It supports impressive biodiversity for such a small forest! It has 500 species of trees and shrubs, 300 species of birds, 97 butterflies, and 112 months. Three species of monkeys can be seen in the forest including vervet, red-tailed and black-and-white colobus monkeys. There is also a number of small mammals including banded mongoose, squirrels, pottos, pangolins and bush babies. If you spend a night at Mpanga Forest you have a chance of spotting the rare nocturnal pottos and bush babies.

After half a day of birding return to Kampala & spend the rest of the day at Leisure.

Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast

Tea and Coffee Included

Day 15: Kampala City Tour and Departure

Journey time: 45mins – 1hr

On this final day of your safari, enjoy a brief tour of Kampala city with visits to; the highlights of the city such as the Buganda palace, Uganda museum, Nakasero market, all the historical monuments, the largest craft village and temples. You will later be transferred to Entebbe International Airport to check in for your next home departure flight.

END OF SAFARI

Inclusions

• Transport in 4 & 4 Safari Vehicle
• Park Entry fees
• Accommodation as indicated in the itinerary
• AMREF Emergency Health Evacuation cover
• Unlimited mineral water
• Full-time guide support
• Photo coverage
• Entrance fees to the stopovers
• City tour route map.

Exclusions

• Gorilla Permit
• Chimpanzee Permit
• Tips & gratuities
• Travel Insurance
• Visa Fees

The post 15 DAYS EXCLUSIVE UGANDA BIRDING TOUR appeared first on Executive Destinations & Experiences.

This7-days safari takes you to the misty Bwindi Impenetrable forest, which is home to more than half the population of the remaining 720 Mountain Gorillas in the world.  Gorilla tracking is the most enchanting experience in this forest. You will conclude this tour with a visit to Kibale Forest National Park with several spectacular crater lakes and swamps which are home to hippo, buffalo and some elephant, and the forested areas are the natural habitat of our chimpanzees, occasionally lion and leopard can be spotted as they sleep through the midday sun, before winding up at Murchison falls National park, Uganda’s spectacular heritage, with breath taking scenic allure, and landscapes.

INCLUSIONS

1. 6 nights accommodation
2. National Park fees
3. Bottled water
4. Professional guide
5. Transport by 4WD tourist Van
6. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

EXCLUSIONS

1. Air ticket
2. Ugandan Visa
3. Excess Luggage
4. DVD (available to purchase)
5. Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
6. Tips

DEPARTURE AND ARRIVAL 

7:00am from Hotel in Kampala or Entebbe.

Arrival: At the Starting point

WHAT TO EXPECT 

Day 1: Travel to Bwindi You will after breakfast set off for an 8-9 hour drive to Bwindi

Impenetrable Forest National Park in the south western part of the country. You will have a stopover at the Equator with lunch en-route before continuing with your journey to Bwindi arriving in the evening. Dinner and overnight will be at Bakiga Lodge

Day 2: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi You will have an early morning breakfast and move to the Park headquarters to join other trackers in a briefing about the gorilla trekking rules at 7:45 am. You will trek through thick creepers and undergrowth with your guides to find the Gorillas, which can take you 1-8 hours. The steeply forested landscape is incredibly dense but crisscrossed by numerous animal trails allowing access by tourists. You will have one hour to stay with the Gorillas once sited. Dinner and overnight will be at Bakiga lodge

Day 3: Transfer to Kibale. After breakfast you will depart for Kibale Forest National Park which will take around 7 hours of drive. The park is popular for its primate’s population like the chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, red cheeked monkeys and red tailed monkeys. Your lunch will be en route and then you proceed to Kibale National Park. Upon arrival, check in your accommodation, have enough rest, with an optional community walk around kibale dinner and overnight at Chimpanzee Forest lodge

Day 4: Chimp track and Crater lakes tour.

After breakfast you head to the briefing point, An experienced ranger will take you chimp tracking in the morning. Once you locate the chimpanzees, you will have a full hour with them.

After lunch ,we shall extend our tour with on the crater lakes tour that are close to kibale kibale NP .One of the most famous crater lakes in Uganda is the Nyinambuga Crater lake whose photo is engraved on the twenty thousand Uganda shilling note.

After the great experience of the crater lakes tour,you willl go back to the lodge for dinner and overnight at Chimpanzee Forest lodge

Day 5: Transfer to Murchison falls and Rhino tracking

Early in the Morning after breakfast, we will drive to Murchison falls, National Park with Rhino tracking in Zziwa Rhino sanctuary .

Enroute and make a visit to Zziwa Rhino sanctuary for your first Big 5 experience where you will have an hour of rhino tracking.Another stop will be in Masindi in order to enjoy your lunch.

Continue to the park and check in to your accommodation to relax for the evening. Dinner and overnight at Ikorom Safari lodge

Day 6: Murchison Falls National Park After breakfast set off for the game drive by 7:00 am.

By this time you are able to catch the early risers as well as the nocturnals and hunters before they return to their hideouts. In case your lodge is on the south side you shall drive to the ferry crossing to get to the other side and start the game drive. Explore the major game trials for great wildlife sightings including lots of games such as elephants, giraffes, antelopes, lions and leopards. After more than four hours of wildlife adventure return to the accommodation for lunch. Later set out for the boat ride on Victoria Nile at 2:30 pm. The 3-hour boat ride is great for beautiful wildlife sightings and awesome picture moments for dinner and overnight at Red Chili.

Day 7: After breakfast.

Drive back to your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe airport depending on your departure Schedule.

Additional Info

• Confirmation will be received within 24 hours at the time of booking
• A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
• Not wheelchair accessible
• A vegetarian option is available, please advise at the time of booking if required
• A current valid passport is required on the day of travel Passport name, number, expiry and country are required at the time of booking for all participants
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

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