Our Safaris

3 DAYS SSESE ISLANDS TOUR
Day 1:  Transfer to Ssese Islands on Lake Victoria.

Today you will be picked up from your hotel in the mid-morning and driven to Entebbe pier where you will board the ferry to Ssese Islands. The ferry to Ssese Islands leaves from Nakiwogo landing site in Entebbe only once a day at 2pm arriving at the Island at 5 pm which is an approximately 3 hours journey. There is an alternative route through Masaka district south west of Kampala. This is a 2 hours’ drive from Kampala to arrive at the pier in Masaka. The ferry journey is a about 30 minutes on water plus another 1 hour drive on the Island to reach the lodge location which has been developed for tourism. Today will be spent on travel and no major activity on arrival except camp fire which will be lit on request.

Day 2: Nature walk – Ssese Island tour

Cycling-Ssese-Islands

 Today you have different options of how to spend your day. You can choose to enjoy the sunrise over the lake – ask to have your breakfast by the beach where possible. There is an option of taking a nature walk with a tour guide in the virgin forests on the island. With the services of your tour guide, learn about the forest, birds, and primates. You also have an option of fishing or squad biking on the different routes developed. Lastly you can choose to bike to the different areas on the Island, ask the lodge for a map to guide your biking or choose to go along with a guide. These activities can be done in the morning, return to the lodge for lunch and spend the rest of the day at leisure on the beach or take a swim.

 Day 3 – End of Ssese Islands tour

After breakfast, take the ferry back to Entebbe. The ferry departs at 8.00am from Bugala Island and arrives in Entebbe at 11.00am. Visit the Uganda Wildlife Education Center for ‘behind the scenes’ experience or proceed to your hotel.

3DAYS TO VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK

DETAILED ITINERARY 

Day 1: Kigali to Bukima in DR Congo
After early morning breakfast you will be picked up by our tour guide from your residence lodge in Rwanda and he will drive through Kigali heading to the Bukima in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This will take you roughly 4 hours to reach Goma where you will have a stop over for lunch refreshment. Later, you will transfer to Bukima reaching in the evening for dinner and overnight stay at Bukima lodge/Mikeno lodge

ACCOMMODATION:

Bukima lodge

Mikeno lodge

MEALS:Breakfast,lunch,dinner

Day 2: Gorilla tracking in Congo
After early morning breakfast you be will transferred to the national park headquarters for briefing by the park rangers. Here you will be told the rules of trekking to ensure a peaceful and enjoyable experience,. You will then hike into the jungle searching the allocated gorilla family. Interaction with the gorillas will last for an hour after which you will descend back to the starting point. Non flash light cameras are the only ones allowed to take photographs. Dinner and overnight at Bukima lodge/Mikeno lodge.

ACCOMMODATION:

Bukima lodge

Mikeno lodge

MEALS: Breakfast, lunch,dinner

Day 3: Return to Kigali
Have a morning breakfast and return to Kigali for one night and the next day come back to Uganda.

INCLUDES:

• Bottled water
• Meals
• Accommodations
• All activities

EXCLUDES:

Hard drinks

Travel insurance

Tips

Laundry

4 Days Culture and Hiking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Uganda is a cultural melting pot with over 40 tribes and languages. This trip will bring you close to the Batwa, an indigenous tribe that is believed to be the original inhabitants of the forests in the Albertine region and the Virunga volcanoes found in DR Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda. You will also choose to hike one of the three virunga’s i.e Mt Sabyinyo, Mt Gahinga or Mt Muhabura.

Safari highlights

• Batwa cultural trail
• Hike Muhabura or Gahinga or Sabyinyo

Optional – Gorilla tracking and Golden Monkey trekking

Day 1: Arrive for the Virunga Culture and Hiking Expedition

We recommend you arrive through Kigali airport in Rwanda. Thereafter our professional guide will welcome you and transfer you to Kisoro Uganda at the base of the Virunga Volcanoes after a briefing on your trip. Enjoy winding roads of the ‘thousand hills’ and magnificent views of the Volcanoes from your lodge in Uganda.

Journey time – 4 hours

Meal plan – lunch & Dinner

Accommodation

Up market – Mt Gahinga Lodge

Mid-range – Lake Mulehe Safari lodge

Budget – Mucha Lodge

Day 2: The Batwa Culture Trail Experience

batwa-hunting….Today you spend the day in Mgahinga gorilla national park experiencing the beautiful Batwa culture. The Batwa culture trail in the park gives you a glimpse in learning about their unique cultural heritage as the forest indigenous inhabitants. The Batwa Elders will accompany you and share amazing information about their culture and lifestyle while they lived in the forest – they will demonstrate their hunting skills and vast knowledge of medicinal plants. They will share how they survived co-existing with the animals in this forest before it was taken over by the cultivators and later gazetted to be a national park. The highlight of this experience is the Ngarama cave and traditional music and dance.

Day 3: Hike the Muhabura, Sabyinyo or Gahinga Volcanoes

Mgahinga gorilla national park is home to three of the Virunga volcanoes that have great hiking trails. Gahinga in the local dialect means ‘pile of stones’ offers a gentler hike compared to the other two through the bamboo forest and marshy craters at the peak. The lower slopes are rich with forest birds and the marshes near the summit are home to the bushbuck, buffaloes, forest elephants and elusive duiker.

muhavuraMuhabura is the most challenging peak in the park. In the local dialect it known as ‘Muhabura’ which means ‘the guide’. The hike will take most of the day, but the adventurous are rewarded with great sense of accomplishment and – on a good day – spectacular views of Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo.

Sabyinyo volcano is a hike taken by those who are physically fit and quite adventurous. It is also a one day hike with its summit being the border of Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo. In fact once at the summit you will be in all three countries at one go offering great views of all three countries.

Day 4: Return to Kigali for Departure flight

Today you have opportunity to take a gorilla trekking or golden monkey trekking after which you can leave for the airport in case you have a night flight. Otherwise after breakfast, you transfer to the airport.

Tour includes

• Ground transport
• Park entrance
• Boat trip
• Bottled water in the safari vehicle
• Full board accommodation for two nights
• Service of an English-speaking driver guide
• All mentioned activities except for the optional ones

Tour excludes

Insurance

Extras at the accommodation i.e. drinks, telephone, laundry etc.

Tips to porters and driver/ guide

4 DAYS MURCHISON FALLS SAFARI AND CHIMPANZEE TREKKING

Murchison falls National Park is the largest park in Uganda. Here you find the rushing waters of the Nile forced through a 7-meter narrow gorge forming the Murchison falls, which have fascinated the world for centuries. On the way to Murchison falls national park, we make a stopover at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – track Rhinos. While in the park – gaze in wonder at the herds of giraffes on the game drive, families of Elephants while on the launch trip to the bottom of the falls. Look out for the Nile crocodiles basking in the sun and Schools of Hippos. We end with chimpanzee trekking in Budongo forest which is partly located in Murchison falls national park.

Safari Highlights:

Rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Game drive

Boat cruise

Nature walk to top of the Falls

Chimp trekking

Day 1: Rhinos trekking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Today, look forward to the remarkable journey to Murchison Falls national park. The first stopover will be at the beautiful Ziwa Rhino sanctuary where you have an opportunity to track the white Rhinos on foot. These creatures used to roam the plains of northern Uganda but were extinct from poaching. There are efforts for breeding so that they can be re-introduced into the wild. After this experience, continue the drive to your lodge in the park or near the park.

Journey time – 4 hours

Meal plan – lunch & Dinner

Accommodation

Up market – Bakers Lodge

Mid-range – Pakuba Safari Lodge

Budget – Fort Murchison (Tents)

Day 2: Game Drive and Boat Cruise on River Nile

The highlight of this trip is game viewing in our custom made vehicles. Anticipate capturing good pictures of, Giraffes as they move through the grasslands, Jackson’s Hartebeest, buffaloes, Uganda Kobs, Elephants, Waterbucks etc. After this magical experience on the game drive in the plains of Murchison falls , return to your lodge for lunch or have a picnic lunch.

In the afternoon look forward to the famed boat Safari on River Nile from where you watch different animals along the shore and continue to about ten meters from the bottom of Murchison falls – also known as ‘Devils cauldron”. This fulfilling boat cruise cannot be found anywhere in Africa with the variety of wild animals and birds.

B, L & D

Day 3: Chimpanzee trekking at Budongo Forest

 Today morning we leave for Budongo forest located within Murchison falls national park for chimpanzee trekking. Your driver guide will transfer you to the starting point where you will receive a briefing from the ranger guide on how to hike through this tropical forest.

After this experience we drive to the top of Murchison falls where the Nile is forced into a 7-meter gap to a thunderous roar – creating the world’s most powerful falls. There is a resident beautiful rainbow formed making a contrast with the crashing water.

The rest of the day will be spent at leisure as we await to embark to the

B, L & D

Day 4: Transfer to Kampala

After a relaxed breakfast we start the journey to Kampala. We hope you had an amazing time

Tour includes

Ground transport

Park entrance

Boat trip

Chimp trekking

Bottled water in the safari vehicle

Full board accommodation for two nights

Service of an English-speaking driver guide

All mentioned activities except for the optional ones

Tour excludes

Extras at the accommodation i.e. drinks, telephone, laundry etc.

Tips to porters and driver/ guide

Insurance

4 DAYS UGANDA CITY’S SAFARI

This Urban Uganda tour will take you to the 3 main urban centers in Uganda namely, Kampala, Entebbe and Jinja. They each offer unique activities and you will notice the pace of life is different in each of these of centers. Entebbe was the original capital Uganda, Kampala is the current capital city and business hub of the country where Jinja was the industrial town but currently known as the adventure capital of East Africa due to several activities carried out on River Nile.

Safari highlights

• Uganda Wildlife Education Centre
• Sunset cruise on Lake Victoria
• Kampala City tour
• White water Rafting on the Nile
• Source of River Nile

Day 1: Entebbe Tour

Entebbe is the oldest town and the first capital city of Uganda. It is along the shores of Lake Victoria and gateway to many Islands on Lake Victoria – the largest fresh water lake in Africa and second largest in the world. Our first visit will be to the Entebbe botanical gardens for a variety of trees, medicinal plants and plants. Next we shall participate in the ‘behind the scenes’ program at Uganda Wildlife Education Center where we will have an opportunity to get closer to some of the animals by participating in the feeding program. Animals to see at UWEC include Elephant, Lions, Leopard, Giraffes, Bush buck, water buck, Crocodile, Zebra, Buffalo etc. and several birds. After this experience at UWEC, we shall take a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Victoria for a sunset cruise. We hope to be able to reach the equator monuments showing the imaginary equator line as it crosses Lake Victoria.

Meal plan – lunch & Dinner

Accommodation

Up market – Hotel No 5

Mid-range – The Boma

Budget – Secrets Guesthouse

Day 2: Kampala City Tour

Kampala is the capital city of Uganda and a cultural melting pot of the country where you will find every tribe and language represented. Kampala is home to the crazy bodaboda, endless stalls of young men making Rolex – a quick snack and an unforgettable nightlife. It is the city that never goes to sleep and the go to hangout city in East Africa.  You will have an opportunity to visit some cultural, religious, and historical sites like Lubiri & Bulange, Gadhafi National Mosque, Rubaga and Namirembe Cathedrals, Uganda Museum, Baha’i Temple – only one in Africa and Craft markets for souvenirs of your choice and of course the famous taxi parks where you are able to find public taxis to almost any destination in Kampala and Uganda.

Journey time – 1.5 hours

Meal plan – B, L & D

Accommodation

Up market – Kampala Serena

Mid-range – Cassia Lodge

Budget – Forest Cottages

Day 3: Sezibwa Falls and Mabira forest walk

The journey to Jinja takes you through beautiful countryside scenery driving through several plantations of sugar and tea, and colorful roadside fruit markets.

Our first stopover on this tour to Jinja is Sezibwa falls on River Sezibwa traditionally believed to been born by a woman. There is so much cultural experiences and learning about the Africa traditional beliefs of Buganda and the great legend of Sezibwa.

Next stop is a hike through Mabira Forest, the nearest tropical forest to Kampala. On arrival at the eco-tourism site, we will be given a tour guide to us through the forest. He will share the rich heritage of the Uganda people who lived in the forest and you will have opportunities of sighting or listening to different bird species, beautiful butterflies, primates, and tree species.

Finally, the highlight of your trip – a boat ride to the “Source of the Nile” at the now submerged Rippon Falls. This is where the Nile starts its 4000-mile journey to the Mediterranean Sea from Lake Victoria.

Journey time – 2 hours

Meal plan – B, L & D

Accommodation

Up market – Wild waters Lodge

Mid-range – Haven Lodge

Budget – Nile River Camp

Day 4: Full day White Water Rafting on the Nile

Go rafting on the longest river in the world for a fulfilling adventure – do not wait to hear about it. The white water rafting goes through some of the best grade five rapids with wildly spectacular leaps and drops; enjoy the scenery of heavily forested islands and the roar of various waterfalls. Wooden canoes with locals congregate in the calm waters anxious to see the rafts in action.

Optional activities:  bungee jumping, squad biking, horseback safari, kayaking, jet boating and walk in the nearby communities

Meal plan :B & L

Tour includes

• Ground transport
• Entrance to UWEC
• White Water rafting
• Kampala City tour
• Sunset Cruise on Lake Victoria
• Bottled water in the safari vehicle
• Full board accommodation
• Service of an English-speaking driver guide
• All mentioned activities except for the optional ones

Tour excludes

Insurance

Extras at the accommodation i.e. drinks, telephone, laundry etc.

Tips to porters and driver/ guide

5 DAYS SAFARI TRIP TO JINJA-KIBALE –SEMULIKI.

HIGHLIGHTS.

• Boat cruise & White water rafting on the Nile
• Chimpanzee trekking
• Visit to the Hot springs and the pygmies
• Stop over at the Equator

DAY 1: Travel to the source of the Nile.

Early in the morning after breakfast, you will be picked by one of our representative/guide who will be ready to take you from your hotel or residence to Jinja town. He will briefly explain to you about the entire safari trip. On our journey to Jinja, we shall see the tea and sugar plantations that form the beautiful scenery as well as Mabira forest. Upon arrival, we shall go for a boat cruise that takes approximately 2 hours. Here expect to see a variety of birdlife species and also go to the starting point of the source of the Nile for photography and optionally souvenir buying. Thereafter, shall have lunch in Jinja Town and later in the afternoon en-route for the white water rafting. Dinner and check-in shall be at the lodge.

MEALS: breakfast/LUNCH/dinner

ACCOMODATION: Nile village Hotel

DAY TWO: Travel to Kibale National Park.

After breakfast in the morning, we shall embark on our journey to Kibale Forests via Kampala- Mubende road with scenic landscapes on smooth tarmac viewing the unique geographic features including the Mubende Inselbergs not forgetting the small towns like Mityana, Mubende & Kyenjojo. Lunch shall be on the way and later embark on our journey. We shall have a stopover at  Kihingami Wetland Eco-Tourism site, with remarkably 230 bird species including Jameson’s wattle and  white-spotted fluff tail surrounding the tea plantations. There is also a good chance of seeing Red Colobus monkeys and spotted-necked others. Thereafter, we shall later  head to the lodge, check-in and dinner will be served later.

MEALS: breakfast/LUNCH/dinner

Accommodation: Mountains of the Moon Hotel and Resort. 

DAY 3: Chimpanzee trekking-Kibale National Park.

After an early breakfast, head to the headquarters. Get the introduction from the park warden join the group and begin your adventure to meet our closest relatives” the chimpanzee” Tracking will start  and last for along 4-5 hours along the trail depending on the movement of the Chimps, you will come across other primates like the Black and White colubus monkey, Grey checked Mangabeys , bird life and plant life is abundant here. Later return to the lodge for lunch and an evening nap. Dinner shall be later served in the evening.

MEALS:breakfast/LUNCH/dinner

ACCOMODATION: Rweteera safari park.

DAY 4: Travel to Ssemuliki National Park.

After an early morning breakfast, we shall embark on our journey to Semuliki National Park, upon arrival we shall go to the Headquarters for guidelines & rules. Along the trail to the hot springs , you will have a chance to spot a quite a number of bird species like blue-breasted Kingfisher and Frasier’s ant-thrush and primates like the grey –checked mangabey & red-tailed monkey. 

The other most-eye catching item is, the Sempaya female & male hot springs. These natural springs have a geyser shooting up from an 8 meters-wide hole at a hot temperature and largest of its kind in Uganda.

Thereafter, will return to the lodge for lunch and have some time to relax and enjoy the tranquility of the lodge. Later in the afternoon, you will go for a game drive where you expect to see different animals; elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, big cat among others. Hippos and crocodiles can be seen along Semiliki River.

After we shall go back to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

MEALS:breakfast/LUNCH/dinner

ACCOMODATION: Semuliki safari lodge.

DAY 5: Transfer back to kampala.

Early in the morning, after breakfast, we shall check out of the lodge and embark on our journey back to Kampala with Lunch en-route. We shall have a stopover at the equator line for photography and some refreshments. After continue with our journey to Kampala /Entebbe to catch up with your scheduled flight back home.

MEALS: breakfast/LUNCH

END OF OUR SAFARI TRIP.

INCLUSIONS.

• Chimpanzee trekking fees
• Park entrance fees
• All meals as per the itinerary
• 4 nights’ accommodation
• Ground transportation in a comfortable 4×4 vehicle
• Government taxes/levies
• Airport transfers to and from Entebbe International Airport (EBB)
• Water while on the safari

EXCLUSIONS. 

Personal insurance

Airfare

Other services of a personal nature

Driver / guide’s gratuity

6 DAYS UGANDA GORILLA AND WILDLIFE SAFARI

On your gorilla safari in Uganda, you will trek through the Bwindi impenetrable forest National Park looking for the rare and endangered mountain gorillas. Drive through Ishasha – the home of climbing lions on towards Queen Elizabeth national Park also known as the medley of wonders because of its rich biodiversity.

Safari Highlights:

• Gorilla tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable forest
• Game drives Queen Elizabeth and Lake Mburo National Parks
• Boat cruises in Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Tree Climbing Lions of Ishasha
• Boat ride in Lake Mburo National Park
• Photo session at the Equator

Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to the Pearl of Africa

On arrival at Entebbe international Airport, a representative from Ssemambo Alex Tours And Travel will be eagerly waiting to receive you and transfer you to your hotel.

Journey time – 20 minutes

Accommodation

Upmarket – Hotel No 5

Mid-range – The Boma

Budget – African Roots Guesthouse

Day 2: Travel to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Start the journey to the home of the gentle giants in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for the Ultimate gorilla experience. The journey is long but rewarding when you focus on the gorilla experience and enjoy the sights en-route. We shall have several stopovers along the way eventually arriving in the park later that evening. (There is an option of flying to Bwindi impenetrable forest).

Journey time – 8 hours & Flight time – 1.5 hours

 Meal plan – B, L & D

Accommodation

Up market – Bwindi Lodge

Mid-range – Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge

Budget – Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge (standard room)

Day 3: The Uganda Gorilla trekking Experience

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable national park is a rewarding experience which takes you through the thick impenetrable forest in search of gorillas. The experience hiking through the forest is rewarding even before you sight the gorillas.

Today morning after an early breakfast together with packed lunch, your driver guide will transfer you to the starting point where you will receive a briefing from the park ranger guide on how to prepare for the gorilla trek. Your ranger guide will lead the way in the forest first on well cleared paths but soon you get off to the bushes and thickets where he will help to clear them with a cycle he carries with him. Soon you will be in sight of these enormous creatures.

MEAL PLAN: B, L & D

Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After your breakfast your driver guide will pick you and you start the journey to Queen Elizabeth national park – the most famous park in Uganda.

The drive will take you through Ishasha – the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth national park. It is famous with the tree climbing lions which are said to climb fig trees after their meals to rest, experience the winds but to also easily watch their prey because of the high savanna grass. There are many theories as to why they climb the trees, you will learn more from your tour guide as you do game drive. Along the lions, there are other animals like Elephants, Buffaloes, Kobs, Topi, water bucks and  several bird species.

Journey time – 3 hours

Meal plan – Breakfast, lunch & Dinner

Accommodation

Up market – Kyambura gorge Lodge

Mid-range – Twin lakes lodge

Budget – Bush Lodge

Day 5:  Game drive and Boat Safari in Queen Elizabeth national park

Queen Elizabeth national park is home to numerous flora and fauna. The great scenery of ridges, forest and crater lakes with the Rwenzori mountains in the back ground make for a great game drive. The numerous wildlife provides great opportunities for game viewing is morning when the predators are looking out for prey and before they go back into hiding. You will start early morning using a car that allows the roof to top up so the opportunities of watching the game are maximized. Enjoy the exotic and rare species which include Elephants, Lions, Leopards, Buffaloes, and Uganda Kobs etc. In the afternoon enjoy a launch cruise on Kazinga Channel – towards Lake Edward where you will watch different wild animals that come to its waters and those that live therein and numerous species of birds.

MEAL PLAN: B, L & D

Day 6: End of your Ugandan Gorilla and Wildlife Safari

Today after breakfast, you will transfer to Kampala and proceed to Entebbe international airport for your flight back home. You will have a stopover for lunch at the Equator monument. Thank you for exploring Uganda with us.

MEAL PLAN B & L

Gorilla trekking tips

• Mountain gorillas sometimes nest far from the start of your gorilla trek, you should pace yourself and drink plenty of water.
• Eating, drinking and smoking near the gorillas is forbidden – designated time and place will be communicated.
• Bwindi being a tropical forest, it can rain anytime so we encourage you to carry a rain poncho
• Waterproof walking shoes or hiking boots are essential.
• Gardening gloves for protection against stinging plants
• Long trousers and long sleeved sweaters or shirts while in the forest to avoid insect stings.
• Photography is permitted, although you must not use flash
• Porters are available to help you carry your day pack for a small charge.

Tour includes

• Gorilla tracking permit
• Park entrance fees
• Boat ride
• Ground transport
• Bottled water in the safari vehicle
• Full board accommodation for two nights
• Service of an English-speaking driver guide
• All mentioned activities except for the optional ones

Tour excludes

Insurance

Extras at the accommodation i.e. drinks, telephone, laundry etc.

Tips to porters and driver/ guide

7DAYS BIRDING SAFARI

HIGHLIHTS

Day 1: Birding at UWEC, Entebbe & Shores of Lake Victoria

Day 2: Birding along the Heritage Trail

Day 3: Birding in Mabamba Swamps

Day 4: Birding in Mabira Forest.

Day 5: Birding in Lake Mburo National Park

Day 6: Nature Walk & Birding in Lake Mburo Park

Day 7: Game Viewing and Birding along Lakeside Track.

Day1: Birding at UWEC

After early morning breakfast our tour guide will pick you from your hotel of residence drive towards Uganda Wildlife Education Center(UWEC) formerly known as the Zoo. This has attracted over 170 bird species such as the rare Northern masked weaver, Golden Backed, African paradise,Baglafect Northern Brown Throated,  Grosbeak, Black Necked and many others.  5 species of flycatchers, Red bellied, Crested shrike flycatcher, Lead colored, Swamp flycatcher, and many others. Encounter Raptors such as the Gabar Goshawk, small banded snake Eagle, Shikra, African  plus many others including captive animals.  Proceed to Botanical gardens for another birding experience. Have lunch relax as you move forward to the evening visit to the sewage lagoons. Return for Dinner and Overnight at Speke Hotel.

ACCOMMODATION;

Speke Hotel

MEALS: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

ACTIVITIES: Birding

Day 2: Birding along the Heritage Trail 
Wake up for early morning breakfast and transfer to the Heritage trail .It is a 10 minutes’ drive from the Airport species. What may be seen include Short Toed Snake Eagle, Brown Crowned Tchargra, Mssustached Warbler, Violet backed Starlings, Black Cuckoo Shrike, Red Shouldered Cuckoo Shrike, Yellow bill, Brown Twin spot, Great sparrow hawk, Southern Banded Snake Eagle and many more. Proceed to Lutembe Beach for lunch. Board a boat in search for the thousands of Grey Headed Gulls, the papyrus Canary, White Winged black Terns, Papyrus Gonolek, and continue birding the evening.
Return to Dinner and Overnight Speke hotel

ACCOMMODATION;

Speke Hotel

MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

ACTIVITIES: Birding full day

Day 3: Birding in Mabamba Swamps
Early morning breakfast and then proceed to Mabamba swamps another Important Bird Area (IBA) with a population of about 5 Shoebills. Most of the birding is done canoeing.  Other species to be seen may include Squacco, African water Rail, long Toed Plover, Goliath, Purple, Herons, Pygmy Goose, Yellow Billed Duck, White Faced Whistling Duck, Grey and Black Headed Heron Moorhen, Allen’s Gallinule, Black Crake, African Jacana, Sitatunga Antelope (swamp Antelope) and many more. Return to Kampala but along the way stop by another swamp. Here you will be able to spot Papyrus Gonolek; White winged Warbler, Yellow Crowned Bishop, Weyns Weaver, etc. Dinner and overnight at Speke Hotel.

ACCOMMODATION;

Sepeke Hotel.

MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

ACTIVITIES: Full day.

Day 4: Birding in Mabira Forest
Early morning breakfast and then route to Mabira forest for specially forest birding about an hour drive from Kampala. Expect species like Yellow whiskered Greenbul, Leaf love, Toro Greenbul, Buff spotted Woodpecker, Grey spotted Woodpecker, White spotted Fluff tail, Red headed Blue Bill, Yellow spotted Barbet, Grey throated Barbet, Forest Robin, Yellow Rumped Tinker bird, Yellow Throated Tinker bird, Blue Breasted Kingfisher, African Pygmy, Shining blue, Woodland Kingfishers, Banded Wattle Eye ,Red tailed Ant Thrush, Chin spot Batis, , Brown capped ,Chestnut Wattle Eye, Yellow mantled, Black Billed, Weyn’s Weavers, Violet backed Starling, Red headed Malimbe, Purple headed Starling, and many more attractive species. Have a picnic lunch and continue birding the evening. Return to
Kampala for dinner and overnight at Speke Hotel or similar other.

ACCOMMODATION;

Speke Hotel

MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

ACTIVITIES: Birding the whole day

Day 5: Lake Mburo National Park 
wake up early morning take breakfast and transfer to Lake Mburo National park. It’s a 4 hours drive from Kampala. The park is situated in western Uganda. Briefly stop at the equator, proceed to Lake Mburo, birding to the entrance of Nshara gate.  Expect the following Common Scimitarbill, species; Emerald Spotted Wood Dove, Bare faced Go-Away Bird, Crested Francolin, Green Wood Hoopoe, Lilac breasted Roller, Spot-Flanked Barbet Northern Black Tit, Common Scimitarbill, Trilling Cisticola, Greater Blue Eared Starling, African Grey Hornbill, Brown Parrot may be seen. Take lunch at Rwonyo Restaurant. After lunch, embark on late afternoon game drive along the Zebra Track which may expose you to species like Coqui Francolin, Black Bellied Bustard, Temmricks Courser, African Wattled Plover, Rufous napped Rufous, Chested Swallow and Flappet Lark, etc. Look out also for evasive Leopard and other nocturnal species. Dinner and Overnight at Mantana Tented Camp.

ACCOMMODATION:

Mantana Tented Camp

MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

ACTIVITIES: Birding and other wildlife

Day 6: Nature Walk 
Have an early morning Breakfast, embark on a nature walk encountering several species of wetland and savanna species of birds, Impalas among others. Return for lunch head for evening game drive along the Kigambira loop. Species to expect are; localized Red Faced Barbet, Red Headed lovebird, Black Collared Barbet, Green capped Eremomela and Lead colored Flycatcher. Dinner and Overnight at Mantana Tented Camp.

ACCOMMODATION;

Mantana Tented Camp

MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

ACTIVITIES: Birding Game Drive

Day 7: Game Viewing & Birding along the Lakeside Track
After early morning breakfast we go morning game drive along the Lakeside Track. This entails approach to Aquatic habitats around Lake Mburo. Species to expect may include, White Winged Warbler, Papyrus Gonolek, Papyrus Yellow Warbler, Lesser and Greater Swamp Warbler and also the elusive Shoebill, the Blue headed Coucal. Continue to the lakeside campground, as we look out for the African Darter, African Water Rail, African Fin foot, Spur winged plovers, and many others. Return midmorning for breakfast and proceed for a launch- cruise in search for papyrus species missed the previous day including Hippos, Crocodiles, etc. Setoff for Kampala and make a stop over in Masaka town for Lunch and then proceed to Kampala. However, note that we have got two types of Safaris, Some opt for Luxury Safari (lodges / hotels) and others opt for Budget Safaris (camping and simple accommodation).Our rates vary with the accommodation.

End of the Tour.

INCLUDES:

• Bottled water
• All activities
• Park entry fees
• Meals(full board)
• Accommodation.

EXCLUDES:

Laundry

Tips

9 DAYS CULTURE AND HIKING TOUR IN MT. ELGON NATIONAL PARK

If you are craving adventure with culture then this trip is for you. On this 9 day culture and hiking tour in Uganda, you will get the best of both experiences. Your first experience will be with local communities in the countryside by the slopes of Mt Elgon. Thereafter you will spend 4 days hiking and experiencing the beautiful Mt Elgon with its views of waterfalls,vegetation, and caves.

Safari highlights

• Source of River Nile
• Sipi Falls
• Sabiny Culture
• Hiking Mt Elgon

Itinerary

Day 1: On Arrival in Uganda – The Pearl of Africa

On arrival a guide will welcome you at Entebbe International Airport and provide information about the safari you are about to take. You will then be transferred to your hotel for overnight.

Journey time – 1,5 hours

Meal plan – Dinner

Accommodation

Up market – Kampala Serena

Mid-range – Cassia Lodge

Budget – Casa Miltu

Day 2: Transfer to Jinja – Adventure Capital of East Africa

Boatride-jinjaWe start journey with first stopover at Sezibwa Falls for a cultural experience on our way to Jinja. Route to Jinja is through beautiful landscapes of tea and sugarcane plantations, a tropical rain forest, and several homesteads.On arrival to Jinja, we take a boat trip to source of River Nile on Lake Victoria. After the boat experience, we transfer to Sipi for overnight.

Journey time – 1,5 hours

Accommodation

Mid-range – Sipi River Lodge

Budget – Noahs Ark

Day 3 &4: Cultural experiences on the slopes of Mt Elgon

We will spend time learning and engaging with the Sabiny culture and community. First, we visit the Sipi Widows group on the slopes of Mt Elgon. This is the origin of the finest washed Arabica Coffee. The Sipi Widows’ Group takes you through the coffee plantation demonstrating how to plant, pick, grind, store, and wash the coffee.We will learn about the Sabiny – participate in traditional weaving, African cuisines – its preparation, cooking and tasting of local dishes and visit the women’s handcraft shop. Proceeds from the tour and shop maintain the coffee trees, raising awareness about the dangers of female circumcision (traditionally practiced in this region), and paying school fees.

We will also trek to the sipi falls for beautiful views of these waterfalls.

Day 5: Hike to Piswa Camp

After breakfast, we will transfer you to Kapkwata at 2190 meters, from where you start your hike of Mt Elgon. It is a scenic route running through the bamboo, heath, and moorland, arriving at the Piswa Camp at 2850 meters. Today’s hike will not be too steep, enjoy the different vegetation covers as you ascend to Piswa camp.

Day 6: Hunters Cave Camp in Mt Elgon

Hike up to the rim of the caldera through beautiful columns of the most rare and endemic plant species like the giant Lobelia Elgonensis. This is a beautiful trip through this vegetation only found at this height in Uganda, look out for the ever beautiful wild Everlasting flowers. On this route, you will pass by the hot springs which make a for a good stopover. On the same trail you find Suam Gorge with beautiful views of the mountain. After the gorge, you hike the last leg to Hunters Cave Camp at 3850 meters.

Day 7: Overnight at Mude Cave Camp

The goal today is to ascend to ascend to the top of the caldera at the Wagagai Peak which is at 4321 meters. The views from the caldera are worth the hike up the mountain. Thereafter we will descend through the Jackson summit (4200 meter) and the Jackson pool to arrive at Mude Cave Camp at 3500 meters for overnight. Mt Elgon has the largest caldera worldwide and is the 4th highest peak in Africa.

Day 8: Descend through the Sasa Trail

Today after an early breakfast you begin the descend through the Sasa trail to Budadiri. We choose to take a different trail so that you are able to experience more of the mountain using a different route. We arrive in Budadiri where our the driver guide will pick you and transfer you back to Kampala with a stopover in Mbale for lunch.

Day 9: End of Mt Elgon Hike – Departure

After a restful night reminiscing of your hike to the second highest peak in Uganda – you transfer to the Airport to start your journey back home. Thank you for exploring this part of Uganda with us…we look forward to plan your next adventure to the Pearl of Africa.

Tour includes

• Ground transport
• Source of the Nile
• Community experiences
• Hiking Elgon
• Park entrance
• Bottled water in the safari vehicle
• Full board accommodation for two nights
• Service of an English-speaking driver guide
• All mentioned activities except for the optional ones

Tour excludes

Insurance

Extras at the accommodation i.e. drinks, telephone, laundry etc.

Tips to porters and driver/ guide

10 DAYS HIKE RWENZORI MOUNTAINS SAFARI

This trip will give an intimate experience of the Rwenzori Mountains, a UNESCO world heritage site in western Uganda. The Rwenzori Mountains were selected as one of the World’s Best Hikes by National Geographical. They provide a natural border with DR  Congo for hiking safari in the Pearl of Africa. They are Africa’s highest mountain ranges with fourth highest peak in Africa snow capped throughout the year. The hike is however not an easy one posing a challenge to even experienced hikers, sign up when ready for the challenge.

Safari highlights

• Photo session at the Equator
• Snow at the Equator (how ironic)
• Different vegetation covers
• Lakes, Waterfalls and Caves

Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer to Kasese – foothills Rwenzori mountains

Today you will be transferred to Kasese and continue to the foothills of the Mountains of Moon – the Rwenzori mountains. You have enough time to rest and prepare to start your trek tomorrow.

Journey time – 7 hours

Meal plan – L & D

Accommodation

Upmarket – Equator Snow Lodge

Budget – Sandton Hotel

Day 2: Start the Rwenzori Mountains Tour

Today wake up early excited to start your hike of the Rwenzori mountains. The driver guide will transfer you to Nyakalengija (1646 meters) to receive your briefing and start your climb into the Rwenzori mountain ranges. You will hike along River Mubuku through the thick vegetation arriving at the Nyabitaba hut (2651 meters) where you will overngiht.

Nyabitaba hut

Day 3: Hike to John Matte hut

After yesterdays hike, hopefully today you are getting better accustomed to the climatic conditions. Have an early breakfast and hike through a bridge across River Mubuku. The plan is to overnight at John Matte hut so hike past Nyamuleju hut enjoying the views of Mount Stanley and Speke depending on weather. You will climb through some open patches, lobelia, and heath moss forest  to the John Matte hut (3505 meters) for overnight.

John Matte Hut

Day 4: Hiking to Bujuku hut

Your best sights today will be Lake Bujuku (3962 meters)and ‘cooking pot’ a rock shelter. Start the hike early morning through the giant lobelia before you finally arrive at Bujuku hut for overnight.

Bujuku Hut

Day 5: Hike to Elena hut

Today the plan is to ascend Mount Victoria and Mount Speke from the valley with scenic alpine vegetation consisting Giant Groundsels and Lobelia.  You will hike through the glaciers to arrive at Elena hut (4541 meters) for overnight rest.

Elena Hut

Day 6: Final ascent to the snow capped Margherita

Today you hike to Alexander peak (5092 meters) and continue on to the highest peak at 5109 meters, the famous Margherita peak. Enjoy the picture session at the highest peak before you start your descend to the beautiful Lake Kitandara for overnight stay at Kitandara hut (4020 meters).

Kitandara Hut

Day 7: Descend to Guy Yeoman hut

After early breakfast you start a long descent to Guy Yeoman hut (3505 meters). We will have a picnic lunch on the way and continue descending with views of DR Congo.

Guy Yeoman hut

Day 8: Descend to Nyabitaba hut

The last part of the hike drops steeply along the Mubuku River and joins the original route near the Bujuku River to Nyabitaba hut (2651 meters). Enjoy the last of the mountain before exiting the next day.

Nyabitaba Hut

Day 9: Hike to Kasese

Today after breakfast you start the last descent to Nyakalengija where you started the journey. You will find your driver guide waiting for you after which you will proceed to your hotel in Kasese.

Meal plan – B, L & D

Accommodation

Budget – Sandton Hotel

Day 10: End of Rwenzori Mountains tour

Today after breakfast we leave for Kampala and proceed to Entebbe for your departure flight. Thank you for choosing to explore Uganda. We hope you visit again!

Journey time – 7 hours

Meal plan – B & L

General hiking tips

• You will be hiking at high altitude and this may cause difficulties for some visitors. You should pace yourself and drink plenty of water.
• Rain gear
• Warm winter clothing
• Water proof hiking boots are essential
• Porters are available to help you carry your day pack for a small charge.

Tour includes

• Hiking
• Park entrance fees
• Ground transport
• Bottled water in the safari vehicle
• Full board accommodation
• Service of an English-speaking driver guide
• All mentioned activities except for the optional ones

Tour excludes

Insurance

Extras at the accommodation i.e. drinks, telephone, laundry etc.

Tips to porters and driver/ guide

10 DAYS UGANDA ULTIMATE PRIMATE SAFARI

On your Uganda primate safari, experience the chimpanzees in their natural home – Kibale National Park. Transfer to Queen Elizabeth national Park for a wildlife safari experience and encounter the Big 4. Trek  through the Bwindi impenetrable forest looking for the rare and endangered mountain gorillas; drive through Ishasha the home of tree climbing lions. End your tour Lake Mburo national National Park.

Safari Highlights:

• Chimpanzee tracking
• Nature walk in Bigodi Swamp
• Game drives
• Boat cruise
• Crater Lakes
• Tree Climbing Lions of Ishasha
• Gorilla tracking
• Photo session at the Equator

Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to the Pearl of Africa

Today on arrival at the Airport, a representative will be eagerly waiting to receive you and transfer you to your hotel in Entebbe or Kampala for overnight. You will have dinner depending on time of arrival.

Meal plan – Dinner

Accommodation

Up market – Kampala Serena

Mid-range – Cassia lodge

Budget – Forest Cottages

Day 2: Transfer to the primate capital of the world – Kibale national park

Today your driver guide will pick you from your hotel after breakfast to start journey to the primate capital of primates – Kibale forest. The drive is through Uganda’s countryside with past lots of agricultural lands, homesteads, road side fruit and vegetable markets and forests. A part from these fascinating sights the only stopovers will be for the washrooms and stretching whenever you need to.

You will have lunch in the beautiful Fort portal town with spectacular landscapes of the Rwenzori mountains in the back ground and ever green lawns. From here you will proceed to your lodge ready for chimpanzee trekking the next day.

Journey time – 5 hours

Meal plan – Breakfast, lunch & Dinner

Accommodation

Up market – Papaya Lodge

Mid-range – Turaco Treetop

Budget – Chimpanzee Guesthouse

Day 3: Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale national park

chimpanzee-kibale-forest

Today is the Chimpanzee tracking day in the primate capital of the world – Kibale National Park. After your breakfast, your driver guide will transfer you to the briefing point before the chimp trek. The experienced ranger guide will take you through a briefing on what to expect and how to conduct yourself in the forest.

After the short briefing, you will start the lead you as you hike through the tropical forest for an unforgettable and rewarding experience in search of man’s closest relatives the Chimpanzees, after locating them you are allowed to stay in their presence for a total of 1 hour after which you start the hike out of the forest. After lunch, take a Swamp walk in Bigodi community – proceeds from this help in community development.

MEAL PLAN : B, L & D

Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

The safari continues to Queen Elizabeth National Park passing through Crater lakes region (depending on road condition) and enjoying views of the Rwenzori mountain ranges. The driver guide will pick you after breakfast or you can choose to leave later.

You have an option of a free afternoon at your lodge where you choose to rest. Alternatively you can choose to take a short evening game drive or village walk in the afternoon.

Journey time – 2 hours

Meal plan – Breakfast, lunch & Dinner

Accommodation

Up market – Kyambura game Lodge

Mid-range – Twin lakes lodge

Budget – Elephant Hab Lodge

Day 5: Game drive and Boat Safari in Queen Elizabeth national park

Africa is home to a vast, unrivalled number of species living in the wild. Queen Elizabeth national park has the highest biodiversity of any protected area in Africa. The best times for game viewing is morning when the predators are looking out for prey and before they go back into hiding. You will be using a car that allows the roof to top up so the opportunities of watching the game are maximized. Enjoy the exotic and rare species which include Elephants, Lions, Leopards, Buffaloes, and Uganda Kobs etc.In the afternoon enjoy a launch cruise on Kazinga Channel – towards Lake Edward where you will watch different wild animals that come to its waters and those that live therein and numerous species of birds.

MEAL PLAN: B, L & D

Day 6: Transfer to Ishasha sector for tree climbing Lions

tree lions ishasha

Ishasha is the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth national park famous for the tree-climbing lions. After their meals these predators like to climb fig trees to rest, experience the winds but also easily watch their prey as because of the high savanna grass. Along the lions is a rich bird life and other mammals.

Journey time – 2 hours

Meal plan – Breakfast, lunch & Dinner

Accommodation

Up market – Ishasha wilderness camp

Mid-range – Ishasha jungle lodge

Budget – Enjojo Lodge

Day 7: Safari to the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Forest

We leave for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – the home of half the world’s remaining mountain gorillas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Journey time – 2 hours

Meal plan – Breakfast, lunch & Dinner

Accommodation

Up market – Buhoma Lodge

Mid-range – Haven Lodge

Budget – Buhoma community camp

Day 8:  Gorilla trekking in Uganda

uganda-gorillas

The ultimate safari experience in the ‘jungles of Africa’, spend the day with the gigantic gentle creatures – the mountain gorillas. The adventure hiking through Bwindi impenetrable forest in search of gorillas is a unique experience. Once you locate the gorillas with your ranger guide, observe them for an hour. Those who prefer not to participate in the gorilla tracking can take a guided forest walk or explore the surrounding locale with the community village walk.

MEAL PLAN : B, L & D

Day 9: Transfer to Lake Mburo national park

After the exhilarating experience in Bwindi Impenetrable forest, we start safari to the calm and beautiful Lake Mburo National Park. You can choose to take a boat trip on Lake Mburo or take a nature walk/ walking safari. After this experience you will retire to your lodge.

Journey time – 4 hours

Meal plan – B, L & D

Accommodation

Up market – Mihingo Lodge

Mid-range – Rwakobo Rock

Budget – Eagles Nest

Day 10:  End of your Ugandan Primates Safari

…Your driver guide will pick you after breakfast for a short game drive before exiting the park. Today you drive back to Kampala. You will drive out of the park and stop over at the Equator monument for lunch, souvenirs and photo sessions in both the north and southern hemispheres.

This will mark the end to your Uganda primate safari, thank you for exploring Uganda with us. We hope you had an amazing time and will encourage others to visit the Pearl of Africa. You are also welcome back to explore other parts of Uganda that you missed out on this tour.

Meal plan – B & L

Gorilla trekking tips

• Mountain gorillas sometimes nest far from the start of your gorilla trek, you should pace yourself and drink plenty of water.
• Eating, drinking and smoking near the gorillas is forbidden – designated time and place will be communicated.
• Bwindi being a tropical forest, it can rain anytime so we encourage you to carry a rain poncho
• Waterproof walking shoes or hiking boots are essential.
• Gardening gloves for protection against stinging plants
• Long trousers and long sleeved sweaters or shirts while in the forest to avoid insect stings.
• Photography is permitted, although you must not use flash
• Porters are available to help you carry your day pack for a small charge.

Tour includes

• Gorilla tracking permit
• Park entrance fees
• Boat ride
• Ground transport
• Bottled water in the safari vehicle
• Full board accommodation for two nights
• Service of an English-speaking driver guide
• All mentioned activities except for the optional ones

Tour excludes

Insurance

Extras at the accommodation i.e. drinks, telephone, laundry etc.

Tips to porters and driver/ guide

11 DAYS BIRDING ,CHIMPANZEE AND GORILLA TOUR THROUGH UGANDA

DAY1

Entebbe, arrival

You’ll be picked up when you arrive at Entebbe International Airport (ETT) by a representative and driven to The Boma Guesthouse in Entebbe, where you’ll spend the night. Dinner and breakfast are included.

The Boma Entebbe

Meals: Dinner and breakfast

Transport: Included

DAY2

Semliki, a birders paradise

The four to five hours’ drive to Fort Portal takes you via the rural towns of Mityana, Mubende and Kwenjojo before entering the town of Fort Portal through an attractive landscape of rolling hillsides with tea plantations and the Ruwenzori Mountains in the background. After lunch in Fort Portal, you’ll cross the eastern wall of the Rift Valley towards the settlement of Karagutu, where you’ll turn off to the Semliki Valley Wildlife Reserve – one of the best birding areas in Uganda (350+ bird species). You’ll arrive at the Semliki Safari Lodge by mid-afternoon. On your first evening, you’re welcome to join in a night game drive with spotlight (in a shared open-sided lodge vehicle) in search of nocturnal wildlife and bird species, such as standard-winged and pennant-winged nightjars. Overnight at Semliki Safari Lodge, with your meals and drinks included.

Semliki Safari Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks

Transport: Included

DAY3

Semliki, focus on Shoebill

Following an early breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the fishing village of Ntoroko from where you’ll go on a birding boat cruise on Lake Albert. The swamp at the southern end of Lake Albert is one of the best spots in Uganda to observe the much sought-after and rare shoebill stork. You’ll have a chance to observe rare species such as grey-headed gull, lesser Swamp-warbler, Spot-breasted ibis, Senegal coucal and African green ibis. Some other remarkable birds that can be seen are blue-cheeked bee-eater, blue-headed coucal, goliath heron, yellow-billed stork and grey-crowned crane. After your boat trip, you’ll return to Semliki Safari Lodge for lunch. Mid-afternoon, you’ll go on a wildlife/birding ride in the Semliki Valley Wildlife Reserve in a private 4×4 with an experienced naturalist driver-guide. You’ll have a chance to observe species such as sulfur-breasted bushshrike, red-shouldered cuckoo shrike, White-browed Scrub-robin, blue-naped mousebird, striped kingfisher, white-breasted robin, bateleur and snake eagles, and helmeted guineafowl. In the evening you’ll  go on another night drive with spotlight (in a shared open-sided lodge vehicle) in search of nocturnal wildlife and bird species. Overnight at Semliki Safari Lodge, with your meals and drinks included.

Semliki Safari Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks

Transport: Included

DAY4

Semliki

Following an early breakfast, you’ll drive about 1,5 to two hours to the Semliki National Park with a packed lunch. The park, which has 430+ bird species, is the eastern extension of the vast Ituri Forest of the Congo Basin in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Forest walks in the Semliki National Park will provide you with some of Africa’s best forest birding, including white-crested hornbill, red-billed dwarf hornbill, piping hornbill, Congo serpent eagle, yellow-throated nicator, red-rumped tinker bird, black winged oriole, black collared lovebird, Zenkers honey-guide, great blue and Ross’s turacos. In the afternoon you’ll visit the Sempaya Hot Springs, spurting bubbling water and steam up to two meters high. Before returning to the Semliki Valley Wildlife Reserve, you’ll pass via the Sempaya-Ntandi Road, a six-kilometre section of public road that runs through one of the loveliest tracts of forest in Uganda and provides views of birds and monkeys high up in the forest canopy. Overnight at Semliki Safari Lodge, with your meals and drinks included.

Semliki Safari Lodge

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks

Transport: Included

DAY5

To Kibale for some Chimps

After breakfast, you have a two- to three-hour drive to Kibale Primate Lodge where you’ll have lunch. You’ll go chimpanzee trekking in the afternoon when you have a better chance of seeing the chimps on the forest floor. Kibale has wonderful forest and papyrus birds but you’ll have to rely on calls and the odd glimpse through the forest canopy. Rare species include the papyrus gonolek, white-winged warbler, white-collared olive back and papyrus canary, white-spotted flufftail, yellow-spotted barbet, hairy-breasted barbet, yellow-billed barbet, western nicator, grey-winged robin-chat, white-tailed ant-thrush, brown-backed scrub-robin, Black-and-white Shrike-flycatcher, brown-throated wattle-eye, superb sunbird, Brown-crowned tchagra, Bocage’s Bush-shrike, black bishop, white-breasted negrofinch and black-crowned waxbill. Overnight at Kibale Primate Lodge, with your meals included.

Primate Lodge Kibale

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Transport: Included

DAY6

Kyambura Gorge, Queen

After breakfast at the Kibale Primate Lodge, you’ll set out for the Kibale Forest at a leisurely pace via the Crater Lakes area to Kasese town, the second most populous center in Western Uganda. The road passes through fertile agricultural land and follows the lower slopes of one of Africa’s largest mountain ranges –  the famous Rwenzori Mountains. You’ll cross the equator and pass through the Queen Elizabeth National Park (600+ bird species) where the Uganda kob is abundant and you may see elephant or buffalo in the distance. After lunch at the Mweya Safari Lodge, you’ll go on a boat cruise on the Kazinga channel, leaving at 3pm. The 32-kilometre Kazinga channel is a dominant feature of the Queen Elizabeth National Park and links Lake George with Lake Edward. The channel attracts a varied range of animals and birds and one of the world’s largest concentrations of hippos year round. During the cruise, you may spot skimmers, striated heron, African spoonbill, African crake, three-banded plover, marsh sandpiper, green sandpiper, wood sandpiper, grey-headed gull, lesser swamp-warbler and many others. Overnight at the Kyambura Gorge Lodge, with your meals and drinks included. 

Volcanoes Kyambura Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks

Transport: Included

DAY7

Ishasha, Queen’s wild side

After breakfast at the Kyambura Gorge Lodge, you’ll leave the Northern section of the Queen Elizabeth National Park via an 80-kilometre dirt road (1,5 to two hours, depending on road conditions) towards the Congolese border town of Ishasha. Although the road passes through the Queen Elizabeth National Park, this is a public road. Enjoy your packed lunch at a quiet spot at the Ishasha River before checking in to the Ishasha Wilderness Camp. In the afternoon you’ll go on a wildlife and birding drive on the Ishasha Plains in a private 4×4 vehicle with your driver-guide. As the sun sets, return to the Ishasha Wilderness Camp for the night, meals included.

Ishasha Wilderness Camp

  Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Transport: Included

DAY8

Bwindi and more forest birds

Spend the morning after breakfast on a last game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park before driving to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park (two to three hours away) in time for dinner. Bwindi is a bird watcher’s heaven, with 350 species of birds and 90% of all Albertine rift endemics. An experienced bird watcher can identify up to 100 species in a day. Birding takes place along the Buhoma Waterfall Trail and along the bamboo zone and Mubwindi Swamp trail in Ruhija. Overnight at Gorilla Forest Camp, with your meals and drinks included.

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Bwindi, Uganda

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks

Transport: Included

DAY9

Gorillas while you there

This is the morning for your mountain gorilla trek. Spend your allotted hour with these giant primates and return to Gorilla Forest Camp for a late lunch, with time to relax in the afternoon. Overnight at Gorilla Forest Camp, with your meals and drinks included.

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Bwindi, Uganda

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks

Transport: Included

DAY10

Albertine rift endemics

The last day of your birding safari through Uganda will be spent looking for the species you haven’t seen yet. Look out for some of the 23 Albertine Rift endemics, such as the short-tailed warbler, rusty-faced woodland warbler, bar-tailed trogon, Gruer’s rush warbler, Wilcock’s honey-guide, yellow-eyed black fly-catcher, Kivu ground thrush, dusky crimson wing and white-tailed blue monarch, as well as seven IUCN red data listed species that are difficult or impossible to see in any other part of East Africa. Overnight at Gorilla Forest Camp, with your meals and drinks included.

Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Bwindi, Uganda

  Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks

Transport: Included

DAY11

Fly Home

Your flight back to Entebbe leaves at 10:55am and arrives at Entebbe an hour later. You’ll be in time for lunch back at The Boma, where you’ll spend the afternoon before being transferred to Entebbe International for your connecting flight.

12 DAYS UGANDA PRIMATES AND WILDLIFE SAFARI

This 12-day Best of Uganda safari offers you an abundance of wildlife, scenery, and cultural experiences. Gorilla and chimp tracking may be the highlight of this safari, but there are amazing opportunities of seeing Rhinos, lions, hippos, buffaloes, leopard, elephants, and several species of birds and an abundance of dense green forest. Enjoy the thundering Murchison Falls in the north of Uganda and the crater lakes is the western and southwestern of the country. This journey will bring you close to nature and culture.

Safari Highlights:

• Rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
• Game drives in Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth and Lake Mburo National Parks
• Boat cruises in Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks
• Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park
• Nature walk in Bigodi Swamp
• Crater Lakes
• Tree Climbing Lions of Ishasha
• Gorilla tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable forest
• Boat ride in Lake Mburo National Park
• Photo session at the Equator

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival for Best of Uganda Safari

Our friendly guide will welcome you to Uganda at Entebbe airport and transfer you to your hotel in Kampala. Enjoy the fresh breeze from Lake Victoria – 2nd largest lake in the world. Get a good night’s rest, your adventure starts tomorrow.

Day 2: Rhino Tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Have an early breakfast and depart for Murchison Falls National Park found on the northern/western circuit. The journey is a magical adventure with a stopover at Ziwa Rhino sanctuary to track Rhinos. You will spend a total of 1 hour with the Rhinos after allocating them  with the help of your ranger guide.

Continue on to Murchison falls and proceed to the top of the falls where you will behold the Nile is forced through a 7-meter gorge with a thunderous fall before your very own eyes. This will depend on the location of your lodge.

Journey time – 5 hours

Meal plan – lunch & Dinner

Accommodation

Up market – Nile Safari Lodge

Mid-range – Pakuba Safari lodge

Budget – Fort Murchison (tents)

Day 3: Murchison Falls National Park Wildlife tour

Murchison Falls National park is the biggest park in Uganda offering fulfilling game viewing. After an early break-fast we start the day with a game drive on the northern bank of River Nile, and look out for giraffes, elephants, hartebeest, Buffaloes, Leopards, Lions and different bird species.

Indeed, it is a privilege watching wild animals in their habitat as they eat, play, and protect the young. In the after-noon, the safari will continue on River Nile. The relaxed boat safari provides more opportunities for spotting a variety of animals and birds. Watch the water the Murchison falls – the ‘devils cauldron’. This kind of boat cruise only found in Uganda in the whole of Africa.

MEAL PLAN: B, L & D

Day 4: Transfer for Chimps in Kibale Forest NP

Today after an early breakfast we depart for the home of Chimpanzee in Kibale National Park – the primate capital of the world. We hope you had an adventurous time in Murchison falls NP.  Kibale forest is home to 13 species of primates with the main attraction being chimpanzee tracking among many other engaging activities.

On this journey, you will have stunning views as you pass small villages, local markets and several bird life. This is a day’s trip with packed lunch or in a town enroute. You arrive at your lodge later that evening ready for tomorrows adventure.

Journey time – 7 hours

Meal plan – Breakfast, lunch & Dinner

Accommodation

Up market – Papaya Lake Lodge

Mid-range – Turaco Treetops

Budget – Chimpanzee guest house

Day 5: Chimpanzee tracking in Uganda

chimpanzee in kibale forest national park

Kibale national park is the primate capital of East Africa. Chimpanzee trekking is a fulfilling adventure that takes you deep in the tropical forest across streams of water. You may also have sightings of red-tailed monkeys, black-and-white Columbus monkeys,butterflies, and birds calling from the canopies. With the help of your guide, you will locate the chimps. Enjoy picture moments and watch them as they play and feed.

In the afternoon you will visit Bigodi Village and wetland known for its rich diversity of birds and primates depending on the availability of time. By taking this tour, you are in many ways contributing to the development of this community because the proceeds are used to build schools and offer small loans.

MEAL PLAN : B, L & D

Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

animals-kazinga-channelToday after breakfast, our tour continues to Queen Elizabeth National Park for a wildlife experience in the plain of Kasenyi. The drive will take us through views of several crater lakes and the mystical Rwenzori Mountain ranges en route. On arrival in the park, we shall have a small game drive as we proceed to the lodge for lunch.

In the afternoon the safari will continue on a boat cruise on Kazinga channel which is a stretch of water connecting Lake Edward and Lake George. The boat safari offers you great photography sessions in a relaxed way with lots of bird life on the shores, crocodiles, elephants, etc

Journey time – 2 hours

Meal plan – B, L & D

Accommodation

Up market – Kyambura Gorge Lodge

Mid-range – Twin Lakes Lodge

Budget – Elephant Hab Lodge

Day 7: Wildlife Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park

tree lions ishashaToday we arise early morning for a game drive. The animals in their different families, clans, and groups are out starting on their day. Notice the difference between these animals in their natural habitat and those caged in zoos.

The game drive happens in Kasenyi plains in the custom made safari cars for game viewing. Look out for Lions, Elephants, Buffaloes, Kobs, Water bucks etc all this in between the Rwenzori mountains and the Rift valley escarpment.Proceed to Ishasha sector in the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth, famed for the tree-climbing lions,search for them with help of rangers. Lunch will be a picnic or at the lodge depending on what keeps you interested on the road.

Journey time – 2 hours

Meal plan – B, L & D

Accommodation

Up market – Ishasha Wilderness camp

Mid-range – Ishasha Jungle lodge

Budget – Enjojo Lodge

Day 8: Expedition to Bwindi impenetrable Forest

hills-bwindiToday we start journey to the home of the gentle giants of Bwindi impenetrable forest. This fulfilling journey takes us through the Kigezi highlands with great scenery of terraced hills. Lunch will be along the way or at the lodge depending on time of arrival.

Your lodge in or adjust to the impenetrable forest will offer you great resting as you prepare for the next day’s gorilla trek.

Journey time – 2 hours

Meal plan – Breakfast, lunch & Dinner

Accommodation

Up market – Buhoma Lodge

Mid-range – Buhoma Haven Lodge

Budget – Buhoma community rest camp

Day 9: Gorillas trekking in Uganda

The highlight of your safari will be meeting the gentle giants of Bwindi National Park! Enjoy the fullness of the impenetrable forest abounding with life, host to several species of birds, butterflies, primates, mammals. Eventually with help of your guide who is also a park ranger, you will find yourself face to face with the enormous and rare mountain gorillas. The trekking experience takes anything from on hour (rarely) to about 8 hours to accomplish. However, you only have one hour with gorillas to capture your finest moment.Suggested activities for those not interested in gorilla tracking is a community village walk or short guided forest walk.

MEAL PLAN:  B, L & D

Day 10: Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park

zebras lake mburo national parkYour driver guide will pick you up after breakfast to start the journey to Lake Mburo national park. The drive is through beautiful landscapes, plantations, and farms.

You have an opportunity to stop by a cultural Museum- exhibiting the life of the native people of the area how they lived through the centuries.

Have lunch/picnic at restaurant along the way. Arrive in the park later that afternoon and take a boat trip on Lake Mburo on the lake.

Journey time – 4 hours

Meal plan – Breakfast, lunch & Dinner

Accommodation

Up market – Mihingo Lodge

Mid-range – Rwakobo Rock

Budget – Eagles Nest

Day 11: Transfer to Kampala and proceed to Jinja

After an early breakfast, we take a game drive in lake Mburo national park in search of the different game in this small park before driving out to continue our journey to Jinja – the adventure capital of East africa.We later proceed to Kampala, with a stopover at the famous Equator line monument for pictures and shopping. Have lunch in the city or Equator depending on arrival time and proceed to Jinja.

Journey time – 6 hours

Meal plan – Breakfast, lunch & Dinner

Accommodation

Up market – Wild waters Lodge

Mid-range – Haven Lodge

Budget – Nile River Camp

Day 12: White Water Rafting on River Nile

Today morning after an early breakfast, you will transfer to the starting point of the white water rafting.In Jinja, the Nile finds its origin; visit the Source of River Nile where it starts its 4000 km journey through Africa and a great challenge for rafters. You shall have a whole days white water rafting experience.After this experience and the entire Uganda wildlife safari, proceed to your hotel or late night flight. Thank you for traveling with Kagera Safaris, we appreciate.

Optional activities

Quad bike safari, bungee jumping, horseback safari

Journey time – 4 hours

Meal plan – B & L

Gorilla trekking tips

• Bwindi impenetrable national park requires hiking,  you should pace yourself and drink plenty of water.
• Eating, drinking and smoking near the gorillas is forbidden. Your ranger guide will communicate designated time and place for such.
• We encourage you to carry a rain poncho
• Waterproof walking shoes or hiking boots are essential.
• Gardening gloves for protection against stinging plants
• Long trousers and long sleeved sweaters or shirts while in the forest to avoid insect stings.
• Photography is permitted, although you must not use flash
• Porters are available to help you carry your day pack for a minimum fee of $20 or 50,000 Ugx

Tour includes

• Ground transport
• Gorilla permit fees
• Chimpanzee permit
• Park entrance
• Boat trips
• Water rafting
• Bottled water in the safari vehicle
• Full board accommodation for two nights
• Service of an English-speaking driver guide
• All mentioned activities except for the optional ones

Tour excludes

Insurance

Extras at the accommodation i.e. drinks, telephone, laundry etc.

Tips to porters and driver/ guide

15 DAYS BEST OF UGANDA SAFARI

Experience an abundance of wildlife, scenery, and cultural experiences on this 15 day Uganda Safari. For most people mountain gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking are the highlight of this safari. There are amazing opportunities of seeing numerous exotic animals like Rhinos, lions, hippos, buffaloes, leopard, elephants, and several species of birds. Enjoy the thundering Murchison Falls and the crater lakes is the western and southwestern of the country. This journey will bring you close to nature and culture – Uganda, the Pearl of Africa!

Safari Highlights:

• Rhino tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
• Game drives in Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth and Lake Mburo National Parks
• Boat cruises in Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks
• Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park
• Nature walk in Bigodi Swamp
• Crater Lakes
• Tree Climbing Lions of Ishasha
• Gorilla tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable forest
• Boat ride in Lake Mburo National Park
• Photo session at the Equator

 Day 1: Arrival to the Pearl of Africa

On your arrival, a representative will welcome you to Uganda at Entebbe airport and transfer you to your hotel in Kampala. Enjoy the breeze from Lake Victoria – 2nd largest lake in the world.

Journey time – 1 hour

Meal plan – Dinner

Accommodation

Up market – Kampala Serena

Mid range – Cassia lodge

Budget – Apricot Guesthouse

Day 2:  Rhino Tracking at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

rhino tracking ziwa rhino sanctuary ugandaHave an early breakfast and depart for Murchison Falls National Park. The journey is a magical adventure with a stopover at Ziwa Rhino sanctuary route to track Rhinos. Your ranger guide will brief you after which you proceed to trek Rhinos in the sanctuary.

Depending on the location of your lodge, after this fulfilling experience and photo session, we proceed to the ‘top of the falls’ where River Nile is forced through a 7-meter gorge with a thunderous fall. Proceed to your lodge for the night.

Journey time – 4 hours

Meal plan – Breakfast, lunch & Dinner

Accommodation

Up market – Paraa Safari Lodge

Mid range – Fort Murchison

Budget – Heritage Lodge

Day 3: Game drive and Boat Safari on River Nile

giraffe-murchison-fallsMurchison Falls National park is the biggest in Uganda and offers fulfilling game viewing. The game drives start early morning right after breakfast which increases the chances of sighting different animals especially the predators that tend to go into hiding during the heat of the day. The game drive happen in the northern bank of River Nile, where we look out for giraffes, elephants, hartebeest, Buffaloes, Leopards, Lions and different bird species.

In the after-noon, the safari will continue on River Nile – Nile boat safari towards the mighty Murchison falls. The relaxed boat safari provides more opportunities for spotting a variety of animals and birds and falls from. You have an opportunity to watch the falls from below.

Day 4: Drive to the Chimps in Kibale Forest NP

Today we depart for the home of Chimpanzee in Kibale National Park. Kibale forest is home to 13 species of primates with the main attraction being chimpanzee tracking and bird watching. The journey to this tropical forest passes villages and colorful road markets. Lunch will en route or packed.

Journey time – 7 hours

Meal plan – Dinner

Accommodation

Up market – Papaya Lake Lodge

Mid range – Primate lodge

Budget – Chimpanzee guest house

Day 5: Chimpanzee tracking in their natural habitat 

chimp-kibale-forestChimpanzee tracking is a fulfilling adventure that takes you deep in the tropical forests with streams of water and abundant wildlife. You will start with a briefing from the ranger guide about your chimp trek. On your trek, you might have sightings of red-tailed monkeys, black-and white Columbus monkeys,butterflies, and birds calling from the canopies. With the help of your ranger guide, you will locate the chimps. Enjoy picture moments and watch them as they play, groom, and feed.

After lunch visit Bigodi swamp – a community project known for its rich diversity of birds and primates depending on the availability of time. This community project is involved in providing employment for youth through tour guiding, some of the proceeds go into establishment of schools and teachers pay.

Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Today after breakfast, our wildlife tour continues to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Enjoy views of several crater lakes and the mystical Rwenzori Mountain ranges. On arrival in the park, have lunch and take a boat safari on Kazinga channel. The boat safari is a great way to enjoy water, animals, birds and photography.

Journey time – 2 hours

Meal plan – Breakfast, Lunch Dinner

Accommodation

Up market – Mweya Safari Lodge

Mid range – Park view safari lodge

Budget – Bush Lodge

Day 7: Game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park and transfer to Ishasha sector

tree-climbing-lionsThe animals in their different families, clans, and groups are out starting on their day. Watch the animals in their natural habitat and notice the difference with those caged in zoos. You will do this mostly from the Kasenyi plains where there is the large Kob mating ground. Look out for Elephants, Lions, Leapard, Waterbucks, Buffaloes, and several colorful birds.

After this experience, we drive to watch them and proceed to Ishasha, famed for the tree-climbing lions. It is not easy to sight these but we shall mount a search with the help of rangers. Lunch will be a picnic or at the lodge.

Journey time – 2 hours

Meal plan – Breakfast, Lunch Dinner

Accommodation

Up market – Ishasha wilderness camp

Mid range – Bwindi Jungle lodge

Budget – Enjojo Lodge

Day 8: Expedition to the Gorillas in Bwindi Forest

Today we start journey to the home of the gentle giants of Bwindi – Mountain gorillas. The journey takes us through the terraced hills of Kigezi highlands. Lunch will be along the way or at the lodge depending on time of arrival. Take your well-deserved rest at your hotel in the lodge.

Journey time – 2 hours

Meal plan – Breakfast, Lunch Dinner

Accommodation

Up market – Buhoma Lodge

Mid range – Haven Lodge

Budget – Rest Camp

Day 9: Mountain Gorilla trekking

baby-and-mother-gorillaMountain gorillas are true gentle giants found in Bwindi impenetrable forest and Mgahinga gorilla national park in Uganda. Bwindi impenetrable forestis abounding with life hosting species of birds, butterflies, primates, mammals, and trees. Your ranger guide will guide you to in conjunction with early trackers to the enormous and rare mountain gorillas deep in the jungles of Bwindi. The trekking experience takes anything from on hour (rarely) to about 8 hours to accomplish,  you only have one hour with gorillas to capture your finest moment. For those not interested in gorilla tracking can take a community village walk or short guided forest walk.

Day 10: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

As you reminisce on your gorilla experiences we depart for Lake Bunyonyi, the 2nd deepest lake in Africa. Enjoy stunning scenery – interlocking hills terraced by the locals as they practice farming named the “Switzerland of Africa” by Churchill, the great British diplomat.

Journey time – 2 hours

Meal plan – Breakfast, Lunch Dinner

Accommodation

Up market – BirdsNest@Bunyonyi

Mid range – Arcadia cottages

Budget – Crater Bay cottages

Day 11: Lake Bunyonyi Islands

lake-bunyonyiToday after a good night sleep, wake up and enjoy the rays of the sun over Lake Bunyonyi. It is surrounded by beautiful hills terraced by the locals as they grow potatoes and other crops for their food and excess for sale.Take a canoe ride to some of the 29 Islands that will give you an overview of the cultural and history of the area. Most notable is the story of the ‘punishment island’ your guide will share this story while on your  boat ride.

In the afternoon, you can dive in the lake for a swim, go bird watching, or hike up a steep hill for more views of the lake and its islands. Alternatively you can set by the lake shores and enjoy reading a book.

Day 12: Journey to the home of Zebras – Lake Mburo national park

zebras lake mburo national parkLake Mburo National Park is a small gem in south western Uganda – en route to you pass through beautiful landscapes, plantations, and farms.Our lunch will be at Igongo cultural Museum- exhibiting the life of the native people of the area.We will in the park later that afternoon and take a boat trip on Lake Mburo.

Journey time – 4 hours

Meal plan – Breakfast, Lunch Dinner

Accommodation

Up market – Mihingo Lodge

Mid range – Rwakobo Rock

Budget – Eagles Nest

Day 13: Transfer to Kampala via Equator Monument

uganda-Equator-kikorongoAfter an early breakfast, we take a game drive and proceed to Kampala, with a stopover at the famous Equator line. Have lunch in the city or Equator depending on arrival time and proceed to Jinja.

Journey time – 4 hours

Meal plan – Breakfast, Lunch Dinner

Accommodation

Up market – Wild waters Lodge

Mid range – Haven Lodge

Budget – Nile Cottages

Day 14: Discover River Nile – White water Rafting

rafting the nile in jinjaIn Jinja, the Nile finds its origin; visit the Source of River Nile where it starts its 4000 km journey through Africa.  Your driver guide will transfer you to the starting point of the water rafting where you will find other people waiting for an adventure filled day.

You shall have a whole days rafting experience on River Nile. You will go through half the rapids before lunch and the other half after lunch. There is an option for half day rafting and you choose to rest in the afternoon or choose any of the optional activities.

Optional activities

Quad bike safari, bungee jumping, horseback safari, kayaking

Day 15: End of the Classic African Safari

We hope you had a fantastic time in the Pearl of Africa both in the wild and with the people of Uganda. Buy souvenirs and transfer to the airport.

Gorilla trekking tips

• Bwindi impenetrable national park requires hiking,  you should pace yourself and drink plenty of water.
• Eating, drinking and smoking near the gorillas is forbidden. Your ranger guide will communicate designated time and place for such.
• We encourage you to carry a rain poncho
• Waterproof walking shoes or hiking boots are essential.
• Gardening gloves for protection against stinging plants
• Long trousers and long sleeved sweaters or shirts while in the forest to avoid insect stings.
• Photography is permitted, although you must not use flash
• Porters are available to help you carry your day pack for a minimum fee of $20 or 50,000 Ugx

Tour includes

• Ground transport
• Gorilla permit fees
• Chimpanzee permit
• Park entrance
• Boat trips
• Water rafting
• Bottled water in the safari vehicle
• Full board accommodation for two nights
• Service of an English-speaking driver guide
• All mentioned activities except for the optional ones

Tour excludes

Post navigation

Extras at the accommodation i.e. drinks, telephone, laundry etc.

Tips to porters and driver/ guide

Insurance

15 DAYS UGANDA FOREST BIRDING SAFARI

This tour will take you through the major forests in Uganda renown for birding with well maintained trails. We start with Mabira forest which has over 300 bird species surrounded by agricultural lands both at subsistence level and commercial; Sugarcane and tea plantations. Next we move to Budongo forest protecting the largest natural forest in East Africa, boasting of 350 bird Species with excellent birding opportunities. We continue to Semuliki National Park which protects an eastern extension of the vast Ituri Forest of Democratic Republic of Congo. Being a relatively stable forest – it is one of the richest areas for forest birds in Africa with a large number of Central African species. Our birding trip will continue to Kibale National Park a large block of rain forest that offers great birding and harbors the highest concentration of primates in East Africa. The forest hosts over 300 bird species with opportunity of tracking Chimpanzees. This birding tour ends in Bwindi impenetrable forest which is home to over 300 bird species and was voted as Africa’s best birding spot by Africa bird club.

Key Species

Shoebill, Yellow-billed Barbet, Yellow-spotted Barbet, White-bellied Kingfisher, African Dwarf Kingfisher, Speckled Tinkerbird, African Pied Hornbill, Green-breasted Pitta, Forest Wood hoopoe, Red-tailed Bristlebill, Scaly-breasted, Pale-breasted and Brown Illadopsis, Speckled Tinkerbird, Yellow-crested Woodpecker, Green Crombec, Yellow-browed Camaroptera, Buff-throated Apalis, White-breasted and Grey-headed Negrofinches, Chocolate-backed and African Dwarf Kingfishers. The elusive Nahan’s Francolin, African Pitta, Red-winged Francolin, Joyful Greenbul, Grey-winged Robin, Dark-backed and Yellow-mantled Weavers, White-bellied Crested Flycatcher, Red-billed Dwarf and White-crested Hornbills, White-throated Blue Swallow, Spotted Greenbul, White-starred Robin, Lowland Akalat, Red-throated and Fire-crested Alethe, Snowy-headed Robin-Chat, Blue-shouldered Robin-Chat, African Green Broadbill, Red-eyed Puffback

Habitats

Forest, grassland, agricultural lands, Riverine Forest, Moist woodland , Papyrus Swamps, and rivers

Optional Activities

Chimpanzee trekking and Gorilla trekking

Day 1: Arrival for the Uganda Forest Birding Safari

On arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be welcomed by a representative and transferred to your Hotel. Depending on time of arrival you have an opportunity to explore Entebbe botanical gardens as an introduction to birding in Uganda.

Journey time –  1 hour

Meal plan – Dinner

Accommodation

Up market – Hotel No 5/ Kampala Serena

Mid-range – The Boma / Cassia Lodge

Budget – African Roots Guesthouse/ Forest Cottages

Day 2: Birding tour to Mabira forest

birding-in-mabiraMabira forest is the biggest forest reserve closest to Kampala city and is known for its variety of animals mainly primates and bird species. The forest has survived the sugar plantations and communities surrounding it. We will leave for Mabira forest very early in the morning to avoid the traffic driving into the city. The forest is home to over 300 bird species which can be a challenge to see if they are in the tree canopies. Some of the birds are found on the ground feeding, others in the tree branches.

Some of the birds are more easily heard than seen; Chestnut and Jameson’s Wattle-eye, Grey Parrot, Red-tailed Bristlebil, Yellow-throated Tinkerbird, Yellow-billed Barbet, Yellow-spotted Barbet, Hairy-breasted Barbet, Black and White Casqued Hornbill, White-bellied Kingfisher, African Dwarf Kingfisher, Speckled Tinkerbird, Forest robin, African Pied Hornbill, Blue-throated Roller among others.

Journey time –  2 hour

Meal plan – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation

Up market – Kampala Serena

Mid-range – Cassia Lodge

Budget – Forest Cottages

Day 3: Birding Safari to Budongo Forest

Today we bird our way to Budongo forest which has an abundant bird life with two species of birds not found elsewhere in East Africa: 10 of the 22 species of the Sudan–Guinea Savannah biome and 93 of the 144 species Guinea–Congo forests that occur in Uganda. We arrive in Budongo late afternoon or evening after several stopovers birding. We have an opportunity to stop over at Ziwa Rhino sanctuary for those interested in trekking Rhinos and birding briefly at the sanctuary.

Journey time –  4 hours

Meal plan – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation

Mid-range – Masindi Hotel

Budget – New Court View

Day 4: Birding the Royal Mile in Budongo forest

birding-budongo-forestWe bird the marvelous Royal mile and several other trails for the whole day. We look out for the White-thighed Hornbill, Black-and-white-casqued Hornbill, Yellow-spotted and Yellow billed Barbets, Western Black-headed Oriole. We are also likely to find the Red-tailed Bristlebill, Scaly-breasted, Pale-breasted and Brown Illadopsis, Spotted, Speckled Tinkerbird, Yellow-crested Woodpecker, Green Crombec, Rufous-crowned Eremomela, Yellow-browed Camaroptera, Buff-throated Apalis, and both White-breasted and Grey-headed Negrofinches, Chocolate-backed and African Dwarf Kingfishers, White-spotted Flufftails and the elusive Nahan’s Francolin. Other possibilities include; Cassin’s Hawk-eagle, Crested Guinea-fowl, Tambourine Dove, Grey Parrot, African Emerald and Dusky Long-tailed Cuckoos, White-throated Bee-eater, Western Nicator, Blue-shouldered Robin-Chat, Lemon-bellied Crombec, Wilcock’s Honeyguide, Yellow and Grey Longbills, Jameson’s Wattle-eye, Blue-throated Brown and Little Green Sunbirds, Yellow-mantled Weaver, Red-headed Malimbe and Uganda Woodland Warbler etc

MEAL PLAN :B, L & D

Day 5: Birding to Kibale National Park

We leave for Kibale National Park for another experience of forest birding in Uganda. We have several stopovers as we drive to Kibale for great landscape views and birding opportunities at different points. We arrive at the lodge later that evening and bird the lodge grounds even as we look forward to full day tomorrow in this tropical rain forest.

Journey time –  7 hours

Meal plan – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation

Up market – Papaya Lake Lodge

Mid-range – Turaco Treetops

Budget – Chimpanzee guest house

Day 6: Birding in Kibale National Park

chimpanzee kibale forestKibale national park protects a large block of rain forest that offers excellent birding opportunities. The forest is host to over 300 bird species with the highlight for most people being the Green breasted Pitta.

The species to look out for include; White-naped Pigeon, African Pitta, Green-breasted Pitta, Red-winged Francolin, Joyful Greenbul, Grey-winged Robin, Dark-backed and Yellow-mantled Weavers, White-bellied Crested Flycatcher, Masked and Black-capped Apalises, Uganda Woodland Warbler, Orange-tufted, Green-throated, Green-headed and Tiny sunbirds. We will look out for Dusky and Olive Long-tailed Cuckoos, Black bee-eater, Think-billed and Willcock’s Honeyguide etc.

You have an opportunity to engage in Chimpanzee trekking in the afternoon after the morning birding in the forest.

MEAL PLAN: B, L & D

Day 7: Birding to Semuliki national park

Today after breakfast we bird our way to Semuliki national park for an experience searching for central African species found only here in East Africa. We shall have several stopovers birding nearby forest patches and swampy areas for different bird species as we drive to Semuliki forest.

Journey time –  3 hours

Meal plan – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation

Up market – Semuliki Safari Lodge

Mid-range – Mountains of the Moon

Budget – Rwenzori View Guest house

Day 8 &9: Birding Kirumira trail in Semuliki forest

hotsprings-semuliki-parkSemuliki is rich in both flora and fauna and a haven for birds. We look out for predominantly Central African species, which cannot be found anywhere else in East Africa.

The species include; Long-tailed Hawk, Congo Serpent Eagle, Lyre-tailed Honey guide, the Piping, Red-billed Dwarf and White-crested Hornbills. We also look out for White-throated Blue Swallow, Swamp Palm Bulbul, Spotted Greenbul, White-starred Robin, Lowland Akalat, Red-throated Alethe, Fire-crested Alethe, Snowy-headed Robin-Chat, Blue-shouldered Robin-Chat, Red-eyed Puffback, White-tailed Robin-Chat, Northern Bearded Scrub-Robin, Common Stonechat, Abyssinian Ground-Thrush, Oberlaender’s Ground-Thrush, Grey Ground-Thrush, Little Grey Greenbul, Toro Olive Greenbul, Mountain Greenbul, Yellow-throated Nicator, Western Nicator etc.

Day 10: Birding to Bwindi impenetrable national park

We bird our way to Bwindi impenetrable forest in the Buhoma section for Gorilla tracking and more birding opportunities. Bwindi Impenetrable is the richest forest in East Africa in relation to its trees, butterflies and birds. It is home to over 360 Mountain Gorillas – half of the world’s population. The bird list for the park currently totals 347 species. The forest has 10 of the 26 globally threatened species in Uganda, five of which are vulnerable and boasts of 24 of Uganda’s 25 Albertine Rift endemics.

Journey time –  7 hours

Meal plan – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation

Up market – Buhoma Lodge

Mid-range – Haven Lodge

Budget – Buhoma Community Rest Camp

Day 11: Gorilla trekking and Birding in Bwindi forest

uganda gorilla bwindi forestWe arrive later that evening ready to engage in gorilla trekking tomorrow for those interested or continue birding.

Buhoma section of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has tracks that run through the forest offering excellent viewing points. The bird species to look out on these trails include; Brown, Blue-headed, Northern Double-collared and Grey headed Sunbirds, Black Bee-Eater, Kivu Ground Thrush, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Common Stonechat, Black throated Robin chat, Barred Long tailed Cuckoo, Black throated Apalis, Mountain Masked Apalis, Chin spot Batis, Rwenzori Batis, African broadbill, Montane Oriole, African Golden Oriole, Thick-billed Seedeater, Streaky Seedeater, Handsome Francolin and White-bellied Robin-chat, Cape wagtail, White-chinned Prinia, Olive Green and Grey-backed Camaropteras etc.

Day 12: Birding to Ruhija section of Bwindi impenetrable forest

On our way from Buhoma section to Ruhija section of Bwindi impenetrable forest, we bird “The Neck” – an important bird habitat that offers high chances of seeing the Cassin’s Hawk Eagle, Toro-Olive Greenbul, Black Bee-eaters, Bronze-napped Pigeon, the rare Chapin’s Flycatcher, Cassin’s grey flycatcher, pink footed puffback, Mountain wagtail etc.

Journey time –  2 hours

Meal plan – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation

Mid-range – Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge

Budget – Buhoma Community Rest Camp

Day 13: Birding in Ruhija

birding-in-bwindi-impenetrable-forestToday we bird towards Mubwindi Swamp where the trail drops steeply through the dense forest and then winds through swampy forest.

In Ruhija the birds we hope to sight include the; Rwenzori Batis, Collared Apalis, Montane Sooty Boubou, Banded Prinia, Mountain and Yellow-streaked Greenbul. Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Mountain Illadopsis, Archer’s Robin-chat, White-starred Robin, Strange Weaver, Blue headed, Purple-breasted and Regal Sunbirds, Northern Olive Thrush, Abyssinian Crimsonwing, Black headed Waxbill, Dusky Crimsonwing, Willcock’s Honeyguide, Sharpe’s Starling and many others.  More birds include African Green Broadbill, Yellow-billed Barbet, Black-billed Turaco, Bar-tailed Trogon, White-headed Hoopoe, Montane Oriole, Pink-footed Puffback, Lagden’s Bush-Shrike, Waller’s Starling, Grauer’s Rush Warbler, Dwarf Honey-Guide, Rufous-breasted Sparrowhawk, Oriole Finch, Doherty’s Bush-Shrike, Red-headed Malimbe, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, Grey-headed Sparrow, Dusky Twinspot, Think-billed and Streaky Seedeaters, Rwenzori Nightjar etc.

B, L & D

Day 14: Birding to Kampala/Entebbe

We start journey back to Entebbe after a fulfilling Uganda forest birding experience. We shall have stopovers birding along the way until we arrive at our destination. We will have a brief stopover at the Equator monument for pictures and more souvenir shopping before retiring to the hotel later that evening.

Journey time –  8 hour

Meal plan – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation

Up market – Kampala Serena/Hotel No 5

Mid-range – Cassia Lodge/ The Boma

Budget – Forest Cottages / African Roots Guesthouse

Day 15: End of the Uganda Forest Birding Safari

We have come to the end of our forest birding tour in Uganda. We will transfer you to the airport for your flight back home. Thank you for birding Uganda with Kagera safaris, we look forward to host you on your next tour of the Pearl of Africa. Bon Voyage

B & L

What to bring

Long trouser and long sleeved tops

Insect repellent

Garden gloves (for gorilla trekking)

Sun hut

Rain jacket

Waterproof hiking shoes

Day pack to carry lunch and water

Binoculars

Camera

Tour includes

Ground transport

Park entrances

Birding fees

Boat trips

Bottled water in the safari vehicle

Full board accommodation for two nights

Service of an English-speaking driver guide

All mentioned activities except for the optional ones

Tour excludes

Extras at the accommodation i.e. drinks, telephone, laundry etc.

Tips to porters and driver/ guide