6 Days/5 Nights
A
magnificent verdant swathe across the steep
ridges of the Albertine Rift Valley, this ancient
rainforest - one of the few in Africa to have
flourished throughout the last Ice Age - is
home to nearly two thirds of the world’s
endangered mountain Gorillas and the safest
place to track these magnificent giants. Looking
deep into the expressive brown eyes of these
gentle giants is surely the most exciting and
poignant wildlife encounter that Africa has
to offer - but we should not let it distract
you from Bwindi's broader biodiversity, a result
of its immense antiquity with an altitude spanning
from 1,160m to 2,607m above sea level. The national
park has 90 mammal species, including 11 primates,
of which the black-and-white colobus, with its
lovely flowing white tail, is prominent. The
forest birding ranks with the best in Uganda,
with 23 highly localized Albertine Rift endemics
present.
Gorilla tracking is the most popular activity
in Bwindi, with four Gorilla groups. Located
in south-western Uganda, at the junction of
the plain and mountain forests, Bwindi Impenetrable
National Park covers 32,000 hectares and is
known for its exceptional biodiversity, with
more than 160 species of trees and over 100
species of ferns. Many types of birds and
butterflies can also be found there, as well
as many endangered species, including the
mountain Gorilla.
The vegetation, as the park's name implies,
is composed of tropical rainforest with dense
undergrowth. The rugged terrain hills make
hiking in search of Gorilla strenuous work.
Visitors who trek should be prepared for up
to 8 hours of hiking. Good physical condition
is required.
Along with the Gorillas, some of the other
species of primates include chimpanzee, blue
monkey, red tail monkey, L'hoest's monkey,
black and white colobus, potto, Demidoff's
and needle-clawed galago.
Three hundred and forty-seven (347) species
of birds have been recorded in Bwindi; seven
species are listed as endangered. Species
of particular interest include the Kivu ground
thrush, white-bellied robin chat, red-throated
alethe, collared apallis, short-tailed warbler,
yellow-eyed black flycatcher, Rwenzori batis,
blue-headed sunbird, strange weaver and the
Shelley's crimson wing. Over 200 species of
butterflies have also been recorded here.
Day 1
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport,
you will be met and transferred by our staff
to your hotel in Kampala a 40km drive.
Day 2
Meet and greet at your accommodation at 0700hrs.
An early morning start from Kampala takes
you southwest and across the Equator. This
8 hours drive to Bwindi Impenetrable forest
National Park takes you through the savannah
grasslands and enables you to have a glance
at the banana plantations and herds of Ankole
cattle with their incredibly long curving
horns. You then ascend into the Kigezi highlands,
known as the "Switzerland of Africa",
with terraced farming, numerous crater lakes,
and beautiful mountain scenery.
Lunch en-route at Highland hotel in Kabale
town (5 hours from Kampala). Drive through
to Bwindi which will take 2 hours to arrive
at Lake Kitandara tented Lodge which borders
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
Lake Kitandara luxury camp offers self contained
rooms and a veranda which provides an opportunity
to have a relaxed moment of the day. Excellent
traditional meals are provided at your convenience.
Dinner and overnight at the Lake Kitandara
Tented Lodge.
Day 3
After
an early breakfast and a briefing by a ranger
guide enter the Gorilla sanctuary for your
adventure. The beauty of this rain forest
is spectacular. Mammals to be seen include
the endangered mountain Gorillas, rare golden
monkey, buffalo, elephant, black-fronted duiker,
bushbuck, leopard and giant forest hog.
The time taken and the terrain varies with
the movements of the great mountain Gorillas.
Ranging from 5-8 hours .The thrill of spending
time observing these gentle and endangered
giants is an awesome, exciting experience
to be long savoured. Many find it to be a
rare and moving opportunity.
Dinner and overnight at Lake Kitandara
Tented Lodge
Day 4
Depart Bwindi, proceed to Ishasha, 140 km
away (approximately 3 hours), for a game drive
to see the tree climbing Lions. The Ishasha
plains in the southwest of the park boasts
some the most alluring game-viewing areas
in the country, as much for its untrammelled
mood as its varied wildlife. Ishasha is famous
for its lions, one of the few populations
in Africa that habitually climb trees and
to a pride of up to 14 lions up a tree, all
fast asleep with huge distended bellies will
leave you with fond memories of Africa. Topi,
Kobs and buffaloes graze the acacia studded
savannah are the other game you might not
want to miss. Depart Ishasha for a free game
drive through Queen Elizabeth National Park
(QENP).
From open savannah to rainforest, from dense
papyrus swamps and brooding crater lakes to
the vastness of Lake Edward, it is little
wonder that QENP boasts one of the highest
biodiversity ratings of any game reserve in
the world.
Almost 100 mammal species and a remarkable
606 bird species makes this a superb safari
territory, with elephants, a profusion of
hippos, the elusive giant forest hog and handsome
Uganda kob all regularly
sighted around the tourist village on the
Mweya Peninsula - which also boasts a marvellous
waterfront setting in the shadow of the Rwenzori
Mountains. The melting glacier waters of the
mountains create a vast wetlands system comprising
of two main lakes, George and Edward, as well
as the connecting Kazinga channel. Thousands
of hippos populate the lake shores. Open savannah
dotted with acacia and Euphorbia trees provide
habitat for primates. The park boasts of more
bird species than any other park in Africa.
Arrive at Jacana Safari Lodge in time for
Lunch. Set on the edge on one of Uganda’s
largest crater lakes, this tree house lodge
is set on the out skirts of a forest, peacefully
at one with nature. The delicate use of rock,
poles, wood, rope, organic furniture and rich
textures blend perfectly with the smells,
sights and sounds of this tropical hardwood
forest, the Maramagambo forest. A crackling
fireplace combined with a magical atmosphere
creates an unforgettable experience.
After lunch, prepare to take a 2 hour launch
trip on a motor boat at 1500hrs along the
hippo crowded banks of Kazinga channel. This
gives you unequalled wildlife experience.
The trip passes through possibly the highest
concentration of hippos. Many animals may
be seen drinking at the water's edge. This
launch cruise offers an excellent platform
for photography, bird watching and game viewing.
The prolific bird life is colourful and stupendous
with well over 550 resident species.
Dinner and overnight at Jacana Safari
Lodge.
Day 5
At 0600hrs, Proceed to the Restaurant for
coffee and a muffin after which you will check
out and depart for an early morning game drive.
Queen Elizabeth National Park's diverse Eco-system
of grassy plains, tropical forest, rivers,
swamps, lakes and volcanic craters is home
to an incredible abundance of wildlife. The
location of Jacana Safari Lodge within the
park provides a 20 minute drive on to the
National Park Head quarters. Game drives in
this park, (200km radius network) with the
massive Rwenzori Mountains as a backdrop provides
excellent opportunities to see the tree climbing
lions, leopard, giant forest hog, Cape buffalo,
elephants, defassa waterbuck, Uganda Kob,
Topi and bush buck and may take up to four
hours of adventure.
Drive 40 km to Kasese town in the afternoon.
Have refreshments then continue via Fort Portal
arriving in Kampala in the evening.
Dinner and overnight at your hotel in
Kampala.
Day 6
Transfer to Entebbe International Airport
on time for your departure flight.
END OF SERVICE
Book and pay at least a month in advance for
a discount!
Package Prices Include:-
Airport Transfers
Accommodation at Lake Kitandara Tented Lodge
and Jacana Safari Lodge on Full Board Basis
Lunches En-route
Transport plus Fuel in a Four Wheel Drive
Vehicle
English Speaking Driver / Tour Guide
Park Entrance Fees
Price Excludes:-
Telephone and/or Fax
Beverages Including Bottled Water
Tips / Gratuities for Driver / Hotel Staff.
Gorilla Tracking Permit for the Client (USD
500).
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