To the gorillas and chimpanzees in Uganda
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Basic price4.260,00€
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Travel Dates
Uganda is the pearl of Africa! Where else in spite of this country can one observe lions prowling through the open plains in the morning and the tracks of chimpanzees through the rainforest undergrowth the same afternoon? And then, the next day navigate tropical channels teeming with hippos and crocodiles before setting off into the misty mountains to stare deep into the eyes of a mountain gorilla?
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Travel number: |
EAU |
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Travel season: |
December till March and April till August |
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Minimum participants: |
2 |
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Maximum participants: |
6 |
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Difficulty level: |
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Information
Uganda, the pearl of Africa! The country with fantastic natural scenery and a rich mosaic of tribes and cultures. Travelling through Uganda, you will be captivated by its beauty, safety, accessibility and friendliness. The natural beauty of its people and its landscape are outstanding. It is one of the most appealing nations and it is Africa's friendliest country.
Ecologically, Uganda is situated in the place, where East African savannah meets West African jungle. Where else in spite of this country can one observe lions prowling through the open plains in the morning and the tracks of chimpanzees through the rainforest undergrowth the same afternoon? And then, the next day navigate tropical channels teeming with hippos and crocodiles before setting off into the misty mountains to stare deep into the eyes of a mountain gorilla? Certainly, Uganda is the only safari destination where the range of forest primates is as impressive as the selection of plains antelopes. And this verdant biodiversity is further attested to by Uganda's status of the smallest of the four African countries whose bird checklist tops the 1,000th mark.
Day 1 till Day 14
On arrival at Entebbe Airport, you will be met by the guide and transferred to Kampala for overnight in Metropole Hotel or in Africana Hotel.
Bed and Breakfast
Day 2
Drive to the town of Jinja for a visit to the source of the Nile, Bujagali Falls, Mabira Forest and Ssezibwa Falls. Return to Kampala for overnight in Metropole Hotel or Africana Hotel (full board).
Day 3
Visit the Ngamba chimpanzee sanctuary in Entebbe, lunch on the island and return for an afternoon city tour in Kampala. The City Tour in Kampala includes a visit to the cultural sites found in the city including a UNESCO protected site called Kasubi tombs where the Kings of Buganda are buried. It is recently restored after having been burned down by fire; the other place includes the museum, the Uganda Matyrs shrine, famous for the boys who were killed for their Christian faith. You also visit the Bahai temple, one of the two types in Africa known for its beautiful architectural design. Then the local market and taxi park (full board).
Day 4
Leave for Murchison Falls via Ziwa ranch and the top of Murchison Falls. A pleasantly planned safari to Murchison falls takes you approximately six hours on a 303-KM northward journey that allows you a lunch stop in Masindi, proceeding later to Murchison falls. On arrival at the park, you will have a late afternoon drive to the top of Murchison falls, dinner and overnight stay. Arriving in the evening and overnight at Paraa safari Lodge (full board).
Day 5
After early morning warm tea/coffee you will be transferred to a morning game drive enabling you to see the animals like: the giraffe, elephant, Oribi, Bushbuck, Bohor reedbuck, hyena, lion and if you're lucky, the leopard. Return to have your breakfast and after lunch take a three hours boat ride along the Albert Nile that allows you watching more of species of animals like: -crocodiles, hippos and elephants, before retiring to your lodge, relax in the evening. Dinner and overnight stay at Paraa Safari lodge (full board).
Day 6
After breakfast transfer to Kibale forest national park via Hoima through the beautiful views of western rift valley (Lake Albert) that allows you a lunch break in Hoima town proceeding later to Fort Portal town and Kibale forest national park. Dinner and overnight stay. Overnight at the primate lodge (full board).
Day 7
After early morning breakfast, you will be transfered to a pre-briefing by the ranger guide who will lead you into the rain forest tracking of chimpanzees and other primates including Lhoestes, Red-Colobus, Blues, Red-tailed and grey cheeked Mangabey swinging through the dense forest; and birds, butterflies and many small insects. Return for lunch, proceeding later for a guided swamp walk at Bigodi wetland. Do a game drive on the route. Overnight at Mweya Safari lodge (full board).
Day 8
Early morning game drive and afternoon boat trip on the Kazinga Channel. Return for dinner and overnight at Mweya safari lodge (full board).
Day 9
Depart to Bwindi National Park via Ishasha sector. Enjoy the scenic drive and have a packed picnic lunch. We visit the pygmies in Bwindi (extra activity) then we proceed and arrive at Ruhija Gorilla lodge Bwindi in the evening. After dinner you can relax or have an evening walk in the village (full board).
Day 10
Wake up early in the morning by the sounds of the rain forest for a hearty breakfast. After a short briefing by the guides, we proceed through the thick creepers and undergrowth of the dense rain forest to track the endangered mammals. The steeply forested landscape is incredibly dense with numerous animal trails allowing tourists an access. Have an amazing experience watching and photographing the gorillas in the forest, listening to their marvel and grumble each other. It is an extraordinary feeling being left with these beautiful creatures that is allowed for only 1 hour! This is an exhausting experience and one should be fit to enjoy it and strong walking shoes are recommended. Anyone with signs of communicable diseases like flue, cough or other air-borne diseases will not be allowed to track. Guides will accompany groups but no porters are available to carry personal belongings. The possession of a gorilla permit is a guarantee of tracking, but it cannot be a guarantee of sighting. But the chance of sighting is high - 95% or more. Maximum time allowed with the gorillas is one hour at a minimum distance of 7 meters. Minimum age is fifteen years.
After lunch you have time for relaxation or a walk through the village in the afternoon. Spend the rest of the evening relaxing at the bar and being entertained by community children. Ruhija Gorilla Lodge (full board).
Day 11
Un the early morning the second gorilla trekking. Spend the rest of the evening relaxing at the bar, Ruhija Gorilla Lodge (full board).
Day 12
Drive to Lake Mburo National Park, lunch at the Lodge, have a game drive on the route to the lodge. Overnight at Mhingo Lodge (full board).
Day 13
Return to Kampala. In the afternoon you have an opportunity of shopping for buying souvenirs. Farewell dinner and overnight in Africana Hotel.
Day 14
Transfer to the airport and departure.
Services
- Transfer from the airport, meet and greet
- 1night bed & breakfast accommodation in Kampala
- 2 nights full board accommodation in Kampala
- 1 night with farewell dinner in Kampala
- 9 nights full board accommodation in lodges/ camps
- Transport on a 06-seater safari Jeeps (05-window seats) with a roof hatch for enhanced game (viewing/photography).
- Service of a professional English-speaking driver/guide
- Viewing game drives as indicated on the itinerary above
- Park entrance fees
- 1 liter bottled water per person per day in vehicle while on safari
- Driver guides
- Fuel
- Transfers from the airport
- Hot beverages and soft drinks during the meals
Not included:
- International flights
- Airport departure taxes
- Visa fees - US$ 50 PP for a single entry visa
- Lunch and dinner on the 1st day
- Travel and medical insurances
- Porters, tips and gratuities to the local waiting staff and driver guides
- Excursions not detailed in the above program
- All the items of personal nature e.g. Drinks, laundry, phone charges etc.
- Beverages (except those offered with meals at the safari lodges)
- Alcoholic drinks, and any other thing not mentioned or included above
- CHIMPANZEE PERMIT USD 90 (EXPECTED TO INCREASE UP TO USD 135) on day 3. This permit has to be booked and paid 6 month before the planning travel date
- GORILLA PERMITS USD 500 (EXPECTED TO INCREASE UP TO USD750) on day 10. This permit has to be booked and paid 6 month before the planning travel date.
- Gorilla Permits on day 11
- Vistit to Pygm Village is 25 $
Things to know
Recommended Equipment:
Health and Medical Care:
Gorillas and chimpanzees are highly vulnerable to human diseases and therefore it is important that you declare all the illnesses and seek our advice if you are not sure. National Park Authorities reserve the right to deny access to the individuals they consider unfit to participate in any activity.
Anti-malaria tablets and mosquito repellents are essential. Seek advice from your home country on vaccination and prevention requirements. Uganda is a part of the Yellow Fever belt and although not always checked by the Ugandan Immigration on arrival, a Yellow Fever card is required by law.
Medical services and facilities are basic so please bring all the personal medications required. The clients are fully responsible for securing adequate medical insurance that should include evacuation cover.
It is recommended that you drink bottled or boiled water only. Sodas, beer and alcoholic beverages are generally considered safe. Coffee and tea, as well as fresh fruit juices are prepared with boiled water.
Vaccinations: yellow fever vaccination are required.
- This trip must be planned and booked well in advance, because the permits to visit the gorillas and chimpanzees must be requested 6 month in advance
- The minimum age for children is 15 years if they want to participate in the gorilla trekking
- For detailed explanations to the degrees of difficulty please follow this link: Explanation to the degrees of difficulty
- Information about visa and entry regulations, health information and tips for equipment, see this link: Things to know-1
- Please note our information about possible exchange rate fluctuations: Exchange rate fluctuation
Hotels&Lodges
Hotel Metropole Kampala
Metropole Hotel Kampala overlooks Uganda Golf Course and is located within the premium localities of Kampala, also known as the city of 21 Hills.
http://www.metropolekampala.com/page_dinning.php
Hotel Africana:
Conveniently located just in a 2- minute drive from the city center and it features the panoramic views of the city skyline and surrounding hilltops. This hotel has become a symbol of excellence, sophistication and high quality service. Each room has its own full bathroom, satellite television, radio, fridge and telephone.
http://www.hotelafricana.com/home.htm
Paraa Safari Lodge
Perched above the White Nile, with breathtaking views over Murhison Falls National Park, Paraa Safari Lodge is the Jewel in Uganda's crown. Enjoy different park views while sitting on the verandah of the Explorer's bar, sipping a Gin and Tonic or relaxing at the White Nile pool bar savouring the panoramic view and listening to the hippos just yards away; you will be reminded of Churhill's immortal words "this is truly the Pearl of Africa".
http://www.paraalodge.com/
Primate Lodge Kibale
Features an exclusive camp with eight luxury safari tents, seven comfortable forest cottages and an adventurous Tree House. All the rooms are privately situated within the forest, making it an ideal place to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds you.
http://www.ugandalodges.com/primate/index.php
Mweya Safari lodge
It is located on the top of the Peninsula overlooking the Kazinga Channel with beautiful views of the Rwenzoris from the backyard. Each room of Mweya Safari Lodge has a breathtaking view of the Kazinga Channel. You can watch the forest hogs grazing the grass outside, as well as the odd curious hippo! Our cuisine is of the highest quality, it presents a range of exquisite Continental, Indian and International cuisine.
http://www.mweyalodge.com/index.html
Ruhija Gorilla Lodge
Centrally located, Ruhija Gorilla Lodge offers scenic beauty of the forest canopy. Individual cottages have a private veranda, bedrooms and a bathroom. Lighting is by solar power and meals are taken in the central dining.
http://www.gorillasafari.travel/lodge_facilities.html
Gorilla lodge
Built on the hillside, this luxury tented safari camp provides guests with good service. Each tent has two queen-sized beds, a private wooden deck and bathroom facilities that include a bathtub with private views of the forest.
Mihingo Lodge
Mihingo Lodge is a peaceful and exclusive retreat adjacent to Lake Mburo National Park . It features ten rooms that are built on wooden platforms with stilts, covered by a thatched roof. Suspended under the thatched roof, a spacious and comfortable tent equipped with en-suite bathrooms with stunning views, hot and cold running water, showers, and flush loos.
Each luxury tented room is nestled on a private piece of the lodge's property, enabling guests to enjoy the tranquil environment in complete seclusion. Placed in varied settings, some rooms are situated in the forest, some - with a lake view, and some - on the rocky outcrops.
The main dining area is a large thatched structure built of rocks, the wood of weathered dead olive trees found on the land and native grasses.
From the dining and pool area, guests can enjoy the view of a westward oriented valley and its stunning evening sunsets over Lake Mburo National Park.
http://www.mihingolodge.com/
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