Gorilla Trek, chimpanzee trek, Fort Portal, Queen Elizabeth National Park, game drives, Ishasha, boat cruise on Kazinga Channel, Lake Bunyoni, dug out canoe ride, Lake Mburo, guided wild animal walk, Equator, Jinja & the Source of the Nile, and Kampala.
The "Pearl of Africa", Uganda is home to the highest mountain range in Africa, the Rwenzoris, home to half the gorilla population in the world, diverse wildlife, and over 1000 species of birds. The source of the Nile River is located in Jinja, Africa's sporting playground.
Safari includes accommodations, meals as indicated, park entry fees, game drives, Mountain Gorilla permits ($500 US), boat cruise, chimpanzee permits, dug out canoe trip, ranger fees, guided wild animal walk, return ground transport, and services of driver/guide. Not included are tips, souvenirs, all beverages and items of a personal nature. Note that at times during high season, gorilla permits may not be available in Uganda and we may need to take you into Rwanda, in which case the itinerary and price will change.
Optional Activities: Fort Portal Crater Lake walk & all activities on offer in Jinja – white water rafting, sunset canoe trip, quad biking, volunteer project, horseback riding, Nile by wire, bungee.
Due to accommodation & Gorilla permit availability, all prices and itinerary are subject to change without notice.
Please note this trip can start and finish in Jinja, Kampala or Entebbe (Uganda).
Safari Grading: Moderate to Difficult – mountain gorilla trekking conditions can be hard and the length of trek can be anything from 3 to 10 hours. You will need a good level of fitness and mobility.
SAFARI ITINERARY
Day 1
Today we head out west and drive towards the tea plantations and crater lake fields of Fort Portal. The scenery is breathtaking and the drive is taken at a leisurely pace, enabling plenty of photo opportunities. We stop for lunch in Fort Portal where you also get to purchase any supplies and snacks before we drive to our accommodation. Later this afternoon you have the option of a guided walk around one of the many lakes, or the chance to just sit back and take in the stunning views.
Fort Portal
Meals: LD
Day 2
We are up with the sun and after breakfast we head off for a guided trek through Kibale Forest in search of man’s closest relative the chimpanzee. The sounds of the chimps carry through the forest very clearly, so approaching and watching these creatures in their natural habitat is a fantastic wildlife viewing experience. The forest is also home to 11 other species of primates and an incredible array of birdlife.
Fort Portal
Meals: BLD
Day 3
This morning we take the road which runs straight through the heart of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Driving alongside Africa’s highest mountain range the Rwenzori Mountains which loom in the background we sweep into the savannah plains of the park. This afternoon we take the boat launch on the Kazinga Channel where hippos, crocodiles, elephants and buffalo will be in great abundance either at the waters edge, or alongside your boat! We return to our accommodation in time for a well deserved sundowner.
Queen Elizabeth NP
Meals: BLD
Day 4
Rising early, we head out into the national park in search of elephants, leopard, buffalo, lions, waterbuck, wart hogs and birds – of which there were over 650 species identified in QE alone, making it the number one park with the highest number of bird species in Africa. We continue our drive south into the remote area of the park, known as Ishasha, searching the vast fig trees for the infamous tree climbing lions! Later in the day we return to our accommodation for dinner.
Queen Elizabeth NP
Meals: BLD
Day 5
This is our last game drive in QE, and the last chance to find those wild animals that may have so far eluded us! Later we drive south and into the foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes towards Lake Bunyoni, also known as “little Switzerland’ due to the landscape and scenery that encompasses it. We stop for the night next to the lake where we get the chance to enjoy the sunset while looking out for otters and the many different types of bird life found in this beautiful area.
Lake Bunyoni
Meals: BLD
Day 6
After a good breakfast we have the opportunity to take a local dug out canoe trip in order to discover the many islands around the lake. We will explore Kabale Town and have lunch before continuing our drive into the hills towards the forests of the Mountain Gorillas. We spend the night just next to the National Park where the sounds of the forest can be heard very clearly.
Mountain Gorillas – accommodation depends on where you trek
Meals: BLD
Day 7
We arise with the sun in order to eat a good breakfast, followed by a meeting with a ranger guide before setting off into the gorilla sanctuary. The rain forest landscape is steep and densely forested, but criss-crossed with animal trails allowing access to tourists. The trek to find the earth’s greatest primate can take up to a full day, but the thrill of discovering this gentle giant in it’s own habitat is rated as one of Africa’s best wildlife watching opportunities. By the time you return to the camp the memories will be embedded in your mind forever.
Mountain Gorillas – accommodation depends on where you trek
Meals: BLD
Day 8
Today we will drive through twisted and winding roads, and lake dotted countryside, before emerging on to the lower thorn and savannah scrub lands of Lake Mburo National Park. Zebra, buffalo, Ugandan Kob and plenty of other species abound in this beautiful park, where you either stay in the stunning Lodge built atop a kopje with incredible views across the park or in the National Park bandas, down by the lake - where hippos usually come and graze close by.
Lake Mburo NP
Meals: BLD
Day 9
Care for a walk on the wild side? This morning we are going to take a walking safari, complete with a ranger, so we can get up close and personal on ground level to the many animals that roam within the park. Later we stop for lunch and a cappuccino at the Equator, giving you plenty of time to shop for crafts and watch the local water demonstration of the different gravitational pulls! Afterwards we drive through the crazy city of Kampala and on towards Jinja, also known as the adventure capital of East Africa. We drive to our accommodation and take a well deserved sundowner overlooking the mighty White Nile.
Jinja
Meals: BLD
Day 10
Free Day
For the next two days you are free to spend them as you wish! The optional activities, listed at top of page, are endless and your guide will be able to help you to organize them, enabling you to make the most of your time here.
Jinja
Meals: BLD
Day 11
Free Day
Jinja
Meals: BLD
Day 12
This morning we drive to the Source of the Nile Gardens and you can see for yourself where Speke claimed to have solved ‘the riddle of the Nile.’ We leave for Kampala and make it in time to have lunch in one of their many cosmopolitan restaurants. This afternoon can see you doing some last minute shopping or visiting other places of interest (your guide will advise you) before your safari comes to a close.
Meals: BL
