Uganda – Rwanda primates and mammals

Day 1: Arrive Entebbe.

Today you will be met by Paul your guide at the airport who will transfer you to Cassia Lodge for dinner and over night stay.

Day 2: transfer to Mbale with a visit to the source of the Nile and Bujjagali falls.
Start early morning and drive to Mbale via the source of the Nile and a visit to the Bujjagali falls, lunch will be in Jinja before our lunch stop we drive through Mabira forest which extends more than 300km2, which is primarily composed of moist semi-deciduous forest in which more than 200 tree spp have been identified and the best birding spot within central Uganda, continue to Bujagali falls, watch the real sparkling white water of the Nile as it forces its way through the stones to the Mediterranean sea, on lucky days we receive entertainment by the Budondo cultural group, learn the mysteries that surrounds Bujjagali falls by your cultural tourism guide after here we proceed to the Source of the Nile and later continue with our journey to Mbale where we stay at Mount Elgon Hotel the oldest and best Hotel in Mbale for two nights  for dinner and an o/n stays. (BLD)

Day 3:
Early morning breakfast then drive to Sipi Falls which is a stunner and arguably the most beautiful waterfall in Uganda. The falls are about 55km north of Mbale, at the foothills of Mt Elgon and not far from the town of Kapchorwe.
Not only are the falls spectacular, so too are the views of Mt Elgon above them, and the wide plains of eastern and northern Uganda disappearing into the distance below. There are three levels of falls, but the two upper levels are fairly small compared with the main drop. It is well worth doing a hike to visit these falls as they seem appealing to visitors. The walk is on a network of well-maintained local trails, and beautiful scenery in every direction which will be done this day. Later we drive back to Mbale for dinner and overnight stay. (BLD)

Day 4: Mitzvah day
Today we have a day to interact with the Jews of Uganda called Abayudaya. Visit the different synagogues and the different projects of the Abayudaya.

Day 5: Transfer to Kampala
Today we transfer to Kampala with an optional bird walk at Ssezibwa falls a traditional site known for its spectacular falls that subsides into two small rivers that were borne by a lady (Nakangu) and they smartly split. One heading northeast to Lake Kyoga and the other northwest to the Nile. Not surprisingly they are called the Twin Rivers. Later we continue and check in at Cassia Lodge. (BLD)

Day 6: Kampala, Uganda/Queen Elizabeth National
Today we set off westwards on a great African adventure. On the way, you will have the opportunity to see the royal drum makers, stand on the Equator and be in both hemispheres at once, as well as bargain at the roadside markets bursting with fruit and vegetables. Continue on to the escarpment overlooking the Great Rift Valley, an unforgettable sight. Time permitting, visit the Tropical Bee Care Centre to look at their range of community projects from bee keeping and honey making, to the community nursery for children. Descend to the Queen Elizabeth National Park, keeping an eye out for game. Overnight at the Mweya Safari Lodge for two nights. (B,L,D)  

Day 7: Queen Elizabeth National Park
Go for an early morning game drive to seek out wildlife. Take a rest during the heat of the day, before going on your evening game drive. The game drives in the park depend on the season. The Kasenyi plains support large concentrations of game, especially lion. The area around the seven crater lakes in the northern hills is very scenic but game viewing is erratic. The Mweya peninsula is usually good to see the large mammals, bushbuck, waterbuck, and elephant, as well as the unusual giant forest hog. Leopard may also be seen in this area. (B,L,D)  

Day 8: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Start for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Either drive via Ishasha, home of the tree climbing lions, roads permitting, or take the alternative route through cultivated expanses. Time permitting, go for a guided nature walk. Overnight at Gorilla Resort. (B,L,D) Your browser may not support display of this image.

 


Today you will have the option to go gorilla tracking (subject to permit availability at time of booking), walking up steep densely forested hills. In this thick and humid forest you almost have to cut your way through the undergrowth but finally coming across the gorillas camouflaged in the vegetation is an inspiring moment. Tracking in Bwindi requires stamina and can often take most of the day. Alternatively go for a leisurely walk on one of the different trails that meanders through the Impenetrable Forest. Overnight at Gorilla Resort (B,L,D)  

Day 10: Transfer to Rwanda
Transfer to Rwanda. [Clocks go backward one hour]. Visit some of the local communities around the Gorilla Nest  or simply take in the panoramic sunset over the volcanoes. Overnight at Gorilla Nest Hotel. (B,L,D) Your browser may not support display of this image.

Day 11: Parc National des Volcans Gorilla Trekking in PNV

Go gorilla tracking in the Parc National des Volcans (on payment of supplement at time of booking). Tracking the gorillas through the lush forested slopes of the Virungas is a magical experience. If you are lucky you can get to the gorillas, spend an hour with them, and be back at the base in time for a late lunch! Some gorilla families however are more elusive, and tracking can take a full day, especially when it is wet and muddy. Overnight at Gorilla Nest Hotel. (B,L,D) Your browser may not support display of this image.

Day 12: Kigali/Onward
After breakfast, leave for Kigali. Time permitting, go for a tour of the city including a visit to the market, a pottery project, a widow’s project selling quilts, handicraft shops, the Franco-Rwandan cultural centre and a genocide memorial. Transfer to the airport for your flight onward. (B,L).

Our safaris always include
- All meals and accommodation mentioned in the Itinerary
- Mineral water everyday
- All entrance fees required in the parks
- Two Gorilla Permits and one Chimp permit
- All ground transportation in 4WD vehicle, also air port pick up and drop off.
- Boarder crossing fees

It excludes:
- Tips
- Charter fees and air tickets
- Telephone calls
- Internet fees and any other items of a personal nature
We highly value your interests and our services are custom-made to meet all clients needs, therefore, do not hesitate to seek your satisfaction with us.