Hotel Description

Safaris in Uganda & Rwanda – Virunga rainforest meets eastern savannah with dramatic effect. Troops of chimpanzees swing through the vines of Kibale and mountain gorilla families shelter within Bwindi’s dense forests. Although renowned for its iconic primates, Uganda possesses a remarkable diversity of wildlife. Lions climb the trees of Queen Elizabeth National Park, shoebills shelter beside Murchison Falls and Rothschild’s giraffes roam the Kidepo Valley. A Ugandan safari is like no other.

8-day Classic Primate Safaris by road

Highlights:

• Discover the southern and central regions of the Pearl of Africa
• Unforgettable encounter with the Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and with the chimpanzees in Kibale National Park
• Beautiful hike “across” Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, accompanied by professional guide and armed rangers
• Game drives and a boat cruise in Lake Mburu and Queen Elizabeth National Parks
• Meet, explore and learn from the local communities
• Support sustainable tourism initiatives

Your Safari at a Glance

Day 1: Arrival in Entebbe & Mabamba Swamps (Optional)

Arrival in Entebbe as per your international flights and transfer to Papyrus Guest House.

Optional Extra: in the afternoon (departure from the hotel must be max at 14.30/15.00 hours) departure by car and local canoe to Mabamba Swamp, one of the best places for spotting the rare shoebill storks. Of course some fortune is needed but rarely does one leave the swamp without seeing one! Many other water birds have chosen this area as their home so birding is always very interesting. Enjoy a relaxing sundowner on Lake Victoria and then return to the Guest House.

• Accommodation: Papyrus Guest House (Garden Room)
• Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast basis; Lunch & Dinner on own’s account

Day 2: Travel to Lake Mburo National Park

Enjoy an early breakfast travel to Western Uganda across the beautiful landscape of central Uganda made of rolling hills and cultivated terraces. Stop-over en-route at Mpambire, to watch drums being made using old traditional methods, and at the equator.

After lunch at the lodge, game drive in the park and 1-hour boat ride on Lake Mburu to admire the beautiful landscapes and in search of close encounters with the local fauna: bushbucks, bush duikers, crocodiles, hippos, plenty of water birds, etc.

The drive takes about 5-7 hours.

• Accommodation: Rwakobo Rock Lodge (Cottage) on the edge of the national park
• Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 3: from Lake Mburu N.P. to Bwindi – encounter with the Batwa

Enjoy an early morning game drive in the park, then continuation to Western Uganda across its rolling hills, tea plantations, and tropical rainforest and towards the end the majestic chain of the Virunga Volcanoes. Pass via the towns of Mbarara, Kabale and Kisoro before reaching Nkuringo, on the edge of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

In the afternoon stroll down to the Buniga Forest Trail Walk, an informative project run by USAID and the local Batwa community. The Batwa tribe was forced to leave their home in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in 1991 when it was declared a UNESCO Heritage site for gorillas only. They had been living in the forest as nomadic hunter-gatherers for millennia, in perfect balance with the flora and fauna around. Moving out and suddenly living in communities with a completely different way of life has proven to be a huge challenge. They now survive as best as they can and earn a living explaining their previous life in the forest and their rich heritage.

Continuation of the walk through the community to visit the traditional herbalist and the black smith.

The drive takes about 5-7 hours.

• Accommodation: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge (Private Cottage)
• Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 4: Gorilla tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

After breakfast, at around 7:45 am, with packed lunch and drinking water you will be transferred to the National Park Head Quarters for the briefing on the dos and the don’ts while with the gorillas. You then continue to the forest for the start of the actual gorilla tracking.

The beauty of this rain forest is spectacular. The area offers a dramatic, steeply forested landscape and is incredibly dense, but crisscrossed by numerous animal trails allowing access to tourists. The time taken and the terrain vary as per the movements of these great primates. The thrill of spending time observing these gentle and endangered giants is an awesome, exciting experience to be long savored. Many find it to be a rare and moving opportunity. The tracking can take place at Nkuringo or at Rushaga (1 hr drive from Nkuringo), as per the gorilla permits obtained.

Upon return, relax at the lodge and, for those who like, at 5.00 pm either stroll through the community center or drive up to the “Top of the World” – the name given to the football field, high up in Nkuringo which offers amazing views over the peaks and forests around Nkuringo. A great way to stretch your legs after the gorilla tracking and to enjoy a sundowner.

• Accommodation: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge (Private Cottage)
• Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 5: Hike across Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Queen Elizabeth National Park

After a very early breakfast, drive along the Nteko Ridge till the junction of the Ivy River Trail with the forest (7 km) and then start the unforgettable hike across the forest (13km – 4-5 hours).

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is a vast unique natural reserve – monkeys, duikers, bush pigs and some of Bwindi’s world renowned bird species plus many butterflies can be sighted. If you are very lucky you may even encounter gorillas! Once part of a much larger forest that included the Virunga Volcanoes in neighbouring Rwanda, the park is nowadays an ecological island within a sea of villages and farmland, its conservation importance is immense. The emphasis of this activity is for your walking guide to share his knowledge of the forest with you, it is not simply an A to B hike. The trail is also an important footpath for local people, particularly on market days, travelling from Nkuringo and Nteko to Buhoma, on the northern boundary of the park. There is no road through Bwindi so vehicles driving between the two locations have an incredible 170 km bone jarring journey taking 6 to 8 hours.

Upon arrival at the park headquarters in Buhoma, meet with the vehicle and departure to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The southern area of Ishasha is notably recognized for its resident ‘tree climbing’ lions that are an exceptional attraction and one of the highlights of all safaris taken within the park. The lions can be spotted hanging on branches of huge fig trees whereas the Uganda Kob (which is the major food to these lions) graze on the plains below.

The drive takes about 4 hours (182kms)

• Accommodation: Kasenyi Safari Camp (Safari Tent)
• Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 6: Queen Elizabeth National Park – Kibale National Park

Morning dedicated to game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park and to the boat trip on the Kazinga Channel – the 36 km waterway which connects Lake George and Lake Edward which allows special viewing of game and birds on the river banks, as the boat passes through pods of hippos. Crocodiles have only recently been seen in the Channel, they disappeared for 8,000 years after they were eliminated from Lake Edward by toxic ash from local volcanoes.

QENP is one of Uganda’s oldest parks being formed officially in 1952. The park was initially known as ‘Kazinga National Park’ before it was renamed in 1954 to commemorate a visit by Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain. QENP hosts 95 species of mammals, more than any other park in Uganda, and 619 bird species, the second highest of any park in Africa – the sixth highest of any park worldwide.

In the afternoon continuation to the lodge in Kibale National Park via the town of Fort Portal. Time permitting late afternoon trek to the ‘Top of the World’ to enjoy fantastic views of the Rwenzori Mountains, crater lakes, tea plantations and local villages.

The drive takes about 3hours (180kms)

• Accommodation: Primate Lodge (Luxury Cottage)
• Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 7: Chimpanzee tracking and Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary

Morning chimpanzee trek. The density and diversity of primates in Kibale National Park is the highest in the whole of Africa. The most well-known of its 13 species are the chimpanzees, our closest relative. Kibale’s 1450 chimpanzee population of this threatened primate is Uganda’s biggest. Additionally, Kibale is home to the uncommon I’Hoest’s monkey as well as East Africa’s biggest population of the endangered red colobus monkey. The black & white colobus, red tailed monkey, blue monkey, olive baboon, grey cheeked mangabey, bush baby and potto are among the other primates.

Afternoon excursion to the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, a great example of a community-based approach to the natural resources management which can be of good economic benefit to the local residents living within this area and to the tourism industry. This sanctuary is a paradise for bird watchers and skilled birders can spot up to 50 new species on a bird list. At today 138 species of birds have been recognized within the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, among which the Great Blue Turaco. Bigodi is also regularly visited by a diverse number of primate species from the nearby national park.

• Accommodation: Primate Lodge (Luxury Cottage)
• Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 8: Kibale Forest and travel to Entebbe

After a relaxed breakfast departure back, with a lunch break en-route. In the afternoon continuation to Entebbe where arrival is expected around 17.00. Transfer to the airport in time for the evening flight out. End of services.

The drive takes about 5 – 6 hours (315 km)

• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Packed Lunch; Dinner on own’s account.

Depending on your departure flight possibility to book a day-use or an overnight at Papyrus Guest House. Kindly note that to be on the safe side we recommend to book only night flights or to overnight in Entebbe.

Rates in USD per person sharing in a double

(Low Season)

Validity 01.01.20 – 31.12.20

Lodges Low Season: March, April, May, October, November

Lodges High Season: January, February, June, July, August, September, December

Included in the above quote:

• Papyrus Guest House – Garden Room for 1 night on Bed & Breakfast basis
• Rwakobo Rock Lodge – Private Cottage for 1 night on full board
• Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge – Private Cottage for 2 nights on full board
• Kasenyi Safari Camp – Safari Tent for 1 night on full board
• Primates Lodge Kibale – Luxury Cottage for 2 nights on full board
• Drinking water in the vehicle (1 litre per person per day) and while at Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
• All the excursions and activities indicated in the itinerary (canoe ride, walks etc) under the supervision of an experienced English-speaking walking guide
• Private 4×4 vehicle with experienced English-speaking driver-guide, from the morning of day 2 to the afternoon of day 8 (7 seater, if including the front seat near the driver)
• Wi-Fi (in main areas of all Lodges and Guest House)
• AMREF Evacuation Insurance cover
• Government taxes

Excluded from the above quote:

• 1 Gorilla tracking permit per person, 1 morning chimp tracking permit per person, Batwa Fees, Park/Forest Fees (1025 USD)
• Excursion to Lake Victoria and Mabamba Swamps on Day 1
• Snacks & drinks for sundowner on Lake Victoria on Day 1
• All drinks, including the drinks for the sundowner on Day 4
• Papyrus Guest House day room use or extra night
• Uganda Entry Visa fee
• International air flights
• Any optional activity not indicated in above program
• Laundry Services
• Gratuities and Tips

TOUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS

A 30% deposit of the total tour price will be required to secure a booking, the balance being due 45 days before the tour departure date.

Bookings not secured by the appropriate deposit will be released.

Cancellation between 90 and 45 days of tour departure will incur a 30% of tour price penalty charge. Confirmed bookings cancelled within 45 days of the tour departure date or no show will incur 100% of tour price penalty charge.

Availability of accommodation and activities is not guaranteed; reservations will be made after receiving confirmation of the final itinerary and the payment of the requested deposit. Should any of the quoted accommodations not be available, we reserve the right to substitute it with an alternative suitable option, which might affect the final quoted price.

All clients who participate in this tour must be adequately covered by medical insurance as well as travel insurance to protect them in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Rates specified for this tour are subject to change without notice, however every effort will be made to maintain them. In the event of any change of Government taxes or operating conditions that affect the rates we reserve the right to pass on these charges.

* UGANDA GORILLA & CHIMP PERMIT CANCELLATION POLICY

(different and separate from the tour cancellation policy)

Gorilla and Chimpanzee Permits will be guaranteed ONLY upon receipt of the deposit (US$900 for both permits in 2019) since we need to immediately pay Uganda Wildlife Authority Offices in order to secure the permits.

Cancellations received on full payment:

• More than 90 days before the tracking date, 25% cancellation fee
• 89 to 46 days before the tracking date, 50% cancellation fee
• 45 to 9 days before the tracking date, 75% cancellation fee
• 8 to 0 days before the tracking date, 100% cancellation fee

Important: the minimum age required for gorilla tracking is 15 years whereas for the chimps the minimum age required is 12 years; in case of flu or of any other airborne disease the visitor will be not allowed to meet with the gorillas or the chimps.

Nkuringo Safaris Offers 20% Off Best Rates for Crewconnected members

Make your booking request here – info@nkuringosafaris.com – Quote “CREWCONNECTED” to ensure Crewconnected Interline Rates

Tel: +256774805580 /+256702805580