The highlights of this trip are the following:
– gain access to wetlands and islands where iconic birds of Uganda can be observed
– approach, in a small group, two different families of mountain gorillas (2 treks) in a safe and favourable environment for their observation and when conditions are optimal for photographing them
– live the experience of observing chimpanzees, the endangered species of golden monkeys, and of meeting with pygmy Batwa people
– enjoy comfortable accommodation in Entebbe and in the region of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and the Volcanoes Massif
– choose your ideal departure and return dates as this safari is available for individual travellers or a small group and it can be adapted to your wishes.
A unique experience of the wildlife and people of Uganda like no other!
Day 1: Departure from Europe and arrival in Uganda
Departure from Europe in the morning and flight to Entebbe. Arrival at Entebbe International Airport in the evening. Meet and greet your driver and transfer to your guest house for the night.
Night at Boma Guest House for the night. Bed and breakfast.
Day 2: Entebbe and the Botanical Garden
Morning of leisure and relaxation, observing the multitude of birds of the guest house.
Lunch at the guest house and afternoon visit of Entebbe Botanical Garden with a guide specialist of birds. Return to the guest house for dinner.
Night at Boma Guest House for the night. Full Board.
Day 3: Ngamba Island and Mabamba Wetlands
After a restful night and a breakfast at 06:30am, drive to Entebbe Wildlife Educational Centre for a briefing before going to the pier and embarking on a boat for Ngamba Island – whose black-headed weavers will likely signal your approach!
Morning visit to the chimpanzee sanctuary.
After a light lunch, drive to the Mabamba Wetlands, about 50km west of Entebbe, on the shores of Lake Victoria, where a boat trip will introduce you to some of the most famous birds of Uganda.
Night at Boma Guest House for the night. Full Board.
Day 4: Mabamba Wetlands and Entebbe Botanical Garden, or visit of Entebbe
This day allows to perfect the observation and photographs taken during the two previous days.
The morning is dedicated to a second boat drive in the Mabamba Wetlands.
The afternoon is focused on a second visit of the Entebbe Botanical Garden with a guide specialist of birds, or a visit of the attractions of Entebbe.
Night at Boma Guest House for the night. Full Board.
Day 5: From Entebbe to Kisoro
Departure from your hotel around 05:30am for your private transfer to Entebbe Airport and 1h15 scheduled flight, at 07:00am, to the airstrip of Kisoro where you will be greeted by a driver who will drive you (2h) to Gorilla Safari Lodge, in time for your lunch.
Afternoon of optional activities such as a canoe ride on Lake Mutanda or a local community walk.
Night at Gorilla Safari Lodge. Full board.
Day 6: First day of trekking to visit the mountain gorillas
Early breakfast (06:00am) and departure from your lodge in a privatized vehicle to drive to the headquarters of the park for the organization of the treks and a briefing, then departure to hike in search of a family of mountain gorillas.
Time permitting, and depending on your wishes, your afternoon can be devoted to an optional forest walk to see the Bamuyenda Waterfalls (total time approx. 3 hours). This hike has some light climbing before finally sloping down to the valley where one of the large waterfalls in Bwindi forest can be found.
Night at Gorilla Safari Lodge. Full board.
Day 7: Batwa Trail experience
After breakfast, drive to Mgahinga National Park to join a Batwa Trail experience.
Drive to the lodge for a late lunch and a refreshing shower. Afternoon at leisure.
Night at Mount Gahinga Lodge. Full board.
Day 8: Second day of trekking to visit the mountain gorillas
This day follows the same organisation as day 6 and offers you the opportunity to discover Mgahinga National Park and a second gorilla family.
(And you will realize how, just like us, families can vary and exhibit different behaviours!)
Night at Mount Gahinga Lodge. Full board.
Day 9: Morning of trekking to visit the golden monkeys and return to Kigali
After an early breakfast, you will go to the rangers’ and guides’ headquarters at Mgahinga National Park to join one of the few small groups who devote their morning to a hike to visit a family of golden monkeys. These families are usually found close to the entry points of the Park, which allows you to visit them without having to go for too long a walk.
After the trek, drive back to the lodge for a quick lunch and a refreshing shower.
After lunch you will be collected from Mount Gahinga Lodge and be transferred to Cyanika along the Uganda/Rwanda boarder after clearing with the immigrations you will continue your drive to Kigali – Gregoire Kayibanda International Airport for your return flight or your flight to your nest destination.
Indicative price:
. For a group of 4 people sharing 2 double or twin rooms: £ 7,390 per person
. For a group of 2 people sharing 1 double or twin room: £ 7,890 per person
Subject to availability at the time of booking. The final budget will be communicated after establishing a personalised quotation that will depend on the exchange rates at the time.
Notice:
This itinerary includes a number of walks in forests. As gorillas move freely in the Park and the terrain can be wet and muddy, the hiking can sometimes take several hours.
– The privatised airport transfers and transporation by road between Entebbe, Entebbe Botanical Garden, your lodge near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, your lodge near Mgahinga National Park and Kigali, as well as all the transportation to the activities mentioned in this programme, in a privatised 4×4 vehicle driven by a specialised driver-guide, or in a boat to Ngamba Island and in a privatised boat to Mabamba Wetlands.
– A scheduled flight from Entebbe Airport and Kisoro airstrip
– 4 nights in Entebbe at Boma Guest House (3***) in a double or twin room with bathroom en-suite, 1 night with breakfast only and 3 nights full board
– 2 nights at Gorilla Safari Lodge (3*** or equivalent) in a single room with bathroom en-suite, full board
– 2 nights at Mount Gahinga Lodge (3***/4**** or equivalent) in a deluxe single room with bathroom en-suite, full board
– 1 visit of Chimpanzee Sanctuary of Ngamba Island
– 2 privatised boat trips in the Mabamba Wetlands and 2 visits to Entebbe Botanical Garden guided by a specialist bird guide
– 2 « mountain gorillas » treks, one in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and one in Mgahinga National Park and 1 « golden monkeys » treck in Mgahinga National Park accompanied by specialist rangers-guides (value of USD 700 per person per trek and USD 100 per person respectively), and 1 « Batwa Trail » experience
– The Park Fees and botanical garden entrance and guiding fees (subject to possible changes)
– Uganda Flying Doctor evacuation cover
– International flights to Entebbe (Uganda) and departing from Kigali (Rwanda)
– Travel or Insurances (cancellation, repatriation, luggage, other risks and any additional insurance)
– Visas for Rwanda and Uganda, or East African Tourist Visa
– Meals not mentioned or mentioned as “free” or “on own account” in the itinerary
– Any extras of personal nature, tips, laundry and drinks not mentioned in the program, etc.
– Any options, extra activities or private services.
