Uganda Gorilla Wildlife Safari-7 nights/8 days

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Cassandra Sherman
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Uganda Gorilla Wildlife Safari-7 nights/8 days Cover Page Page 2-4 Itinerary Page 4 Quotation Page 5-6 Accommodation Page 7-10 Useful Information

of the Albert and Victoria Nile Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National park Enjoy the rift valley floor of Queen Elizabeth National Park

1 Uganda Gorilla Wildlife Safari-7 nights/8 days Cover Page Page 2-4 Itinerary Page 4 Quotation Page 5-6 Accommodation Page 7-10 Useful Information Safari Overview Explore the Murchison Falls from the top and bottom with a Launch boat trip on River Nile Enchanting game drives at the confluence of the Albert and Victoria Nile Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest National park Enjoy the rift valley floor of Queen Elizabeth National Park teeming with waterways and Wildlife Highlight your trip with a Gorilla Trek in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park 1 Plot 194 Mobutu Road Kizungu Zone

2 ITINERARY Day 1: 15/February/2014: Kampala Murchison Falls National Park You will be picked from your hotel in Kampala and drive via Bombo and Masindi town to Murchison falls National Park. Visit Ziwa Rhino sanctuary for Rhino trekking. Have lunch proceeding to Murchison falls National Park through Kichumbanyobo gates. You will take a drive to the Top of the falls for a breathtaking sight of the raging Nile as it forces its way through a rocky gap barely six meters wide. This is the point where the Nile River detonates through a narrow gorge and cascades down to become a placid river. Return to the lodge - Midrange Pakuba safari lodge *Travel Time: 6 hrs Day 2: 16/February/2014: Game Drive/ Launch Cruise Go for an early morning game drive on the Northern Bank of the Murchison Falls National Park. You may be able to view animals that are unique to the African Savannah like giraffe, elephant, antelope, lion, and the Uganda Kob. Return to the lodge for mid morning breakfast, as you relax to wait for Lunch. After lunch, you will go for a launch cruise on the Nile River. The cruise takes you to the Bottom of the roaring falls where you will see huge crocodiles, schools of hippos, buffaloes, elephants and a variety of water birds like herons, ducks, cormorants, bee-eaters, skimmers, kingfishers, fish eagle and the rare shoebill. - Midrange Pakuba safari lodge Day 3: 17/February/2014: Murchison falls NP Kibale NP After an early breakfast, you will depart for Kibale National Park. You will drive via the Albertine Escarpment of the western Rift valley on the Masindi-Hoima-Fort portal road. This will be a long drive south via Hoima to Fort Portal, passing though verdant countryside and traditional homesteads and farms. Fort Portal rests in the shadow of the legendary Mountains of the Moon, - Midrange Primates Lodge Kibale (Cottage) *Travel Time: 9 hrs 2 Plot 194 Mobutu Road Kizungu Zone

3 Day 4: 18/February/2014: Chimpanzee Trekking / Transfer to Queen Elizabeth national park A relatively early morning start, to report to the ranger station in Kibale National Park at 08.00am to track habituated chimps these delightful apes, more closely related to humans than to any other living creature, are tremendous fun to watch as they squabble and play in fruiting trees. The incredibly diverse forest is home to over 13 species of primates including red Colobus monkey, the rare L Hoest, blue monkey, grey mangabey, pottos, black faced vervet monkeys, baboons and also bush babies. A network of shady forest trails provides much to delight botanists and butterfly lovers, while birders are in for a treat with 335 species recorded including the endemic Prirogrine s ground thrush. The elusive forest elephant, smaller and hairier that its savannah counterpart, moves seasonally into the developed part of the park, while other terrestrial mammals include buffalo, giant forest hog and a half dozen antelope species. After lunch, we will depart for Queen Elizabeth National Park. We will enter the park via the Northern crater Area. With beautiful lakes and rich grasslands which are set deep in the crater valley, this is truly the most breathtaking scenery in the park. Queen Elizabeth is host to a large variety and volume of wildlife. - Midrange Kyambura Game lodge *Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & dinner *Travel Time: 4 hrs Day 5: 19/February/2014: Game drive & Launch cruise Early morning wake up for the morning game drive to catch up with early risers and predators returning to their hideouts. During the game drive, you will be likely to meet grazing hippos, elephants, lions, spotted hyenas, bushbucks, water bucks, stripped jackal, leopard and of course the several warthogs. Return to the lodge for lunch and relax by the side of the swimming pool After lunch, take an afternoon boat trip along on Kazinga channel. This will give you the opportunity to view wildlife up close: hippo s huff and spray mere feet away from the boat, buffalo linger in the shallows. The shores of the channel are also home to an array of birds including pink backed pelicans, pied and malachite kingfishers, saddle billed stork and many others. After this wonderful afternoon, a slow drive back to the lodge. - Midrange Kyambura Game lodge Day 6: 20/February/2014: Transfer to Bwindi NP we will then leave for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, home to the few remaining mountain gorillas. Bird life and primate life in Bwindi is quite superb, and there is an incredible variety of flora. Bwindi is the Bird watchers haven! It holds 348 species of birds and supports 24 of 26 Albertine Rift Endemics that occur in Uganda; and seven red data book species. Once continuous with the forests of the Virunga Volcanoes (Dian Fossey s stomping ground), Bwindi is now an ecological island, surrounded by cultivation on the rich volcanic soils. - Chameleon Hill Lodge OR Silverback lodge *Travel Time: 6-8 hrs 3 Plot 194 Mobutu Road Kizungu Zone

4 Day 7: 21/February/2014: Gorilla trekking ABACUS AFRICAN VACATIONS After an early breakfast and briefing from the guides, set off for the mountains gorilla tracking inside the Bwindi forest. You need to carry drinking water, rain jacket and jungle boots while the rangers will provide you with a walking stick. Gorilla tracking is one of the unique activities you will enjoy while photographing and observing the gorillas. After tracking, come back to the lodge and relax. - Chameleon Hill Lodge OR Silverback lodge *Trekking Time: Unpredictable Day 8: 22/February/2014: Transfer to Kampala/Entebbe After breakfast, we will transfer to Kampala/Entebbe. *Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch *Drive Time: 8-10 hrs END OF UGANDA SAFARI Tour Price in USD (Net and Non-commissionable) Valid for 2014 PER PERSON sharing in Double/Twin Room Based on 2 PAX sharing: Based on 4 PAX sharing: Based on 6 PAX sharing: SINGLE SUPLEMENT: USD 420 PER PERSON USD 3,205 PER PERSON USD 2,530 PER PERSON USD 2,340 PER PERSON Price includes; Ground transportation and Fuel (4x4 OMNI VAN) Full time safari guide Park entrance fees Accommodation and meals as per itinerary Boat trips Gorilla per permit, per person x 1 Chimpanzee tracking All game drives Activities included above But it excludes; Flights, Visa fees, Airport taxes, Items of personal nature like Laundry, bar bills, Beverages, tipping and any extra expenses not included above. 4 Plot 194 Mobutu Road Kizungu Zone

ACCOMODATION Cassia Lodge Kampala With only an hour s drive from Entebbe

Kampala close to Lake Victoria, it s a beautiful hotel with magnificent views

satellite television, bar, telephone and comfortable bathrooms with a shower and

Other facilities include, a restaurant and bar with a panoramic veranda, a

eastern edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park, in the western part of the great

Rwenzori Mountains and a short distance from the Kyambura Gorge where Chimpanzee

Accommodation is provided in seven spacious and tastefully designed self

tabs/showers and stunning views of the park.

balcony perched over Queen Elizabeth National Park.

5 ACCOMODATION Cassia Lodge Kampala With only an hour s drive from Entebbe international airport, Cassia lodge is located on one of the highest hills of Kampala close to Lake Victoria, it s a beautiful hotel with magnificent views over Kampala and Lake Victoria, Cassia lodge has 20 luxurious rooms with satellite television, bar, telephone and comfortable bathrooms with a shower and a balcony overlooking the Lake Victoria. Other facilities include, a restaurant and bar with a panoramic veranda, a swimming pool etc Kyambura Game Lodge Kyambura Game Lodge is situated at the eastern edge of Queen Elizabeth National Park, in the western part of the great East African Rift valley with fantastic views over the national park and the Rwenzori Mountains and a short distance from the Kyambura Gorge where Chimpanzee treks are done in Queen Elizabeth National park. Accommodation is provided in seven spacious and tastefully designed self contained grass-thatched cottages with running hot and cold water bath tabs/showers and stunning views of the park. All the rooms are equipped with 220v electricity supply and a private wooden balcony perched over Queen Elizabeth National Park. All cottages are privately spaced out in a shrubbery surrounding for proper environment conservation. Other facilities include a restaurant, bar, swimming pool and health club. Chameleon Hill-Lake Mutanda Lodge Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park 5 Plot 194 Mobutu Road Kizungu Zone

6 Situated between Mgahinga and Bwindi National parks and Kisoro, on the shores of Lake Mutanda - you will find a place full of inspiration and enjoyment called Chameleon Hill. Located on the shores of one of East Africa s most beautiful lakes Lake Mutanda, you will enjoy spectacular views across the lake with its islands and surrounding hills. In the backdrop the Virunga Volcanoes greet you. You have arrived Chameleon Hill and its breathtaking surrounding scenery offer a variety of different activities and the perfect combination of relaxation and adventure. Take your time, sit back and relax in an environment, which you have never seen before. Our friendly staff will take care of your delicious food, and all the tiny details that shall ensure that you have a pleasurable stay at Chameleon Hill. The rustic, but sensitively handled, interior speaks of light creating a feeling of wowness. Further important aspects in the design of the lodge are colors and mosaics. A sense of arrival, an unforgettable experience, feeling nature in the finishes, interior and exterior, natural ventilation and lots more awaits the traveler. Kibaale Forest National Park USEFUL INFORMATION Kibale Forest National Park a distance of 320 kms/5 hrs from Kampala is Uganda s primate paradise; her 776 km² of moist evergreen rain forest is home to the highest concentration of primates in the world - 13 diurnal species, including the very local-ized Red Colobus as well as the L'Hoest's monkey. The elusive forest elephant, smaller and hairier than its bush counterpart, moves seasonally into the park while other terrestrial mammals include buffalo, giant forest hog, leopard and half a dozen antelope species. Bird life is also prolific with 335 species including hornbills, pittas, turacos, the endemic Prirogrine's ground thrush and African Grey Parrots. But the park s principal attraction remains the opportunity to track her 500 habituated Chimpanzees. These delightful apes, genetically the closest living relatives of man, are tremendous fun to watch as they squabble and play in fruiting trees. Tracking usually takes about 4 hrs. One other unique experience in Kibaale: join the habituation team that goes out in the morning to study the chimpanzees as they habituate them to accept human presence in their midst. Queen Elizabeth National Park 6 Plot 194 Mobutu Road Kizungu Zone

Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP), located in western Uganda, approx 438 kms/6 hrs southwest of Kampala is Uganda s most popular savannah park. Her 1,978 sq.

in her Kyambura Gorge; all these in addition to over 600 bird species.

The southern area of Ishasha exiting towards Bwindi is famous for its tree-climbing lions, whose males sport black manes, a feature unique to lions in this area.

7 Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP), located in western Uganda, approx 438 kms/6 hrs southwest of Kampala is Uganda s most popular savannah park. Her 1,978 sq. km of open savannah, rainforest, dense papyrus swamps and brooding crater lakes extends from Lake George in the northeast to Lake Edward in the southwest and includes Maramagambo Forest and Kazinga Channel connects the 2 lakes. QENP is home to an incredible array of wildlife including almost 100 species of mammals, from hippos, elephants, leopards, lions, the elusive giant forest hog, the handsome Uganda kob to Chimpanzees in her Kyambura Gorge; all these in addition to over 600 bird species. Much of the best game viewing is in the northern, Mweya Peninsula area which boasts a marvellous waterfront setting in the shadow of the Ruwenzori s. The southern area of Ishasha exiting towards Bwindi is famous for its tree-climbing lions, whose males sport black manes, a feature unique to lions in this area. It is also famous for its volcanic features; volcanic cones and deep craters, many with crater lakes such as Lake Katwe, from which salt is extracted. Unique activities include regular game drives, Launch cruises on Kazinga channel, Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura gorge and Guided walks in Maragambo forest. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park s 331 sq. kms of montane and lowland forest jungle lies in southwestern Uganda, 540 kms from Kampala. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and accessible only on foot, it is one of the richest ecosystems in Africa providing a habitat for over 90 mammals (including 11 primates), 348 species of birds (including 23 highly localized Albertine Rift endemics), 202 species of butterflies, 163 tree species, over 100 species of ferns, 27 species of frogs, chameleons, geckos and other endangered species. Bwindi is however most notable for her 340 Mountain Gorillas, about half the world's population of this critically endangered primate. Gazetted in 1991, the park rose to her peak after Gorilla Tracking became a tourist activity in April of 1993, converting it into one of the most popular tourist destinations on earth. Activities include: Gorilla tracking, Forest walks, Cultural visits with the Batwa people and unbelievable bird watching - this is Africa s richest country birds-wise with over 1,000 species recorded including almost half the continent s known species and over 10% of those recorded around the world. 7 Plot 194 Mobutu Road Kizungu Zone

8 Flights Uganda is serviced by a number of International and regional Airlines including SN Brussels, British Airways, Royal Dutch KLM, Turkish Airlines, Emirates Airlines, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Egypt Air, South African Airways, Air Uganda, Rwandair. Uganda can also be reached by land from Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania. Airline Flight No Route Days Departure Arrival SN Brussels SN 465 Brussels-Entebbe Mon,Wed,Sat British Airways BA063 London Heathrow-Ebb Tu,Thu,Sun KLM KL537 Amsterdam-Entebbe Mon,Sat KLM KL535 Amsterdam-Entebbe Wed,Fri,Sun KLM KL539 Amsterdam-Entebbe Tu,Thu Emirates EK729 Dubai-Entebbe Daily Turkish Airlines TK612 Istanbul-Entebbe Thu,Sat Turkish Airlines TK606 Istanbul-Entebbe Mon,Wed,Fri South African SA160 Johannesburg-Entebbe Daily Travel Guidelines The capital The capital Kampala is serviced by Entebbe International Airport 40 km away. The capital itself sprawls across seven hills each of historical importance to the country s religions, culture and the economy. It is a modern cosmopolitan city bustling with economic activity while reaping from the benefits of political stability that has characterized Uganda since On arrival A visa for those who require one can be purchased on the spot at the Entebbe International Airport or at any over land border. Foreign exchange and ATM facilities are available at the airport. Our company will arrange your airport transfer to the hotel. Local time is GMT+3. Health A certificate of yellow fever vaccination is required but is not mandatory. All visitors should take malaria prophylactic drugs. It is also advisable to drink bottled water rather than tap water. Money The unit of currency is the Uganda shillings. Though the US Dollar is the preferred hard currency. The Euro and Pound sterling are also widely accepted. Hard currency cash can be exchanged for local currency at banks and private bureau de change in large towns. Traveler s cheques are not widely accepted outside Kampala. Local currency can be drawn against visa and other major credit cards at selected ATMs in Kampala, Entebbe International Airport and in a few large towns. A few hotels and safari lodges accept American Express cards. Language Educated Ugandans are generally fluent in English, which is the official language. However of the 30 plus different indigenous languages, Luganda is the most widely used across the country. When to visit In Uganda, any time is visitation time though mountain hikes, gorilla tracking and other forest walks are more challenging during the rains which generally peak over mid September to November and March to May. What to wear. Day time temperatures are generally warm to hot so bring lots of light clothing, evenings are cooler, especially at high attitudes, so carry a couple of light sweaters too. Those who intend to hike on the mountains will be exposed to alpine temperatures and should pack accordingly. Solid walking shoes and sturdy clothing are ideal for forest walks. Do not forget to bring a hat, sunglasses and water proof jackets. What to bring. 8 Plot 194 Mobutu Road Kizungu Zone

9 A Valid passport is mandatory and visa requirements should be checked before you travel. To make the most of game reserves and national parks, carry binoculars and field guides. Photographers will need a zoom lens for wildlife ( or similar). Driving Driving is on the left side. Visitors without experience of African roads are advised to stick to the drivers & vehicles organized by our company. Tipping Tipping is not standard practice at local hotels and restaurants but will always be appreciated. It is normal to tip 5-10% at tourist oriented restaurants. Guides and drivers should always by tipped. Foods and drinks Tourist oriented hotels and restaurants serve good western style meals, while a wider range of cuisines being available in the capital and some larger towns. Local restaurants serve Ugandan dishes, typically ugali (as stiff maize porridge) or matooke (cooked bananas) eaten with stew. What to buy. A wide selection of local handcrafts is available as souvenirs. These include musical instruments, such as the hide drums made at Mpambire in the vicinity of Mpigi as well as excellent local basket work, paintings, batiks and pottery. Climate Uganda lies across the equator and boasts of tropical climate that is spring like in nature all year round. The country basically experiences seasonal climate of wet and dry, though it can be wet and cool at any time of the year. Due to varying global weather patterns, evolutions between rainy and dry seasons can come and go intermittently. The most common occurring weather patterns occur as follows. December- February -the hot dry season Provides birds and game viewing opportunities, though at this time of the year, the grass is rather long and smaller species may be hard to view. However this is a perfect time to track the Gorillas. March This is the beginning of the rains and game viewing is excellent over the short new grass. Gorilla trekking is pleasant and the spring like day conditions are offset by cool nights. April May the heavier rainy season. Road infrastructure that includes some game tracks turns slippery and muddy. Conditions for gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking are more challenging but chances of viewing these gentle giants remains an all time high at 98%. June- October- includes peak tourist season of July August. At this time of the dry season, its cooler and the roads are dusty which provides exceptional wildlife game viewing conditions in the game tracks. It is also a perfect time to trek the mountain Gorillas in Bwindi National park. November -seasonal short rains For bird lovers there could never be a better time to visit as hundreds of migrant bird species from Eurasia migrate to Uganda. Muddy and slippery conditions for chimpanzee and Gorilla trekking. Gorilla permit booking guidelines Gorilla Tracking Permits are limited in number, maximum 80 tickets per day sold on a first come first served basis. They sell fast. We are not allowed to block, the only way to guarantee availability is buying - at US$ 600 each. We normally request advance payment at time of booking to purchase/guarantee permits for our guests. Note: permits are non-refundable/non-transferrable; a penalty applies for 1 allowed date change at 30 days. Children below 15 yrs of age are not allowed on gorilla tracking. The Park office now requires we provide guests full names and passport numbers when buying gorilla permits Note: 9 Plot 194 Mobutu Road Kizungu Zone

10 While the adults are gorilla tracking, the less than 15 year olds can take a guided cultural walk to visit the pygmy tribe. These are the diminutive former hunter/gatherers whose largest part of the community around Bwindi used to live in this forest and deriving their every livelihood from it before They were evicted when it was gazetted as a national park and now live on its fringes. Local tribesmen will engage you in their traditional way of life like making fire from sticks and grass, laying traps for wild animals and shooting with bows and arrows. WELCOME TO UGANDA!! 10 Plot 194 Mobutu Road Kizungu Zone

The Best of Uganda. 14 nights

The Best of Uganda. 14 nights The Best of Uganda 14 nights Brief Itinerary Day 1 Day 2 Day 4 Day 6 Day 9 Day 11 Day 14 Fly Entebbe, Uganda Mihingo Lodge, 2 nights, full-board Buhoma Lodge, 2 nights, full-board Kyambura Game Lodge,