12 DAYS MAGIC NATURE OF UGANDA SAFARI

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "12 DAYS MAGIC NATURE OF UGANDA SAFARI"

Myles Daniels
5 years ago
Views:

1 12 DAYS MAGIC NATURE OF UGANDA SAFARI

YOUR SAFARI AT A GLANCE 12 Days Magic Nature of Uganda Safari Our Magic Nature of Uganda Safari provides you with the opportunity to visit all major attractions Uganda has to offer.

2 YOUR SAFARI AT A GLANCE 12 Days Magic Nature of Uganda Safari Our Magic Nature of Uganda Safari provides you with the opportunity to visit all major attractions Uganda has to offer. From Murchison Falls National Park to the famous Kibale Forest National Park, home to more than chimpanzees and the best opportunity to experience chimp groups close up and in their natural habitat. Thereafter, your journey continues to the Queen Elizabeth National Park which offers an abundance of Big Five game viewing opportunities, including the exhilarating search for the famous Tree Climbing Lions of Ishasha, in the northern sector of the park. And to crown your travels in Uganda, you will next see the endangered Mountain Gorillas in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where you venture on an exhilarating climb to the mountain gorilla s natural habitat of shady bamboo thickets and relish sensational views of lush green rainforests. Also in this tour is a visit to the neighbouring Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and the opportunity to track the rare Golden Monkeys or climb the Virunga Volcanoes. Day 1 Arrival in Entebbe. Transfer from airport to your accommodation. Day 2 Entebbe to Murchison Falls National Park. Scenic drive to Murchison Falls National Park. Game drive. Day 3 Murchison Falls National Park. Game drive, Nile River Cruise and hike to the top of the falls. Optional Activities - Chimpanzee Tracking or Nile Delta Cruise. Day 4 Murchison Falls National Park to Kibale Forest National Park. Scenic drive to Kibale Forest NP. Day 5 Kibale Forest National Park. Chimpanzee Tracking and visit of Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. Optional Activities - Crater Lake Hike. Day 6 Kibale Forest NP to Queen Elizabeth NP / North (Kazinga). Scenic drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Day 7 Queen Elizabeth National Park / South (Ishasha). Game drive and boat tour on the Kazinga Channel. Game drive to the tree climbing lions of Ishasha. Optional Activities - Balloon Safari or Chimpanzee Tracking. Day 8 Queen Elizabeth NP to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable NP. Bwindi Forest Trails. Day 9 Bwindi Impenetrable National Park / North (Buhoma). Gorilla tracking in the park. Day 10 Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Golden Monkey Tracking and Batwa Trail. Optional Activities - Trekking the Virunga Volcanoes. Day 11 Bwindi Impenetrable NP to Lake Mburo National Park. Afternoon Game Drive and Boat trip. Optional Activities - Mountain Bike & Horesback Safari. Day 12 Lake Mburo National Park to Entebbe. Return drive to Entebbe. Airport Transfer and departure from Entebbe. 2

3 DETAILED ITINERARY Day 1 - Arrival in Entebbe On day 1 of your safari, your experienced driver/ guide will pick you up at the airport and take you to your accommodation. You will be given a short briefing and answers to any additional questions you might have regarding your upcoming safari. The Boma ***** (DBB) Lake Victoria Serena Hotel ***** (DBB) Protea Hotel Entebbe **** (DBB) Karibu Guest House *** (DBB) Airport Guest House *** (DBB) Day 2 - Entebbe to Murchison Falls National Park Today, you will drive to Murchison Falls National Park, the largest national park in Uganda. The northern section of the park is defined by savanna, borassus palms, acacia trees and riverine woodland with the south dominated by woodland and sections of tropical forest that is home to an amazing variety of wildlife such as chimpanzee, buffalo, lion, elephant, Uganda Kob as well as Rothschild s giraffe. In the southern sector of the park, you can also venture on chimpanzee tracking in the Budongo forest. The park shares its name with the famous Murchison Falls, whose massive 43 meter falls of boiling water are forced through a 7 meter wide gap before crashing into the wooded country below. Paara Safari Lodge * Chobe Safari Lodge * Baker s Lodge Murchison River Lodge Nile Safari Lodge Fort Murchison Day 3 - Murchison Falls National Park After an early breakfast, you will be heading out for a morning game drive to find the best game viewing and photo opportunities in the park. In the afternoon, you will be going on an impressive tour of the River Nile to the spectacular base of the Murchison Falls, where you can observe hippos, Nile crocodiles and a magnificent variety of tropical birds with the roar of the falls as a backdrop. Once you reach the bottom part of the falls, you will depart the boat and venture on a trek to the top of the falls with a grand view of the mist covered landscape and a close-up view of the falls from above. The magic of Uganda comes alive in these natural marvels; an experience to remember forever. You can further choose from the following options as alternatives to the above program: Boat Cruise to the Murchison Falls: A highlight of your visit to Murchison is the launch trip upstream to see the Murchison Falls and enjoy the wildlife scene along the river bank. Hiking to the Top of the Falls: After the boat trip along the River Nile you will reach the base of the Murchison Falls where you will meet a wildlife ranger to take you on a hike to the top of the falls. This hike starts at Baker s Point, where - in the famous explorer of the time stood on a huge rock declaring the beautiful falls to be named Murchison Falls. 3

4 4

5 Nile Delta Cruise: You can also participate in a Nile Delta Boat Cruise to visit the papyrus ecosystem that developed in the area where the river Nile joins Lake Albert. The delta is home to a range of rare wetland birds, including the famous shoebill stork. Other wildlife such as leopards can also be observed. Option 1 - Hot Air Balloon Wildlife Safaris: This optional adventure - not included in the price for this itinerary - can now also be arranged in Murchison Falls National Park. Rise at dawn over the savanna and silently glide over the park above the tree-tops where you can see most of the wildlife below. Option 2 - Chimpanzee Tracking: As another optional activity you can go on an exhilarating search for the chimpanzees in the dense jumble of the Budongo Forest with the further opportunity of observing a great number of tropical bird species in their natural habitat. Paara Safari Lodge * Chobe Safari Lodge * Baker s Lodge Murchison River Lodge Nile Safari Lodge Fort Murchison Day 4 - Murchison Falls NP to Kibale Forest National Park Scenic drive to the unique Kibale Forest National Park where you have the opportunity to track chimpanzees in their natural habitat and relish sensational views of lush green rainforests, alive with the calls of tropical birds. There are now more than chimpanzees living in the forest, in addition to black and white Colobus monkeys. There is also the chance of observing the massive lumbering yet silent Forest Elephants and hundreds of tropical bird species. Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary: In the afternoon you will venture into the Bigodi wetlands, past scenic villages and forest tracks where you will likely see several kinds of monkeys including Black and White as well as Red Colobus Monkey, Mangabey and Vervet Monkey and the occasional chimpanzee. The wetland is a community managed initiative, known for its biodiversity and is also considered a birder's paradise with close to 140 identified species. Option 1 - Crater Lake Hike: This optional activity allows you to explore the area between Fort Portal and Kibale Forest National Park that is known as the crater lakes region. Here you can simply enjoy the beauty of the numerous small lakes and the stunning views by biking or hiking around the Kyaninga crater lake. Alternatively, you can spend the day at the Kyaninga Lodge with invigorating views of undisturbed landscapes and the opportunity to further experience the lush flora and fauna of this region as well as meet local people and learn about their cultures and traditions. Ndali Lodge * Kyaninga Lodge * Primate Lodge Kibale Chimps Nest Kibale Forest Camp 5

6 6

7 Day 5 - Kibale Forest National Park In the morning you can go on an exhilarating search for the chimpanzees in the dense jumble of tropical forests with the further opportunity of observing a great number of tropical bird species in their natural habitat. Kibale Forest National Park is home to the largest population of primates in the world including our peaceful relatives, the chimpanzees. Ndali Lodge * Kyaninga Lodge * Primate Lodge Kibale Chimps Nest Kibale Forest Camp Day 6 - Kibale Forest NP to Queen Elizabeth National Park Today, your journey continues to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Queen Elizabeth is one of the oldest National Parks in Uganda, and the early morning game drive through the park provides you with the exhilarating opportunity to see an amazing variety of wildlife up close. The park is home to 95 species of mammals and over 500 species of tropical birds as well as the world's largest concentration of hippos. And then you will experience an exciting boat cruise on the famous Kazinga Channel, a 32 km long natural link between two of the largest lakes in the area, Lake Edward to Lake George, as it meanders through the lush park with its abundance of wildlife. Be assured that Kazinga will be one of the highlights of your safari. Option 1 - Chimpanzee Tracking: Optionally, you can also go on an exhilarating search for the chimpanzees in the valley of the Kyambura Gorge with the further opportunity of observing a great number of tropical bird species in their natural habitat. The stunning Kyambura Gorge, also called the Valley of Apes, is located in the far eastern corner of the Queen Elizabeth National Park and is about 1 kilometre across at its broadest point and 100 meters deep. Mweya Lodge * Katara Lodge Kyambura Game Lodge Bush Lodge Jacana Safari Lodge Ihamba Safari Lodge Day 7 - Queen Elizabeth National Park / South (Ishasha) Another highlight of your visit awaits you during a game drive to Ishasha which is in the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park and with that the opportunity to see the rare and unique tree climbing lions. Legends have been built around the tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park and spotting one of the cats is a very special experience indeed as there are only two places in the world where you can find tree climbing lions. Option 1 - Balloon Safari: You have the optional opportunity to start the day early with a new and unique way to experience the wilderness of Queen Elizabeth National Park teaming with wildlife. Catch the sunrise, as you silently glide over the park in a large hot air balloon and enjoy a bush breakfast in the wild with the serene vistas of rolling green hills and savannahs as a backdrop. Ishasha Wildnerss Camp 7

8 8

9 Ishasha Jungle Lodge At the River Ishasha Day 8 - Queen Elizabeth National Park to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park / North (Buhoma) Today you make your way from Queen Elizabeth to the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park which is home to the world famous Mountain Gorilla. Almost half of all Mountain Gorillas live in Bwindi and the park itself is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its expanse of ancient and undisturbed tropical forests dating back to the last ice age. Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge * Silverback Lodge * Buhoma Lodge Bwindi Lodge Mahogany Springs The Gorilla Resort Gorilla Valley Lodge Bwindi Jungle Lodge Day 9 - Bwindi Impenetrable National Park / North (Buhoma) Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is best known for the amazing opportunity to track the endangered Mountain Gorillas. There are about 780 Mountain Gorillas in the world and about half of that population can be found in Uganda, more specifically, in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The ancient Bwindi Forest, dating back to the last ice age and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, provides an incredible backdrop for a once in a lifetime adventure and this activity is a major highlight of your Ugandan safari as you have the exhilarating opportunity to visit the Mountain Gorilla s natural habitat of shady bamboo thickets and relish sensational views of lush green tropical rainforests. There are four trail heads from which you can track one of the habituated gorilla families by venturing into the dense and tangled forest, past beautiful water falls with sunlight filtering through the dense foliage of the jungle canopy. Nothing however can prepare one for the impact of encountering a gorilla close up, twice the size of an average man, yet remarkably gentle and generally tolerant of human visitors. Option 1 - Bwindi Forest Trails: Time permitted, this additional option to hike through Bwindi Forest is spectacular, offering high jungle canopies populated by over 350 species of tropical birds, including 23 endemic to this particular area. Here you can also encounter a variety of primates and monkeys such as Chimpanzees, L Hoest s Monkey, Blue Monkey as well as the Black and White Columbus Monkey and enjoy sensational forest landscapes dotted with impressive waterfalls. Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge * Silverback Lodge * Buhoma Lodge Bwindi Lodge Mahogany Springs The Gorilla Resort Gorilla Valley Lodge Bwindi Jungle Lodge 9

10 10

11 Day 10 - Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Today, you will go on an adventure to track the endangered Golden Monkeys and experience the Batwa Trail: Golden Monkey Tracking: Trekking into the forests of Mgahinga to visit the rare Golden Monkeys. They are considered the smallest of the primates and are an endangered species. Named after their golden appearing colour, with black limbs and a crown on their head, these monkeys are a lovely species to observe and can only be found in three countries worldwide. Batwa Trail: You will also venture to visit the Batwa Cultural Trail which was initiated by the Batwa Forest People of southwestern Uganda and has been implemented with the support of the International Gorilla Conservation Programme in a partnership with the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Batwa guides take visitors on an extensive hike along the mountain trails of the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park to share with them the secrets of this primeval forest; with the additional opportunity to experience the life and culture of their people. The visit includes a music performance and a hunting and gathering demonstration. The Batwa forest people are the oldest inhabitants of the Great Lakes region and are mentioned in Egyptian records dating back years. Option 1 - Volcano Trekking: Experience an exhilarating climb on either one of the three Virunga Volcanoes that are situated in or straddling the border with Uganda. The climbs vary in degrees of difficulty and lengths. Whichever you choose, the experience is bound to be a memorable event: Mount Muhabura: At 4,127 meters, this is the second highest of the volcanoes and represents the border region between Rwanda and Uganda. It offers fantastic views of at least 5 of the volcanoes in the area and the climb itself is considered demanding, is often very steep and may take a day to achieve. Mount Sabinyo: Should you choose to try your climbing luck on this volcano, this can be demanding and sometimes difficult, so you need to be fit for a good long climbing session. The volcano is about meters high and the climb may take 7 to 8 hours. Mount Gahinga: At meters, Mount Gahinga is the smallest of three and therefore also the easiest and fastest to climb. Gahinga once had a crater lake on top which whoever changed into a lush swamp over time. Mount Gahinga Lodge Mutanda Lake Resort Chameleon Hill Lodge Travellers Rest Gorilla Safari Lodge Day 11 - Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to Lake Mburo National Park Time to say goodbye to the Bwindi forest, the gorillas and the jungle. Arrival at Lake Mburo National Park in the afternoon, which is the smallest of the park in Uganda but should not be underestimated. Here, you can discover a variety of sometimes rare wildlife such as the Impala antelope and for the bird watcher, there is also the chance of encountering an abundance of tropical birds during a boat tour of lake Mburo. Mihingo Lodge * Mburo Safari Lodge 11

12 12

13 Eagle s Nest Rwakobo Rock Mantana Tented Camp Day 12 - Lake Mburo National Park to Entebbe Drive back from Lake Mburo National Park to Entebbe with the additional opportunity to take a photo at the Equator crossing. Time to say goodbye. Depending on your departure flight on the same / next day, an additional night in Entebbe / Kampala at extra cost might be required at the end of your journey. The Boma ***** (DBB) Lake Victoria Serena Hotel ***** (DBB) Protea Hotel Entebbe **** (DBB) Karibu Guest House *** (DBB) Airport Guest House *** (DBB) SAFARI PRICE Depending on your departure flight on the same / next day, an additional night in Entebbe / Kampala might at extra cost might be required at the end of your journey. The price tables here presented are an indicative option only, accommodation options listed in this package can be tailored or interchanged to the traveller's preference in any of the two categories proposed (4 to 5 star and 3 to 4 star standard accommodation during high season as seen in the detailed Itinerary). Any deviation such as the extension or reduction of Safari Days from the proposed itinerary described in this document and it's costings are subject to change. Price options for other listed or not listed accommodation are available on request: Accommodation Option 4 to 5 stars Price Per Person (PP) Sharing in a Double / Twin Room: Transport Options 4x4 Minibus 4x4 Landcruiser (Suppl.) 2 pax travelling / PP from US $ 5,510 US $ 312 (5 seater) 3 pax travelling / PP from US $ 5,100 US $ 223 (5 seater) 4 pax travelling / PP from US $ 4,894 US $ 178 (5 seater) 5 pax travelling / PP from US $ 4,771 US $ 390 (8 seater) 6 pax travelling / PP from US $ 4,689 US $ 331 (8 seater) 7 pax travelling / PP from US $ 4,675 US $ 294 (8 seater) Single supplement from US $ 914 Accommodation Option 3 to 4 stars Price Per Person (PP) Sharing in a Double / Twin Room: Transport Options 4x4 Minibus 4x4 Landcruiser (Suppl.) 2 pax travelling / PP from US $ 4,231 US $ 312 (5 seater) 3 pax travelling / PP from US $ 3,811 US $ 223 (5 seater) 4 pax travelling / PP from US $ 3,601 US $ 178 (5 seater) 5 pax travelling / PP from US $ 3,475 US $ 390 (8 seater) 6 pax travelling / PP from US $ 3,392 US $ 331 (8 seater) 7 pax travelling / PP from US $ 3,376 US $ 294 (8 seater) Single supplement from US $

14 SERVICES & FEATURES Services, Features & Activities Included in Safari Price Airport Transfers. Murchison Falls NP: Game Drive x 2. Murchison Falls NP: Nile Delta Cruise. Murchison Falls NP: Boat Cruise on Nile. Murchison Falls NP: Murchison Falls Hike. Kibale Forest NP: Chimp Tracking Permit PP. Kibale Forest NP: Visit of Bigodi Wetlands Sanctuary. Rwenzori NP: Mountain Trekking. Queen Elizabeth NP: Kazinga Channel. Queen Elizabeth NP: Game Drives x 3. Bwindi Impenetrable NP: Gorilla Tracking Permit PP. Mgahinga Gorilla NP: Golden Monkey Tracking Permit PP. Mgahinga Gorilla NP: Batwa Trail. Lake Mburo NP: Game Drive. Lake Mburo NP: Nature Walk. Lake Mburo NP: Boat Ride. Return transfers using 4x4 safari vehicle inclusive of fuel. Entrance fees for National Parks listed in the itinerary. English speaking driver / guide. Meals as specified while on safari and mineral water. Accommodation Option 4 to 5 stars Accommodation Included in Safari Price 2 nights accommodation The Boma - half board. 2 nights accommodation Paara Lodge - full board. 2 nights accommodation Ndali Lodge - full board basis. 1 nights accommodation Kyambura Game Lodge - full board basis. 1 night accommodation Ishasha Wilderness Lodge - full board basis. 2 nights accommodation Silverback Lodge - full board basis. 1 night accommodation Mount Gahinga Lodge - full board basis. 1 nights accommodation Mihingo Lodge - full board basis. Accommodation Option 3 to 4 stars Accommodation Included in Safari Price 2 nights accommodation Airport Guest House - half board. 2 nights accommodation Murchison River Lodge - full board. 2 night accommodation Kibale Forest Camp - full board basis. 1 nights accommodation Ihamba Safari Lodge - full board basis. 1 night accommodation Ishasha Jungle Lodge - full board basis. 2 nights accommodation Bwindi Jungle Lodge - full board basis. 1 night accommodation Traveller s Rest - full board basis. 1 nights accommodation Eagle s Nest - full board basis. Services & Features & Activities Not Included in Safari Price All international flights, all flights not specifically listed in the itinerary. Cost of visas. Travel, medical and personal insurances. Gratuities and personal requirements. All other Optional Activities listed in the itinerary. Our commitment to furnish you with the very best in leisure travel management are defined by the objective to provide exceptional quality, intensive and unforgettable experiences as well as pleasurable moments, that in every detail and attention to superior services are a feast for the senses. Your Intek Travel Tours & Safaris Management Team 14

15 TERMS & CONDITIONS Additional Notes This is a proposal only and subject to availability. If accommodation / activities of this itinerary are not available at the time of booking, we shall endeavour to offer suitable alternatives. Gorilla permits of US $ 600 per permit in Uganda and/ or US $ 1,500 per permit in Rwanda and US $ 150 for Chimpanzee permits in Kibale Forest NP, Uganda need to be paid together with the deposit. The cost for these permits is nonrefundable. However in case of cancellation, we shall endeavour to resell extra tickets through the available official channels. The appointed driver/ tour guide will accompany clients throughout the safari, assist them with check-in at accommodation and share his knowledge of flora and fauna. A language specific tour guide is available against a surcharge. Where applicable for charter or scheduled local flights, the following baggage restrictions apply: 15 kgs on all flights in small, soft-sided bags. Abbreviations for the meal plan are as follows: BB=Bed & Breakfast DBB=Dinner, Bed & Breakfast FB=Full Board. Changes Without Prior Notice Tariffs quoted are valid for 2017/18 wherever possible. Not all service providers release or guarantee their rates well in advance and therefore the itinerary price may be subject to changes without prior notice. Factors that can not be anticipated and may influence this cost calculation include, but are not limited to, supplier increases (including gorilla permits and park/conservation fees), government tax increases, fuel price increases, exchange rate fluctuations, itinerary amendments due to circumstances beyond our control, availability restrictions, etc. Contact Details HRG Uganda - Intek Travel 25 Balikuddembe Road P.O. Box Naguru, Kampala, Uganda, EAU Telephone safari@intektravel.com fly@intektravel.com Payment Terms Deposit: 25% of the total safari price within 7 days of confirmation. Balance: full balance due 45 days (6 weeks) prior to arrival. Reservations: made within 45 days or less prior to arrival: Immediate full prepayment due. Cancellations received within: 30 days before safari date 20% cancellation fee 29 to 23 days before safari date 25% cancellation fee 22 to 15 days before safari date 40% cancellation fee 14 to 08 days before safari date 55% cancellation fee 07 to 03 days before safari date 65% cancellation fee 02 days before safari date 95% cancellation fee No Show 100 % cancellation fee 15

9 DAYS UGANDA EXPRESS SAFARI

9 DAYS UGANDA EXPRESS SAFARI YOUR SAFARI AT A GLANCE 9 Days Uganda Express Safari This express safari takes you on an amazing adventure to explore the wildlife wonders of Uganda: Island dotted Lake Victoria