UGANDA & RWANDA 15 DAYS UGANDA ACTIVE SAFARI IN A NUTSHELL

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Brianne Strickland
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1 UGANDA & RWANDA 15 DAYS UGANDA ACTIVE SAFARI IN A NUTSHELL This extensive and very active safari takes you to the amazing natural spectacles of Uganda, often described as the Pearl of Africa. Here, Uganda is true to its reputation and the opportunities to discover natural wonders not found anywhere else on the planet: Island dotted Lake Mutanda with the Virunga Volcanoes as a backdrop and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park with the unforgettable opportunity of climbing volcanoes, tracking the endangered Golden Monkeys or visit the famous Mountain Gorillas. This is where you will be tracking gorillas in their natural territory in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its expanse of ancient and undisturbed tropical forests and the Parc National des Volcans in Rwanda. Enjoy a thrilling trek to the chimpanzees in Kibale Forest National Park and venture on Big Five game drives with the chance to observe the tree climbing lions of Ishasha in Queen Elizabeth National Park. This safari is a unique experience as it features the two day adventure of climbing the Rwenzori Mountains, also known as the Mountains of the Moon. It s all here, a feast for the senses! SHORT SUMMARY Day 1 Arrival in Entebbe. Transfer from airport to your accommodation in Entebbe. Day 2 Entebbe Optional Activities - Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary or Boat trip in the Mabamba Swamps or Botanical Gardens. Day 3 Entebbe/ Kampala to Kibale Forest National Park. Scenic drive to Kibale Forest. Day 4 Kibale Forest National Park. Optional Activities - Chimpanzee Tracking and/ or Bigodi Swamp Walk or Crater Lake Hike. Drive to Kasese. Day 5 Rwenzori Mountains. Trekking Rwenzori Mountain Peaks to m. Day 6 Rwenzori Mountains to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Trekking Rwenzoris to m, return to base and drive to Queen Elizabeth. Day 7 Queen Elizabeth National Park/ North-Kazinga Channel. Sunrise Safari and boat tour on the Kazinga Channel. Day 8 Queen Elizabeth National Park/ South-Ishasha. Game drive to the tree climbing lions of Ishasha. Day 9 Queen Elizabeth National Park to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park/ North. Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National National Park/ North-Buhoma. Day 10 Bwindi Impenetrable National Park/ South-Lake Mutanda. Trekking through the park to the southern sector/ Lake Mutanda. Day 11 Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Optional Activities - Gorilla Tracking or Golden Monkey Tracking.

Day 12 Bwindi Impenetrable National Park/ South-Lake Mutanda and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Optional Activities - Trekking the Virunga Volcanoes or Batwa Trail or Golden Monkey Tracking.

2 Day 12 Bwindi Impenetrable National Park/ South-Lake Mutanda and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Optional Activities - Trekking the Virunga Volcanoes or Batwa Trail or Golden Monkey Tracking. Day 13 Lake Mutanda to Parc National des Volcans. Optional Activities - Boat Tour on Lake Mutanda and Nature Walk to Kisoro. Drive to Parc National des Volcans in Rwanda. Day 14 Parc National des Volcans. Optional Activities - Gorilla or Golden Monkey Tracking or Dian Fossey Hike. Day 15 Parc National des Volcans to Kigali. Visit Genocide Memorial Centre, airport transfer and departure from Kigali. 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. Accommodation Options: Bronze Airport Guesthouse (BB) Silver 2 Friends Beach Hotel (BB) Gold Lake Victoria Serena Hotel (BB) BB=Bed & Breakfast DBB=Dinner, Bed & Breakfast FB=Full Board Day 2 - Entebbe You have the following optional activities to choose from today: Option 1 - Ngamba Island: You can visit Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary which you can reach via a boat journey of 1 1/2 hours from Entebbe. Ngamba island has become a refuge for chimpanzees that have been injured or rescued from illegal trade or displaced by logging operations. Option 2 - Mabamba Swamps: This option takes you to the Mabamba Swamps on the shorelines of a bay by the same name. Here you have the opportunity to venture out in a dug-out canoe, experience the dense vegetation of this natural swampland and observe dozens of bird species such as fish eagles and the rare and endangered shoebill stork. Option 3 - Entebbe Botanical Gardens: Or visit the botanical gardens, where you can see tropical birds as well as monkeys and a selection of the amazing tropical plant life Uganda has to offer. Accommodation Options: Bronze Airport Guesthouse (BB) Silver 2 Friends Beach Hotel (BB) Gold Lake Victoria Serena Hotel (BB) BB=Bed & Breakfast DBB=Dinner, Bed & Breakfast FB=Full Board Day 3 - Entebbe to Kibale Forest National Park Right after breakfast, you will 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 cacophonous calls of varicoloured birds. There are now more than chimpanzees living in the region, in addition to black and white as well as red Colobus monkeys. There is also the chance of observing the massive lumbering yet silent forest elephants and hundreds of tropical bird species.

Accommodation Options: Bronze Kibale Guest Cottages (BB) Silver Kibale Forest Camp (BB) Gold Ndali Lodge (FB) BB=Bed & Breakfast DBB=Dinner, Bed & Breakfast FB=Full Board Day 4 - Kibale Forest

3 Accommodation Options: Bronze Kibale Guest Cottages (BB) Silver Kibale Forest Camp (BB) Gold Ndali Lodge (FB) BB=Bed & Breakfast DBB=Dinner, Bed & Breakfast FB=Full Board Day 4 - 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. Option 1 - Bigodi Swamp Walk: In the afternoon, you can venture into the Bigodi swamp lands, past scenic villages and forest tracks where you will likely see several kinds of monkeys including black and white colobus, red Colobus, Mangabey, Vervet and the occasional chimpanzee. The wetland is community managed, known for its biodiversity and is also considered a birder's paradise with close to 140 identified species. Experienced bird watchers can add up to 50 new species to their list including the Great Blue Turaco. Option 2 - Crater Lake Hike: Alternatively, you can hike to one of the crater lakes in the area with invigorating views of undisturbed landscapes and the opportunity to further experience the lush flora and fauna of this region. Meet local people and learn about their cultures and traditions. Thereafter, your journey continues to the Rwenzori Mountains. Accommodation Options: Bronze Trekkers Hostel (BB) Silver Margherita Hotel (BB) Gold Equator Snow Lodge (FB) HB-Half BB=Bed & Breakfast DBB=Dinner, Bed & Breakfast FB=Full Board Day 5 - Trekking Rwenzori Mountains In the early morning hours you will meet your team of guides and porters and start your adventure of trekking up the Rwenzori Mountains. This mountain range features the largest glacier on the continent and the third highest mountain, the Margherita Peak which measures meters. On

4 your way to todays target of meters you will pass through a truly breathtaking landscape of high altitude plantations and pastures, jungle type forests and wetlands fringed with swamps and rivers. Reaching your daily target area, you will have a spectacular view over the lowland areas that include Lake George and Queen Elizabeth National Park. You will spent the night on the mountain and continue the trek in the early hours of the next day. Accommodation Options: Bronze Mountain Camps (FB) Silver N/A Gold N/A BB=Bed & Breakfast DBB=Dinner, Bed & Breakfast FB=Full Board Day 6 - Rwenzori Mountains to Queen Elizabeth National Park After a hearty breakfast, your trekking adventure up the mountain continues until you reach the final target of meters. Enjoy the exhilarating view of these wonder world before trekking back to base camp at Kilembe. Thereafter, your journey continues to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Accommodation Options: Bronze Bush Lodge (BB) Silver Marafiki Lodge (BB) Gold Mweya Safari Lodge (BB) BB=Bed & Breakfast DBB=Dinner, Bed & Breakfast FB=Full Board Day 7 - Queen Elizabeth National Park You have the 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. Thereafter, you will first go on a game drive through the park with the 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.

Accommodation Options: Bronze Bush Lodge (BB) Silver Marafiki Lodge (BB) Gold Mweya Safari Lodge (BB) BB=Bed & Breakfast DBB=Dinner, Bed & Breakfast FB=Full Board Day 8 - Queen Elizabeth National

5 Accommodation Options: Bronze Bush Lodge (BB) Silver Marafiki Lodge (BB) Gold Mweya Safari Lodge (BB) BB=Bed & Breakfast DBB=Dinner, Bed & Breakfast FB=Full Board Day 8 - 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. Accommodation Options: Bronze At the River Lodge (FB) Silver Ishasha Jungle Lodge (FB) Gold Ishasha Wilderness Camp (FB) BB=Bed & Breakfast DBB=Dinner, Bed & Breakfast FB=Full Board Day 9 - Queen Elizabeth National Park to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest/ North 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. The lush opportunities for exploration that nature has to offer in this park appear almost limitless. Accommodation Options: Bronze Buhoma Community Camp (BB) Silver Mahogany Springs (FB) Gold Buhoma Lodge (FB) BB=Bed & Breakfast DBB=Dinner, Bed & Breakfast FB=Full Board Day 10 - Trekking to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest/ South After a hearty breakfast, you venture out on a trek into the dense and tangled forests past beautiful water falls with sunlight filtering through the dense foliage of the jungle canopy. Additionally, this day offers extraordinary views of serene hills and tranquil lakes in the vicinity, such as the view of Lake Mutanda and the Virunga Volcanoes from the Chameleon Hill Lodge.

Accommodation Options: Bronze Traveller s Rest (BB) Silver Mutanda Lake Resort (BB) Gold Chameleon Hill Lodge (BB) BB=Bed & Breakfast DBB=Dinner, Bed & Breakfast FB=Full Board Day 11 - Bwindi

On this tracking adventure, you will have the exhilarating opportunity to visit the Mountain Gorilla s natural habitat of shady bamboo thickets and relish sensational views of lush green rainforests,

6 Accommodation Options: Bronze Traveller s Rest (BB) Silver Mutanda Lake Resort (BB) Gold Chameleon Hill Lodge (BB) BB=Bed & Breakfast DBB=Dinner, Bed & Breakfast FB=Full Board Day 11 - Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Today s activity represent another major highlight of your Ugandan safari as you can visit the world famous Mountain Gorillas. On this tracking adventure, you will have the exhilarating opportunity to visit the Mountain Gorilla s natural habitat of shady bamboo thickets and relish sensational views of lush green rainforests, alive with the cacophonous calls of varicoloured birds. Nothing however can prepare one for the impact of encountering a mountain gorilla close up, twice the size of an average man, yet remarkably gentle and tolerant of human visitors. Accommodation Options: Bronze Traveller s Rest (BB) Silver Mutanda Lake Resort (BB) Gold Chameleon Hill Lodge (BB) BB=Bed & Breakfast DBB=Dinner, Bed & Breakfast FB=Full Board Day 12 - Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Today, you can choose from the following options to go on an adventure to track the endangered Golden Monkeys, experience the Batwa Trail, trekking the volcanoes or enjoy a boat tour and nature walk: Option 1 - Golden Monkey Tracking at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: Venture into the forests of Mgahinga to track the rare Golden Monkeys. They are considered the smallest of the primates and are an endangered species. Named after their golden appearing color, 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. While trekking along the slopes of the Virunga Volcanoes, through the dense bamboo forests, keep your eyes up to help the rangers spot the red brown fur of these beautiful monkeys. Option 2 - Boat Tour and Nature Walk: Enjoy a trip on the lake by motor boat and visit the mysterious Skeleton Island where you can visit the ancient burial grounds of the local tribes. Another worthwhile stop is Python Island which is inhabited by large water pythons. Back on shore you will walk through farmland and villages to Kisoro town. Meet the beautiful and hospitable people of Uganda, witness their daily routine, have a chat with them and enjoy harmony of village life.

Option 3 - Batwa Trail: The Batwa Trail project was initiated by the Batwa Forest People of southwestern Uganda and has been implemented with support from the International Gorilla Conservation

7 Option 3 - Batwa Trail: The Batwa Trail project was initiated by the Batwa Forest People of southwestern Uganda and has been implemented with support from the International Gorilla Conservation Programme in partnership with the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Batwa guides take visitors on a day long hike along the mountain trails in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park to share with them the secrets of this primeval forest and the opportunity to experience the extraordinary life and culture of the Batwa people. Option 4 - Volcano Trekking: Alternatively, you can venture on an exhilarating climb on either one of the three Virunga Volcanoes that are situated on the Ugandan side of the border. The climbs vary in degrees of difficulty and lengths. Whichever you choose, the experience is bound to be a memorable event indeed: Mount Muhabura: 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 changed into a lush swamp over time. Accommodation Options: Bronze Traveller s Rest (BB) Silver Mutanda Lake Resort (BB) Gold Chameleon Hill Lodge (BB) BB=Bed & Breakfast DBB=Dinner, Bed & Breakfast FB=Full Board Day 13 - Lake Mutanda to Parc National des Volcans/ Rwanda After a good breakfast, you can enjoy a Nature Walk along the shores of Lake Mutanda where you have the opportunity to meet the local communities. The adventure continues either by motor launch or a dug-out canoe past scenic islands and picturesque shore lines to Kisoro. Your driver/ guide will meet you to continue the drive to the Parc National des Volcans in Rwanda. Accommodation Options: Bronze La Palme (BB) Silver Le Bambou Gorilla Village (BB) Gold Virunga Lodge (B) BB=Bed & Breakfast DBB=Dinner, Bed & Breakfast FB=Full Board Day 14 - Parc National des Volcans The park is known as a haven for the rare and endangered mountain gorillas and is home to five of the eight volcanoes of the Virunga Mountains (Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo peaks) which are covered in rainforest and bamboo. The park was also the base for world renowned zoologist Dian Fossey.

Option 1 - Gorilla Tracking: Here, you have once more the sensational opportunity to venture on an exhilarating trek to the Mountain Gorilla s natural habitat of shady bamboo thickets and relish

Nothing however can prepare one for the impact of encountering a mountain gorilla close up, twice the size of an average man, yet remarkably gentle and tolerant of human visitors.

Option 3 - Dian Fossey Trekking: And for those further interested in the scientific work of Dian Fossey, a trek to her former Karisoke base in the saddle area between Mount Visoke and Mount Karisimbi

8 Option 1 - Gorilla Tracking: Here, you have once more the sensational opportunity to venture on an exhilarating trek to the Mountain Gorilla s natural habitat of shady bamboo thickets and relish sensational views of lush green rainforests, alive with the cacophonous calls of varicoloured birds. Nothing however can prepare one for the impact of encountering a mountain gorilla close up, twice the size of an average man, yet remarkably gentle and tolerant of human visitors. Option 2 - Volcano Trekking: Alternatively, you can venture on an exhilarating climb on either one of the Virunga Volcanoes that are situated on the Rwandan side of the border. Option 3 - Dian Fossey Trekking: And for those further interested in the scientific work of Dian Fossey, a trek to her former Karisoke base in the saddle area between Mount Visoke and Mount Karisimbi adds a historic dimension to the adventure. Option 4 - Golden Monkey Trekking: Alternatively, you can venture into the forests of the Parc National des Volcans to track the rare and endangered Golden Monkeys. Accommodation Options: Bronze La Palme (BB) Silver Le Bambou Gorilla Village (BB) Gold Virunga Lodge (FB) BB=Bed & Breakfast DBB=Dinner, Bed & Breakfast FB=Full Board Day 15 Parc National des Volcans to Kigali Today you will be driving to Kigali for your final day of the safari. An assessment of Rwanda in the context of geopolitical history and we are instantly reminded of the Genocide that devastated this tiny country in A visit to the Genocide Memorial Centre and the renowned Hotel Des Mille Collines is therefore an obligation for all those interested in historic narrative. Depending on your flight times, you will be taken to the airport where you say goodbye to your guide and depart. MAP OF SAFARI ROUTE SOUTH SUDAN DR CONGO UGANDA LAKE ALBERT KENYA LAKE EDWARD RWENZORI MOUNTAINS KIBALE FOREST QUEEN ELIZABETH KAMPALA ENTEBBE LAKE KIVU BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST LAKE MUTANDA PARC NATIONAL DES VOLCANS KIGALI RWANDA LAKE VICTORIA TANZANIA SAFARI PRICE AND SERVICES Safari Price The price here presented is for mid range accommodation provided for the duration of the safari described in this document. The price options for budget and luxury accommodation are available on request: 8

9 Price per person sharing in a double/ twin room: 2 people travelling from US $ 4.283,00 3 people travelling from US $ 3.718,00 4 people travelling from US $ 3.436,00 5 people travelling from US $ 3.267,00 6 people travelling from US $ 3.154,00 7 people travelling from US $ 3.073,00 Single supplement: from US $ 764,00 Features Included in Safari Price All airport transfers, ground transportation and fuel as per the itinerary Transport in a 4x4 minibus with safari roof (other options on request) Charter or scheduled local flights where applicable and listed in the itinerary All park and conservation fees including for the vehicle, driver/ tour guide and clients English speaking Ugandan driver/ tour guide (other languages on request) Accommodation and meal plan as specified Activities as per itinerary Features Excluded in Safari Price All international flights, all flights not specifically listed in the itinerary A 4x4 wheel drive vehicle such as a Land Cruiser Cost of visas Travel, medical and personal insurances Gratuities and personal requirements Gorilla permits Uganda (US $ 600,00 pp) Gorilla permits Rwanda (US $ 750,00 pp) Chimpanzee permits Uganda (US $ 150,00 pp) All other Optional Activities listed in the itinerary (prices on request) Our passion for Africa and efforts to furnish you with the very best Creative Destination 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 dream come true and a feast for the senses. Our passion, commitment and dedication to provide you with memorable adventures is as limitless as the magical vistas of the African continent... Your Across Africa Creative Destination Management Team 9

Additional Notes This is a proposal only and subject to availability. If components of this itinerary are not available at the time of booking, we shall endeavour to offer suitable alternatives.

10 Additional Notes This is a proposal only and subject to availability. If components of this itinerary are not available at the time of booking, we shall endeavour to offer suitable alternatives. Gorilla and Chimpanzee tracking permits are not included. Please note that Gorilla permits of US $ 600,00 per permit in Uganda and/ or US $ 750,00 per permit in Rwanda and US $ 150,00 for Chimpanzee permits in Kibale, Uganda need to be paid together with the deposit. The price for these permits is nonrefundable, however in case of cancellation, we shall endeavour to resell excess 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. A 4 x 4 wheel drive vehicle such as a Land Cruiser 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. Terms and Conditions of our Services Payments 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 Cancellations received within 30 days before safari date 20% 29 to 23 days before safari date 25% 22 to 15 days before safari date 40% 14 to 08 days before safari date 55% 07 to 03 days before safari date 65% 02 days before safari date 95% No Show 100 % Changes Without Prior Notice Tariffs quoted are valid for 2015 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, unforeseeable itinerary amendments due to circumstances beyond our control, availability restrictions, etc. Across Africa - Creative Destination Management manager@across-africa.de 10

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RWANDA 4 DAYS GORILLA TRACKING SAFARI IN A NUTSHELL

RWANDA 4 DAYS GORILLA TRACKING SAFARI IN A NUTSHELL Not only is Rwanda often described as the Land of a Thousand Hills but also as the self-styled Switzerland of Africa, with enchanted views of Lake Kivu