HIGHLIGHTS OF UGANDA 2012 INTERNATIONAL GROUP SAFARI 16 DAYS Visit all highlights of Uganda! Explore the abundant wildlife in Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Park, and track the chimpanzees and gorillas in Uganda s tropical rainforests. Meet the Batwa pygmies and relax at the shores of one of the most scenic lakes in the country. Your adventurous safari ends at the true origin of the Nile, a world class place for rafting! Safari Highlights : Rhino tracking at Ziwa Boat safari to the Murchison Falls Chimp tracking in Kibale Forest Exploration of the crater lakes Game viewing in Queen Elizabeth NP Gorilla tracking in Bwindi Forest The Batwa Experience Relaxation at Lake Bunyonyi Adventure at the Source of the Nile B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner Day 1 ARRIVAL Arrival at Entebbe Airport where you will be welcomed and transferred to your accommodation in Entebbe. Overnight at Airport Guesthouse (B&B). ** Airport pick up by your guesthouse. ** Day 2 ENTEBBE MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK (7 hrs) Today we will depart for the most beautiful protected area in Uganda: Murchison Falls National Park. En route we will make a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, home to the only wild rhinos in Uganda. The reserve was created to reintroduce rhinos to the country which have been extinct since 1982. Together with a guide you will track the rhinos and observe them in their habitat at a very close and safe distance. After this activity continue to Murchison Falls. Dinner and overnight at Red Chilli Rest Camp. (B-L-D) Day 3 MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK After an early breakfast we start the day with a game drive on the northern bank of the Nile, with chances of seeing giraffes, elephants, lions, hartebeest and different species of birds. In the
afternoon the safari will be continued with a boat cruise on the river Nile for game viewing at close quarters. Upon reaching the bottom of the waterfalls we will depart the boat and climb our way up to the Top of the Falls where you will be rewarded with amazing views of the Nile. Dinner and overnight at Red Chilli Rest Camp. (B-L-D) Day 4 MURCHISON FALLS KIBALE NATIONAL PARK (9 hrs) We depart Murchison Falls and head towards Fort Portal. This long journey will be rewarded with stunning views while you pass small villages and local markets. Fort Portal rests in the shadow of the fabled Mountains of the Moon and is famous for the many tea plantations. From this lovely town we will continue to the dense forest of Kibale National Park. Dinner and overnight at the cottages of Primate Lodge Kibale. (B-L-D) Day 5 KIBALE FOREST & BIGODI SWAMP Today the forest opens its doors for a sensational chimp tracking. Kibale Forest is reputable of having the greatest variety and highest concentration of primates in East Africa. Enjoy a guided nature walk in the tropical rainforest in search of the wild chimpanzee, red-tailed monkey, blackand-white colobus monkey and many others. After a hearty lunch we transfer to the Bigodi Swamp for another, totally different nature walk. The Bigodi Swamp Walk is an initiative of the local community and is known for its rich diversity of birds and primates. Dinner and overnight at the cottages of Primate Lodge Kibale. (B-L-D) Day 6 CRATER LAKES Have a calm breakfast before we head off for an exploration of the crater lakes. Enjoy the beauty of the numerous small lakes, surrounded by gentle hills, and the stunning views. Take a hike at Lake Nkuruba to encounter different species of primates and birds, and visit the Mahoma Falls. Meet the local people as you walk through their villages, learn about the customs of the Batoro tribe and enjoy the panoramic views. Dinner and overnight at the cottages of Primate Lodge Kibale. (B-L-D) Day 7 KIBALE FOREST QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK (3 hrs) Today you can enjoy the majestic Rwenzori Mountains in its full glory! Have a guided walk at the foothills of the mountains and learn about the local culture firsthand. After this hike we
calmly transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Dinner and overnight at Simba Safari Camp. (B-L-D) Day 8 QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK The day begins early when we start with a morning game drive and head to the mating ground of the Uganda Kobs. We search for lions, elephants, buffaloes and other wild animals in their natural habitat before returning for lunch. In the afternoon we take on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural channel between Lake Edward and Lake George. Thanks to the abundant birdlife that is sighted, and the elephants, buffaloes and hundreds of hippos that are cooling off at the shores, this cruise will definitely be one of the highlights of your safari. Dinner and overnight at Simba Safari Camp. (B-L-D) Day 9 QUEEN ELIZABETH BWINDI NATIONAL PARK (4-5 hrs) After breakfast you will have the possibility to go in search of the chimpanzees in Kyambura Wildlife Reserve, a beautiful gorge completely covered with tropical rainforest (optional, not included in the price). In the afternoon departure to Bwindi National Park, home of the endangered mountain gorillas. Dinner and overnight at Buhoma Community Bandas. (B-L-D) Day 10 GORILLA TRACKING The highlight of your safari: a meeting with the gentle giants of Bwindi! Especially hikers will love the tracking in the beautiful ecosystem of the park. Expect to walk a long distance in steep and muddy conditions, sometimes with rain overhead, before you encounter any gorillas. But it will definitely be worthwhile as you observe them closely while they eat, play and rest. A unique and unforgettable experience! Those who prefer not to participate in the gorilla tracking can go for a guided forest walk or explore the surroundings with the Buhoma Village Walk. Dinner and overnight at Buhoma Community Bandas. (B-L-D) Day 11 THE BATWA EXPERIENCE Although Bwindi is mainly known for the gorillas it has a lot more to offer. Today you will enjoy the Batwa Experience, a firsthand introduction to one of the most unique cultures worldwide. The Batwa pygmies are a forest people displaced from the rain forest they shared with mountain gorillas. This experience will give you the opportunity to learn more about their age old culture
while you enjoy a hike with the Batwa guides, see how they lived and hunted, hear ancient legends and learn about medical plants. The revenue generated from these activities directly benefits the Batwa to strengthen their community. Dinner and overnight at Buhoma Community Bandas. (B-L-D) ** For more information about the Batwa Experience please visit www.batwaexperience.com. ** Day 12 BWINDI NATIONAL PARK LAKE BUNYONYI (4 hrs) After breakfast we depart to Lake Bunyonyi, the second deepest lake in Africa. Relax, take a swim or go for a canoe trip while you watch the beautiful sunset. Dinner and overnight at Bunyonyi Overland Camp. (B-L-D) Day 13 LAKE BUNYONYI KAMPALA (7-8 hrs) After a calm breakfast we depart the beautiful lake and head back to the capital city. En route we will pass the Equator where we will make a stop for photos and souvenir shopping. Late in the afternoon arrival in Kampala. Overnight at Hotel International. (B-L) Day 14 KAMPALA JINJA (2-3 hrs) After breakfast we leave the busy city and head towards the east. Jinja is situated directly at Lake Victoria, where the Nile finds its origin. On our way we will make a stop at Mabira Forest, one of the largest and most beautiful tropical forests in Uganda. A hike will enable you to stretch your legs with chances of seeing different species of primates, birds and colourful butterflies. Continue to Jinja for lunch and a relaxing afternoon. Dinner and overnight at Adrift Nile High Camp. (B-L- D) Day 15 JINJA Ready for a full day of adventure? Then start rafting at the Source of the Nile! After receiving some instructions, you will start peddling and enjoy the beautiful scenery and thundering rapids at its fullest! And don t forget to watch the incredible birdlife as you drift quietly between the rapids of the river. Those who do not wish to go for rafting can choose for a calm boat ride at the Source of the Nile and watch the rafters going down at the spectacular Bujagali Falls. Dinner and overnight at Adrift Nile High Camp. (B-L-D)
Day 16 DEPARTURE Time to say goodbye to the Pearl of Africa! Enjoy the beauty of the Nile a bit more before we transfer back to Entebbe. In time you will be dropped at Entebbe International Airport for your flight home. (B) ** END OF YOUR SAFARI WITH GREAT LAKES SAFARIS ** Price for this 16-days Highlights of Uganda Safari / 2012 HIGH SEASON (Jan/Feb/Jun/Jul/Aug/Sep/Dec) LOW SEASON (Mar/Apr/May/Oct/Nov) When travelling with 4-12 pax USD $ 2790 per person USD $ 2670 per person Single room supplement USD $ 370 per person USD $ 370 per person Included in the price: - Airport transfer to/from Entebbe Airport - Ground transport per private 4WD safari vehicle - English speaking driver/guide - Accommodation in places mentioned in the itinerary, based on a twin/double room - Meals as described in the itinerary - Bottled mineral water in the safari vehicle - Entrance fees and ranger fees for national parks - Activities and excursions mentioned in the program - Permit for chimp tracking in Kibale Forest - The Batwa Experience in Bwindi - Detailed map of Uganda (1 map per person) Exclusions: - International flight - Visa (USD $50, available upon arrival) - Gorilla permit (USD $500 per permit) - Forest Walk Bwindi (USD $50 per person) - Chimp tracking in Kyambura Gorge (USD $50 per person) - Rafting on the Nile (USD $125 per person, full day) - Quad bike safari along the shores of the Nile (USD $70 per person, 2 hours) - Meals and drinks not mentioned above - Items of personal nature - Tips
Departure dates: 15 January 2012 09 June 2012 15 September 2012 07 February 2012 02 July 2012 07 October 2012 * 23 March 2012 * 26 July 2012 12 November 2012 * 15 April 2012 * 16 August 2012 07 December 2012 19 May 2012 * * Low season Accommodation: Airport Guesthouse Entebbe Close to the airport but away from the hassle of town, Airport Guesthouse is very conveniently located. The cozy guesthouse consists of 12 en-suite rooms, set in a lovely garden. The comfortable rooms are completed with private bathrooms, ceiling fan, mosquito netting and large patio chairs. In addition the guesthouse provides a 24 hr free shuttle service from and to the airport. Website : www.naturelodges.biz Red Chilli Rest Camp Murchison Falls National Park Basic accommodation located on the south bank of the river Nile, just 500 metres away from the ferry. The camp features basic bandas with twin beds and mosquito nets. Some of them have shared bathroom facilities. Also large safari tents are available, using the shared washing facilities as well. Website : http://www.redchillihideaway.com/paraa.htm Primate Lodge Kibale Kibale Forest National Park Comfortable cottages that are beautifully located in the middle of Kibale Forest. Each has a spacious bedroom, en suite bathroom and a private veranda overlooking the forest. The main lodge has a dining room, serving local and international meals, with an adjacent bar and open lounge area. Website: www.ugandalodges.com Simba Safari Camp Queen Elizabeth National Park Affordable safari accommodation just on the border of Queen Elizabeth National Park and only 2 km from the equator. It is located on a hill with spectacular views on Lake George, the Kazinga Channel and the wide savannah plains. The camp features 11 en suite rooms with private veranda, four dormitory rooms and a well-stocked restaurant. Website: www.ugandalodges.com
Buhoma Community Bandas Bwindi National Park Buhoma Community Bandas is run by the local community of Buhoma and located right at the entrance of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Accommodation includes seven bandas, most of them with shared washing/toilets facilities, and six furnished safari tents with en-suite bathrooms. Website: www.buhomacommunity.com Bunyonyi Overland Camp Lake Bunyonyi Bunyonyi Overland Camp is directly situated on the shores of Africa s prettiest lake. The ten safari tents are mounted on raised platforms, providing twin beds, a private terrace and wonderful views over Lake Bunyonyi. Shared bathrooms and toilet facilities are available. Website: www.bunyonyioverland.com Hotel International 2000 Kampala Hotel International 2000 Ltd is located in Muyenga, at 15-20 minutes drive from the city centre. The 30 rooms are simple but clean, with satellite TV and en-suite facilities. In addition, the hotel offers a wide range of services including a restaurant, 2 bars, lush green gardens, health club, swimming pool and internet facilities. Website: www.hotelinternational2000.co.ug Adrift Nile High Camp Jinja Adrift Nile High Camp is perched on a cliff over 30 metres above the Nile. The camp offers nicely appointed safari tents and wooden chalets on raised decks, offering wonderful views of the river. Shared communal showers all have hot water. Website: http://adrift.ug/about/accommodation/adrift-riverbase/ Terms and conditions : * The mentioned rates are in US dollars and subject to change. * The high season period includes January, February, June, July, August, September and December. * The low season period includes March, April, May, October and November. * Availability of accommodation, permits and activities is not guaranteed until confirmation by your contact person of Great Lakes Safaris. Permits are sold on first come first serve basis. * Gorilla permits can only be secured after receiving the requested deposit. * The safari is based on budget accommodation, consisting of basic hotel rooms, bandas or tents with one double or two single beds and mosquito nets where necessary. Bathrooms will be either private or shared, depending on availability. * The chimp tracking in Kibale Forest may take place on day 5 or 6, either in the morning or afternoon, depending on the availability of the permits for chimp tracking. * The rafting adventure on the Nile requires a minimum of 6 participants in total. * The safari consists of an international travel company, with a minimum of 4 and maximum of 12 participants. Great Lakes Safaris has no control of the nationality, gender, age or any other details of the participants.