The following itinerary offers our planned programme of excursions. However, adverse weather & other local consideration can necessitate some re-ordering of the programme during the course of the tour, though this will always be done to maximise best use of the time and weather conditions present.
Day 1: Arrive Entebbe International Airport.
Entebbe where we meet our local guide and transfer to a comfortable lodge near the shores of Lake Victoria for a 1-night stay. In morning we have breakfast before visiting the nearby Entebbe Botanical Gardens.
Botanical gardens were established in 1901 and sit on the papyrus-lined shores of Africa’s largest lake, Lake Victoria. The mature trees are habitat to fruit-eating birds such as Eastern Grey Plantain-eater, Ross’s Turaco and the large Black-and-White Casqued Hornbill, whilst the small remnant patch of rainforest is habitat to both Guereza Colobus and Vervet Monkeys. Other species to look out for include Verreaux’s Eagle Owl, Woodland, Striped and Pied Kingfishers, Diderik Cuckoo and Splendid Starling. We be able to check into our rooms from mid-afternoon so there be time to refresh before dinner.
DAY 2 & 5: LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK.
Very early start in morning, the drive to the Mbamba Wetlands take place, the rest of the morning is to search for the magnificent Shoebill. On arrival we transfer to wooden canoes and head out into the dense papyrus swamps in search of our quarry. The Mbamba Wetlands, on the edge of Lake Victoria are probably the easiest place in Uganda (and perhaps the whole of Africa) to see Shoebill, we have a very good chance of seeing this magnificent bird, although as in all wildlife watching sightings can never be guaranteed! Mbamba also offers a large selection of other species which might include Saddle-billed Stork, African Pygmy Geese, African Jacana, Goliath Herons, African Fish Eagle, Long-toed Plover, White-winged Tern, Blue-breasted Bee-eater and Fan-tailed Widowbird. The rare and elusive Sitatunga antelope also occur here but they are very shy and rarely seen.
Late in the morning we leave Mbamba and begin the drive to Lake Mburo National Park, Part of the drive will take us along the shores of Lake Victoria, the largest lake on the African continent and the second largest expanse of fresh water in the world, being about 250 kilometers long from north to south with an average width of 200 kilometers. The shores are shared by three countries, the other two being Kenya and Tanzania. The Ugandan shoreline is clothed in lush vegetation and patches of forest making it the most attractive part of the lake. On arrival at Lake Mburo National Park we check into Lake Mburo Safari Lodge, our home for the next two nights.
Lake Mburo is a relatively small (256 square kilometers), but attractive park comprising rolling hills, flat bush, grasslands and papyrus-fringed lakes. As well as the main Lake Mburo there are 14 other lakes within the park, forming an extensive wetland area, home to many hippos and crocodiles. Mammals such as Oribi, Burchell’s Zebra, Impala, Eland, Common Waterbuck, Buffalo, Warthog, Leopard, African Civet, Spotted Hyena, and Bohor Reedbuck occur here, together with a good range of bush and grassland birds, including large numbers of Marabou Stork and Grey Crowned Cranes (the national bird of Uganda).
During our stay we also take a boat trip on Lake Mburo to observe some of its fantastic bird life. Interesting and striking birds we hope to see include Pied and Malachite Kingfishers, African Darter, Hamerkop, Sacred Ibis, African Fish Eagle, a variety of herons and the rare African Fin foot.
Day 6: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
After a leisurely breakfast we set off for the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Although very scenic, this is a long and bumpy journey that will take us much of the day (with refreshment and birdwatching stops and route). On arrival this afternoon we check into Mahogany Springs Lodge, our base for the next 3 nights, and relax this evening in preparation for tomorrow’s Gorilla tracking.
The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is one of Africa’s most extensive belts of primary montane forest. Its exceptional altitudinal variation – rising and falling from deep river gorges and low hills at 1,200 meters to high forested ridges at 2,500 meters – ensures a unique range of flora and fauna, in particular primates and birds.
Day 7: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
the day for our exciting gorilla tracking begins in morning with luck which live up to our expectations of being one of the world’s most exciting and intimate wildlife experiences. The Mountain Gorillas are undoubtedly the prime attraction of this area. Over three hundred – half of the world’s population – live in the park, and three of the family groups living close to the park headquarters at Buhoma have now been successfully habituated to allow humans to approach. Each day, 24 visitors – split into three parties – are allowed access to these gorillas for up to an hour’s viewing…. often in exceptionally dense cover. Please note, however, that it can take up to 8 hours of tracking in the most arduous of terrain in order to find the gorillas, and so this part of our itinerary is only suitable for those who are fit enough to walk several miles, over rough, uneven and sometimes steep terrain, in humid conditions. Not only we be moving, off-trail, through dense forest all day, we will be continually moving up and down on the steep, plant-covered slopes of very rugged hills. At the end of the day we certainly appreciate why this forest has earned its name, though it is well worth the effort! Whilst our tracker/guides maintain our distance at a comfortable 5+ metres, we hope to afford some close views amongst the dense vegetation; an exciting and truly memorable experience. These habituated gorillas usually ignore human presence, but you never know when you might make eye contact, or a playful youngster comes to investigate! strongly encourage anyone that is unsure of their ability to complete the Gorilla trekking to call the Nature trek office for a more detailed discussion prior to booking. Please also note that it is possible to hire one, or more, porters to carry your bag and help you with the trek. This is organized and payable locally.
The cost of the gorilla permit is excluded from the holiday cost as we wish you to consider your level of fitness! It should also be mentioned that whilst the likelihood of seeing the Gorillas is very good, (Nature trek groups have always been successful in the past), seeing the Gorillas is by no means guaranteed, but a good fitness level certain increase your chances!
For those who choose not to go gorilla trekking, your guide takes you on a walk around the lodge grounds and the local area in search of birds and other wildlife.
Day 8: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
This morning we take a more leisurely walk looking for birds and other mammals in this outstanding area. Apart from the Mountain Gorillas, Bwindi is rich in other primates and you might hope to see Guereza Colobus, Red-tailed Monkeys. Like all rain forest inhabitants, these mammals and most of the birds can be very difficult to see and birdwatching in such an environment requires stealth and patience! Amongst the bird species that we hope to see are African Goshawk Augur Buzzard, Western Bronze-napped Pigeon, Olive Long-tailed Cuckoo, Bar-tailed Trogon, Black Bee-eater, Grey-throated Barbet, African Broadbill, Equatorial Akalat, Forest Robin, Short-tailed Warbler, Ludher’s Bush Shrike, Chestnut-winged Starling, plus a selection of forest greenbuls, warblers, flycatchers, sunbirds and weavers.
The afternoon is free to relax, shop for souvenirs at the many tourist stalls in town or join your tour leader on another birdwatching walk (outside the national park).
Day 9: Queen Elizabeth National Park.
After breakfast we drive to the famous Queen Elizabeth National Park, where we stay in a comfortable safari lodge. The drive from Bwindi is on rough roads and can take much of the day. It is very scenic, however, and there is plenty of wildlife to enjoy and-route. Upon arrival this afternoon, we check-in at the lodge and relax before taking a short evening safari drive (time permitting). Queen Elizabeth National Park sits astride the equator on the Kazinga Channel between Lake Edward and Lake George and to the south of the great Rwenzori Mountains (which, despite their close proximity to the park, can only be seen during exceptionally clear weather). This national park is a typically east African reserve, allowing excellent game drives, and a unique variety of habitats. Comprising rolling grasslands, craters and crater lakes, tropical forests, papyrus swamps and extensive lake shore, “QUEEN ELIZABETH”, as it is affectionately known, undoubtedly offers Uganda’s best wildlife viewing and open country birdwatching.
Day 10 & 11: Queen Elizabeth National Park.
We now have 2 full days to explore the spectacular Queen Elizabeth National Park. Each day after an early breakfast we head out for a long morning’s game drive returning for lunch. Common mammals to be seen include herds of Uganda Kob, Elephant, Warthog, African Buffalo and Lion. Other mammals we may hope to see include Giant Forest Hog, Olive Baboon, Bushbuck, Defassa Waterbuck, Leopard, Banded Mongoose and Spotted Hyena. Amongst the numerous open country birds to look for include a variety of vultures, Tawny and Martial Eagles, Red-necked Spurfowl, Little Bee-eater and a good selection of larks, cisticolas, flycatchers, weavers and finches.
In the afternoon we take another trip out into the park although on one afternoon we swap the vehicles for a boat and enjoy a cruise along the Kazinga Channel. This is a natural magnet for herds of Elephant, Buffalo, and abundant Hippopotamus – an unusual and outstanding opportunity for photographers to take some interesting and close shots of these mammals. The birdwatching is also excellent, including White and Pink-backed Pelicans, Open-billed Stork, African Skimmer, African Jacana, Water Thick-knee, African wet land Plover and Yellow-backed Weaver. Several reptiles also are seen
along the banks of the river, including huge Nile Crocodiles, Monitor Lizards, African Rock Python and other snakes.
Day 12: Kibale National Park.
This morning we leave Queen Elizabeth National Park and drive to Kibale Forest, stopping to look at wildlife along the way. This is another beautiful journey and we could be lucky enough to see a rare view of the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains that usually remain shrouded in mist. We are likely to pass a number of the crater lakes found near the forest, often very picturesque and good places to look for wildlife. On arrival we check into our lodge, where we will be based for the next couple of nights.
Day 13: Kibale National Park
Kibale Forest is home to an incredible eleven species of primates. Amongst them are Chimpanzees, some families of which have been habituated, and are therefore hopefully not too difficult to see. Amongst the other primate species are Guereza Colobus, Central African Red Colobus Monkey and Grey-cheeked Mangabey. In the morning we will join the organised Chimpanzee tracking walks and later explore the park trail network, we might even hear some of the “forest” Elephants that live in Kibale. The tall forest also offers excellent, but challenging birdwatching. Walking amongst along the trails we might see species such as Afer and White-naped Pigeons, Pied Hornbill, Purple-headed and Chestnut winged Starlings, Joyful Greenbul, White-headed Wood-Hoopoe, Petit’s Cuckoo-Shrike, Fine-banded Woodpecker, Black-and-white Flycatcher, Willcocks’s Honeyguide and Dark-backed and Yellow-mantled Weavers.
Day 14 In Flight
We must have a few hours this morning for a final explore near our lodge before starting our journey back to Entebbe. Thank you.
