Fantastic wildlife in wonderfully wild places
Gorillas, Wildlife & Chimps
- 23-11-2009
- Categorized in: Safaris in Uganda, Set Date & Guided in Uganda & Rwanda
- $4288 pp single supplement $600
We will be offering this safari monthly during 2012
This safari can be arranged as a private departure, the cost will increase depending on the size of your party, please call for a quote.
Uganda always surprises visitors, with it's diverse wildlife and natural beauty, there is so much more than just the magnificent Gorilla's.
This safari starts with Kibale Forest with its thirteen species of primate including the chimpanzee. Tracking chimpanzee families foraging through this verdant forest is a thrilling experience and truly a unique wildlife experience. Later in the journey on the savannah plains below the Rwenzoris, you can expect to see (no guarantees!) the great game of Africa in the magnificent Queen Elizabeth National Park - elephant, lion, buffalo, hippo and leopard. Together with Bigodi Wetland nearby, many forest and swamp birds can also be seen. Track the fast moving and elusive chimpanzees in the Kyambura Gorge nearby. Around Ishasha you will go on the hunt for the tree-climbing lions. The safari continues on to track gorillas in the primeval forest of Bwindi, which is home to four habituated families who live in thick tropical forest, tracking here is more challenging as the hillsides are steeper, whist in the area you can also enjoy less strenuous nature walks to enjoy the many birds, monkeys and orchids. (Your Bwindi gorilla tracking permit is included in the cost).
On safari clients stay 2 nights at Ndali/Mantana Kibale, 2 nights at Mweya/Jacana and 2 nights at Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge.
Safari Highlights
GORILLA TRACKING in Bwindi (one opportunity).
CHIMPANZEES and primates in Kibale Forest.
SWAMP BIRDS in Bigodi Wetland.
WALK the Rwenzori Foothills.
GAME DRIVES in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
CHIMPANZEES in Kyambura Gorge.
TREE CLIMBING LIONS in Ishasha.
NATURE WALK in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Safari Itinerary - Day 1 MONDAY Briefing on the safari. Start for Fort Portal via the town of Mubende set in rolling hills. Picnic lunch en route and continue to Kibale. Arrive late afternoon. Relax at lodge or explore nearby crater lake. O/N: Ndali/Primate Lodge (FB). Day 2 TUESDAY Track the noisy chimps and other primates crashing around through the high canopy of the forest with colourful birds squawking nearby. Packed lunch. Afternoon walk in Bigodi to see swamp birds and see some of the community projects financed by tourism. O/N: Ndali/Primate Lodge (FB). Day 3 WEDNESDAY Either a day's walk in the foothills of the Rwenzoris, one of the great mountain ranges of the world, looking out for its forbidding peaks in the distance, or drive straight to QE. The game seen will depend on the season, the Kasenyi plains are good for lion and the Mweya peninsula for a variety of animals. O/N: Mweya/Jacana (FB) Day 4 THURSDAY An excursion to Kyambura Gorge nearby to track the fast moving and elusive chimpanzees, one of man's closest relations. The chimp population is quite mobile and viewing is unpredictable but the walk is enchanting. Alternatively go for a nature walk in Maramagambo Forest to see other primates and to visit the bat cave and the blue lake. In the afternoon take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel where the wildlife and a vast array of birds come to drink. O/N: Mweya/Jacana (FB) Day 5 FRIDAY Start for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Either drive via Ishasha, home of the tree climbing lion, roads permitting, or take the alternative route through cultivated expanses. Time permitting, go for a short stroll around the Lodge or explore the village. O/N: Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge (FB) Day 6 SATURDAY Go gorilla tracking (subject to permit availability at time of booking), walking up steep densely forested hills before finally coming across the gorillas camouflaged in the vegetation. An inspiring moment! Tracking in Bwindi requires stamina and can often take most of the day. Alternatively go for a leisurely nature or community walk. O/N: Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge (FB) Day 7 SUNDAY Early start for Kampala, retracing your steps through this green and pleasant land. Picnic lunch en route. Arrive Kampala late afternoon (HB). Prices include transport and a driver/guide for the itinerary agreed, accommodation on a shared basis and meals stated (in Kampala, Entebbe and Kigali bed and breakfast only and on safari full board) and, where appropriate, boat trips, park fees, chimpanzee permits and one gorilla permit. At Volcanoes lodges (Bwindi, Mount Gahinga, Kyambura and Virunga), the tariffs are on an all inclusive basis and in addition to accommodation and meals, include unlimited consumption of all alcoholic and soft drinks; laundry services; and any activities clients wish to do around the lodges. A complimentary massage is also offered. Prices exclude airfares to Uganda/Rwanda, entry visas, airport taxes and gratuities as well as personal expenditure such as drinks and laundry at non-Volcanoes Lodges. Gorilla viewing is subject to availability of permits, which are limited; any additional gorilla permits required should be purchased when booking. Gorilla permit prices are subject to change without warning. From the safari price paid by clients a $100 per client contribution is transferred to the Volcanoes Partnership Trust, a separate non-profit organisation which undertakes community and conservation activities. This price is all-inclusive so that, as far as possible, all costs for an agreed safari itinerary are fully covered rather than charging a low initial price for basic activities and then charge for extra services later or other unforeseen factors. Clients’ only extra expenditure is for personal items or items such as alcohol at non-Volcanoes lodges or gratuities. These prices may therefore appear higher than other companies but they are all-inclusive, include more activities, are more flexible and have the safety of international back-up and insurance cover.
Notes -
This safari can be arranged as a private departure, the cost will increase depending on the size of your party, please call for a quote.
