Uganda – Gorillas in the Mist

Itineraries

• Day 1 UK – Entebbe
• Today,youll fly from the UK to Entebbe.
• Day 2 Entebbe
• After arriving at Entebbe International Airport, you’ll be greeted by your Local Guide and transferred to your hotel nearby. Take a little time to settle in and meet your fellow travellers over dinner and drinks before we start exploring the country tomorrow.
• Day 3 Entebbe – Murchison Falls

• After breakfast, you’ll catch your first glimpse of Uganda’s wonderful wildlife with a drive through Kampala to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. We will set off on a walking safari to spot rare southern white rhino, which have recently been re-introduced to the country.
  In the afternoon, we’ll travel on to Murchison Falls National Park, a region that’s awash with dense rainforest and rolling savannah and has the Nile River flowing majestically through it. And, of course, the dramatic, cascading Murchison Falls at its heart.

• Day 4 Murchison Falls
• See more of the region’s amazing animals on a morning game drive that takes you across savannah, through Borassus palm forest and down to Lake Albert, one of Africa’s Great Lakes. Along the way, we’ll spot all manner of spectacular species, from the Big Five to various native birds and reptiles.
  Later in the day, you’ll get to experience the National Park from the water as we take a boat ride up the Nile to Murchison Falls. View the impressive cascades from below, including watching huge Nile crocodiles basking in the pools, before hiking to the summit to see where water gushes dramatically through a seven-metre gap.
• Day 5 Murchison Falls Fort Portal Kibale National Park

• There will be plenty of driving today as we venture to Kibale National Park, another of Uganda’s magnificent wildlife regions that’s known as the ‘Primate Capital of the World’. On the way, we’ll pass through dozens of tea plantations (don’t worry, there will even be the chance to stop at one for a tour and tasting), as well as Fort Portal, an attractive town that’s unique in Uganda for having an English name. Enjoy sights like Tooro Botanical Gardens or visit Fort Portal’s vibrant markets to sample local delicacies before we continue to our next hotel.

• Day 6 Chimpanzee Tracking

• Lush rainforest covers a massive amount of Kibale National Park, making it the ideal habitat for 13 different species of primate. Today, you’ll get to see some of theseplayful animals first-hand during a chimpanzee-tracking experience led by a knowledgeable expert.
  After this unforgettable experience we’ll be hosted for a Toora lunch at Tinka’s homestay a humble Ugandan who is delighted to share his culture and tradition with us. This afternoon we will have a guided walk of the Bogodi swamps before heading to the Fort Portal markets to have a taste of local living and see the fresh ingredients used by Tinka himself.

• Day 7 Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Today we will enjoy a scenic game drive on our way through nearby Queen Elizabeth National Park. Uganda’s most popular game reserve, it stretches from the crater-dotted foothills of the northern Rwenzori Mountains, along the shores of shimmering Lake Edward, to the remote Ishasha River in the south.
  Embark on an adventure through the incredibly biodiverse Queen Elizabeth National Park, soaking up its volcanic craters, grassy plains, papyrus swamps, tropical forests and giant lakes. This afternoon we arrive at our lodge.
• Day 8 Queen Elizabeth National Park – Game Drive on Kazinga Channel
• This morning we have an early morning game drive. The reserve is teeming with over 100 species of mammals, including a plethora of primates. Look out for chimps, black-and-white colobus monkeys, olive baboons and red-tailed monkeys, among others.
  For the afternoon we enjoy a different perspective and board a boat on the Kazinga Channel for a chance to see one of the world’s largest populations of hippos. It’s quite a sight!
• Day 9 Game Drive in Ishasha Bwindi National Park
• Continue on to your fourth Ugandan National Park.
  The route takes you through Ishasha to spot tree-climbing lions. Yes, you read that right lions that climb trees. They’re utterly unique to this part of the world. Later, we’ll arrive at Bwindi National Park, famed for its densely packed and aptly named Impenetrable Forest. The lush, forested park provides the perfect refuge for mountain gorillas as well as elephants, chimps, antelopes and more than 23 species of bird..
• Day 10 Gorilla Tracking- Lake Bunyonyi
• Rise early and prepare yourself for the highlight of your holiday gorilla tracking. This memorable excursion is one of the most exciting wildlife experiences on the planet, and it can take up to six hours to spot the majestic giants. You’ll be led by an expert ranger who’ll educate you on the gorillas and the forest’s unique flora and fauna.
  Afterwards, we’ll drive to Lake Bunyonyi that’s said to be the second deepest lake in Africa. It’s also known as the ‘place of little birds’ due to its vast population of water birds. Take some time to soak up the sight of its magical misty islands and the surrounding verdant hills.
• Day 11 Lake Bunyonyi – Emburara Eco Farm
• Enjoy a morning at leisure on Lake Bunyonyi. You can relax and make the most of your beautiful surroundings by taking to the lake on a canoe or dive in for a refreshing swim. End your memorable tour with a luxury stay at the Emburara Eco Farm Lodge. The peaceful property is committed to wildlife conservation, as well as caring for its herd of treasured long-horned Ankole cattle. You’ll arrive in time for an evening interactive farm experience and hear your hosts’ story. Your last evening will be celebrated with a large campfire and local dance and music.
• Day 12 Entebbe – UK
• Journey back towards Kampala, crossing the equator along the way as we transfer you to Entebbe for your flight home.