THE CLASSIC UGANDA SAFARI

 

The 11 day safari that visits all the major areas of Uganda, including the Gorilla's.

The programme is designed for those who are interested to see the key places of South -Western Uganda: Kibale Forest NP, Queen Elisabeth NP (North & South), Bwindi Impenetrable NP. Although it's also proposed to be combined and to be extended with additional trips and makes it attractive for the active ones who would like to see as much as possible of Uganda's beauty and who will participate actively in camping. The participatory formula for this tour gives an additional feeling of adventure!

 

   Day 1 : Arrival at Entebbe
   

Karibu, Sana! (Welcome)

We meet you at Entebbe (Kampala) Airport. We set off for our home base at Kisubi, 10 km from Entebbe on the shores of Lake Victoria. We rest up from our journey and get acquainted with Kisubi, the Safari Base Camp. Possible activities for the day: canoeing, a ride in the speedboat or a stroll through the botanical gardens in Entebbe.

Evening: BBQ & briefing around the campfire.

Driving time: Entebbe - Kisubi ; 20 min.

   
   Day 2 : Kisubi (Safari Base Camp) - Kibale Forest NP
   

After a good rest we drive to Fort Portal via Mubende. In the late afternoon we will have a guided walk along the Bigodi Wetlands for a birding session and after diner we experience the Kibale Forest at night with a guide. After our brunch, we leave for the Kibale National Park. We take the Mubende - Fort Portal road, we arrive in the afternoon. We take a walk alongside the Bigodi Wetlands sanctuary (Magombe) for guided birdwatching tour. After dinner, we step out on a guided walk in search of the 'nightlife' in the Kibale Forest. Curious and exciting! We set up camp in the park on the edge of the jungle. A different environment with different sounds.

Driving time: Kampala - Kibale NP ; 5h00

   
   Days 3 & 4 : Kibale Forest NP - Queen Elisabeth NP, Mweya sector.
   

A guided nature walk in the tropical forest in search of the chimpanzees. This will be a real adventure. We travel on to the north of QENP, Mweya and take the boat trip up the Kazinga Channel. We wake up around 7 a.m. for a hearty breakfast and then set out on a guided walk through the forest in search of the chimpanzees. Our guide tells us all about the forest wildlife. We are back at camp around noon for a light meal and then we leave for Mweya in the north of the Queen Elisabeth NP, only a 2 hour drive from Kibale Forest NP. In the late afternoon, we make the boat trip up the Kazinga Channel, a natural canal between lake Edward and Lake George. We set up camp in Mweya on a location with a magnificent view of the Kazinga Channel.

Driving time : Kibale forest NP - Mweya; 2h00
   
   

Day 5: Queen Elisabeth National Park (QENP) - North , Mweya sector

A whole day of observing wild game in the north of the QENP. We also visit the Bat & Hunters cave, Katwe (salt works)and explore the crater lake route for the beautiful scenery. We wake up early and move on to the Uganda Kob mating ground. Around noon we stop for a light lunch in the shade along the edge of the Maramagambo Forest. In the afternoon we stretch our legs a bit and take an invigorating walk through the forest. There we visit the Bat and Hunter's cave where we get a look at the bats, the pythons and the forest cobras. Afterwards we take the crater road via the Queen's Pavilion and Baboon Cliff . If time left we visit Katwe (salt production) and return to our camp.

 

 

Day 6 : QENP - North, Mweya sector - QENP - South, Ishasha sector

After a hike in the Kyambura Wildlife Reserve, we head out for the south of QENP, the Ishasha sector. The quest in the savannah for the tree climbing lions can begin. We leave in the morning for a chimpanzee excursion in the Kyambura WR. We stop for a light meal, then travel along Ishaka to Ishasha, which is to the south of the QENP. First thing on the agenda is a nature walk along the Ishasha River, where we observe the hippos. Those who desire, set out on an initial exploratory trip over the plains of Kigezi. The others simply enjoy the splendid scenery along the banks of the Ishasha River. We camp in the company of the hippos.

Driving time: Mweya - Ishaka - Ishasha; 3h30

 

Day 7: QENP, Ishasha - Bwindi Impenetrable NP (Buhoma)

We continue our quest in the savannah for the tree climbing lions. This will probably involve driving over the plains of Ishasha in the open savannah. We wake up early, of course, since this is the best time of the day for observing nature. The Ishasha sector is known for its tree climbing lions, but has much more to offer as well. After an initial scouting expedition, we return for brunch.

After brunch, we relax, observe the hippos from our camp and take some time for a shower or siesta in the shadow of the woods. In the late afternoon we set out on another drive through the park and we go on to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest NP . We set up camp in the park on the edge of the tropical forest.

Driving time : Ishasha - Buhoma ; 2h00

 

Days 8 & 9 : Bwindi Impenetrable Forest NP

A totally different environment. The hikers will love it, with the gorilla excursion as high point. In all probability, the group will be split up and the gorilla excursion will take place over a two-day period. In addition to this excursion, there will also be an opportunity for a guided tour through the tropical rainforest, with five different trails waiting to be explored.

After lunch on day 9 we depart for Lake Bunyonyi. The three-hour drive proves the Land Cruiser's ideal suitability for such terrain. We make the crossing by canoe to Bushara Island Camp, where we will be staying. Bushara Island Camp is a community development project whose proceeds go to support two other local community projects. We are first introduced to the project and then it's time out for rest and relaxation. The swimming is quite safe here. The sports freaks can hike around the island or join in a game of volleyball or badminton. In the evening we take a canoe trip on the lake and explore the wildlife around the water's edge. After dinner, a group comes to give a performance of traditional dance and music around the campfire. This group is composed of people from the surrounding villages. We spend the night on the island in the tents of the Bushara Island Camp.

We arrive at Lake Mburo NP around 4 p.m. Those who wish to, can take a preliminary exploratory trip by jeep through the park along Lake Mburo.

Driving time : Bwindi Impenetrable NP - Lake Bunyonyi ; 3h00

 

Day 10 : Lake Bunyonyi - Kisubi, Safari Base Camp.

A day for relaxation and getting acquainted with the rural way of life around Lake Bunyonyi. Afterwards we set out for Kisubi, our base camp. We get a chance to sleep in a little this day. After breakfast, there are a number of different options for the morning. Those who simply want to relax can go swimming, sailing, windsurfing, fishing or just walk around the island.

The others can go by canoe to visit Mukoni, a traditional village on the shores of Lake Bunyonyi. Here's a chance to get acquainted (in a discreet manner) with rural life and customs. Walking through the village, we see how life is lived in the African countryside. We continue on to the top of one of the hills for a lovely view of the lake and return around 11 o'clock.

We cross back over by canoe and set out for Kisubi our base camp on the shores of Lake Victoria, we settle down for the night. Around the campfire, together with all the other participants, we look back and evaluate the past 9 days on safari.

Driving time : Lake Bunyonyi - Kisubi ; 6h30

 

Day 11 : Kisubi, Safari Base Camp - Entebbe (airport)

A calm day with a flexible programme at Kisubi or Kampala. We wake up whenever we want and have breakfast. This will be a quiet day on Lake Victoria: a little sunbathing, canoeing or just having a good time doing nothing.

For the more active types, we have the following options: a visit by canoe to Lutembe Bay (IBA), or a guided visit to Kampala (Kasubi Tombs and the market).

We say goodbye and drive you to the Entebbe airport.

Driving time: Kisubi - Entebbe ; 20 min.

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The programme is intended to the more active participants who want to see as much as possible in a short time and this extension suits best the participatory formula.

The DELUXE version includes a tour guide and a logistic team with a "chef ".

The PARTICIPATION camping safaris offer a camp assistant and a cook.

Also available is the new DISCOVERY mobile safari version, click here for further details.

The programme can also move in the opposite direction. This is an advantage to accommodate for gorilla permits.

If the gorilla permits can be taken in one day, participants can choose to spend an extra night in QENP - Ishasha sector, Lake Bunyonyi or even Lake Mburo NP. This option will be taken in advance, before starting the tour.

The overnights are done in the parks, except for Lake Bunyonyi (Bushara Island) and at Kisubi, Safari Base Camp. If so desired, two nights can be arranged at Mweya Lodge. This involves a supplementary charge.

The prices are on the basis of two persons per tent. There is an extra charge for the participant who wishes to sleep in a tent alone.

The activities can be further adapted in accordance with the needs and interests of the participants. (More birdwatching or less, etc.)

After completion of the programme, additional trips can always be undertaken.

 

Classic Uganda Safari

Set Departure Safari costs from £1,260.00 per person sharing

Click Here for details of the Set Departure Safari

 

Deluxe Safari

Based on 4 people the safari costs from £1,955.00 per person sharing.

Based on 6 people the safari costs from £1,495.00 per person sharing.

Prices exclude flights to and from Africa.

 

Participation Safari

Based on 2 people the safari costs from £2,225.00 per person sharing.

Based on 4 people the safari costs from £1,480.00 per person sharing.

Based on 6 people the safari costs from £1,165.00 per person sharing.

Prices exclude flights to and from Africa.

 

Gorilla Permits costs from £179.00 per person. (to be added to the above costs)

 

What is Included ?

Full board camping on twin sharing basis , all meals and all soft drinks.

Full board accommodation at Bushara Islands in fixed tents.

Ground transportation from arrival to departure of participants at Entebbe airport.

All expenses related to the activities from arrival to departure at Entebbe airport : park and camping fees, guides, boat trips.

 

What is Excluded ?

Airline travel to and from Uganda and all related expenses.

Personal expenses; tips, alcoholic drinks, etc.

Personal insurance.

Gorilla permits are optional and have therefore to be paid separately.

All clients must have and prove a full cover insurance prior to their departure.(death, personal injury, medical expenses, repatriation ).