THE UGANDA MAGIC SAFARI

This 15 day safari that visits all the major areas of Uganda, including the Gorilla's.

This programme is for people who are looking for an active way to experience the beauty of nature. More than in any other programme, we will be taking our time to enjoy the parks and wildlife reserves of South-Western Uganda: Katonga WR, Kibale Forest NP, Queen Elisabeth NP (North & South), Chambura WR, Bwindi Impenetrable NP, Lake Mburo NP. With its exclusive camping comfort, the programme is designed not only for the younger generation, but for all those who enjoy camping and are open to nature and soft adventure.

 

Day 1 : Arrival at Entebbe

Karibu, Sana! (Welcome)

We meet you at Entebbe 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: Mabamba Wetlands, Mpanga Forest – Masaka (Lake Nabugabo)

This will be an active introduction to the various species of East African birds in two different endemic environments (wetlands and forests).

At 7 a.m., after breakfast, we set out for the Mabamba Wetlands to explore the papyrus swamps of Mabamba by canoe. Though not a nature reserve, this section of Lake Victoria hosts a great abundance of birdlife.

The canoe trip lasts 3 to 4 hours, under the direction of the local guide, who knows the bird species in this region like the back of his hand.

Around noon we go to the Mpanga Forest, where we have a light meal. We go on a hike with a guide who provides a running commentary on the birds of the forest.

We travel further in the direction of Masaka and stop at the equator for a snapshot. After less than an hour's drive, we arrive in the late afternoon at the splendid shores of Lake Nabugabo. Here we set up camp on the lovely grounds of the Church of Uganda.

Driving time: Kisubi - Mabamba Wetlands; 1h00 - Mpanga Forest - Lake Nabugabo; 1h00

 

Day 3: Masaka (Lake Nabugabo) – Katonga Wildlife Reserve

We travel to the Katonga Wildlife Reserve for a canoe trip in the swamps and to watch the timid Sitatunga antelope. This is an uncommon destination, well outside all the tourist routes.

We have breakfast and relax on Lake Mabugabo. We can go canoeing and even swimming, because the lake is free of bilharzia. This area also hosts a great variety of bird species.

Around noon we travel to the Katonga Wildlife Reserve. This is a three-hour trip along the back roads. Quite an adventure. We arrive in the afternoon and make the canoe trip through the 2 km canal in the papyrus swamps. By then it's time to sit back and enjoy a cool drink as the daylight fades. In the evening around the campfire we get acquainted with the warden, who provides a lively explanation of his problems with nature conservation in the reserve.

We set up camp in the open savannah on the reserve.

Driving time: Lake Nabogabo - Katonga WR ; 3h30

 

Day 4: Katonga WR – Kibale Forest NP

After an early morning nature walk to observe the Sitatunga antelope, we travel on to the Kibale Forest National Park, changing environments from savannah to tropical forest.

We get up before daybreak and take a nature walk along the shores of the misty papyrus swamps, the principal environment of the Sitatunga antelope.

After our brunch, we leave for the Kibale Forest NP, where we arrive in the afternoon. 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: Katonga WR - Kibale Forest NP; 2h00

 

Day 5: 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 leave for Mweya in the north of the Queen Elisabeth National Park, only a 2 hour drive from Kibale National Park.

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 - Queen Elisabeth NP; 2h00

 

Day 6: 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 with its 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 Cave and Hunter's where we get a look at the bats, the pythons and the forest cobras. Afterwards we take the crater road via the Queen's Pavillion and Baboon Cliff . If time left we visit Katwe (salt production) and return to our camp.

Time for a drink and, once again, an evening of enjoyment around the campfire.

 

Day 7: 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 so 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 8: QENP - south, Ishasha sector

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 siesta in the shadow of the woods.

In the late afternoon we set out on another drive through the park. The late afternoon is the highpoint of the day for African wildlife. We spend an enjoyable evening telling stories around the campfire. We camp for a second night on the banks of the Ishasha River.

 

Day 9: QENP, Ishasha - Bwindi Impenetrable NP (Buhoma)

Scouting the plains of Lake George.

Those who want to, can get up early for a trip to the plains of Lake George. A BBQ around noon and a little rest and relaxation before we push on to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Another change of surroundings. We set up camp in the park on the edge of the tropical forest.

Driving time: Ishasha - Buhoma; 2h00

 

Day 10 & 11: Bwindi Impenetrable NP (Buhoma)

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 11 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.

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

 

Day 12: Lake Bunyonyi – Lake Mburo NP

A day for relaxation and getting acquainted with the rural way of life around Lake Bunyonyi. Afterwards we set out for Lake Mburo NP. 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. There is still time for a refreshing dip in the lake.

In the afternoon, we cross back over by canoe and set out for Lake Mburo NP. We set up camp in the park on the shores of Lake Mburo, NP. 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 : Lake Bunyonyi - Lake Mburo NP : 3h30

 

Day 13: Lake Mburo NP

A full day of observing and identifying African birds and other animals.

We wake up at 6 a.m., have a quick breakfast and then set out on a nature walk in the park, accompanied by an armed park guide. Afterwards, we continue our drive through the park, taking the zebra track, the Ruroko track, the Kazuma track and the Warukiri track. At Kazuma Lookout we stop for a light lunch and enjoy the lovely view. We continue our trip through the park, taking care to be back at the camp by 5 p.m. for a motorboat trip up the lake. This is a guided excursion not only for birdwatching but also to observe the other animals in and around the water.

We spend the night at the same location.

 

Day 14: Lake Mburo NP - Kisubi, the Safari Base Camp. (Entebbe)

In the morning we are still driving through the park, departing in the direction of Kampala for our home base in Kisubi. Those who want, rise and shine at 6 a.m. for a nature walk, accompanied by an armed park guide. After the nature walk, we return for breakfast and then continue our drive through the park. In the afternoon we move on in the direction of Kampala. At Kisubi, the Magic Safari 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 15 days on safari.

Driving time: Lake Mburo NP - Kisubi ; 3h30

 

Day 15: Kisubi – Entebbe (airport)

A calm day with aflexible 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 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 the best with a 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. (Very minimal charge)

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.
   

Uganda Magic Safari

Deluxe Safari

Based on 4 people the safari costs from £2,845.00 per person sharing.

Based on 6 people the safari costs from £2,150.00 per person sharing.

Prices exclude flights to and from Africa.

 

Participation Safari

Based on 2 people the safari costs from £2,690.00 per person sharing.

Based on 4 people the safari costs from £1,960.00 per person sharing.

Based on 6 people the safari costs from £1,525.00 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.

 

Insurance Cover

All clients must have and prove a full cover insurance prior to their departure.

(death, personal injury, medical expenses, repatriation)