Hiking, Game drives, Chimpanzee Tracking, Community Encounters, Birding, Gorilla Trekking, Boat Cruise, Nature Walks.
UGANDA Kibale National Park Fort portal Town Semuliki National Park Queen Elizabeth National Park Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Lake Bunyonyi Island Lake Mburo National Park.
This 15 day Best of Western Uganda Wildlife & Gorilla Adventure is for Wildlife enthusiasts and Nature lovers that takes you on a journey through the Western circuit of Uganda to help you connect with nature in the wild and a blend of adrenaline Adventure and Scenery while travelling through the regional Adventure Tourism City of Fort portal and hiking the Crater Lakes, Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest, Wildlife Adventures in Semuliki, Queen Elizabeth, and Lake Mburo National Parks, Gorilla Trekking in the Jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Relaxing by the Lake Bunyonyi Island.
You will be welcomed by our Company representative from MuAfrika Adventures, who will transfer you to your hotel either in Entebbe or Kampala Town. Depending on the time of your arrival, our guide will take you on a city tour for an exciting introduction to the Capital City Kampala. Visit interesting, historical sites and monuments such as the Namugongo Martyrs Shrine, the Uganda Museum, Bahai Temple, King’s Palace, the City’s main local Markets, Religious Sites and the African Craft Village. You will later be transferred to your hotel for Dinner and overnight at:
Luxury Accommodation: Sheraton Hotel, Hilton Garden Inn, Protea Hotel by Marriot, No.5 Boutique Hotel
Midrange Accommodation: Cassia Lodge, Humura Resort, Lake Heights Hotel, Executive Airport Hotel
Budget Accommodation: Redchillie Hideaway Camp, ICU Guest House, Bushpig
Meal Plan: BB
DAY 2: TRANSFER FROM KAMPALA – KIBALE FOREST NATIONAL PARK
Our Driver Guide will pick you up from your hotel early in the morning and begin our Journey westwards through Uganda’s beautiful green Countryside to Fort portal Town for our Lunch, we later proceed to Kibale Forest National Park, Enjoying the scenic beauty all the way to the park. On arrival at your Accommodation in the afternoon after check-in, you can go on a visit to the crater lakes regions and later return to your lodge for your dinner and overnight at
Super Luxury Accommodation: Ndali Lodge, Kyaninga Lodge,
Luxury Accommodation: Primates Lodge, Crater Safari Lodge, Papaya Lake Lodge, Kibale Safari Lodge.
Midrange Accommodation: Turaco Treetops, Isunga Lodge, Chimpanzee View Guesthouse, The Dutchess, Kibale Forest Camp.
Budget Accommodation: Rweteera Safari Park, Chimpanzee Guest House, Crater Valley Kibale (CVK) Lakeside Resort.
Meal Plan: (Lunch, Dinner).
DAY 3: CHIMPANZEE TRACKING – BIGODI COMMUNITY / SWAMP WALK
You will be up early for breakfast after proceed to the Park ranger station for a briefing before you start your walk into the Jungles of Kibale Forest in search of the chimpanzees. Chimpanzee Tracking is an Amazing and rewarding Experience and an opportunity for you to explore the Jungles, swamps as well as grassland around the Forest. While on the trek you will also be able to view other primates like the colobus monkeys, Mangabeys, baboons, Bushbabies and many more. You will move with a guide who will make your walk informative and productive making it interesting. He will provide information on both flora and fauna. You are allowed to stay with the Chimpanzees for a maximum of one hour after locating them. Have lunch and then in the afternoon you will go for a walk to Bigodi Swamp Known as a bird-watching sanctuary for plenty of birds and rare fauna and flora. Alternatively enjoy your whole day doing a chimpanzee habituation Experience, take unforgettable photos, videos. After being filled with this extraordinary experience return to the lodge for your Dinner and overnight as above.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
DAY 4: VISIT THE TORO KINGDOM PALACE, AMABERE GA NYINAMWIRU CAVES AND NYAKASURA HILL HIKE AND TRANSFER TO A HOTEL IN FORT PORTAL TOWN.
Enjoy breakfast at the Lodge and drive to Fort portal Town for a visit to the Toro kingdom palace and the other cultural sites around the town. The Toro Kingdom is a home for the world’s youngest king “Oyo”. While at the King’s Palace you will learn about the history of Toro kingdom, its people, traditional dress code, language spoken, the past kings and where they are buried among others. Then also the numerous artefacts that represent their culture. Later proceed to the “Amabere Ga’nyinamwiru” Caves. With the help of a local guide, you will trail down the caves for spectacular views and you will be able to see caves with the stunning stalactites and stalagmites with the milky substances within and scenic waterfalls adjacent. This is an amazing cultural, geographical and historical experience. These rock caves, which are a result of the formation of stalagmites and stalactites, are named after Nyinamwiru, who was the daughter of the region’s ancient king, King Bukuku. Legend has it that rocks that have dripping water are Nyinamwiru’s breasts. After you will go hiking along the Nayakasura hills that are a result of volcanic eruptions. You will trail around the hill up to the top. This offers a wonderful view. You will also sight swamps/wetlands, the crater lakes which are a result of volcanic eruptions and these provide a breathtaking view. After the hike, you will go down the hill and proceed to check into your hotel for Dinner and overnight in Fort portal town.
Luxury Accommodation: Kyaninga Lodge, Amaraga Rift Valley Lodge, Akira Alira
Midrange Accommodation: Kyaninga Royal Cottages, Nyaika Hotel, Homebliss Hotel, The Dutchess
Budget Accommodation: Rwenzori View Guest House, Hotel Cornerstone, New Fort view Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
DAY 5: TRANSFER TO SEMULIKI NATIONAL PARK, EVENING / NIGHT GAME DRIVE
After breakfast, drive through the beautiful sceneries of the Western Albertine rift valley and views of the Western side of the Rwenzori Mountains as you drive to Bundibugyo. Semuliki National Park is next to the western border of Uganda and the DR – Congo next to Lake Albert and covers the eastern part of the great Ituri Rain forest joining Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo River separated by the Semuliki River. Semuliki National Park is an ornithologist’s haven having about 400 bird species mostly forest birds, 374 butterfly species. There are 300 tree species recorded nowhere else in East Africa and 53 mammal species with 11 diurnal species. During the night go for a spotlit night game drive, only one of its kind in Uganda and check out the slender and white-tailed mongoose, Serval cats and diminutive nightjars. Enjoy your Dinner and overnight at;
Luxury Accommodation: Semuliki Safari Lodge, Ntoroko Game Lodge
Midrange Accommodation: Bumaga Cottages
Budget Accommodation: Kirimia Guest House, Semuliki National Park Bandas and Campsite.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
DAY 6: SEMPAYA HOT SPRINGS, WATERFALLS VISIT & A BOAT RIDE ON THE LAKE ALBERT.
We will have breakfast, after proceed with a visit to the Sempaya hot springs. These natural springs have a geyser shooting up from an 8m-wide hole at a hot temperature. It’s the largest of its kind in the country. Along the same trail, you can recognize quite a number of bird species like blue–breasted kingfisher and Frasier’s ant-thrush and primates like the grey-cheeked Mangabeys and red-tailed monkey. Continue to Mungilo waterfall and see more attractive birds especially if you are a birder. Later in the afternoon proceed for your lunch and enjoy a boat trip on the southern shores of Lake Albert, an exceptional lake in its own right. The lake is located in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is Africa’s seventh Largest Lake and is the second biggest of Uganda’s Great Lakes. Look out for aquatic and semi-aquatic animals like Hippopotamus, Uganda Kob antelopes, Nile crocodile, Nile Monitors, African softshell turtle, central African mud turtle and numerous birds such as the Pelicans, Herons and the Rare Shoebill. Later return to your lodge for dinner and overnight as above.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
DAY 7: TRANSFER TO QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK, AFTERNOON TWIN LAKES VISIT.
This morning after breakfast, you will be transferred to Queen Elizabeth National Park a home to the wide biodiversity of wildlife. Enjoy Lunch at the Lodge and enjoy an afternoon visit to the Twin Lakes for stunning views over the Rift Valley crater lakes and Queen Elizabeth National.
Luxury Accommodation: Mweya safari lodge, Kyambura Gorge, Elephant Plains.
Midrange Accommodation: Marafiki Lodge, Parkview Safari Lodge, Enjojo Game Lodge, Twin Lakes safari lodge, Kyambura game lodge, Ihamba lakeside lodge, Enganzi game lodge.
Budget Accommodation: Kazinga Channel View Lodge, Pumba Safari Cottages, Engiri Game Lodge, Bush Lodge in Tents.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
DAY 8: MORNING GAME DRIVE, AFTERNOON BOAT CRUISE ON KAZINGA CHANNEL.
Wake up early for a cup of tea or coffee and then after proceed to the savannah area of the park kasenyi for a morning game drive to catch up with early animals rushing from their hideouts, games expected to see include lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, warthogs, waterbucks, jackals among others. The activity lasts 3 – 4 hours after which you return to the lodge for relaxation and lunch. After lunch embarks on a 2 hours launch cruise on the Kazinga channel that connects lakes, Edward and George, the launch cruise gives you the opportunity to view wildlife up close like schools of hippos, just feet away from the boat, buffaloes linger in the shallows as well as elephant. The shores are also home to various species of birds including pink backed pelicans, pied and malachite kingfishers, saddle billed stork and many others, after drive slowly back to the lodge. Dinner and overnight as above.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
DAY 9: TRANSFER FROM QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK TO BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST.
Enjoy an early breakfast, we will pass through the famous part of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Ishasha sector, enjoying an en-route game drive, if lucky you will see the tree-climbing lions in the fig trees and tree branches along with other wild game like buffaloes, elephants, antelopes among others. We proceed to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and arrive at our picturesque accommodation on the edge of the forest late afternoon for Check-in, Dinner and Overnight at
Luxury Accommodation: Mahogany Springs, Gorilla Forest Camp, Buhoma Lodge, Gorilla Resort
Midrange Accommodation: Gorilla Safari Lodge, Silverback Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Lodge, Nkuringo Gorilla Camp, Gorilla Mist Camp.
Budget Accommodation: Broadbill Camp, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Wagtail Eco Safari Camp, Bwindi View Bandas, Kisoro Tourist Hotel.
Note: The accommodation Area depends on the Gorilla Group you will be tracking.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
DAY 10: GORILLA TREKKING AFTERNOON COMMUNITY WALK.
Very early in the morning before 8:00 am, after an early breakfast, report to the ranger station for a briefing with the guides, set off for your Gorilla tracking activity in the forests of Bwindi. Gorilla tracking can be strenuous, you will need to carry a packed lunch, drinking water, wear comfortable boots or jungle shoes suitable for steep muddy slopes, put on earplugs for those who feel uncomfortable with jungle sounds and take a rain jacket. Walking sticks will be made available for those that require one by the park rangers. In case you have the afternoon free, have a guided village walk to nearby communities to see and experience the different aspects of Ugandan lives, cultures and lifestyles like the Batwa pygmies.
Dinner and Overnight as above.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
DAY 11: TRANSFER TO LAKE BUNYONYI ISLAND
After breakfast, we proceed to Lake Bunyonyi Island. The Lake is located between Kisoro and Kabale in southwestern Uganda close to the border with Rwanda and it’s believed to be the second deepest lake in Africa with a depth between 44m and 900m deep and a width of about 7 to 25kms. The landscape around the lake is made up of terraced hills protruding from the water’s edge with great scenic views of the surrounding hills. There is plenty of Birdlife around the lake as the Name “Bunyonyi” means “a place of many little birds” Enjoy lunch at your Accommodation. In the Evening enjoy a hike to the viewpoint on the hills to see the exceedingly beautiful scenery of this part of the country.
Luxury Accommodation: Bird’s Nest, Arcadia Cottages, Heritage Bunyonyi
Midrange Accommodation: Bunyonyi Rock Resort, Bunyonyi crater Bay Cottages.
Budget Accommodation: Lake Bunyonyi Overland Resort, Bushara Island Camp.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
DAY 12: CANOE RIDE TO OTHER ISLANDS, OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES (ZIP – LINE CABLE CROSSING / HIGH ROPES COURSE)
An early start for a morning Yoga flow at sunrise as you enjoy a perfect setting soaking up beautiful views of Lake Bunyonyi. Enjoy your breakfast and later connect for a boat ride/ canoe paddle for sightseeing and birding along the lake Bunyonyi. You will also visit the main islands including the community. The islands at the lake have a great history that you will love listening to.
After lunch enjoy a cultural visit to the Batwa Pygmies community to explore their lifestyle. As the African sun beats down, later in the evening enjoy another Session with an incredible way to end the day as you relax and have self-reflection. Dinner and Overnight as above
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
DAY 13: TRANSFER FROM LAKE BUNYONYI ISLAND TO LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast, drive to Lake Mburo National Park with a stop at Igongo cultural Museum, this is the place where the future meets the past. Learn more about the Ankole culture. You will also enjoy your lunch at the Museum, Later Proceed to the park with an en-route game drive as you go to check-in at your lodge. Enjoy Dinner and Overnight at
Luxury Accommodation: Mihingo Lodge, Rwakobo Rock Resort
Midrange Accommodation: Lake Mburo Safari Lodge, Emburara Farm Lodge
Budget Accommodation: Arcadia Lodge, Eagles nest, Rwonyo Rest Camp
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
DAY 14: GAME DRIVE, BUSH WALK FOR WILDLIFE VIEWING
Wake up for breakfast after, enjoy a game drive to explore the striking savannah acacia landscapes with rolling hills marked with bulging Kopje rocks and ancient Precambrian rocks. The Park is an extension of the Tanzanian Plains and has various species of animals, games expected to see include Burchell’s Zebra, elephant, warthogs, eland, Rothschild Giraffes, impala, Uganda kobs, waterbuck, buffaloes just to mention but a few. Come back at the lodge for lunch, after lunch enjoy a nature walk through flora and fauna culminating into a ‘’salt lake’’ where you will be fortunate to see a minimum of 4 different species of animals while they lick the salty soil. Or you will enjoy the Banyankole community tour. Dinner and overnight at the Lodge as above.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
DAY 15: TRANSFER BACK TO KAMPALA OR ENTEBBE AIRPORT FOR AN OUTBOUND FLIGHT HOME. END OF YOUR 15 DAY BEST OF WESTERN UGANDA WILDLIFE & GORILLA ADVENTURE
The above 15 Day Best of Western Uganda Wildlife and Gorilla Adventure is inclusive of:
The above 15 Day Best of Western Uganda Wildlife and Gorilla Adventure is Exclusive of:
Time & Dates of Travel:
This is a private tour, departure can be organised for any time throughout the year subject to availability of accommodation and transport.
Accommodation Booking:
The Accommodations Mentioned in the Program depend on availability and Reservations are only made after your booking Confirmation. In case the mentioned accommodations are not available during the requested period, we will always do our best to book one for you in the same Class. This is done only after consulting you. While on a Safari always be sure to have all your belongings before checking out of the Accommodations to avoid losing things that may be important to you.
Transport: Our Safaris involve a lot of travelling on the main Tarmac and Dirt Roads thus transport is provided in closed 4X4 Wheel drive Toyota Land Cruisers for all luxury Tours and the standard 4×4 Wheel drive Safari minivans for all Midrange – Budget Safaris. All Vehicles are provided with pop-top roofs for easy and excellent safari viewing. All passengers will have a dedicated window seat. Your professional English speaking and courteous driver/guide will be at your disposal for questions or translations.
For fly-in Tours/safaris / Private Charter flights: a combination of light aircraft and small plane Charters can fly you to all National Parks in Uganda Such as;
NOTE THAT: Gorilla tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Uganda) Trails
are steeper and less accessible, hence high levels of Energy is needed.
Treks are often 2 to 3 hours each way (but can be more Or Less) and involve hiking
through dense forest and traversing steep ravines and mountainsides, often
in damp conditions.
However, all this adventure is worthwhile for a glimpse of one of nature’s
finest spectacles.
There is a minimum age of 15 years on gorilla treks
What to wear and take on your gorilla trek:
With changeable weather conditions and dense forest vegetation, it is
advisable to take layers of protective clothing. We recommend wearing the
following:
• t-shirt
• long-sleeved top
• warm fleece/jumper
• thick trousers
• thick wool socks (and gaiters preferably)
• strong lightweight, waterproof walking boots
• hat with brim
• garden gloves to aid scrambling up banks
And carry a small rucksack with:
• water
• packed lunch and snacks
• binoculars
• camera/video camera with spare battery, memory cards or film
• light-weight rain Mac / poncho
Walking sticks are available at the Park headquarters and porters can be
hired for approx. US$20.
A sealed plastic bag around the camera/lenses will help keep them dry on the
trek.
Pockets are useful for valuables and spare camera batteries/lenses etc.
as all other equipment must be left with porters approx. 200 meters away
from the gorilla groups.
What to bring with you for a wildlife safari
NB: It is not a Guarantee to see all the Various Animals in the Parks, especially Cats but there is a great chance that you might see them during an Evening or Early Morning Game drive because it is less hot around that time and therefore the animals are freely roaming around as opposed to typical afternoon hours when it gets too hot for the animals and they go undertaking cover from the sun.
For more information about our 15 days Uganda Wildlife & gorilla Adventure;
BOOK TOUR Or Contact us by Email at: info@muafrikaadventures.com
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