21 DAYS UGANDA RWANDA PRIMATES AND WILDLIFE ADVENTURE SAFARI
SAFARI OVERVIEW
This 21 Days Uganda and Rwanda combined Primates and Wildlife Adventure safari takes you to Visit both Countries to enjoy the Best these destinations have to offer; Ngamba Island Sanctuary’s Orphaned Chimpanzees, Jinja’s Source of the Nile, Sipi’s Spectacular Falls, Kidepo Valley National Park for the Best Wildlife Safari Adventures, Murchison Falls National Park for Game Safaris and the Falls, Budongo Forest Chimps, Kibale Forest National Park for Chimpanzees, Bigodi Swamp and Community Walks, Queen Elizabeth National Park for a variety of Wildlife, Ishasha Sector as its Famous for its rare Tree Climbing Lions, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for Gorillas in the Mist, Lake Bunyonyi Island, Rwanda’s parc National des Volcans, Golden Monkeys and Kigali City. As you get the Best of Uganda’s Wildlife, Primates, Birdlife, and Double Gorilla Tracking both in Uganda and Rwanda appreciate nature on Guided Walks and Community Walks.
21 DAYS UGANDA RWANDA GORILLAS, CHIMPANZEES AND WILDLIFE ADVENTURE
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival at the Airport – Transfer to Hotel in Entebbe Town
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, You will be met by our safari guide who will transfer you to your Hotel in Entebbe Town for Dinner and overnight at Hotel / Guest House.
Meal Plan: BB
Day 2: Entebbe – Transfer to Lake Victoria by Speed Boat to Ngamba Island Sanctuary
After your Breakfast, our Guide will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you from the Dock on the Shores of Lake Victoria, where you will be transferred by a speed boat to Ngamba Island. The boat ride takes about 45 -50 minutes across to Ngamba Island, crossing the Equator en route. On arrival at the island, home to over 39 chimpanzees, you will be given a short introduction and briefing on the sanctuary. After which, it’s feeding time! It is fascinating to watch the chimps interact with each other and with their keepers. In the relatively short amount of time you are there, you will be able to see such different personalities amongst the group, with some whistling for food and others clapping. Obviously, the ideal option would be to re-introduce these orphaned chimpanzees to the wild however this is not possible for a number of different reasons and the sanctuary is not bad for second best. Later in the Evening, the Speed boat transfers you back to Entebbe at the Pier where you will meet your guide to transfer you to your Hotel / Guest House in Kampala City.
Meal Plan: (BB).
Day 3: Half day White Water Rafting adventure along the Nile River in Jinja and a boat ride to the source of the Nile
An early breakfast, we depart at 6:00 am from the place of stay and transfer East to Jinja an 80km / 2 hours’ drive to catch up with half-day white water rafting. Enjoy the views of Mabira forest en route and upon arrival, you engage in a lasting adventure exploring the rapids and cascades on this world’s longest River in your rafts with the guidance of expert Rafters. In the afternoon you enjoy a boat ride to the source of the Nile exploring the point where the Nile River begins its journey to the Mediterranean Sea. Later in the evening, we proceed to your Hotel or Guest House in Jinja Town for Overnight.
Meal Plan: FB
Day 4: Transfer to Sipi Falls & hike the Sipi falls
Depart Jinja for Sipi falls Proceeding in the far east of Uganda as you enjoy views of eastern Uganda’s beautiful landscapes including Mount Elgon which is the second-highest mountain in Uganda. You enjoy the hike to Sipi Falls a great place for sightseeing and photography. The hiking uphill offers panoramic views of community lands below. Settle for relaxation and overnight at your Lodge.
Meal Plan: FB
Day 5: Transfer to Kidepo Valley National Park with a Game drive enroute at Pian Upe Game Reserve
Depart the lodge at about 7:00 am after your breakfast and drive to Kidepo Valley National Park, which is one of Uganda’s virgin and yet diverse safari destinations. A game drive en-route will be undertaken in Pian Upe Game Reserve with lucky sights of Cheetah, Elands, spotted hyenas, patas monkeys, jackals, vervet monkeys, topi, olive baboons, Cape buffalo, Guther’s dik-dik, waterbuck, Klipspringer among other wild game. Later proceed to Kidepo Valley National Park for your Dinner and overnight at the Accommodation of your Choice
Meal Plan: FB
Day 6: Full Day Game drives in Kidepo Valley National Park
After your early morning breakfast, depart the lodge for an extensive wild game viewing in the less explored landscapes of Kidepo Valley National Park, traversing the famous Narus Valley stretching up to Kanangarok hot springs. The wildlife to look out for include; elephants, lions, Buffaloes, Rothschild giraffes, cheetah, greater and lesser kudu, eland, black-backed and side-striped jackals, leopard, spotted hyena, warthog, Burchell’s zebra, bushbuck, Defassa waterbuck, bush duiker, oribi, Bohor reedbuck and Jackson’s hartebeest. The stretch to the hot spring area is good for spotting the Ostrich. This Wildlife Game Experience can take a Morning and Afternoon Drive. Later in the evening return to the Lodge or Camp for Dinner and Overnight.
Meal Plan: FB
Day 7: Authentic cultural experience with the Indigenous Karimojong in the Morungole Mountains
Morning breakfast, Take up a lasting authentic cultural Experience with the Indigenous Karimojong on the great hills of Mount Morungole. This is one of the indigenous tribes of Africa and because of their remote dwelling place, they still feature their original traditions including family setting, norms, and marriage practices among others. It’s an active adventure to the Mountains and it’s a whole day experience with great sightseeing as well. Return to the Lodge or Camp for dinner and Overnight stay.
Meal Plan: FB
Day 8: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park.
Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park enjoying the views of the rural landscapes of northern Uganda including the remains of the infamous Kony war. Arrive in the park in the evening and depending on the lodge location, an evening game drive can be made en route to the lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight.
Meal Plan: FB
Day 9: Morning Game Drive – Launch Cruise on the Nile Delta
After an early breakfast, we enjoy a game drive through the park as you look out for Elephants, giraffes, Buffalo, and many species of Antelope pass you by and try to spot a Lion or Leopard relaxing in the sunshine if lucky. Return to the Lodge for lunch.
In the afternoon, we will take a relaxing boat trip along the Nile to the bottom of the mighty Murchison Falls. Here, we will spot Hippos, a dazzling array of birdlife along the banks like kingfisher, cormorants, bee-eater and the rare shoebill stork without missing those Nile Crocodiles! Listen out for the thunderous and electrifying sound of the famous waterfalls as you approach its base. We disembark from the boat and return to the Lodge, Campsite for Dinner and Overnight
Meal Plan: FB
Day 10: Game drive – Budongo Forest Reserve guided Nature walk
Early morning breakfast, we enjoy another game drive across the savannah, along Lake Albert Delta, with abundant wildlife as you move slowly as the sun rises. What you are sensing and feeling, seeing around cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world, this is Murchison Falls with its birds, lions, leopards, elephants, hippos, buffaloes, warthogs, giraffes, humorous appearing warthogs.
Enjoy your Lunch and later in the afternoon, you will proceed to Budongo Forest Reserve. On arrival at this Forest, have an exciting Jungle experience by exploring the forest by a guided nature walk. This Reserve has one of the largest Mahogany forests in East Africa and is home to a large population of 9 Different Primates and 360 species of birds and 290 different types of butterflies. Kaniyo Pabidi Ecotourism site which Lies within the boundaries of Murchison Falls National Parks composed of Mahogany trees and Ironwood. The 115 km area is an isolated block from Budongo forest. Its remoteness occasionally provides a sanctuary for the Lion, Leopard and Buffalo. Early morning is the best time for touring as you will meet forest creatures licking salt in the forest glades. The River Waiga provides refreshment to the species of the forest. It is ranked as one of the most important birding eco-regions in Uganda and is highly conserved for this purpose. The forest is drained by four small rivers -Sonso, Waisoke, Wake and Bubwa which drain their waters into Lake Albert. Dinner and Overnight at Lodge, Campsite.
Meal Plan: FB
Day 11: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park (Uganda Chimpanzee trekking)
After breakfast, we will travel to Fort Portal town, through the villages and beautiful scenery of tea Plantations. You will have lunch en route and you will arrive late afternoon. In the evening if time allows, you will have a walk around the crater rims, past alcohol brewing in oil drums, through banana plantations, coffee terraces, plots of cassava, groundnuts, sorghum and millet. Then after, relax for the rest of the evening. Dinner and overnight at Hotel, Lodge, Cottages, Resort (FB)
Meal Plan: FB
Day 12: Chimpanzee Tracking In Kibale Forest – Bigodi Walk
Early in the morning before 8:00 am, report to the ranger station for a short briefing before starting off with the search for the Chimpanzees. Kibale National Park is a habitat for more than 10 primate species, which include, black & white coleus monkeys, red colobus monkeys, and vervet monkeys among the many others. After lunch go for a swamp walk, Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is managed by the Kibale Association for Rural and Environmental organization formed in 1992 with the aim of achieving social and economic development for local communities. You will be guided and walk around the swamp, which is home to approximately 137 bird species including the Snowy Headed Robin Cat, Black and White Casqued Hornbill, Emerald Cuckoo and a variety of Weavers, Warblers, Greenbuls and Sunbirds. There’s also an abundance of Butterflies. It’s also rich in vegetation, such as wild palms, figs and the dominant papyrus. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight at the Lodge, Campsite.
Meal Plan: FB
Day 13: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After an early breakfast, transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park on time for your lunch, later go on an evening Game drive and return to your lodge for Dinner and overnight at Lodge, Campsite.
Meal Plan: FB
Day 14: Game drive along Kasenyi tracks- Launch Cruise Along the Kazinga Channel
After a cup of coffee, Embark on an early morning game drive along Kasenyi track and Queen’s mile in the park and expect to see Lions, Elephants, cape buffalo, Warthogs, leopards, hyena, mongoose, waterbucks, Uganda Kobs, Topi and lots many small animals and birds. After lunch, enjoy the unique evening 2-hour boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel and into Lake Edward. This trip passes through possibly the highest concentration of Hippos and many animals may be seen drinking at the water’s edge. This launch cruise offers an excellent platform for photography, bird watching and game viewing. The prolific bird life is colourful and stupendous with well over 550 resident species. Dinner and overnight as above.
Meal Plan: FB
Day 15: Transfer to the Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park
After Breakfast, we check out our Hotel, Lodge and transfer to the Ishasha sector which lies close to the southwestern tip of Queen Elizabeth National Park for your lunch. Ishasha is a vast low-lying savannah plain lying south of the equator in the Albertine Rift Valley. Famous for its tree-climbing lions that are famed for tree climbing, a trait only shared with other lions in the Lake Manyara region in Southern Tanzania. They often spend the hottest parts of the day in the ficus trees found throughout the area, The Ishasha River separates the larger Parc National des Virunga in DR Congo with which it shares an international boundary. Dinner and Overnight at Lodge, Camp.
Meal Plan: FB
Day 16: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for Gorillas
Today you will depart for Bwindi Forest, through the southern sector of the park; here if lucky, you will view the famous tree-climbing lions as they rest up in the large Fig trees. You will have lunch and then go for a community walk through the nearby villages. Dinner and Overnight at Lodge, Camp
Meal Plan: FB
Estimated Time: 2hrs and a half
Estimated distance: 90km (From Ishasha Sector)
Day 17: Gorilla Tracking, Afternoon transfer to Lake Bunyonyi Island
Wake up and prepare for the unforgettable experience. You will have breakfast to transfer to the park headquarters for the briefing before setting off to the forest in search of gorillas. The guide will brief you and at 8:30 am you will set off to the forest for these apes. The time you will take searching these humble apes is unpredictable however it ranges between 2-9 hours depending on their movement. The activity requires you to go through steep rocks climbing up and down making it tiresome, however, the thrill of encountering these giant primates erases the poor memories you went through in trying to find them. Later in the evening proceed to Lake Bunyonyi Island to relax by the Lake. Dinner and overnight at Lodge, Camp Lodge.
Meal Plan: FB
Day 18: Boat Ride to visit the Batwa Pygmies or visit the other Islands
After breakfast, you will take a nature walk in the morning and in the afternoon after your lunch, you will go for a boat ride on the lake to the Pygmy Community. Dinner and overnight at the Cottages.
Meal plan: FB
Day 19: Depart for Rwanda’s Parc Nationale Des Volcanoes
Depart for Rwanda after your Breakfast, border crossing – Clear with the Immigrations at Cyanika Border. Proceed to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, proceeding to your accommodation later in the afternoon. Your guide will brief you about the gorilla trek for the next day. Dinner and overnight at Lodge / Guest House.
Meal Plan: FB
Day 20: Another Day of Gorilla Tracking in Rwanda
After an early breakfast, you proceed to the park offices for a briefing, then continue on your second Gorilla trekking. We advise you to bring with you hiking shoes, long pants and long-sleeved shirts for the trek. A packed lunch and water provided by the lodge, after the trek, you will be taken for Hikes at the Dianne Fossey graves. Then return to your Guest House, Lodge for dinner and overnight,
Meal plan: (FB).
Day 21: Golden Monkey tracking – Kigali Genocide Memorial Site (Rwanda Cultural Tour)
After breakfast, you will go for Golden Monkey tracking, and return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to Kigali for a tour around the Genocide memorial sites and the Markets around. Later in the evening depending on your Flights departure time, Our driver transfers you to the Airport in Kigali for your Outbound Flight Home. End of your 21 Days Uganda Rwanda Primates & Wildlife Adventure Safari!
The above 21 Days Uganda Rwanda Primates & Wildlife Adventure Safari tour is inclusive of;
- Ground transportation and Fuel in a 4×4 Wheel drive.
- Full time experienced English speaking driver-guide.
- Park entrance fees.
- Sipi falls Tour.
- Source of Nile River visit.
- Mountain Elgon hiking fees.
- Ranger guides, porters, cooking fees on Mt. Elgon
- Full board accommodations at mentioned hotels, Lodges and Camps.
- Enroute lunches.
- Community Visits
- Game drives
- Boat rides
- Gorilla tracking permit at $700 per person
- Chimpanzee trekking permit
The above 21 Days Uganda Rwanda Primates & Wildlife Adventure Safari Tour excludes:
- Expenses of personal nature like; laundry, beers, tips, telephone and more.
- Personal insurance,
- Flight tickets,
- Visas
Time & Dates of Travel:
This is a private tour, departure can be organised for any time throughout the year subject to the 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 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 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;
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Kisoro and Kihihi Airstrip) for your Gorilla Trekking Safari.
- Queen Elizabeth National Park (Mweya and Kasese Airstrip) to view the Park’s Big Five Game Safari.
- Murchison Falls National Park (Pakuba and Chobe Airstrip ) to view the Park’s Big Five Game Safari and the Murchison Falls.
- Lake Mburo National Park ( Mbarara Airstrip)
- Kibale Forest National Park ( Kasese Airstrip)
- Kidepo National Park. These Flights decrease the miles on the ground needed to reach remote destinations. This is also Combined with the use of closed 4×4 Wheel Drive Vehicles with pop-top roofs that pick you up from the Airfields since they are located far away from the National Parks and Lodges that are usually in remote areas and this may involve some travelling on main tarmac or dirt roads to reach the final destinations.
What to bring with you for a wildlife safari
- A rain jacket is essential as it could unpredictably Rain
- Light Clothes as the sun does shine pretty bright in Murchison falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks
- Torch is essential for safety purposes
- Sunglasses to protect you from direct sun rays
- A zoom lens Camera for photographs
- A good insect repellent to keep those persistent Insects and Mosquitoes away.
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.
Gorilla trekking points to Note: 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 bring with you on your gorilla and Chimpanzee trekking Safari: With changeable weather conditions and dense forest vegetation, it is advisable to take layers of protective clothing. We recommend wearing the following:
- Hiking or Trekking waterproof walking Boots
- Long-sleeved Shirt or Blouse
- T.Shirt
- Long thick Trousers
- warm fleece/jumper
- Gloves
- Water Proof Jacket
- thick wool socks (and gaiters preferably)
- Water Proof Day Pack or Bag
- Light Waterproof Jacket
- Cameras and Extra Batteries
- Sunglasses and Hat with a brim
- Wear a Poncho
- Insect Repellent
- 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
- A rain jacket is essential as it could unpredictably Rain
- Light Clothes as the sun does shine pretty bright in Murchison falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks
- Torch is essential for safety purposes
- Sunglasses to protect you from direct sun rays
- A zoom lens Camera for photographs
- A good insect repellent to keep those persistent Insects and Mosquitoes away.
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 21 Days Uganda Rwanda Primates & Wildlife Adventure Safari;
BOOK TOUR Or Contact us by Email at: info@muafrikaadventures.com
