20 Days Uganda Gorilla and Big Five Mammals Trip summaries as follow;
Day 1:
Arrival at Entebbe.
Day 2:
Travel to Ssese islands: Lake Victoria
Day 3:
Ssese island tour. You can swim, relax at the beach, explore the island on a bike!
Day 4:
Transfer to Lake Mburo national park. (5 hrs). Game viewing in the Park
Day 5:
Game drive and boat trip. Take a foot safari within the park.
Day 6:
Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest: Home of Gorillas.
Day 7:
Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Day 8:
Transfer to Queen Elizabeth national park through the Ishasha Region.
Day 9:
Chimp tracking in Kyambura Gorge. Spend an hour with chimps. Game Viewing along the Kasenyi area.
Day 10:
Transfer to Kibale Forest. Chimp tracking in Kanyanchu. Take a short guided nature walk to Bigodi swamp sanctuary.
Day 11:
Connect to Murchison falls through the Albertine Rift.
Day 12:
Game Viewing in the Delta circuit. Follow the leopard track, look out for Jackson’s hartebeest, Kobs etc.
Day 13:
Visit the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Uganda’s breeding program.
Day 14:
Leave for Jinja. Stop over at Mabira Forest. water rafting along the Nile River.
Day 15:
Transfer to Sipi falls (3 hr ride from Jinja).
Day 16:
Kidepo National park. After seeing the beautiful falls we travel early north to Kabong in Kidepo national park.
Day 17:
Game drive in Narus valley, renowned for wildlife such as the cheetah, caracal, hyenas, lions, leopard, etc
Day 18:
Hiking in the Lamoj Mountains and Cultural Performances.
Day 19:
Leave for Kampala by road or take a flight back.
(Driving back will take two days (12-14 hrs) or more based on the road conditions)
Day 20: Back to Kampala
The 20 Days Uganda Gorilla and Five Mammals Trip describe as follow;
Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe.
After landing safely, you are picked by our tour driver guide who will then transfer you to lake Vic hotel /Camp Entebbe.
Then after relaxing visit the zoo (Uganda Wildlife Education Center). The zoo introduces you to sample of Uganda’s wildlife.
Including zebras, lions, elephants, hippopotamus, chimps, birds among others. Check out the shoe-bill.
Return to your hotel for dinner and rest.
Meal plan Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Day 2: Travel to Ssese islands: Lake Victoria.
After breakfast head to Nakiwogo and board the ferry to Kalangala, Ssese islands.
Here you will enjoy the 3 hours boat ride to Lutoboka bay in Bugala Island.
On the ferry, you won’t go hungry there’s a cafeteria where you can get to order anything of your choice.
You will get to see many islands as you head Kalangala it’s a must to watch water birds so better to have a set of binoculars.
Enjoy the calm breeze of the waters and experience going along traveling on water not forgetting the cool silent sight.
And feel the space out of the usual one you are used of and get to understand the true sense of a holiday.
Check in at Ssese Habitat Resort (SSEHAB), Horn bill Camp, Ssese Island Palm Beach Hotel, Andronicos Lodge.
Meal plan breakfast,lunch and dinner
Day 3: Ssese island tour.
On the third day of 20 Days Uganda Gorilla And Big Five Mammals Safari
After being treated to a hearty breakfast, go for a nature walk in the forest and proceed for a boat trip.
Which will leave you admiring the islands on the lake and among other islands.
There are Samuka, Buggala, Bubeke, Bukasa, Banda and Buvuma islands which are more popular.
Go back to the hotel to enjoy a mouthwatering traditional buffet then relax.
And later resort to many activities available such as swimming in the free bilharzia water, taking a sunbath, steam bath.
Including bicycle riding and ride to explore the forest and the sites on the biggest amongest the Ssese Islands.
For example the BID-CO palm oil project and fishing is another fair option.
Then return to Ssehab Habitat Resort (SSEHAB) / Horn bill Camp/ Ssese Island Beach Hotel/ Mirembe Resort/Andronicos Lodge.
Meal plan Breakfast,lunch,dinner
Day 4: Transfer to Lake Mburo national park.
( Time taken 5hrs)
After an early morning breakfast depart for Entebbe at 8 am by ferry boat.
Enjoy the last unforgettable memories of the lake’s breeze left behind in Kalangala.
Reach Entebbe Pier Nakiwogo by 11 am, and transferred to Kampala for lunch.
Then continue to Lake Mburo national park for a 4 hr drive arriving by 5 pm.
Check in at Kimbla Mantana/Rwonyo Camp and relaxing as one can do landscape viewing around the lodge or camp.
Day 5: Game drive and boat trip.
On this day, early morning we will begin with a game drive through the park in search for acacia related birds.
And animals as they return to their hideouts. Return to the lodge for late breakfast and lunch.
Later embark for a nature walk. You will get to see zebras and the long-horned domestic cattle grazing alongside peaceably.
Gather your strength after lunch for the afternoon boat trip on Lake Mburo its self in search for water game.
Especially like Hippos, crocodiles, birds and sitatunga antelopes inhabiting in papyruses surrounding the Lake.
Dinner and overnight Mantana Tented Camp / Arcadia Cottages.
Day 6: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Have an early breakfast then head onto Bwindi Impenetrable National Park .
Welcome to Bwindi where gorillas are the center of attraction, a distinct feature for Uganda’s tourism.
Bwindi and Mgahinga NP alongside Rwanda’s Volcanoes Park and Congo’s Virunga Volcanoes are habitats to the only endangered mountain gorillas.
Have an evening guided nature walk to visit the batwa / pygmies community,get briefed about their life history in the forest.
Then enjoy their cultural dances as they entertain you, and check in at Gorilla Forest Camp/Gorilla resort.
Including Buhoma community Bandas/Buhoma Homestead for Dinner and an overnight.
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking Tour: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
After an early morning breakfast head on for Gorilla trekking in the forest as you enjoy the gorillas experience.
And ever green natural moisturized forest environment after the activity get back to your hotel for lunch Relax for an hour.
Have an option to enjoy forest guided walk Or a guided nature walk to visit the falls, then get back to the hotel.
Depending on your choice for Dinner and an over night.
Day 8: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth national park.
Have a very early morning breakfast, check out the lodge and set onto our way to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Carry out a game drive as entering Queen Elizabeth national park via Ishasha route.
Gaze at the beautiful tree-climbing lions,. after continue with a game drive to Kasenyi plains.
Where you are rewarded with an eye catching wildlife with herds of Elephants, Buffaloes, Leopards.
Including Hyenas waterbucks and a variety of Antelope species. Check in at Kasenyi lake retreat lodge/Mweya Safari for lunch.
Meanwhile after lunch,head on for a fantastic unique 3 hour boat ride on Kazinga Channel and into Lake Edward.
Come so closer to the highest concentration of Hippos, buffaloes, elephants other animals seen at the water’s edge drinking water.
Enjoy bird watching of resident bird species like flamingos, red chest, Papyrus Gonolek, pink-backed pelicans, malachite kingfishers.
Other examples are yellow crown, water thick-knee, yellow-billed stork, shoebill stock.
Return to Mweya Safari Lodge/ Institute of Ecology/Simba Safari
NB;
Never leave behind your camera for the awesome photos.
Bird watchers end ever to escort yourselves with a pair of binoculars.
Day 9: chimp trekking in Kyambura Gorge; Queen Elizabeth National Park.
This morning take your breakfast then head straight to our closest relatives chimpanzees for trekking in Kyambura Gorge.
There are more diverse primates mainly Black and white Colobus monkeys and other animals
Such like antelopes, hyenas in the middle of savanna grassland.
Kyambura Gorge has many bird species. then get back to the Lodge for lunch.
In the afternoon, head for game drive for the eye catching wildlife you could have missed before like Uganda Kob, topi.
Including black and white colobus, bushbuck, Defassa waterbuck, and Cape buffaloes.
A collection of birds like Cassin’s grey flycatcher, broad billed roller, black bee-eater can also be watched out through the drive.
Return back to Mweya Safari Lodge /budget Institute of ecology. for Dinner and an overnight
Day 10: Transfer to kibale for Chimpanzee tracking in Kanyanchu.
After morning breakfast, Check out the lodge transfer to Kibale national park which is just 4hrs drive away.
Relax and check in at Primates lodge/ Chimps Nest.
Take a short guided nature walk to Bigodi swamp sanctuary, a good site for birders.
The Great Blue Turaco and Papyrus Gonolek can easily be sported among the other 137 bird species. Have lunch and relax;
Afternoon track chimpanzees near Kanyanchu.
There are other primates in the area like the L’Hoest monkey, baboons, and more striking tree species.
Return to Ndali Lodge/Crater Valley for Dinner and an overnight
Day 11: Connect to Murchison falls through the Albertine Rift.
Start early morning driving to Murchison falls national park.
Enjoy the beautiful and scenic journey across the Albertine escarpment on this western side of Uganda.
On arrival drive straight to the top of the falls as enjoying the wildlife a green ever landscape.
Check in and relax at Paraa Safari Lodge/ Sambiya Lodge/ Red Chili camp.
Day 12: Game Viewing in the Delta circuit.
Early morning go for a game drive in Northern Nile delta circuit, quite a sight for checking out a high awareness of wildlife.
You will spot the leopards along the leopard track, Jackson’s hartebeest,herds of Uganda Kobs.
And large families of the Defassa waterbuck, together with giraffe herds, groups of the dainty oribi.
High number of preys attracts pride of lions to the delta, this also attracts birders with specials like;
The Abyssinian ground horn-bill.
Also shoebill (herons, waders, and egrets around small pools of water) Senegal thick-knee and Denham’s bastard return back to the lodge for lunch.
In the afternoon, head out for a launch trip on the famous Nile River and value God’s creation of the Murchison Falls.
The largest crocodiles, Hippos, and elephants playing in water. After such a lovely encounter retires to your lodge.
Stay overnight at Paraa Safari Lodge/ Nile Safari Camp/ Red Chili Camp.
Day 13: Transfer Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
On the thirteenth day of 20 Days Uganda Gorilla And Big Five Mammals Safari, have an early morning breakfast.
Check out the lodge and Murchison Falls NP set onto Ziwa rhino sanctuary for Rhino tracking Rhinos roam freely in an area.
The sanctuary was established in 1998 with aim of re-introducing and preserve alongside conservation of the white.
And black rhinos which were heavily poached to nonexistence during Amin’s era of the 1970s.
In December 2001, 2 rhinos were transferred from Kenya to Uganda.
After rhino tracking set off on back to Kampala- Guru highway have lunch on our way.
Then have an overnight in Guru town
Day 14: Kidepo National park.
Begin with an early breakfast and head onto Kidepo valley located in northern Uganda bordering south Sudan and Kenya.
To the east inhabited by the Ik people of Uganda. Unlike the other national parks which have a wide range of animals.
Kidepo valley has fewer animals but offers a true reality of wilderness including the cheetahs.
And the most heaviest strong bird meant/ build to run than flying Ostrich which makes Kidepo unique from other parks.
Have a game drive as you enter the park , Check in at Apoka safari lodge and other like;
Luxury: Kakine Campsite.
Budget: National Park Bandas
(basic) for lunch and relaxation.
Day 15: Game drive in Narus valley
After breakfast go for a game drive in the Narus valley and gaze at the wildlife of northern Uganda.
There are such animals like cheetah and Ostrich, lions, side-stripped jackal, leopard, gents, small cats, elephants.
And many bird species like Karamoja appalls, rufous chatterer, Abyssinian roller return back to the lodge for lunch.
After lunch have a guided nature walk to learn about African culture.
By Visiting the Karamajong houses (Manyatta), the kraals, traditional costumes, stools, spear, bows, arrows, and jewelry.
Later retire back to Apoka safari lodge (luxury) /Kakine Campsite (budget)/ National Park Bandas (basic).
Meal plan breakfast,lunch,Dinner.
Day 16: Hiking and Cultural Performances.
Have breakfast then go for Hiking to the Lamoj Mountains just a few kilometers from the park.
Enjoy the beautiful mountain and scenic view of Kidepo river valley, Narus valley positioned southwest of the park.
Including Napore- Nyagai in the western boundary, Natira and Lokayot hills in the northeast and the Lokutei mountains and Morungole.
Visit the local Karamajong community and learn their lifestyle which is intriguing like;
The cattle raids and need to be heavily armed for security purposes.
Then after take lunch located near the picnic site.
In the afternoon, enjoy cultural performances by the ethnic groups such as Emuya of the Napore. Dance.
Some of the dances include lakalaka of the Acholi. Return to lodge and Dinner overnight and rest.
Meal plan:Breakfast,Lunch ,Dinner
Day 17: Transfer to Sipi falls.
After breakfast, we set off for a long straight drive to kapchworwa, have lunch on our way.
At arrival Check in at Sipi Falls Rest Camp/Sipi River lodge have a view of the tallest sipi fall. Relaxing and refreshment, Dinner and Overnight
Meal plan: breakfast, lunch and Dinner.
Day 18: Hiking to the three in one Sipi falls exploring and transfer to Jinja.
Have an early morning breakfast and head on to hiking the sipi falls starting with the upper fall stretching 85 meters high.
Then link to the second fall stretching 75 meters high, Have a view of the third fall stretching 100 meters.
Here, if time allows have a guided nature walk to it.,return to the lodge for lunch.
Afternoon set off to Jinja town town, check in at Nile resort hotel/Nile hotel.
Have Dinner and Overnight in Jinja town
Meal plan: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 19: Visiting the source of Nile and Jinja town.
On the second last day of 20 Days Uganda Gorilla And Big Five Mammals Safari, have breakfast in the morning.
Then head on to visit the source of the longest Nile river have boat cruise to the source.
As enjoying bird watching of the water birds along the river encounter the Nile crocodile in it’s gazetted room area.
Get back to Nile resort hotel for lunch, swimming and sun bathing as relaxing for the evening guided Jinja town walk.
Return to the hotel for Dinner and an over night
Meal plan :breakfast, lunch ,Dinner.
Finally on the last day, Weak up early morning have breakfast and check out the lodge.
Head on to Entebbe via Mabira forest, the second largest forest reserve., have a stopover here in Mabira for zip-lining if interested.
Which is optional Or enjoy a guided forest walk to encounter the Uganda manga-bey.
And many forest birds you had not seen along the safari trip journey then head on to Mukono at Collin hotel for lunch then proceed to Entebbe international airport to check in for your fright back home
Meal plan: break fast and lunch
PHOTOGRAPHY TOURS AND TRAVEL WISHING YOU A SAFE FRIGHT BACK AND LOOKING FORWARD TO SERVE YOU SOON AGAIN.