9 Day Gorillas, Chimps and the Nile River (small group)
Countries: Uganda
Destinations: Entebbe , Bwindi Impenetrable Forest , Murchison Falls National Park
Group Size: 7
Duration (days): 9
Number of Adults: 7
Number of Children: 0
This trip includes the Murchison Falls for wildlife, forests and chimp tracking. Nile River cruises for exceptional birdlife, and of course Bwindi for gorillas. Rhino tracking at Ziwa, plus a boat cruise to Mabamba Swamps, home to the elusive Shoebill Stork.
Itinerary Outline
| Day | Location | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Entebbe | Best Western Premier Garden Hotel Entebbe |
| 2 | Bwindi Impenetrable Forest | Buhoma Lodge |
| 3 | Bwindi Impenetrable Forest | Buhoma Lodge |
| 4 | Bwindi Impenetrable Forest | Buhoma Lodge |
| 5 | Entebbe | Best Western Premier Garden Hotel Entebbe |
| 6 | Murchison Falls National Park | Paraa Safari Lodge |
| 7 | Murchison Falls National Park | Paraa Safari Lodge |
| 8 | Murchison Falls National Park | Paraa Safari Lodge |
| 9 | Day of Departure |
Day 1 : Entebbe
On arrival at Entebbe International Airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Rest of theday at leisure to explore the town of Entebbe. Additional activities and transfers arranged upon request.
Overnight Best Western Premier Garden Hotel Entebbe, or similar.
Uganda
Uganda - The "Pearl of Africa." Uganda offers a vastly different experience from the standard safari itinerary, with lush jungles, volcanic mountains, plenty of primates, and the Nile River all creating a fabulous adventure.
Uganda has earned the well-deserved reputation of being the friendliest country in Africa, and you will be delighted by the local hospitality. While having quite a turbulent history, the people of Uganda have remained warm and welcoming.
With wonderful birdlife, a vast array of plains game, and the most extensive species list of primates, a wildlife safari in Uganda offers something special.
As asked on Uganda's Tourism website, "where else but in this uniquely lush destination can one observe lions prowling the open plains in the morning and track chimpanzees through the rainforest undergrowth the same afternoon, then the next day navigate tropical channels teeming with hippos and crocodiles before setting off into the misty mountains to enjoy viewing the unique mountain gorillas?"
Entebbe
Best Western Premier Garden Hotel Entebbe
The Best Western Premier Garden Hotel Entebbe is conveniently located just a few minutes away from the Entebbe Airport on the Kampala-Entebbe Highway. The hotel is adjacent to the Victoria Shopping Mall, giving guests direct access to the mall and all its facilities. The UN Base, Entebbe Golf Club, the Botanical Gardens and the lake are right next to the hotel. The hotel offers 51 full-service rooms, equipped with all amenities for the demanding business traveler.
Day 2 : Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
This morning’s flight on a light aircraft to Kihihi airstrip takes just over an hour. Transfer through local villages and along mountain roads to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a World Heritage site (a drive of +- 90 mins).
Considered the most diverse forest in Uganda, Bwindi is one of the richest ecosystems in East Africa and home to over 120 mammals, 345 species of birds, 200 species of butterflies and 160 species of trees. The park contains an estimated one half of the world’s population of the endangered Mountain Gorilla, making it an extremely valuable conservation site.
Overnight Buhoma Lodge for the next three nights. .
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Located in the south-western corner of Uganda, in the Virunga Mountains along the border with the DRC, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a thick, lush, green jungle, housing heaps of wildlife and half of the world's remaining mountain gorilla population.
This pocket of huge primeval forest is one of the most biologically diverse areas on earth. It has
an eco-system that defines the very essence of the continent and has therefore been designated as a World Heritage Site.
Buhoma Lodge
Buhoma Lodge, an intimate and charming property that commands spectacular and uninterrupted views of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, home to the rare and elusive Mountain Gorilla. One of only two lodges situated within the National Park, within a short walking distance from the meeting point for gorilla tracking and other activities in the Buhoma area. An elevated central area, complete with lounge, bar and dining area, offers a cosy, comfortable environment to discuss the day’s activities around the fireplaces which add atmosphere and warmth in the cool evenings.
Day 3 : Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Coming face to face with mountain gorillas is a rare and exhilarating wildlife encounter that is hard to capture in words. Experienced guides and trackers will accompany your party on an early morning trek into the dense rain forest on the steep mountain slopes.
Please note that gorilla trekking can be strenuous, with treks ranging from 45 mins up to eight hours, at high altitudes in often hot conditions. We do recommend hiring a local porter to assist you on your trek. Although mountain gorillas are wild animals and sightings cannot be guaranteed, viewing success rates are over 95%.
Once you have located your gorilla family, spend an hour quietly observing them. The time passes so quickly; be sure to enjoy this experience fully and not just through your camera lens.
On our scheduled departures, we typically buy permits for Buhoma & Ruhija, which are accessible from Buhoma area. One of the Buhoma families, and the Ruhija families, require a road transfer to the start point. This does not deviate from the enjoyment of the trek (and could be considered as enhancing your trip as you are seeing a different part of the region). Your permit may be organised for day 3 or 4 - depending on availability at the time of purchase.
Head back to Buhoma Lodge for a complimentary massage after your trek, or explore the surrounding Bwindi community.
Overnight Buhoma Lodge.
Day 4 : Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Today you have the option to do a second gorilla trek.This must be booked in advance at a cost of US$840pp.
Day 5 : Entebbe
Today you will fly back to Entebbe. This afternoon enjoy an excursion to Mabamba Swamps to look for the Shoebill.
Day 6 : Murchison Falls National Park
This morning meet your guide. Drive to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for a guided rhino tracking experience. We will then continue to Murchison Falls National Park. This afternoon enjoy a top of the Falls walk. Spend the next three nights at Paraa Lodge.
Murchison Falls National Park
Described by Winston Churchill in 1907 as "Kew Gardens and the zoo combined on an unlimited scale" the Murchison Falls National Park lies at the northern end of the Albertine Rift Valley, where the bulky Bunyoro escarpment merges into the vast plains of Acholi land.
The park is bisected by the Victoria Nile which first races down 80km of white-water rapids before plunging 40m over the remnant rift valley wall at Murchison Falls, the centre piece of the park. The Falls drains the last of the river's energy, transforming it into a broad, placid stream that flows quietly across the rift valley floor for 55km to Lake Albert.
Paraa Safari Lodge
Established in 1954, Paraa Safari Lodge is in Murchison Falls National Park. The lodge is located in the north west of Uganda over looking one of natures best kept secrets, the River Nile, on its journey from its source at Lake Victoria to join Lake Albert – here it is suddenly channeled into a gorge only six meters wide, and cascades 43 meters below.
The earth literally trembles at Murchison Falls - one of the worlds most powerful flows of natural water. Paraa Safari Lodge offers a unique blend of comfort, relaxation and adventure. Each of the rooms is a haven of style and serenity, complete with balcony and private bathroom.
Day 7 : Murchison Falls National Park
Spend today enjoying a game drive game drive and a Nile boat cruise to the foot of the Murchison Falls.
Day 8 : Murchison Falls National Park
This morning you will go searching for chimps, while in the afternoon you'll enjoy a game drive.
Day 9 - Day of Departure
After breakfast you will travel back to Entebbe. Please do not book a flight leaving Entebbe Airport before 19:00.