13 Days Uganda gorilla safari, wildlife tour & hiking safari tour/13 days Bwindi gorilla trekking Uganda

Overview 13 Days Uganda gorilla safari, wildlife tour & hiking safari tour/13 days Bwindi gorilla trekking Uganda

The 13 Days Uganda gorilla safari, wildlife tour & hiking safari tour is blended to take you for a gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and a chimpanzees trekking safari in the primate capital of the world; Kibale National Park. As part of your adventure, you will enjoy wildlife game drives where you will enjoy amazing game scenery in the parks you will visit. During your game drives in the parks, you are likely to encounter with the Big five of land animals namely; lions, elephants, Rhinos, Buffaloes and Leopard. Your will use a 4x4 safari van, 4x4 safari land cruiser, 4x4 safari minivan, 4x4 coaster, depending on the number of people that you will be traveling with. Accommodation on this trip will be booked according to your choice ranging from mid-range, luxury and budget.

Safari Highlight 13 Days Uganda gorilla safari, wildlife tour & hiking safari tour/13 days Bwindi gorilla trekking Uganda

Day 1: Transfer to Kibale National Park with en route at the Amabere Caves & hike the Fort Portal crater lake field Day 2: Do your chimpanzee trekking safari in Kibale National Park & afternoon Bigodi wetland walk Day 3: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable NP. Sightseeing of Mount Rwenzori & the Savannah landscapes of Queen Elizabeth NP Day 4: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable NP & transfer to Lake Bunyonyi for relaxation Day 5: Transfer to Kasese on the foothills of Mount Rwenzori Day 6: Hike to Sina Camp Day 7: Hike to Mutinda Camp Day 8: Hike to Bugata Camp Day 9: Hike to Weinsmann' s peak & descend back to Bugata Day 10: Descend back to the starting point and connect back to the lodge Day 11: Transfer to Murchison Falls NP Day 12: Morning game drive in northern Murchison, afternoon Nile launch cruise & hike to the top of the falls Day 13: Transfer back to Entebbe. Visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary en route to track white Rhinos.

Detailed Safari Itinerary of the 13 Days of the Uganda gorilla safari, wildlife tour & hiking safari tour/ 13 days Bwindi gorilla trekking Uganda

Day 1: Transfer to Kibale NP. Visit Amabere Caves & hike the Fort Portal crater lake field

After breakfast at your place of stay in Kampala, embark on the drive to Fort Portal area 300km about 4 – 5 hours’ drive. You will drive through impressive countryside landscapes of Uganda with impressive scenic views including the scenic Mubende inselbergs. You arrive in time for lunch after which you will proceed to the Fort Portal Crater Lake Field where you will first visit the Amabere g’ Nnyinamwiru caves, an ancient site that locals believe to be breasts of Nnyinamwiru - the daughter of Bukuku a self-enthroned King of the Bachwezi. Geologically, the features are stalactites and stalagmites. From the caves, continue to hike the Fort Portal Crater field where you will summit the famous Kyeganywa hill offering impressive views of the crater lakes and crater hollows below and the views of Rwenzori Mountains on a clear day. Return from this activity and transfer to Kibale National Park 26km from Fort Portal town arriving at the lodge in the evening for relaxation, dinner and overnight. Accommodation: Midrange: Isunga Lodge Kibale Meal Plan: Hot lunch in Fort Portal & Dinner @ the Lodge

Day 2: Do Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale NP & afternoon Bigodi wetland walk

Gather at Kanyanchu Tourism Center in Kibale National Park to catch up with Chimpanzee trekking which begins at 8am. The encounter commences with a briefing from the respective park rangers who will be your guides through the activity detailing the conduct of the exercise. After this, you head to the forest in search of the man’s closest relative. The dense forests of Kibale comprise of lush flora with mature trees marked with huge buttress and climbers, impressive bird species including the African Pitta, Afep Pigeon, Green-breasted Pitta, White-naped Pigeon, Red-chested Owlet, Crowned Eagle, Black Bee-eater, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, Western Nicator, Little Greenbul, Blue-breasted Kingfisher, Brown-chested Alethe, African Grey Parrot, Brown Illadopsis, Scaly-breasted Illadopsis, Black-capped Apalis, Collared Apalis, Blue-headed Sunbird, Dusky Crimsonwing, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Yellow Spotted Nicator, Black-eared Ground Thrush Little Green Bul and Abyssinian Ground-thrush among others. Apart from chimps, Kibale also supports other 12 Primate Species including the threatened red colobus with the highest population thriving in Kibale, the rare I’Hoest’s monkey, black-and-white colobus, grey-cheeked mangabey, red-tailed and blue monkeys, bush baby, olive baboon and potto which may be viewed during the trek. Finally, you approach the common chimpanzees which have been fully habituated and thus offering you an opportunity to draw closer to them and take pictures. Viewing them as they munch fruit, swinging in trees, socializing, patrolling, mating and making pant hooting calls may lure you into unforgettable excitement. You have hour availed to you to encounter these precious apes and you are free to take as many photos as you can. Retreat from the activity which tend to last 2 – 5 hours and get back to the starting point where you will rejoin your company safari guide, settle for your packed lunch after which you transfer to Bigodi wetland Sanctuary a famous successful community tourism initiative in the whole of Uganda presenting a magical walk in its communally controlled wetland with possible sights of 138 species of birds including the great blue turaco, the papyrus gonoleks and a range of hornbills. The sights of the swamp dwelling sitatunga antelope that is resident in the swamp may also be explored. The walk offers a touch of the community including the home of the traditional healer and an extension to the local school can also be arranged. The range of arts and crafts at the centre put together by local women offers you an impressive look of the local expertise. Retreat from the encounter and embark on the transfer to the lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight Accommodation: Midrange: Isunga Lodge Kibale Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 3: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable NP. Sightseeing of Mount Rwenzori & the Savannah landscapes of Queen Elizabeth NP

After breakfast, embark on the transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park driving past the amazing scenic landscapes of the mountains of the moon – the Rwenzoris towering up to 5,109m above sea level with snowcapped peaks. You also drive past the rolling savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park lying on the Albertine rift flats. Arrive in Bwindi in the evening for relaxation, dinner and overnight. Accommodation: Midrange: Gorilla Mist Camp Meal Plan: Lunch en route & Dinner @ the Lodge

Day 4: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable NP & transfer to Lake Bunyonyi for relaxation

After breakfast, gather at the respective park headquarters for briefing at 8am and eventual start of the gorilla trekking encounter. You follow the trails of your respective gorilla family traversing the forest with is hilly forested landscapes and deep saddles. The hills are forested with mature trees and dense undergrowth that have earned it the name Impenetrable. The gorilla trekking encounter tends to last 2 – 8 hours inclusive of one (1) hour direct encounter with them. Seeing the critically endangered apes as they forage, socialize, the young gorillas rolling themselves on tree branches and the Silverback demonstrating his authority is a moment of wonder that derives remarkable excitement. Retreat from the activity and transfer to Lake Bunyonyi through the fascinating Kigezi Highlands with magical sceneries. Upon arrival at Lake Bunyonyi, you embark on a thrilling sun set boat cruise on the lake of a thousand islands as it has been dubbed because of its counts of 29 Islands. The cruise presents an evening soothing recreational encounter that is worth exploring and refreshment after gorilla trek adventure. Retire for dinner and overnight. Accommodation: Midrange: Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort Meal Plan: Packed lunch to the Gorillas & Dinner @ the Lodge

Day 5: Transfer to Kasese on the foothills of Mount Rwenzori

After breakfast, transfer following an all-weather surface road to Kasese enjoying the views of en route landscapes. Accommodation Midrange: Sandton Hotel Kasese Meal Plan: Lunch en route & Dinner @ the Lodge

Day 6: Hike to Sina Camp

Start the hike at 1450m up to Sine hut 2596m making a height gain of 1146m. We start by walking up the valley floor through tall forest trees of the Afro Montane Forest Zone. This is a steady climb with multitudes of birds and a chance of seeing blue monkeys scampering off through the forest. At times visitors may see troupes of 15 to 20 black and white Colobus monkeys as they swing through the tree tops. There are rare sightings of the L’Hoest monkey which are part of the Bukonzo cultural emblems and are protected by the virtue of the King or Omusinga or you may hear wild chimpanzee in the distance. There is wide variety of plant species from forest trees to bamboos thickets, low shrubs, flowers, fungi, and with many moss and lichen covered vines hanging from the tall trees creating an awesome appeal. Enock’s Falls are just 200 meters from Sine Hut and offer a splendid opportunity to capture a great screensaver for your memories. At Sine Camp 2,596 metres we have wooden huts set between tall forest trees on a narrow ridge where you may sit and enjoy the beauty of the Afro Montane forest while you look down at a fantastic waterfall crashing over the rocks far below. Some clients prefer to sit outside enjoying the warmth of the campfire and chat to the guides about the mountains and life in their community. Sine is just below the bamboo zone and the area around has many different bird species. 150 meters from the camp is Enock falls which is set in livid green vegetation and hanging vine. Truly beautiful. Sleep at Sine, or those who are fit and want to proceed to Kalama Camp at 3,134 metres may do so and apart from the fantastic views gives you more time at Mutinda Camp where you may climb up to Mutinda Lookout at 3,975 metres with great views.

Day 7: Hike to Mutinda Camp

After a good breakfast, trekking starts at 8.30am and you enter the Bamboo-Mimulopsis Zone which is steep climb with many high steps. In the wet season the bamboo zone is rather muddy and slippery making the going slow. However, the atmosphere and the forest is beautiful as you climb 551 metres altitude and a distance of 1.8km to Kalalama Camp at 3,147 meters which is in the Heather-Rapanea Zone where you can take a rest and a quick cup of tea or coffee before heading on to Mutinda Camp. The trail meanders up and over several small knolls along a ridge top then drops down the side of the valley before climbing again, and in doing so cross several small streams and pass close to moss covered waterfalls. You then climb steadily along the side of a beautiful mossy river which tumbles down over the rocks under the Giant Heather trees whose trunks are covered in green moss with old man beards (Usnea lichen) hanging from the branches. The trail twists and turns as you climb up the deep valley, which has an enormous variety of plants and flowers. This valley is unique with many Giant Heather trees creating a beautiful atmosphere often shrouded in mist. In the afternoon you may wish to climb up to the top of the Mutinda Lookout (one to two hours up and one hour down) The views are amazing as you stand on moss covered rocks at 3,925 meters with views across the Rwenzori Mountains and down to Kasese town and Lake George. For those clients who are climbing to Margherita or any of the main peaks climbing Mutinda 3,975 meters is also an excellent way to acclimatise and reduce the risk of high altitude sickness.

Day 8: Hike to Bugata Camp

4.9km starting at 3,688 meters climbing to 4,062 meters The trail here is boggy particularly in the wet season but with a little skill you can step from tussock to tussock to make the going easier. We have put several boardwalks across the worst of the bogs and continuing to build more to make it a little bit easier. You cross the Mutinda valley through the tussock grass and everlasting flowers interspersed with many Giant Lobelias before climbing a steep section up to the Namusangi Valley (3,840 meters), which ends abruptly with sheer waterfalls and fantastic views of Mutinda Peaks. The Namusangi Valley is wide, with many ups and downs and crossing several bogs as the trail climbs steadily to Bugata Camp at 4,062 meters. Bugata Camp is situated way up Bamwanjara Pass high above Bugata Lake with views across Lake Kopello to Weismann’s Peak, which is often covered with snow then down the valley views of Lake Africa and Lake Kanganyika and the many small peaks towards Mutinda Camp. The area is covered with tussock grass, everlasting flowers (Helichrysum), St John’s Wort (Hypericum becquaeritii), giant groundsel (Senecio adnivalis) and Giant lobelia (Lobellia gibberoa). There are a many Red Forest Duiker (Cephalophuc nigrifrons rubidus) which are a sub-species only found in the Rwenzori Mountains. Bugata Camp has good facilities, solar lights, good toilets and bathrooms where the guides may prepare some warm water in a basin for you to wash. Bugata also has a helicopter pad (GPS reading N 18.312 E29 53.457) in case of any need for rescue by helicopter but be warned that a helicopter in Uganda costs around $10,000 per hour flying time which is way more than other countries so you need insurance in case of rescue.

Day 9: Hike to Weismann' s peak & descend to Kiharo Camp

Climb Weismann’s Peak 4,620 metres and Stella Peak 4,626 metres 3.7km to Weismanns Peak then another 800 metres to Stella Peak and return. Total distance 9km 4 to 6 hours. The trek starts by walking across the hillside below high cliffs above Bugata Lake then around a ridge point to Lake Kopello where we walk along the edge of the lake which according to researchers the water temperature averages 2˚C As you climbing you get excellent views of the four lakes along the valley below. The last section to the peak is steep on solid rock and can be difficult when snowing or iced up and it may be necessary to use ropes for safety. On a clear day you get awesome views of all the main peaks, Mt Stanley, Mt Speke and Mt Baker. The top of Weismann’s Peak is relativity flat or dome shaped with deep moss growing on the rocks creating a beautiful atmosphere. Stella Peak 4,626 metre is near Weismann's but needs full technical as is dangerous and needs experience and a good head for heights. We do not advise crossing to Stella Peak From the peak we descend directly to Kiharo Camp 3,460 metres down the Nyamwamba Valley. At the head of the valley there is a large area of thick Giant Groundsel with dense evergreen undergrowth and moss with the rocky peaks towering above which creates it’s own micro environment. As you descend the valley you will notice the terrain is made up of several flat boggy areas where millions of years ago glaciers sat and melted leaving a wall of big rocks in front of where it lay. The valley is home to many Red Forest Duiker (Cephalophuc nigrifrons rubidus) At night you may stay in Kiharo Camp at 3,460 metres an area rich in evergreen plants and babbling streams. Particularly during the dryer months, the night, the air is filled with the calls of the rock hyrax as they sit in the rocky cliffs high above.

Day 10: Descend back to the starting point and connect back to the lodge

The trail down the Nyamwamba Valley is mostly downhill and absolutely stunning with beautiful views. The moss-covered rocks along the river, cascading waterfalls, deep valleys and forests are possibly the best in the Rwenzori Mountains. This part of the trail took us six years to find a way through and a route which is easy enough for tourists to use. In 1937 the explorer and geologist McConnell tried to find a way up this valley but failed and have to turn back and search for another route up the mountain but now you can experience this truly beautiful valley. A few kilometres from Kiharo Camp the path turns off to the right to pass along the river. In the clear areas you may catch a glimpse of a Duiker quietly feeding in small clearings as you pass along the river. If you wish you may prefer to walk down the river itself hopping across the rocks as you pass down. A few kilometres down the river it becomes very steep with multitudes of waterfalls so we have to move away from the river and follow a narrow ridge to bypass steep sections. At the bottom we again meet the river where there is a huge rock shelter called Riverside Rock Shelter where you have lunch. After crossing a small stream, you climb up a gentle slope as it is way too steep close to the river. The forest along this section is trully beautiful with many birds, primates, duikers and hyrax. A great experience and ending to a fantastic trek Accommodation Midrange: Sandton Hotel Kasese Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 11: Transfer to Murchison Falls NP

After an early breakfast, set off for the transfer to Murchison Falls National Park about 10 hours’ drive enjoying nice views of countryside landscapes. Accommodation Budget: Twiga Tales Lodge Meal Plan: Lunch en route & Dinner @ the Lodge

Day 12: Morning game drive in northern Murchison, afternoon Nile launch cruise & hike to the top of the falls

Drive to the park’s northern section for a morning game drive offering impressive wild game viewing encounter. The 3 – 4 activity takes you through the designated park tracks including Buligi, Queen, Albert and the entire delta area with possibilities of encountering the lions, elephants, Rothschild giraffes, Leopards, Jackson’s Hartebeest, waterbucks, Oribis, Kobs among others. The open savannah grassland intercepted with scattered borasus palms also present a unique landscape worth viewing. Retreat from the activity and return to the lodge for relaxation and lunch after which you gather at Paraa jetty for afternoon boat cruise to the bottom of the falls. The 3 hour boat encounter opens you to the thrilling Nile waters in their relaxed flow as they join the Albert delta. The views of Hippos, Nile crocodile and shoebill stork might impress you along the adventure. Upon arriving on the bottom of the falls, you will embark on the hike to the top of the world’s powerful waterfall. The Nile River which is the longest in the world forces itself to pass through a less than 8m ravine before falling 43m below to what has been termed the devils cauldron forming a plume of spray marked by a thunderous roar and trade mark rain bow. During the hike, you will enjoy the sounds of the Nile as it splashes its head on the impermeable rocks that have stood in its way for centuries past. Retreat from the activity and connect to the lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight. Accommodation Budget: Twiga Tales Lodge Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 13: Transfer back to Entebbe. Visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary en route to track white Rhinos.

After breakfast, set off at 6am for the transfer to Entebbe 351km about 5 hours’ drive. Branch off at Nakitooma for 7km to Ziwa Sanctuary to track white Rhinos which are only found here in the whole of Uganda. You retreat from the activity, settle for lunch at Kabalega dinner before proceeding on the drive to Entebbe via Kampala.

End of the 13 Days Uganda gorilla safari, wildlife tour & hiking safari tour/13 days Bwindi gorilla trekking Uganda