Dates: 04 -15 January 2010 (12 days)
Maximum Group: 12
Cost: £ 3140.00 per person, double occupancy
(the single supplement cost is £ 560 if/when available).
Gorilla trekking permits cost US$500 each and chimp trekking permits cost US$90 each and are in addition to the safari cost.
Please note: These permits are sold on a first come first served basis.
Travel to beautiful Uganda! This safari has been designed for participants to experience, first hand, the wildlife, people and scenic splendor of this small country. Elements of the East African plains meet the rainforests of West Africa when travelling to Uganda - this experience will stay with you for life!
Due to the varied geography, Uganda encompasses a variety of habitats that support a diverse array of both west and east African plant and animal species. Much of this safari takes place in the heart of the Great Rift Valley which runs along the western edge of Uganda. This division of the Rift is edged by some of the highest mountains in Africa, including the Virungas, the Mitumba Mountains and the Ruwenzori Range. It also contains several Rift Valley lakes, which include some of the deepest lakes in the world. Beginning in Entebbe on the shores of Lake Victoria, you drive to the Kibale Forest where birds, butterflies and eleven species of primates, including Chimpanzees, abound. Travel to Uganda for a spectacular solar eclipse experience!
Here you experience the life of an African forest with leisurely walks on well-marked trails, stopping often to look and listen. You then proceed to Queen Elizabeth National Park, a great scenic beauty with its jewel-like crater lakes, forests, and savannahs. The diversity of life here is stunning. Perhaps nowhere else in Africa do you find such a variety and so many large animals per square mile. No trip to Uganda is complete without a diverse wildlife programme there is so much to see that is unique to this particular location on the African continent - plus with us there is the added bonus of a solar eclipse 2010 extravaganza.
Giant candelabra euphorbias dot the landscape and herds of Elephants and Buffalo, attended by flocks of egrets, feed on the lush savanna grasses. In addition to wildlife viewing from your vehicle, a launch trip along the Kazinga Channel between Lakes Edward and George allows exceptionally close views and great photo opportunities of animals and birds. Spend two full days exploring the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, which protect habituated families of the highly endangered Mountain Gorilla and other primates and you visit Lake Mburo National Park with its herds of African Buffalo, Topi, Uganda Kob, Oribi, Reedbuck, Klipspringer, Defassa Waterbuck, Common Zebra and Eland. The finale of this remarkable safari is, of course, the rare opportunity of viewing a full solar eclipse. Throughout this safari you are accompanied by skilled local drivers and guides, professionals eager to share their knowledge with you.
Day 1: Monday (Jan 4) Entebbe
Your wildlife and solar eclipse safari in Uganda begins with your arrival in the Entebbe International Airport. Here you are met and transferred to the nearby Lake Victoria Hotel for the night. This recently remodeled hotel commands a nice view of Africa’s largest lake and is surrounded by pleasant gardens and a large swimming pool.
Day 2: Tuesday (Jan 5) Entebbe / Kibale Forest
In the morning you drive westward to the Kibale Forest. Traveling on both asphalt and unpaved roads, you pass through villages where people are busy tending their traditional crops of millet, sorghum, beans and maize. The lush rolling hills of this region provide many good “photo opps.” Along the way you are likely to see birds, such as the beautiful Black-headed Gonolek, Fan-tailed Widowbird, Double-toothed Barbet, Long-crested Eagle and some of the numerous sunbirds and weavers that perch on the fence rows and power lines near the road. As you approach Fort Portal in the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains, you enter Uganda’s famous tea plantation region. A carpet of green spreads out as far as the eye can see and seems an unusual contrast to the countryside through which you have just passed. In the afternoon you arrive at Primate Lodge near the Kibale Forest. This luxurious tented camp consists of eight unique safari tents raised on wooden platforms with private verandas which overlook the forest. Each tent is tastefully decorated in an African style, with comfortable twin beds, large windows and en-suite bathroom. B/L/D
Day 3: Wednesday (Jan 6) Kibale Forest
The Kibale Forest is, scientifically, one of central Africa’s best-known regions. Numerous studies have investigated the flora and fauna of the forest and many of its ecological relationships are well documented. Of the forest’s 11 primate species, most are well studied and accustomed to human observation. Well-marked trails make the forest easily accessible. Following an early breakfast you join your guides and walk into the rainforest in search of primates and other animals. Commonly seen species include red-tailed monkey, grey-cheeked mangabey and both red colobus and black-and-white colobus monkeys. As you hike the trails you remain alert, listening for the distinctive pant-grunts that signal the presence of chimpanzees. Chimps are abundant here and there is a high likelihood of your observing them as they make their nomadic treks along forest trails and forage for fruit in the canopy above. Your day in the forest is conducted at a leisurely pace. black-and-white-casqued hornbill, great blue turaco, grey parrot and Narina’s trogon are just a few of the many colorful Central African birds you may expect to find here. After lunch you explore a forested swamp looking for birds, primates and colorful butterflies. In the evening you return to Primate Lodge. B/L/D
Day 4: Thursday (Jan 7) Kibale Forest / Queen Elizabeth National Park
In the morning you drive south to Queen Elizabeth National Park, which is dominated on its northern border by the snow-capped peaks of the Ruwenzori Mountains - the famed “Mountains of the Moon.” This 767-square-mile wildlife conservation area is bordered on the northeast by Lake George and on the southwest by Lake Edward. Its western border adjoins the Republic of Congo’s Parc du Virunga. One of Uganda’s outstanding wildlife treasures, Queen Elizabeth National Park has recently been designated as a Biosphere Reserve for Humanity under UNESCO. The park covers 2000 sq km with a remarkable variety of habitats including semi-deciduous tropical forests, acacia bush-land, open savannah, lakes, rivers and swamps. In addition to its famous tree-climbing lions, Uganda kob, elephant, buffalo, hippo, baboons and chimpanzees, more than 500 species of birds have been recorded from this diverse ecosystem, making it a prime location for birdwatchers. Species recorded include the shoebill, black bee-eater, 11 types of kingfishers and a variety of raptors, including several falcons and eagles. Crater lakes provide feeding sites for flamingos, which create the image of a moving pink carpet. Our luxurious accommodations, at Mweya Lodge, command a wonderful view of the Kasinga Channel and Lake Edward. Nile hippo, warthogs and banded mongooses frequent the lawns around out accommodations. In the afternoon you begin your exploration of Queen Elizabeth National Park with an afternoon game drive. B/L/D
Day 5: Friday (Jan 8) Queen Elizabeth National Park
Your day begins with an early morning launch trip on the Kasinga Channel. This freshwater system, joining Lake Edward and Lake George, boasts the highest concentration of Nile Hippos in the world. In addition to these giant semi-aquatic mammals, the launch affords unique opportunities to view other mammals and birds as they come to the water’s edge to drink or bathe. Birding is excellent and you will most likely see species ranging in size from the tiny and brilliant malachite kingfisher to the giant goliath heron. Later in the morning you leave the water and reunite with your driver/guides to explore the park in a more traditional manner. Twenty years ago Queen Elizabeth National Park had the highest density of wildlife of any park in Africa. Although these populations were severely depleted during Idi Amin’s regime, today they are well on their way towards recovery. Uganda kob are here in the thousands and you also expect to see numerous defassa waterbuck, bushbuck, African buffalo, warthog and elephant. Giant forest hogs are fairly common in and near forested areas and lion and leopard are by no means rare. The scenic beauty of the park is a perfect backdrop for the wildlife drama that takes place around you. In the afternoon you return to Mweya Lodge. B/L/D
Day 6: Saturday (Jan 9) Queen Elizabeth National Park (Ishasha Area)
In the morning you depart on an extended game drive en route to the Ishasha River Valley, one of the African continent’s most spectacular areas with open park-like wooded grasslands. Your accommodations for the night are at a recently opened exclusive tented camp in this un-spoilt, remote, southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Famous for the tree climbing lions that may sometimes be seen resting on the branches of area’s fig trees as well as its large herds of African buffalo, elephant, Uganda kob, topi and other species of antelope, this camp provides an ideal location for wildlife viewing. Each tent has its own private en suite bathroom and dressing area providing hot water “bush” showers and eco friendly toilet facilities. Meals are served outdoors or in the central dining tent and lounge area besides the river. In the evening you relax around a campfire, recount the events of the day and listen to the nocturnal voices of the African bush. B/L/D
Day 7: Sunday (Jan 10) Queen Elizabeth National Park / Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
The Ishasha River Valley is one of the African continent’s most spectacular areas with open park-like wooded grasslands. It is the only place in Queen Elizabeth National Park with herds of topi, and the area is famous for its tree-climbing lions. It is also one of the few places in Africa where one has a chance of seeing the truly unique shoebill. This endemic African bird frequents the wetlands of central Africa where it hunts for frogs, fish, lizards, snakes, monitor lizards and young crocodiles. In the afternoon you leave the park and drive through a hilly region of neatly cultivated fields. Your destination is Gorilla Forest Camp, a permanent, luxury, tented camp located on the edge of the Bwindi Forest. Each tent has its own flush toilet and warm water shower en suite. Laundry and shoe cleaning are included services. B/L/D
Day 8: Monday (Jan 11) Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
In the morning you join your safari guides for a nature walk along forest trails in search of birds, primates and other wildlife. In the afternoon you have an opportunity to learn about the traditions of Uganda’s people with a visit to Buhoma village. During your walk you see the homes and farms of this rural community, visit a traditional healer, a school, a banana beer brewing facility and a bee keeper. You should also have an opportunity to add to your bird list. Your dinner and accommodations are at Gorilla Forest Camp. B/L/D
Day 9: Tuesday (Jan 12) Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Gorilla Sanctuary
The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is a World Heritage Site and the opportunity to see wild and free ranging gorillas here is, perhaps, the highpoint of this exciting safari. Following an early breakfast you drive to the park headquarters and meet the trackers and guides who will lead you to families of habituated gorillas. Well-trained guides lead us to the site where gorillas were encountered the previous day and from this point you track them to their current location. The trek can take between one and six hours, sometimes more, at altitudes in excess in 7,500 feet and over rough terrain. Although the hike may be physically demanding, the anticipation of the exciting experience ahead is invigorating and the beauty of the forest and its inhabitants fascinating. When you encounter gorillas, your fatigue is quickly forgotten. Observing a wild gorilla family in its natural habitat and on its terms is considered by many naturalists to be the most profound natural history experience in the world. Few who have had this rare privilege would disagree. It is important to recognize that these gorillas have only recently been habituated to tourist visits; their curiosity is obvious, but they have only begun to be accustomed to humans. Each strictly regulated 60-minute visit passes all too quickly and you must depart, leaving the gorillas to their fragile existence. After a visit with the gorillas and a picnic lunch in the forest, you return to camp with unforgettable memories of a rare and wondrous experience. B/L/D
Day 10: Wednesday (Jan 13) Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park / Lake Mburo National Park
After two memorable days in the Bwindi Forest, you leave the park and drive through a hilly region of neatly cultivated field that is often described as a “Little Switzerland.” The drive is only about 63 miles, but because the region’s beauty requires frequent stops, it may take four or more hours of driving time. Following a stop for lunch in the town of Kabale, you drive through the Ankole District where the people keep massively horned cattle. These animals have been bred in this region for centuries and are used as an indicator of personal wealth. The horns of these domestic beasts may measure well in excess of 8 feet from tip to tip. Small children tend the herds, making sure that the cattle don’t invade the fertile fields and banana plantations that dot the countryside. In the afternoon you arrive at Mihingo Lodge, a peaceful and luxurious retreat adjacent to Lake Mburo National Park. Located on more than 200 privately owned acres, it features ten tented rooms built on elevated wooden platforms and covered by thatched roofs. Spacious and comfortable tents are suspended under the thatch and equipped with en-suite bathrooms, hot and cold running water, showers and flush toilets. B/L/D
Day 11: Thursday (Jan 14) Lake Mburo National Park / Masaka
Lake Mburo National Park is surrounding by a lovely system of lakes and papyrus swamps and offers, perhaps, the best opportunity in Uganda to see birds associated with the acacia woodland habitat, such as the barefaced go-away bird, black-bellied bustard, black-headed gonolek, grey hornbill and cinnamon-chested bee-eater. The only large predators here are spotted hyena and leopard, but the park is home to a large variety of ungulate species including African buffalo, topi, Uganda kob, oribi, reedbuck, klipspringer, defassa waterbuck, common zebra and eland. This is the only place in Uganda where impala are found. Nile hippo and crocodile are also fairly common. Following a morning game drive and lunch you depart for the village of Masaka and check into your rooms at the Tropical Inn. In the evening you gather for dinner and a solar eclipse briefing. B/L/D
Day 12: Friday (Jan 15) Solar Eclipse / Entebbe
You depart before sunrise and travel to the eclipse site. (Confirmation of the exact location will be made the previous evening after an assessment of the area’s weather conditions.) Your observation of the eclipse begins at 7:00 AM and ends at 10:00 AM. The ideal location for our observation is in the southern section of the eclipse path where the remarkable Baily's Beads can be seen slowly moving across the edge of the junction of the moon-sun intersection. From this site, south of Masaka, about 147 seconds of Baily's Beads should be visible. However, if weather problems are expected, you may locate further north towards the center of the eclipse path. This may mean you will need to departure several hours before sunrise in order to be in the proper position. The first appearance of the moon on the sun's face (called 'first contact') occurs at 7:00 AM when the sun is at 1 degree above the east-southeast horizon. By mid eclipse, at 8:23 AM, the sun will be 20 degrees above the horizon and the eclipse ends at 10:00 AM when the sun is 42 degrees above the horizon. Local time is GMT+3 hours.
In the afternoon you drive back into the Lake Victoria basin, through huge papyrus swamps, patches of rainforest, and past coffee and sugar plantations. Following a stop in the town of Mpigi to visit local drum-makers and see how drums have been made in Uganda for centuries, you drive on to Entebbe and check into day rooms at the Lake Victoria Hotel. In the evening you depart for the airport and board your flight to Amsterdam. B/L
B-Breakfast; L-Lunch; D-Dinner
Note Regarding Gorilla Trekking: Visits to observe this extremely endangered species are strictly regulated. Traveling in small groups, participants enter the forest and are expertly guided to family groups of gorillas that have been habituated to human visits. Forest treks may take one to six or more hours. Because this program involves hiking at relatively high elevations and over rough terrain, participants must be in good physical condition. Each visit is time limited so as not to unduly impose upon the gorillas’ daily routine and natural behaviors. No one under 15 years of age is permitted to trek gorillas.
Take Special Note:
- Physical activities: This Uganda safari is, for the most part, not especially strenuous. Transportation is in four-wheel drive safari vehicles over good roads, with rest stops as needed. Everyone has a window seat for good views of the passing scenery and photo opportunities as you come upon them. Game viewing in Queen Elizabeth National Park is by four-wheel drive vehicle and motor launch. Short walks allow you to enjoy the Bwindi Forest, visit local communities and explore the Kibale Forest at a leisurely pace. Comfortable walking shoes are advisable, as you spend a longer period of time in Kibale searching for primates, birds and other animals. The trek to a family of mountain gorillas can take between one and six hours, sometimes more, at altitudes in excess in 7,500 feet and over rough terrain and this hike may be physically demanding. Participants should be in reasonably good physical shape and have the stamina to spend several hours on the trail. Age need not be a factor if one is otherwise in good health. See the itinerary for additional information, or contact us at The Independent Traveller if you have specific questions.
- Accommodations: Your accommodations throughout this safari are in very comfortable lodges and camps. Although your rooms may be tents, they are spacious and erected on raised platforms with a fly or thatched roof overhead to protect them from rain. Toilets and showers are built in, and one need not take a hike in the woods to find the bathroom! At some locations generators provide electricity only in the morning and evening. These may be supplemented by candles and oil lamps which create a romantic feel of "old Africa".
