Day 2 Kampala - Kibale Forest National Park
This morning we have a brief tour of Kampala including the Kasubi Tombs, Ugandan Museum, Namugongo Basilica, and Hindu Temples. We then head out by road to Kibale Forest National Park, famous for its families of habituated Chimpanzees. The park it is home to an astonishing number of 12 species of primates, the highest density in the World! This afternoon, on a guided walk, we'll hopefully encounter families of chimps and Red Colobus monkeys, all superb photographic opportunities. While in the vicinity of Kibale, we will visit a Jane Goodall Institute project. Here we will learn about snare removal programs and the way in which the researchers are working with the local communities to raise awareness of the problems of poaching and habitat destruction. Overnight at Kibale. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 3 Kibale - Queen Elizabeth II National Park
This morning we will have another guided walk, this time through the Bigodi Swamps. The Kibale Association manages the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for Rural and Environmental Organisation, formed in 1992 with the aim of achieving social and economic development for local communities. While on our guided walk around the swamps, we can distinguish many from the approximately 137 bird species found here, including the Snowy Headed Robin Cat, Black and White Casqued Hornbill, Emerald Cuckoo and a variety of weavers, warblers, greenbuls and sunbirds. There is also an abundance of butterflies, and rich in vegetation, such as wild palms, polita figs and the dominant papyrus. We then depart Kibale by road for the Mweya Peninsula in Queen Elizabeth II National Park, dominated on its northern border by the snowcapped peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains -- the famous 'Mountains of the Moon.' The varied ecosystems of this park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve for Humanity, support a wide variety of species including elephant, buffalo, lion and leopard. Overnight at Queen Elizabeth II National Park. Mweya Lodge or similar. All meals.
Day 4 Queen Elizabeth II National Park
Early this morning we cruise up the Kazinga Channel, a narrow band of water connecting lakes Edward and George. This is one of the most memorable experiences of a visit to Uganda, offering an opportunity to cruise amid members of Africa's largest hippo population. 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 and bathe. Birding is excellent, and we expect to see species ranging in size from the tiny, brilliant Malachite Kingfisher to the giant Goliath Heron. After a break for lunch and relaxation, we embark on an afternoon game drive in open savannah covered by acacia trees on the edge of the Albertine Rift Valley. We will search for the typical tree climbing Lions (among other things), a population which is found only in this part of the country. It is impressive to see the animals while they are resting on top of the fig trees. Overnight at Queen Elizabeth II National Park. Mweya Lodge or similar (FB)
Day 5 Queen Elizabeth II National Park - Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
We have a morning road trip through the Ishasha Plains and the East African Rift Valley via Fort Portal, to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest with picnic lunches (+/-6 hours). We pass through high, forested hills and through deep-farmed valleys. The drive is reminiscent to what one would experience driving through central Europe--indeed this region of Uganda is often referred to as "Little Switzerland." Overnight at Bwindi. All meals.
Day 6 Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Early morning entry into the gorilla sanctaury for your gorilla trek. Bwindi, a World Heritage Park, is home to just over half of the world's last surviving mountain gorilla population of 600 individuals. Today's trek* can take from one to six hours, sometimes more, at elevations in excess of 2270 m (7,500 ft) and over rough terrain. Travellers should be aware that if they turn around do to fatigue, illness or any other reason the remainder of the group will go on. Although the hike can be PHYSICALLY DEMANDING, the anticipation of the exciting experience ahead is invigorating, and the beauty of the forest and its inhabitants is fascinating. Your gorilla permits are included in the tour price ($500 per person). The area around Buhoma is an excellent place for watching primates and birds and you may catch a glimpse of the noisy but evasive Chimpanzees or the beatiful Hornbills and Turacos. The forest is home to 120 species of mammals, 346 species of birds, 202 species of butterflies, and 163 species of trees, making it one of the richest ecosystems in Africa. Overnight at Bwindi. All meals.
Day 7 Bwindi, Uganda - Kampala
After breakfast, depart for Kampala, having lunch enroute.
END OF THE GORILLA SAFARI
