Day 1 Arrival – Let the Adventure Begin

Landing in Entebbe, you will be picked up from the airport by a McBern Tours and Travel representative and taken to your hotel in Entebbe. Entebbe is a comfortable town, safe, with English the national language spoken. Overnight at K Hotel Entebbe, a newly opened, luxury hotel, with a casual, friendly atmosphere and stunning views of the great Lake Victoria, the 2nd largest fresh water lake in the world.

Day 2: Ngamba island (Chimpanzee sanctuary)

In the morning, after breakfast, you’ll take a boat trip on Lake Victoria to Ngamba Island. The island provides a sanctuary for rescued and orphaned chimpanzees. You will spend some time with the chimps. On your return to Entebbe, you’ll have time to go to the mall for forgotten items or just relax. Or, take an easy mile walk and visit The Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre – or simply called the Entebbe Zoo. The Centre cares for rescued and orphaned animals from elephants to leopards plus. Overnight again at K Hotel Entebbe.

Day 3: Day of the Local Communities

Today you will experience the local communities as you drive through villages to visit the Nakasongola clinic, partially supported by the Zimu Foundation, which helps make this trip possible. A typical Ugandan lunch will be served (very basic food, nothing too spicy or unusual) after which you will travel to the capital of Uganda, Kampala. With over 1.5 million people and a combination of buses, cars and ‘Boda Bodas’ (motorcycles) moving everywhere, this is quite an experience. Overnight at Arcadia Suites. Enjoy the roof top bar and restaurant.

Day 4: On to the start of the Safaris

After an early breakfast, you’ll travel to the western part of Uganda to Kibale National Park. Along the way, you’ll see baboons, tea plantations and you’ll make a cultural stop in Mubende to see the legendary Nakayima tree. Lunch en route. Dinner and overnight at the beautiful and intimate Kyaninga Lodge, nestled on the edge of an extinct volcanic crater lake.

Day 5. Chimpanzee Tracking!!

Today you’ll trek for chimpanzees through a tropical forest known for its high concentration of primates in Uganda. In addition, you’ll search for red-tailed, blue and the rare L’Hoeste’s monkey on this guided nature walk. Back to your lodge for lunch after which the afternoon can be spent on more local hikes, a swim in the pool, a massage, or just relax with some wine from the wine cellar. Dinner and overnight again at Kyaninga Lodge.

Day 6. Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

On your way, stops will be made at the famous Tooro King’s Palace and to Mabeere ga Nyina Mwiru – where legends lie and beauty abounds. Picnic lunch en route to Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you’ll stay the night. Upon arrival, an evening game drive is planned looking for elephants, lions, antelopes plus more. Dinner and overnight at the beautiful Mweya Safari Lodge, surrounded by the magical Rwenzori Mountains, the fabled “Mountains of the Moon”.

Day 7. Game Drive and Boat Ride on Kazinga Channel

The day begins early as we start with a morning game drive and head for the mating grounds of the Uganda Kobs. You’ll search for the lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, impalas, waterbucks, topis, flamingos at Kasenyi salt mining ground and other wild animals, before returning for lunch. In the afternoon you’ll take a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural channel between Lake Edward and Lake George. Thanks to the abundant bird life that is sighted, and the elephants, buffalo, crocodiles and hundreds of hippos that are cooling off at the shores, this cruise will definitely be one of the highlights of your safari. Return to your lodge for a dip in the infinity pool. Dinner and overnight again at Mweya Safari Lodge.

Day 8. Destination Jungle Gorilla Lodge

Have a relaxing breakfast and depart for our next adventure. On your way, you will do a game drive in Ishasha, which is in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park, famously known for the tree climbing lions. Dinner and overnight at the luxurious Bwindi Lodge – the Jungle Gorilla Lodge – ranked one of the best African resorts by Conde Nast Traveler.

Day 9: Gorilla Trekking !!

You will wake up very early in the morning and head to Bwindi Impenetrable forest for the famous gorilla tracking. Lunch will be packed. While at Bwindi Forest, expect to walk in steep and muddy conditions before getting to see the gorillas. Hikers will love the experience in the park. You will see the gorillas as they eat, play or rest. Depending on your time, you can also have a guided village walk and see the local communities of the Batwa pygmies who used to live in the forests and experience a bit of their culture and daily lives. Dinner and overnight again at Bwindi Lodge.

Day 10. Transfer to Lake Mburo

You will have breakfast and then proceed to Lake Mburo National Park. You will have lunch en route at Igongo Cultural Centre. Arriving late afternoon at Lake Mburo National Park you will have an option for an evening horseback riding safari. (Additional $70 for a two hour ride). Then enjoy a dip in the pool which overlooks the valley below where buffalo, eland, impala, warthogs, bush buck and zebra can be seen at the waterhole. Dinner and overnight at Mihingo Lodge.

Day 11: Transfer to Kampala

After breakfast, you will prepare for a transfer back to the capital arriving in Kampala in the evening. You will have a stop at the equator. Experience the fun dynamics of water flow! Overnight at Arcadia Suites for our last night in Uganda.

Day 12. Kampala City and Departure

You may have some time in the city for a city tour depending on the time of your international flight. Get to know Kampala and also have time for shopping. You will then be dropped off at the airport for your return flight.

Why Uganda?

Uganda is a beautiful, safe, English speaking country with a diverse landscape. Besides the amazing areas provided for safaris, Uganda is home to the famous endangered mountain gorilla sanctuary where ½ of the world’s population of these animals live. Approximate population today is around 900 gorillas. Being on the equator means the climate is at a constant temperature – not necessarily an extremely hot temperature. Climate is constant at around 80 degrees. Uganda is about the same size as Oregon and nicknamed Pearl of Africa by Winston Churchill based on its beauty. As they say in Uganda … You are Most Welcome (to their country), so come join us for a great experience.

Why Us?

This trip is a ‘Fair Travel’ trip, so to speak. You will see the cost is at least 30% lower than most because the trip is sponsored by non-profits in their efforts to bring people to Uganda to support their communities. No paid staff, along with local support makes this an amazing trip at a very affordable price. Please visit the web sites of our local providers – Zimu Foundation and McBern Tours and Travel, along with the resorts listed, to learn about their efforts to provide support for the local communities, and the environment, too.

INFORMATION DATES 2019 – 12 Days (plus travel time)

• June 30 – July 11
• August 18 – August 29
• December 27 – January 7

Or if you prefer to pick your own dates, for a custom trip, let us know.

FYI: Example for travel – leaving on a Friday from the U.S., you arrive Saturday night for a Sunday start. Returning you gain time since Uganda is approximately 8-9 hours ahead (changes with our time change).

Moderate Activity level.

Total Cost $ 5900.00 per person. Based on double occupancy – 5-6 persons per safari jeep.

A $500.00 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve a spot. All reservations need to be made at least 6 months in advance due to local permit requirements. Space is limited. Some lodges only have 8 rooms.

Optional upcharges:

• Single room upcharge $2400.
• Jeep for a party of 3-4 persons (instead of 6) upcharge $2000 per jeep.
• Jeep for a party of 2 persons upcharge $4000 per jeep.

Cost Includes:

• Ground transport in private 4WD safari jeep, with internet, driver and fuel.
• Experienced English speaking driver/guide.
• Full Board accommodation with Meals (not alcohol) at lodges in National Parks (Kibale, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi).
• Bottled mineral water and snacks in the safari vehicle.
• Park entrance fees and ranger fees.
• Activities as mentioned in the program.
• Hotel accomodation taxes and all permits including:
• Gorilla Permit ($600) for Bwindi in Uganda
• Chimpanzee Permit ($150) for Kibale in Uganda.
• Experiential lion tracking on the game drive ($60).

Exclusive of:

• Meals and drinks not mentioned (at your hotels in Kampala and Entebbe).
• Items of personal nature, Tips & laundry service.
• International Flight tickets.

INSURANCE:

• This trip is an investment and should be protected. Many insurance options are available but some recommendations include RoamRight, Travelex or Travelinsurance.com. For more information go to consumeradvocate.org and search.

For all questions and concerns, no matter how small – Please contact Rhonda.