The cooking co-op preparing your meal.

Discovering the Kingdoms of Uganda

Gorillas, Chimps and Music

11 Day Safari

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Entebbe, Uganda

Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to the Lake Victoria Hotel in Entebbe. Time permitting a visit to the famous Entebbe Botanical Gardens will be arranged. Overnight Lake Victoria Hotel.

Day 2 - Journey to Kibale Forest

After breakfast pack your bags into the vehicles and begin your journey to Kibale Forest. The drive, while long, is anything but boring. Your first full day in Uganda takes you through the Lake Victoria Basin into beautiful agricultural country where every type of fruit and vegetable imaginable is grown. Upon reaching Kyanjojo, in the lower foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains {Mountains of the Moon}, drive through beautiful tea plantations and into Kibale’s tropical rain forest. Arrive at your lodge, situated on a high saddle between two crater lakes, in time to explore a little before dinner. Overnight Ndali Lodge. All meals included.

Day 3 - Discovering the primate Kingdoms of Kibale

A good breakfast provides fuel for the day before you set out on your hikes. The Forest is home to more than 11 species of primates, including chimpanzees. Two trekking permits per person ensure ample time with the very animated members of this kingdom. The park rangers of Kibale are known for their excellent knowledge and will guide you through the foliage as you pursue primates of all kinds. The forest trails are steep. Hikers commonly see several large groups of chimpanzees. Extremely tall trees fill the forest and the canopy stretches out high overhead. You may also walk the perimeter of Kibale’s Magonde swamp where you can find the famous fire trees, plenty of large birds, amphibians and oodles of monkeys. Overnight Ndali Lodge. All meals included.

Day 4 - On Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park

A morning departure from Kibale takes you through Fort Portal and along the eastern length of the Rwenzori Mountains where you have a good chance of seeing the glaciated peaks. You then descend into The Great African Rift Valley to Queen Elizabeth National Park. In the park’s savannah you’ll encounter elephant, warthog, buffalo, Uganda Kob and more. Along the waterways of the park are hippos and amazing bird-life. This park also contains lion, leopard, baboon and hyena and is the location with the greatest concentration of Nile Hippo on the planet. Pass through the scenic area known as The Switzerland of East Africa en route to Bwindi Impenetrable forest where you end for the day. Overnight Gorilla Forest Camp. All meals included.

Days 5 & 6 - Exploring the Gorilla Kingdom in Bwindi

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is an enduring pocket of a huge primeval forest that once stretched from the Virunga Volcanoes in the South to the Rwenzori Mountains in the North. The fertile 331 square kilometers of the park contain 113 species of mammals (including a herd of the rare forest elephant), 200 species of butterfly, over 360 species of birds and a prodigious 324 tree varieties (10 of which are endemic to the park). In addition to this incredible diversity, Bwindi is home to seven species of primates, attracting the attention of international conservation efforts, of which the most endangered is that elusive giant of Africa-- the Mountain Gorilla. Only 600 of these magnificent animals remain worldwide, and Bwindi is home to just over half of them.

A short drive takes you to Park Headquarters where you will meet with excellent local guides and trackers who will give a talk on the etiquette of gorilla trekking. Then you hike into the forest where the gorillas were seen the night before and track from that point. The trekking can climb to altitudes in excess of 7,500 feet. The terrain is rough and at times muddy. Although the hike is physically demanding the beauty of the forest and surrounding scenery make the trekking worthwhile. Once the gorillas are located all fatigue is forgotten. These gentle mammals allow you to become part of their group, provided that you are respectful. You will spend about 45 minutes to 1 hour with them witnessing their everyday adventures. Often described as being the most profound natural history experience in the world, seeing these majestic and serene creatures in their natural habitat is not soon forgotten. While we cannot guarantee Gorillas, rare is the occasion that they remain hidden over the course of two days. Overnights at Gorilla Forest Camp. All Meals Included.

Day 7 - On Safari around Lake Mburo

You turn your sights back in the direction of Lake Victoria as you head to Lake Mburo National Park. Here you explore the shores and wetlands of the lake while on safari seeking out wildlife and birds famous in the region. Your safari takes you to Mihingo Lodge for the evening, where you can relax, allowing the reality of the last two days sink in as you lounge by the pool, enjoy the sounds of nature, or watch nearby wildlife. Take advantage of the numerous activities offered by Mihingo Lodge such as forest and savanna walks or simply wind down with a massage. Overnight Mihingo Lodge. All meals included.

Days 8, 9 & 10 - Journey into the Kingdom of the Busoga

Another Land, in conjunction with several villages and artisans in Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya, provides the highest quality cultural programs available in East Africa. All programs are authentic and participatory. The programs not only benefit the traveler by giving them an amazing cultural experience so few have access to, but also benefit the communities economically, socially and emotionally.

Other countries have tribes or clans. Uganda has kingdoms. Your cultural expedition takes you to the quiet paths of rural Uganda. Over the next three days you will engage in a musical and cultural exploration of the Kingdom of the Busoga.

En-route to the village you will receive a brief orientation on what to expect and traveler codes of conduct. Upon arrival you will discover many villagers have gathered and are waiting to greet you. During your time in the village, your hosts will introduce you to Busogan life. You will explore the village by foot, meeting the many villagers who wish to formally welcome you to their home. Bring your appetite, for there will be plenty of food prepared by the local cooking co-op. And you will want to refuel after learning traditional Busogan dances and playing their amazing ensemble on the 10-foot xylophone. Overnights at Gately on the Nile Guest House. All meals included.

Day 10 - Return to Entebbe and Farewell Uganda

You return to Entebbe full of new experiences and stories. Some may wish to book day rooms to repack or relax before evening departures. Others may have flights departing early afternoon and need to proceed to the airport directly. Airport transfers included. Breakfast and lunch included.

Itinerary subject to change.

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