English
DeutschCelebrate a wild and sunny Christmas in Uganda – “The Pearl of Africa”. Search for the endangered Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, trek for chimpanzees and enjoy safaris looking for tree climbing lions, buffalos, antelopes,chameleons and the largest variety and density of birds we personally have ever seen!
- Gorilla and chimp trekking
- Wildlife Safari with tree climbing lions
- Pygmy Culture
- Fly and drive for best experience
- Explore Uganda in custom made safari vehicles with professional guide
| Accommodation | Destination | Start | End | Basis | Room Type | Duration |
| The Boma Hotel Entebbe | Entebbe | Dec 20 | Dec 21 | B&B | 1x Double Room | 1 Night |
| Buhoma Lodge | Bwindi Impenetrable Forest | Dec 21 | Dec 24 | FB | 1x Standard Room | 3 Nights |
| Wild Frontiers Ishasha Wilderness Camp | Queen Elizabeth National Park | Dec 24 | Dec 26 | FB | 1x Framed Canvas, Luxury Tents | 2 Nights |
| Mweya Safari Lodge | Queen Elizabeth National Park | Dec 26 | Dec 27 | FB | 1x Standard Rooms | 1 Night |
| Primate Lodge Kibale | Kibale Forest National Park | Dec 27 | Dec 29 | FB | 1x Double Room | 2 Nights |
Key
B&B: Bed and Breakfast
FB: Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
Price
8 DAY JOURNEY: US$3,840.-pp plus US$600 Gorilla trek, US$50 Kyambura chimp trek, Single supplement US$583.-
10 DAY JOURNEY: US$4,750.-pp plus US$600 for gorilla trek, US$50 Kyambura chimp trek, US$150 Kibale chimp trek, Single supplement US$899.-
Price per person for the date indicated.
Included
Accommodation and meals as per package; airport meet and greet, light aircraft flight from Entebbe to Kihihi, 4×4 transport with english speaking driver/guide, National Park fees, Boat cruise on Kazinga channel, game drives as per package, local community visit en route from Bwindi to Ishasha, massage after gorilla trek;
Local drinks at Buhoma and Ishasha Wilderness Camp;
Light aircraft flight from Mweya to Entebbe for 8 day journey only (10 day journey drives back).
Excluded
International flight to Uganda (we can organize for you); visa and airport taxes, optional tours, porter to carry your private backpack during gorilla trek (US$30 and highly recommended); compulsory travel insurance,
Optional Outings: Batwa Pygmy visit US$85.-; Community visit: US$30.- Guided forest walk including park fees US$75.-
Our Africa Specialist Mark with the Silverback about 15 yards from him on recent journey
Day 1: The Boma Hotel Entebbe, Entebbe (Thu, December 20)
Uganda
Once referred to as the “Pearl of the British Empire in East Africa”, visiting Uganda, being one of the most beautiful countries on the African continent is like visiting the Garden of Eden. Uganda is a land of contrasts. In half a day you can drive from mist –shrouded volcanic mountains to hot, hazy savannah dappled with wildlife. Serene undulating lush hills of tea plantations give way to tangled jungle and rainforest with the musical accompaniment of chaotic, cacophonous birdlife. Uganda is alive with these contrasts: The tiniest sunbirds, iridescent in the morning light, the massive lumbering yet silent elephant, the chimpanzees crashing about the forest canopy, the majestic gorilla, chewing thoughtfully in the bamboo thicket. This is Africa the way it should be!
Ugandas biggest tourist draw are of course the mountain gorillas with almost half of the world’s population located in one of East Africa’s most famous national parks, the World Heritage listed Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. There is nothing in comparison to the thrill to observing these magnificent, peacefull apes in their native environment. But they aren’t the country’s only great apes. Humankind’s closest relative, the chimpanzee, is found in several of areas of Uganda.
Parks with varied wild life covering different habitats, few tourists and friendly people make for a memorable experience well worth visiting. And as Uganda combines both Central African forests and East African savannahs , it is home to more than half of all Africa’s species of birds!
Entebbe
Situated on a peninsula in Lake Victoria, the former seat of Uganda’s government, Entebbe is just a short drive from the current capital and offers plenty to keep visitors amused. This charming town features tree-lined streets and serves as an excellent base from which to explore the surrounding area. Tourists can look forward to spending days on beautiful beaches along the banks of Lake Victoria, stroll through the fields and forests of the magnificent Botanical Gardens, or pay a visit to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, a haven for country’s orphaned chimps.
Day Itinerary
Arrive in Entebbe where our representative will be expecting you for your transfer to your hotel.
Overnight: The Boma Hotel Entebbe
The Boma is situated on the outskirts of Entebbe and only 5 minutes from Entebbe International Airport. The Boma Guesthouse is ideally suited for business and recreational travelers alike.
The Boma is an ideal stopover for passengers inbound on late evening or outbound on early morning flights. The Boma will arrange all airport transfers leaving you relaxed in the knowledge of not having to travel to or from Kampala at night or in the early hours of the morning. Our staff and management team ensure guests receive a personable service and enjoy hospitality standards which are in keeping with the tradition of this charming lakeshore town.
The Boma consists of six bedrooms decorated along African themes, all of which have their own private bathrooms. A residents’ and diners’ bar set in a landscaped garden with lake views combine to provide a charming and relaxed “country house” experience. The main house includes a private dining veranda and living room for overnight guests. Although a pre-booked dining service is provided to non-residents, the premises retains a quiet atmosphere to guarantee a peaceful night’s rest for residents. The Boma’s walled compound has twenty-four hour security and car parking.
Double Room
Cosy room with a double bed, overlooking the swimming pool and garden and a private entrance. The room has an ensuite shower/bath and toilet, airconditioning, DSTV, tea & coffee station and wall safe. Some rooms have a micro-kitchenette.
Basis
Bed & Breakfast
Day 2: Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Fri, December 21)
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is where you have the best chance of spotting a mountain gorilla family going about their business. Once you have your permit you are led across the rugged terrain and though the awe inspiring jungle to where the gorillas were seen the day previously and then you track them down. Aside from the amazing gorilla interactions there are numerous forest walks and 346 species of birds to track down, many of which are amazingly coloured.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is one of Africa’s most ancient habitat. With an altitude span of 3,800’ to 8,550’ this antiquity has produced an incredible diversity of flora and fauna, even by normal rainforest standards. And we do mean rainforest; up to 8.2 feet of rain falls here annually.
Day Itinerary
After breakfast transfer to the airport for your scenic light aircraft charter to Kihihi airstrip. An approximate 90 minute drive through local villages and along mountain roads brings you to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a World Heritage Site and home to mountain gorillas. Choose from the optional activities this afternoon.
Optional
| Ride 4 A Woman Project |
| Orphange visit |
Ride 4 A Woman Project
A local project in the heart of Buhoma, Uganda which economically and socially empowers local women in the closest communities surrounding Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.There are currently 300 participants learning income-generating skills at the Bwindi Women’s Community Centre. Visitors are welcome to come and see the work they are doing to change lives. Women are tought how to weave and sew and products are offered for sale. They make lovely souvenirs and proceeds go directly to pay womens salary.
Overnight: Buhoma Lodge
Buhoma Lodge commands spectacular and uninterrupted views of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park home to the rare and elusive Mountain Gorilla. We offer a top quality, intimate lodge for our guests’ enjoyment in this area. Situated within the National Park, Buhoma Lodge is a short distance from the meeting point for gorilla tracking and other activities in the area. Ten comfortable cottages have been carefully built, each with its own private verandah, allowing wonderful views of the forest canopy of the National Park.
Inside the spacious cottages you will find comfortable beds, a well appointed en suite bathroom with flushing toilet and a hot shower and also some rooms with bath tubs. An elevated lounge area, complete with bar and dining facilities, offers a cosy, comfortable environment, to discuss the day’s activities around the fireplaces which add atmosphere and warmth in the cool evenings. Meals are freshly prepared with many local ingredients, offering a balance of international and locally flavoured cuisine with meals being of several courses. The bar has a selection of local and imported beverages and the friendly local staff will attend to your needs.
Buhoma lodge directly overlooking forest.
Basis
Full Board
Day 3: Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Sat, December 22)
Day Itinerary
Today will be a lifetime experience! Coming face to face with mountain gorillas is a rare wildlife encounter. Experienced guides and trackers will accompany your party on an early morning trek into the dense rain forest on the mountain slopes. The opportunity to come within meters of these magnificent apes, sharing in their daily lives while they go about their day-to-day activities, is an experience you won’t soon forget! Mountain gorillas are extremely rare with only an estimated 680 remaining in the wild. Please note that gorilla tracking may be fairly strenuous with treks ranging from 30 minutes up to six hours or longer, at high altitudes. Also, mountain gorillas are wild animals and, as such, sightings cannot be guaranteed. However viewing success rates are over 95%.
Check out our website for more details on gorilla trekking.
Head back to your lodge for a complimentary massage after your trek or explore the local community and village.
Please note that depending on the availability at time of booking your gorilla trek may happen today or tomorrow.
Activities
| Gorilla Trekking |
Basis
Full Board
Day 4: Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Sun, December 23)
Day Itinerary
Those with pre-purchased permits will depart for a second gorilla tracking experience following breakfast at the lodge. Depending upon individual itinerary schedules, guests not tracking gorillas may wish to enjoy other activities available in the area such as a forest walk, a visit to a local school/orphanage/hospital, or Batwa pygmy village, and some local curio shopping.
Optional (extra charge)
Batwa Community Walk
Batwa Cultural Village
Batwa Experience and Batwa Craft Banda
Batwa Community Walk
Since their removal from Bwindi Impenetrable Forest when it was designated a National Park , the Batwa Pygmies are living mostly on the fringes of existing villages, or in remote areas just outside the forest, where farming is difficult.
The Batwa tribe members are gradually learning to live in fixed agrarian communities now that their nomadic forest existence is no longer possible. Outreach programs are working to help them maintain their ancient traditions and culture while building their new lives.
Pygmy people are ancient dwellers in the forests, they were known as The Keepers of the Forest.
Batwa Cultural Village
The Batwa Cultural village is where the Batwa (Pigmies) still live in the same way they used to years ago in tree houses. The Batwa only began leaving their forest homes around 15 years ago and they have been able to remain on this land thanks to the support of a generous American benefactor who donated the land back to them and created a cultural program. The fees from visiting tourists and are given to the Batwa project and they delight in welcoming visitors to their village and demonstrating how they make weapons, dance, make fires using sticks and cook.
Batwa Experience and Batwa Craft Banda
The Batwa Experience was created by the displaced Batwa pygmies to educate their children and to share their amazing heritage and traditions with the world. Since 1992, the Batwa have been unable to live in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, their ancestors’ home. Yet they have not forgotten the old ways.
Step back in time to see how the Batwa lived for millenia in the Bwindi, one of the most beautiful jungles on earth and home of the famous mountain gorillas. Enjoy an incredible day hike in the rain forest with Batwa guides, see how the Batwa lived and hunted, learn about medicinal plants, and watch for animals and birds.
Optional
| Batwa Community Walk |
Batwa Community Walk
Since their removal from Bwindi Impenetrable Forest when it was designated a National Park , the Batwa Pygmies are living mostly on the fringes of existing villages, or in remote areas just outside the forest, where farming is difficult.
The Batwa tribe members are gradually learning to live in fixed agrarian communities now that their nomadic forest existence is no longer possible. Outreach programs are working to help them maintain their ancient traditions and culture while building their new lives.
Pygmy people are ancient dwellers in the forests, they were known as The Keepers of the Forest.
Basis
Full Board
Day 5: Wild Frontiers Ishasha Wilderness Camp, Queen Elizabeth National Park (Mon, December 24)
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Located in southwestern Uganda, the Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the county’s most popular parks. Volcanic craters, grassy plains, tropical forest and giant lakes connected by a channel inhabited by abundant hippos, are what you will see at the Queen Elizabeth National Park. The park has almost 100 types of mammal and 606 different bird species, including the peculiar shoebill. The Kasinga Channel alone is said to contain the world’s largest concentration of hippos, and other wildlife includes buffalo, the rare aquatic sitatunga antelope, giant forest hog, Uganda kob, Defassa waterbuck and elephant. Don’t miss the Kyambura Gorge, which is home to habituated chimpanzees.
Day Itinerary
This morning continue onto southern Queen Elizabeth National Park (2-3 hour drive) with brief stop enroute at the Ishasha Community Uplift Project. Immerse yourself in the “Taste of Uganda Tour” – a fun and educational experience for the inquisitive visitor who wonders how rural Ugandan women lives. Watch how local crops are transformed into local staples such as millet porridge and kalo bread. It’s a fascinating interactive experience.
Enjoy an afternoon game drive (safari), looking out for huge herds of buffalo, elephant and Uganda kob. Keep searching the trees for the famous tree-climbing lions in the region of your lodge.
Be sure to remind your guide to keep an eye out today for incredible colorful chameleons along the roadside! You might also be treated to the rare Crested Crane, Uganda’s national bird.
Overnight: Wild Frontiers Ishasha Wilderness Camp View iBrochure
Ishasha Wilderness Camp is situated inside the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP) on the Ntungwe River, and is an idyllic retreat for visitors who truly enjoy the wilderness. This exclusive camp offers quality accommodation and attentive service in an unspoilt area famous for its tree climbing lions that can be spotted resting in the large fig trees in the area.
Each of the ten framed, spacious canvas tents, set in a wooded area besides the river, is comfortably furnished. With the en-suite bathroom offering running water, hot water ‘bush’ showers and a flushing eco-friendly toilet. The appeal of camping, but with a great deal of comfort.
A central lounge/dining area, set under a cool thatched roof, provides a comfortable space in which to enjoy meals or kick off your safari boots, grab a book or a board game and simply relax. El fresco dining is enjoyed beside the river, and an evening fireplace is the perfect place for guests to relax with sundowners and share the day’s experiences.
Meals are freshly prepared with local ingredients, offering a balance of international and local flavoured cuisine, with most meals being several courses. The bar has a selection of local and imported beverages and our friendly, local staff will take care of your every need.
Framed Canvas, Luxury Tents
Each of the ten framed, spacious canvas tents, set in a wooded area beside the Ntungwe river, is comfortably furnished, with an en suite bathroom offering running water, hot water ‘bush’ showers and a flushing eco-friendly toilet. The appeal of camping that doesn’t compromise on comfort. A spacious patio outside each tent allows guests to take a bit of downtime, read a book or just stretch out while taking in the sights and sounds around them.
Basis
Full Board
Day 6: Wild Frontiers Ishasha Wilderness Camp, Queen Elizabeth National Park (Tue, December 25)
Day Itinerary
Merry Christmas!
Spend the festive day enjoying game drives in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park followed with a scenic bush sun-downer. This sure is what memories are made of!
Basis
Full Board
Day 7: Mweya Safari Lodge, Queen Elizabeth National Park (Wed, December 26)
Queen Elizabeth National Park
See Above
Day Itinerary
Head north toward the “Mweya” sector of the park to enjoy a leisurely boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a 20 mile natural channel linking Lake Edward and Lake George. Kazinga’s shores are dotted with herds of buffalo, pods of hippos wallowing without care and countless bird species. Drift past local fishing villages and soak up the peaceful tranquility of this beautiful African day.
Cruise normally departs at 2pm, although this depends on availability and is subject to change. No drinks/snacks provided on the boat. Please pre-plan and bring your own if you like.
Overnight: Mweya Safari Lodge
Mweya Safari Lodge offers visitors an unforgettable experience. Located on a peninsula within the heart of the Queen Elizabeth National Park, Mweya Safari Lodge is surrounded by the magical Rwenzori Mountains aptly described as the ‘Mountains of the Moon’ and overlooks the Kazinga Channel which links two of the Nile’s great lakes – Lake George and Lake Edward. Mweya Safari Lodge offers visitors a spectacular experience of luxury in the wilderness. All of the rooms have wonderful views of the channel. The Lodge offers a range of activities and attractions: game drives, boat trips, wild life viewing and more.
Standard Rooms
In our standard single, double and twin rooms, you will find a simple safari atmosphere with a level of comfort that will not disappoint.
These rooms are perfectly situated to view the picturesque Lakes George and Edward. One can also view the Rwenzori Mountains while sitting on the balcony watching the warthogs graze.
Additional Features
Electronic Safes
Telephone
All rooms have Balcony doors
Fans
En-suite bathroom
Basis
Full Board
Day 8: Primate Lodge Kibale, Kibale Forest National Park (Thu, December 27)
Kibale Forest National Park
Located in southern Uganda, Kibale Forest National Park is said to be home to the highest density of primates in Africa. Although the highlight of the park is the habituated chimpanzees, the treetops are alive with all manner of monkey including: red-tailed monkey, L’Hoest’s monkey, grey-cheeked mangabey, red colobus and black and white colobus monkeys are all spotted here. When you’re not searching for monkeys there are over 300 bird species and an incredible 250 species of butterfly to keep you busy. Visitors can look forward to chimpanzee tracking, birding tours and guided nature walks.
Day Itinerary
Early start this morning with the highlight being your chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge.
The forest is alive with noise! Chimps can be quite active and may move quickly through the forest canopy…or, if you are lucky, you may find them resting or eating near the forest floors. It’s an exhilarating walk in beautiful scenery. As with gorilla trekking, sightings can not be guaranteed.
After this activity, we head to nearby Mweya airstrip for those wishing to return to Entebbe and back home today. (Please do not book your flight out of EBB prior 7pm).
8 DAY SAFARI ENDS HERE!!!!
For those on the 10 day safari, a 3-4 hour drive takes you to famous Kibale Forest, home to red tailed monkeys, diadem monkeys, olive baboon, chimps and black/white colobus.
Overnight: Primate Lodge Kibale View iBrochure
Primate Lodge in Kibale is an exclusive eco-lodge situated in the heart of Kibale Forest National Park. It is surrounded by a lush tropical forest that is home to 13 different species of primates, including the chimpanzees. Privately secluded in the rainforest, this safari lodge offers you a truly authentic jungle experience and is the perfect gateway for tracking the primates in Uganda. Whether you wish a high level of luxury and comfort, rather stay in a midrange cottage or want to bring your own tent, Primate Lodge Kibale is the ideal place for you. Primate Lodge Kibale was awarded with the Chimp Award 2008 for Investment in Eco-Tourism by Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Double Room
Features a double bed with high ceilings and a grass thatched roof with mosquito nets to keep the bugs away while you sleep, an ensuite bathroom with hot water running 24/7, and a private deck facing the forest
Basis
Full Board
Day 9: Primate Lodge Kibale, Kibale Forest National Park (Fri, December 28)
Day Itinerary
Your Kibale Forest chimp trek with generally take place in the morning. Rest of day at leisure. Grab your binoculars and see what you find in the vicinity, big and small.
Basis
Full Board
Day 10: End of Itinerary (Sat, December 29)
Day Itinerary
Depart early after breakfast for the drive to Entebbe arriving there late afternoon. Please do not book your flight prior 7pm.
Basis
Bed & Breakfast
Note: Final itinerary may vary slightly due to the availability of rooms. Comparable lodges may be used but will be advise at time of booking.
Cost for 2nd gorilla trek would be US$670 which includes extra transfer service to starting point of trek. Weight limit on light aircraft is 33 pounds.
If you have more time available, we recommend the following extensions:
Murchison Falls: River Nile, Safaris, chimp trekking, fishing, bird-watching, 3 nights
Kibale: Suggested 2nd night to hike crater lakes and forest walks
Jinja: Source of the Nile River, adventure activities including white water rafting, bungi jumping.
Entebbe: City life and local craft shopping, boat cruises or fishing on Lake Vicotira, Botanical Gardens, Uganda Wildlife Education Center/Ngamba Island.
Conditions as per our website: http://www.adventuretoafrica.com/Terms-and-conditions/ All participants required to sign liability release form. Images are for reference only. Malaria prophylaxis is highly recommended and yellow fever a requirement for this itinerary. Price discounted for deposit payment by credit card with final payment wire or check only. Travel and evacuation insurance is highly recommended. No reservations have been made and quote subject to availability. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.
