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ITINERARY 19 DAYS AND 18 NIGHTS

Day 1: Welcome to Uganda, The Pearl of Africa!

Arrival at Entebbe International Airport where we shall be waiting to welcome You! According to your arrival time it will be possible to organize some small activity. Later transfer to Kampala for dinner and overnight at Metropole Hotel (or similar) / Ature Guesthouse (or similar).

Day 2: The chimps of Ngamga Island and Kampala

After breakfast transfer to the pier for the general briefing; from there a private boat will take you in 45 minutes of pleasant navigation on the Lake Victoria to reach Ngamba Island, chimps Sanctuary. This project, implemented by many associations, aim to ensure the life to a large group of unlucky chimps with bad life’s histories, basically rescued from a sure death!

After familiarizing with the new charming place (plenty of birds, monitor lizard etc.) and after attending a second specific briefing about the chimps and their life in the island you will witness, from strategic wooden platforms, the exiting moment when the whole family of primates come out of the forest in a noisy way to eat the fruits and vegetables that the staff members throw them.

It will be you feeling in a fence, infact the all island and its beautiful tropical rain forest belongs to the chimps (the space reserved to us is nice but small...).

After a cup of coffee you will return by boat in Entebbe where we shall be waiting you for lunch. In the afternoon transfer (45kms) in the capital Kampala where, according to your interests (and to the traffic jam!!!) you will be able to visit some of the most important places.

Dinner and overnight at Metropole Hotel (or similar)/ Ature Guesthouse (or similar) in Kampala.

Day 3: Kampala and The Rhinos of Ziwa

This morning, after breakfast, you will experience the caos of Kampala, always rich of unusual scenes...

You will first visit the National Museum, to have a general but detailed briefing of the many cultures present in the country; you will then proceed to the National Theatre where you’ll have an excellent opportunity to shop souvenirs at the best prices! It will be now time for a lunch-buffet with the best of the local cuisine.

In the afternoon depart to the north; after about 2 hours (you will be now in Nakasongola District where you will no longer see the welfare of Kampala...) it will be already time to focus on the first animals on the list for today: the rhinos of Ziwa! You will experience the thrill of walking nearby these huge mammals in this piece of wooded savanna, making pictures of them from few metres.

After leaving Ziwa you will find yourself immersed in the middle of african villages, enjoing beautiful colors and lanscapes (here it’s one of the best places where to photograph the famous Ankole cows); you will soon reach Masindi town, where you will stop for dinner and overnight at Masindi Hotel

Day 4: The Top of the Falls and the Delta of the Nile

After breakfast you will restart the journey, leaving the tarmac road.. soon you will enter the biggest (and perhaps the most beautiful) national park of the country: Murchison Falls. You will pass inside Budongo Forest (rich of primates and old mahogany) before to reach the spectacular Top of The Falls. Here you will stop for a while to admire the powerful and spectacular falls and to take pictures.

Later proceed to the lodge arriving in time for lunch.

In the afternoon you will go for a game drive in this wonderful savanna in search of the many animals leaving here or relax at the pool enjoying the view of the river Nile.

Finally you will attain Paraa Safari Lodge/ Red Chilli Rest Camp for dinner and overnight.

Day 5: The northern sector of Murchison Falls!

This will be the day entirely dedicated to the exploration of the park! After an early breakfast (6:30 a.m.) you will start the day with a game drive which will take you slowly trough the elegant giraffes, the heards of buffaloes, the numerous species of antelopes, the elephants (alone or in group) and the colorful birds (saddle billed stork and shoe bill among others) to reach to Delta of the Nile in the Lake Albert; here most often lions and leopards are spotted, waiting to ambush their prey nearby the water! Return back to the lodge in time for lunch.

In the afternoon take a 3 hours boat ride on the Nile to the bottom of the falls; enjoy the view of many animals icluding hippos, crocodriles as well as elephants and antilopes coming to drink to the river, and of course plenty of colorful birds (African Darter, Giant Kingfisher, African Jacana, Goliath Heron, sunbirds, bee-eaters, etc.). Return for dinner and overnight at Paraa Safari Lodge/ Red Chilli Rest Camp.

Day 6: The western Rift Valley occidentale and Hoima town

Today you will start the transfer that in two days time will take you to reach the famous Toro Kingdom.

As soon you will leave the park the tipical african villages will begin; you will have time to stop where you want and to take pictures.

You will pass through wonderful places like the Albertine Rift Valley, stopping at a panoramic view point from where you will be able to see the Lake Albert, the Bugungu Forest and, on clear days, the Blue Mountains of Congo! You will continue going through green cultivated hills (cotton, tobacco, cassava etc.) up to Hoima town, where the daily transfer will end.

In the afternoon you will visit this colorful town and its markets, having the chance to see properly the african life style...
Dinner and overnight at Hotel Kon Tiki.

Day 7: Toro Kingdom

After breakfast restart the interesting transfer to Fortportal.
Here you will see tens of small villages until Kyenjojo town, where you will finally meet the tarmac road! Packed-lunch en route. From here to Fortportal you will enjoy the magnificent view of the green tea plantations!
Arrival in the late afternoon for dinner and overnight at Mountains Of The Moon Hotel/ Chimpanzee Forest Guest House.

Day 8: The chimps trekking in Kibale Forest

After an early breakfast head to Kibale National Park, in the picturesque region of the crater lakes (around 30), for the chimps trekking; this activity starts at 8 a.m. Half day in search of chimps and other primates (12 species in total, including the nocturnal ones) like the Guereza, the Guenons, the Grey Cheeked Mangabey, the Black and White Colobus, the Red Colobus, etc. while swinging and jumping on the branches of the tall trees; plus birds, colorful butterflies and small insects.. The guide will provide detailed explanations on the whole fauna and flora of the forest.

Today, if you wish, for lunch you will test the genuine local food (very interesting experience)! In the afternoon you will transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park, via Kasese town on the shade of the Rwenzori Mountains. Game drive in arrival.

Dinner and overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge (or similar)/ Simba Safari Camp.

Day 9: Sempaya hot springs

After breakfast departure to Semliki National Park; enjoy the colorful road!
After two hours you will be able to visit the hot springs, while in lush vegetation. It will be also possible to visit the community of pigmies resident around. Have packed lunch.
In the afternoon return in Fortportal town for dinner and overnight at Mountains Of The Moon Hotel/ Chimpanzee Forest Guest House.

Day 10: Queen Elizabeth National Park: The Kazinga Channel

After a cup of tea or coffee, at 6:30 a.m. you will leave for game drive: this is the best time to spot hyenas, lions, leopards, giant forest hogs, hippos coming back to the rivers, huge heards of buffaloes and elephants, ugandans cobs and crested cranes (both national animals in Uganda) among others. Return in time for lunch.

In the afternoon enjoy a 2 hours boat trip in the Kazinga Channel: this real documentary will allow you to see many animals (elephants, hippos, crocodriles, antelopes etc. )and plenty of birds (African Spoon Bill, African Opened Bill, Yellow Billed Stork, Malachite Kingfisher, African Skimmer, African Fish Eagle, Squacco Heron, Hamerkop etc.); it’s an excellent and unique opportunity to take wonderful pictures!

Optional: small evening game drive around the peninsula of Mweya trying to spot the shy leopards and to enjoy the colors at the sunset.
Back for dinner and overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge (or similar)/ Simba Safari Camp.

Day 11: Queen Elizabeth National Park: The chimps in Kyambura Gorge

After a cup of tea or coffee, at 6:30 a.m. you will leave for game drive: this is the best time to spot hyenas, lions, leopards, giant forest hogs, hippos coming back to the rivers, huge heards of buffaloes and elephants, ugandans cobs and crested cranes ( both national animals in Uganda) among others. Return in time for lunch.

In the afternoon transfer to Kyambura Gorge for your second chimps trekking; escorted by a ranger you will descend into the gorge to look for chimps and other primates; the fatigue for the walk, not always easy, is rewarded by the view of the great vegetation of this real jungle.
Return in the late afternoon at the lodge; dinner and overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge (or similar)/ Simba Safari Camp.

Day 12: Queen Elizabeth National Park: The tree climbing lions in Ishasha

After breakfast departure for the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Ishasha, famous for the tree climbing lions. On arrival you will start a game drive trying to spot these amazing cats, the “small” but stubborn forest elephants and the numerous species of antilopes found here. Have your packed lunch at the charming campsite, at the border with Congo... In the afternoon go for another game drive in this spectacular park searching for these amazing cats, the “small” but stubborn forest elephants and the numerous species of antilopes found here. Return for dinner and overnight at Ishasha Wilderness Camp/ Savannah Resort.

Day 13: To Bwindi

This morning you can choose to do a new game drive in Ishasha and to transfer in Bwindi after lunch or, if satisfied with the game drives of the previous day, to transfer directly to Bwindi after breakfast.

In this second case, in the afternoon, you can do a very interesting guided community walk in Buhoma; here you will discover how people treat themselves when sick (traditional healer), how they make local beer and gin; you will also visit a school and if you wish the local community of pigmies.
Dinner and overnight at Engagi Lodge/ Buhoma Community Bandas o in Rwanda a La Palme Hotel.

Day 14: The Mountains Gorillas

This will be the most important day: the gorilla trekking!

After a briefing from the UWA rangers (Uganda Wildlife Authority) it will be already time to set off for the impenetrable forest.. The time you will spend in the forest is unpredictable, as it depends on the movements of gorillas in that day.. You will carry enough food and water; it is advisable to be in good fisical conditions, even if you will be helped by the porters (extra service: recommended!).
Among the animals living in the forest, the golden monkeys, buffaloes, forest elephants, duikers and bushbacks, leopards, giant forest hogs etc.

You will first reach the trackers; after leaving bags and walking sticks you will soon reach the gorilla family, where you will spend one full hour in their company!!
The excitement caused by the presence of these gentle primates it’s an amazing and rare adventure that for sure you will remember for ever! They are really animals lacking only the words...
It is for sure an unforgettable experience to see and photograph them as they interact amongs them. Dinner and overnight at Engagi Lodge/ Buhoma Community Bandas o in Rwanda a La Palme Hotel.

Day 15: The Lake Bunyonyi

After breakfast begin the transfer to lake Bunyonyi; the narrow road passes in the heart of Bwindi forest, to exit on the opposite side in the Switzerland of Africa. Arrival at lunch time.

In the afternoon you will take a relaxing boat ride in Bunyonyi, this volcanic lake, the deepest of the country, the only one bilharzia-free, rich of small islands with many histories that the guide will be happy to tell you... Return for dinner and overnight at Arcadia Cottages.

Day 16: The Lake Mutanda

After breakfast leave to Kisoro; you will pass through landscapes unexpected at this latitude.. the region infact is called the Switzerland of Africa! After two hours you will reach Kisoro, the last ugandan town before the border with Congo and Rwanda. Arrival at the enchanting Nkuringo Safari Lodge in time for lunch. Relax.

In the afternoon you will go for a boat trip to explore this mystic lake with view on the 4 volcanoes; enjoy the many bird species leaving on the lake (Malachite Kingfisher, Purple Heron, Long Crested Eagle etc.)! Return for dinner and overnight at Nkuringo Safari Lodge.

Day 17: Ankole region and Lake Mburo NP

After breakfast head back in direction of kampala.
You will first pass through the very busy Kabale town and then enter in the Ankole region, famous for its cows’s horns (impressively long!) and for its green, rolling landscapes. Have lunch in Mbarara, one of the most developed and richest town (according to the ugandan standards).

In the afternoon you will enter the smallest national park in Uganda, lake Mburo, in time for a game drive. Dinner and overnight at Mihingo Safari Lodge/ Arcadia Cottages.

Day 18: Lake Mburo National Park

This will be the day dedicated to the park; you will start with a game drive searching for the many species of antelopes, the elegant zebras (present just here and in Kidepo NP), the leopards and hyenas and the many species of birds. Back for lunch and relaxation to the lodge.

In the afternoon you will enjoy a boat trip in the lake; among others hippos, buffaloes, fish eagles, malachite kingfishers, goliath herons and many others. After an evening game drive you will return for dinner and overnight at Mihingo Safari Lodge/ Arcadia Cottages.

Day 19: Back to Entebbe

After breakfast you will leave the park; soon you will reach Masaka, in the Buganda Kingdom. Later you will stop at the equator for the last shopping of souvenirs. Reach Kampala in time for lunch.

In the afternoon you will reach Entebbe where at the convenient time you will be transferred to the Airport for your return flight.