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8 DAYS/ 7 NIGHTS: UGANDA GORILLAS, WILDLIFE, BIRDS & CHIMPANZEES
 
This 8 day safari visits Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Bwindi Forest.  On this safari  you will track the noisy chimpanzee families racing through this verdant forest in Kibale and in Kyambura Gorge, view game the savannah plains below the Rwenzoris, see the great game of Africa in the magnificent Queen Elizabeth National Park – elephant, lion, buffalo, hippo and leopard.  In Ishasha go on in search for the tree-climbing lions lounging on old fig trees and finally track the gorillas  Bwindi Forest.

Day 1 Saturday                Kampala
Met on arrival by To Africa Tours & Safaris representative and transfer to your hotel for overnight.
Kampala Sheraton or Grand Imperial Hotel.

Day 2: Sunday                    Ndali/Kibale
After breakfast depart for Fort Portal via the town of Mubende set in rolling hills. Time permitting; take a two hour detour to visit the Nakayima Shrine, a 400 year old tree venerated in local folklore as holding the spirit of an ancient king. Make an offering to the spirits! Picnic lunch en route and continue to Kibale. Arrive late afternoon. Relax at lodge or explore nearby crater Lake.
Ndali/Mantana Kibale (B, L, D).

Day 3: Monday                         Ndali/Kibale
This morning track the noisy chimps and other primates crashing around through the high canopy of the forest with colorful birds squawking nearby. Afternoon walk in Bigodi to see swamp birds. The tourism and conservation activities in Bigodi wetland have helped build a number of community projects including a local library and a new secondary school.
Ndali/Mantana Kibale (B, L, D).

Day 4: Tuesday                    Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast drive to Queen Elizabeth.  The Kasenyi plains support large concentrations of game especially lion. The area around the seven crater lakes in the northern hills is very scenic but game viewing is erratic. The Mweya peninsula is usually good to see the large mammals, bushbuck, waterbuck, and elephant, as well as the unusual giant forest hog. Leopard may also be seen in this area.
Mweya/Jacana Lodge (B, L, D).

Day 5: Wednesday                     Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast you have several options:  an excursion to Kyambura gorge nearby to track the fast moving elusive chimpanzees, one of man's closest relations. The chimp population is quite mobile and viewing is unpredictable. The walk in this "lost world" is nevertheless enchanting, or visit the tropical Bee Care Centre to look at their range of community projects from bee keeping, honey making to the community nursery for children. Alternatively go for a nature walk in Maramagambo Forest. This forest harbours some unusual species - red-tailed and L’Hoest’s Monkey, potto, giant forest hog, pygmy antelope, and giant elephant shrew. You can also visit the bat caves and the blue lake. In the afternoon a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel which is especially rewarding for viewing a variety of game, especially hippo, buffalo, elephant and a vast array of birds.
Mweya/Jacana Lodge (B, L, D).

Day 6: Thursday                      Bwindi Forest
After breakfast depart for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Either drive via Ishasha, home of the tree climbing lion, roads permitting, or take the alternative route through cultivated expanses. Time permitting; go for a guided nature walk in the thick forest rich in birds, butterflies and primates.
Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge (B, L, D).

Day 7: Friday                     Bwindi Forest
Morning track gorillas up steep densely forested hills (subject to permit availability at time of booking), a thick and humid forest you almost have to cut your way through the undergrowth. Tracking in Bwindi requires stamina and can often take most of the day. Alternatively go for a leisurely walk on one of the trails that meander through the Impenetrable Forest.
Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge (B, L, D).

Day 8: Saturday                Kampala - Depart
After breakfast depart for Kampala, retracing your steps through this green and pleasant land.  Arrive Kampala late afternoon and transfer to the airport depending of your flight times or overnight in Kampala (B, L).

Prices include: transport and a driver/guide for the itinerary agreed, accommodation on a shared basis and meals as stated (in Kampala, Entebbe and Kigali bed and breakfast only and on safari full board) and, where appropriate, boat trips, park fees, chimpanzee permits and one gorilla permit. At Volcanoes gorilla lodges (Bwindi, Mount Gahinga and Virunga), the tariffs are on an all-inclusive basis including unlimited consumption of all alcoholic and soft drinks; laundry services; and any activities clients wish to do around the lodges. A complimentary massage is also offered.

Prices exclude: airfares to Uganda/Rwanda, entry visas and airport taxes. At non-Volcanoes lodges all personal expenditure such as tips, telephone calls, laundry and drinks are excluded.

Important notes:
1. All gorilla permits need to be purchased at the time of booking or a deposit equivalent to 20% of the cost of the safari paid, whichever is higher. Gorilla viewing is subject to availability of permits, which are limited; any additional gorilla permits required should be purchased when booking. Gorilla permit prices are subject to change without warning.

2. The safari prices include a $100 contribution per client which will be transferred to the Volcanoes Partnership Trust, a separate non-profit organisation to undertake community and conservation activities.

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