EVERY MILE A MEMORY
The Pearl of Africa
- Information
- Tour Plan
- Location
- Gallery
- Reviews
- Additional Info
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What's included
- A guided tour of important places
- Accommodation in single twin share room
- All meals included
- Beautifully illustrated souvenir map
- Current Hotel Taxes and Service Charges
- Entrance tickets to monuments and museums
- First Entrance fees
- Observation and participation in allowed activities
- Professionally guided tour
- Unlimited bottled water
- Excess baggage charge
- Increases in airfares or Government imposed taxes
- International Air, unless expressly paid for
- Other International flights
- Personal expenses
- Tips to guide and driver
- Visa arrangements
The Human Touch
Uganda’s beauty is not all God-given; humankind has played a role in shaping this pretty face too. Uganda is referred to as the “Pearl of Africa” because of its diverse natural endowments and beauty as described by Winston Churchill. The country has a rich cultural diversity, boasting of over 66 tribes, languages, and dialects (population census report 2014). According to a UN Report, Uganda is the happiest country in East Africa and the friendliest country globally as pointed out by results from a BBC survey of expatriates.
The Awe-inspiring Gorillas
If your goal is to go mountain Gorilla trekking, Uganda is the ideal destination. Uganda is home to more than half of the world’s mountain gorilla population spread across two national parks — Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga. This provides a higher chance for you to encounter these precious gentle giants in Uganda than anywhere else.
The country that sits astride the equator, is rich in primate species, and Kibale National Park provides exceptional opportunities for Chimpanzee trekking and observing several species of monkeys.
Kidepo valley, Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks give Uganda a perfect balance between wildlife and nature. All these combined in a single trip are perfect for safari experiences in a savannah setting, where you can spot the big five — Lions, Buffalo, Elephants, Hippos, Leopards and various antelope species.
Uganda’s landscapes are particularly picturesque and cater well to those interested in natural history and active holidays alike.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bwindi is the best destination in Uganda to track mountain gorillas. The park safeguards approximately 40% of the world’s mountain gorilla population and features several habituated groups.
In addition to gorilla tracking, the park is also a bird-watcher’s paradise — with over 350 species recorded, including many endemics to the Albertine Rift.
Bwindi Impenetrable offers excellent gorilla trekking with almost guaranteed sightings of gorilla troops or families. It is unspoiled with a dense rainforest. The indigenous Batwa community experience, coupled with the Weitz safaris savvy tour guides, your gorilla trekking safari will come alive.
Gorgeous Weather & Climate
Situated on the equator, Uganda experiences minimal year-round temperature fluctuations.
The hottest months are January and February, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 24°C to 33°C (75°F to 91°F) and peaks reaching up to 40°C (104°F) in the far north.
The southern region has two wet seasons from mid-September to November and from March to May, though rain can occur at any time.
The northern region has a continuous wet season from March to November and a distinct dry season from December to February.
Generally, the southern region of Uganda shares the same tropical climate as Kampala, which enjoys a slightly milder climate due to its proximity to Lake Victoria.
The southern parks are typically warmer during the day and cooler at night. High-altitude areas, including the gorilla parks, experience significantly colder temperatures.
Soak In The Vast Wildlife
Elephants, hippos, buffalo, and zebras are abundant in Uganda. Lions, giraffes, and white rhinos are more localized but can be easily seen in specific areas. Leopards are less predictable as they are very elusive.
Birdwatching is a major highlight with over 1000 recorded species. Tracking primates, especially gorillas and chimpanzees, is also a key attraction, though many other species are worth observing.
The Ugandan Kob, an antelope found in most savannah reserves, is a favorite prey of lions.
Uganda is particularly rich in primates. Some of the notable species include the pastas monkey, red-tailed monkey, L’Hoest’s monkey, golden monkey, Ugandan red colobus, and Uganda mangabey.
The black-and-white colobus is widespread throughout the country.
- Day 1
- Day 2
- Day 3
- Day 4
- Day 5
Arrival and Transfer to Kibale National Park
Very early in the morning your Uganda safari guide will pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to Kibale National Park about 5-hour drive. Upon arrival in Kibale, you will check in at your accommodation and have lunch.
You will proceed to the park headquarters for a briefing. Following the briefing, you will be assigned a guide who will lead you into the forest to begin your chimpanzee trekking experience.
This forest is home to over 13 primate species including the red Colobus monkey, bushbabies, the rare L’Hoest monkey, black-faced vervet monkeys, blue monkeys, grey mangabey, pottos, plus baboons.
Birders have close to 335 species recorded to watch including the endemic Prirogrines ground thrush. The shady forest trails offer much delight to botanists and butterfly lovers.
After an exciting day of trekking and wildlife viewing, you will return to your lodge in the evening for relaxation, dinner and overnight rest, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the forest.
Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast at your lodge in Kibale Forest, you will embark on a scenic journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The drive will take you through picturesque landscapes, offering opportunities to spot wildlife along the way.
Upon arrival at Queen Elizabeth National Park, you will check in at your accommodation and have lunch. Afterwards, you will head to the Kazinga Channel for an afternoon boat cruise.
The Kazinga Channel is a natural waterway that connects Lake Edward and Lake George, renowned for its rich wildlife diversity. During the boat cruise, you can expect to see hippos, crocodiles, buffalos, and numerous bird species, including African fish eagles and kingfishers.
After enjoying the sights and sounds of the Kazinga Channel, you will return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and relaxation.
Early Morning Game Drive & Transfer to Bwindi Forest National Park via Ishasha
Rise early to embark on an exhilarating game drive through the vast plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Departing from your lodge before dawn, you'll have the chance to witness the park's wildlife awakening to the new day.
Keep your eyes peeled for iconic African animals such as elephants, lions, buffaloes, leopards, and a variety of antelope species as they roam the savannah in search of food and water. After an exciting morning of game viewing, return to your lodge for a hearty breakfast before beginning your journey to Bwindi Forest National Park.
As you travel, you'll pass through the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, known as Ishasha, famous for its tree-climbing lions.
Continuing your journey, you'll drive through scenic landscapes characterized by rolling hills and lush forests, eventually arriving at Bwindi Forest National Park for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
Gorilla trekking and Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi in Kabale
After a heavy early breakfast but with a packed lunch, you will transfer to the park headquarters in the respective region where your gorilla permit is located for a briefing before embarking on your gorilla trek at 8:30 am.
Park guides will after take you through the thick buttress root tree forest - tracking the gorillas.
This 2 – 8-hour Gorilla trek requires a reasonable degree of fitness. Once tracked, interaction with the gorillas as you listen to them grumble as well as taking photographs with them takes only 1 hour.
Following the trek, return to your lodge to freshen up and enjoy a well-deserved lunch. Then, bid farewell to Bwindi Forest as you embark on a scenic journey to Lake Bunyonyi in Kabale. Known as the “Lake of a Thousand Islands”.
Lake Bunyonyi is one of the most picturesque destinations in Uganda, offering stunning views of its tranquil waters and lush green islands. Arrive and check in to your accommodation for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
Morning Launch cruise & transfer to Kampala or Entebbe
After a hearty breakfast, you embark on the wooden engine boat cruise exploring the calm waters of Lake Bunyonyi – the second deepest lake in Africa intercepted by counts of 29 Islands some of which are inhabited.
Bid farewell to the serene beauty of Lake Bunyonyi as you embark on your journey back to Kampala or Entebbe.
Make a stop in Mbarara for a delicious lunch, allowing you to savor some local cuisine and perhaps stretch your legs before continuing your journey.
Next, make a memorable stop at the Equator, where you can capture some photos and witness the unique phenomenon of being at the meeting point of the Earth's hemispheres.
Browse through the souvenir shops for mementos of your time in Uganda, selecting gifts to bring back home or reminders of your safari adventure.
Afterwards, resume your journey to either Kampala or Entebbe, where you'll be dropped off at your hotel or the airport, depending on your departure arrangements.
More about Africa
More about Bwindi
More about Kibale forest
More about Lake Mburo N.P
More about Queen Elizabeth
More about Uganda
Travelicious Review
Uganda is an excellent destination for viewing wildlife in both forests and savannahs. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable or Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks is a must, while chimpanzees can be easily spotted in Kibale National Park and other locations. Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks provide fantastic savannah safaris with great wildlife viewing, as does the more remote Kidepo Valley National Park.
More about this tour
Uganda is an excellent destination for viewing wildlife in both forests and savannahs.
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable or Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks is a must, while chimpanzees can be easily spotted in Kibale National Park and other locations.
Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks provide fantastic savannah safaris with great wildlife viewing, as does the more remote Kidepo Valley National Park.
Uganda provides the perfect balance between wildlife and nature. You’ll marvel at the vast array of birdlife and unforgettable scenic views.
Uganda is also home to the world’s most powerful waterfalls at Murchison Falls National Park — Uganda’s oldest and largest park, stretching an area of approximately 3,840 square kilometers.
The park is bisected by the roaring Nile River, which forms a series of impressive cascades, culminating in the iconic Murchison Falls.
These Falls, often referred to as the “Devil’s Cauldron”, create a breathtaking spectacle as the rushing water squeezes through a narrow seven-meter gap, plunging a 45-meter drop over rocky cliffs.
The resulting spray and mist give the falls a mystical ambiance, attracting visitors from far and wide.
Murchison is also renowned for appearing in the 1951 Humphrey Bogart starred film “The African Queen” and having a long list of notable visitors: Winston Churchill, Theodore Roosevelt, Ernest Hemingway, and several British Royals.
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