Kristina's African Safaris
UGS2 Gorillas, Wildlife and Chimps - Kibale,
Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi
A 7 day safari which starts and finishes in
Kampala. (The Bwindi gorilla tracking permit is included in the cost). This
safari can also be done on a private basis.
This safari starts with Kibale Forest with
its thirteen species of primate including the chimpanzee. Tracking the noisy
chimpanzee families racing through this verdant forest is a thrilling
experience. Together with Bigodi Wetland nearby, many forest and swamp birds can
be seen. On 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. Track the fast moving and elusive chimpanzees in the
Kyambura Gorge nearby. Around Ishasha go on the hunt for the tree-climbing lions
lounging on old fig trees. Then continue to track gorillas in the primeval
forest of Bwindi. Bwindi has four habituated families and the gorillas there
live in thicker tropical forest and tracking is more challenging as the
hillsides are steeper. You can also go for nature walks to see birds, monkeys
and orchids.
On safari clients stay 2 nights at Ndali/Mantana
Kibale, 2 nights at Mweya/Jacana and 2 nights at Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge.
Day 1 SUNDAY
Briefing on the safari. Start for Fort Portal
via the town of Mubende set in rolling hills. Picnic lunch en route and continue
to Kibale. Arrive late afternoon. Relax at lodge or explore nearby crater lake.
O/N: Ndali/Mantana Kibale (FB).
Day 2 MONDAY
Track the noisy chimps and other primates
crashing around through the high canopy of the forest with colourful birds
squawking nearby. Packed lunch. Afternoon walk in Bigodi to see swamp birds and
see some of the community projects financed by tourism. O/N: Ndali/Mantana
Kibale (FB).
Day 3 TUESDAY
Either a day’s walk in the foothills of the
Rwenzoris, one of the great mountain ranges of the world, looking out for its
forbidding peaks in the distance, or drive straight to QE. The game seen will
depend on the season, the Kasenyi plains are good for lion and the Mweya
peninsula for a variety of animals. O/N: Mweya/Jacana (FB).
Day 4 WEDNESDAY
An excursion to Kyambura gorge nearby to track
the fast moving and elusive chimpanzees, one of man's closest relations. The
chimp population is quite mobile and viewing is unpredictable but the walk is
enchanting. Alternatively go for a nature walk in Maramagambo Forest to see
other primates and to visit the bat cave and the blue lake. In the afternoon
take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel where the wildlife and a vast array of
birds come to drink. O/N: Mweya/Jacana (FB).
Day 5 THURSDAY
Start 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 short
stroll around the Lodge or explore the village. O/N: Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge (FB).
Day 6 FRIDAY
Go gorilla tracking (subject to permit
availability at time of booking), walking up steep densely forested hills before
finally coming across the gorillas camouflaged in the vegetation. An inspiring
moment! Tracking in Bwindi requires stamina and can often take most of the day.
Alternatively go for a leisurely nature or community walk. O/N: Volcanoes Bwindi
Lodge (FB).
Day 7 SATURDAY
Early start for Kampala, retracing your steps
through this green and pleasant land. Picnic lunch en route. Arrive Kampala late
afternoon (HB).
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