16 Days Uganda Ecotourism Tour

5000$

per person

This 16-day ecotourism safari allows visitors to see the gorillas of Bwindi and probably track a second time in Mgahinga, Nkuringo, Ishongi (in Bwindi South) or even in Congo nearby . See the chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge and Kibale Forest and participate in the Chimpanzee habituation Experience. Also see birds Kibale, Budongo, Kyambura, Bwindi and QE Parks – everywhere on this trip! Tour ends with Lake Mburo Park and a visit to the Source of the River Nile in Jinja

Uganda is well known for its immaculate attractions. This trip allows you a chance to enjoy these pulls. Some five parks, in the Western section of the country, are selected for a comprehensive exploration.

The safari starts with Kibale Forest National Park in the West, continuing to Queen Elizabeth Park, and then on to Bwindi and Mgahinga Gorilla parks all World Heritage Sites. Kibale Forest has the highest number of primates in Africa – thirteen species in all, including red, black and white colobus, blue monkeys, baboons and a large number of chimpanzees.

A forest walk and Habituation Experience provides a high possibility of seeing and hearing the vast number of chimps and other primates playing and jumping around through the forest. With over 300 bird species recorded in the forest, Kibale boasts of many rewarding experiences not thought of in some other forests of the world. An excursion to Bigodi and Magombe wetlands gives the opportunity of seeing the unusual birds, chimps, baboons, monkeys and other primates which live around the swamp.

See abundant game in Queen Elizabeth park including buffalo, tree-climbing lion, leopard, warthog and the ever present hippo. Birds are everywhere on the kazinga water channel, in Kyambura and Maramagambo forests, on game tracks! The beautiful steeply forested Kyambura Gorge is home not only to chimpanzees but also the red-tailed monkey, black and white colobus and many bird species. Around Ishasha go on the hunt for the famous tree-climbing lions which lounge nonchalantly on old fig trees.

Further south in Bwindi go gorilla tracking and see other primates, birds and butterflies before continuing to Mgahinga, which is part of the Virunga Conservation Area, for gorillas and breathtaking volcanoes. Track gorillas again or climb a volcano, go birding, take in the breathtaking landscape or visit local Batwa animist communities.

Return to Kampala via Lake Mburo, one of Uganda’s most striking parks rich in birds, hippo, buffalo, zebra. Visitors are briefed on conservation by four different park officials/wardens. They stay in well- selected environmentally friendly Camps and lodges.

16 Days

12+ Age

Bungee Jump

Uganda

Wildlife Safaris

Departure

Tour startTour starts from: “Entebbe” at 10:00 a.m. every Saturdays from: Kampala, Entebbe, Uganda
Departure Time

Please arrive by 9:15 AM for a prompt departure at 9:30 AM.
Return Time

Approximately 8:30 PM.
Dress Code

Casual. Comfortable athletic clothing, hiking shoes, hat, light jacket.
Include

From Our Gallery

Birding in Entebbe, Murchison Falls, Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth Park, Bwindi, Mgahinga and Lake Mburo with Gorillas.

Day 1: Arrival

Arrive Entebbe airport. Meet, greet and transfer to your hotel in Entebbe or Kampala for overnight (BB)

Day 2: Kampala to Kibale Forest

Start for Fort Portal via the pretty little town of Mubende set in rolling hills. A brief stop at Nakayima Shrine, a splendid tree known to be 400 years old, worshipped by local people and thought to be holding the spirit of an ancient king. Picnic lunch en route and continue to Kibale. Arrive late afternoon. Relax at lodge or explore nearby Crater Lake. [Approximate driving time: 6 hours]

Day 3: Chimpanzee tracking

A guided nature Chimp walk/ in Kibale Forest, which has the highest number of primates in Africa – including red, black and white colobus, blue monkeys, baboons and a large number of chimpanzees. Together with the researchers, the Chimpanzee tracking Experience allows participants the opportunity of acclimatising the primates to humans. See chimps and other primates playing through the forest. Birdlife is also fabulous, with over 300 species recorded in the forest!!

Day 4: Forest walk

Choice of activities as in Day 2. Time permitting, a walk in Bigodi wetland owned and managed by the local community – for birds and other primates which live around the swamp.

Day 5: Kibale Forest to Queen Elizabeth Park

Drive 4 hours to Queen Elizabeth Park, passing via the Rwenzoris, or Mountains of The Moon. Continue to QE. A boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel is a rewarding experience. Visit to Tropical Bee Care Centre, a locally managed Centre, to see their projects.

Day 6: In Queen Elizabeth Park

In Queen Elizabeth Park. Early start, carrying a packed lunch. Bird Maramagambo Forest, Lake Kikorongo, and Kasenyi Track. See the illustrious blue lake in Maramagambo Forest. Evening game drive. O/N: Buffalo Safari Lodge (FB).

Day 7: In Queen Elizabeth Park

Visit Kyambura gorge to track chimpanzees, man’s closest relation. Evening game drive. O/N: Buffalo Safari Lodge (FB).

Day 8: Queen Elizabeth Park to Bwindi Gorilla Park

Leave for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. We may drive via Ishasha, weather conditions permitting home of the tree-climbing lion – or drive through farmland to Buhoma. [Approximate driving time: 4 hours]

Day 9: Gorilla tracking

Go gorilla tracking (subject to availability of gorilla permits at time of booking). Be prepared for a tough, arduous day in the slopes on the mountains tracking gorillas; this could takes as little as 3 hours to as much as 8 hours. But coming face to face with these gorillas is well worth it!

Day 10: Buhoma Village Tourist Walk

Go for the Buhoma Village Tourist Walk organised by the local community. Look at local projects including baskets, mats, and gourds.

Day 11: Bwindi to Mgahinga National Park

Leave for Kisoro, stopping at Kanaba Gap to view the spectacular Virunga volcanoes and stunning terraced hills. Visit the natural, beautiful-looking Lake Mutanda, surrounded by the volcanoes, take a walk on the shores or continue directly to Mgahinga. [Approximate driving time: 5 hours].

Day 12: Second gorilla tracking

Either track gorillas (on payment of US$700 gorilla permit supplement at time of booking) or go for a guided nature walk in the forest for butterflies, plant and bird species; or climb a volcano or simply relax at the camp! In the afternoon visit the Batwa pigmies, a local animist communist that is almost extinct. See their cultures. Evening dance by the group can also be arranged.

Day 13: To Lake Mburo

After breakfast, drive to Lake Mburo National Park via Kabale. Boat trip and an evening game drive. [Approximate driving time: 6 hours]

Day 14: Lake Mburo to Kampala

Time permitting, an early morning game drive. Return to Kampala via Masaka: look at royal drum makers, stop at the Equator for photo opportunities, and the roadside markets to enjoy some fruit and vegetables; lunch en route. Continue to Kampala arriving late afternoon. Visit a local environment-based project.

Day 15: Jinja and The Source of the River Nile

Start for Jinja, via Mukono. Detour to Sezzibwa Falls, thought in local folklore to have been born by an ancient woman. Birding while there and continue to Mabira Forest. Visit the Source of the Mighty River Nile. Your trip ends with a cultural tour to Bujagali Falls on the other end of the Nile. Return to Kampala late afternoon.

Day 16: Kampala City tour

A city tour to visit green environments and projects. Kampala, the capital of Uganda, is a charming green city, spread over about 10 hills. Visit the museum, the Namugongo Martyrs’ Shrine, and the colourful markets. Visit Kasubi Royal Tombs, the green Bahai Temple which is the only one in Africa; buy art crafts. Transfer to the airport in time for your flight.

Tour Location

On this tour, you will see Nakayima tree shrine, Omukama’s Royal Palace in Tooro, the hotsprings and crater lakes in Fort Portal, staragmites and staractites in Kibale, game, birds and chimps in Queen Elizabeth park, Buhoma village walk and gorillas in Bwindi, game and launch cruise on Lake Mburo, the batwa pygmies, before returning to Kampala for the Kabaka’s Trail and a visit to the Source of the River Nile.

Uganda's history is marked by pre-colonial kingdoms, British colonial rule, and post-independence challenges. The country's borders were drawn arbitrarily in the late 19th century, encompassing diverse societies. In 1894, Uganda became a British protectorate, and it gained independence on October 9, 1962. Following independence, Uganda faced a period of political instability, including civil wars and military coups.

Pre-Colonial Period:

Uganda's early history is characterized by the movement of various groups of cultivators and herders, leading to diverse languages and cultures.

The region was home to a variety of centralized kingdoms, including Buganda, Bunyoro, and others, as well as more decentralized Nilotic and Sudanic peoples.

Evidence of human activity in Uganda dates back to at least 50,000 years ago, with Acheulean tools found along the Kagera River valley.

British Colonial Period (1894-1962):

In 1894, Uganda was declared a British protectorate.

The British administration extended control beyond Buganda by signing treaties with other kingdoms like Toro, Ankole, and Bunyoro.

Uganda was never fully colonized; instead, it developed a system of internal self-government through a Legislative and Executive Council.

The British influence was strong in the late 19th century, particularly with the arrival of missionaries from the British Missionary Society and the French Roman Catholic White Fathers.

Independence and Post-Colonial Period (1962-Present):

Uganda gained independence on October 9, 1962, with Milton Obote as the first Prime Minister.

The newly independent nation faced challenges, including civil wars and political instability, leading to a period of military coups and dictatorships.

In 1995, a new constitution was adopted, establishing a non-party all-inclusive Movement System of government.

In 2005, a referendum was held, resulting in a return to multi-party politics.

Uganda has since made significant strides in restoring peace and rebuilding infrastructure, while also engaging in peacekeeping operations through the Uganda People's Defence Force.

Key Events and Figures:

Milton Obote: The first Prime Minister of Uganda, who played a key role in the independence movement and later served as President.

Idi Amin: A military leader who seized power in 1971 and ruled Uganda for eight years, a period marked by human rights abuses and political instability.

Yoweri Museveni: The current President of Uganda, who has been in power since 1986.

Our Gallery

Birding in Entebbe, Murchison Falls, Kibale Forest, Queen Elizabeth Park, Bwindi, Mgahinga and Lake Mburo with Gorillas.

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Accomodation

Destination

Meals

Overall

Transport

Value For Money

Boma Guest House in Entebbe or Hotel Africana or Bougainviller Hotel in Kampala Chimpanzee Forest Guesthouse Buffalo Safari Lodge/Mweya Lodge/Jacana Lodge Buhoma Homestead/Gorilla Resort/Bwindi Engagi Lodge Mutanda Lake Resort – Standard Rooms Arcadia Lodge/Mihingo Lodge Forest Cottages / Cassia Lodge