16 Days Uganda Ecotourism Tour

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]

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!!

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.

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.

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).

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

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]

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!

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

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].

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.

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

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.

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.

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.