UGANDA
We have "Primate tours" and "Birding tours" . The birding itinerary focuses on birding but allows for visiting the gorillas and chimpanzees if the clients so wish. The tours are subject to adjustments according to the group.
Primate Tour:
Uganda is located in east central Africa, situated north, northwest of Lake Victoria. It is a landlocked country bordered by Sudan on the North, Kenya on East, Tanzania on the South, Rwanda on the Southwest and Zaire on the northwest. It is called "The Pearl of Africa" due to its vast variety of natural attractions such as the snow capped peaks, Murchison Falls (the source of the Nile), vast wetlands and well preserved rainforests. But one of its main tourist attraction is tracking the rare Mountain Gorillas.
Although this experience is increasing in popularity, every effort is made by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and the surrounding communities to preserve the critically endangered Mountain Gorilla and its habitat.
Gorilla tracking is a very captivating activity which sometimes includes walking in dense forests in search of these great animals. The mountain gorillas are sometimes hard to find because their daily journeys vary between 100 and 2500 m, averaging 350- 530 meters. But just being in the forest and being among other primates, forest elephants, antelope and birds in itself is a life changing experience.
Our Uganda tour will take you into these forests...
(Please note that this is only and example of an itinerary and it may vary in days and places visited. Please contact us (see details below) for a more personalized / detailed itinerary)
Day 1: Depart Johannesburg to Entebbe. Transfer to our hotel for overnight stay in Kampala (or Entebbe).
Day 2: An early morning start from Kampala takes you south-west and across the equator. The drive takes you through savannah grasslands seeing banana plantations and herds of Ankole cattle with their incredible long curving horns. Then you ascend into the beautiful Kigezi highlands, known as the "Switzerland of Africa", with terraced farming and mountain scenery and drive through to Buhoma. Overnight at excellent accommodation.
Day 3: Enter the sanctuary at dawn and enjoy the beauty and freshness of the forest, home of the mountain gorillas. After a short briefing by the guides, proceed through dense bush to trek for these endangered animals. Other primates also live in the forest including the black-and-white colobus monkey, red tail monkey and chimpanzee. Return to the accommodation for dinner and overnight at Bwindi.
Day 4: Another full day trekking Gorillas. Overnight at Bwindi.
Day 5: Depart from the forest for Kibale National Park. On your arrival, take a nocturnal walk in search for galagos, pottoes, bush babies etc. Dinner and overnight at a lodge.
Day 6: After an early morning start we pay a visit to Kibale forest for chimpanzee tracking. The forest also houses 12 other primates like gray cheeked mangabeys, baboons and vervet monkeys. Return to Kampala/Entebbe for overnight
Day 7: Departure Home
Only small groups of 4 - 6 people are allowed to track the gorillas and view the gorillas at a time for about an hour.
NOTES:
Itinerary: Itineraries that varies in amount of days; places visited; days spend gorilla/chimpanzee tracking etc. and accommodation are available. Please contact our office for further assistance. (see details below)
Price: Subject to preferred itinerary. Please contact us (see details below)
Cost: includes: Landed costs, private charter flights, transfers and transport, accommodation and meals as specified in the itinerary, guides (Rod Cassidy), local guides and trackers, and gorilla/chimpanzee permits.
Cost excludes: Travel insurance, visas, extra meals, vaccinations, items of personal nature, soft drinks, alcohol, laundry and gratuities.
Kit and Equipment:
You should take sunblock, strong sunglasses, and a wide brimmed hat. When walking, wear colours that blend with the scenery. Light non-cotton trousers give protection against thorns and insects in the forest, as do long sleeve shirts and do not leave you cold when wet. Good footwear is essential, with good grip for muddy surfaces and a good poncho and raingear is essential in neutral colours. A light sweatshirt for the cold mornings and a good pair of binoculars, a camera with lenses and plenty of film.
Visas and Vaccinations:
Visa? A full passport is required and they require that it is valid for six months after return date of travel.
We recommend the following inoculations: yellow fever, typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A. If you are a regular traveler abroad we would recommend that you are up to date on all childhood inoculations and vaccinations including polio. Malaria?
Fitness and Health:
A reasonable level of fitness is necessary to enjoy this challenging venture – you should come prepared for several hours walking whilst tracking the gorillas. Conditions may be hot and humid.
We also suggest taking a small personal medical kit.
