Kalagala falls

Feel the wrath of the Nile.

Kalagala falls is one of Uganda’s wonder falls on the longest river on the African continent, although the river crosses about 10 countries, its source is in Uganda meaning Uganda has got a lot of nature’s work to give thanks to regarding the falls on this river, amongst them is kalagala falls located in central Uganda in kayunga district, kangulumira sub county in kalagala village

 The road to the area is an old marrum road that one will drive on for about 5km off Kampala- kayunga highway before reaching the place. While driving to the place, the first thing that will capture your eyes are the banana and pineapple plantations  on your  left and  right that are planted neatly in rows  as though they are saints ascending to heaven and within 30 minutes, you will be at the place.

 Areas of attraction

On reaching at the place, the first thing to amaze you after setting the first foot out of your vehicle is the rough and shouting noise that the waters make while running amidst the huge rocks on the riverinvitingyou to proceed and have yourself a spectacular view of these falls. While standing at about 4metres from above, u will get to see that nature is the only thing that God doesn’t  punish when u see the white waters hustling to find way to continue  to their destination, it’s just a magnificent experience.

The spirits tree

On the western side of the falls after the entrance, an old spirits tree awaits you, the tree is composed of back cloth with an entrance like structure, and two spears also appear on the side of the entrance like structure with a fire place known as “ekyoto” in the local native’s language that lies in the middle. Since it is an importantcultural place to mainly the baganda people, one has to take of their shoes before proceeding to the entrance as assign of respect to the spirits. It is believed that people pray to various spirits at this place to grant them their wishes

 The rock trail

Before approaching the wonder rocks, a beautiful trail is what you move on with short standing trees on its sides. Since the trail is on a raised terrain, one can be able to have nice view of the wild water lodge on the other side of the river and the small rocks down the river

The wonder rocks

Now here we come, the stunning beautiful curved rocks at the place just make one wish to stay in the place until the end oftime; these rocks appear in different amazing shapes, sizes just seated beneath the trail overlooking the river. The most interesting one are the twin rocks where one has got the male reproductive and the other the female reproductive organ, the local people who are the baganda gave them names of “saloongo and naloongo” meaning father and mother of twins, these are covered with a piece of back cloth just like a human being puts on clothes to cover these parts. A curved like basket is found in front of them where money is first dropped before having a glance at them

The rock tunnel

After viewing the naloongo and saloongo, again a spectacular experience comes your way because you have to take a trekin this 4metre tunnel like structure, it also believed that various spirits habour with in this tunnel so one puts a fee at the entrance in form of money known as”ebigalii” in the local language so that whatever wish you ask for is granted to you in abundance

Island view

This also iswonderful experience that I a must to feel at this place, the island Is located on the other side of the river and the local natives say that it is the boundary between busoga and Buganda, but the side we are talking about is the Buganda side.

Activities at the place

Bird watching

This is just an automatic activity because even before reaching the place, you have to hear the sweet sounds of the birds as you’re passing them, then at the site, it just gets more fantastic looking at the herons, sand birds and the blue headed weavers

Kayaking

This is a white water sport that takes place mainly on rivers with falls and rapids and at kalagala, you can’t just miss this out this sport, people seat in sharp pointed small boats then sail on these rapids, if you’re not participating, viewing them is also among the wonderful experiences. However this sport is only available to those that have trained and have got the required skills

White water rafting

This doesn’t differ so much from kayaking, only that the boats are large and the rafters involved are many because the boats can accommodate about five people and above.

Accommodation at the place will just be part of the spectacular experience when you have a night or nights at the white water lodge located on the boarder island with its magnificent services

Uganda Money Information; Tips, Foreign Exchange, Credit Cards, Transfers and Travelers Cheques

Money and Forex in Kampala-Uganda

MONEY
The Ugandan shilling is relatively stable currency and floats against the US dollar. It is also fully convertible (ie, you can by Ugandan shilling with US dollars or US dollars with Ugandan shilling) at the bank and foreign exchange bureaus. Notes in circulation are Ush   50,000,20,000,10,000,5,000,2,000,1,000 and coins in 500, 200, 100, 50 Ush. Travelers should note that the bank of Uganda has since April 2010 printed new bills, same denominations but completely different looks. It was at this very time that a Ush2000 note was brought into circulation.

Foreign Exchange and Uganda Money exchanging tips

In case you are carrying all your money in US dollars cash (denominations of $50 or higher printed after the year 2000) or in pounds sterling and euro, that you never stray outside of Kampala, and that you hibernate over weekends and public holidays, the process of converting these funds into local currency in Uganda could scarcely be more straightforward. Banks and bureaux de change (known locally as forex bureaus) all around the capital will convert US dollars cash to local currency at a moment's notice. At a private 'forex', this transaction seldom takes more than a minute or two and no passport or other documentation is required. A bit more paperwork is involved at banks. The exchange rate against US dollars is generally more favorable at a forex than at any bank, and the previous day's rate offered by a selection of the capital's more prominent bureaux is listed daily in The Monitor and New Vision newspapers. Being more specific, bills printed in 2006 after are acceptable all over Uganda and will be considered with no compromise,.. a “give and take” deal!...hope this makes sense.

Banks are open from 8.30 to 16.00 on weekdays (though some banks on Kampala Road do stay open later) and from 09.00 to 13.00 on Saturdays. Forex offices open up earlier, they typically close at 17.00 and are also open on Kampala, your best bet on Sunday are the private forex offices within the Speke Hotel, Garden City shopping mall and the Grand Imperial Hotel which are open seven days a week, as are forex bureaux and banks at Entebbe International Airport which normally stay open late enough to serve passengers on all incoming and outgoing flights. If later you do find you exchanged more than you actually required in Uganda, it's straightforward to convert it back to foreign currency in a matter of minutes at any forex bureau in Kampala or at Entebbe International Airport, albeit at a slight loss So far, so good! But there are a few complications. In Uganda, as elsewhere in East Africa, US dollar banknotes printed before 2000 are not accepted, owing to a prevalence of forgeries dating from this period. Nor will banks or forex bureaux accept any torn or blemished notes, no matter how insignificant the damage.

Also, significantly poorer rates - up to 20% lower - are offered for bills/denominations of US$20 or less. Furthermore, many financial institutions will look upon with suspicion - or reject altogether - your travelers’ cheques. The story is that a few years back some Ugandan banks were defrauded by a series of forgeries that left the banks substantially out of pocket and understandably reluctant to accept traveler'. Cheques at all, let alone without backup documentation.

Using Travelers Cheques in Uganda

The prime exceptions are a few major international banks, notably Stanbic, Barclays (a maximum of US$500) and Standard Chartered which will accept American Express travelers’ cheques. They may also accept Thomas Cook cheques but this seems to be at the discretion of the branch. As is normally the case, you'll need to show the bank your passport, but it is also likely they'll demand to see the proof of purchase.

With recent developments however, travelers cheques can generally be exchanged at most banks in Uganda and most foreign exchange bureaus. Rates offered are generally slightly lower than those advertised for cash. It is also possible to buy US dollar travelers cheques from Barclays, Standard Chartered and Stanbic Banks in Kampala for small fees. If you’re uncertain about the use of traveler cheques in Uganda, feel free to Ebenezer elder treks, we’ll be willing to help you through free of charge.

This situation presents something of a quandary to anybody carrying travelers’ cheques. The sole advantage of travelers’ cheques over cash (and the reason that they effectively cost more) is the guarantee of a refund should they be lost or stolen, which will be nullified should the proof of purchase be lost or stolen at the same time. In other words, while the issuing companies decree that one should never carry travelers’ cheques and the related proof of purchase in the same place, the banking rules in Uganda enforce one to do precisely this, and in the circumstance where arguably they are most exposed to theft - walking the streets of the capital. Fortunately, unlike Nairobi, Kampala is not a city that carries a significant risk of daylight theft, but clearly it does make sense to carry the travelers’ cheques and proof of purchase separately on your person, or for couples to divide the two between them, reducing the risk of both being stolen at the same time. Should you not have your proof of purchase to hand, the Standard Chartered Bank on Kampala Road may exchange travelers’ cheques after a grilling by the bank manager, but this is a lengthy process, with an uncertain outcome. It's worth double-checking before you sign any travelers’ cheques that you have presented all the necessary paperwork and have an acceptable brand, and that the cashier is ready to accept them. Should you do so and the bank decides for whatever reason to decline them, you won't, of course, be able to use them elsewhere.

Use American Express ones only. All others you will have a harder time getting money or no money at all. You will pay a fee for exchanging them into, money.

Out of Kampala, forex complications have become things of the past with the expansion of private banks, notably Stanbic, into most regional towns. It's a pleasure to find that you can change cash or travelers’ cheques for US dollars. Pounds sterling and euro at fair rates established by the banks' head offices in Kampala. While these rates are slightly inferior to those offered by private forex bureaux in the capital, they are an improvement on the rotten rates usually offered by their upcountry counterparts. In fact, in the face of corporate competition, most regional forex bureaux outside hotels and other umbrella institutions have disappeared.

The most extensive banking network is operated by Stanbic which occupies the upcountry branches of the former Uganda Commercial Bank in Jinja, Mbale, Fort Portal, Kisoro, Mbarara, Hoima and Masindi. Barclays Bank operates in Jinja. Entebbe and Mbale; Crane Bank operates in Jinja and Mbale. Standard if this seems quoted in Uganda shillings, but some hotels and backpacker hostels do have set all the  prejudices US dollar rates, which can be paid in local currency at the current rate of exchange. This duality is epitomized in the official UWA rate sheet. Visitation fees, for instance, are quoted in US dollars, though they can be paid either in US dollars or in Uganda shillings. Gorilla-tracking permits are also quoted in US dollars, but cannot be paid for in local currency, while most fees for accommodation, guided walks and launch trips are quoted in local currency, and are normally paid for in Uganda shillings. Such inconsistencies present a slight dilemma in the context of presenting prices in a travel guide. 
There is a case for quoting all rates in US dollars, which are likely to mean more to readers at the planning stage of the trip, and which, given the instability of African currencies in general, is likely to be more accurate than local currency rates in the long term.

Using ATMs in and Credit Cards in Uganda

ATM Machines: If you have a visa debit card it is easy to get the best rate from your country's currency converted into Shillings. One can use a bank ATM and pay no fees with their bank back home. The limit withdrawal varies between 500,000 to 600,000 Shillings per day with them. At Barclays, they say the limit is 500,000 Shillings, but you can withdraw 400,000 first and then 200,000 more for a total of 600,000. You can also use a visa credit card if you have a pin number...alert your bank that you will be doing withdrawals in Uganda otherwise you will not get any money out of the machine here in Uganda. Use a Visa ATM card. If your card is eaten by the machine, you can go to the bank the next business day with passport and get it back.

Credit Cards: Even the UK government suggests not using credit cards in Uganda due to the possibility of someone stealing your card information. Cases of such have happened even in high end hotels according the UK government website. Cases of employees stealing your credit card information has happened here and other African Countries. Credit Card fraud and thefts have been on the rise in Uganda and become more sophisticated, and credit card fraud or theft has even been reported in major International Hotels If you have no other choice, the first choice of Credit Cards here is Visa and secondly Master Card. Barclays, Standard Chartered and Stanbic banks, have now been upgraded to accept international credit cards.

In your country you can use your credit card for a purchase and that is what shows up on your bank statement at the end of the month – use your credit card to pay for your safari in Uganda – you will pay a minimum of 5% more – in some cases tour operators charge you 10% above the price. Hotels, Restaurants, Shops that do take credit card will all add a processing fee charge of at least 5%. I have seen cases where they charged up 15%. It’s such a great option when transferring money less than $1500 and beyond that bank wire transfers will be a better option.

Money Safety: Wear a money belt around your waist to hide cash. Use safe in Hotel to put your airline ticket and also your passport. Make copies of passport, airline tickets and anything else that is an important document. Never flash any money in public such as in restaurants or public places since it will attract unwanted attention and it will be your loss.

Money Changers: Avoid them. At border crossings you will be haunted by them and many are con-artists who can make you think you are getting one amount, while in reality you will get a lot less. Even if you are counting along, their hands are quicker than your eyes.

Purchasing Items: Avoid using dollars when buying things such as crafts and souvenirs. You will lose money in the process. Convert your money to shillings at a Forex Bureau.

International Money Transfers

Bank Wire (bank to bank) Transfers; This is the primary manner in which money sent to Uganda. You can wire / telegraphic transfer (the common term here) money directly into any bank account from anywhere around the world by using the bank information provided by your Uganda contact. Note that even when this is a popular option in which our people send payments including for gorilla and chimp permits, there are costs attached and its best if you compare the various charges you may incur sending the money to us. You should contact your nearest local bank for the information you need and the likely charges.

Express Courier Money Transfer Agents Such as Western Union and Money Gram should be avoided.

These are actually straighter forward than you might imagine, but are an expensive way to get your hands on cash. Wire transfer via Western Union or Money Gram is the fastest method to send and receive cash BUT PLEASE DO NOT USE THEM FOR THIS PURPOSE!!!...And if you have no option, forget!! Western Union and Moneygram allow the scammers to anonymously collect the money from any victim without fear of the transaction being traced back to them. They can even claim to be in one place and in reality be in a totally different one.

Fake IDs make it highly unlikely the scammers can be traced when they receive the payments this way. WU and MG are perfectly legitimate services that the scammers have - once again - learned how to manipulate for their own needs.

Also transfers such as Western Union and Money Gram always pay out in Uganda Shillings (or destination country's currency)....but the US dollar rules in Uganda's tourism industry.,...you then buy them at a Forex Bureau, you lose in the process.

Restaurants & Hotels: Avoid hotels that charge in US$, it limits where you can stay but if you come from the USA your dollar converted will stretch further. Use Uganda Shillings at restaurants.

Conclusions;

AMEX, Visa, Visa Electron, MasterCard and JCB are the only accepted at a few choice establishments and in banks in the cities. You can now use your visa card to draw money from your bank account in Europe or America. In case you are planning your safari with Ebenezer elder treks for gorilla tracking, chimpanzee tracking or renting a car contact +256(0)774043491 to see the possible options. The Shilling is the currency used in Uganda but some people will take dollars and pounds in cash. The exchange rates vary from time to time but are readily available from banks and Forex bureaus.

Mabamba Swamp- The best place for seeing the shoebill storks in Africa

This swamp s the best place to spot the elusive Shoebill Storks – Giving you an awesome encounter with a truly remarkable bird. You will discover Africa with Ebenezer elder treks when it comes to a safari or tour.

It takes approximately one hour to  drive mainly on dirt roads from Entebbe to the home of the Shoe bill – Mabamba Swamp, and it’s about 50km (1 ½ hrs) west of Kampala. Mabamba Swamp is an extensive marsh stretching through a long narrow bay, fringed with papyrus towards the western main body of Lake Victoria in Mpigi District. You will then access the swamp in local fishing boat / Canoe with a local guide

Mabamba wetland is a perfect place for one day outing from Entebbe area and places in and around Kampala, or add on to a safari that includes other destinations in Uganda. The best time to visit is late morning hours or even afternoon after lunch. Pack a nice lunch if you are going for the day, some bottled water along a pair of binoculars, hat, sun protection, insect repellant, light rain jacket, a backpack for all your items and long-sleeved shirt and trousers.

Mabamba swamp is a RAMSAR site, and a community project, with local people employed as boatmen and guides. Mabamba Swamp is a large tract of marshlands with various channels through it and it provides the perfect habitat for countless of water -birds away from the Shoebill Stork such as Swamp flycatcher, African purple swamp hen, African water rail, Pallid Harrier, Papyrus Gonolek, White-winged Warbler and the Blue Swallow Common moorhen, lesser jacana, African jacana, African pygym Goose, White-faced whistling duck, Squacco heron, Blue Breasted Bee-eater, Winding cisticola, Goliath Heron and many others.

Mabamba has become one of the strong holds for the migrant Blue Swallow with over 100 individuals recorded every year. Like many papyrus swamps adjacent to Lake Victoria, Mabamba is home to the Sitatunga, a swamp antelope which is commonly hunted by local people. It is also a habitat to rare plant species like Sandboxes species. The other places to find the Shoebill storks in Uganda include; Nabajuzi Swamp in Masaka, Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park along the Lake Edward Flats, in Murchison Falls Park – down the Nile where it merges with Lake Albert, Lake Mburo National Park, Ziwa Rhino Reserve, Lake Kyoga and Semliki Wildlife Reserve. There are about 1000 shoebill Storks left in Uganda today and their greatest danger is development. Back in the day, the Shoebill Storks were being killed in Uganda by superstitious fisherman who saw their sighting as a bad omen, meaning no success during fishing once found.

The Shoebill Stork is a predominantly solitary species, in which adults come together only to breed. The breeding season is ill-defined, but some evidence suggests that it coincides with the onset of the dry season, to prevent flooding of the nests.A female may lay from one - three eggs and both parents share incubation duties for a month before the young ones hatch. Babies are fed for several months before they can search for food on their own. Eggs measure 80-90 mm x 57-61 mm - The new hatched chicks are able to fly after about 100 days, while it takes three to four years for young to become sexually mature and individuals have been known to live 36 years in captivity. The Shoebill feed on all fish of all kinds as long as it’s of a manageable size as well as Turtles, Water Snakes, Lizards, Frogs, young Crocodiles, young water birds, Snails, Rodents and also muddy waters. They often stand in water, waiting for prey pass. It is almost still for a while, with bill pointed down in water and may sometimes stand on floating vegetation, watching for prey

1 Day Tours

 

NGAMBA ISLAND – Full Day Excursion

Early in the morning we will take a boat to Ngamba Island Sanctuary – located 23 km offshore from Entebbe. We set off with the early morning boat at 8:00 am to Ngamba Island – the home of   orphaned chimpanzees. The journey, on water in a traditional motorized boat/speedboat takes   90 minutes/50 minutes each way. You will be welcomed at the island, with a welcome-drink.   Thereafter you will be directed to the visitor’s centre where you will be given an introduction to   the project, its history, island residents and their plight.

You will receive an educational orientation by a chimpanzee caregiver and view 2 feedings of the  chimpanzees . You have an opportunity to feed chimpanzees from the visitors’ raised platform   area along the edge of the sanctuary fence.

On the program is lunch at the Sanctuary. Visitors are not allowed to carry packed lunches &   drinks to the island but are offered the following all prepared and served by island staff:

·         Selection of salads and sandwiches.

·         Ugandan Buffet.

·         Assortment of freshly baked Ngamba confections.

·         Assortment of drinks: water, sodas, wine, spirits.

1.      There is  an afternoon option for visitors that would like to go later. Boat leaves Entebbe for Ngamba Island at 10:30 am and sets off at 5:00 pm for the mainland.

2.      Life jackets and rain suites are provided for all on board our boats.

3.      Extra activities on request: Swimming on the equator, viewing a neighboring fishing village, bird watching, other wildlife encounters, or just sunbathe and relax.

 

KAMPALA CITY TOUR

The city tour includes excursions to Uganda Museum, Kasubi Tombs, Local markets – Owino   Market & Nakasero Market, Rubaga Hill, Namirembe Hill, the Kings Lake to mention but a few.  After breakfast we will pick you up from a hotel of your choice in either Kampala or Entebbe,   explore the seven hills of Kampala (popularly known as Rome of Uganda) plus the rest of Kampala.

Here below is a brief information on some of the places we will be visiting:

The Uganda Museum

A display of Uganda’s cultural heritage where one can see ethnological and natural-historical   exhibitions. It is a vivid reminder of the country’s colourful past. The Uganda Museum (founded   in 1908) in Kampala has exhibits of traditional culture, archaeology, history, science, and natural   history. It regularly presents performances of traditional music.

Kasubi Tombs

The place where fallen kings of Buganda Kingdom are burried. The Tombs of Buganda Kings at  Kasubi constitute a site embracing almost 30 ha of hillside within Kampala district. At its core on   the hilltop is the former palace of the Kabakas of Buganda, built in 1882 and converted into the   royal burial ground in 1884. Four royal tombs now lie within the Muzibu Azaala Mpanga, the   main building, which is circular and surmounted by a dome. It is a major example of an   architectural achievement in organic materials, principally wood, thatch, reed, wattle and daub.   The site’s main significance lies, however, in its intangible values of belief, spirituality, continuity and identity.

Nakasero Market

At the noon of Saturday, January, 1895, the right Reverand Mckay advised the then Kabaka of   Buganda to establish the first market in the Lubiri (palace). In 1905 the market moved to   Kabugube and this was a temporary structure. Here you can find a variety of huge variety of fresh   fruits and vegetables, mostly indigenous to Uganda. Across the street is a lower market, full of   spices, legumes, grains, and hand-made house hold items. This market is surrounded by a  number of shops or dukas, where you find everything for the home . Hardware, sanitary ware  and electrical shops surround the area.

Owino Market

One of the largest markets in this region of Africa. The endless booths that line the chaotic alleys   of Owino offer a mind-boggling array everything from homemade irons, to American hand-me-  down-clothes with the goodwill price tags still on then, to an amazing array of African foods, to   any and everything else under the sun. Everything at Owinio starts cheap and gets cheaper with bargaining.

Another market option is the craft market  on Buganda Road or the slightly larger crafts market  behind the national theatre near the Garden City complex. Also on Buganda Rd.

Rubaga Hill taken-up by the Roman Catholics (and the first roman catholic church here);  Rubaga Hill was the location of the main palace of Kabaka Muteesa I who ruled Buganda between   1856 and 1884. The palace was struck by lightning and was rebuilt on neighboring Mengo Hill.   The first Roman Catholic missionaries to arrive in Buganda were Frenchmen, Father Pierre   Lourdel Monpel and Brother Amans, who settled near the hill in 1879.

As the Catholic Church took root in the country, the missionaries were allocated land on Lubaga  Hill. The construction of St. Mary’s Cathedral on Lubaga Hill took place between 1914 and 1925,   with the assistance of monetary contributions from Roman Catholic congregations abroad. Later,   the missionaries also built a hospital and a nursing school on the hill.

Today, Lubaga remains the seat of the headquarters of the Catholic Church in Uganda. It is the  seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Kampala. The remains of the first African Catholic   bishop in Uganda, Bishop Joseph Nakabaale Kiwanuka and those of the first African Catholic   Cardinal, Cardinal Emmanuel Kiwanuka Nsubuga are kept in the Catholic Mission on the hill.

Namirembe Cathederal

The Anglican Christians’ oldest church here; Mengo Hill which has the headquaters of the  traditional (the largest of Uganda’s traditional monarchies). The hill rises 4,134 feet (1,260 m)   above sea level. It stands adjacent to Mengo Hill, the seat of the Buganda Government. The   history of the two hills is intertwined, geographically, politically and religiously. Namirembe is   the location of St. Paul’s Cathedral, the main place of worship of the Anglican Church in Uganda,   from the time of its construction (1915 to 1919), until the 1960’s when the Cathedral became the   seat of the Diocese of Namirembe.

Kabaka’s Lake

Visit the Kabaka’s Lake (Kayanja Ka Kabaka), the largest man-made lake here, dug up on orders   of the tyrant Sekkabaka Mwanga (also a former King), who needed it as an escape route besides   being a place for water sport just adjacent to his kingdom headquarters – Mengo.

After drive to Kampala central visiting Nakasero Market and a curio shop for some craft shops.  This tour can be done any time of the year. It can also be done at the start or at the end of any of   our other safari packages.

MABAMBA TOUR

The Mabamba Swamp is by far the most convenient place to see the elusive shoebill stork. Trust  us to take you on a half day trip to Mabamba Swamp in search of the shoebill.  The bird is easiest seen in the morning when they stalk their main prey, the mudfish or frogs, but   may be spotted all day. They may stand absolutely still for long periods awaiting the movements   of their prey and then suddenly strike with a marvellous speed.

Transportation to the swamp is by way of boat transfer from the Entebbe pier. 

This trip takes about 3 – 4 hours.

7 Days One Amazing African Week

Looking for something special? Watch for chimpanzees and 12 other primate species in Kibale Forest and have a glimpse of the mysterious papyrus gonolek in Bigodi Swamp. Visit the mating grounds of the Uganda kob in Queen Elizabeth National Park and enjoy watching hippos and other wildlife during sailing the Kazinga Channel. Get excited by observing a full-grown mountain gorilla silverback and his family during gorilla tracking in the afromontane forest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. To complete this exciting trip, enjoy a late afternoon game drive in Lake Mburo National Park to look for impala, plains zebra and topi and have an early morning game drive/walk

What is offered in this safari?

Staying in the beautiful accommodations of Nature Lodges.

You can choose “Lazy” camping (the tent is ready and fully equipped, showers and toilets are shared) or a room in the Lodges.

All accommodation is on BB basis.

All transport is in 4WD Landcruisers with a pop-up roof and for everybody a comfortable window seat.

Guaranteed visit to world famous mountain gorillas (not included in the price, this is US$ 600).

Chimp tracking in Kibale National Park (include in the price).

Visit to the savannah parks Queen Elizabeth National Park and Lake Mburo National Park.

In these parks gamedrives and boatrides.

See hundreds of bird species, lions, elephants, leopards, hippos, Ugandan kobs, 13 primate species,

  

Brief tour itinerary

Day 1 : To Kibale National Park

Day 2: Chimp walk and swamp walk

Day 3: To queen Elizabeth national park

Day 4: To Bwindi Impenetrable national Park

Day 5: Gorilla tracking

Day 6: To Lake Mburo National Park

Day 7: To Kampala 

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 : To Kibale National Park

Early in the morning we will leave for Kibale Forest NP. In the afternoon we will arrive at Kibale Forest Camp, where we will stay sleeping with the sounds of the tropical rainforest.

Driving time: ± 6,5 hours

Day 1 and 2
Budget Tour: Kibale Forest Camp.
Comfortable Tour: Kibale Forest Camp

Day 2: Chimp walk and swamp walk

At 8.00 am we will start with the 4 hour chimp walk – during which you may also get to see 10 other primates! Kibale NP is also known for all the butterflies and birds. In the afternoon we will walk through Bigodi Swamp (home to a community based project).

Day 3: To queen Elizabeth national park

Early morning departure for Queen Elizabeth NP. Via Fort Portal we reach at around midday The Bush Lodge Lodge in Queen Elizabeth NP with a stunningly beautiful view over Kazinga Channel. On the program is a two hours launch trip on the Kazinga channel where we will see many animals from the waterside.

Driving time: ± 5,5 hours

Budget Tour: The Bush Lodge
Comfortable Tour: The Bush Lodge

Day 4: To Bwindi Impenetrable national Park

In the morning we leave for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.  The road takes us through a beautiful landscape called the “Switzerland of Africa”. We pass mountains, hills and lakes with cultivated terraces and tropical rainforest and bamboo forest.

Driving time: ± 8 hours

Day 4 and 5
Budget Tour: Gorilla Valley Lodge/Travellers Rest
Comfortable Tour: Gorilla Valley Lodge/Travellers Rest

Day 5: Gorilla tracking

This is the day of gorilla tracking. From Gorilla Valley Lodge it is 30 minutes by car to Nkuringo/Nshongi/Mishaya/Kahungye group in South Bwindi. At 7:45 am you will be at the Offices of Bwindi Impenetrable NP for pre-briefing and at 8:30 you will start the trek after finding the gorillas you will spend with maximum 1 hour. All visitors are expected back to the starting point by 7:00 pm. Being physically fit is recommended.

Day 6: To Lake Mburo National Park

Early in the morning we will leave for Lake Mburo National Park. You will have lunch in Mbarara before you continue to Lake Mburo, a smaller but unique park, and the only one in the Western part of Uganda with impalas and zebras. In the park we will go on an early evening/late afternoon game-viewing drive if staying in Luxury accommodation. If staying in budget accommodation this afternoon will be for the village/cultural walk.

Driving time: ± 5,5 hours

Budget Tour: Mburo Eagles Nest
Comfortable Tour: Mburo Eagles Nest

Day 7: To Kampala

After an early morning game drive and a late breakfast the last part of the journey will bring us back to Kampala. After Masaka there will be an opportunity to a stop at the Equator for lunch, photo shoots and buying souvenirs and have tea or coffee. We will then bring you to a guesthouse, campsite or hotel of your choice in Kampala or Entebbe – or, if you continue your holiday somewhere else or back home, we will bring you directly to Entebbe airport for an onwards flight.

Driving time: ± 5 hours

Return flight or an extra night in our Airport Guesthouse for just $ 82 Double / $ 70 Single (including BB and airport transfer).

2 Days Lake Mburo National Park

You only have time on weekends? Within about 4 hours from Kampala lies one of the smaller national parks of Uganda, Lake Mburo National Park. There is a  departure ideal every weekend for adventure Ideal for a weekend of adventure. If you have your own group or a romantic getaway for 2  then you can choose your own departure

Because poaching is almost done, this park has a lot of animals within her boundaries. It is the only park in Uganda where impalas live. During game drives you will see plains zebra, one of the largest antelopes in Africa the eland, lots of bushbuck, Defassa waterbuck, topi, common duiker, warthogs and smaller mammals like dwarf mongoose and marsh mongoose. After an absence of years lions can be found again, but you need a lot of luck to see them. Leopard and spotted hyena are also residents of the national park. Lots of birds can be found too during a game drive in the park. In the papyrus swamps the mysterious shoebill breeds and the shores of Lake Mburo belong to the best places in Uganda to see the African finfoot. So, don’t forget to make a boat trip on the lake.
Our Nature Lodges accommodation Mburo Eagles Nest is situated on a hill top, just outside the park. Have a drink and watch the animals on the slopes of the hill. Unforgettable

What trip has to offer.

On top of a hill, with a stunning view of Lake Mburo, you will stay in Eagles Nest Lodge (part of Nature Lodges)

You can choose “Lazy” camping (the tent is ready and fully equipped, showers and toilets are shared) or a room in the Lodges.

All accommodation is on BB basis.

All transport is in 4WD Landcruisers with a pop-up roof and for everybody a comfortable window seat.

Gamedrives and walks in the park, see lions, leopards, giraffes, Ugandan kobs, elephants, shoebill storks, etc.

Boatride on Lake Mburo, see the animals at the waterfront!

3 Days Gorilla Special

Gorilla tracking in Southwest Uganda. Meet and greet mountain gorillas in their natural environment, the stunning afromontane forest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Day 1: To Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Early morning after breakfast at 7.00 am the driver will pick you from the guesthouse and then leave for the South West of Uganda. The first part takes us through central Uganda. They will have Lunch in Mbarara at the famous Igongo Culture Centre and from here we will continue the journey through Rukugiri District passing villages, cultivated farms, hills before you reach in Buhoma Bwindi. Check in at Lodge, dinner and overnight at their booked Lodge.

Driving time: ± 9 hours

Day 1 and 2
Accommodation: Gorilla Valley Lodge or Travelers Rest Hotel

Day 2: Gorilla Tracking

The day of Gorilla tracking. At 7:45 am they will be at the starting point of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park  for pre-briefing and at 8:30 they will start the trek, after finding the gorillas they will spend with maximum 1 hour. All visitors are expected back to the starting point by 7:00 P:M. The walks can take 3-9 hours depending on where you find the gorillas. It is a real hiking and being physically fit is recommended.

Day 3:Drive back

After breakfast, the last part of the journey will bring us back to Kampala. We will stop in Mbarara for Lunch and then continue, after Masaka town we will stop at the Equator for Tea/Coffee break and buying souvenirs. We will bring you back to Hotel of your choice in Kampala for overnight. If you are continuing your journey somewhere else or back home, we will bring you to the airport for check in after refreshing from our guesthouse.

Driving time: ± 9 hours

Extra night in our Airport Guesthouse for $ 82 a double / $ 70 a single (including BB and airport transfer)

What is offered in this trip?

Staying in the Famous Travellers Rest in Kisoro, home to Dian Fossey, or Gorilla Valley Lodge (all part of Nature Lodges).

All accommodation is on BB basis.

All transport is in 4WD Landcruisers with a pop-up roof and for everybody a comfortable window seat.

Visit the mountain gorillas (US$ 600, not included in the price).

16 Days the Pearl of Africa

Tour overview

Looking for a once in a lifetime experience? Stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to visit the reintroduced white rhino. Have game drives on the large savannah at Murchison Falls National Park and boat trips to the Murchison Falls and the Victoria Nile delta. In the delta there is a fair chance to see the strange shoebill. Meet a close relative in Kibale Forest during a chimp walk and see lots of birds and smaller primate species when walking through Bigodi Swamp. Look for lion, leopard and the unique Uganda kob during game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park. See lots of African buffalo, hippo, bush elephant and other mammals when sailing the Kazinga Channel, but don’t forget to look for birds and large Nile crocodiles. Meet a small group of chimpanzees in the untouched Kyambura Gorge and look for tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha Sector. Have a relaxing day at Lake Bunyonyi or rent a canoe and watch for otters and birdlife.

Enjoy one of the highlights of this tour: gorilla tracking. Visit the last mountain gorillas in the afromontane forest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and spend an hour amongst these gentle giants. Have an extra day to explore Kisoro and surroundings. Spend time at a coffee tour or climb for example Mount Gahinga. Have to complete this great tour several game drives in Lake Mburo and watch for impala, plains zebra, eland antelope and topi, but don’t forget the wide variety of birds. Have a relaxing boat trip on Lake Mburo and look for the elusive African finfoot and wonder yourself about the large numbers of African fish eagle.

Day 1: To Murchison Falls National park

Early morning we will pick you from the hotel or guesthouse of your choice and take you to Murchison Falls National Park. We will stop for lunch in Masindi and then drive for 90 kms through the park, aiming for Paraa. On the way we will visit the Top of the Falls, with a wonderful view over Murchison Falls NP and the Nile. We will reach Paraa late in the afternoon, and Luxury Tour participants will cross the Nile by ferry to reach Paraa Safari Lodge. For Budget Tour clients, “We will stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for tracking the Rhinos and also have Lunch here before contuining via Karuma Bridge to reach later in the afternoon at Fort Murchison just outside the park boundaries” The day will close with a cool drink and a fabulous view over the river Nile, and the evening coming with all the noise of an African night.

Driving time: ± 7,5 hours

Days to be spent, 1,2 and 3

Budget Tour: Fort Murchison
Comfortable Tour: Fort Murchison

Day 2: In Murchison falls National park

The day will be spent viewing game around the park and along the Nile. We will leave early in the morning (if staying at Nile Safari Lodge or Red Chilli Paraa we will cross the Nile with the ferry at 7.00am) and go on a game drive from 8.00am to 12.00noon, seeing several animals including lions and giraffes. In the afternoon (2.00pm to 5.00 pm) we will go on the impressive launch trip on the Nile, up to the fall, giving you a chance to see hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes, elephants and many different birds!

Day 3: In Murchsion Falls National Park

Early in the morning the boat will take us downstream to the delta, where the Nile enters Lake Albert. This trip of 5-6 hours will show us all the beauty of this national park especially the delta with all the different birds. This is a good chance to see the elusive Shoebill Stork! In the afternoon you can relax, and if you are on the Luxury Tour you can swim at your respective Lodges.

Day 4: To Kibale National Park

Early in the morning we will leave for Kibale Forest NP. We will pass close to Lake Albert: on a clear day the view from the top of the Albert rift is spectacular. In the afternoon we will arrive at Kibale Forest Camp, where we will stay sleeping with the noises of the tropical rainforest. Sometimes we stay at Chimpanzee Guesthouse, overlooking Nyabikere Crater Lake, where we will stay. The lake is famous for the frogs: at night they always give a beautiful concert.

Driving time: ± 9 hours

Days to be spent here; Day 4 and 5
Budget Tour: Kibale Forest Camp
Comfortable Tour: Kibale Forest Camp

Day 5: Chimp walk and swamp walk

At 8.00am we will start with the 4 hour chimp walk – during which you may also get to see 10 other primates! Kibale NP is also known for all the butterflies and birds. In the afternoon we will walk through Bigodi Swamp (home to a community based project)

Day 6: To queen Elizabeth National Park

Early morning we will leave for Queen Elizabeth NP. We will travel through Fort Portal and reach Mweya in Queen Elizabeth NP at midday, with a stunningly beautiful view over Kazinga Channel. You will check in at your accommodation and have lunch, and in the late afternoon (4.00-7.00pm) we will go on a game drive.

Driving time: ± 4, 5 hours

Days to be spent here; Day 6, 7 and 8
Budget Tour: The Bush Lodge 
Comfortable Tour: The Bush Lodge

Day 7: In queen Elizabeth National park

This day is for a game drive on the plains of Queen Elizabeth NP, with thousands of Ugandan kobs, lions, elephants etc. Also on the programme is a two hours launch trip on the Kazinga channel where we will see all the animals from the waterside.

Day 8: In queen Elizabeth National Park

Our second day in this beautiful park. Very early in the morning after breakfast we will go to Kyambura Gorge. Here people can go for a 3-4 hour walk into the Gorge to meet the chimpanzees. After Lunch at Jacana Safari Lodge, we will drive for 2 hours to the Southern sector of Queen Elizabeth NP called Ishasha Sector, famous for its tree climbing lions. Game drive in the afternoon to search for the tree climbing lions

Day 9: To Lake Bunyonyi

After breakfast we will drive to Lake Bunyonyi, a beautiful place surrounded by the hills of Western Uganda. . The road takes us through a beautiful landscape called the “Switzerland of Africa”. Lake Bunyonyi is famous for birds, otters and delicious crayfish. We will spend the rest of the day here, have a swim if you want, try a canoe, or simply relax looking at the over 300 birds species you can sometimes see from the veranda (bring your binoculars)!

Driving time: ± 4,5 hours

Day 9
Budget Tour: Crater bay Cottages
Comfortable Tour: Crater bay Cottages

Day 10 : To Bwindi IMpenetrable National Park

In the morning we leave for South of Bwindi. For people who like to walk, the first 14 km is a stunning beautiful walk along the lakeshore and above on the hills. The road takes us through a beautiful landscape called the “Switzerland of Africa”. We pass mountains, hills and lakes with cultivated terraces and tropical rainforest and bamboo forest.

Driving time: ± 4,5 hours

Day 10 and 11
Budget Tour: Gorilla Valley Lodge
Comfortable Tour: Gorilla Valley Lodg

Day 11: Gorilla tracking 

This is the day of Gorilla tracking. From Gorilla Valley Lodge or Gorilla Safari Lodge it is 30 minutes by car to Nkuringo/Nshongi/Mishaya/Kahungye group in South Bwindi. At 7:45 A:M you will be at the Offices of Bwindi Impenetrable NP for pre-briefing and at 8:30 you will start the trek after finding the Gorillas you will spend with maximum 1 hour. All visitors are expected back to the starting point by 7:00 P:M. Being physically fit is recommended.

Day 12: To Kisoro

Early in the morning we will leave for Kisoro, travelling through a beautiful landscape also defined as the “Switzerland of Africa”: mountains, lakes, hills with cultivated terraces, tropical rainforest and bamboo forest. On the last hill the landscape unfolds beneath us, taking in the vast planes between Uganda, Rwanda and Congo, with the Virunga volcanoes dominating the view. At the bottom of the valley is Kisoro, where we will stay at the famous Travellers Rest Hotel.

In the sixties the famous American ‘gorilla-woman’ Dian Fossey visited the Travellers Rest Hotel many, many times to do paperwork, relax or meet people. Fossey said about the hotel: “It was my second home”. Travellers Rest Hotel is just outside Kisoro and offers a cozy stay for the tourists coming to see the endangered mountain gorilla. The hotel, built in a somewhat colonial style, and entirely renovated in 1999, has a comfortable ambiance.

Driving time: ± 3,5 hours

Days to be spent here;Day 12 and 13
Budget Tour: Travellers Rest Hotel

Comfortable Tour: Travellers Rest Hotel

Day 13: In kisoro

Days 12 and 13 will be spent in and around Kisoro, with Travellers Rest Hotel as the home base.

In Kisoro you can undertake several very interesting activities, all of which can be done individually or in groups.

They include:

1.      Gorilla tracking in Mgahinga (1 day). NB: the gorilla in Mgahinga move around so the Uganda Wildlife Authority doesn’t sell permits in advance – you have to take your chance once you are in Kisoro.

2.      Gorilla tracking in Rwanda. NB: if you are going for the 2nd gorilla trek in Rwanda you will be transferring to Rwanda on day 2 after trekking in Uganda, and spend a night there. After the trekking you will cross back to Kisoro (1 day).

3.      Climbing Muhavura Volcano (± 8 hrs; distance 12km; height 4127m; elevation gain 1700m).

4.      Climbing Gahinga Volcano (± 6 hrs; distance 8km; height 3474m; elevation gain 1100m).

5.      Visit to Sabinyo Gorge (± 4 hrs; distance 6km, no elevation gain).

6.      Climbing Sabinyo Volcano (Sabinyo has three peaks, you can climb all three in the same walk, but you need to be fit!! ± 8 hrs; distance 14 km; height 3669m, elevation gain 1300 m).

7.      Hiking in Mgahinga to the viewpoint and Garama Cave (pygmy cave) (± 4 hrs; distance 1 and 4 km).

8.      Bird walk in Mgahinga (start at 10am, it can last until 4-5pm).

9.      Cultural village walk (with a local guide walking through the land of the Bufumbira tribe)

10.  Walk to Lake Mutanda. Visit Python Island and go canoeing on this beautiful lake.

11.  Batwa Trail: It starts at the base of Mt Muhavura at 8.00 am and finishes by 3-4 pm. You’ll need walking shoes, hat, and raingear, and a packed lunch with sufficient drinks. The Batwa Trail runs across the lower slopes of the Muhavura and Gahinga volcanoes in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The forest is home to a variety of wildlife but the Batwa Trail is far from being a conventional nature walk. With the help of Batwa guides, you’ll see the forest as a larder, pharmacy, builder’s yard, tool kit and, above all a home. Along the trail, you’ll fire a bow and arrow, check hives for wild honey, help repair a Batwa shelter, harvest plants for medicine and food, light a fire without a matches, listen to legends and learn about Batwa traditions. The highlight of the trail is a descent into the Garama cave, a 200m-long lava tube beneath Mt. gahinga. The Batwa are famed for their music and dance and their historic, subterranean council chamber in Garama Cave provides the setting for an unforgettable performance. The Batwa trail is celebration of the forest culture of the “‘first people.”It is impossible, however, to ignore the fact that Batwa life has greatly changed. The day’s events conclude with a discussion about the Batwa’s current situation; how it can be improved; and progress to date towards doing so.

12.  Or just sit and relax or read a book in the garden of Travelers Rest Hotel!

Day 14: To lake Mburo National Park 

Early in the morning we will leave for Lake Mburo National Park. You will have lunch in Mbarara before you continue to Lake Mburo, a smaller but unique park, and the only one in the Western part of Uganda with impalas and zebras. In the afternoon will be make a village/cultural walk.

Driving time: ± 5,5 hours

Day 14 and 15
Budget accommodation: Mburo Eagle’s Nest – “Lazy” camping
Comfortable Tour: Mburo Eagle’s Nest

 Day 15: In Lake Mburo national Park

Early morning we will go for a game walk. In the afternoon a boat trip on Lake Mburo followed by a game drive in the afternoon / early evening. This little park hosts a variety of animals, that is to say 68 mammal species, including a large number of Impalas (the antelope from which “Kampala” is named after), plains zebras, Uganda kobs, duikers, bushbucks, topis, buffaloes, leopards, spotted hyenas, Defassa waterbucks, warthogs, oribi. There are 315 bird species. The vegetation is mainly open savannah of acacia trees, olea and boscia. Lake Mburo NP is a natural haven for fauna and flora. The bank teems with animals and birds. Crocodiles and hippopotami are permanent residents, and buffaloes come to drink during the dry season. The wide variety of resident birds includes fin foots, malachite kingfishers, pied kingfishers, African fish eagles, Rüppell’s long-tailed starlings, blue-headed coucals, tambourine doves, hammerkops, pelicans, herons, cormorants, red-faced barbets, grey crowned cranes, papyrus yellow warblers and even rare shoebills.

Day 16: To Kampala 

After breakfast the last part of the journey will bring us back to Kampala. On the way back you will have lunch in Mbarara town and after Masaka there will be an opportunity to a stop at the Equator for photo shoots and buying souvenirs and have tea or coffee. We will then bring you to a guesthouse, campsite or hotel of your choice in Kampala or Entebbe – or, if you continue your holiday somewhere else or back home, we will bring you directly to Entebbe airport for an onwards flight.

Driving time: ± 5 hours

Return flight or an extra night in our Airport Guesthouse for just $82 Double / $ 70 Single (including BB and airport transfer).

Pricing details – Included/Not included

Gorilla Permit Guarantee

Tours are sold with gorilla permits. If no permits are available for a tour, cancelling is free of charge and any money paid in advance will be refunded.

Included in the price for this trip

Guides

Vehicle

Fuel

English speaking driver

Park entrance

Accommodation

Breakfast

Bottled water

Rangers in the parks

Not included in the price for this trip

Drinks

Tips

Porters

Laundry services

Gorilla permit (we organise it for you)

All activities in Kisoro

Meals (around US$ 30 per person per day)

Visa (Uganda/Rwanda)

Any other personal interests

The first and last night in Uganda

Permits

In Uganda: US$ 600

In Rwanda: US$ 750

Transport

4WD Toyota Land Cruisers

These are our own cars and drivers. The cars are well maintained and our drivers are experienced and English speaking Ugandans.
If necessary we can also hire other cars.