Uganda is a dream destination wrapped in a tiny beautiful bundle. It has near-perfect weather year round, a wide variety of birds and wildlife, one of the friendliest and most ethnically diverse populations in Africa, the biggest population of Mountain Gorillas, and the most magnificent natural scenery in Africa. Little wonder some people think Uganda is where God resides! This trip will show you a few of the best that Uganda can offer, Murchison Falls National Park features grassland Savannah teaming up with wildlife in Queen Elizabeth and Lake Mburo National Parks together with the main highlights of the safari as the Chimpanzee tracking, Gorilla tracking and the boat safaris.
Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport
When you arrive at Entebbe International Airport, a Safari Specialist will be waiting to pick you up and take you to your hotel. At 1700hrs we shall have a welcome meeting brief from the safari specialist. In case you need help on anything, our Safari Specialist is on call to attend to you. Depending on what time your flight arrives, you may try out an optional activity or relax at your hotel.
Optional activities
- Kampala city tour
- Ngamba Island chimpanzee sanctuary
- Uganda Wildlife Education Center
- Botanical gardens (nature walk & birding)
- Bicycle tour around Entebbe
- City walk
No meals included on this day
Day 2: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park via Ziwa Rhino sanctuary
Murchison Falls National Park lies at the northern end of the Albertine Rift Valley where the sweeping Bunyoro escarpment tumbles into a vast palm-dotted Savannah. The park’s leading feature is marked by the Victoria Nile which squeezes through an 8 meter wide cleavage and plunges down through an approximately 45 meters long fall forming an amazing rainbow in the hotter hours of the day, with a stream that flows quietly across the rift valley into Lake Albert.
You will stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to experience the nearly threatened (according to IUCN) Southern White Rhinos. The stop includes Rhino tracking where specialized ranger will guide you through the bush, and opt for shoe-bill spotting for bird lovers. From here we head to Masindi Town where we’ll stop for lunch and kick off for our Murchison Falls experience with an afternoon wildlife safari drive.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch /Dinner
Day 3: Wildlife safari drive, Launch cruise & Hike to the top of the falls
Wake early for a wildlife safari drive, animals are most active in the morning hours when the day is not yet so bright and the temperatures are cool. This offers the best time for game viewing. After an early morning breakfast, you will set off for are drive in the park.
Come into eye-to-eye contact with wildlife like elephants, buffaloes, hyenas, jackals, antelopes, giraffes, warthogs, lions, leopards among other mammals. Reptiles, birds and lots of plant species would be spotted. Keep eyes peeled to enjoy the wonders of Murchison falls national park.
After the wildlife safari drive and lunch, you will embark on a launch cruise to the bottom of the falls. Here you will have views of more wildlife associated with water and also the beautiful views of the falls from the bottom.
You will then hike the falls to its top to enjoy the top views and watch the water squeeze through an 8 meter wide cleavage and plunges down through an approximately 45 meters pool. You will also view the park’s diversity from an elevated height.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch /Dinner
Day 4: Travel to Kibale Forest National Park
You will embark on a long drive with incredibly scenic views, passing through tea plantations and the lush green countryside which all characterize so much about Uganda. You will have lunch en-route and on arrival, you will enjoy the rest of the evening relaxing at your hotel.
Kibale National Park contains one of the loveliest and most varied tracts of tropical forest in Uganda. Forest cover, interspersed with patches of grassland and swamp, dominates the northern and central parts of the park on an elevated plateau. The park is home to a total of 70 mammal species, most famously 13 species of primate including the chimpanzee and over 375 species of birds.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch /Dinner
Day 5: Chimpanzee tracking & Bigodi swamp walk
Today you are to track Chimpanzees, over 5000 chimpanzees live in the wild here in Uganda and this makes Kibale forest the best place to track chimpanzees in the whole world.
You will embark on chimpanzee tracking with an experienced guide and along you may come cross some of the monkey species that live in this forest. No matter the time you locate the chimpanzees, you will only be allowed one hour of eye-to-eye contact with them as you watch their way of life in the wild and after trek back to the lodge.
If you don’t feel tired after the chimpanzee tracking, you can have a swamp walk in the Bigodi that can take you 2-3 hours. The walk takes you through small communities where locals may greet you with enthusiastic waves, grassland and then swamp where you have chance to spot different types of monkeys that live in this area.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch /Dinner
Day 6: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Enjoy the morning relaxing at the lodge and later you will be transferred to Queen Elizabeth national park.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is understandably Uganda’s most popular tourist destination. The park’s ecosystem which includes sprawling savanna, shady, humid forests, sparkling lakes and fertile wetlands make it the ideal habitat for classic big game, ten primate species including chimpanzees and over 600 bird species. Set against the backdrop of the jagged Rwenzori Mountains, the park’s magnificent vistas include dozens of enormous craters carved dramatically into rolling green hills, panoramic views of the Kazinga channel with its banks lined with hippos, buffaloes, elephants, and the endless Ishasha plains, whose fig trees hide lions ready to pounce on unsuspecting Uganda Kobs.
You will then have an evening game drive where you will enjoy the prolific wildlife of Queen Elizabeth national park.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch /Dinner
Day 7: Wildlife safari drive & Launch cruise on the Kazinga channel
After an early morning breakfast, embark on a wildlife safari drive and catch the morning sun rays in search for wildlife. Keep eyes peeled for lions, leopards, jackals, hyenas, elephants, buffaloes, antelopes and birds.
In the afternoon, you will take a boat safari on the kazinga channel that joins Lakes Albert and George. You will see lots of hippos and many more animals that may have come to the waterhole to drink water and bathe. You may see herds of buffaloes, elephants, lots of crocodiles, and beautiful birds perched in marshes and dead plants. You will then drive back to the lodge for an overnight.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch /Dinner
Day 8: Transfer to Bwind Forset via the Ishasha sector
Today you will embark on a wildlife safari drive to the Ishasha sector in search for the tree climbing lions, also keep eyes peeled for more wildlife. You will then proceed to Bwindi impenetrable National park.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a true rain forest thought to be the most biologically diverse forest in all of Africa, owing to its antiquity. Located at the edge of the Albertine Rift in western Uganda, Bwindi is best known for Mountain Gorilla Tracking: an estimated population of over 408 individuals, more than half the total population of Mountain Gorillas in the world, live in Bwindi. But there’s more to Bwindi than just Gorillas; it hosts a total of 11 primate types and 120 mammal species, rivaling the wildlife count in other national parks.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch /Dinner
Day 9: Gorilla tracking in Bwindi forest
Embark on the trek which can vary in length and difficulty, depending on the location of the gorilla family you will visit. Spend one hour observing these beautiful and endangered creatures, a truly privileged experience. Trek back to the lodge with the rest of the day at leisure or opt to do a community walk around the park.
Approximately 1000 Mountain Gorillas today exist in the world in the wild. They are found in three different locations in DRC, Rwanda & Uganda. In DRC and Rwanda, Gorillas live in similar Eco systems / areas. The Gorilla species found in these three areas are called the “Highland Gorillas”, the Latin name is “Gorilla Berengei” named after the first European person to see and encounter a Mountain Gorilla.
In Uganda, there are about fifteen (15) habituated gorilla groups that are open to visit – the visit to a gorilla family is done once per day and the duration to visit is limited to only one hour with the gorilla family. The time spent with them is limited due to conservation considerations and to minimize impact the day-to-day life of the gorilla family you are visiting.
It is important to be well prepared to trek – you never know if your total trek will be “short” or “long”. The total duration of trek can vary and be anything between 3 & 9 hours in length depending on the location of the gorillas, who are constantly moving. Proper hiking attire must be worn – you will be trekking in rain forest with lots of vegetation, undergrowth, nestles and normally a rather muddy terrain. You mainly walk where there are no paths apart from the occasional buffalo or elephant trails. After the trek, drive back to your lodge for late lunch and probably a much appreciated shower.
Caution: Proper hiking attire must be worn – you will be trekking in a rain forest with lots of vegetation, undergrowth, nettles and normally a rather muddy terrain. Only 1 hour is spent with the Gorillas to ensure their protection and conservation. Please note that if you are unwell with anything contagious, even a common cold, you may be denied any of the treks to ensure the safety of these creatures. The park regulation and trekking permit regulations will not be refunded if you are denied entrance due to illness.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch /Dinner
Day 10: Travel back to Kampala/Entebbe
After breakfast, you will embark on a journey back to Kampala or to Entebbe airport with a stop at the equator for snapshots and also buy souvenirs if interested as the tour finishes.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Quote per person in USD based on sharing double /twin room
| 1 pax | 2 pax | 4 pax | 6 pax | |
| USD | 7,350 | 4,600 | 3,500 | 3,200 |
Included
- Government imposed increase of park fees and/or taxes
- All Park fees
- One gorilla permit per person
- One Chimpanzee permit per person
- All activities (unless labeled as optional)
- Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
- Drinks (as specified in the day-by-day section)
- All accommodation
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
Excluded
- International flights (from/to home)
- Tips (Communities here do survive most on tips, though it is not necessary a must to tip, tip at will, tipping guideline to your guide could relevantly be US$ 30.00 pp per day upon how you feel)
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Some meals (as specified in the day-by-day)
- All alcoholic drinks and cigarettes
Laundry
- Can be arranged at the lodge we are going too.
Additional Information
Please find below a check list, it is rather elaborate but you could get what is relevant for you.
Checklist
- Travel Documents
- Insurance info
- Flight info
- Cash, credit and debit cards
- Vouchers and pre-departure information
- Required visas or vaccination certificates
- Yellow Fever certificate
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Fleece or wool jumper/jacket
- Windproof/waterproof jacket
- Small towel and swimwear
- shirts/t-shirts, cool and breathable
- Long-sleeved shirt or sweater for evenings and hike into the forests
- pair of shorts
- pairs of long trousers
- pair hiking pants/track pants
- Comfortable shoes
- Sport sandals
- Sun hat, Bandana
- Sunblock
- Sunglasses
- Watch or alarm clock
- Toiletries (biodegradable)
- Toilet paper
- Day pack
- Camera with extra memory cards and batteries
- Personal Entertainment
- Binoculars
- Waterproof backpack cover
- Flashlight/Torch
- Universal outlet adapter
- Insect Repellent
- Moneybelt
- Antibacterial wipes/gel
- Reusable water bottle
Your FIRST-AID KIT should contain Lip balm with sunscreen, Aspirin, Ibuprofin , Malaria pills, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamine, Antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhoea, rehydration powder, insect repellent, extra prescription drugs you may be taking.
Terms and conditions
Trekking Timmy Limited will be grateful that you take time and read terms and conditions for better service delivery. Confirming a safari with Trekking Timmy Limited, we assume that you have fully read and agreed with the terms and conditions as below
- BOOKINGS
- Trekking Timmy Limited provides services as detailed in client’s itineraries to their best basing on the latest information possible. Trekking Timmy Limited cannot be responsible for modified information from other sources or third party
- To reserve flights, Chimpanzee permits and gorilla permits, your full names as they appear in passport, passport number and your nationality will be required.
- In case of any preferences and special requests the client should inform Trekking Timmy Limited before confirming a safari in order to meet with the requests if possible
- All packages are subject to availability and not guaranteed until confirmed.
- Trekking Timmy Limited reserves the right to change and re-adjust the tour schedule, transportation, accommodation and services indicated in the itinerary in the event of unforeseen circumstances before arrival. Any changes to the itinerary will be communicated to the client as soon as possible.
- PRICES
- The prices quoted for the various safaris are as per the itinerary
- Prices on the website or quoted to our clients are subject to change without notice and are not guaranteed until confirmed in writing. Trekking Timmy reserves the right to adjust prices at any time should there be any fluctuation in the exchange rate or increase in the cost of any element of the tour. The company will however make every effort to minimize any increases.
- Accommodation is based on a single, twin or double bedded room, tent or Banda, with private bathroom, dormitories where possible. Single rooms may be available with the payment of a supplement fee. Trekking Timmy Limited reserves the right to substitute equivalent or superior hotels. If a hotel of equivalent standard is not available Trekking Timmy Limited may substitute the next best quality hotel or suggest superior standard accommodation (extra charges may apply).
- The mode of transport used will be dependent on the number of clients and the route taken, based on the specifications of the chosen itinerary. Experienced English speaking driver/guides are a key part of your tour. We also have guides who are experienced in other foreign languages, culture, birds, butterflies and photography.
- PAYMENT
- All tours will be booked and confirmed only upon receipt of 70% deposit of the basic program rate. For gorilla and chimpanzee permits, a full advance payment of the permit fee is required in order to make the reservation.
- The payment balance is due no later than 30 days prior to the safari, unless agreed otherwise.
- Bookings made within 30 days before arrival must be paid in full at the time of confirmation.
- If payment is not received in accordance with the above, Trekking Timmy Limited has the right to cancel the booking.
- The costs of international transactions (or 5% service charge in case of credit card payments) are to be fully paid by the client.
MODE OF PAYMENT:
- All prices are quoted in US dollars foreign currency with notes starting from 2009 to date.
- cheques, telegraphic transfers, bank transfers, western union money transfer, cash (including local currency), traveler’s cheques and payment by credit card may be accepted, subject to bank charges at the prevailing rate. All transactions are subject to Manager’s discretion.
- CURRENCY: The Uganda Shilling is the national currency. ATM machines are readily available in big towns. Thereafter only cash can be changed once on safari. Larger bills ($50 and $100) attract a significantly better rate of exchange than smaller bills or Traveler’s cheques. Uganda Shillings can be changed back to US Dollars at the airport on departure. US Dollars cash notes MUST be dated 2008 or newer and must be in good condition otherwise you will be inconvenienced.
- CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS
- All cancellation requests MUST be made in writing and shall be effective on the date of actual receipt by Trekking Timmy Limited.
- The following cancellation charges apply as shown below;
60 days or more prior to arrival 10% charge
59 – 32 days prior to arrival 30% charge
31 – 8 days prior to arrival 50% charge
7 – 3 days prior to arrival 75% charge
48 hours or less prior to arrival 100% charge
Trekking Timmy Limited reserves the right to deduct all expenses incurred from money paid.
NOTE: Gorilla permits, Chimpanzee permits and air tickets are 100% non-refundable, No refunds will be made for any unused services, late arrival or no-show of any of the members of the tour.
- COMPLAINTS
In case of any complaints, we advise you to report to Trekking Timmy Limited immediately to be resolved and if the problem is not resolved to the clients’ satisfaction the complaint should be put in writing not later than 30 days after the tour, we shall be willing to listen and take the necessary actions in order to keep improving the quality of the service to meet the clients expectations.
Note that any Liability for any complaints not notified in accordance with the above described procedure cannot be accepted by Trekking Timmy Limited.
- INSURANCE AND LIABILITY
We strongly recommend you to have a fully inclusive travel insurance including death, medical insurance, delays, loss of property and injuries. Trekking Timmy Limited will not be held responsible for any claims.
Trekking Timmy Limited shall not be liable for any loss, damage or injury of any nature whatsoever whether to person or property.
Trekking Timmy Limited cannot accept liability or pay compensation for unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of the company or its staff, including flight delays/cancellations or force majeure such as war or threat of war, riots, civil disturbances, terrorist acts, border closure, acts of government or other authorities, strikes, thefts, epidemics, road closures, industrial disputes, natural or nuclear disaster, extreme weather conditions, fire, technical and/or mechanical problems to transport and all similar events beyond the company’s control.
- DOCUMENTS:
A passport valid for at least six months after your departure is required to enter Uganda as well as a yellow fever vaccinations certificate. Visa can be obtained upon arrival at Entebbe (cost at time of writing is $50.) For more information check with Ugandan consulate/embassy for instructions
- HEALTH:
It is the responsibility of the travelers to take proper medical and practical precautions in regard to health and safety. Medical advice should be sought well before traveling.
It is important to note that modern medical facilities and prescription drugs in the developed world are not common in Uganda, so you should be in reasonable health to consider this tour. Although food hygiene and quality is excellent and we rarely experience any serious stomach problems, you may want to bring the remedy you prefer or are prescribed for an upset stomach. Moist wipes are useful for keeping refreshed and clean during traveling and before packed lunches.
If you are taking prescription medication or over-the-counter medicine, be sure to bring an ample supply that will allow you to get through the tour safely. Please consult your physician as necessary. Remember to pack all medication in your carry-on baggage, preferably in original containers or packaging. As airline baggage restrictions can change without warning, please check with your airline for procedures for packing medication.
Yellow fever vaccinations are required for entry into Uganda by all. Malaria is present, including the chloroquine-resistant strain; most areas are at risk. There have been some recent changes in recommendations for malaria prophylaxis. Mefloquine (Lariam) is now the drug of choice in areas where chloroquine-resistant malaria is found. A single dose should be taken one week before the start of the tour, continued throughout the tour, and for four weeks after its conclusion. Mefloquine is available by prescription only, and may not be suitable for those using cardio-vascular medication; consult your physician.
- SAFETY:
Uganda is one of the safest and most politically stable countries in East Africa. Petty crime is minimal like any other destination in the world.
It is very important that your passport and traveler’s checks be on your body at all times. We caution against carrying these items in your backpack or purse. Like anywhere in the world this precaution is very important.
The respective laws of the country govern Trekking Timmy Limited’s liability to passengers carried in its own vehicles. All claims are subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of the Ugandan government in which the cause of action arises.
- TIPPING:
Tipping (restaurants, porters, drivers, and local guides) is not included in our tours. “This is entirely upon oneself”. Porters for Gorilla tracking are tipped US $ 20 per person per day. Drivers and Tourist drivers are tipped $20 per person per day. Other than the Gorilla tracking porters, tipping remains optional.
- CLOTHING:
Recommended for the field is light-weight, neutral-colored clothing that can be easily rinsed out and quickly dries (cottons or cotton blends) is recommended for the field. Long-sleeved shirts and long pants will help protect you from insects, thorny plants, and sunburn. Shorts will be appropriate for some occasions; long pants that convert into shorts by unzipping the legs are generally very useful and popular. A sweater or jacket is useful for cooler nights and early mornings. You should also bring raingear, including a small umbrella. Strong-soled shoes or hiking boots are essential, as we will spend a good amount of time on our feet. Dress is casual throughout. Laundry service will be available regularly during the tour, which should help you in deciding what to pack. Making use of laundry service means you will not need to bring as many items of clothing as you would otherwise. Note: this service is not included in the cost. Alternatively, to lighten your load, you may consider bringing some clothes you have planned to discard. These can be worn on tour and left behind; they will be well received by local communities or our local guides.
- EQUIPMENT:
You should pack a pair of binoculars in good repair, along with a belt pack or backpack (for carrying books, sunscreen, extra film, etc.). As a precaution, it is a good idea to pack your binoculars, a change of clothing, toiletry items, medication, and travel documents in your airline carry-on bag.
If you have a scope and wish to bring it, you are encouraged to do so. You will want to pack an alarm clock, a water flask or container, a strong flashlight, a washcloth, film and batteries for your camera, and between-meal snacks such as trail mix. A small day-pack for carrying essentials in the vehicles on game drives and bird walks is useful. Insects are generally not a problem. Bring your preferred insect repellent and plenty of sunscreen. You should also bring a supply of indigestion and diarrhea medicines in case they are needed.
MISC: Departure Tax – none
Electricity – 220-volt AC, with British type 13-amp 3-prong plugs.
Language – English is the official language and widely spoken.
Time – Uganda is at +3 GMT
