VISITORS BRING DEADLY WEED TO QUEEN ELIZABETH NP

A toxic weed reported in the Uganda about a year ago, has infected  Queen Elizabeth National Park in western Uganda, causing  danger to  thousands of animals and plants. The Queen Elizabeth conservation area manager Mr TOM OKello said  that visitors could have brought the weed into the  Uganda .

He added that the weed is believed  to be a native of Mexico and could have been brought into Uganda about four years ago by some unknown people. The plant is thought to have been introduced into Uganda through Ethiopia and Kenya. Mr Okello said the weed had been sighted in several parts of the park, including areas around Mweya Safari Lodge.  The weed is poisonous to livestock if consumed in large quantities.

He promised that plans to start uprooting and burning the weed will be finalized by the end of  this week. Despite looking beautiful and smelling sweet, the weed is said to be among the world’s 10 most dangerous weeds.

On contact with the human body, it causes a burning effect that makes the skin peel off. Inhaling pollen from the flowers causes an asthma-like illness or persistent flu-like symptoms in humans. Cattle that eat the weed produce foul-smelling milk and may even die. In September, a team led by Dr. Gadi Gumisiriza of the National Agricultural Research Organisation said the weed had been detected in 12 districts.

The Kasese district crop protection officer, Charles Nyamutale, said the killer weed is usually spread by humans, birds and animals. Each plant is capable of producing between 25,000 and 100,000 seeds each season, which can persist in the soil for a long time. Nyamutale said the situation has been worsened because large areas of the park and neighbouring cattle grazing areas are also choking with another shrub called lantana camara. Nyamutale said lantana camara. forms thickets that harbour tsetse flies, which cause nagana in animals and sleeping sickness in humans.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is the second largest park in Uganda and brings in about sh2b of the sh17b revenue generated from the country’s national parks  plans to redeem it from this deadly weed are going on .

By Tanah Hadijah

Uganda Safari News

Hi Tanah,

The kingdom of Buganda is one of the ancient Kingdoms that have existed in Uganda since time memorial. This kingdom is lead by a king with a title “kabaka”. Because of its organized system, very many activities are carried out and one of them is the upcoming expedition of the marvelous Buganda EXPO.  The kingdom has begun its preparations for this memorable tourism EXPO 2010 slated for 28^th June to July 2010.

Like the state, this kingdom has different ministries and for this superb activity, the ministry of tourism is responsible. This time the Kingdom has joined up with Makerere University Department of Zoology to devise ways of getting all the necessary animals to boost the Expo.

An inspection tour of the spots where animals will be stationed was done and the minister of state for tourism in Buganda Kingdom, Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi guaranteed that a great number of the animals that have an attachment to Baganda clans will be presented for those interested in the show to see this time.

During her speech she pointed out that the ministry has introduced a museum for Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II where all the information concerning him will be available for display from his childhood up to date for all viewers.

In order to make the EXPO site more accessible, the Royal trail from Bulange to Mengo palace will be cleared and cleaned. The EXPO centre within the palace has also been worked upon with tarmac to help those who come to see the displays to move faster. This will also make it easier for the traders who will showcase their items during the EXPO.

Dr. Ann Acol of the Department of Zoology, Makerere University suggested the Kingdom should look forward to improving the stations where animals will be positioned to prevent them from suffocating which may lead to the death of these animals.

This exciting but memorable week long EXPO will be formally opened by her majesty Nnaabagereka, Sylvia Nagginda and closed by his Royal Highness the Kabaka. You ought not to miss out on any of these grand days. There will be a corporate Day on 3rd July, a Family Day on Sunday 4th July and afterwards a fundraising dinner for Kasubi tombs restoration on Sunday the 23rd July at Hotel Africana.

Among all the EXPOS that are organized world wide, this is the most exciting and it keeps you wondering about the rich culture that the pearl off Africa has. In this EXPO, even those that are not Ugandans are allowed to exhibit what they have to offer. This time even the Indians will be allowed to exhibit. Do not miss out there exiting dances.
Uganda safari

After  shaking  off most of the negative perceptions that had stopped Uganda’s Tourism industry growth until the late 1990s, the sector has recovered considerably.

The  Uganda tourism sector contributes  8%  of Uganda’s GDP and is seen as one of the sectors with the most promising growth prospects, the government has often kept it on the back burner in its budgeting processes.
Budget estimates for 2010/11 show that the tourism ministry could suffer a budget cut of nearly 20%  from that of the current financial year.

The encroachment on the tourism budget would perhaps not hurt the sector as much if it had not been preceded by encroachment on wildlife protected areas.

Mr Moses Mapesa, the executive director of Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), notes that encroachment and illegal access have often posed challenges to the management of such protected areas.

Between 2007 and 2008, the government allowed oil companies to carry out exploration activities in both Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks, while Hima Cement was granted a licence to mine cement at Dura in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Although these companies are compelled to ensure that they do not extensively damage the parks, the intrusion of humans and machinery often destabilises the animals’ habitats eternally.

Mr Mapesa argues that such challenges facing conservation have compelled them to strike a balance between development and conservation –an activity that was often carried out with the help of donor funding. “The pressures exerted on conservation in Uganda generally call for a paradigm shift from conservation just for the sake of it and using conservation to promote development and poverty alleviation,” explains Mr Mapesa.

Last week, UWA, which got semi-autonomous status from the Tourism ministry, started the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Trust. It is expected to generate funds locally for conservation activities, especially as donor funding reduces. According to Imelda Bacudo, a conservation finance advisor at UWA, the Trust will have a rigorous business plan for each national park and wildlife reserve aimed at ensuring they operate at optimal performance. “Once you put the money in a Trust fund then it becomes independent and transparent and it is managed by very technical financial managers.

It makes you assured of financial continuity because it is being managed sensibly. Sometimes you cannot always rely on government subsidies or foreign grants so you have to look at several ways of capturing income and managing it sensibly,” she said.

UWA Spokesperson, Lillian Nsubuga, says while tourism revenue has gone up, most of it is from one activity; gorilla tracking. “Most of our parks bring in more than we put in,” she said. “The gorillas are actually helping to save other wildlife like hippos, elephants, impalas, zebras, gazelles, jaguars, cheetahs, etc.

Part of the earnings from gorillas support conservation of other species but we are moving towards a period of more equitable distribution.” While a semi-autonomous status has given UWA the room to try out new conservation and fund-generating ideas, other sub-sectors that are funded solely by the government seem bereft of creativity. According to the Commissioner for museums and monuments in the ministry of Trade, Tourism and Industry, Ms Rose Nkaale Mwanje, more than 500 cultural and natural tourist sites are endangered.

Ms Mwanje says sites like Wamala Tombs, Ntutsi Mounds and Nyero Rock Paintings are among those being destroyed due to lack of funds to maintain them, lack of appropriate laws, ignorance of locals neighbouring the sites and land encroachment.

Yet the rhetoric from the government does not promise much for sub-sectors still funded largely from state coffers, with the minister for Tourism, Trade and Industry, Mr Kahinda Otafiire, saying, “Government is committed to giving financial support to the tourism industry but the bread baske is still small and the priorities are many.”

BY Tanah Hadijah

Uganda safari  News

Dear Tanah!

Thank you for your email!

And no we haven’t received the 2010 rates, so please send them through.

The clients that we sent with you were thrilled – I got an email from them and they had the best time with you guys!

Let me translate their comments to you here:

In Uganda we got a small surprise when we met our driver from Adventure Uganda Safaris. We were not aware that it was a private tour – however that was a really nice surprise. We can truly recommend people travelling with Adventure Uganda Safaris. Our driver Faruk did utmost best to ensure that we had a great 5 day trip in Uganda. We had a fantastic trip to the jungle and got to see the gorillas as close as 1 – 2 meters away. We also got to see the tree climbing lions. Uganda also gave us a lot of cultural experiences and the trip gave us a good impression of every day life in the country.

So as you can see they were very happy.

You will be more than welcome to use us as a referance.

I look forward to receiving the rates and hopefully send more clients your way.

Best regards,

Maria

The information minister Fredrick Nyakabwa  disclosed that the repair of the Tooro Kingdom place in Fortportal will be completed in 5 days . The minister stated that engineers are enforcing final touches on the palace to ensure that the 18^th birthday and 15^th Coronation of the Omukama of Tooro finds it completely refurbished which is due on the 16^th of April .

His birthday and coronation this time will be a hand over by the regents whereby he will receive full control over  his Kingdom  now that he has reached the age he  is considered as mature.

Oyo ascended to the throne on September 12, 1995 after the death of his father, Patrick Matthew Olimi Kaboyo II.

The  15^th Coronation will attract over 18 kings and other dignitarie that include;  H.E President Yoweri Museveni, Libyan leader Muamar Gadaffi, the Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II and Nabagereka Sylvia Nagginda who are guardians of the teen king, will attend the event at Karuzika in Fort Portal town.

By Tanah Hadijah

UGANDA SAFARIS

TRAVEL NEWS

A group of non governmental organisations have developed a marketing strategy aimed at improving Uganda’s tourism competitiveness.

The strategy, expected to deliver results in the next six months, will entail branding Uganda as a one-stop tourist destination centre for both domestic, regional and international tourism.

The organizations are working in collaboration with the private sector and Sustainable Tourism in the Albertine Rift (Star), a USA funded initiative that is focusing on strengthening sustainable tourism in support of biodiversity conservation in Uganda, the main interest being in the Albertine Rift.

Among the issues to be addressed are policy constraints within the industry, encouraging collaboration between frontline communities and management as well as reducing illegal human activities within parks.

Also, citizens will identify the “seven wonders of Uganda” through voting using mobile phones and e-mail, from a list of 30 proposed items.

It is expected that the “seven wonders of Uganda” will raise awareness of potential tourism investments and products as well as increase awareness of the role of tourism in conservation and national economic growth.

Stakeholders in the industry, including the government will then incorporate all the information gathered in branding Uganda in a national website.

This is a move away from the current practice where individual stakeholder promote selected products on their websites.

The programme will also include rebranding tourism products.

For example, all national parks will have their names changed to reflect their peculiar biodiversity.Star is providing a $225,000 competitive grant for product development to be utilised in the next three years.

The grant will be used to improve local capacity through training local artisans in a bid to enhance their products.Star is also offering a non competitive grant of $525,000 to be given to selected organisations in September.The grant also runs for three years.

WE HAVE REMOVED CLIENT EMAIL ADDRESSES IN THE FOOTPRINTS SINCE SOME COMPLAIN THAT THEY GET SPAMMED!! TO GET THE CONTACT INFORMATION, YOU NEED TO EMAIL US AND EXPRESS YOUR INTEREST IN SPEAKING TO ONE OF OUR PAST CLIENTS

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“I have traveled the world over and have never had an experience like I had with you

guys in Uganda. As one that refuses to travel as an average tourist, you made all my travel dreams come true. Spending time with local residents and children broadened my knowledge of the Ugandan culture .To my knowledge, no other tour company can provide what you offer. Your tour was well balanced between challenging tasks and relaxing moments. I came away with a deep appreciation for the wildlife in the National parks of Uganda, and the exciting gorilla trek in Bwindi. I would highly recommend your tours for anyone that has a desire to experience the best of Africa under the secure and careful attention of your staff. Your efficiency and well-organized logistics is to be commended. It is obvious to me that much time and investigation has gone into making your tours so interestingly different.”

Roy Kenred

Louisville

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“The entire experience was so wonderful that I feel I really ‘grew’ as a person.” The interesting stops and the extent of your knowledge and all the little “human interest” stories that you shared with us made this trip a huge success. Having organized some trips ourselves in the past, we know the myriad of details that must be attended to on an ongoing basis – you attended to all of those details most competently. All throughout our “safari adventure”, the hotels were ready for our arrival, the safari vehicle was ready and waiting, etc., etc., etc. Well done!”

Boris Yeltin

Edmonton

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Just a note to say we arrived back home today in Hawaii, USA. WOW, what a great trip, we booked 9 days safari but felt like it was less since we enjoyed every little bit of the trip. We had the best time, great personal service and our guide Wison and the driver were EXCELLENT!! Thank you so much for making this the best trip of our lives.

Cathy and Rodney

Maryland

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Dear AA SAfaris and Tours

Now we are back home I would like to say thank you and how much we enjoyed the whole experience and how pleased we were with the arrangements made by your

experienced staff . I would recommend that anyone considering a trip to Uganda and Rwanda give serious consideration to using the services of AA Safaris . A combination of good service and value for money. We particularly appreciated being met from and taken to the various national parks, especially Bwindi. All of the guides and agents were very friendly, knowledgeable and helpful and it would be unfair to single anyone one of them out. However we would like to say a special thank you to Tanah in Kampala for going out of her way to help even after the arranged part of the tour was over. Once again many thanks.

Best wishes

Edward and Jenny,UK

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Hi Guys,

Now that I am back in the office I would like to thank you for the wonderful organization of our trip. As always you have done a great job organizing the trip and everything was perfect – the guides where knowledgeable and spoke fluent English, the hotels where nice and with very convenient locations, the transportation was comfortable. All the clients enjoyed their trip in Uganda and returned with good memories. Thank you once again!

Best Regards,

Tim Robinson

Manchester

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When we started to plan our trekking in Uganda, nearly one year before, we were not

sure if we should trek with one of the big companies or if we should dare to trek on our own with the help of a guide. When we found AA Safaris by a friendly advice of one of his former clients and wrote with him, the decision was felt very quickly. All our many mails and questions were always fast, authentic friendly and competent answered by Tanah. So we even knew before we met him for the first time, that we choose the right one. The experience of the mountain gorillas was so great. Even with the bad weather, our safari vehicle was able to persist through the mad. The gorilla resort was our best accommodation, the guide…i won’t mention him, this photo is evident.

7 DAYS TOUR MURCHISON FALLS, SEMLIKI, QUEEN ELIZABETH

Day 1  To Murchison falls Np
Our driver guide will pick you up from your hotel and drive you to Murchison falls National Park. You will pass through the famous Luwero triangle, Budongo forest which is found on the western arm of the Great Rift Valley. The journey offers you great sceneries that are pleasing till you reach the park in the afternoon.   The drive to the top of the falls from where you will marvel at  the beauty of the Nile is one venture that cant be missed once you visit this park. Some people refer to it as the highlight of this park. Here the Nile forces its self through a narrow Gorge 7 meters wide to fall a distance of about 150 ft down producing a thunderous roar of white water- incredible beautiful scenery!   Take photos then transfer to board the ferry across the river heading to Paraa Safari Lodge for lunch.  Relax at the lodge as you wait for an evening game drive to search for some savannah wildlife like the Giraffe, lion, leopard, etc and if you are lucky you will encounter them. Return to the quietude of Paraa Lodge/ Nile safari Camp/ Sambiya River Lodge / Red Chillis camp for dinner and overnight.
Up market – Paraa / Nile Safari camp
Mid level- sambiya Lodge or
Basic- red Chillis bandas

Day 2: MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK UGANDA SAFARI
Take breakfast and go for an early morning game drive on the northern bank of the Nile. You will encounter lions, Rothschild giraffe, oribis, elephant, waterbucks, Jackson hartebeest and a variety of savannah woodland birds. After lunch we will go for a launch cruise along the river Nile and watch how hippos take a bath, elephants come to drink and crocodiles lying indolent at the shores.
Dinner and over night at

Day 3: MURCHISON FALLS – FORT PORTAL
We leave Murchison Falls and head towards Fort Portal. The drive is almost eight hours but will provide you with some marvelous views as you pass small African villages and banana plantations. This beautiful town of Fort Portal rests in the shadow of the fabled Mountains of the Moon. Dinner and overnight at Rwenzori View Guesthouse excellent accommodation with view over the Rwenzori Mountains/Primate lodge or Luxury Ndali Lodge.
UP market- Ndali  Lodge/ Mountains of The Moon/ Primates Lodge
Mid level- Rwenzori View guest house
Basic- Chimps nest  Bandas

Day 4: SEMLIKI NATIONAL PARK
We take break fast and proceed to Semliki National Park. The charming, winding road will lead us through the green mountains and offers you an excellent view at the River Semliki and Congo. On arrival in this curbed area, a ranger will escort us on a dazzling nature walk through the Ituri Rainforest. Enjoy the passivity of the forest, search for the bird species at the swamp and don’t forget to move with a row egg that will boil in the hot springs for illustration that proves how hot the water from these hot springs is. This has become an interesting natural charm. A picnic lunch provided by the guide, while you probe into the real Africa is enjoyable. Later in the afternoon we return to the service of Rwenzori View Guesthouse for dinner and overnight.
For upgrade you can stay at Ndali Lodge.

Day5: KIBALE NATIONAL PARK – Queen Elizabeth Np
Early beautiful morning with a sensational chimp tracking. Kibale Forest is the most reliable park if you wanted 100% chances of watching the greatest diversity and highest concentration of primates in East Africa. Indulge in the nature guided walks in this tropical rainforest in search for the wild chimpanzee, black-and-white colobus monkey, red-tailed monkey, and many others. After a hearty lunch
We will transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park. It is a beautiful route via Kasese, with the Rwenzori Mountains on your right side and the green valley on the left. A game drive on our way to the accommodation in the middle of the national park gives us the opportunity to spot waterbucks, warthogs and other wildlife. In the evening , you will have the chance to indulge in a nature walks in the Maramagambo tropical forest. Here you will find the blue lake which got its name after swallowing an Elephant- Kimmeranjojo This was named  after it had drowned an elephant. It is hard to believe that this small shallow  lake Kimmeranjojo may have drowned a very huge elephant. Proceed to the hunter’s cave another interesting scene which will expose you to bats and the Rock python that preys on them. You will get the chance to have a close look at the bats and maybe even the rock python and forest cobras that feed on the bats. The same walk will provide you with views of primates, different bird species and beautiful fauna.
Dinner and overnight at the basic Institute of Ecology Hostel.
For high end budget you can stay at Jacana Safari Lodge or Mweya Safari Lodge.

Up market Mweya safari Lodge/ Jacana safari Lodge
Mid level- Hippo hill camp
Basic- Albertine camp

Day 6: QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK
Wake up very early in the morning and head to the mating ground of the Uganda Kobs along the Kasenyi Miles track. We look for buffaloes, elephants, lions and other wild animals in their natural habitat, before returning for lunch. After lunch we take on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel. This is  a natural channel between Lake Edward and Lake George.  You will view elephants, buffaloes and hundreds of hippos, this cruise will certainly be one of the places of interest of your safari. Return to your lodge for dinner and over night.

Day 7 Transfer to Kampala
You will have a brief game drive before you transfer to   Kampala- Lunch en route. With all these beautiful memories of nature that still exists even after the global warming, you will be transferred to the airport for your next flight back home.
End of Uganda Tour

Quotation: Our rates vary with the accommodation types;

Price in US$$    1Person     2Pax    3 PAx     4 Pax    5 Pax    6 Pax    8 Pax    16 pax
UP Market     3825    2565    2315    2065    2015    18955    1815    1775
Mid Level    3375    2249    1957    1750    1675    1585    1495    1469
Basic     3140    1965    1685    1465    1395    1295    1215    1179

The price includes;
·    Park entry fees
·    Ferry crossing
·    Nature walks
·    Game drive s
·    The launch cruise along the Kazinga channel and the Victoria Nile
·    Chimpanzee tracking
·    Visits to the pygmies and the hot springs
·    Meals
·    Ground transportation  in a 4 x4 safari vehicle each of you with a window seat and fuel costs
·    Visits to the top of the falls and the crater lakes regions
·    Services of a full time driver
But it excludes; optional activities, tips, laundry fees, drinks and any other personal expenses.

Contact Us to Book this Safari

Taking its name from the impressive and powerful waterfall on the River Nile, Murchison Falls National Park is five hours by road from Kampala and it is a remote and genuinely wild topical terrain. Wildlife viewing under our program combines a game drive through the acacia Savannah route along the River Nile – gorilla trekking where huge herds of elephant, Uganda kob, Rothschild giraffe and lion will constantly intercept your ride – and a boat cruise up the Nile where mother hippos will threaten to attack to protect their young. Crocodile as well as large colonies of water birds are frequent sites along the way.

Kibale has the greatest variety and concentration of primates in East Africa. One of the last strongholds of the red colobus, 12 other species present include L’Hoest’s monkey, grey cheeked mangabey and chimpanzee. Chimp tracking and birding are the main activities in Kibale Forest and the rare forest elephant or leopard may be seen.

Tour Itinerary:
Day 1:

Kampala. Arrive at Entebbe airport. Pick up and proceed to Kampala city.

Day 2:

Kampala – Murchison Falls National Park. We will leave Kampala in the morning and then go north to the town of Masindi, the gateway to Murchison Falls National Park. As we cross into the park, we will pass through lowland jungle before traveling up and over gorilla tracking a side-shoot of the Great Rift Valley, before plunging down into the Nile Valley and rolling savanna lands. We will make a stop at the top of the famous Murchison Falls, where the entire Nile is forced through a six meter gap in a pounding fury, before spilling out into a more placid flow at the bottom. We will spend the night nearby the Nile, where the laughing of hyenas, the roar of lions and the grunting of hippos will thrill you to the core. Red Chili Rest Camp.

Day 3:

Murchison Falls National Park. An early start this morning for a game drive encompassing elephant, giraffe, lion, leopard, buffalo, giraffe, warthog, baboon and a huge variety of other wildlife. Later today we will take a boat ride up the river to the bottom of gorilla tour Murchison Falls, where boils of water, floating crocodiles and pods of hippo intersperse with some of the best bird viewing in the world. From the safety of the boat you can see the crocodiles, hippos, elephants, buffaloes and other animals on the shores of the Nile. Red Chilly Rest Camp.

Day 4:

Murchison Falls National Park. Early morning breakfast and go for an adventure on the Nile on a private boat trip This is a great opportunity of seeing the Shoebill Stork and other beautiful birds. In the afternoon drive to Hoima Town for dinner and overnight at Kolping Hotel at a superb viewing point. Kolping Hotel.

Day 5:

Murchison Falls – Kibale Forest. On this day we will drive southward down the western edge of Uganda, through winding agricultural lands, where villagers and their children will show their friendly nature and wave out and you can glimpse the Ugandan Bwindi National Park Uganda Gorillas way of rural life. We will enter the crater-lake region located underneath the magnificent Rwenzori Mountains. We will spend the night in a lodge in Kibale Forest. Primate Lodge/Chimpanzee Forest Guest House.

Day 6:

Kibale Forest. Waking up early you can hope to get a good view of the Mountains of the Moon before we make our way into the chimpanzee forests of Kibale National Park. Get your walking shoes on as we move through bush and jungle to spend time with our fascinating relatives, watching them swing through the trees or move quickly across the ground in front of us. Queen Elizabeth National park Uganda The park is home to 12 species of primate. The Primates include Chimps, Black and White Colobus Monkeys, Blue, Black faced Red Colobus, Red Tailed Monkeys, Olive Baboons and an incredible array of bird life, including the Great Blue Turaco. In the afternoon we will take an optional walk through some nearby jungle and swamplands, over board walks GORILLA SAFARI put together by a community project, giving a fascinating insight into the wetland community and flora and fauna within. We will spend the night at the Rwenzori View Guest house in Fort Portal, with a fascinating viewing point of the Mountains of the Moon. Primate Lodge/Chimpanzee Forest Guest House.

Day 7:

Kibale Forest – Queen Elizabeth National Park. After breakfast we drive to one of the features of volcanically with cycled movement of water while in a pot like shaped environment. Then take a closer look at the caves, the best home for Bats and Lizards. In the afternoon we connect Murchison Falls National Park Uganda to Queen Elizabeth National Park, the best National Park of Uganda with outstanding wildlife. Have a relaxed guided walk at the Mweya Peninsular or make a game drive. Mweya Hostel

Day 8:

Queen Elizabeth National Park. Early game drive in the park with high expectations of seeing Lions, Hippos, Buffaloes, Leopards, Spotted Hyenas, Elephants, Antelopes and the elusive Giant Forest Hog in this park. Return to the hostel for lunch, in the afternoon you will take a unique boat ride on the Kazinga Channel which connects Lake Edward and Lake George. The area is believed to be the biggest Hippo concentration in Africa. You will be entertained by amazing hippos usually in interesting pools and many animals may be seen drinking at the water’s edge. AFRICAN SAFARIS BLOG This launch cruise offers an excellent platform for photography, Hippos huff and spray mere feet away from the boat, Buffalo linger in the shallows and the prolific bird life is colorful and stupendous with well over 550 resident species. Buffaloes linger in the shallows and the prolific bird life is colorful and stupendous. Mweya Hostel .

Day 9:

Queen Elizabeth National Park – Ishasha. Game drive in the morning or optional chimp-tracking in the Kyambura Gorge. In the afternoon we continue to move through the National Park as we enter the southern region of the park known as Ishasha. This area is famous for tree-climbing lions and driving underneath the huge thorn trees is an experience you will never forget, as you find the lions lolling around in the upper branches. Game drive in the afternoon. Ishasha Hostel.

Day 10:

Ishasha – Bwindi Impenetrable. Before we leave the park we will have another game drive in the Park to search for animals. After the game drive Rwanda Safari we enter the southwest of the country, where winding roads lead through tiered agricultural lands and take us to the misty mountains of the gorillas. We will stay at one of the beautiful lodges under the stars right on the edge of the Mountain Gorilla’s natural habitat. Depends on the group of gorillas you will be tracking.

Day 11:

Bwindi Impenetrable. Rise with the sun and trek into the green cloaked and misty mountains to find the world’s rarest primate: the mountain gorilla. It is estimated that half the world’s population, some 300 individuals, live in Bwindi. The chances of tracking the mountain gorillas in Bwindi are almost 100%. The rain forest will drip around you as you first hear the breaking  Kenya safari of bamboo signaling the group is near and then you will be face to face with one of the most delightful and fascinating creatures in the world. After an hour’s viewing you will make the trek back to the lodge. Relaxing in the afternoon or bring a visit to the Batwa (pygmies). Depends on the group of gorillas you will be tracking.

Day 12:

Bwindi – Lake Mburo. After breakfast we will drive through twisted and winding roads, and lake dotted countryside, before emerging on to the lower thorn and savanna scrub lands of Lake Mburo National Park. Lake Mburo National Park has markedly different fauna to other Parks and reserves, and its the best place in the country to see the gigantic Eland Antelope, as well as Zebra, Topi, Impala, and several Acacia – associated birds. There are no lions and elephants in the park, so the park is ideal for walking safaris. The five lakes within the park attract Hippos, Crocodiles and a variety of waterbirds. Game drive in the afternoon. Rwonyo Tented Camp

Day 13:

Lake Mburo. Fancy a walk through wild, wild Africa? This morning we are going to take a walking safari, complete with a ranger, so we can get up close and personal on ground level to many of the beautiful and free animals of the park. It’s also possible to have another game drive instead of a walk through the park. Lunch at the Lakeside Restaurant. In the afternoon we take a boat ride at Lake Mburo, which gives great opportunities to see hippos, crocodiles and a lot of beautiful birds. Rwonyo Tented Camp.

Day 14:

Lake Mburo – Kampala/Entebbe. Game drive or walk through the park and later drive Kampala with a stopover at the equator for photos.

Day 15

Transfer to the airport

Price Includes:
- Full board accommodation in Bandas
- Entry fee to the parks
- Gorilla permits for Bwindi
- All stated activities
- Transport
- Services of a driver guide

Price Excludes:
- Personal spending money
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Any optional extra activities no outlined in the itinerary
- Tips to the safari driver/guide
- Air ticket, airport transfer and accommodation before and after the tour