The Discovery Journey to

Uganda

 

Join us on a fascinating journey to Uganda, a sanctuary for more than half the world's mountain gorillas and a haven for primate enthusiasts. With lush grasslands, mountains, impenetrable forests and unusual wildlife, it's an incredible safari experience. Visit friendly chimpanzees and eleven other primates in Kibale Forest and come face-to-face with the endangered mountain gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Along the way, stay in luxury lodges and tented camps designed to integrate and emulate the beauty of their natural surroundings while providing modern amenities.

Days 1/2/3 - New York/London/Nairobi/Entebbe

Board your overnight flight from New York to London. The next morning you are escorted to the HEATHROW HILTON to your private dayroom. This evening, return to the terminal for your overnight flight to Entebbe, via Nairobi. Upon arrival in Uganda, you are escorted to your charming colonial hotel. LAKE VICTORIA HOTEL. (Meals Aloft)

Days 4/5 - Kibale Forest National Park

Begin your Ugandan adventure with a scenic full day drive, passing through beautiful agricultural countryside. Upon reaching Kyanjojo in the lower foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains (Mountains of the Moon), drive through tea plantations and into the Kibale tropical rain forest. The next day you will explore enchanting Kibale Forest National Park known to have the largest and most diverse population of primates in Africa. You may see families of chimpanzees and red colobus monkeys chattering and swinging through the ancient forest trees. The sightings of birds in the forest are no less impressive - there are at least 325 species including the Crowned Crane, Uganda's national bird. In addition, there are over 144 species of butterflies. Your beautiful lodge is situated on a high saddle between two crater lakes with breathtaking views. There is no electricity, but ample candle and oil lamps evoke the ambiance of "old Africa." NDALI LODGE. (B,L,D Daily)

Days 6/7/8 - Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Journey to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The drive passes through Fort Portal and then south along the eastern length of the Rwenzori Mountains with the hope of seeing the glaciated peaks. The drive is a full day of gently descending in the great African Rift Valley, passing through one of the most scenic areas in East Africa and continuing to Bwindi. A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, the dense undergrowth, vines and other vegetation make it almost 'impenetrable'. At least 120 species of mammals and 346 species of birds make their home here in one of the richest ecosystems in Africa, along with approximately half the world's population of mountain gorillas; the most endangered ape, approximately 330 can be found in Bwindi. Ugandan authorities are fiercely protective of this natural treasure and permit only a maximum of 18 passengers per day (currently) to visit them. Your group will have the opportunity for one trek per person to view the mountain gorillas, but can purchase an additional permit if available. Take a short stroll to Park Headquarters to meet your local guides and porters who will carry your personal items and assist you during the trek into the forest where the gorillas were the night before and track from that point. The trek can take from one to six hours and climb altitudes in excess of 7,500 feet. Picnic lunches will be provided. Your guide will take you along river trails with delightful waterfalls, up steep slopes and into forest clearings in search of these gentle giants. Approximately 98% of the gorilla treks are successful but there is no guarantee that you will see the gorillas. In the evenings, sip a sundowner around the campfire of your tented camp exclusively situated inside the Park. GORILLA FOREST CAMP. (B,L,D Daily)

Day 9 - Mbarara

Your full day drive to Mbarara takes you through the area deemed the "Switzerland of East Africa" and eventually into Ankole cattle country.  These cattle are incredible. Their horns are an astonishing 3 ½ feet long. If  time permits, you may be able to walk through an interesting local market where you can shop for everything from a bolt of cloth, to meat, fruits and vegetables which are on display for sale.  RWIZI ARCH HOTEL. (B,L,D)

Days 10/11 - Entebbe/Nairobi/London/New York

Return to Entebbe which takes about five hours, pausing in Kampala for some last-minute shopping and visiting the Mpigi Royal Drum Makers, where you can purchase some outstanding drums made from local cow skins. It is time to bid farewell to East Africa as you continue to Entebbe's airport for your overnight flight home (B, Meals Aloft)

Optional Extensions to Murchison Falls & Queen Elizabeth National Park

Begin your Ugandan adventure with a pre-safari extension on the banks of the Albert Nile. Cruise up the Nile to view glorious Murchison Falls in the company of hippo, gigantic crocodile and a plethora of exotic birdlife. Other animals regularly seen from the launch include elephant, giraffe, lion, buffalo and many antelope species. An optional post Uganda safari extension is also available to Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you may see hippo, lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, Ugandan kob, topi, bushbuck, pangolin, warthog, hyena and civet, as well as over a quarter of Africa's bird species. Along with the wildlife drives you will take a launch trip on the Kazinga Channel and Lake Edward to view some of the largest concentrations of hippo in the world.

Your Safari Includes:

• Superior accommodations as specified.
• All meals while in Africa.
• Wildlife viewing in specially-designed 4-wheel drive safari vehicles, with open roof viewing hatches for wildlife viewing and photography. A window seat is guaranteed. Chimpanzee and gorilla trekking will be made on foot.
• Complimentary bottled water in vehicles and during meals.
• Group size is limited to a maximum of 18 travelers.
• One permit to see mountain gorillas in Bwindi. Second permit can be purchased at extra cost.
• Gratuities for baggage handling, hotel tips for included meals, and all applicable hotel and lodge taxes.
• All National Park and Reserves entry fees.
• Complimentary baggage tags and passport wallet.

2009 Dates	Aug 9-19	Sep 20 -30	Oct 4 - 14	Dec 27- Jan 6
Price Main Trip Land Only	$5,295	$5,295	$5,295	$5,995
Single Supplement	$1,295	$1,295	$1,295	$1,595
Airfare	$2,300	$2,000	$2,000	$2,300
Queen Elizabeth National Park Post-Extension	$1,295	$1,295	$1,295	$1,295
Single Supplement	$395	$395	$395	$395
Murchison Falls Pre-Extension	$1,695	$1,695	$1,695	$1,695
Single Supplement	$395	$395	$395	$395

*Prices do not reflect applicable taxes.

Call Today to begin planning your journey of a lifetime
(800) 627-1244