UPHLSU/ 004 – 19- Day Uganda Primates, Game And Culture Photo Safari
Safari Highlights
- Cultural, nature and landscape photography at Sseszibwa Falls.
- Sunset boat cruises at the source of the River Nile.
- Game drives and boat cruise in Lake Mburo National Park.
- Cultural day and night at Igongo (making ghee, watering cows, traditional cuisine, the art of making African beer – Tonto, visit to Biharwe Eclipse Monument, a banquet spiced by cultural performances, and milking cows.)
- Landscape, cultural and people photography at Lake Bunyonyi.
- Gorilla tracking and Batwa visits in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
- Tree climbing lions, game drives, boat cruises and daily life photography in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
- Chimpanzee tracking and community visits in Kibale National Park.
- Game drive, boat cruise, visit to top of the falls in Murchison Falls National Park.
- Bird, wildlife and nature photography at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
- Shoebill and canoe ride at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
- Visiting and feeding chimps at Ngamba Island.
- Photography equipment to bring: Camera, wide angle lens, 200+ mm lens, Tripod, waterproof protection for equipment, spare batteries and charger.
- This is a photographic Safari where you need time and privacy to take good pictures. It is therefore advisable to use a private boat for boat cruises for the best results.
- What you need: Closed shoes, long pants, water and insect repellent.
- What to Bring for Gorilla Tracking: Good walking boots, wet weather clothing and warm layers for the evenings – it gets cold and damp at this altitude. The sun is still fierce during the day – even when overcast – so be sure to still wear sunscreen and a sun hat. You may also want to bring waterproof bags to protect cameras and other equipment when hiking.
- Water and snacks will be provided.
Safari Overview
Snap Uganda’s 19-day photo Safari in Uganda offers a thrilling experience showcasing wildlife, birds, landscapes, and cultural icons, primarily south of the River Nile.
- Source of River Nile: This safari explores Ssezibwa Falls, a cultural and spiritual site, and the Source of the Nile, where the world’s longest river begins its 6,650 km journey towards the Mediterranean Sea.
- Lake Mburo National Park: Explore Lake Mburo National Park with a boat trip and game drive, spotting the African Finfoot, black-collared barbet, and capturing ravenous hippos at dusk.
- Igongo Cultural Centre: Explore the history and customs of the Banyankore people, who rely on long-horned cattle for survival. Live as a cow herder, brew and enjoy local beer, and explore the Biharwe Eclipse Monument.
- Lake Bunyonyi: Explore Bunyonyi Lake in the “Switzerland of Africa,” witness local women’s daily life, and visit “Punishment Island,” where pregnant girls were once left to perish and immerse yourself in landscape photography.
- Gorilla tracking: Experience a lifetime adventure tracking and photographing endangered Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site spiced by the dances and voices of the Batwa (Pygmies)
- Medley of Wonders: Queen Elizabeth National Park will unbox a unique experience for photography targeting tree-climbing lions, wildlife, birds photography and a visit explore the 16th-century salt mining trade at Katwe Salt Lake. You will also enjoy a game drive and observe water birds during a boat cruise in the Kazinga Channel.
- Kibale National Park: In the “Primate Capital of the World,” Uganda’s most visited rainforest – you will track, click chimpanzees, enjoy a community visit, and take a walk in the swamp.
- Murchison Falls National Park: Uganda’s largest national park, famous for “The African Queen” film, offers wildlife, landscape and bird photography opportunities in forests, grasslands and on water. Take a boat journey to Murchison Falls and hike to the top of the falls, to witness the “Devil’s Cauldron” which is even more stunning and often adorned with a rainbow formed when the Nile waters plunge 45 meters below squeezing through a 7-metre-wide gorge.
- Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch: Rhino trekking, birdwatching, nature hikes, nighttime nature walks, shoebill hunts, and canoe rides await you at, Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch a popular destination for adventure-seeking travellers, wildlife and nature photographers.
- Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary: The photographic tour will conclude on Ngamba Island in Lake Victoria, where you will feed and interact with chimpanzees.
- Rates Fixed by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and Hotels
Safari itinerary summery
Day 1- Airport Pickup (meet and greet)
Day 2- Drive to Ssezibwa and visit the Source of the Nile for sunset boat cruise.
Day 3- Drive to Lake Mburo, Equator stop over and evening game drive.
Day 4- Game drive (Bird and Wildlife Photography), boat Cruise on Lake Mburo
Day 5- Transfer to Igongo Cultural Center. Visit the Museum, participate in ghee making, watering cows, making African beer and visit the Biharwe Eclipse Monument )
Day 6- Milk cows and transfer to Lake Bunyonyi and visit the “Punishment Island.”
Day 7-. Landscape and daily life Photography and travel to Rushaga
Day 8- Gorilla tracking in Bwindi, visit Batwa, transfer to Ishasha in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 9- Game Drive in Ishasha, transfer to northern sector of the park.
Day 10- Game drive and boat cruise on Kazinga Channel
Day 11- Visit to Katwe Salt Lake and transfer to Kibale National Park
Day 12- Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale and Visit to Bigodi swamp
Day 13- Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
Day 14- Game Drive and Boat Cruise in Murchison Falls
Day 15- Visit to the top of Murchison Falls and transfer to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.
Day 16- Canoe Ride and Shoebill trek at Ziwa
Day 17 – Nature walk, Bird and wildlife photography at Ziwa and transfer to Entebbe
Day 18 – Visit Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Lake Victoria
Day 19- Shopping – Airport Departure. End of tour
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Airport Pickup (meet and greet)
Upon arrival at Uganda’s Entebbe International Airport, a professional guide from Snap Uganda will introduce the country and your safari, followed by a 45-kilometer drive to Kampala’s capital.
Accommodation:
High end: Sheraton Kampala Hotel – 5 Star
Mid-range: Hotel Africana Ltd & Convention center
Day 2: Ssezibwa Falls and the Source of the Nile.
After breakfast, drive to the Source of the Nile, a two-hour drive from Uganda’s capital Kampala via Mabira Forest. The journey features sugar and tea plantations, Mabira Forest, and fruit markets, with a stop at Ssezibwa Falls, a cultural site with a legend.
ABOUT SSEZIBWA FALLS – Uganda’s cultural destination for photography.
Location:
81 km from Entebbe and 40 km from Kampala via Jinja Road. 43 km to Jinja
Coordinates: 0.3539206, 32.75067
Ssezibwa, which is known for its seven-meter-tall Ssezibwa Falls, is one of Uganda’s most important cultural and heritage sites. Ssezibwa Falls are claimed to have been birthed as twins by a woman hundreds of years ago, according to folklore. Nakkungu Tebatuusa, a travelling woman and Nsubuga Sebwaato’s wife, produced the two rivers, Ssezibwa and its brother, Bwanda, as twins.
The twins were born in the shape of water and went in various directions. In contrast to Bwanda, which flowed east, Ssezibwa flowed west, overcoming many difficulties, hence its name. “My path cannot be blocked” is the Luganda phrase “sizibwa kkubo,” which is where the name Ssezibwa comes from. Lake Kyoga draws the northerly flow of the Ssezibwa River.
While at Ssezibwa, you will engage in scenic, nature, bird, and cultural photography. Wildlife in the surrounding forest includes several species of monkeys, such as the red-tailed monkey, as well as a variety of bird species.
Ssezibwa in Uganda provides exceptional birdwatching opportunities, as the surrounding forest serves as a sanctuary for more than 50 bird species.
Birds at Ssezibwa:
African Finfoot, Long-tailed Cormorant, African Grey Hornbill, Long-tailed Cormorant
Giant Kingfisher, Black and White Casqued Hornbill, Splendid Starling, Great Blue Turaco, Woodland Kingfisher, Dark capped Bulbul, Red eyed Dove, Tambourine Dove,
Crowned Hornbill, Eastern Plantain Eaters, African Paradise Flycatcher, Red bellied Paradise Flycatcher, Northern Grey headed Sparrow and more.
After Ssezibwa, head to Jinja, check at (high-end – Wild Waters Lodge or mid-range Nile Village hotel), have lunch, and enjoy a sunset Boat Cruise at the River Nile source.
SUNSET BOAT CRIUSE ON THE SOURCE OF THE NILE
Jinja is the source of the Nile, the longest river, which flows through Uganda, South Sudan, Sudan, and Egypt before reaching the Mediterranean Sea in its 6,650 snaking journey.
Using a boat, you will reach the point where the river begins its journey. John Speke was the first European to reach the source of the Nile in 1858.
The site where Speke stood and first identified as the source has been transformed into a park for recreational activities.
Then, you will enjoy an unforgettable sunset boat cruise on the Nile as the African sun sets, giving way to a starry night, while kingfishers dive for prey against the sky’s orange and gold hues.
You will come across stunning aquatic birds like the Long-tailed Cormorant, Pied Kingfisher, Herons, and others. From time to time, you might see a Monitor Lizard by the shoreline. After the sunset cruise on the Nile, you return to your hotel for the night.
Accommodation:
High-end: Wild Waters Lodge
Mid – range: Nile Village hotel
Day 3: Drive to Lake Mburo for a game drive with a stop at the Equator
Snap Uganda driver/guide takes you to Lake Mburo National Park, stopping at the Equator for photo opportunities. After, check into accommodation, enjoy lunch, and embark on an evening game drive.
THE UGANDA EQUATOR
Location:
176 km south west of Jinja by road (4 hours’ drive)
Coordinates: 0°00’00.0″N 32°02’22.3″E
Uganda’s location at the intersection of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres makes it special. At Kayabwe, on the Kampala-Masaka highway lies the Earth’s center—there is a noteworthy equator crossing. With one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and the other in the Southern Hemisphere, you will stand here for pictures.
The Equator is an imaginary line that splits the world into two equal parts, equidistant from the North and South Poles. At this point, a magnetic needle remains perfectly horizontal without any dip. The sun rises and sets quickly here, resulting in equal lengths of day and night. The climate around the Equator is consistently warm and tropical year-round, making it difficult to distinguish between seasons.
Additionally, the way water drains differs between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres at the Equator. Local guides can demonstrate that in the Northern Hemisphere, water drains clockwise, while in the Southern Hemisphere, it drains counterclockwise.
Following your trip to the Equator, you go to Lake Mburo National Park, where you settle into your lodging (the Mid-range Rwakobo Rock Lodge or the High-end Mihingo Lodge), have lunch and then go on an exhilarating evening wildlife drive.
LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK
Location:
161 km by road southwest of the Equator (3hours’ drive)
213.12 km (132.43 mi) South West of Kampala
Coordinates: -0.6716956, 30.9308052
At 228 km², Lake Mburo National Park is the smallest savanna park in Uganda. It is located near the Masaka Mbarara highway.
The park is home to the largest concentration of zebras, impala, and eland in Uganda, as well as more than 300 different species of birds.
With its varied range of ecosystems, including pockets of papyrus swamp, stunning riparian woodlands along the lakes and rivers, steep terrain, forested gorges, and broad grassland, the park provides a unique habitat for species that are rare in other Ugandan parks.
Key Wildlife Species
Zebras – Lake Mburo has the largest concentration is Uganda’s best places to see zebras
Impalas – The park boasts Uganda’s only population of impalas
Elands – Africa’s largest antelope species is frequently spotted here
Buffaloes, Defassa waterbucks, and reedbucks roam the open savanna while Hippos and Crocodiles dominate the lakeshores. Leopards and hyenas lurk in the woodlands, though sightings are rare Bush pigs, warthogs, and topis add to the park’s diversity Since there are no elephants at Lake Mburo, unlike other savanna parks in Uganda, forests can flourish there unchecked.
Birding in Lake Mburo National Park
One of the greatest places in Uganda for birdwatching is Lake Mburo, which is home to more than 300 different kinds of birds. The area around Rwonyo offers some of the best views of the park’s famous acacia-associated birds.
Lake Mburo is the best place in Uganda for acacia-dwellers such as the black-collared Barbet and Bare-faced Go-away-bird with park forming the northern limit of their range.
The secretive African Finfoot and spectacular Ross’s Turaco are often seen on boat trips. The swamps support papyrus specials such as Papyrus Gonolek, Blue-headed Coucal and the Shoebill Stork. Migratory birds are present from November to April.
Notable birds in the park include:
Mosque swallow, Black-bellied bustard, Bare-faced go-away bird, Rüppell’s Starling, Southern ground hornbill, and Black-throated barbet among the many.
List of birds in Lake Mburo National Park
Read more about Lake Mburo National Park
Day 3 – Lake Mburo Evening Game Drive:
This evening’s game drive is designed for wildlife photographers to capture Golden Hour wildlife and landscapes at Lake Mburo from 6 to 7 p.m., with the chance to see a variety of wildlife.
Lake Mburo National Park offers a thrilling game drive where you will witness and photograph diverse wildlife like zebras, impalas, buffaloes, giraffes, and warthogs.
Between 6 and 7 p.m., you will be close to Lake Mburo to capture the stunning orange and golden hues of the setting sun against the gentle waves of the lake. If Mother does not swallow the departing sun with dark clouds instead, hungry hippos may be yawning near the shore, their reflections dancing with the golden waves.
For bird lovers, Lake Mburo National Park is the premier location in Uganda for acacia-dwelling birds like the black-collared Barbet and the Bare-faced Go-away-bird, as the park marks the northern limit of their range.
After the game drive, you go to the Lodge of an overnight.
Accommodation:
High end: Mihingo Safari Lodge
Mid-range: Rwakobo Rock Lodge
Day 4: Game drive – Bird and Wildlife Photography
After breakfast, we will go for our second game drive and wildlife and bird photography excursion. One of the rare parks in Uganda with Impalas and a record number of zebras is Lake Mburo.
In the warm, gentle light of the morning, we will focus on photographing the park’s record animals, the impalas and the zebras. We will ensure that the park’s landscape, which includes the lake, acacia wood land, and savanna grass land, elegantly frames the photos of the animals and birds.
You will be able to observe and take pictures of other animals and birds in addition to our model mammals today.
For birds, we will be on the lookout for special bird species, including the elusive Shoebill Stork, Trilling Cisticola, Long-tailed (Tabora) Cisticola, Caruther’s Cisticola, Greater Snipe, Spot-franked Barbet, Red-faced Barbet, Crested Barbet, Short-toed Eagle, Brown Snake-Eagle, Papyrus Yellow Warbler, White-winged Warbler, African Finfoot, Saddle-billed Stork, Brown-chested Lapwing, African Wattled Lapwing, Senegal Lapwing, Red-faced Apalis, Yellow-breasted Apalis, White-winged Black Tit, Broad-billed Roller, Lilac-breasted Roller, Crested Francolin, and Coqui Francolin, among others.
The swamps in the park support papyrus specials such as Papyrus Gonolek, Blue-headed Coucal and the Shoebill Stork. Migratory birds are present from November to April.
After the game drive, we will return to the lodge for lunch before embarking on a boat cruise on Lake Mburo.
Boat Cruise on Lake Mburo
After lunch, we embark on a boat cruise on Lake Mburo to observe wildlife, including yawning hippos and various water birds.
A boat cruise on Lake Mburo, will offer you a unique experience of viewing and photographing wildlife and will be good particularly for birdwatching and photographing birds. You can expect to see and capture hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species, which might include the rare shoebill stork. Other common birds are Pied kingfishers and the African fish Eagle.
You will also be able to capture the elusive and perpetually wet African Finfoot which along with the stunning Ross’s Turaco are frequently spotted during these boat excursions. After the cruise, we head back to the lodge for an overnight stay.
Accommodation:
High End: Mihingo Lodge
Mid-range: Rwakobo Rock Lodge
Day 5: Travel from Lake Mburo to Igongo Cultural Centre
Have breakfast, check out of the lodge, and travel to the Igongo Cultural Centre to learn about the region’s traditions, customs, and history. The cultural experiences include traditional cattle watering, milking, the processing of organic foods and juices, and an ancient Banyankore traditional dance known as Ekitaguriro. On arrival, at check in at the Igongo Cultural Centre for your accommodation.
IGONGO CULTURAL CENTRE
Location:
(Igongo Cultural Centre, Mbarara)
50 km (Mihingo Lodge) northwest of Lake Mburo National Park. (I hour drive)
Coordinates: -0.5207276, 30.7383728
The Igongo Cultural Museum and Hotel offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Uganda’s rich heritage while enhancing your safari experience.
The center features traditionally designed houses in various styles, constructed from materials such as wood, grass, and mud, capturing the essence of ancient times long before the advent of skyscrapers.
The Banyankole Culture
The Banyankore in western Uganda, under the Ankole Kingdom, valued their long-horned cattle for economic and prestige, with the Mugabe (king) having claim over all cattle and sometimes having over 100 wives. Polygamy was a symbol of rank and wealth.
Read more about the Banyankore
Activities at Igongo for your photo Safari.
- Museum tour
- Make your own
- Watering cows
- Tradition cuisine Lunch
- The art of making African beer – Tonto
- The Biharwe Eclipse Monument
- A banquent spiced by Cultural performaces
- Milking cows.
- Morning visit the Museum at Igongo.
From Lake Mburo National Park, check in at the Igongo Cultural Centre and explore the museum. The museum showcases artifacts, traditional clothing, tools, and historical items that offer valuable insights into the cultural history of the Ankole people and Uganda. A guided tour through the museum will immerse you in the traditions of the Banyankore forefathers, showcasing their practices in cattle keeping, agriculture, and hunting. You will also discover the various ways in which women in Ankole expressed beauty through their attire and adorned themselves with jewelry.
- Participate in the ghee making process.
After visiting the museum, your tour will be enhanced by the opportunity to view, photograph, and participate in the ghee-making and milk-churning processes, a craft that has been passed down through generations.
- Watering the cows
After the ghee-making experience, you will photograph and participate in the exercise of watering the cows. Around midday, the cows become thirsty and need to drink water. They know where to go, so they will congregate at their watering point.
- Tradition cuisine Lunch
After watering the cows, you will have the opportunity to enjoy an exclusive selection of mouthwatering traditional Ugandan and Ankole dishes at the Igongo Restaurant. This experience will allow you to savor the local cuisine while learning about the culinary traditions of the region. The buffet consists of fresh ingredients that are organically grown by local farmers, supporting the community’s development. However, your menu is not limited to the buffet; you can also place an order for items not included in the buffet selection.
- Learning the art of making African beer
After lunch, you will learn about and participate in the art of brewing a local beer known as Tonto. Brewing Tonto is one of the experiential tourism activities offered at Igongo, alongside pottery making and visits to the Ankole long-horned cattle farms for milking experiences. The local brew, Tonto, is a wine-like beverage made from ripened bananas and features a very sweet and delicious juice called Eshande. When the Eshande is fermented for 24 hours, it transforms into the potent Tonto.
- The Biharwe Eclipse Monument
The Eclipse Monument was erected on Biharwe Hill at the Igongo Cultural Centre to commemorate the first known total solar eclipse, which occurred 500 years ago and caused intense confusion among three powerful kings of that era.
It was on this hill, on April 17, 1520, that a total eclipse of the sun compelled King Olimi Rwitamahanga of Bunyoro to abandon all the war booty—cows, women, and slaves— that he had raided from Umwami (King) Ruganzu Ndori of Rwanda. Omukama Olimi, known as Scourge of Nations, raided Rwanda after depleting most of the cattle in Ankole.
As fate would have it, King Olimi was returning to Bunyoro after a successful raid in Rwanda when an eclipse unexpectedly occurred in the afternoon at Biharwe. Without warning, darkness swiftly enveloped the entire area.
The mysterious night terrified King Olimi and his men to such an extent that they fled, abandoning their loot, which was promptly seized and claimed by the king of Ankore (Nkore), Ntare Nyabugarobwera, amidst celebrations. The cows that were seized were named “Empenda ya Munoni” and “Enduga Mwiguru,” which means from heaven in Runyankole.
After losing everything, King Olimi felt ashamed to return to his kingdom empty-handed. In an attempt to recover his losses, he chose to invade and raid the young Buganda Kingdom, ruled by Ssekabaka Nakibinge Kagali.
During a battle in Bulemezi, Kabaka Nakibinge and his commander, Kibuuka, were killed. Nakibinge was succeeded by his son, Mulondo. The monument stands on three pillars, each representing one of the three kings of the time: Omukama Olimi Rwitamahanga I of Bunyoro, Ssekabaka Nakibinge Kagali of Buganda, and Omugabe Ntare Nyabugarobwera V of Ankole. At the top of the monument is a yellow, eclipse-like feature adorned with various pictorials, symbols, and Egyptian inscriptions.
This particular eclipsed incident is still remembered throughout the entire Great Lakes Region by many subsequent generations. In fact, when historians researched the royal lineages of the various kingdoms, the of Biharwe became a key reference point for dating events.
Scientists determined that the eclipse occurred on April 17, 1520 AD. The kings who were alive at that time served as a benchmark for estimating the dates of their successors in the various kingdoms’ lineages.
Uganda has experienced two total solar eclipses in the past 500 years. The most recent occurred on November 3, 2013, with its epicenter located at the playground of St. Jude Thadeo Owiny Primary School in Otwikende Village, Jonam County, Pakwach District.
- A banquent spiced by Cultural performaces.
After visiting the Eclipse Monument, you will enjoy a cultural banquet enriched by live performances, including traditional dances, songs, and storytelling, all designed to enhance your experience of the vibrant cultural heritage of the Ankole people.
You will watch, photograph, and participate in the Ekitaguriro dance as part of your farewell package at the Igongo Cultural Centre before you leave the following day. Ekitaguriro is a vigorous dance characterized by energetic jumping and stamping. Women perform the dance with an elegant display of their arms. After the Cultural Night you will retire to bed at Igongo
Accommodation: Igongo Cultural Centre
Day 6 – 8. Milk cows and travel to Lake Bunyonyi
Early morning, observe and participate in the traditional Ankole long-horned cow milking practice, capturing stunning sunrise images of the cattle with their horn silhouettes against the rising sun. You will enjoy the fresh milk as part of your breakfast menu.
After breakfast at Igongo, you will proceed to Lake Bunyonyi, located in the Kigezi sub region and upon arrival check in at your lodge (Acadia Cottages)
On your way, to Bunyonyi the scenery changes as you pass through the grassy plains and undulating hills of Ankole and enter the magnificent mountainous regions of Kigezi, which is frequently referred to as the Switzerland of Africa due to its charming terraced mountain slopes and lovely lakes tucked away in the valleys.
The scenery around Lake Bunyonyi continues to highlight Kigezi’s breathtaking mountainous topography, which is renowned for its picturesque lakes and terraced slopes.
LAKE BUNYONYI
Location:
191 southwest of Igongo Cultural Centre via (3.5 hours’ drive)
Coordinates: -1.2949032, 29.9056435
Without a doubt, the most beautiful lake in Africa is Lake Bunyonyi, which is roughly 6 km from Kabale town. Bunyonyi is Rukiga name for an area with many little birds.
Among the deepest lakes in Africa is Lake Bunyonyi. The lake contains 29 Islands and is encircled by terraced hills. Mist hanging over the many islands in the lake, ladies paddling dug-out canoes, and breathtaking sunsets on clear days are some of the sights to behold. In contrast to many other lakes in East Africa, Lake Bunyonyi is free of hippopotamus, crocodiles, and bilharzia. Its pristine water draws in seasoned swimmers. The lake provides the region’s delicacy, crayfish.
Read more about Lake Bunyonyi.
Day 6: Visit to Akampene Island in Lake Bunyonyi
Upon arrival at lake Bunyonyi, you will check in at Lake Bunyonyi Overland Resort and have lunch before taking a boat to Akampene, also called “Punishment Island.” During a boat ride to the Island, you will see many local women, some with babies strapped on their backs rowing canoes laden with produce.
The most well-known historical location in Lake Bunyonyi is Akampene Island, a place rich in culture and history where girls who became pregnant before marriage were left to die. In the past, the Bakiga people believed that it was improper for girls to become pregnant before getting married.
The girls who did end themselves in this predicament were taken to Akampene Island by canoe and left there to either starve or to drown trying to swim back to shore. Not all of these girls ended tragically, which is surprising. Men eventually discovered the island’s unmarried women, transforming it into a location where they could look for wives without having to pay a dowry. Due to the influence of missionaries who founded a leprosy hospital on a nearby larger island, this practice finally stopped in the 1940s.
You will return to Bunyonyi Overland Resort for dinner and an overnight stay following your tour to Akampene.
Accommodation: Acadia Cottages
Day 7: Landscape and daily life Photography and travel to Rushaga in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Before travelling to Rushaga in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, begin your day with an early breakfast check out of the lodge and take a stroll along the shores of Lake Bunyonyi to take in the stunning scenery and observe the Bakiga people’s daily lives. The area around Lake Bunyan in Uganda is home to a variety of traditional activities. Lake Bunyonyi lakeside market offers opportunities to interact with locals, document their daily lives, and try traditional activities like digging with hoes.
The experience includes interacting with local populations, taking note of their daily routines, and discovering more about their culture and traditions. The primary sources of income in the area around the lake are farming and subsistence fishing.
Large-scale fishing has been hampered by the deep waters, which inhibit the growth of crucial species like tilapia and Nile Perch. The most successful species is the crayfish, which was imported from the United States.
Locals use the lake for transportation and fishing, with canoeing serving as the primary mode of transit. Many individuals, mostly women, may be seen rowing boats with sacks of charcoal and vegetables, and many will have infants strapped to their backs.
The Bakiga, enjoy Bushera, a soft drink, and Marimba, a native beer made from sorghum, as integral to their cultural identity. The Abakiga, primarily agriculturalists, reside in northern Rwanda and south western Uganda in the picturesque hills of the Kigezi sub region. They are known as hard hardworking and tough people that can unknowingly make formidable enemies.
The Bakiga’s stamina and strength are showcased in their dance, the Ekizino, which is similar to the Ekitaguriro of the Banyankore. Ekizino is a vigorous dance that involves energy-filled jumping and stamping, with women gracefully displaying their arms.
After the morning photography travel to Buhoma in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and check in at your booked lodge. (High-end: Gorilla Forest Camp, Mid-range: Silber back Lodge.) Please note that the sector of Bwindi where you will reside and track gorillas depends available gorilla permits’ location.
Accommodation:
High-end: Gorilla Forest Camp
Mid-range: Silber back Lodge
Day 7: Travel to in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
ABOUT BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK
Location:
146 km by road from Lake Bunyonyi to Buhoma. (4.5 hours’ drive)
Coordinates: -0.9601081839448721, 29.61559430907555
Nestled in the scenic mountainous region of southwestern Uganda, near the Rift Valley, is an ancient rain forest shrouded in mist, recognized as one of the oldest and most diverse in the country, with a history spanning over 25,000 years.
This rain forest is part of the 331 km² Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is home to approximately 50% of the world’s Mountain Gorilla population, making it the premier location for tracking these close relatives. Bwindi was designated as a National Park in 1991.
The park boasts a rich diversity of flora and fauna, featuring over 100 mammal species, both large and small, as well as more than 400 plant species. In addition to gorillas, the park is home to over 10 species of primates, elusive forest elephants, and various antelope species.
Among the 220 butterfly species found in the area, 42 are unique to the Albertine Region. Three butterfly species are exclusive to Bwindi, including the Cream-banded swallowtail (Papilio leucotaenia), Graphium gudenusi, Charaxes fournierae, and the endangered African giant swallowtail (Papilio antimachus).
Read more about Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Day 8: Gorilla tracking in Bwindi
Get up early, have breakfast, and visit park headquarters for instructions on tracking mountain gorillas. Given that you will be spending an hour with the gorillas, it is imperative that you are in good physical shape for this activity.
Gorilla tracking can take a few to several hours depending on the location of the gorillas because gorillas never stay in one place. The trek can last anywhere from half a day to a full day, depending on where the gorilla group is located. On your trek, you will immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery of the forest.
The combination of wildlife encounters and stunning landscapes makes Bwindi a truly exceptional destination for nature photographers and enthusiasts. To find these amazing apes, park rangers will lead you into the forest. Along the trip, you might come across a variety of bird species, including the African green broadbill, White- tailed blue flycatcher, Brown-necked parrot, and White-bellied Robin-chat, in addition to other primates including baboons, black and white colobus monkeys, and red-tailed monkeys. After your adventure, return to the lodge to unwind.
Accommodation:
High-end: Gorilla Forest Camp
Mid-range: Silber back Lodge
Day 8- Batwa Visit and travel to Ishasha in Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast, depart the Lodge and make your way to the Batwa settlement. It’s imperative to partake in the Batwa experience. The Batwa, or Pygmies, were the forest’s original occupants and protectors prior to Bwindi being declared a national park. You can interact with the Batwa, take in their traditional dances, and take pictures when you visit them. In addition to enhancing your experience, interacting with the Batwa helps their community and conservation initiatives.
After the Batwa visit, we drive to Ishasha Southern Sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park renowned for Tree – Climbing Lions. Once in Ishasha check in at the Lodge and rest.
High End: Ishasha Wilderness
Mid-range: Ishasha Jungle Lodge.
QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK
Location:
70km north of Buhoma in Bwindi to Ishasha Wilderness Camp.
Coordinates: -0.5248118335278978, 29.716584991252546
Tucked on the floor of the western arm of the Great East African Rift Valley in western Uganda, between Lakes Edward and George, is a medley of wonders – Queen Elizabeth National Park. The park is gifted with a mosaic of ecosystems that has enabled it to have the highest bio diversity ratings of any National Park in the world.
Its remarkable variety of ecosystems range from semi-deciduous tropical forest Green meadows, savannah and swamps, sparkling lakes and craters carved into rolling green hills. The varied habitats of the park are home to over 90 mammal species along with 612 species of birds which is a record bird count of any park in Africa.
Measuring 1978 Km2, the park is part of the wider 3460 Km2 Queen Elizabeth Conservation Area made up of the Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Kyambura Wildlife and Kigezi Wildlife Game Reserves respectively.
The park commands a magnificent view of the rift valley floor that occupies Lakes Edward and George which are linked by the Kazinga channel. The channel’s banks are lined with hippos, buffalo and elephants. The Mweya peninsula at the heart of the park has panoramic views of the snow- capped peaks of Rwenzori Mountains.
Because of its unique characteristics that include over 10 fishing communities within its borders, Queen Elizabeth National Park was designated a Biosphere Reserve under UNESCO auspices thus the name Medley of Wonders.
The diverse ecosystems within the park, which include sprawling savanna. Shady humid forests, sparkling lakes and wetlands, make Queen Elizabeth the ideal destination for boat cruises, birding, community tourism, nature walks, chimpanzee tracking and a must visit for classic big game safaris.
Day 9- Game Drive for Tree- climbing lions – Queen Elizabeth National Park
Rise early, enjoy breakfast, and set off on an exhilarating game drive. If fortune smiles upon you, you might spot the famous tree-climbing lions. We will also keep an eye out for other wildlife.
Tree-Climbing Lions of Ishasha
Ishasha is a fantastic location for game drives, being a lesser-known area of Queen Elizabeth National Park. It is one of only two places in Africa where you can witness These unique tree-climbing lions, who have developed this behavior to avoid tsetse flies and the heat of the lower terrain. Being elevated in the trees also helps them to scout for potential prey. The tree-climbing behavior is an adaptation rather than an evolutionary trait. In addition to the tree-climbing lions, there is a diverse array of wildlife to see, Including Ugandan Kob, buffalo, elephants, hippos, and zebras. After the game drive, we will return to the lodge for lunch before heading to the Northern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park and checking in at the Lodge. 105km to Mweya Safari Lodge northeast of Ishasha (2.5 hours’ drive)
Read more about Queen Elizabeth National Park
Accommodation:
High-end: Mweya Safari Lodge
Mid-range: Enganzi Lodge
Day 10: Game drive and boat cruise on Kazinga Channel
Rise early in the morning, enjoy breakfast, and embark on a morning game drive to the Kob mating area in Kasenyi, where Kobs gather and perform impressive courtship rituals. Lions are often nearby. Anticipate sightings of elephants, buffaloes, lions, and other wildlife in their natural environment. Afterward, return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, take an exhilarating boat cruise along the Kazinga channel.
Afternoon Boat Cruise on the Kazinga Channel
After lunch, we embark on a memorable boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, which connects Lakes Edward and George. The channel is lined up with herds of Elephants, pods of Hippos, basking Nile Crocodiles and a great variety of birds that include the African Skimmer, African Spoonbill, Gull-billed and White-winged Terns, Pelicans, and Depending on the season and waders like Curlew Sandpipers and Little Stints. Other birds to look out for include; Heuglin’s Gulls, Slender-billed Gulls, Grey-hooded Gulls, Great White Pelicans, Pink-backed Pelicans, Long-tailed Cormorants, and Woolly- Necked Storks and Red-throated Bee-eaters.
List of birds on Kazinga Channel
After the boat cruise, we head back to the lodge for an overnight.
Accommodation:
High- end: Mweya Safari Lodge
Mid -range: Enganzi Lodge
Day 11: Visit to Katwe Salt Lake and transfer to Kibale National Park
After breakfast, you visit Katwe Salt Lake where people have mined salt for centauries for daily life photography.
People and culture – Africa’s oldest industry
Since the 16th century, the Katwe-Kabatoro community in Queen Elizabeth National Park has been engaged in traditional salt mining at Katwe Salt Lake. Lake Katwe offers a unique opportunity to observe and capture the local community’s traditional salt mining practices. Salt mining is the primary economic activity in the Katwe region, particularly at Lake Katwe, where owning at least one salt pan is a cultural requirement to be called a man.
The optimal time for salt mining occurs during the dry season, which spans January, February, June, July, August, and September. Although it remains an important activity, it is not as lucrative as it once was.
The neighboring Lake Munyanyange in Katwe is a bird sanctuary and a migratory location for the Lesser Flamingo from August to November when see hundreds of them in the lake. Following your time in Katwe, you will return to the Lodge for lunch, check out before heading to Kibale National Park for chimpanzee tracking and check in at your lodge and rest.
Accommodation:
High-end: Kimpundu Lodge
Mid-range: Primates Lodge
ABOUT KIBALE NATIONAL PARK
Location:
110 km northeast of Queen Elizabeth National Park by road (3hours’ drive)
330 km from Kampala via Fort Portal.
33 km from Fort Portal along Kamwenge Road.
Coordinates: 0.4330546, 30.3925610
Kibale National Park is located within a half-day’s drive from Queen Elizabeth, Rwenzori Mountains, and Semuliki National Parks, along with the Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve. It borders Queen Elizabeth National Park to the south.
This park is one of Uganda’s most popular rainforests, celebrated for its rich biodiversity, including various forest birds and primates. Its varied ecosystem, which ranges from rainforest canopies to marshy clearings, creates an ideal environment for numerous species. Kibale National Park hosts 70 mammal species, 250 butterfly species, and over 300bird species.
List of birds in Kibale National Park
Read more about Kibale National Park
Day 12 – Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park
Chimpanzee Tracking in Kibale
Rise early and enjoy breakfast before heading to the Kanyachu visitors’ center for a briefing on chimpanzee tracking. The rangers will provide information about the route, safety measures, and insights into chimpanzee behavior in their natural habitat. Kibale National Park offers two tracking sessions each day, one in the morning and another in the afternoon. The forest’s terrain is relatively easy compared to the often challenging conditions of gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Around 2:00 am, we will enter the forest to search for chimpanzees and other primates. Kibale is renowned for its thrilling chimpanzee tracking experiences, boasting 13 species of primates and earning the title of the “Primate Capital of the World.” It is home to approximately 1,500 chimpanzees, making it one of the highest concentrations of these primates in Africa.
The experience of tracking chimpanzees is filled with the sounds and sensations of the jungle. Birds chirp, and leaves rustle gently in the cool breeze of the tropical forest. The soft melodies of birds are occasionally interrupted by the distant calls of chimpanzees as you draw closer.
The chimpanzees you are nearing are habituated to humans, meaning they are used to our presence and typically do not retreat deep into the forest. As a result, you won’t have to trek far to encounter them, whether they are on the ground or swinging in the trees above,
Once we connect with them, we have an hour to observe their behavior, during which the trekking guides will share insights about the chimpanzees and their habits. Chimpanzees exhibit a range of personalities; some are shy and reserved, while others are playful and amusing, and a few can be quite mischievous.
You can spot them swinging through the trees, foraging for food, and playing, making it One of the most exciting nature experiences available. A typical trek lasts about three hours, which includes one hour spent with the chimps.
After the chimp tracking, we return to the lodge for lunch before heading to Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for a swamp walk and a visit to the local community. Bigodi located about 4 km from the park, is managed by the community and is home to various mammals, including sitatungas, bushbucks, and otters. Visiting Kibale National Park, particularly Bigodi Swamp, contributes to the protection of endangered primates, birds, and mammals, while also supporting local communities through eco-tourism efforts.
Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary
Bigodi is a good place for bird and plant photography. The walk in Bigodi allows you to look out for bird species and other primates.
The swamp has more than 200 bird species that include; Lizard Buzzard, Blue-spotted Wood Dove, Great Blue Turaco, and Blue-breasted Kingfisher. Other birds to be spotted in the swamp include: the Black-and-white Casqued Hornbill, Woodland Kingfisher, Pygmy Kingfisher, and Hairy-breasted Barbet. Also, expect to see the Double-toothed Barbet, little Greenbul, Winding Cisticola, Zitting Cisticola, Green Crombec, and Black-and-white Shrike-Flycatcher. While in Bigodi, look out for the Great Blue Turaco, which is the emblem of the KAFRED, the Community-based Conservation organization in the area.
From Bigodi swamp, you will head to a craft center operated by a local women’s group That create vibrant products using raw materials sustainably sourced from the swamp. After your visit to Bigodi, return to the Lodge for the night.
Accommodation:
High-end: Kimpundu Lodge
Mid-range: Primates Lodge
Day 13: Transfer to Murchison Falls National Park
Wake up early, have breakfast and begin a long drive to Murchison Falls Park with a stopover for lunch in Hoima.
On arrival, check in at the lodge and rest.
Accommodation:
High-end: Nile Safari Lodge
Mid-Range: Pakuba Safari Lodge
ABOUT MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK
Location: (Paara)
339 km to Paara north west of Kibale National Park via
Kyenjojo Hoima Rd. (6.30 hours’ drive)
300 km from Kampala via Masindi:
Coordinates: Paara Safari Lodge) 2.2905540, 31.5692139
Murchison Falls National Park, established in 1952, is the largest and oldest national park in Uganda, spanning 3,480 square kilometers in the northern region of the Albertine Rift Valley. The park is divided by the Victoria Nile, which dramatically cascades through an 8-meter-wide gorge at Murchison Falls, creating a stunning “Devil’s Cauldron” and a picturesque rainbow.
The park gained fame as the filming location for the 1951 movie “The African Queen,” featuring Humphrey Bogart, shot on Lake Albert and the Nile within the park. Noteworthy visitors have included historical figures such as Winston Churchill, Theodore Roosevelt, and Ernest Hemingway, as well as modern celebrities like Kanye West and Kim Kardashian, along with various British royals.
Murchison Falls, named after Sir Roderick Murchison by British Explorer Sir Samuel Baker in 1864, is the park’s highlight, marking the end of an 80-kilometer stretch of rapids. From the falls, the tranquil river flows through the rift valley, teeming with wildlife, before reaching Lake Albert. The park is home to 76 mammal species and 451 bird species, making it a prime destination for both big game and birdwatching enthusiasts in Africa.
Key Attractions:
Game Drives and Wildlife: A game drive in the park’s savanna grasslands and woodlands in 4×4 vehicles provides opportunities for wildlife photography
Murchison Falls National Park is composed of woodland, wetlands, and savannah, as well as tropical forest. This varied habitat is home to a variety of both big and small game. From elephants and giraffes to smaller species like antelopes and countless bird varieties, Murchison Falls National Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.
The various trails in Murchison allow visitors to get up close with animals such as lions, buffalo, elephants, warthogs, Uganda Kobs, Jackson’s hartebeest, and jackals.
Visitors can also spot a variety of birds, including the majestic shoebill stork and numerous raptors soaring above.
Oribis and Pattas monkeys, the only savannah monkeys in Uganda. Nocturnal animals and birds can be seen during night game drives. The park hosts the biggest population of the Rothschild’s giraffe in the world. These gentle and regal giants towering over the savannah are hard to miss during game drives.
Read more about Murchison Falls National Park
Day 14: Game Drive and Boat Cruise – Murchison Falls National Park
- Game Drive
- Boat Cruise to the bottom of Murchison Falls
- Game Drive
After rising early and enjoying a quick cup of coffee or tea, you pack some breakfast and set out for a game drive at six in the morning. Murchison Falls National Park features woodlands, wetlands, and savannahs, along with tropical forests. This diverse habitat is home to a wide range of both large and small game, making Murchison Falls National Park a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and nature photographers.
Game drives occur in the savanna plains along the northern bank, extending to the Delta where Lake Albert’s waters flow from the Nile. A game drive through the park’s savanna grasslands and woodlands in 4×4 vehicles provides excellent opportunities for wildlife photography.
The various trails in Murchison will allow you to get up close with animals such as lions, buffalo, elephants, warthogs, Uganda Kobs, Jackson’s hartebeest, and jackals. Oribis and Pattas monkeys, the only savannah monkeys in Uganda, can also be seen. The park is home to the largest population of Rothschild’s giraffe in the world, which you will be able to see and photograph. These gentle and regal giants, towering over the savannah, are hard to miss during game drives.
The varied habitats of Murchison Falls National Park support a wide array of birds, with over 400 species recorded. The list includes the Shoebill Stork, commonly found around the delta; the Goliath Heron, the largest heron in the world; the Gray- crowned crane, Uganda’s national bird; and many others.
- Boat Cruise on the Nile
After lunch you go for your second boat cruise on the River Nile. A boat cruise to the bottom of Murchison Falls is another rewarding experience to view wildlife and birds. Hippos, waterbucks, crocodiles, buffaloes and elephants can be seen along the banks of the Nile. Birds usually seen during the cruise include cormorants, African fish eagles, spur-winged geese, African darters, giant kingfishers, red-throated bee-eaters, and water thick-knees, among many others.
On your way back to the lodge, you will proceed past Paara along the Nile to photograph a sunset over the Nile and then retire to the lodge as you reflect on the incredible sights you have witnessed throughout the day. With the warm glow of the setting sun casting a golden hue over the water, it’s the perfect moment to appreciate the beauty of nature before settling in for a restful evening at the lodge.
Accommodation:
High-end: Nile Safari Lodge
Mid-Range: Pakuba Safari Lodge
Day 15: Top of the Falls and Baker’s Trail
After breakfast, will be driven to the top of Murchison Falls, where you will witness the Nile waters squeezed into a 7metre gap as they plunge down 45metre over narrow in a majestic cascade, often referred to as the “Cradle of the Nile.” This creates a Devil’s Cauldron, enhanced by an awe-inspiring beauty adorned with a rainbow. The top of the falls offers breathtaking views of the Nile as it enters the narrow gorge, creating the world’s most powerful waterfalls
To witness more of nature’s awe inspiring design, designs you will talk a walk along the most remarkable trails in the park – Baker’s Trail, which explores the summit of Murchison Falls and thus keeps your camera working in overdrive.
Uhuru Falls, formed during the floods of the early 1960s, can also be seen along this trail as an added bonus.
Standing at the top of the falls is a rewarding experience. You see, smell, and hear the incredible roar of the falls. The rainbow created by the thundering waters is legendary. It showcases the power of nature at its fullest. Standing over the spot where the Nile squeezes through an 8-meter narrow gorge with astonishing force is the climax of the ultimate safari in Murchison Falls National Park in Uganda – The Pearl of Africa. Your camera won’t stop clicking.
After the tour of the top of Murchison Falls, you proceed to Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch with a stopover for lunch. Once at Ziwa, you check in at your accommodation facility.
Accommodation:
High-end: Luxury Chalets
Mid-range: Ziwa Guest House
Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch
Location:
148km south of Murchison Falls National Park (Paara) via Masindi. (3 hours’ drive)
Coordinates: 0.6746121158056513, 32.52537094571618
ABOUT ZIWA RHINO AND WILDLIFE RANCH
Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch is a popular destination for tourists and photographers looking for adventure. Activities at the ranch include rhino trekking, birding, nature hikes, night-time nature walks, shoebill treks and canoe rides.
Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch is home to the only southern white rhinos in Uganda and is an important breeding ground for the endangered species. The ranch is not only home to rhinos, as it also has a diverse population of birdlife and other wildlife.
Day 16: – Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Canoe Ride and Shoebill trek
Have an early morning breakfast and take a canoe ride to search for the shoebill and other birds. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is home to a variety of bird species. Notable among them is Shoebill Stork, a rare species frequently spotted in the sanctuary’s swamps. The Shoebill Stork, a fantastic prehistoric-looking bird, is one of the most sought-after sightings in Uganda.
Some of the birds you might see include:
Grey-crowned Crane, African Fish Eagle, African Jacana, Pied Kingfisher, African Grey Hornbill, African Pygmy Kingfisher, Marabou Stork, Red-billed Oxpeckers, Abdim’s Stork, African Black Crake, African Black-headed Oriole and many others.
List of birds at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
After the Shoebill hunt, go back to the lodge for lunch and track the rhinos in the evening.
Rhino tracking
Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch is home to the only southern white rhinos in Uganda and is an important breeding ground for the endangered species. The ranch is not only home to rhinos, as it also has a diverse population of birdlife and other wildlife.
All the rhinos at Ziwa are free to move around the 27 square miles within the ranch. Therefore, it is often necessary to drive to the areas where the rhinos are before continuing the trek on foot. Here you can experience the thrill of approaching rhinos on foot to within a few metres. You will need 1½ to 2½ hours depending on the location of the rhinos.
After rhino tracking, you go to the lodge for an overnight.
Accommodation:
High-end: Luxury Chalets
Mid-range: Ziwa Guest House
Day 17: Bird watching and wildlife photography
Nature walk, Bird and wildlife photography
After breakfast, go for wildlife and bird watching and photography around the ranch until lunchtime. You can walk through the forests, photographing the 300+ bird species and the wildlife around. Birding and photographic safaris in Ziwa are at a relaxed pace to allow you time to take as many photographs as you desire.
Ziwa is a popular destination for bird enthusiasts around the world, with over 300 bird species to be spotted. The ranch has a varied habitat of woodlands, swamps and savannah that attract a wide variety of bird species.
The ranch has 4 different bird trails that allow birders, ornithologists and photographers alike to get what they wish. You may well encounter warthogs, kobs, monkeys, oribis, bushbucks, waterbucks and many other species of wildlife. Polish your lenses now!
After the Bird watching and wildlife photography exercise, have lunch and proceed to Entebbe and check in at your hotel for an overnight.
Accommodation:
High-end: Number 5 Boutique Hotel – 5 Star
Mid-range: Bama Hotel
Day 18: Visit Ngamba Island
After breakfast in the morning, take a boat to Ngamba Island in Lake Victoria, where you can get close to chimpanzees and even feed them. Also known as the “Chimp Island”, Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary is a nonprofit entity opened in 1998 to cater to orphaned chimps rescued from poachers, wildlife traffickers, zoos, and circuses. Ngamba Island is about 50 minutes by speedboat from Entebbe. Local motorised canoes take about 90 minutes.
ABOUT NGAMBA ISLAND
Location:
189.57 km south of Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
47.34 km south of Kampala.
28.45 km South East of Entebbe.
Coordinates: -0.103511, 32.650890
Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary, also referred to as the “Chimp Island,” is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 1998 to care for chimps that had been rescued from zoos, circuses, wildlife traffickers, and poachers. As a member of the Pan African Sanctuary Alliance, the sanctuary draws staff, institutions, and renowned primate researchers from other such sanctuaries worldwide. More than fifty chimpanzees live in Ngamba. The Chimpanzee refuge and Wildlife Conservation Trust (CSWCT) is in charge of overseeing the sanctuary.
Found in Lake Victoria close to Entebbe, Ngamba Island measures about 100 acres of forest, which provides a natural environment and food for the chimpanzees. The sanctuary’s mission is not only to provide care for these vulnerable creatures but also to educate the public about the threats facing chimpanzees in the wild. Through various programmes and initiatives, Ngamba Island aims to raise awareness and promote conservation efforts for these remarkable animals.
You will have an opportunity to feed chimps and photograph them at close range.
You will also be treated to sights of monitor lizards and be able to see and photograph both water and forest birds.
Ngamba Island is also a prime location for birdwatching, offering diverse birdlife. You will enjoy birdwatching during boat cruises and nature walks, spotting both water and forest species.
Common sightings include:
Spur-winged Lapwing (Vanellus spinosus), African Openbill (Anastomus lamelligerus), Reed Cormorant (Microcarbo africanus), African Sacred Ibis (Threskiornis aethiopicus), Cattle-Egret (Ardea ibis), Black Kite (Milvus migrans), Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis), Pied Crow (Corvus albus), Slender-billed Weaver (Ploceus pelzelni), Village Weaver (Ploceus cucullatus)
You will have lunch at the island. After Lunch, you will go back to your hotel in Entebbe.
Accommodation:
High-end: Number 5 Boutique Hotel – 5 Star
Mid-range: Bama Hotel
Day 19 – Shopping – Airport Departure
After breakfast you go for a tour of Entebbe and then do some shopping. You will have lunch at a restaurant of your choice and thereafter transfer to Entebbe International Airport for your departure flight.
Trips Ends
This is a private Photographic Safari and can be booked by an individual or a group of a maximum of 4 people per vehicle.
Price Inclusions
- Airport transfers
- Chimpanzee tracking permits
- Ground transportation
- Services of English speaking driver/guide
- Full board accommodation
- Entrance fees
- All park fees
- Primate Walk in Kibale
- Game drives
- Boat cruises
Price Exclusions
- Air ticket
- Entrance visas
- Drinks which are not included on the itinerary
- Tourist insurance
- Tips
You can send your enquiry via the form below.
Trip name: * UPHLSU/ 004- 19- day Uganda Primates, Game and Culture Photo Safari
Thank you for choosing Snap Uganda Tours. We will be pleased to hear your comments after the Photographic Safari.
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