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“Where the journey into the wild begins…”

www.safari-uganda.com

“LUXURY PRIMATE SAFARI” 2016

INTERNATIONAL GROUP SAFARI

An amazing safari that combines the wide savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth National

Park with the dense tropical rainforests of Kibale and Bwindi. Excellent wildlife viewing

and unforgettable encounters with the primates of Uganda!

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Safari Highlights ● ● ●

Exciting chimp tracking in Kibale Forest

Option for unforgettable Hot Air Balloon Safari

Breakfast in the bush in Queen Elizabeth NP

Gorilla tracking in Bwindi Forest

Possibility for a night game drive in

Lake Mburo NP

Acommodation in intimiate and luxurious

safari lodges



Day Destination Accommodation Type of room Meal plan

1 Arrival in Entebbe Le Petit Village Suite -

2 Kibale Forest NP Primate Lodge Kibale Luxury cottage B-L-D

3 Kibale Forest NP Primate Lodge Kibale Luxury cottage B-L-D

4 Queen Elizabeth NP Katara Lodge Cottage B-L-D

5 Queen Elizabeth NP Katara Lodge Cottage B-L-D

6 Queen Elizabeth NP Ishasha Wilderness Camp Tented room B-L-D

7 Bwindi NP Buhoma Lodge Cottage B-L-D

8 Bwindi NP Buhoma Lodge Cottage B-L-D

9 Lake Mburo NP Mihingo Lodge Tented room B-L-D

10 Entebbe B-L

B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner

14 January 2016

28 February 2016

26 April 2016 *

2 July 2016

27 July 2016

14 August 2016

7 September 2016

20 November 2016 *

* Low season The above departure dates are the

starting dates in Entebbe, guaranteed with a minimum of 2 people.

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Your Safari at a Glance ● ● ●

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Set Departure Dates 2016 ● ● ●



DAY 1 Arrival – Kampala 1.5 hours / 40 km

Welcome to the Pearl of Africa! Arrival at Entebbe Airport where you will be welcomed by a Great Lakes Safaris representative and transferred to your hotel. Overnight at Le Petit Village.

DAY 2 Kampala – Kibale Forest NP 5 hours / 330 km

After a relaxed breakfast we will depart the capital city and head west to Fort Portal, with lunch en route. Fort Portal rests in the shadow of the fabled “Mountains of the Moon” and is famous for the many tea plantations. From this lovely town we will continue to Kibale National Park. Dinner and overnight at Primate Lodge luxury cottages. (B-L-D)

DAY 3 Kibale Forest & Bigodi Swamp

Today the forest opens for a sensational chimp tracking. Kibale Forest is reputable of having the greatest variety and highest concentration of primates in East Africa. After a pre-tracking briefing at walking distance from your accommodation, you will start your hike adventure into the forest. Follow the footsteps of a large habituated family of chimpanzees, with over 120 individuals, that has made Kibale one of the best locations in Africa for chimp viewing.

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Detailed Itinerary ● ● ●

Kibale Forest National Park harbors the greatest variety and concentration of primates found anywhere in East Africa. Not less than 13 different species are living in this small area of 560 sq km, including Black-and-White Colobus Monkeys, Blue Monkeys and Grey-cheeked Mangabeys. More important, the dense forest hosts a population of more than 1,000 chimpanzees, allowing visitors the unique opportunity to view these great apes in their natural environment. Just outside the national park you will find Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, offering a number of walking trails in the Magombe Swamp.



En route your guide will explain more about the forest and the other inhabitants, including other primates and birds such as the blue breasted Kingfisher, black billed Turaco, Pied Hornbill, Chestnut winged Starlings and many more. Upon sighting the chimpanzees, you will stay with them for one unforgettable hour as they continue their daily routine – growling, grooming, feeding, taking care of the young ones and agilely climbing up trees. It certainly is one unforgettable wildlife encounter and the hour is always over too soon. After your forest walk, return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon we transfer to Bigodi Swamp for another, totally different nature walk. The Bigodi Swamp Walk is an initiative of the local community and is known for its rich diversity of birds and primates. Dinner and overnight at Primate Lodge luxury cottages. (B-L-D)

DAY 4 Kibale Forest NP – Queen Elizabeth NP 3 hours / 250 km

After breakfast we calmly head towards the south while passing the majestic foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains, also known as the “Mountains of the Moon”. En route we will explore the scenic crater lakes region that surrounds the dense forest of Kibale National Park. Afternoon at leisure to enjoy the scenic views from your accommodation or take a refreshing dip in the pool. Dinner and overnight at Katara Lodge. (B-L-D)

The natural beauty in Queen Elizabeth National Park is overwhelming and diverse: green savannah plains with small acacia and euphorbia trees gave way to sunken crater lakes and swamps, bounded by the snow-covered peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains. The park is home to 95 types of mammals, including Uganda Kobs, lions, elephants and the giant forest hog. Moreover, with a bird list of over 600 species, it has the highest number of bird species found in any national park in Africa! On the shores of the Kazinga Channel, a natural link between Lake Edward and Lake George, you will encounter large herds of hippopotamus and many crocodiles. Chimpanzees can be tracked in Kyambura Gorge, while the famous tree climbing lions are found in the southern part of the park, called Ishasha.



DAY 5 Queen Elizabeth NP

The day begins early when we start with a morning game drive and head to the mating ground of the Uganda Kobs. We search for lions, elephants, buffaloes and other wild animals in their natural habitat. Alternatively you can decide to experience a unique Hot Air Balloon Safari, followed by a bush breakfast and game drive (pre-booking required). In the afternoon we take on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural channel between Lake Edward and Lake George. The channel is 33 km long and 2-3 km at its widest points. The scheduled 2 hour boat ride (beverages and snacks included!) will cover a 12-14 km stretch of the channel, with almost guaranteed excellent wildlife sightings including multitudes of hippopotamus – possibly the world’s highest concentration – Nile crocodiles, wallowing buffaloes on its reedy banks, elephants, and many birds. Dinner and overnight at Katara Lodge. (B-L-D)

DAY 6 Queen Elizabeth NP (Ishasha) 2-3 hours / 180 km

After breakfast we start with another game drive and then calmly proceed to the southern part of the national park. This area is called Ishasha and known for the tree climbing lions. Check in at your accommodation where you will have lunch and relax. In the afternoon we will go out for a game drive in search of the lions resting in the fig trees. Dinner and overnight at Ishasha Wilderness Camp. (B-L-D)

Optional: Hot Air Ballooning in Queen Elizabeth National Park Arise at dawn and transfer to the park gate to meet your ballooning crew and drive to the launch site by the first light. With coffee on site, witness the gigantic balloon being inflated. You will attend a safety briefing before being invited to get on board for a smooth ascension to a bird’s view position. View the Kasenyi plains, the famed mating grounds of the Uganda Kobs, and a haunt for the predators. Enjoy the aerial views of the Kazinga Channel, the Mweya Peninsula and Lake George as well as far down towards Ishasha. Queen Elizabeth is truly famous for magnificent topography and milliard species of wild game, flowers, plants and birds. The one hour long flight at different altitudes culminates with an amazing wilderness. Afterwards you are joined by your regular driver/guide and able to enjoy more game viewing en route back to your lodge where you will have time to relax before lunch and your planned afternoon activity. All in all, an unforgettable African experience that we highly recommend! NB: Children below 7 years old or under 4 feet (1.20 meters) tall are only carried on parents request and at the discretion of the operator. Booking in advance required.



DAY 7 Queen Elizabeth NP – Bwindi NP 2 hours /90 km

Awaken early and set off on a game drive to spot lions, elephants and other wildlife in action. Around breakfast time you will be treated on a bush breakfast in the middle of the wilderness. Sit and listen to the early morning sounds while the chef prepares a delicious full English breakfast. Later in the morning we calmly return towards the lodge with another game drive en-route. In the afternoon we depart Queen Elizabeth National Park and drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, home of the endangered mountain gorillas. Dinner and overnight at Buhoma Lodge. (B-L-D)

DAY 8 Gorilla tracking

Arise early today and prepare for the highlight of your safari, an unforgettable encounter with the Gentle Giants! Following breakfast, transfer to the national park offices where you will be allocated a gorilla family in groups of 8 as well as a gorilla tracking guide. After a pre-tracking briefing by your guide touching on the gorillas generally, your assigned gorilla family as well as appropriate safety precautions, you drive to the trailhead for the start of a thrilling adventure. Expect to walk between 2 and 8 hours in steep and sometimes muddy conditions with rain overhead, which can be tough and require a degree of (average) fitness. However the thrill of coming face to face with a giant Mountain Gorilla silverback completely makes up for the effort! Please remember to bring your passport for registration, appropriate, water proof hiking boots and a light rain coat. To protect from stinging nettles, we recommend long pants and long sleeved tops. A pair of old gardening gloves can help grabbing onto the vegetation while most hotels/lodges

Of the over 800 mountain gorillas worldwide, Bwindi National Park is home to almost half of the gorilla population. There is no better place for observing these gentle giants from a close distance! Thanks to the wildlife conservation program, the number of gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest only has increased from 300 to 400 in the recent years, which include nine different families that are habituated for tourism purposes. Apart from the famous residents, the dense forest hosts 9 other primates. There are different trails in the park, including the Munyanga River Trail and Waterfall Trail, leading through the pristine rainforest to three sparkling waterfalls.



provide a walking stick that come in very handy especially when hiking downhill. A small waterproof backpack is an excellent idea to carry a light snack, bottled water as well as protection for your camera. Upon sighting the gorillas, you spend the allowed one hour with them as they go about their daily life; feeding, moving, playing, raising their young and sometimes wrestling with the juveniles – it is a totally unique and unforgettable experience! Dinner and overnight at Buhoma Lodge. (B-L-D)

DAY 9 Bwindi NP – Lake Mburo NP 5 hours / 390 km

After breakfast we depart the impenetrable forest of Bwindi and head to Lake Mburo National Park. Enjoy lunch at a restaurant before we enter the national park, and with a game drive en-route we will calmly proceed to our accommodation, with beautiful views of the park. In the evening you will have the opportunity to enjoy a night game drive (pre-booking required). Dinner and overnight at Mihingo Lodge. (B-L-D)

Optional: Night game drive in Lake Mburo National Park Lake Mburo NP is one of the few parks in Uganda where you can continue watching wildlife after the sun has set. A night game drive (usually 2-3 hours) is an exciting experience and unusual twist on your regular game drives, allowing you to search for a variety of animals that you would not easily see during the day, such as bush pigs, genet cats and white tailed mongoose. But also the elusive leopards and spotted hyenas are best to be seen at night. And with some luck you will be able to spot the one male lion in the park who resides down by Lake Mburo! NB. Booking in advance is required to avoid disappointment.

Lake Mburo is the smallest national park in Uganda and conveniently located in the west of the country. Despite of its size, the area offers amazing scenery. The five lakes are surrounded by forested hills, open savannah, acacia woodland and papyrus swamps. Wildlife includes some special species such as impalas, zebras and the gigantic elands, which are almost nowhere else found in the country. Lake Mburo is an excellent place for bird watching as well. About 315 species are recorded in this area. Besides exploring the network of game tracks by car, guided safari walks and boat rides on Lake Mburo can also be arranged. New: in July 2015 giraffes were translocated from Murchison Falls to Lake Mburo NP!



Day 10 Lake Mburo NP – Entebbe 6 hours / 340 km

Early start of the day as we will go for a bush walk guided by a ranger. Experience a safari on foot that will allow you to notice the smaller, often overlooked, details and usually brings you much closer to the wildlife than when in a car. Return the lodge for breakfast and with a game drive on our way out we depart the protected area and back towards the capital city. En-route we will pass the Equator where we will make a stop for lunch, photos and souvenir shopping. In time you will be dropped at Entebbe Airport for your international flight. (B-L)

** END OF YOUR SAFARI WITH GREAT LAKES SAFARIS **

Travel tip: Extend your safari with two or three days and explore Uganda’s most amazing

retreats to unwind before flying back home.

Stay at Wildwaters Lodge, nestled on a private island amidst the wild rapids of the river

Nile. Or cross Lake Victoria to the remote Bulago Island and relax on the white sandy

beaches at Pineapple Bay Resort.



Le Petit Village Kampala Le Petit Village is located just 10 minutes from the city centre and offers twelve intimate rooms, decorated in safari chic rustic elegance. The rooms are self-contained and have flat screen TV’s, WIFI, phone, fridge and mini bar. Guests can enjoy the swimming pool and gourmet dining at the adjacent restaurant Le Chateau. Wifi is available.

Primate Lodge luxury cottages Kibale Forest NP

The new luxury cottages at Primate Lodge feature large twin or double beds, a spacious bathroom and private veranda. Large glass windows and a full size glass sliding door allow 180 degree views of the beautiful rainforest. The main lodge has a spacious dining room, serving local and international meals, with an adjacent bar and lounge area. Wifi is available in the main area.

Katara Lodge Queen Elizabeth NP Katara Lodge is located on the Kichwamba escarpment at a short (15 km) drive from the main entrance of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The lodge offers five thatched cottages on a beautiful stretch of hills overlooking the open savannah. Each cottage was hand crafted using locally available materials, features a four poster star bed and private veranda. The bathrooms are fitted with a romantic roll top bath or invigorating rain shower. The main bar and dining area is a large thatched structure providing a beautiful view of the plains of the park. Wifi is available.

Ishasha Wilderness Camp Queen Elizabeth NP Ishasha Wilderness Camp is a hidden gem in the remote southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Each of the ten spacious tents is situated in the wooded area besides the Ntungwe river and is comfortably furnished. It has its own en suite bathroom providing hot water “bush” showers and an eco-friendly toilet. A central lounge/dining area, also under canvas, offers meals and relaxing during the day, while the bar has a selection of local and imported beverages. In the evening guests can enjoy a unique bush

experience in the area besides the river including an evening fireplace. Wifi is available.

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Accommodations ● ● ●



Buhoma Lodge Bwindi NP Buhoma Lodge is an intimate lodge within the boundary of the forest. It offers ten traditional cottages, each with its own private veranda, allowing wonderful views of the forest canopy. The rooms feature comfortable beds and en-suite bathroom with flushing toilet and hot shower. There is also an elevated lounge area, complete with bar and dining facilities, and a fire place to warm up during the cool evenings. Wifi is available.

Mihingo Lodge Lake Mburo NP

Mihingo Lodge is a peaceful and exclusive retreat, situated in Lake Mburo National Park. It features ten rooms which are built on wooden platforms. Suspended under the thatched roof is a spacious and comfortable tent, equipped with en-suite bathrooms with stunning views. Each luxury tented room is nestled on a private piece of the lodge’s property, enabling you to enjoy the tranquil environment in complete seclusion. The main dining area is a large thatched structure built of rocks. Below the dining area, an

infinity swimming pool stretches out from the rocks. Wifi is available. Optional extension:

Wildwaters Lodge Jinja Nestled in luxuriant rainforest on its own private island, in the middle of the mighty Nile, Wildwaters Lodge is breathtaking. It is located at only 30 minutes from Jinja and 1.5 hours from Kampala. The ten rooms are situated amidst the forest with king size beds, private decks with free-standing baths and breathtaking views over the River Nile and its rapids. Elevated wooden walkways link the rooms to the restaurant and bar area. Other amenities include a Day Spa with massage facilities, library and an adjacent natural

swimming pool. Wifi is available. Pineapple Bay Resort Bulago Island

Pineapple Bay Resort is located on Bulago Island in Lake Victoria. With 6 km of sandy beaches, almost 10 km of shore line and a portion of rainforest, the island is a small paradise away from the hustle of urban life. The resort features 6 Lake View Cottages, positioned along the beach line, and 2 Garden Cottages. All rooms contain a large bedroom, private veranda and big bath. In addition, there is a restaurant, options for candle dinners on the beach, lounge and swimming pool. Wifi is available.



Safari Package price: From US $ 4190 per person (min. 2 people)

Please contact our Tour Consultants for the detailed price information!

Included in the price:

- Airport transfer to/from Entebbe Airport

- Ground transport per private 4WD safari vehicle (Land Cruiser)

- English speaking driver/guide

- Accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary, based on a shared twin/double room

- Meals as described in the itinerary

- Bottled mineral water in the safari vehicle

- Entrance fees and ranger fees for national parks

- Activities and excursions mentioned in the program

- Permit for chimp tracking in Kibale Forest

- Detailed map of Uganda

- AMREF Evacuation Air Ambulance insurance

- VAT for hotels and lodges outside Kampala Exclusions:

- International flight

- Visa (USD $100, available upon arrival)

- Gorilla permit

- Optional activities

- Meals and drinks not mentioned above

- Items of personal nature

- Tips

Terms and conditions: * The rates are in US dollars per person and subject to change. * The high season period includes January, February, March, June, July, August, September, October and December. * The low season period includes April, May and November. * Availability of accommodation, permits and activities is not guaranteed until confirmation by your contact person of Great Lakes Safaris. Permits are sold on ‘first come first serve’ basis.

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Safari Package Price ● ● ●

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Additional Information ● ● ●

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Additional Information ● ● ●



* Gorilla permits can only be secured after receiving the requested deposit. * The chimp tracking in Kibale Forest may take place either in the morning or afternoon, depending on the availability of the permits for chimp tracking. * The safari will be carried out with an international travel company, with a minimum of 2 and maximum of 6 participants. Great Lakes Safaris has no control of the nationality, gender, age or any other details of the participants. * The estimated travelling hours are based on the actual hours of driving; stops for lunch or photos not included. * Please consult our website for the Terms & Conditions.

EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS 24/7:

Mobile Number: +256 776 411315 – Andrew Nganga, General Manager Mobile Number : +256 772 426368 – Sarah Wanyanna, Tour Sales Manager Mobile Number : +256 776 311320 – Sheila Kogo, Marketing Manager COMPANY FULL CONTACT DETAILS:

Great Lakes Safaris Ltd and Uganda Lodges Ltd Mutungo Hill Plot 1001 Block 243 Biina/Tank Hill Road P.O. Box 33024 Kampala Tel/Fax: +256 (0)414 267 153, Mob. +256 (0)772 426 368 Email: [email protected] Website: www.safari-uganda.com Visa fees and applications for East Africa Visa Uganda: Single entry visas costs US $100 per person. Visas can be purchased directly upon arrival and paid for in cash. Visa Rwanda: Single entry visa costs US $50 per person. Visas have to be applied for online via the Rwanda Immigration website. A copy of the approved application has to be presented at the entry point where the visa will then be issued and paid for. Kindly note that citizens from the following countries are required to pay visa fees but are allowed to obtain their visa upon arrival without prior online application: Australia, Germany, Israel, New Zealand, South Africa, Sweden, UK and USA. Visa Kenya: Single entry visa costs US $50 per person. Visas have to be applied and paid for online via the eCitizen portal, and present a copy of their eVisa upon immigration. From 1st July until 31st August it will still be possible to obtain your visa directly at the border, without an online application. However, effective 1st September 2015 all visitors to Kenya will be required to apply and pay for the visa online. Please remember that the visa process may take one full week. East African Tourist Visa: If you are planning to combine Uganda with a visit to Rwanda and/or Kenya it is recommendable to request for the East African Tourist Visa. This special tourist visa costs US $100 per person and allows 90 days multiple entry to Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya. Regretfully, Tanzania is not (yet) a member of the East African community and therefore not part of this arrangement. How to obtain the East African Tourist Visa:

http://safari-uganda.com/terms-conditions/

tel:%2B256%20776%20411315

tel:%2B256%20776%20411316

tel:%2B256%20776%20311320

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.safari-uganda.com/

https://www.migration.gov.rw/index.php?id=203


https://www.ecitizen.go.ke/




- Uganda: upon arrival at the airport, no (online) application in advance is required. The visa can be paid directly in cash.

- Rwanda: online via the Rwanda Immigration website. Similar to the application for the single entry visa but make sure to select the East African Tourist Visa.

- Kenya: at the moment only available directly upon arrival, but soon via the eCitizen portal as well.



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