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UGANDA SAFARI - 16 DAYS - THE PEARL OF AFRICA!

DAY 1: Arrival
Arrival at Entebbe Airport where you will be welcomed by a Great Lakes Safaris representative and transferred to your accommodation. Overnight at Imperial Botanical Beach Hotel (B&B).

Imperial Botanical Beach Hotel **** Entebbe
Imperial Botanical Beach Hotel is conveniently located at a 5 minute drive from Entebbe Airport and overlooks the magnificent Lake Victoria. The well-furnished rooms are all air conditioned and equipped with long baths, internet access, dial telephone and TV. At the Mount Elgon’s dining room you can enjoy multi-cuisine specialities. The hotel has modern health and recreational facilities, including a large garden, swimming pool, sauna, steam bath and gym.
Website: www.imperialhotels.co.ug

DAY 2: Entebbe – Murchison Falls National Park  (6-7 hrs)
Today we will depart for the most beautiful protected area in Uganda: Murchison Falls National Park. Upon arrival in the national park in the afternoon, we will visit the magnificent Top of the Falls where you can marvel at the mighty Nile. Dinner and overnight at Paraa Safari Lodge. (B-L-D)

Paraa Safari Lodge **** Murchison Falls National Park
Paraa Safari Lodge is located in an elevated position on the northern side of the river Nile, enjoying astounding views. Set in a small area of landscaped gardens, the lodge offers comfortable rooms with en-suite bathroom and private balconies. Moreover, it features a swimming pool, pool bar and restaurant with local and international cuisine.
Website: www.paraalodge.com

DAY 3: Murchison Falls National Park
After an early breakfast we start the day with a game drive on the northern bank of the Nile, with chances of seeing giraffes, elephants, lions, hartebeest and different species of birds. In the afternoon the safari will be continued with a boat cruise on the river Nile for game viewing at close quarters. Dinner and overnight at Paraa Safari Lodge. (B-L-D)

DAY 4: Murchison Falls – Kibale Forest National Park  (9 hrs)
We depart Murchison Falls and head towards Fort Portal. This long journey will be rewarded with stunning views as you pass small villages and local markets. 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 the dense forest of Kibale National Park. Dinner and overnight at the luxury safari tents of Primate Lodge Kibale. (B-L-D)

Luxury Safari Tents / Primate Lodge Kibale **** Kibale Forest National Park
The luxury safari tents of Primate Lodge Kibale are raised on a wooden platform overlooking the forest and its primates. Each of them is tastefully decorated in African style, with comfortable twin beds, large windows and en-suite bathroom. The main lodge has a spacious dining room, serving local and international meals, with an adjacent bar and open lounge area.  
Website: www.ugandalodges.com

DAY 5: Kibale Forest & Bigodi Swamp
Today the forest opens its doors for a sensational chimp tracking. Kibale Forest is reputable of having the greatest variety and highest concentration of primates in East Africa. Enjoy a guided nature walk in the tropical rainforest in search of the wild chimpanzee, red-tailed monkey, black-and-white colobus monkey and many others. After a hearty lunch we transfer to the 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 the luxury safari tents of Primate Lodge Kibale. (B-L-D)

DAY 6: Kibale Forest – Queen Elizabeth National Park  (3 hrs)
After breakfast we calmly drive back towards Fort Portal while we pass the crater lakes area, a beautiful landscape with small lakes and rolling hills. From Fort Portal we continue to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Dinner and overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge. (B-L-D)

Mweya Safari Lodge **** Queen Elizabeth National Park
Mweya Safari Lodge has a prime location with views over the Kazinga Channel. The lodge is located on a peninsula within the spectacular national park. All rooms have balconies, overlooking the Kazinga Channel and Lake Edward, private bathrooms and electricity. Other features include a beautiful swimming pool, a poolside bar, safari bar, souvenir shop and restaurant serving global cuisine.
Website: www.mweyalodge.com

DAY 7: Queen Elizabeth National Park
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 before returning for lunch. In the afternoon we take on a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel, a natural channel between Lake Edward and Lake George. Thanks to the abundant birdlife that is sighted, and the elephants, buffaloes and hundreds of hippos that are cooling off at the shores, this cruise will definitely be one of the highlights of your safari. Dinner and overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge. (B-L-D)

DAY 8: Queen Elizabeth – Bwindi National Park (4 hrs)
After breakfast we head towards the south, passing the southern sector of the National Park (if road conditions allow). This part is called Ishasha and is famous for the tree climbing lions. After a short game drive in this area we continue to Bwindi. While driving through a verdant countryside, you will pass traditional homesteads and enjoy panoramic views. In the afternoon arrival in Bwindi National Park, the home of the endangered mountain gorillas. Dinner and overnight at Buhoma Lodge. (B-L-D)

Buhoma Lodge **** Bwindi National Park
Recently completely renovated, Buhoma Lodge is an intimate lodge within the boundary of the forest. It offers eight comfortable 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 you during the cool evenings.
Website: http://www.wildfrontiers.co.ug

DAY 9: Gorilla tracking
The highlight of your safari: a meeting with the gentle giants of Bwindi! Especially hikers will love the tracking in the beautiful ecosystem of the park. Expect to walk a long distance in steep and muddy conditions, sometimes with rain overhead, before you encounter any gorillas. But it will definitely be worthwhile as you observe them closely while they eat, play and rest. A unique and unforgettable experience! Dinner and overnight at Buhoma Lodge. (B-L-D)

DAY 10: Bwindi National Park – Kampala (9-10 hrs)
After breakfast we depart the impenetrable forest of Bwindi and head back towards the capital city. With lunch en route we will arrive in Kampala in the evening. Overnight at Le Petit Village. (B-L)

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.
Website: www.lepetitvillage.net

DAY 11: Kampala – Jinja (2-3 hrs)
After a calm breakfast we leave the busy city and head towards the east. Jinja is situated directly at Lake Victoria, where the Nile finds its origin. On our way we will make a stop at Mabira Forest, one of the largest and most beautiful tropical forests in Uganda. A hike will enable you to stretch your legs with chances of seeing different species of primates, birds and colourful butterflies. Continue to Jinja for lunch and a visit to the genuine origin of the Nile. Dinner and overnight at Jinja Nile Resort. (B-L-D)

Jinja Nile Resort **** Jinja
Jinja Nile Resort rests on the banks of the River Nile. The cottages and hotel services are spread over 30 acres of gardens palm trees and tropical plants, offering beautiful views of the magnificent Nile. The resort has 110 guest rooms, all with double and single bed. The rooms are in colonial-type cottages have en suite facilities, a small sitting room and private Nile facing balcony. The two restaurants have a Nile-facing terrace and provide local and international cuisine. The bars are stocked with a wide selection of wines, spirits and beers. Besides a swimming pool the resort also offers a health club including gym, sauna, and steam bath, tennis courts, pool tables and darts.
Website: http://www.madahotels.com/jinjanile

DAY 12: Jinja
A full day to relax and unwind at the origin of the Nile! We will visit the true Source of the Nile (if not visited yesterday), where the famous river starts its long journey through Africa. Also the spectacular waterfalls of the Bujagali Falls will be visited, a real challenge for rafters. Those who are looking for adventure can go rafting the Source of the Nile (full day or half day, not included) or explore the shores of the Nile by quad bike safari (not included).  Dinner and overnight at Jinja Nile Resort. (B-L-D)

DAY 13: Jinja – Sipi  (2-3 hrs)
Today we will leave the unforgettable Source of the Nile and drive to the unexplored east. We proceed to Mbale, a charming town at the foot of the Mount Elgon. This area is full of rich heritage and fascinating culture. We will have a lunch stop at Mbale and with beautiful viewpoints on our way we will reach Sipi Village, nestled between mountains and waterfalls. If time allows, you can enjoy a short hike in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight at Lacam Lodge. (B-L-D)

Lacam Lodge *** Sipi Falls
Lacam Lodge is built on the slopes of Mount Elgon and perched on the cliff edge with unparalleled views of Sipi Falls. The cottages are constructed out of local timber and grass thatch from the plains. Each banda is spacious, with two double beds, large verandas and a full wall of window facing the valley and falls. Even the shower is built in a way that you won’t have to miss a minute of the excellent view. The main structure, which features a bar, dining room and sun lounge, is built on stilts. Here you can enjoy a candle lit four course meal, start the day with a full English breakfast or just relax whilst feasting on the view.
Website: www.lacamlodge.co.uk

DAY 14: Sipi
Today you will enjoy a hike to the lovely Sipi Falls. It is a beautiful walk to the bottom of the famous waterfall, then continue with a steep climb to a series of caves. As you follow the challenging trail to the other waterfalls, you will pass maize fields, banana plantations and typical bandas. Cool off with a natural shower and enjoy the breathtaking views over the valley. Want to experience a real thrill and watch the waterfalls from a very close distance? Then go abseiling along the famous Sipi Fall (not included). Dinner and overnight at Lacam Lodge. (B-L-D)

DAY 15: Sipi – Kampala  (5-6 hrs)
After a relaxed breakfast we drive back to the capital city. Enjoy lunch in Jinja before continuing to Kampala and spend some relaxing moments at your lodge in the afternoon. Overnight at Le Petit Village. (B-L)

DAY 16: Departure
Enriched with an experience of a lifetime and unforgettable memories you will say goodbye to the Pearl of Africa. Depending on your flight schedule you can join our guide on a city tour and visit some interesting and historical sites. In time you will be transferred to Entebbe Airport for your international flight. (B)

Price for this 16-days safari ( 2010 – rates for 2009 still available if required):                         
When 2 people travelling: USD $ 5412 per person
When 4 people travelling: USD $ 4334 per person
When 6 people travelling: USD $ 3982 per person
Single room supplement: USD $ 836 per person

Included in the price:

Exclusions:

Note:
Prices are subject to change. Availability of accommodations and activities is not guaranteed; reservations will be made after receiving confirmation of the final itinerary and the requested deposit.
The estimated travelling hours are based on the actual hours of driving, stops for lunch or photos not included.

ENJOY YOUR TOUR!

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT US USING OUR ENQUIRY FORM OR CALL +44 (0) 20 7736 4272

Images courtesey of South African Tourism, The Canadian Tourist Comission, Tourism Queensland, BritishColumbia.com and Morguefile.com.