Uganda's Pearls

In the morning, we join the Mabamba Swamps, a wetland with exceptional biodiversity, in search of a unique bird highly prized by ornithologists: the Shoebill, an extraordinary bird with dinosaur-like features that can only be observed here in Ouganda.

The site remains little visited and is well preserved by certain members of the local community who have become eco-tourism guides. They will take you by canoe through the swamp to observe birds. In addition to the Shoebill, we may have the chance to encounter Marsh Harrier, White-winged Black Tern, Yellow-billed Duck, various Herons, Kingfishers, etc.

Accommodation at Nikima Forest Lodge which will welcome us for the night in an enchanting setting. A walk in the small forest accessible on foot from our accommodation where we can continue to observe birds, some Primates and a multitude of Butterflies.

A long day of driving through the countryside of deep Ouganda awaits us today to reach the Kibale Forest National Park.

The laterite track we take crosses many villages where we observe scenes of daily life. These villages serve as meeting places for farmers who transport their harvests there. From Mubende to Fort Portal, we discover an area of high plateaus cut through by steep-sided valleys at the bottom of which rivers turn into marshes. Further west, large tea plantations spread their greenery which will brighten our route before the landscape becomes more rugged as we approach the foothills of the Ruwenzori, whose snow-capped peaks we will be able to see in the distance.

Arrival at the edge of Kibale Forest, and check-in at the Lodge.

An extraordinary day awaits us today, discovering the Kibale Forest which has one of the densest primate populations in the world (more than 12 species recorded). In the morning, we set out on a walk through the forest where we will observe many monkeys, including the chimpanzee, red colobus and blue monkey. 

In the afternoon, our expedition takes us to the Bigodi Marshes which are home to more than 300 bird species that we will have plenty of opportunity to admire.

We continue our journey towards the South-West of the country. The track crosses numerous villages and we will enjoy views of the Ruwenzori mountain range and its snow-capped peaks. After the village of Kasese, we cross the symbolic equator line and the vast plains we encounter are only a prelude to what awaits us in the Queen Elizabeth National Park and its sublime landscapes made up of extinct volcanoes, crater lakes, marshes and grassy plains. 

This enchanting place, in the middle of the great African rift, also contains within it Lakes Edward and George which are connected to each other by the natural Kazinga channel.

During this first day in the park, we embark on a boat excursion on the Kazinga channel for an unforgettable moment meeting the birdlife.  The latter, 36 km long, attracts a large number of migratory and permanent animals and birds (more than 500 bird species are recorded)

We continue our exploration of the Queen Elisabeth National Park, but now we explore its southern region.

We leave our accommodation and explore the Kasenyi plains in the morning. These barren plains covered with candelabra euphorbias are the favorite playground of Lions. You can also observe large herds of Uganda Kobs, topis, buffalo as well as many bird species.

In the afternoon we reach the Ishasha region, well known for its scenes of Lions perched in the trees, and where cactus forests give way to vast savanna dotted with umbrella acacias.

Finally in the late afternoon, we set out on a Safari by Jeep during which we can observe numerous Uganda Kobs, lions, topis, and other buffalo, etc.

Early departure for 4 hours of track through a region of hills that will lead us to the renowned Bwindi forest where our encounter with Mountain Gorillas awaits us. Along the way, the landscape offers us an incredible palette of greens, the blue-green of eucalyptus trees that separate the countless plots, the dark green of cypress trees that border the tracks, the tender green of rice paddies at the bottom of steep valleys.

Please Note: In Ouganda, we purchase gorilla permits for a specific group. We purchase permits for 4 sectors distributed across the entire Bwindi park and not for a given group of gorillas. Each of these 4 geographical entities has an office where travelers converge on the morning of the trek and where the manager assigns them the group to visit. Therefore, the hotels as well as the travel time may change depending on the availability of gorilla permits.

Here at last has arrived the long-awaited experience of your trip to Ouganda: the encounter with Mountain Gorillas!

Early morning wake-up, then departure for the Park reception where we will set off accompanied by trackers and our specialized guide in search of Gorillas. These prefer humid forests and are vegetarian. Clans are composed of 8 to 20 individuals including the dominant male, adult females and adolescents. The male has a silver-coloured back and can reach a height of 1m70 and weigh up to 250 kg. Our distant cousins are peaceful and good-natured animals that will observe us while continuing to search for their food in their vegetation world. Emotion and intense sensation guaranteed for all nature lovers!

Early morning departure towards Lake Bunyoni where we can appreciate the beauty of the landscape with terraced cultivated hills descending steeply into the lake. It extends in sinuous curves at nearly 2000 meters altitude and encompasses 29 islands and islets.

We take a stroll in the surroundings where we will have the chance to observe some of the 200 bird species recorded in the area and which gave the place its name in Rugika: "The place of many birds"

Since the lake is perfectly suitable for swimming, why not let yourself be tempted by a few strokes in these enchanting waters.

We hit the road and head to the Lake Mburo National Park, recognized for its ornithological richness which we can appreciate in the papyrus-covered marshes.

Discovery of the Park during a safari where we can admire zebras, buffalo, impalas and other ruminants such as the famous Cape eland in their natural environment.

In the morning, we continue to enjoy Uganda's wild nature, with a final guided walk in the Lake Mburo Reserve.

Then, we head back to Entebbe and enjoy our last moments on Ugandan soil. Transfer to Entebbe Airport where you will board your return flight.

See you soon in Ouganda!