Uganda Twiga Safari, Uganda

International flight To Entebbe

Entebbe -Ziwa – Murchison Falls NP

After breakfast we will head for the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, in Nakitoma, a reservation located about 4 hours away, in the north of the country. Founded with the aim of reintroducing the rhino in Uganda, it is the only place in the country where rhinos can be observed in their natural habitat.We will take a hike with a local English-speaking guide, in search of the rhinos. After the visit we will head to Masindi for lunch.When we reach Murchison Falls we will drive to the top, continuing on to the lodge, located inside the National Park, where we will have the rest of the day free.Accommodations at the Pakuba Safari Lodge. FB (Full Board)

Murchison Falls NP

Murchison Falls National Park is a veritable delight for the senses, a natural wonderland teeming with mammals and families of predators, as well as waterfowl of all kinds.In the early morning we will head towards the Nile River, reaching its north bank, where we will go on safari (if we end up staying on the south bank, we will take a ferry across the river).The landscape is of extraordinary beauty, and abounding in fauna. Among the most important species are the large herds of elephants, Rothschild’s giraffes, lions, buffaloes, hartebeest, oribis, harnessed bushbuck antelope, spotted hyenas and leopards.We will have lunch at the lodge and, in the afternoon, cruise up the Nile River to the base of Murchison Falls. Along the way we will be able to spot hippos, large crocodiles, and elephants, as well as a great number of avian species, such as Goliath herons, pelicans, European bee-eaters, kingfishers, great hornbills, cormorants, and, if we are lucky, the elusive and curious shoebill stork. We will be accompanied by a local English-speaking guide.The boat will stop just meters from the “Devil’s Cauldron,” where the Nile gushes down from a height of 40 meters. If the river is running low enough, at this point we will leave the boat for a guided hike lasting about one hour up to the top of Murchison Falls. If it is not possible to hike up because the Nile is running too high, we will have already visited the upper part of the waterfall by car the day before.We will be able to observe from closer up the spectacular beauty of one of the most powerful bodies of water on earth. If we are unable to make the ascent on foot, our vehicle will be waiting for us at this point to take us back to the lodge (about 25 minutes).Accommodations at the Pakuba Safari Lodge. FB (Full Board)

Murchison Falls NP – Kibale NP

After breakfast we will head to the Kibale Forest National Park, via Hoima (about an 8- hour drive; 329 km) and cross the beautiful landscapes forming the western arm of the Rift Valley, in the vicinity of Lake Albert. Elongated, some 160 km long and 35 km at its widest point, this lake is one of the sources of the Nile River.During the tour we will stop to take in the green, rural scenery, crops and traditional houses.Upon arrival in Kibale we will head to the Kibale Forest National Park Visitor Center for an orientation session before commencing our chimpanzee trek. This park is known for harboring one of the largest populations of chimpanzees on the planet. It is also home to other primates such as the L’Hoest’s monkey, the red colobus, the blue (diademed) monkey, the red-tailed monkey and the grey-cheeked mangabey.Overnight stay at Isunga Lodge. FB (Full Board)

Kibale NP – Queen Elizabeth NP

After breakfast we can visit the Sanctuary of the marshy area of Bigodi, dubbed with the same name. The refuge is home to 8 species of primates, including the black and white colobus, red colobus, mangabey, red tail, vervet, and L’Hoest’s monkey. Here we will also be able to spot a large number of mammals and more than 200 species of birds, including the great blue turaco, countless reptiles, and a wide variety of trees and shrubs. We will be accompanied by a local English-speaking guide.After an early breakfast we will continue our journey, on to Queen Elizabeth National Park. On the way we will stop to take pictures at the crater lakes of Ndali Kasenda, an area that arose during an era of volcanic activity in the Great Rift Valley. The landscape is dotted with lakes of turquoise waters.Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the most popular destinations in the country, and its ecosystems (including savannahs and rainforests) and diverse fauna are part of the reason why.Upon our arrival we will visit the Katwe area, which is located in the Kasese district, at the edge of the Queen Elisabeth National Park. This is a saltwater lake of volcanic origin from which the local community continues to draw salt in a traditional way. Both men and women work to extract the salt, an extremely grueling task requiring them to spend hours in the salt-rich water, which affects the workers’ skin. Two main products are extracted from the lake, which we will be able to observe on our visit: blocks of salt, which are stacked and sold for food; and a mixture of salt loam that is used for livestock, drawn from the lake’s muddy bottom.In the afternoon, we’ll take a boat safari on the Kazinga Canal with a local English-speaking guide. This 32-km long body of water connects Lake George and Lake Edward, which, in turn, is the natural border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The cruise on the Kazinga will be one of the most thrilling experiences of our safari, as on it we will be able to see hippos, elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and a range of waterfowl.After our adventure on the Kazinga Channel, we will go enjoy a short safari lasting one to two hours in the Kasenyi area or on the Mweya Peninsula, time permitting. During this excursion we will be able to see elephants, water bucks, lions, buffalo, kob antelope and countless birds.Accommodations at the Buffalo Safari Lodge. FB (Full Board)

Queen Elizabeth NP – Ishasha

In the morning, after breakfast, we will begin a trek through the spectacular Kyambura Gorge, one of the arms of the Rift Valley, a magnificent fissure-shaped lowland in the middle of the savannah, about 100 meters deep and 11 km long, and located in the eastern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park, ending in the Kazinga Channel. This great rift was formed by drainage from the waters of the Kyambura River. The landscape is of striking beauty, offering tropical rainforest views in the middle of the savannah, and lying  right on the equator. Kyambura Gorge is home to groups of chimpanzees and other primates, and a number of hippos also inhabit the river.We will complete the trek in the gorge accompanied by a park ranger. While mainly searching for chimpanzees, we will also spot more fauna during the hike.After the trek in Kyambura, before leaving for Ishasha we will visit the Kichwamba Overlook, site of the popular Twin Lakes, stopping to take photos.We will then depart for Ishasha, in the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park (about a 2-3 hour drive).  This is the most remote area of the park, characterized by its wide variety of habitats. There is a savanna forest and a swampy area in the immediate vicinity of Lake Edward harboring a rich variety of wildlife. One of this park’s notable peculiarities is its Fig Tree (one of the many species of ficus). Due to these trees’ peculiar structures, lions climb them to take shelter from the sun, resting in them during the hottest hours of the day.Accommodations at Enjojo Lodge. FB (Full Board)

Ishasha – Bwindi

In the morning, after breakfast, we will take an hour to see the climbing lions, which will be our main focus during our visit to Ishasha.During our visit to Ishasha, we will take a hike in Edward Flats, an area off the beaten track. On this route, consisting of a more remote track, we will need a ranger from the park to accompany us. In this corner of the area we may come across groups of elephants. Edward Flats is also home to migratory birds, as millions of songbirds, storks, waders and birds of prey pass through this area.After our activities in Ishasha we will leave for one of the areas of the Impenetrable Forest National Park of Bwindi. During the tour we will enjoy incredible scenery that gradually morphs until we reach the lush and verdant Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, one of the last havens of the mountain gorilla. Arrival at the Lodge.Accommodations will depend on the sector we are assigned by the UWA. We are planning on the Rushaga Gorilla Camp. FB (Full Board)

Bwindi NP – Bunyonyi

A quintessential primeval forest, this remote, misty enclave harbors some 500 mountain gorillas ― half of the world’s population. A genuine paradise to see Uganda’s famous mountain gorillas.After breakfast we will be transferred to the Visitor Center of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park to receive a detailed orientation before leaving on to track the mountain gorillas.First, we will be assigned to one of the groups/families of gorillas accustomed to the presence of humans, and receive an orientation talk from the national park guide who will accompany us on our hike.The park’s guides and rangers are extremely professional, and will provide us with detailed information on the rules we must follow and proper behavior, both during the hike and the time we spend watching the gorillas.Where we eat will depend on how long the trek takes us. We will take a pack lunch in order to be able to eat during the activity, if necessary. NOTE: The gorilla tracking will depend on the sector where the UWA (Uganda Wildlife Authority) grants us permission for the activity. In no case is this something we can decide, so it could be in any of the different sectors of Bwindi or the Mgahinga National Park (Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo, Rushaga or Mgahinga).The UWA reserves the right to modify, change or assign these permits for any of the aforementioned sectors, either due to overbooking, or for whatever reason they deem fit, in order to manage them, even if, in some cases, this means having to separate travellers on the same tour.NOTE: At the end of the gorilla tracking in Bwindi we will head for Lake Bunyonyi to spend the night.Depending on the sector in Bwindi, the Lake will be from 1 to 3 hours away. In Lake Bunyonyi we will rest and enjoy the magnificent views.Lake Bunyonyi, in southwestern Uganda, near the border with Rwanda, is a magical and idyllic enclave. At an elevation of 1,962 meters, with more than 20 islands, and descending to depths of 900 meters (the second deepest lake in Africa), it is also known as the Lake of Birds, as it harbors more than 200 different species.Accommodations at the BirdNest Bunyonyi Resort. FB (Full Board)

Lake Bunyonyi – Entebbe – Departure

After an early breakfast, we will depart for Entebbe (an 8 to 9-hour drive), crossing the mountains of Kigezi and through the city of Mbarara before reaching the Ankhole region, at an elevation of 1,800 meters. This is a place known for its cattle’s massive horns, its savannah landscape, and its series of lakes.Before arriving in Entebbe we will make a stop right on the equator to take pictures and eat.At the scheduled time we will be picked up to proceed to the airport and catch our international flights.Day use at Precious Guest House. HB (Half Board)

Arrival at international destination

International flight To Entebbe

Entebbe -Ziwa – Murchison Falls NP

After breakfast we will head for the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, in Nakitoma, a reservation located about 4 hours away, in the north of the country. Founded with the aim of reintroducing the rhino in Uganda, it is the only place in the country where rhinos can be observed in their natural habitat.We will take a hike with a local English-speaking guide, in search of the rhinos. After the visit we will head to Masindi for lunch.When we reach Murchison Falls we will drive to the top, continuing on to the lodge, located inside the National Park, where we will have the rest of the day free.Accommodations at the Pakuba Safari Lodge. FB (Full Board)

Murchison Falls NP

Murchison Falls National Park is a veritable delight for the senses, a natural wonderland teeming with mammals and families of predators, as well as waterfowl of all kinds.In the early morning we will head towards the Nile River, reaching its north bank, where we will go on safari (if we end up staying on the south bank, we will take a ferry across the river).The landscape is of extraordinary beauty, and abounding in fauna. Among the most important species are the large herds of elephants, Rothschild’s giraffes, lions, buffaloes, hartebeest, oribis, harnessed bushbuck antelope, spotted hyenas and leopards.We will have lunch at the lodge and, in the afternoon, cruise up the Nile River to the base of Murchison Falls. Along the way we will be able to spot hippos, large crocodiles, and elephants, as well as a great number of avian species, such as Goliath herons, pelicans, European bee-eaters, kingfishers, great hornbills, cormorants, and, if we are lucky, the elusive and curious shoebill stork. We will be accompanied by a local English-speaking guide.The boat will stop just meters from the “Devil’s Cauldron,” where the Nile gushes down from a height of 40 meters. If the river is running low enough, at this point we will leave the boat for a guided hike lasting about one hour up to the top of Murchison Falls. If it is not possible to hike up because the Nile is running too high, we will have already visited the upper part of the waterfall by car the day before.We will be able to observe from closer up the spectacular beauty of one of the most powerful bodies of water on earth. If we are unable to make the ascent on foot, our vehicle will be waiting for us at this point to take us back to the lodge (about 25 minutes).Accommodations at the Pakuba Safari Lodge. FB (Full Board)

Murchison Falls NP – Kibale NP

After breakfast we will head to the Kibale Forest National Park, via Hoima (about an 8- hour drive; 329 km) and cross the beautiful landscapes forming the western arm of the Rift Valley, in the vicinity of Lake Albert. Elongated, some 160 km long and 35 km at its widest point, this lake is one of the sources of the Nile River.During the tour we will stop to take in the green, rural scenery, crops and traditional houses.Upon arrival in Kibale we will head to the Kibale Forest National Park Visitor Center for an orientation session before commencing our chimpanzee trek. This park is known for harboring one of the largest populations of chimpanzees on the planet. It is also home to other primates such as the L’Hoest’s monkey, the red colobus, the blue (diademed) monkey, the red-tailed monkey and the grey-cheeked mangabey.Overnight stay at Isunga Lodge. FB (Full Board)

Kibale NP – Queen Elizabeth NP

After breakfast we can visit the Sanctuary of the marshy area of Bigodi, dubbed with the same name. The refuge is home to 8 species of primates, including the black and white colobus, red colobus, mangabey, red tail, vervet, and L’Hoest’s monkey. Here we will also be able to spot a large number of mammals and more than 200 species of birds, including the great blue turaco, countless reptiles, and a wide variety of trees and shrubs. We will be accompanied by a local English-speaking guide.After an early breakfast we will continue our journey, on to Queen Elizabeth National Park. On the way we will stop to take pictures at the crater lakes of Ndali Kasenda, an area that arose during an era of volcanic activity in the Great Rift Valley. The landscape is dotted with lakes of turquoise waters.Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of the most popular destinations in the country, and its ecosystems (including savannahs and rainforests) and diverse fauna are part of the reason why.Upon our arrival we will visit the Katwe area, which is located in the Kasese district, at the edge of the Queen Elisabeth National Park. This is a saltwater lake of volcanic origin from which the local community continues to draw salt in a traditional way. Both men and women work to extract the salt, an extremely grueling task requiring them to spend hours in the salt-rich water, which affects the workers’ skin. Two main products are extracted from the lake, which we will be able to observe on our visit: blocks of salt, which are stacked and sold for food; and a mixture of salt loam that is used for livestock, drawn from the lake’s muddy bottom.In the afternoon, we’ll take a boat safari on the Kazinga Canal with a local English-speaking guide. This 32-km long body of water connects Lake George and Lake Edward, which, in turn, is the natural border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The cruise on the Kazinga will be one of the most thrilling experiences of our safari, as on it we will be able to see hippos, elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and a range of waterfowl.After our adventure on the Kazinga Channel, we will go enjoy a short safari lasting one to two hours in the Kasenyi area or on the Mweya Peninsula, time permitting. During this excursion we will be able to see elephants, water bucks, lions, buffalo, kob antelope and countless birds.Accommodations at the Buffalo Safari Lodge. FB (Full Board)

Queen Elizabeth NP – Ishasha

In the morning, after breakfast, we will begin a trek through the spectacular Kyambura Gorge, one of the arms of the Rift Valley, a magnificent fissure-shaped lowland in the middle of the savannah, about 100 meters deep and 11 km long, and located in the eastern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park, ending in the Kazinga Channel. This great rift was formed by drainage from the waters of the Kyambura River. The landscape is of striking beauty, offering tropical rainforest views in the middle of the savannah, and lying  right on the equator. Kyambura Gorge is home to groups of chimpanzees and other primates, and a number of hippos also inhabit the river.We will complete the trek in the gorge accompanied by a park ranger. While mainly searching for chimpanzees, we will also spot more fauna during the hike.After the trek in Kyambura, before leaving for Ishasha we will visit the Kichwamba Overlook, site of the popular Twin Lakes, stopping to take photos.We will then depart for Ishasha, in the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park (about a 2-3 hour drive).  This is the most remote area of the park, characterized by its wide variety of habitats. There is a savanna forest and a swampy area in the immediate vicinity of Lake Edward harboring a rich variety of wildlife. One of this park’s notable peculiarities is its Fig Tree (one of the many species of ficus). Due to these trees’ peculiar structures, lions climb them to take shelter from the sun, resting in them during the hottest hours of the day.Accommodations at Enjojo Lodge. FB (Full Board)

Ishasha – Bwindi

In the morning, after breakfast, we will take an hour to see the climbing lions, which will be our main focus during our visit to Ishasha.During our visit to Ishasha, we will take a hike in Edward Flats, an area off the beaten track. On this route, consisting of a more remote track, we will need a ranger from the park to accompany us. In this corner of the area we may come across groups of elephants. Edward Flats is also home to migratory birds, as millions of songbirds, storks, waders and birds of prey pass through this area.After our activities in Ishasha we will leave for one of the areas of the Impenetrable Forest National Park of Bwindi. During the tour we will enjoy incredible scenery that gradually morphs until we reach the lush and verdant Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, one of the last havens of the mountain gorilla. Arrival at the Lodge.Accommodations will depend on the sector we are assigned by the UWA. We are planning on the Rushaga Gorilla Camp. FB (Full Board)

Bwindi NP – Bunyonyi

A quintessential primeval forest, this remote, misty enclave harbors some 500 mountain gorillas ― half of the world’s population. A genuine paradise to see Uganda’s famous mountain gorillas.After breakfast we will be transferred to the Visitor Center of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park to receive a detailed orientation before leaving on to track the mountain gorillas.First, we will be assigned to one of the groups/families of gorillas accustomed to the presence of humans, and receive an orientation talk from the national park guide who will accompany us on our hike.The park’s guides and rangers are extremely professional, and will provide us with detailed information on the rules we must follow and proper behavior, both during the hike and the time we spend watching the gorillas.Where we eat will depend on how long the trek takes us. We will take a pack lunch in order to be able to eat during the activity, if necessary. NOTE: The gorilla tracking will depend on the sector where the UWA (Uganda Wildlife Authority) grants us permission for the activity. In no case is this something we can decide, so it could be in any of the different sectors of Bwindi or the Mgahinga National Park (Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo, Rushaga or Mgahinga).The UWA reserves the right to modify, change or assign these permits for any of the aforementioned sectors, either due to overbooking, or for whatever reason they deem fit, in order to manage them, even if, in some cases, this means having to separate travellers on the same tour.NOTE: At the end of the gorilla tracking in Bwindi we will head for Lake Bunyonyi to spend the night.Depending on the sector in Bwindi, the Lake will be from 1 to 3 hours away. In Lake Bunyonyi we will rest and enjoy the magnificent views.Lake Bunyonyi, in southwestern Uganda, near the border with Rwanda, is a magical and idyllic enclave. At an elevation of 1,962 meters, with more than 20 islands, and descending to depths of 900 meters (the second deepest lake in Africa), it is also known as the Lake of Birds, as it harbors more than 200 different species.Accommodations at the BirdNest Bunyonyi Resort. FB (Full Board)

Lake Bunyonyi – Entebbe – Departure

After an early breakfast, we will depart for Entebbe (an 8 to 9-hour drive), crossing the mountains of Kigezi and through the city of Mbarara before reaching the Ankhole region, at an elevation of 1,800 meters. This is a place known for its cattle’s massive horns, its savannah landscape, and its series of lakes.Before arriving in Entebbe we will make a stop right on the equator to take pictures and eat.At the scheduled time we will be picked up to proceed to the airport and catch our international flights.Day use at Precious Guest House. HB (Half Board)

Arrival at international destination