- 4. COMMUNITY EXPERIENCE TRIPS
- 4.1 Uganda safari and community experience
- 4.2 People, primates and mountains
- 4.3 Volcanoes and the terraces
- 4.4 Relaxation, scenery and waterfalls
- 4.5 Forests, Primates and Murchison Falls (6 days, 5 nights)
- 4.6 Walking in the footsteps of the Kings
4.1 Uganda safari and community experience
18 days across Ugandan waters, animals, mountains and people Day 1: Entebbe - Kampala: today we arrive at Entebbe airport.
We shall connect via the Entebbe lake side town to go to Kampala for dinner and over night. Entebbe is located on the shores of Lake Victoria (1hr)
Day 2: Kampala - Jinja After breakfast, we connect to Jinja, the rafting place, go to the source of the Nile and then raft for the whole day. In the evening we retire for the accommodation at the Nile resort for diner and over night
Day 3: Jinja - Kampala: After breakfast, we connect to Kampala, Mabira forest walk. Passing by Ssezibwa falls, the traditional black water and a place where the Kabaka of Buganda kingdom used to crown his chiefs. Dinner and overnight in Kampala.
Day 4 Kampala ? Murchison: After breakfast Morning pick up from Kampala. Start the tour 4 -5 hours drive to Murchison Falls national park. We shall have a stopover at Boomu women?s campsite then transfer to the magnificent top of the falls where you will enjoy your picnic lunch as you marvel at the mighty Nile forced into a seven crevice to thunder 45 meters bellow in a series of cascades. The Nile can be viewed at different points up to the baker?s summit. Dinner and over night at red chili campsite inside the park.
Day 5 Murchison: After an early morning breakfast, embark on a half-day game drive on the northern bank of the river Nile. Escorted by game ranger, you may opt for a game walk. While trailing animals and studying animal spoors. Game in this area includes Giraffe, elephant, Harte beest, lion Uganda kob, Crib and a variety of savannah and woodland birds. Return to the lodge and the rest of the time can be spent at the swimming pool. After lunch, take a boat cruise along the river Nile for game viewing at close quarters. This is a paradise of the hippo and crocodiles. After the game activities, we shall go to the accommodation place to relax
Day 6: Murchison - Kibale: After an early breakfast, transfer to Kibale national park. This day we shall go via Bugungu gate. Here you will view the shores of Lake Albert and drive through and up the escarpment, which is part of the western leg of the east African rift valley and a series of human settlements with unique traditional African architecture to a lodge close to the creator lakes for diner and overnight.
Day 7: Kibale - Rwenzori: After breakfast, head for Kibale forest national park for a half-day walk in the search of primates during the walk. Black and white Columbus monkey, red tailed monkey, baboon, Gray-cheeked mangabeys or the chimpanzee are a common sight. After lunch, we take the community swamp walk at Bigodi wetland sanctuary for up to three hours then transfer to the Ruboni community camp in the base of Rwenzori mountains of the moon. A welcome evening with traditional dances performed by the local Bakonzo people dinner and overnight at Ruboni Community camp.
Day 8: Rwenzori Mountains: Today we start Rwenzori climbing. Rwenzori mountain range is the highest in Africa with the third highest peak on the African continent and is 120 km long and 48 km wide. First trekking day after a briefing with the local porters and guides you will move from 1646 meters on sea level to Nyabitaba hut at 2632 m Dinner and overnight at the camp. (5hrs)
Day 9: Rwenzori Mountains: Leave Nyabitaba and take the central circuit loop anticlockwise. The trail leads to the crossing point of rivers Mubuku and Bujuku, difficult to pass in the past but easy today thanks to a bridge. After a slippery and difficult path you will reach Nyamuleju hut at 3000 meters a simple shelter among rocks. It's better to hike for other 3 hours and reach John Matte hut at 3414 meters and spend the night. From Nyabitaba to John Matte. (7 hrs)
Day 10: Rwenzori Mountains: Today, we return to Nyabitaba and Ruboni community at the base camp. We shall move from John Matte hut at 3414 meters to 1646 meters at the base camp. This is a long day of descending and will take us from 6 to 7 hours. On arrival at Nyabitaba, we shall take lunch then head to the base camp Nyakalengija.
Day 11: Rwenzori - Bwindi: After an early breakfast, transfer to the gorilla sanctuary through this beautiful mountain scenery referred to as the Switzerland of Africa or through Ishasha if the road is ok. Dinner and overnight at Buhoma community rest camp.
Day 12: Bwindi - Bunyonyi: After breakfast, briefing by the ranger guides. Later with picnic lunch, start a thirty minutes to eight hours (30min. - 8hrs) trek to find the mountain gorillas. The tracking starts at the area where the gorillas ware the previous day. After a full hour with the gorillas, return to the camp and spend a night or if there is still time travel to Bushara is land camp in Lake Bunyonyi.
Day 13: Bunyonyi: Today we spend the full day at lake Bunyonyi relaxing as we do some of the water activities like canoe trips, water surfing and then the birding tours. Lake Bunyonyi is famous for the birds, fishing Cray fish and a unique Bakiga culture typical of the mountainous south western. Learning the local culture and way of life is obvious through the day.
Day 14: Bunyonyi - Mbarara: After breakfast, we head to Mbarara and area famous for cattle rearing for both diary and nomadic patriotism. We shall spend a day on the farm participating in local farm activities. In the evening, we shall retire to mbarara town for diner and over night.
Day 15: Mbarara - Kampala: Today morning, we head for Kampala. On arrival, by lunch time, we shall take a Baganda traditional lunch in one of cultural sites, Bagalayazze heritage site, as we watch the traditional dances of Baganda. After lunch, we pass by the Ugandan museum to sample all the Uganda?s cultures in display and head for the crafts market to buy souvenirs to take back.
Day 16: Kampala - Ssese Island: Kampala - Ssese Islands: Today, we catch the ferry to ssese islands and on arrival, enjoy Ssese island sand beaches and forest walking.
Day 17: Ssese Island: Toady we spend a whole day fishing on Lake Victoria and relaxing on the sand beaches the rest of the day. this morning, we shall take the morning sunrise views, bird watching, canoeing and visiting traditional doctors. This afternoon, we catch the ferry back to Entebbe for the night flight.
4.2 People, primates and mountains (7 days, 6 nights)
Travel to Western Uganda and gaze in wonder at the Rwenzori mountains, the fabled Mountains of the Moon. Appease your ancestral spirits with the help of a local witch doctor. Walk through the papyrus heart of the Magombe Swamp. Track chimpanzees and see first hand how closely we resemble these intelligent primates. Take a dip in Lake Nyabikerere and enjoy a cold beer as the sun goes down.
Day 1 Travel from Kampala to Fort Portal and stay at the Ruwenzori View Guesthouse, as the name implies a comfortable guesthouse with view of the Rwenzori mountains.
Day 2: Guided cultural walks around Fort Portal or into the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains where the guides of Kamugha guesthouse take care of you.
Day 3: Travel to Bigodi and take a guided walk around the Wetland Sanctuary, home to approximately 130 bird species, an abundance of butterflies, a variety of mammals and most of the 9 primate species recorded in the forest. Spend the night in Crater Valley Kibale Lodge over viewing the beautiful crater lake Nyabikerere.
Day 4: Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park in the morning, with the afternoon for relaxation.
Day 5: Drive via the crater lakes to Ruboni, a village in the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains. Take a nature walk in the afternoon and visit a cultural homestead. Overnight at the Ruboni Campsite or in a hotel in Kasese.
Day 6: Day for relaxation or for a hike into the Rwenzori National Park to the first base camp at 2?..meters. Overnight at Ruboni campsite or back to Ruwenzori View Guesthouse in Fort Portal home as souvenirs and gifts, or extend your trip to any other part of Uganda.
4.3 Volcanoes, terraces and the Impenetrable Forest (6 days, 5 nights / 9 days, 8 nights)
This trip takes you on a tour of the South West of Uganda, an area of crater lakes, volcanoes, terracing, rainforest and home to half the remaining population of the Mountain Gorilla Relax on the veranda at the Mgahinga Community Camp and gaze across the spectacular landscape; listen to the sounds of the Impenetrable Forest; swim off the shore of Bushara Island and enjoy Uganda's only shellfish, crayfish, fresh from Lake Bunyonyi; dance with the ladies from Bwindi Progressive Women's Group, and the Batwa of Mgahinga; and learn about the healing properties of various plants. This is only a taster of what lies in store.
Day 1: Early departure from Kampala to Buhoma Camp, located at the gate to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Relax on arrival and enjoy the atmosphere and sounds of the forest.
Day 2: Enjoy the National Park (gorilla tracking optional and to be booked in advance) and be entertained by the performers from Bwindi Progressive Women's Group.
Day 3: Explore the village and make a guided walk to the local brew producer, the traditional healer, banana plantations and other interesting places.
Day 4: Travel to Bushara Island in Lake Bunyonyi. Rest of the day to relax, swim, explore the island and round off the day around a campfire.
Day 5: Day at Bushara Island - take up one of the community walks, enjoy the birds, and maybe try your skills in a local dug-out canoe.
Day 6: Travel back to Kampala or continue the trip to Mgahinga National Park and stay at the Mgahinga Community Camp. Relax on the veranda and watch the sun set over the volcanoes.
Day 7: Day in Mgahinga to enjoy the National Park and take nature and/or cultural walks. Gorilla tracking optional.
Day 8: Return to Kampala and visit the UCOTA shop to purchase Ugandan crafts to take home as souvenirs and gifts or extend your trip to any other part of Uganda.
4.4 Relaxation, scenery and waterfalls (5 days, 4 nights)
In the foothills of Mount Elgon you will find the Sipi Falls - three beautiful waterfalls. You can simply enjoy the view or take a guided walk to one or more of the falls themselves. As well as the dramatic scenery, this area has a strong cultural identity, as it is the only area in Uganda where the circumcision ceremony continues to be performed.
Day 1: Travel from Kampala to either The Crow's Nest or Moses Camp at Sipi, and stay in one of the cabins or bandas overlooking the Sipi Falls
Day 2: Walk with community guides to the waterfalls of Sipi and enjoy the amazing scenery.
Day 3: Relax or complete the three waterfalls and learn more about this areas? culture. For the adventurous, there is an opportunity to go rock climbing with Rob?s Rolling Rock.
Day 4: Drive back in the direction of Kampala and make a stop over at the Mabira Forest, either for a walk or an overnight stay. Enjoy the forest with beautiful birds, butterflies and monkeys. The sounds of the forest will accompany your nights? sleep.
Day 5: Return back to Kampala and visit the UCOTA shop to purchase Ugandan crafts to take home as souvenirs and gifts or extend your trip to any other part of Uganda.
4.5 Forests, Primates and Murchison Falls (6 days, 5 nights)
In Central Uganda the famous Murchison Falls can be found, the water of the Nile falls with enormous power through a rocky cascade. The communities living in the Budongo forest on the way to Murchison Falls offer you a nice quiet stay in one of their bandas and can take you for a forest walk and chimpanzee tracking.
Day 1: Travel from Kampala to Masindi and proceed to Busingiro Eco-tourist site for an overnight stay in a banda at the edge of Budongo Forest (camping possible)
Day 2: Walk with community guides through the forest and try to find the chimpanzees among other primates and forest wild life.
Day 3: Depart for Murchison Falls National Park via Lake Albert. A beautiful scenic route, so take your time to enjoy it.
Day 4: A whole day to enjoy Murchison Falls. Early morning game drive and in the afternoon a boat trip to the Falls. Crocodiles and hippos await you at the edge of the river, as well as elephants, warthogs and fish eagles.
Day 5: Another day for exploring Murchison Falls National Park, including a visit to the top of the falls to feel the spray, hear the power and see the perpetual rainbow.
Day 6: Early morning return back to Kampala. Before leaving the National Park pay a visit to the Pabidi Eco tourist site for a forest walk. Late afternoon arrival in Kampala to visit the UCOTA shop to purchase Ugandan crafts to take home as souvenirs and gifts or extend your trip to any other part of Uganda.
4.6 Walking in the footsteps of the king.
?Walking in the footsteps of the Kings; A unique journey into the secret history of Buganda (3 days, 2 nights) Trail sites can be visited on their own and/ or combined with other sites depending upon your wishes. The sites can also be combined with a Kampala city tour
Day 1: Visit Ssezibwa Falls in Mukono, just 45 minutes drive from Kampala on the way to Jinja. Make a guided walk along the black-river water tumbling over rocks into a pool below where there is traditional healer who blesses those seeking love, children, good harvest or a successful business deal. See cave shrines and trees planted by the Kabakas Mwanga, Mutesa II and Mutebi. In the afternoon visit Nnamasole Tombs of Baagalayaze. A cultural centre of hope, celebration and learning. Attractions include bark cloth making demonstration, medicinal garden, recycled papermaking and crafts. Ending the day with a festival winning cultural performance.
Day 2: Visit Nnamasole Tombs of Kanyange (Bombo Road) and take a 45-minute walk to retrace the steps that the queen mother followed to visit her son, Kabaka Suuna, through papyrus swamp and forest to the Wamala Tombs. Wamala Tombs is the sacred burial place of Kabaka Suuna, the last king to be buried in his palace and see the ancient spears and shields. Enjoy the picnic site and/ or a cultural performance.
Day 3: Guided walk at the coronation hill Naggalabi, Buddo (Masaka Road) and hear about how the Buganda Kingdom began and see some of the traditional buildings and the sacred coronation root. Also enjoy a picnic. In the afternoon visit Katereke prison (Masaka Road) and tour Kabaka Kalema?s ditch and hear the story of a violent and brutal episode in Buganda history.
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