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Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park (331 sq km)
is located in south western Uganda on the edge of the western rift valley is one
of the largest natural forests in East Africa. The park supports a large number
of plants and animals not found elsewhere. About half the world’s population
of 600 mountain gorillas reside in Bwindi.
The vegetation, as the park’s name implies, is composed of tropical rainforest
with dense undergrowth. This rugged terrain makes hiking in search of gorilla
strenuous work. Visitors who trek should be prepared for up to 8 hours hiking a
maximum of 6 permits per day are available for advance booking, so confirmation
4 – 12 months in advance is required.
Along with the gorillas, there are nine other species of primates including chimpanzee,
blue monkey and black and white Columbus.
347 species of birds have been recorded in Bwindi and seven species are listed
as endangered.
Over 200 species of butterflies have also been recorded here.
Distance from Kampala: 550 km estimated travelling time 9-11 hrs
Day 1 Kampala - Bwindi
An early morning start from Kampala takes you southwest and across the Equator.
You drive through Savannah grasslands seeing banana plantations and herds of Ankole
cattle with their incredibly long curving horns. You then ascend into the Kigezi
highlands, known as the "Switzerland of Africa", with terraced farming
and mountain scenery. Drive through to the Gorilla sanctuary. Afterwards, overnight
at your choice of accommodation.
Day 2 Bwindi
Enter the sanctuary at dawn and enjoy the beauty and freshness of the forest,
home of the mountain Gorillas. After a short briefing by the guides, proceed through
dense bush to trek for these endangered animals. Other primates also live in the
forest including the black-and-white Columbus monkey, red tail monkey and chimpanzee.
Return to your accommodation for dinner and overnight.
Day 3 Bwindi – Kampala
Return to Kampala after breakfast. Lunch at Lake View Hotel in Mbarara.
NOTE: Remember to bring heavy leather gloves, stout hiking boots, rain poncho,
long sleeve shirts, long pants, a light backpack, and water bottle.
Gorilla Thriller in (5days)
Day 1. An early start from Kampala takes you southwest and cross the Equator.
You drive through Savannah grasslands seeing banana plantations and heads of
Ankole cattle with their incredibly long Curving horns. Descend into Kigezi
Highlands known as the Switzerland of Africa with terraced farming and Mountain
Scenery Drive through to nearby Gorilla Sanctuary. Overnight at tented camp
or best available accommodation.
Day 2. Enter the forest
at dawn and enjoy the.
beauty and freshness
of the forest, Home
of the mountain
Gorillas. After a short
briefing by the guides
proceed through the
dance bush to track
for these Endangered
annals. Other primates
also live in the forest
including the black and white Columbus monkey and the red tailed monkey return
to the Camp for diner and overnight.
Day 3. Re-enter the forest for a second existing day of Gorilla trekking returns
to camp for dinner and overnight.
Day 4. Depart from the forest for Lake Bunyonyi, the lake of little birds removed
for its variety of abundance. Enjoy a canoe ride on the beautiful narrow
lake Surrounded by green hills. Proceed to Mbarara for overnight at Lake
view Hotel.
Day 5. Return to Kampala. Afternoon tour of the city or Shopping.
Jinja and Bujugali Falls Safaris
Jinja, one of Uganda's better-known cities, lies at the point where the River
Nile begins its long journey (6,500 km) to the Mediterranean Sea. The western
side of the town is defined by the River Nile. The almost exclusive use of bicycle
taxis around the town center makes for a more laid back approach to life in Uganda’s
second largest city. A recent campaign to clean up the streets and shop fronts
has made Jinja even more attractive. The varied architecture dating from the early
to middle of the last century adds extra appeal to the town.
Wise town planning has left most of the riverside open to all, with the Golf Course
unwinding along the banks and the Source of the Nile providing a pretty focal
point to flow of water from Lake Victoria’s only outlet. Prior to the Owens
Falls Dam being completed in 1954 and the majestic Rippon Falls being submerged,
the roar of millions of litres of water dropping 40 metres provide a lullaby to
townspeople. The Nile has always been a major obstacle to human movement between
eastern and central Africa and wasn’t Spanned until the railway bridge was
completed in 1930. Jinja was known as the ‘place of the flat rocks’.
It provided a focal point for travelers and many of the people living in the small
settlement beside the mouth of the river made a living providing ferry services.
The town began to grow towards the end of the 19th Century and with the building
of a port, Jinja became better connected by lake steamers with Port Florence (now
Kisumu), Port Bell and other centres around the Lake. In 1912 a short railway
called the Busoga Railway, running from Jinja to Namasagali, was opened. The large
cotton producing areas around Lake Kyoga was given an export route that ran through
the storage sheds at Jinja. In 1923 the Uganda Railway was completed as far as
Jinja and relatively easy access by land to Nairobi and the Kenyan coast became
a reality.
For the traveler Jinja offers an excellent base for exploration of the River Nile
and the Lake Victoria Islands. Accommodation ranges from the budget establishments
that include campsite to middle range hotels and first class resorts. Contact
Lexxas Travel Services for customized itineraries in this part of Uganda.
4 Days - Lake Mburo, Uganda Safaris
DAY 1 Travel from Bujagali Falls via Kampala to Lake Mburo N.P. Lunch at the Equation
Café. Arrive Lake Mburo mid afternoon for introduction and then an ATV
refresher course that includes a game viewing drive. Sundowners, hot showers and
then an evening meal overlooking the lake. Unwind fully around a campfire.
DAY 2. Morning safari through the western part of the park. Visit a fishing village
and then explore some of the undeveloped tracks along the edge of the southern
boundary. Moderate to difficult rides tailored to the group. Lunch back at base
and a couple of hours R&R through the hottest part of the day. Afternoon safari
along the lakeside tracks then through some magnificent rolling country to Kazuma
Hill Lookout. Sundowners overlooking the park and an easy ride back along the
main trails.
DAY 3. The going gets tough! Exploring the buffer zone around the park, there
are often more wild animals then inside the park boundaries. This ride is also
tailored according to the group but it can be prepared for some challenging sections
that will put your skills to the test. Traditional lunch at a village or packed
lunch of your own choice of food. A chance to meet the very hospitable faces of
rural Uganda and enjoy the varied African landscapes. You’ll definitely
need a comfortable bed at the end of a big day.
DAY 4 Early morning drives to the Park HQ for a guided
walking safari or a boat cruise with UWA rangers. Morning tea. Return trip to
Kampala and Bujagali Falls. Lunch at Masaka, arrive Kampala mid afternoon,
arrival at Bujagali Falls early evening. (On this safaris travelers are able to
experience the beauty of the River Nile and the forests, farms and hospitality
of the local rural communities. We are continuing to refine these safaris, together
with the local communities, providing you with a unique way of seeing parts of
Uganda that most do not know exist. Easy to drive and lavishing you with a bit
of wind-in-the-hair freedom, our well maintained ATVs (all-terrain-vehicles or
quad-bikes) give you a special way of traveling to places that are off the beaten
track.)
