Safari News

7 Days Uganda Gorillas & Wildlife Safari

Guided 7 Days Uganda safari to trek mountain gorillas in Bwindi Forest, golden monkey trekking/Batwa cultural trail in Mgahinga, game viewing in Lake Mburo and a boat cruise on Lake Bunyonyi with Engagi Safaris. The trip starts and ends in Kampala Uganda.

Trip Summary

Day 1: Pick up & transfer to your hotel

Day 2: Transfer to Lake Mburo – Evening game Drives

Day 3: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

Day 4: Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi

Day 5: Golden monkey trekking/Batwa cultural tail

Day 6: Island Tour in Bunyonyi/ Canoeing

Day 7: Transfer to the airport

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Pick up & transfer to your hotel

Upon your arrival at Entebbe airport, meet your driver guide from our company and transfer to Fair Way Hotel/ Marriot Hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 2: Transfer to Lake Mburo – Evening game Drives

Have a morning cup of coffee, check out and drive out of Kampala south-westwards to Lake Mburo National Park with a brief stop at the Uganda Equator for photography. Have lunch at the lodge refresh and head out for an evening game drive. Expect to see numerous including Zebras, Buffalos, Giraffes, Impalas, and bush pigs feeding before retiring for night rests. Dinner and overnight stay at Rwakobo Rock Lodge/ Arcadia Lodge

Day 3: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

Have breakfast, check out and drive out of the park to Lake Bunyonyi in the extreme southwestern part of Uganda. Enjoy this scenic drive through Ankole farms and Kigezi rolling hills to Bunyonyi, Africa’s second deepest Lake. Dinner and overnight stay at Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort.

Day 4: Mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi

Today you wake up early, have breakfast and with your packed lunch transfer to respective Bwindi Park head quarters for registration and briefing about the rules and regulations of gorilla trekking. At 8:00am, head out to search for mountain gorillas. Trekking time lasts for between 30 minutes to a full day depending on the location of gorillas and their speed of movements. Overnight stay at Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort.

Day 5: Golden monkey trekking/Batwa cultural tail

After breakfast, transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for golden monkey trekking. Gather at Ntebeko Park headquarters for registration and briefing about golden monkey trekking. Alternatively, go for Batwa cultural trail to learn about the traditional forest of Batwa pygmies in Mgahinga Forest. You will be guided into the forest to pick medicinal herbs, gather fruit, visit Ngarama cave and experience Batwa’s traditional songs and dances. Overnight stay at Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort.

Day 6: Island Tour in Bunyonyi/ Canoeing

Wake up on a sunrise breakfast and thereafter for island tour on Lake Bunyonyi. Cruise to explore different islands of Lake Bunyonyi including the punishment island where unmarried Bakiga pregnant girls would be taken and left to die in isolation. Other islands on Lake Bunyonyi include Bushara Island, Akampene Island, Bwama Island and Itambira Island among others. Each island has a different story of formation worth exploration. Enjoy the cool breezes to the lake overlooking the beautiful kigezi rolling hills and local communities. Lunch, dinner and overnight stay at Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort.

Day 7: Transfer to the airport

After a cup of coffee, check out and drive back to Kampala for your connecting flight at Entebbe International Airport

End of the tour

Tour inclusions

  • Gorilla permit
  • Park entrance fees
  • Boat cruise
  • Golden monkey permit
  • Batwa trail
  • Full-time English speaking guide
  • Accommodation and meals
  • Airport pick ups and drop-offs
  • Ground transport
  • Bottled drinking water
  • Miscellaneous
  • Photography
  • All activities in the itinerary

Tour exclusions

  • Visa fees
  • International flights
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Extra activities not in the itinerary
  • Tips
  • Porters fee
  • Personal expenses

 

Posted by mkfvf in Safari News

7 Days Uganda Safari

This 7 Days Uganda safari takes you to explore Uganda’s favorite tourist spots. Go gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest, game viewing/launch cruise in Queen Elizabeth and chill on the shores of Lake Bunyonyi with Engagi Safaris

Trip Summary

Day 1: Pick up, overnight in Kampala

Day 2: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

Day 3: Chimpanzee trekking & Bigodi wetland

Day 4: Transfer to QENP- Evening boat Cruise

Day 5: Game viewing & transfer to Bunyonyi

Day 6:Visit gorillas in Bwindi Forest

Day 7: Transfer to Kampala

 Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Pick up, overnight in Kampala

Upon your arrival at Entebbe airport, your driver guide from our company will pick you up and transfer to your hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at Fairway Hotel/Marriot Hotel

Day 2: Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

Today you wake up early, have breakfast, check out and set off for Kibale Forest National Park. Enjoy the scenic drive through tea plantations, bananas, and local communities with a stop at Nakayima Tree. Have lunch en route in beautiful Fort portal and proceed to Kibale Forest, the “Primate Capital” in Africa. Dinner and overnight stay at Chimpanzee Forest Guest House/ Kibale Forest Camp

Day 3: Chimpanzee trekking & Bigodi wetland

Having had a cup of coffee, get your packed lunch and transfer to Kanyanchu Visitor information center for regulations and briefing about chimpanzee trekking. Trekking to see man’s close relative “the chimps” start at 8:00 am lasting for between 30 minutes to several hours depending on where chimpanzees will be located that day. Spend an hour in the company of the endangered chimpanzees, enjoy their human-like characters, take pictures and have fun. In the afternoon, go for a nature walk through Bigodi wetland, the best spot to see colubus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, black and white colobus plus many bird species. Dinner and overnight stay at Chimpanzee Forest Guest House/ Kibale Forest Camp

Day 4: Transfer to QENP- Evening boat Cruise

Wake up early, have breakfast, check out and transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park. You will reach in the afternoon and embark on an evening bot cruise at Kazinga channel, which connects Lakes Edward and George. The banks of Kazinga channel shelters numerous bird species, which include Yellow-billed stork, Black Crake, Open Billed Stork, African Shoebill, Hammerkops, saddle bill stork, African Kingfisher, African Jacana, Pink-backed pelicans, long-tailed Cormorants, and hammerkops among others. Look out for crocodiles and hippos resting lazily at the riverbanks. The cruise also offers you great views of the neighboring fishing villages and wildlife in the park.

 Day 5: Game viewing & Bunyonyi

In the early morning, go for game drives through the savannahs of the park to catch up with early risers feeding. Queen Elizabeth National Park has a high concentration of wild animals including Elephants, lions, hippos, buffalos, Elands, Topis, Uganda Kobs, Waterbucks, Warthogs and leopards among others. Return to the lodge for late breakfast, check out and drive through Ishasha sector to Lake Bunyonyi, Africa’s second deepest lake. Dinner and overnight stay at Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort.

Day 6:Visit gorillas in Bwindi Forest

Rise up early, have breakfast and with your packed lunch drive to Bwindi Forest, home to half of the world’s mountain gorillas. Assemble at the park headquarters for registration and pre gorilla trekking briefing. You will be put together in groups of eight and allocated different gorilla families to visit. The trek to see gorillas starts at 8:00 am and it may take 30 minutes to a full day for trekking before meeting the gorillas. After meeting gorillas, keep calm, hold your cameras tight and enjoy this magical encounter. Observe how a silverback guards his home as a father, while adult females nurse babies. Dinner and overnight stay at Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort.

Day 7: Transfer to Kampala

Have breakfast, check out ad rive back to Kampala for your connecting flight at Entebbe airport

End of the tour

Tour inclusions

  • Gorilla permit
  • Chimpanzee Trekking Permit
  • Park entrance fees
  • Boat cruise
  • Full-time English speaking guide
  • Accommodation and meals
  • Airport pickups and drop-offs
  • Ground transport
  • Bottled drinking water
  • Miscellaneous
  • Photography
  • All activities in the itinerary

Tour exclusions

  • Visa fees
  • International flights
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Extra activities not in the itinerary
  • Tips
  • Porters fee
  • Personal expenses

 

Posted by mkfvf in Safari News

7 Days Uganda Safari, Gorilla, Chimps & Game

Join our customized 7 Days Uganda safari to Lake Mburo for game viewing, Kibale Forest for chimpanzee trekking, Bwindi Forest for mountain gorilla trekking and a boat ride at Lake Bunyonyi with Engagi Safaris. This trip offers you the best Uganda primate trekking and game viewing experience. The trips start and ends in Kampala Uganda

Trip Summary

Day 1: Pick up – Overnight in Kampala/Entebbe

Day 2: Transfer to Lake Mburo –Evening Game drives

Day 3: Morning game drive/nature walk – Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

Day 4:Chimpanzee trekking/Habituation & Bigodi Wetland

Day 5: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Day 7: Fly to Entebbe

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Pick up – Overnight in Kampala/Entebbe

Arrive at the airport, meet your driver guide from our company and transfer to Fairway Hotel/ Marriot Hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 2: Transfer to Lake Mburo –Evening Game drives

Have breakfast and drive to Lake Mburo National Park with a stopover at Uganda Equator. Have lunch at the lodge, refresh and in the evening go for game drives to catch up with animals grazing, and browsing before retiring for a night. Lake Mburo National park is home to animals such as zebras, buffalos, giraffes, Uganda kobs, Bushpig, hippos and antelopes among others all for you to see. Dinner and overnight stay at Rwakobo Rock Resort/ Arcadia cottages

Day 3: Morning game drive/nature walk – Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park

Wake up early and go for morning game drives to catch up with early risers feeding in the open savannahs. Alternatively, you can go for a nature walk to explore the hidden gem of Lake Mburo Park on foot. Return to the lodge for late breakfast, check out and transfer to Kibale Forest National Park with lunch en route in fort portal. Dinner and overnight stay at Chimpanzee Forest guest house/ Kibale Forest Camp

Day 4:Chimpanzee trekking/Habituation & Bigodi Wetland

After a morning cup of coffee, get your packed lunch and transfer to Kanyanchu information center for briefing about the dos and don’ts of chimpanzee trekking. You will be put in groups of 8 and allocated a chimpanzee community to visit. Trekking to see chimpanzees starts at 8:00am lasting between 30 minutes to over 6 hours depending on their locations. Spend an hour with chimps, embrace their human-like characters, take pictures and enjoy this magical encounter. In the afternoon, go for a nature walk in Bigodi wetland, home to numerous monkeys and bird species. Dinner and overnight stay at Chimpanzee Forest guest house/ Kibale Forest Camp

Day 5: Transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

After breakfast, check out and hit the road transferring to Lake Bunyonyi in southwestern Uganda. The 7 hours scenic drive through farms, communities, Ankole plains and rolling hills makes this safari more fun and enjoyable. Dinner and overnight stay at Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort

Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

This is the big day to trek the endangered mountain gorillas. Wake up early, have a cup of coffee, get your packed lunch and drive to Bwindi Forest park headquarters for a pre gorilla trekking briefing and registration. You will be put together in groups of eight each allocated a gorilla family to trek. At 8:00 am, start up the trek to search for the gorillas. Trekking time may be as short as 30 minutes of a full day but you are 99% sure f meeting the gorillas. On meeting them, spend an hour in their company, embrace the human-like characters of gorillas, take pictures and enjoy this lifetime encounter. Dinner and overnight stay at Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort.

Day 7: Fly to Entebbe

Have breakfast, drive to Kihihi or Kisoro airstrip for your connecting flight to Entebbe International airport for your return flight

End of the tour

Tour inclusions

  • Gorilla permit
  • Chimpanzee Trekking Permit
  • Park entrance fees
  • Boat cruise
  • Full-time English speaking guide
  • Accommodation and meals
  • Airport pickups and drop-offs
  • Ground transport
  • Bottled drinking water
  • Miscellaneous
  • Photography
  • All activities in the itinerary

Tour exclusions

  • Visa fees
  • International flights
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Extra activities not in the itinerary
  • Tips
  • Porters fee
  • Personal expenses

 

 

Posted by mkfvf in Safari News

12 Days Uganda Rwanda & Kenya Safari

This 12 Days safari takes you to explore the beauties of Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya on a single trip with Engagi Safaris. The trip offers you a chance to trek gorillas in Bwindi, island tour on Lake Bnyonyi, Rhino tracking at Zziwa, horse riding in Lake Mburo, game viewing in Murchison falls, Kigali city tours and a visit to elephant and giraffe orphanage n Kenya. Travelers will then fly to Zanzibar

Trip Summary

Day 1: Pick up -Zziwa Rhino tracking

Day 2: Transfer to Murchison Falls Park – Hike to the Top of the Falls

Day 3: Game viewing & launch cruise

Day 4: Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest & transfer to Kampala

Day 5: Kampala

Day 6: Drive to Lake Mburo – Horseback riding

Day 7: Game viewing & transfer to Bunyonyi

Day 8: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi & community tours

Day 9: Boat riding& island exploration

Day 10: Transfer to Kigali – Fly to Nairobi

Day 11: Visit Elephant and Giraffe Orphanage

Day 12: Fly to Zanzibar

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Pick up -Zziwa Rhino tracking

Pick up from your hotel in Kampala or Entebbe airport and transfer to Zziwa Rhino sanctuary or rhino tracking. Spend quality time with Rhinos in the jungle, learn about their behavior, take pictures and have fun with these once extinct animals. Dinner and overnight stay at Amuka Safari Lodge

Day 2: Transfer to Murchison Falls Park – Hike to the Top of the Falls

After breakfast, check out and drive to Murchison Falls National Park located in Northwestern Uganda. Hike to the top of the mighty falls to clearly enjoy how strongly the Nile River squeezes through a narrow meter gorge falling 43 meters into the devil’s cauldron. Still, at the top of the falls, you will enjoy great views of the green national park, wildlife, and neighboring local communities. Dinner and overnight stay at Pakuba Safari Lodge/ Sambiya River Lodge/ Murchison River Lodge

Day 3: Game viewing & launch cruise

Today you wake up early and go for game viewing to catch up with early risers feeding before retiring for day rest. Gam drives in the northern sector of the park offer you great views of wild animals such as elephants, buffalos, Oribis, Hippos, waterbucks, Antelopes, warthogs, giraffes, and Uganda kobs among others. The park is widely known to have a high concentration of wild animals hence the best spot for game viewing. Return to the lodge for breakfast and wait for a hot lunch. In the afternoon, join a boat cruise to the bottom of Murchison fall. Enjoy the cold breezes and great views of birds and water animals seen resting lazily on the Riverbanks. Dinner and overnight stay at Pakuba Safari Lodge/ Sambiya River Lodge/ Murchison River Lodge

Day 4: Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest & transfer to Kampala

Wake up early, have breakfast and with your packed lunch drive to Budongp forest for chimpanzee trekking. Enjoy a face-to-face encounter with your close relative, embrace their human-like characters, take pictures and enjoy this remarkable experience. Also, you will have chances of seeing other primates such as the black and white colobus, baboons and Vervet monkeys among others, which live in this forest. You will later drive to Kampala for an overnight stay

Day 5: Kampala

Spend this day exploring Kampala the capital city of Uganda. Visit tourist destinations such as the Uganda museum, Kasubi tombs, shopping malls and Bahai temple among others. Overnight stay in Kampala

Day 6: Drive to Lake Mburo – Horseback riding

After a cup of coffee, check out and drive to Lake Mburo National Park. Enjoy the great views of Ankole flat plains, farms and banana plantations with a stop at the Uganda equator for photographs. Reach the park in the afternoon, check-in and join horse riding experiences through the park. Dinner and overnight stay at Mpogo Safari Lodge/ Mihingo Lodge

Day 7: Game viewing & transfer to Bunyonyi

Go for morning game drives to see animals such as zebras, giraffes, bushbuck and Uganda kobs feeding. Return to the lodge, have breakfast, check out and leave for Lake Bunyonyi located in the extreme corner of Kabale district in southwestern Uganda. Overnight stay at Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort.

Day 8: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Wake up early, have breakfast and drive to Bwindi Forest National park for gorilla trekking. Register at the park headquarters and join a briefing about the dos and don’ts of gorilla trekking. In your group of eight, you will then hike into the jungle to meet these gentle giants. Trekking time may take between 3-7 hours but the feeling of meeting face to face with the gorillas is worth it. You will spend an hour in the company of the gorillas. Overnight stay at Bunyonyi Rock Resort

Day 9: Boat riding, island exploration & Batwa community visits

Have breakfast and join a boat ride to explore different islands that makeup Lake Bunyonyi. The most visited island of Lake Bunyonyi includes punishment island where Bakiga unmarried pregnant girls would be taken and left to die in isolation, Bushara island, Akampene island and Bwama among others. In the evening, visit Batwa communities for a cultural performance and to learn about the traditional forest life of batwa pygmies. Overnight stay at Bunyonyi Rock Resort

Day 10: Transfer to Kigali – Fly to Nairobi

After breakfast, check out and cross borders to Kigali Rwanda. Enjoy a drive through clean Kigali city and connect to Kigali international airport. Fly to Nairobi. Dinner and overnight stay in Nairobi.

Day 11: Visit Elephant and Giraffe Orphanage

Today you will visit the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage in Nairobi. Take part in feeding them, learn about their lifestyle in this sanctuary, take pictures and have a memorable encounter. Viewing is between 11 am and 12 pm strictly. Also, you will learn how baby orphaned elephants and giraffes are rescued and catered for at this sanctuary. Overnight stay in Nairobi

Day 12: Fly to Zanzibar

Have breakfast, transfer to Kenyatta international airport and catch your connecting flight to Zanzibar.

End of the Tour

Safari Inclusions

  • Gorilla trekking permit
  • Golden Monkey permit
  • Rhino tracking permit
  • Chimpanzee permits
  • Full-time English speaking guide
  • Domestic flights
  • Visit Elephant & Giraffe orphanage
  • Accommodation and meals
  • Park entrance fees
  • Horse riding
  • Lion tracking permit
  • Boat cruise fee
  • All activities listed in the itinerary
  • Airport pickups and drop-offs

Safari Exclusions:

  • Visa fees
  • International flights
  • Tips
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Extra activities not in the itinerary
  • Porters fee

 

 

 

Posted by mkfvf in Safari News

13 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari

Join our 13 Days Uganda Rwanda combined safari for memorable experiences. Go gorilla trekking in Bwindi, game viewing, Zziwa rhino tracking, golden monkey trekking, chimpanzee tours and boat cruising experiences with Engagi Safaris. The trip starts n Kampala Uganda ending in Kigali Rwanda.

Trip activities

  • Rhino tracking
  • Mountain gorilla trekking
  • Game viewing
  • Chimpanzee trekking
  • Boat cruising
  • City tour

Trip Summary

Day 1: Transfer to Zziwa for rhino tracking

Day 2: Drive to Murchison Falls – Visit the top of the falls

Day 3: Game viewing & boat cruise

Day 4: Chimpanzee trekking & transfer to Kampala

Day 5: Full day in Kampala

Day 6: Drive to Lake Mburo – horse riding

Day 7: Morning game drive & transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 8: Lion tracking& Kazinga launch cruise

Day 9: Ishasha – Transfer to Bunyonyi

Day 10: Mountain gorilla trekking & Batwa

Day 11: Boat ride & transfer to Volcanoes National park

Day 12: Golden monkey trekking

Day 13: Visit genocide memorial sites & departure

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer to Zziwa for rhino tracking

In the early morning, your driver-guide will pick you up from Entebbe airport or your hotel and drive to Zziwa Rhino sanctuary in Nakasongola. Start with a simple briefing by the wardens and thereafter embark on a trek to meet the critically endangered rhinos in their natural habitats. Learn about their behaviors take pictures and enjoy this magical moment. Dinner and overnight stay at Amuka Safari Lodge.

Day 2: Drive to Murchison Falls – Visit the top of the falls

Wake up early, have breakfast, check out and drive northwestwards to Murchison Falls National park, Uganda’s largest and oldest park. Visit the top of the mighty Murchison falls, observe how strong Nile waters squeeze through a 7-meter gorge falling 43 meters down into the devil’s cauldron. The top of the falls also gives you great views of the park, wildlife, and neighboring community villages. Dinner and overnight stay at Pakuba Safari Lodge/ Murchison River Lodge/Paraa Safari Lodge.

Day 3: Game viewing & boat cruise

Rise up early and go for morning game drives in the open plains of the park. This game viewing experience offers you the chance to see a variety of wild animals including Giraffes, buffalos, elephants, Uganda kobs, Jackson’s heartbeats, Oribis, hippos, Lions, and hyenas among others. Return to the lodge for late breakfast and relax waiting for hot lunch. In the afternoon, embark on a boat cruise to the bottom of the falls tone experience a permanent rainbow at the devils’ cauldron. Also, a boat cruise offers you great views of water and bird animals seen on the riverbanks. Dinner and overnight stay at Pakuba Safari Lodge/ Murchison River Lodge/Paraa Safari Lodge.

Day 4: Chimpanzee trekking in Budongo Forest & transfer to Kampala

After taking a morning cup of coffee, get your packed lunch and drive to Budongo forest for chimpanzee trekking. Begin with a briefing at the forest headquarters and start off a trek to see the endangered chimpanzees. A walk through this forest offers you the chance to meet other primates such as the colubus monkeys plus numerous bird species, which call this forest home. In the afternoon, drive to Kampala for an overnight stay.

 Day 5: Full day in Kampala

You will spend the whole of today in Kampala the capital city of Kampala. You may choose to visit some tourist sites in Kampala such as the Uganda museum, Bahai Temple and Kasubi tombs among others. Overnight stay in Kampala

Day 6: Drive to Lake Mburo – horse riding

After morning breakfast, drive south-westwards to Lake Mburo National Park with a stopover at Uganda Equator for photography. Proceed to Lake Mburo, check-in, have lunch and go for the horse riding experience in the afternoon. Horse riding is an exceptional way of game viewing in Lake Mburo National park. Dinner and overnight stay at Mpogo Lodge/ Mburo Eagle’s Nest.

Day 7: Morning game drive & transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Wakeup early for morning game drives to catch with early risers grazing, hunting and browsing the open savannahs. Return to the lodge for breakfast, check out and drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda’s second-largest Park. Dinner and overnight stay at Mweya Safari Lodge/ Kasenyi Safari Camp, Simba Safari Lodge.

Day 8: Lion tracking& Kazinga launch cruise

In the early morning, drive to kasenyi plains for the experimental lion tracking adventure. Follow up the radio calls set in the park to trap the movements of Lions in the wild. Lion tracking offers you a close encounter with the “Kings of the Jungle” to learn about their lifestyles in depth. In the afternoon, join a kazinga channel launch cruise for a fresh feeling of the cold breezes. Dinner and overnight stay at Mweya Safari Lodge/ Kasenyi Safari Camp, Simba Safari Lodge.

Day 9: Ishasha – Transfer to Bunyonyi

After morning breakfast, check out of the lode and drive through ishasha sector in the southern region of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Look out for the famous tree-climbing lions up in acacia and fig trees of ishasha, take pictures and enjoy this memorable encounter. Drive through the hills of kigezi to Lake Bunyonyi. Dinner and overnight stay at Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort

Day 10: Mountain gorilla trekking & Batwa

Engagi SafarisWake up early, have breakfast, get your packed lunch and drive to the respective Bwindi park headquarters for registration and briefing about the dos and don’t of gorilla trekking. You will be put together in groups of eight and given a gorilla family to visit. The trek to meet gorilla starts at 8:00am, lasting for between 30 minutes to a full day depending on the gorilla location that day. Spend an hour with gorillas, take pictures and embrace their human-like characters. In the evening if time allows, visit batwa communities to learn about their traditional forest life. Dinner and overnight stay at Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort.

Day 11: Boart ride and transfer to Volcanoes National park

Have breakfast and embark on a boat ride to explore the islands of Lake Bunyonyi. Enjoy kayaking to the punishment island where pregnant unmarried Bakiga girls would be taken and left to die in isolation. In the afternoon, transfer to Volcanoes National Park in northwestern Rwanda. Dinner and overnight stay at Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge/ Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

Day 12: Golden monkey trekking

Wakeup on a cup of coffee and transfer to Kinigi Park headquarters for registration and briefing about golden monkey trekking. Enjoy the company of these lively playful creatures, learn about their lifestyle and take pictures for memories. Dinner and overnight stay at Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge/ Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

Day 13: Visit genocide memorial sites & departure

After breakfast, drive to Kigali to visit genocide memorial sites including the Kigali genocide center to learn about the 1994 genocide. Proceed to Kigali airport for your connecting flight.

End of the tour

Safari Inclusions

  • Gorilla trekking permit
  • Golden Monkey permit
  • Rhino tracking permit
  • Chimpanzee permits
  • Full-time English speaking guide
  • Accommodation and meals
  • Park entrance fees
  • Horse riding
  • Lion tracking permit
  • Boat cruise fee
  • All activities listed in the itinerary
  • Airport pickups and drop-offs

Safari Exclusions:

  • Visa fees
  • International flights
  • Tips
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Extra activities not in the itinerary
  • Porters fee

 

 

Posted by mkfvf in Safari News

13 Days Rwanda, Uganda and Congo Safari

The `13 Days safari to Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo for gorilla trekking, game viewing, chimpanzee trekking, canopy walk, Eastern lowland gorillas, golden monkey trekking and boat cruise among others with Engagi Safaris. This safari starts and ends in Kigali Rwanda.

Trip Summary

Day 1: Pick up Kigali – Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park

Day 2: Game viewing &boat cruise

Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Afternoon boat cruise

Day 4: Chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu Forest & transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

Day 5: Gorilla Trekking

Day 6: Relax at Lake Bunyonyi

Day 7: Transfer to Mgahinga for Batwa Cultural trail – Transfer to Volcanoes

Day 8: Golden Monkey trekking/Dian Fossey Hike

Day 9: Transfer to Cyangugu Town

Day 10: Optional chimpanzee trekking/canopy walk/Colubus Monkeys

Day 11: Lowland Gorilla trekking

Day 12: Transfer to Kigali, Visit genocide memorial sites

Day 13: Departure

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Pick up Kigali – Transfer to Lake Mburo National Park

Your driver-guide/our company representative will pick you from Kigali International airport and transfer to Lake Mburo National Park in Uganda. Cross through Cyanika border in Kabale; enjoy the scenic drive through Kigezi hills to Lake Mburo in the Ankole region. Dinner and overnight stay at Mburo Safari Lodge/ Arcadia Cottages

Day 2: Game viewing &boat cruise

In the early morning, go for game drives in the open savannahs of the park to catch up with animals grazing, browsing, and hunting. Expect to see animals such as zebras, giraffes, waterbucks, bush pigs, hippos, buffalos, Hyenas, Topis, Road Antelopes and Impalas among others. Also, the trees of Lake Mburo is home to numerous bird species including the famous shoebill stork, red papyrus gonaek Yellow papyrus gonalek, African fishing eagle, Greater painted snipe, African wattled lapwing, saddle billed stork. Return to the lodge for late breakfast, have lunch and in the afternoon go for a boat cruise on Lake Mburo. Enjoy the cool breezes, great views of neighboring communities and wildlife in the park. Dinner and overnight stay at Mburo Safari Lodge/ Arcadia Cottages.

Day 3: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – After boat cruise

Wake up early, have breakfast, check out and drive out headed to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Reach in the afternoon and join a boat cruise at Kazinga channel for a fresh cool cruise on this 40 kilometers channel that connects Lakes Edward and George. Dinner and overnight stay at Mweya Safri Lodge/ Simba Safari Lodge

Day 4: Chimpanzee trekking in Kalinzu Forest & transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

In the early morning, transfer to Kalinzu Forest for chimpanzee trekking. Enjoy the company of the man’s close relatives, observe how each chimpanzee plays a role in their community, take pictures and enjoy this memorable experience. In the afternoon, transfer to Lake Bunyonyi

Day 5: Gorilla Trekking

Today you wake up early, have a cup of coffee and with packed lunch drive to Bwindi Forest Park headquarters for registration and briefing about the dos and don’ts of gorilla trekking. The trek to see gorillas begin at 8:00 am lasting for between 30 minutes to a full day depending on where gorillas will be located that day. You may encounter other wild animals such as the Colubus monkeys plus many birds during your search for gorillas.

 Day 6: Relax at Lake Bunyonyi

Spend the whole t of today chilling at the Lodge. Alternatively, join a boat ride to explore the different islands of Lake Bunyonyi especially the punishment island where unmarried Bakiga pregnant girls would be taken and left to die in isolation. For swimmers, take a chance to dive into the waters of Africa’s second deepest Lake. Dinner and overnight stay at Lake Bunyonyi Rock Resort

Day 7: Transfer to Mgahinga for Batwa Cultural trail – Transfer to Volcanoes

Early today, check out and transfer to Mgahinga Gorilla National park for a cultural trail. Join the Batwa pygmies into Mgahinga forest to learn about their traditional forest life. There you will take part in different activities such as hunting, fruit gathering, picking medicinal herbs and visiting Ngarama caves where Batwa pygmies would offer sacrifices to their gods.

Day 8: Golden Monkey trekking/Dian Fossey Hike

After a cup of coffee, drive to Kinigi Park headquarters for registration and briefing about golden monkey trekking. You will then hike into the bamboo forests to meet the playful olden monkeys. Alternatively, hike to the graveyard of Dian Fossey, an American primatologist who lost her life to save mountain gorillas, which were on the verge of extinction.

 Day 9: Transfer to Cyangugu Town

Having had a cup of coffee, check out and embark on a drive through the rolling hills of Rwanda to Cyangugu town, the capital of Rusizi district in the western province of Rwanda. Dinner and overnight stay in Cyangugu

Day 10: Optional chimpanzee trekking/canopy walk/Colubus Monkeys

Today you have optional chimpanzee trekking/ canopy walk or colobus monkey trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park. Dinner and overnight in Cyangugu.

 Day 11: Lowland Gorilla trekking

Wake up early, have breakfast, get your packed lunch and at 6:30 am transfer to Kahuzi Biega National park in eastern Cong for eastern lowland gorilla trekking. Start with a briefing and registration at the park headquarters, get together in your groups of eight and start off the trek to meet the world’s largest gorilla species. You will spend an hour with lowland gorillas, take pictures, learn their behaviors and enjoy this lifetime experience. Dinner and overnight in Bukavu

Day 12: Transfer to Kigali, Visit genocide memorial sites

After breakfast, check out and drive back to Kigali. Visit different genocide memorial sites like the Kigali genocide memorial site and Nyamata church to learn about the 1994 genocide. Also, visit other tourism sites within Kigali such as the Kigali Convention center, Local markets, and presidential palace among others. Dinner and overnight in Kigali

 Day 13: Departure

Transfer to Kigali international airport for your return flight

End of the Tour

 Safari Inclusions

Gorilla & Chimps Permits

Golden monkey permit

All Activities mentioned in the itinerary

Park entrance fees

Launch Cruise

Canopy walk

Park Ranger Fees

Relevant Government Taxes

Full Board Accommodation

Full-time English speaking Driver/Guide

Ground Transportation by a 4×4 safari vehicle

Exclusions:

AirfaresVisa Fees for RwandaPersonal Insurance

Tips

Extra activities not in the itinerary

Porter fee

Expenses of personal nature such as; drinks, tips, laundry, telephone, cigarettes, accommodation & meals not indicated in the itinerary and optional activities.

 

 

Posted by mkfvf in Safari News
The Volcanoes national Park Terrorists attack

The Volcanoes national Park Terrorists attack

Rwanda experienced an attack on Friday 4th October 2019 in Musanze district’s Kinigi sector home to Volcanoes National Park and its mountain gorillas. The merciless attack was reportedly carried out by ethnic Hutu rebels in the north of Rwanda against the current rule of President Paul Kagame are the rebels to Rwanda. Hutu minorities who fled Rwanda running away from justice after taking part in the 1994 Rwanda genocide which claimed the lives of millions of innocent people within 100 days. The rebels dwell in the eastern jungle of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Officials suspect that the rebels carried out the killings while searching for food.
The retaliatory attack took place near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, police said. Unidentified attackers have killed at least eight people and wounded 18 others during an overnight attack in northern Rwanda near the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), according to police. They are said to have used traditional fighting tools such as pangas and knives.

“Eighteen people were injured and are being attended by doctors,” he added, noting that the search for the attackers was underway. Police did not say whether any tourists were among those killed. However, the hotels in the area are heavily guarded by the military and are unlikely to have been attacked. It was not clear who the attackers were or where they came from but Rwanda has in the past seen incursions by fighters from the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) armed group from their bases in eastern DRC. The FDLR is composed of former Rwandan soldiers and Hutu rebels who fled after taking part in the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. Over the years, various groups opposed to Rwanda have found sanctuary in DRC’s eastern jungles from where they have occasionally launched attacks on the country.
Despite the recent attack, Rwanda is still a save country for tourists thanks to the government and security agencies for promoting peace, safety, and security of all people and businesses in Rwanda.

Rwanda is a beautiful small and landlocked country located a few degrees south of the Equator, Rwanda is bordered by Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, known as the land of a thousand hills, Rwanda’s stunning scenery and warm, friendly people offer unique experiences in one of the most remarkable countries in the world. It is blessed with extraordinary biodiversity, with incredible wildlife living throughout its volcanoes, montane rainforest, beautiful scenery, and hospitable people, unique cultures warm weather, among others.

Volcanoes national park is also known as Parc National de Volcans, located in the northwestern part of Rwanda a home to the mountain gorillas consisting of five of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga Mountains, namely Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga, and Sabyinyo. It borders Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. Volcanoes National park is a top safari destination with a growing number of travelers coming into Rwanda for gorilla safaris and other Rwanda wildlife tours. Travelers to Volcanoes national park have a variety of activities which include: Gorilla trekking, it has about 10 habituated gorilla families including Asabyinyo, Amahoro, Susa, Karisimbi, Hirwa, Ugenda, Umubano, just to name a few., Golden monkey trekking, Hike to Diana Fossey’s Tomb, Mt Bisoke, Mt. Sabyinyo hike, Bisoke Hike, and Karisimbi hike, Community walks there are the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village and cultural tours.

Rwanda ranks high on the scale of beautiful and attractive destinations in Africa with thousands of travelers visiting the country from different parts of the world.
In addition to your Rwanda safari, you can also learn about the country’s sad history of a tragedy that claimed almost a million lives from one of the genocide memorial museums.
A visit to the twin lakes of Bulera and Buhondo for a boat cruise and cool breezes and the city tour through Kigali is a must-do for everyone on a Rwanda safari. The cleanness, quietness, and ambiance of Kigali city give you a fresh feeling. The small city is ranked as the cleanest city in Africa. While there art galleries, Kigali convention center, the presidential palace, and local markets for shopping crafts.

Posted by mkfvf in Safari News
Facts about mountain gorillas

Facts about mountain gorillas

Gorillas live only in tropical forests of equatorial Africa. Most authorities recognize two species and four subspecies. The western gorilla (Gorilla gorilla) is made up of two subspecies: the western lowland gorilla (G. gorilla gorilla), which inhabits the lowland rainforests from Cameroon to the Congo River, and the Cross River gorilla (G. gorilla diehli), which inhabits a small forested region along the Cross River separating Nigeria from Cameroon. The eastern gorilla (G. beringei) is also made up of two subspecies: the eastern lowland, or Grauer’s, gorilla (G. beringei graueri), of the lowland rainforests of the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (Kinshasa), and the mountain gorilla (G. beringei beringei), found in the montane rainforests and bamboo forests of the highland terrain north and east of Lake Kivu, near the borders of Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo (Kinshasa).
Uganda is a habitat for the half population of the world’s Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga National Park. The national park areas are found in southwestern Uganda and they are the only best spots for the tourists to these magnificent creatures.

Mountain gorilla  facts

A group of mountain gorillas

Mountain gorilla safaris in Uganda are ranking in the world today. About 36 gorilla groups are in Bwindi National Park but only 15 and 1 in Mgahinga have been habituated for this lifetime experience making Uganda one of a must to visit destination for you. There are four main sectors in Bwindi National Park and they include Buhoma, Rushaga, Nkuringo and Ruhija sector. Gorilla trekking starts with an early morning briefing at 7:00 am and the actual trek begins at 8:00 am in your respective sectors. During the briefing, visitors are only assigned to one habituated group in groups of eight people per day. Only one hour is allowed for you to strike your imaginations with these Great Apes in their natural environment.

Below are some of the facts about mountain gorilla;
• Gorilla has taken its name from the Greek word Gorilla which refers to ‘a tribe of hairy women’.
• Gorillas are the largest of all primates, this rare animal is listed under the ‘endangered species’ category with only about 600 mountain gorillas alive on the earth.
• The scientist has shown that gorillas display individual personalities.
• Gorillas have been observed displaying emotions such as grief and compassion for other primates, including humans.
• Eastern gorilla is darker than the western gorilla with the subspecies mountain gorilla being the darkest among all.
• Mountain gorilla is the hairiest among all species. However, hands, feet and face of any gorilla are hair-free.
• The skull of a male gorilla forms a bony ridge as it reaches the age of maturity. This changes its head into a dome-shaped one.
• Gorillas live in fairly stable social groups comprising of one adult male usually referred to as the silverback (because of the silver hair on his back which signals full adulthood) and multiple females with juveniles and infants. When young males reach the age of 8-11 they will usually emigrate away and either join another group or form new groups.
• Gorilla family groups each live within relatively small areas of land. Different groups can, however, occupy converging areas and co-exist peacefully.
• Gorillas will groom each other by combing each other with their fingers and teeth. This ‘social grooming’ is an important aspect of gorilla groups which helps to establish and reinforce social bonds.
• Gorillas are mainly herbivorous, with the majority of their diet consisting of leaves, shoots and stems, some fruit and some small animal prey such as grubs, caterpillars, snails, termites, and ants. Western Lowland gorilla diets have a much higher proportion of fruit.
• African apes (gorillas, chimpanzees, and bonobos) diverged from a common ancestor about 5 million years ago and belong to the family Hominidae.
• Gorillas are one of our closest living relatives, after chimpanzees and bonobos. They share between 95% and 99% of our DNA!
• Gorillas and chimpanzees walk quadrupedally (on all fours) and use their knuckles to carry the weight of their head and torso.
• Gorillas were seen for the first time using simple tools to perform tasks in the wild in 2005. They were observed using sticks to test the depth of muddy water and to cross swampy areas.
• In Mountain gorillas, the ‘belch vocalization’ is a contact call and sign of contentment while foraging. Most gorillas will use a low grumbling sound to both locate each other and assign of contentment. Aggressive displays, such as the beating of chests and charging are quite rare but will be used by male gorillas as a warning if surprised or threatened.
• Although gorillas are generally quiet, they have a range of complex vocalizations that are used to communicate information in numerous contexts including teaching survival skills to young, searching for food, and during courtship. Like some other apes such as chimpanzees and orangutans, they are even capable of learning basic human sign language.
• Gorillas have analytical skills that help them find solutions to different problems. For instance, they can use a branch of the tree to make a way in the muddy or watery region, and also use them as tools.
• Females will start giving birth at about 10 years old and will have offspring every 3-4 years. When in oestrus she will be able to conceive for only three days in the month.
• Gorillas have a gestation period of nine months like humans, but babies usually weigh less than humans at approximately 4 pounds, their development is however roughly twice as fast.
• Gorillas spend a good deal of their time on the ground rather than in the trees and will make new nests on the ground each night.

Posted by mkfvf in Safari News
Primatology conference in Uganda

Primatology conference in Uganda

Uganda hosts the meeting from 3rd to 6th September, under the theme “Primate Conservation in Africa: Challenges and Opportunities” with a focus on policy, practice, and sustainability. It is the first time that APS’s Conference is hosted by the east African country. The meeting has brought together scientists, researchers, conservationists, education practitioners, donors, and primate experts to discuss pressing issues relating to primate conservation and protection.
The 2nd African Primatological Society Conference on Tuesday commenced at Imperial Botanical Beach Hotel in Entebbe, Uganda with a focus on highlighting the plight of African primates.

Uganda’s Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Ruhakana Rugunda who was represented by Tourism Minister, Prof Ephraim Kamuntu said that about 60% of all primate species are threatened with extinction because of human activity.
“An estimated 60% of all primate species are threatened with extinction as a result of human activity. The main threats to primates are habitat destruction, poaching, bushmeat trade, the illegal pet trade and disease,” Rugunda said.
He called for joined effort to help address these threats, through increasing the level of involvement and commitment from stakeholders.
“This will be achieved by promoting primate research and improving the conservation of African primates by encouraging greater involvement and leadership of African primatologists,” Rugunda added.

On his own behalf, Prof Ephraim Kamuntu said, Uganda’s tourism is nature-based meaning that it thrives on wildlife including Mountain Gorillas.
He pointed out that Uganda has 54% of the world population of Mountain Gorillas living in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga in southwestern Uganda. The rest of the Mountain Gorilla population is found in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, and DR Congo.

Kamuntu thanked Dr. Gladys Kalema Zikusoka, the vice president of APS for lobbying the conservation fraternity to bring the congress to Uganda.

Posted by mkfvf in Safari News

Why is Uganda a premier gorilla tour destination?

When planning a gorilla trekking tour, look no further Uganda is the place to go. Gorilla tracking one of the most exciting activities to do. Mountain gorillas are listed as the most critically endangered species in the world by IUCN and they are only found within three countries, mostly in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Uganda is a habitat for the half population of the world’s Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga National Park. The national parks are found in southwestern Uganda and they are the only best spots for the tourists to these magnificent creatures. Mountain gorilla safaris in Uganda are ranking in the world today. The hospitality of Ugandan, they have been ranked the most welcoming people in the world not forgetting the comfortable lodges and delicious food including local (traditional) and intercontinental dishes.

Uganda is a premier gorilla tour destination mainly because of the following

A high number of mountain gorillas

About 36 gorilla groups are in Bwindi National Park but only 15 and 1 in Mgahinga have been habituated for this lifetime experience making Uganda one of a must to visit destination for you. There are four main sectors in Bwindi National Park and they include Buhoma, Rushaga, Nkuringo and Ruhija sector. Gorilla trekking starts with an early morning briefing at 7:00 am and the actual gorilla trek begins at 8:00 am in your respective sectors. During the briefing, visitors are only assigned to one habituated group in groups of eight people per day. Only one hour is allowed for you to strike your imaginations with these Great Apes in their natural environment.
Trekking mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park has been eased with the modern technology as well as the park trackers who are always sent to the forest to ascertain the location of gorillas before the next group of visitors is sent to the field to track them. This eases the tracking activity for visitors who are not able to walk a long distance in search of the great apes. They will be taken direct to the gorilla location without searching for a long time.

Low-cost gorilla permits

Uganda’s gorilla permits are at a low cost compared to Rwanda, respective gorilla destinations have different costs for tourists to realize their dreams with these amazing primates in the wild. In Uganda, gorilla trekking permits cost $700 for foreign non – residents, $600 for foreign residents and shs300,000 for East African residents. In Rwanda, permits are sold at $1500 per person and in the DR Congo they can be purchased at $450 but it is the least visited area amongst all the three destinations since it is still recovering from insecurity.

Peace and Security

The Peace and security in Uganda have been prioritized, The Uganda tourism police in gorilla national parks assure travelers of their safety plus their properties on their gorilla safaris to Uganda. This police patrol across this national park and the adjacent communities to ensure there is no insecurity in the place at all. Similarly, Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park are very safe places while the community people adjacent to the parks are loving, kind and hospitable to stay and interact with.

Pre Gorilla Trekking Experience

The Pre-trekking experience also contributes to making Uganda a premier for gorilla tracking, gorilla national parks in Uganda (Bwindi and Mgahinga) are a whole day drive from Entebbe international airport. On the way to see mountain gorillas, travelers view beautiful sceneries, hospitable people and various attractions before meeting mountain gorillas. Travelers normally have a stopover at the Uganda equator and the Igongo cultural center for information about the Ankole culture. If you have enough time, you will branch off to Lake Mburo national park in Mbarara rewarding you with great views of wildlife such as Zebras, Uganda kobs and Buffalos among others. This pre-trekking experience makes Uganda the best destination for gorilla trekking.

Gorilla Habituation experience

Gorilla Habituation Experience is conducted where visitors enjoy all the 4 hours with the Great Apes. This experience is only done in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Done only in Rushaga sector of Bwindi impenetrable forest national park, gorilla habituation is an exceptional experience travelers should not miss out. The activity is the training process in which wild gorillas are tamed and trained to get familiar with the presence of people lasting for 2-3 years. two gorilla families of Bushaho and Bikyingi are undergoing the habituation process both in Rushaga sector of Bwindi. However, gorilla habituation is quite expensive costing 1500usd for a single gorilla permit but the experience is worth the payment.

Wishing you a memorable gorilla tracking experience as you travel deep into the tropical rain forests of Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park.

Posted by mkfvf in Safari News