AFRICA EXPLORED

The leading specialist for African safaris

GORILLAS

GORILLAS WILDLIFE AND CHIMPS

A 7 day safari which starts and finishes in Kampala. (The Bwindi gorilla tracking permit is included in the cost). This safari can also be done on a private basis.

This safari starts with Kibale Forest with its thirteen species of primate including the chimpanzee. Tracking the noisy chimpanzee families racing through this verdant forest is a thrilling experience. Together with Bigodi Wetland nearby, many forest and swamp birds can be seen. On the savannah plains below the Rwenzoris, see the great game of Africa in the magnificent Queen Elizabeth National Park - elephant, lion, buffalo, hippo and leopard. Track the fast moving and elusive chimpanzees in the Kyambura Gorge nearby. Around Ishasha go on the hunt for the tree-climbing lions lounging on old fig trees. Then continue to track gorillas in the primeval forest of Bwindi. Bwindi has four habituated families and the gorillas there live in thicker tropical forest and tracking is more challenging as the hillsides are steeper. You can also go for nature walks to see birds, monkeys and orchids.

(Days shown are for scheduled safaris only)

Day 1 SUNDAY
Briefing on the safari. Start for Fort Portal via the town of Mubende set in rolling hills. Picnic lunch en route and continue to Kibale. Arrive late afternoon. Relax at lodge or explore nearby crater lake. O/N: Ndali/Mantana Kibale (FB).

Day 2 MONDAY
Track the noisy chimps and other primates crashing around through the high canopy of the forest with colourful birds squawking nearby. Packed lunch. Afternoon walk in Bigodi to see swamp birds and see some of the community projects financed by tourism. O/N: Ndali/Mantana Kibale (FB).

Day 3 TUESDAY
Either a day’s walk in the foothills of the Rwenzoris, one of the great mountain ranges of the world, looking out for its forbidding peaks in the distance, or drive straight to QE. The game seen will depend on the season, the Kasenyi plains are good for lion and the Mweya peninsula for a variety of animals. O/N: Mweya/Jacana (FB).

Day 4 WEDNESDAY
An excursion to Kyambura gorge nearby to track the fast moving and elusive chimpanzees, one of man's closest relations. The chimp population is quite mobile and viewing is unpredictable but the walk is enchanting. Alternatively go for a nature walk in Maramagambo Forest to see other primates and to visit the bat cave and the blue lake. In the afternoon take a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel where the wildlife and a vast array of birds come to drink. O/N: Mweya/Jacana (FB).

Day 5 THURSDAY
Start for Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Either drive via Ishasha, home of the tree climbing lion, roads permitting, or take the alternative route through cultivated expanses. Time permitting, go for a short stroll around the Lodge or explore the village. O/N: Bwindi Lodge (FB).

Day 6 FRIDAY
Go gorilla tracking (subject to permit availability at time of booking), walking up steep densely forested hills before finally coming across the gorillas camouflaged in the vegetation. An inspiring moment! Tracking in Bwindi requires stamina and can often take most of the day. Alternatively go for a leisurely nature or community walk. O/N: Bwindi Lodge (FB).

Day 7 SATURDAY
Early start for Kampala, retracing your steps through this green and pleasant land. Picnic lunch en route. Arrive Kampala late afternoon (HB).

Departures 2009: 11 Jan, 8 Feb, 8 Mar, 12 Apr, 10 May, 7 Jun, 12 Jul, 9 Aug, 13 Sep, 11 Oct, 8 Nov, 13 Dec

Prices:

Scheduled departure
on one of the above dates in 2009 is US$3,547 per person or £2,627 per person

Private safari departing
on any day assuming permits are available would be US$4,446 per person or £3,293 per person on the basis of 2 people are travelling together

AFRICA EXPLORED

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Thorpe Le Soken, Essex, CO16 0HN

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