The programme is designed for all those who are interested in seeing the key places of southern-western Uganda. It includes Wildlife, Birds, Gorillas and Wild Chimpanzees trekking in Uganda. It can also be combined and extended with additional trips, which makes it attractive for those who would like to see as much as possible of Uganda's beauty. 

• Gorilla permits in Bwindi are guaranteed!  For Gorillas the min. age is 15 years.
• The Classic Uganda - Mobile Camping Safari is conducted by a professional Tour Leader.
• To allow a better nature observation on safari the number of participants is limited to max. 10 participants.
• Departure is guaranteed from min. 2 participants.
• With an exclusive camping style the scheduled camping safaris are not only designed for the younger generation but for all those who enjoy camping and who are open to nature and some adventure. 
• All camping equipment is provided, you need only personal belongings!
• Luggage limit at 15kg per person. Avoid hard suitcases but use soft bags instead.
• You will have the opportunity to recharge the batteries of your camera daily.
• What is included? 

The Tour Package includes: Airport transfers, camping accommodation, all meals, plenty of mineral water, all camping equipment, the services of a Tour Leader with his logistic team, all park and entry fees, all activities as per programme: chimp trekking at Kibale, game drives at Mweya, boat trip on the Kazinga, visit of Kasenyi fishing village and salt works, nature walk in Maramagambo forest (bats cave), nature walk in Kyambura in search of the chimps, game drives in Ishasha, gorilla trekking in Bwindi, Kampala visit. It excludes: Airline ticket, beverages, tips, visas and personal expenses.

• This safaris can be organized for private parties with min. 4 participants. Conditions apply ask us for more information.
  
   
• What to bring? 

Money for your personal expenses (average of $100), outfit with adapted colours for wildlife observation, good walking shoes, raingear, a few long-sleeve shirts, slippers, sweater for cool evenings, sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sun cream, video/photo camera, a 200 mm or longer telelens is very useful, reserve batteries, films (with a few high speed films 800/1600 ASA), binoculars if you have and a torch.

Duration : 12 Days
Travelstyles : Small Group Safaris, Road Safaris, Luxury Camping Safaris
Activities :  Bird Watching, Chimpanzee Trekking, Cultural Activities, Gorilla Trekking, Guided Nature Walks & Hikes., Wildlife Viewing
Parks & places :  Gorilla Parks of Uganda (Bwindi & Mgahinga), Kibale Forest National Park (KFNP), Kyambura - (QENP), Lake Bunyonyi, Queen Elizabeth National Park


Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival at Entebbe

Arrival at Entebbe International Airport.

Meet and greet at the Airport by your Magic Safaris Guide. You will be transferred to Kisubi, Magic Safaris Camping site on the shores of Lake Victoria. Dinner and overnight at the camp are included. (D)

Day of arrival: Your arrival will be either on a Monday or a Wednesday and will fit perfectly with most international flights: British Airways, SN Brussels Airlines, Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Emirates, among others.

Time of arrival: If you have an early morning flight you might choose to have some activities outside the camp. Some day excursions or visits can be organized for you: Ngamba Island, visit Entebbe (botanical gardens, Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC)), Kampala visit.  Please ask us some more information.

Lake Victoria is the largest Lake in Africa and the second largest freshwater in the world. It  is about 68.000 km² and is shared by 3 East-African Countries: Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Lake Victoria once supported the world’s most diverse community of freshwater fishes with more than 500 species. Today, Nile perch and Tilapia introduced as food fish have already wiped out 50% of the native species.

Kampala is the capital city of Uganda. With a population of about 2 million, Kampala city is the largest urban settlement in Uganda. Kampala was developed around a fort constructed by Frederick Lugard in 1890 for the British East Africa Company.In 1962, Kampala replaced Entebbe as the national capital.

Accommodation : Kisubi - Safaris Base Camp

 

Day 2 : Kisubi - Kibale NP

Early wake up in a beautiful environment. The sun rises at 7 a.m. and your breakfast will be served by our staff.  Full breakfast will be ready: tea, coffee, fruits, bread, eggs, etc. You will meet the other participants and your tour leader will brief you, giving you some general guidelines for your safari.    

 

After breakfast we drive to Fort Portal via Mubende. Departure is foreseen at 9 a.m. This is a long trip to Western Uganda with a break for a pic nic after Mubende. A stop is also foreseen at  Fort Portal before heading to Kibale Forest NP.

 

Fort Portal is a small and attractive city. The fort was built between 1891 and 1893 and named after Sir Gerald Portal, the British Consul General of Zanzibar who arrived in Uganda in 1892 to formalise the protectorate of Uganda. He died of malaria a few months after the fort was completed.

 

After some shopping we will drive another hour to reach Kibale Forest and we will camp at Bigodi near Kibale Forest NP. Your Tour Leader will brief you about the next day activities with some guidlines for your chimp tracking. (B-L-D)

Accommodation : Bigodi Camp Site

Day 3 : Kibale NP- Mweya (Queen Elizabeth NP)

After breakfast you leave for Kibale Forest renowned for the greatest variety and the highest concentration of primates in East-Africa. The visitors centre of Kanyanchu is only 5 minutes away from our camp in Bigodi. At the visitors centre the rangers are ready to escort different groups of maximum 6 persons. They will brief you about your guided nature walk in the tropical forest in search of the wild chimpanzees. This is one of the great moments of your safari!

The rangers are very knowledgeable and will answer all your questions about the forest and the chimps. Jan Goodall Institute has been assisting Uganda Wildlife Authority with the training of the rangers.

While having your guided nature walk the logistic team will clear the camp. A pic-nic lunch is foreseen at Kanyanchu before heading to Mweya via Fort Portal, the northern sector of Queen Elizabeth. After leaving Fort Portal you will pass by the Rwenzori Mountains. It's during the wet season that you will have the best chances to have a clear view of the Rwezories Mountains. On our way to Mweya you will pass Kasese town and stop at the equator for a traditional picture.  

The Rwenzori Mountains lie along the western border of Uganda and rise to a height of 5100 metres. They form a magnificent landscape of non-volcanic mountains, 120 kilometres long and 48 kilometres wide. The so-called Mountains of the Moon were formed from a single block during the creation of the western arm of the Great East African Rift Valley (Albertine Rift).

You will entrer Queen Elizabeth NP at the Kabatoro gate and have a short game drive on our way to Mweya camp. Mweya lies on a peninsula and your tent will be ready on your arrival. (B-L-D) 

Accommodation : Mweya Campsite
Activities :  Chimpanzee Trekking
Parks & places :  Kibale Forest National Park (KFNP), Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 4 : Mweya (Queen Elizabeth NP)

The best time for game-viewing is early in the morning! You will take the channel track which runs parallel with the Kazinga Channel and we drive slowly towards the Katunguru gate. The channel track is particulrly rewarding with warthog, bushbuck, waterbuck and elephants. There are some chances in the morning hours to see the spotted hyena and leopard. We will cross the Mbarara-Kassese-Fort Portal road and drive to Kasenyi an area near to Lake George which is an interesting gameviewing area. The wetlands surrounding the lake are of international importance protected by the Ramsar Convention.

You visit the Uganda Kob Mating Ground which is a defined area specifically used by Uganda Kobs for challenging, enticing and mating. Adult rams defend a circle territory (30 meters diameter) and depending on the season the mating ground can have 20 and more of this small terrirories each defended by a male. Ewes enter the terrirories for mating and move freely between rams. 

Watch the spectacular fights as kobs defend their territories, look for lions as well because the high concentration of kobs attracts their predators. After the game drive we also visit the fishing village and the salt works at Kasenyi village near to Lake George. Both sites are part of Queen Elizaberh NP and local communities can develop some of their activities. It will be an opportunity for your guide to explain the conservation policies and the relationship with the local communities. (Fishing is an important activity among the local residents.)   

We continue our game drive and we take the Kasenyi track when returning to Mweya camp for lunch. In the afternoon you will take the launch trip on the Kazinga Channel which many consider as a highlight of the safari. The launch trip takes 2 hours.

The Kazinga Channel is a natural channel of 36 km long between Lake George and Lake Edward. The launch trip is the most popular activity at Mweya. From the safe boat you can see elephants, hippo, nile crocodile and many water birds. The water birds are plentyful along the channel: African skimmers, African fish eagles, cormorants, saddle-billed storks, pelicans, etc. The Kazinga Channel divides Queen Elizabteth in a northern (Mweya) and southern part (Maramagambo, Kyambura, Ishasha). Landscapes will be different. The northern part is an euphorbia savannah while the southern sector is a typical accacia savannah.

After the launch trip we visit Mweya Safari Lodge and enjoy the splendid views of the channel. A drink at the bar lodge is an option before we return to the camp for an African dinner with Congolees and Ugandan dishes. After diner we sit arround the campfire and we identify the nature sounds coming from the channel. You can hear the hippo, hyena and sometimes lions when they visit the peninsula area. (B-L-D)

Accommodation : Mweya Campsite
Activities :  Bird Watching, Wildlife Viewing
Parks & places :  Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 5 : Mweya (Queen Elizabeth NP)

This is the second day of Queen Elizabeth northern sector exploration. After an early morning breakfast we take another track driving to the Kabatoro main gate and we take the Katwe road to visit the Uganda Kob mating ground again. In the raining season the area around Lake George is also a very rewarding area to see some birds and to have a nice view on the Rwenzories.

After our morning game we will drive to Katunguru and cross the Kazinga Channel to visit Maramagambo Forest which lies on the southern part of Queen Elizabeth. Lunch will be served there by our staff at Nyamusingiri in the forest. After lunch, a time for a guided nature walk into the forest. A ranger will take you to the bats cave to observe the fruit bats and the rock pythons. On the way back you will pass by the Blue Lake which is the smallest lake of the area.

After the guided nature walk we drive back to the camp along the Channel track for another game drive. There are different circuits available and this is also an excellent time to try out some other tracks for game viewing. Sometimes visitors can see the Giant forest hog. Mweya offers probably the best chances of East Africa to see them because an English scientist habituated them years ago.

BBQ in the evening and briefing around the campfire for some guidelines for your second chimpanzee tracking the next morning.(B-L-D)

Accommodation : Mweya Campsite
Activities :  Bird Watching, Wildlife Viewing
Parks & places :  Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 6 : Kyambura - Ishasha (Queen Elizabeth NP)

Early wake up because we need to drive to Kyambura WR, a one hour drive from Mweya. For the last time you will take the Channel track trying the last chance to see leopard. Kyambura lies in the southern sector of the park and we take the main road to Mbarara and cross the Kazinga Channel at Katunguru.

The Kyambura River, about 16 km long, flows into the Kazinga Channel. On arrival, the rangers will lead us and we drive to the nearest point, where they(rangers) usually know the chimpanzees are approximately located. The rangers will give you a briefing before descending into the depths of the gorge. The nature walk takes a few hours and lunch will be served at Kyambura fig tree campsite before heading to Ishasha.

While having your nature walk, the logistic team will clear the Mweya camp and drive to Ishasha. Ishasha is about 3 hours away from Kyambura and you will have a short game drive on your way to the camp.

We camp on the banks of the Ishasha river in company of the hippos! The first night at Ishasha is always the most impressive one for visitors. At night we usually have a concert of black-and-white colobus monkeys, baboons, hyena, hippos and the roaring lions! The Ishasha River supports a narrow strip of riverine gallery forest on either side plenty of rustling wildlife. (B-L-D)

Accommodation : Ishasha Campsite
Activities :  Chimpanzee Trekking, Guided Nature Walks & Hikes., Wildlife Viewing
Parks & places :  Kyambura - (QENP), Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 7 : Ishasha (Queen Elizabeth NP)

You will explore Ishasha, the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth considered by some experts as one of the most aluring game viewing area of East Africa. It's an off-the-beaten-track destination that you will surely enjoy.

We wake up early, of course, since this is the best time for observing nature.  You start from the southern circuit in search of the elephants and we will drive over the plains of Ishasha in the open savannah. The southern circuit has usually large herds of buffalo, Uganda kob and topi. Near to the swamps of the southern circuit you might see even leopard. We continue and drive to the northern circuit which is the area near the main road known for its tree climbing lions. We look particularly at the many fig trees where lions like to stay. But we also visit the Uganda kob mating ground which is their prefered hunting area.  

After an initial scouting expedition, we return to the camp for a lunch, we relax, observe the hippos and we take time for a shower or siesta in the shadow of the woods.

In the afternoon you will have another game drive and during the dry season we will drive you to the Edward's flats to see elephants, large herds of buffalo and different waterbids. Occasionaly we might find in this area the shoebill stork and by surprise some  hunting lions.

We return late in the afternoon to enjoy the last moments of the day on the Ishasha river. After diner we sit around the campfire and enjoy the nature sounds of the woods. (B-L-D)  

Accommodation : Ishasha Campsite
Activities :  Wildlife Viewing
Parks & places :  Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 8 : Ishasha - Bwindi Impenetrable NP

This is your last game drive in Queen Elizabeth. If you have missed the lions the previous days it will be the last opportunity to try again. You will start again with the northern circuit and finish your game drive with the southern part. 

When returning from the morning game drive the camp will already be cleared and a pic nic is served at the camp before we drive to Bwindi a journey that can take a max. of 2hour. We shall have a stop over at Kihihi for refueling and some shopping at the local stores. The Muzungu (the whithe visitors) are an attraction for the children of the village!

Bwindi is not far away and you will arrive at Buhoma in the afternoon. Time to have a cool drink, you are guests of the local community! Magic Safaris supports the local community at Bwindi by using their services and camp site. (B-L-D)

Accommodation : Buhoma Community Camp
Activities :  Bird Watching, Wildlife Viewing
Parks & places :  Gorilla Parks of Uganda (Bwindi & Mgahinga), Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 9 : Gorilla trekking - Bwindi Impenetrable NP

Bwindi Impenetrable NP is a natural world heritage site. Hikers will love it, with the gorilla excursion as a high point of your safari!

Gorilla trekking is unpredictable. It's difficult to foresee how many hours you will hike. The gorilla excursion can take from 2 up to 8 hours. Expect to walk along distance in steep and muddy conditions, sometimes with rain overhead, before you encounter any gorillas. A good physical condition is recommended. For conservation purposes, time spent with the gorillas is limited to one hour. A ranger will brief you on how to behave with the gorillas.

Once you are back from trekking before 5 pm, you can be intertained by  orphans of the Buhoma village, with their traditional Bakiga dances. For particpants who want to contribute to the orphans, we advise them to bring some used clothes or school pensils/pens. (B-L-D) 

The Bwindi orphans group was created in 1998 with the main objective of taking care of the orphans dwelling on the streets of Buhoma. The high aim of the organization is to provide education, teaching agriculture and handcraft skills. teaching basic hygiene and the imprtance of sanitation. Today there are more than 160 children from all ages.

Accommodation : Buhoma Community Camp
Activities :  Gorilla Trekking
Parks & places :  Gorilla Parks of Uganda (Bwindi & Mgahinga)

Day 10 : Bwindi - Lake Bunyonyi

After breakfast while our logistic staff are clearing the camp, you can take a village walk and have a look at handcraft & blacksmith neraby. Thereafter, we depart for Lake Bunyonyi, meandering driving along the Kigezi mountains. Kigezi mountains is another unique scenary for you to view during your trip. On the way you will have a pic nic at an altitude above 2200m in the montain tops. Arrival is foreseen in the afternoon. A relaxing moments on the shores of this wonderful lake will be welcome for most participants. Lake Bunyonyi is bilarzia free hence an ideal water for swimming and water sports. (B-L-D)

Lake Bunyonyi a crater lake formed by volcanic eruption, is 900m deep. This lake is the second deepest lake in Africa and third deepest in the World. It is a home for Otters, cray fish and variety of water birds. Being a bilharzia free waters, you can swim or take a canoe or motor boat ride.

Accommodation : Lake Bunyonyi Resort (*)
Activities :  Bird Watching

Day 11 : Lake Bunyonyi - Kisubi

Lake Bunyonyi means place of little birds, it is a very idyllic spot that you will likely regret to leave. We drive to Kabale and join the highway to Kampala via Mbarara and Masaka. The journey to Kisubi shall take about 6 hours. We stop on the way for a pic nic! Your tent will be ready by the time you reach the campsite! (B-L-D)

Accommodation : Kisubi - Magic Safaris Base Camp

Day 12 : Departure

A calm day with a flexible programme. A guided trip of Kampala city through the Owino market, Kasubi tombs, and doing some shopping as wel. After lunch you will return to Kisubi. In the afternoon you can visit the Wildlife Education Centre (option) or have some relaxing moments on the shores of Lake Victoria. (B-L-D)

Announcement: From 1st of January 2008, the Kampala city trip will be replaced by a visit of Ngamba Island (Lake Victoria), chimpanzee sanctuary managed by Jane Goodall Institute.

Activities :  Cultural Activities