4 Day lake Mburo wildlife, boat and cultural safari

OVERVIEW

4 Days / 3 Nights

Our 4 Day Lake Mburo wildlife, boat and cultural safari starts and ends in Kampala. Those in Mbarara can do the same itinerary and our drive guide will instead meet you in Mbarara. . Lake Mburo National Park is recovering from the wildlife-human conflicts of the 1970-80s where some important animals like lions were killed to extinction. With efforts of Uganda wildlife Authority to restore Lake Mburo to its former glory some animals such as lions and giraffes have been restored. This trip is meat for those that would like to combine wildlife viewing, boat excursions and culture or community visits.

ITINERARY

You will be picked by Encounter Africa safari guide who will meet and brief you about this 4 day Lake Mburo wildlife, boat and cultural safari. You will be driven to Lake Mburo National Park passing small towns along Kampala-Mbarara road arriving in time for lunch, short relaxation and a brief evening game drive This tour provides an opportunity to stop at the Equator crossing for photography and some experiments to prove that indeed this is center of planet earth. Our 3 day lake Mburo wildlife, boat and walking safari also stops at Mpambire royal drum makers for you to see how local drums are made out of trees and animal hides and skins. Check in at your lodge, have lunch and prepare for a brief late afternoon game drive.

Meal Plan: Full Board

Lodging: Rwakobo Rock (Budget) or Kigarama Wilderness lodge(Midrange) or Mihingo Lodge/ Kigambira safari lodge (Luxury)
After breakfast, you driver guide will drive you to the park for a game drive or for a safari walk depending on your interests. Lake Mburo National Park has a bad history of Wildlife and humans to the extent that major animals like lions were hunted/killed to extinction but due to improved relationship between the government and the local communities, animals and communities are co-existing together. Because of this many animals have been re-introduced including lions (rarely seen though) and giraffes. A game drive in lake Mburo National Park will guarantee you herds of buffaloes, zebras, impalas, birds and so much more without driving so much. Retire to the lodge for lunch, relaxation and then an evening boat cruise on the Lake.

After lunch and short relaxation, you will be driven to the lake to meet your captain of the day who will take you for a two hour boat excursion. Lake Mburo boat cruise is an opportunity to see hippos, crocodiles, water bird such as the African fish eagle and the rare African fin foot. Many animals such as buffaloes and antelopes gather here to drink some water so an opportunity to enjoy wildlife most especial marine animals. After your boat cruise, you will retire to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Meal Plan: Full Board

Lodging: Rwakobo Rock (Budget) or Kigarama Wilderness lodge(Midrange) or Mihingo Lodge/ Kigambira safari lodge (Luxury)
After breakfast, we will drive southwest ward towards Mbarara town to visit Rwenjeru Community Camp site. It Rwenjeru campsite, you will be welcomed by the local community who are mainly cattle keepers in the region. They will take you through what they do on a daily basis including, cattle raring, cattle watering, milking and so much more. They will tell you their famous stories about pastoralism and the famous Ankole long horned cattle. After that you will drive to Igongo cultural center popularly referred to as Igongo Cultural museum for Lunch where traditional dishes are served. After you lunch, you will tour Igongo Museum to get an explanation on the several ethnographic collections in the museum. Return to the lodge in time for relaxation, dinner and overnight.

Meal Plan: Full Board

Lodging: Rwakobo Rock (Budget) or Kigarama Wilderness lodge(Midrange) or Mihingo Lodge/ Kigambira safari lodge (Luxury)
After breakfast, you will be met by a Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger guide who will take you through briefing and then for a safari walk on foot. This activity is suitable for those who would like to stretch their legs and view wildlife on foot. At the moment, it’s only in Lake Mburo where you can do safari on foot. You will get an opportunity to see what you could have seen on any game drive except that this time around you will do it on foot. Check out of the lodge and drive back to Kampala with lunch served en route marking the end of your 4 day wildlife, boat and cultural safari.

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch

THINGS TO CONSIDER

Gorilla permits: We encourage you to book gorilla permits in advance so that we secure your trekking spot. Gorilla permits are served on first come first serve at Uganda wildlife Authority. Please contact us so that we book them for you.

Cost of the gorilla permit: The gorilla permits in Uganda cost USD800 for Non-Foreign residents, USD700 for East African Foreign Residents, USD500 for Rest of Africa Residents and UGX300,000 for East African Citizens, cost applies for trekking in Both Bwindi impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park

Gorilla trekking Regions: Bwindi has 4 gorilla trekking sectors namely Buhoma, Ruhaga, Nkuringo and Ruhija. We shall book for you accommodation in respect to the permits location.

Physical Fitness: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi can be physically demanding, a certain level of fitness will be required, please ensure you are in good health and have a certain level of fitness before you leave your country.

Packing List: Please ensure you have comfortable walking/ hiking shoes that can handle the terrain in Bwindi, a rain Jacket, gloves, Camera, Binoculars,

Age Limit: The Minimum age for gorilla trekking in Uganda is 15 years and above, please ensure all travelers are aged 15years and above.

Accommodation Options: Please choose the accommodation that suits your budget, Bwindi has all options of Budget, Midrange and Luxury.

Means of Transport: You can opt to fly or drive to Bwindi, Flights take 1-2 hours, and driving takes 8-9 hours drive to Bwindi. For budget clients, we recommend use of safari vans, then others can opt for Safari Land Cruisers. All vehicles are comfortable with enough leg room, AC and are driven by our professional driver guides.

Best time to visit: Bwindi can be visited all year round for gorilla trekking, The most prefered time is June to September, December to February because they are the drier months of the year.

Gorilla trekking Regulations: Uganda Wildlife Authority has rules and regulations to adhere while on your gorilla trek.

Chances of Seeing the Gorillas: The chances of seeing gorillas are 98% because there are trackers who follow the movement of gorillas on a daily basis, they communicate to the Park guides and you walk in the direction they are.

Choose a gorilla family: You can choose your preferred gorilla family of the day of the trek, if you prefer a close/ easy trek due to your fitness level, please request it and communicate to your guide.

Gorilla Habituation experience: Bwindi has an option of spending 4 hours with the gorillas called gorillas habituation, the is only possible when you book a gorilla permit that costs USD1500 for Non- foreign residents, USD1000 for East African Residents, and UGX750,000 for East African Citizens

Other activities: There are several activities you can do in Bwindi namely Birding, Batwa cultural experience, Nature walks, Community visits. All these can supplement your gorilla trek in Bwindi.

Trip cost estimate: The cost of the 3day gorilla tour ranges from USD1300 to USD2860 per person, based on your travel style which is Budget to Luxury. The cost Includes gorilla permit, accommodation, Meals, transport, and all services.

About Bwindi: Bwindi impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO world heritage site, with half of the worlds gorilla population, it has more than 20 Habituated gorilla families in regions of Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija and Nkuringo.

PRICING PER PERSON

This safari is available on a private basis, so you can contact us for a quote. Provide us with details of how many people you will be in a group, when you intend to travel, and one of our specialists will reply to you as soon as we receive your email.