On this adventurous safari tour, Mgahinga rain forest exploration is combined with cycling through communities to create the perfect blend between vacation and volunteering work. This short safari is perfect for discovering the scenic beauty of Uganda and embracing her tranquility.
ACTIVITIES
- Volcano hiking/ Mountain Gorilla tracking
- Tree climbing lions safari
- Cycling
- Canoeing
- Community engagement
- Scenery and site seeing
Itinerary
Day 1: Pick up in Entebbe/Kampala and Transfer to For Portal
You will be picked up from the airport and transferred to your hotel where you will be welcomed with local dishes and refreshments. During this transit you will be briefed and geared up by our friendly tour guides about the trip activities, shared expectations, questions and introduction to basic usable local language. Later begin your journey to the west of Uganda to Fort portal town (294.8km/ 5hrs drive).
Here we shall cycle to Nyakasura and interact with designated communities along the way and finalise the day by visiting Amabeere caves, sightseeing and later check into your preferred accommodation.
Day 2: Tree Climbing Lions Safari in Ishashsa
After early breakfast, depart to the beautiful Equator crossing, through Queen Elizabeth Park, the largest national park in Uganda, home to Lake George and Lake Edward. Possible encounters include lions, buffaloes, impala, elephants, giraffes, hyenas, warthogs among others.
Take a safari drive through Ishasha Sector (206km/ 4hrs drive), a popular sight with tree climbing lions. Return to the road and cycle through the community towards Kanungu to your lodge for dinner and overnight accommodation.
Day 3: Morning Transfer to Kisoro for Community Ride, Hike and Batwa Experience
Have a very early breakfast and morning drive through the scenic Kabale to Kisoro road from Ikumba(53.1km/ 1hr:30 mins drive). Cycle towards Mgahinga national park with various community engagements and interactions with women empowerment groups, market activities amidst others.
End the day with the Batwa cultural experience. This is a pygmies’ hunter gatherer community that shares there cultural dances, stories and knowledge from the forest such as medicinal plants.
Day 4: Gorilla/Golden Monkey Tracking in Mgahinga National Park or Volcano Hike
After an early breakfast, proceed with a packed lunch and a bottle of water into the tropical rain forest for gorilla trekking activity. Receive a prior briefing by the ranger officials then head straight into the forest.
The trek is unpredictable and could last up to 6 or more hours. Watch these creatures as they feed, play and grumble to each other while you take their pictures.
OR
Hike Mt. Muhabura (4,127m/ 1,354ft), an inactive volcano in the Virunga Mountains on the border between Rwanda and Uganda. The summit of the mountain has a crater lake.
Alternatively you could hike Mt. Sabyinyo (3,699m/ 12,037ft), an extinct volcano and the oldest of the Virunga ranges. The summit of the mountain marks the intersection of the borders of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Rwanda, and Uganda.
Day 5: Transfer to Kampala/Entebbe International Airport
This day is reserved for the transfer back to Kampala or Entebbe (8 to 10hrs drive) with a brief stopover for cycling, canoeing and community interaction at Lake Bunyonyi, Africa’s second deepest lake.
Look out for birds residing in the swamps and forest along the lake such as herons, kingfishers, fish eagles.
Most of the cycling will be done off-road and on dirt tracks due to busy speeding traffic on main roads and highways. Activities on the first and last days could have a few adjustments as in comparison with flight arrivals and departures.
Rates
Package prices are open to adjustment according to one’s budget and personal preferences.
| Accommodation | |||
| Number of people | Good | Midrange | Backpacker |
| Single person | $1,500 | $1,350 | $1,200 |
| 2+ | $1,400 | $1,200 | $1,100 |
| 6+ | $1,300 | $1,100 | $1,000 |
| 10 + | $1,200 | $1,000 | $9,00 |
Prices include:
- Park entrance fees
- Volcano hiking fees
- Bicycle and helmet
- Bicycle repair, spare parts and maintenance
- Basic first aid
- Face masks/ temperature checks and hand sanitizers
- All activities
- All accommodation
- A professional driver/ guide
- All transportation
- All taxes/VAT
- Round trip airport transfer
- All Meals (breakfast, lunch and supper)
- Drinking water (on all days)
Not included in price:
- International flights (to/ from home)
- Gorilla permits ($650 extra charge)
- Visa fees
- Medical insurance
- Insect repellant and sunscreen
- Alcoholic drinks (those on special basis)
- Souvenirs and special accessories
- Vaccination or COVID testing
IMPORTANT PRIOR INFORMATION
- Information about tourists that might be vegetarian
- Tourists that may be allergic to some foods and items prior
- Tourists that might have specific health conditions and phobia.
