Departing from Entebbe we take the express route to the gorillas, but still with time to view some of Uganda's other top game. We head straight out of Kampala to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Here we spend two days exploring the game park by foot, game drive and boat cruise. With over 90 species of mammal, 20 different predators and 610 species of bird, the game viewing in this park is exceptional. While in the park we take the opportunity to trek a habituated group of chimpanzee in the Kyambura Gorge. Climbing up to the scenic Uganda highlands we head on to the tour highlight, a chance to trek with the mountain gorilla. It is an unforgettable and moving experience to sit in the forest with these rare and gentle giants. This short tour highlights the magnificent game of Uganda and combines it with the wonder of spending time with humans closest cousins, the chimpanzee and mountain gorilla. The spectacular scenery and warm people of Uganda provide an excellent backdrop to your wildlife experience.

Entebbe to Queen Elizabeth National Park. We depart very early this morning for Queen Elizabeth National Park. First we head up to the bustling market city of Kampala. Kampala with a population of just under one million people is built on seven hills each with a temple, church or mosque on top. Its is a challenge to navigate the city streets packed full with mini buses, hand drawn carts, motor cycle taxis and the odd herd of cows being driven through town.

Once through Kampala we head through the tea plantations and scenic farm land, through the foothills of the magnificent glacier topped Rwenzori mountains, the highest mountain range in Africa. We cross the equator and move on to Queen Elizabeth National Park. On arrival we will set up camp on the outskirts of the National Park on the banks of the Kazinga Channel.

Time permitting we will take an afternoon game drive. On the game drive we are on the hunt for lion, hyena, the giant forest hog and the elusive leopard.

In the evening we have sun-downers and dinner at the Bush Lodge which overlooks the channel and provides a spectacular African sunset. Listen out for the calls of hippo, hyena and lion.

Today’s drive is approximately 450 kms and will take about six hours depending on progress through Kampala Traffic.

Meals: B,L,D

Queen Elizabeth N.P to Gorilla Tracking Area. After a final morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park we pack up camp and head off to our gorilla tracking area. Due to the limited number of permits available we will track the mountain gorilla either in the Bwindi Forest in Uganda, or in rare cases if permits are not available in Bwindi our base will be Rhuengheri in Rwanda.

We slowly wind our way up through beautiful steep sided valleys. The fertile volcanic soil is farmed by hand in tiers from valley floors up the steep mountain sides to the very top. Every spare space is used for agriculture in the densely populated area, with up to 90 people being supported on every acre by subsistence agriculture. These patchwork mountains dotted with small thatched villages make today one of our most scenic drives. We keep heading up until we get to the protected tropical rainforest where the mountain gorillas live.

Meals: B,L,D

To Entebbe.  Today we return by road back to Entebbe. We leave early as we have a long drive ahead as we come down from the mountains and back towards Kampala.

We stop on the way for photos of the jewelled lakes and terraced hillsides. We check out the herds of long horned Ankhole cattle farmed in the region and stop again at the equator for a late lunch, check out the equator experiment and do some shopping in the craft market.

Your tour ends on arrival in Entebbe. The drive today is long and dusty and we will not arrive in to Entebbe until evening, so it is recommended you do not organise onward travel arrangements until tomorrow.

Meals: B,L

Please note that accommodation is NOT included tonight, but can be organised for you by request.

Please be aware that arrival times and the itinerary may change due to unforeseen delays or events such as festivals and public holidays. However, we shall endeavour to ensure all sites are visited and that your tour runs as smoothly as possible, but please note that Africa does not run like clockwork, therefore do not expect the streamlined travel arrangements associated with some other continents. Things do not always go to plan; there will be times when you will need to be patient and philosophical about your travels. Conditions in Africa can vary dramatically; however we always try to use the best facilities available. Be flexible, you will enjoy your tour much more. Kumuka makes a point of visiting the indigenous populations of each country you visit, in order to give a true reflection of the country; please treat the local people and their customs with respect.

Lastly, your tour leader is always conscious of everybody's views, but sometimes he/she will have to make an unpopular decision and your understanding will be appreciated in these circumstances.

Travel insurance is compulsory for all tours. All clients MUST be insured to cover personal accident, medical expenses, cancellation, curtailment and repatriation. It is also very important that your insurance policy is relevant to the Kumuka style of travel. Kumuka offers a specially negotiated insurance policy specifically tailored to adventure travel. As well as providing substantial cover for medical emergency, cancellation and curtailment, personal luggage, money and valuables and legal expenses, this insurance will also provide cover for the adventure activities you may choose to undertake whilst on tour. Please call us on the Kumuka freephone number 0800 068 8855 (UK only), or on 1300 667 277 in Australia, for further information.

No client will be allowed on tours without suitable insurance. If you have already arranged insurance elsewhere, please be aware that many of the optional activities such as bungy jumping or water rafting may not be covered on your policy. If you plan on doing any of these activities please purchase additional insurance.

At the start of your tour you will be asked to present your original policy document and complete an insurance information form. We recommend that you have a photocopy of this document, which you keep separate from the original.

Please note: you will not be permitted to join a Kumuka Tour without travel insurance.

It is important that you obtain the appropriate visas before you embark on your Africa trip. Country entry regulations change daily, www.columbusguides.com/region/atoz.asp provides up to date visa information. Please consult your Travel Agent or relevant embassy for all details such as opening hours or costs.

EACH CLIENT IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR OBTAINING ALL NECESSARY VISAS BEFORE JOINING A TOUR.

Kumuka does not accept responsibility for changes in regulations or requirements for visas. The information provided is given in good faith.

Please note the following are approximate prices and can vary, however this should help you with your budgeting.

Uganda - For most passport holders $50 USD.

Rwanda – For most passport holders $60 USD

Uganda re entry Visa - $50 USD

Please note that if we are trekking gorillas in Rwanda you will need to budget $60 for a Rwanda visa plus a second $50 re-entry visa for Uganda. So in total $160 for visas. If tracking in Uganda just a single $50 entry visa will apply. We will do our utmost to confirm trekking spaces in Uganda but on occasion due to extremely limited spaces the gorilla trek may be in Rwanda.

We suggest passengers budget for between US$25-40 per day for personal expenses, souvenirs, evenings out, alcoholic drinks etc. Be aware there may be days when you will spend virtually nothing at all and others when you will exceed your budget.

In Uganda there are a limited number of cash machines, so it is best to bring your spending money in a mixture of US dollar cash and cash cards such as visa debit or cash passport. Generally you can withdraw local currency from cash machines in Kampala/Entebbe but these are rarer up country so it is best to withdraw some money before leaving these cities.

Please note it is better to bring a mix of US dollar cash and cards so you are not relying on one method to obtain cash for your holiday. US dollar cash is accepted in most places that we visit and is the easiest form of currency to use.

In Uganda there are two exchange rates, one for large denomination notes of US$20 and above and one for smaller denomination notes. Only US dollar notes printed from 2004 are accepted due to a large amount of counterfeit dollars on the market so ask your bank to issue you these. Again make sure your notes are not ripped or marked in any way. Occasionally pre 2004 notes are accepted but the exchange rate you are given will be poor. Traveler’s cheques are accepted in banks but queuing times can be long and you must present your advice slip to the bank. Pound sterling and Euro can also be changed in the major banks in Kampala but poorer rates will be achieved out of the city. Please note Scottish pound notes are not accepted in Africa

Kumuka Travel Money - The easiest way to buy currency and travelers cheques, without having to leave home - easy to arrange either online or over the phone - great value - no commission, only a straightforward £5 fee - fast delivery direct to your home - next day if you order before 2pm Mon to Fri - Choose from over 60 currencies or American Express Travellers Cheques www.kumuka.com/TravelMoney.aspx (UK customers only).

How much should I take?· 

• The best rule for packing is to limit your self to a weight limit of 15 KGs. It will inconvenience you and your fellow passengers if you bring more. If your luggage does not arrive at the airport, please inform your crew at the Pre Departure Meeting.
• A frameless or internally framed backpack or light case is the best way to carry your belongings since it is easy to lift on and off vehicles.
• A small daypack is practical for keeping general items (e.g. camera, books, wallets etc.) at hand when your main pack is out of reach. It is also handy for day trips and excursions. 
• We also recommend that you keep your passport, credit cards traveller’s cheques etc. on you at all times, preferably in a money belt worn under your clothes.
• The roads in the game parks are very dusty it is a good idea to pack your clothes in plastic bags inside your bag to protect them from dust.

We have put a lot of thought and effort into locating the most appropriate type of accommodation for each tour. Overland tours will spend most time in campsites and some time in hotels as it is much more appropriate to the overland style of travel. Camping is always great fun and our vehicles are loaded with all the equipment needed.

We use large two person tents that you can stand in. Camp stretchers, foam mattresses and pillows and duvets are provided. Don’t worry if you plan to travel alone, we’ll team you up with another group member of the same sex to share with. We always stay at the best possible campsite in the area. All campsites we use have shower facilities, not necessarily all hot (but many are). These days most African campsites have a full range of facilities including bar/restaurants, toilets, showers, and laundry facilities. Some of the camps have Internet and swimming pools amongst their facilities. Some of the more basic camps may be in places of spectacular beauty or in the National Parks. Here generally facilities may be limited but if you have a chance to hear lion roar in the night it’s worth it.

Vegetarians or those with special dietary needs or allergies can also be catered for however the type of food may be limited. Please let the Reservations team know your special requirements as soon as possible so we can do all possible to assist your needs. Please note we will attempt to provide for these special requests, however they cannot be guaranteed - please ensure the tour leader is aware of any special requests.
We provide hearty meals, which are included in your tour price. You will be surprised with what we can create over the campfire with a little imagination!

You might like to read up on the destinations that you are about to visit as these cities all have interesting sites and histories. We recommend a variety of guidebooks such as Lonely Planet, The Rough Guide and Insight Guides. All these publications have good general information as well as more specific country information that will help orientate you in the countries you visit.

Africa has some of the most spectacular photographic opportunities in the world. To capture these scenes you will need to bring a camera with a good zoom lens. For game photography, a 200mm lens or higher is recommended. Tripods tend to be bulky and cumbersome and a versatile beanbag is a good substitute.

Print film is available in most of Africa, however quality may fluctuate and your choice will be limited to 100 or 400 ASA. Therefore, if you intend using black and white or slide film it is better to stock up before you leave - as a guideline, most people use approximately one to two rolls of 36 per week. Filters and other accessories should also be obtained prior to departure. We do not recommend that you develop your film whilst in East Africa, as the standards vary considerably and are often unreliable.

Important – Protect your camera from the elements, particularly dust, as getting your camera repaired will be impossible in most places.

Please remember, we are guests in the countries through which we travel and we may sometimes inadvertently cause offence by taking photographs without first asking permission. It is absolutely forbidden by law to take photos at any borders, as they are all active military installations.

Kumuka endeavours to advertise a compliment of optional activities available locally during tours with selected ground handlers to make your tour more enjoyable. These ground handlers and activity partners are selected for their standards in quality, professional ability and reputation. Whereas, Kumuka has developed a travel insurance policy to cover all activities offered during your journey, Kumuka cannot be held responsible for injuries or claims arising from adventurous activities by third party.

Below is a list of optional excursions available at your expense on your African tour. Please note that these are intended as a guide only and prices and availability cannot be guaranteed. Your tour leader will be able to organize any optional excursions on your behalf. The list below is by no means comprehensive. There will be many other optional activities available. All activities are undertaken at passenger’s own risk.

Uganda

– Day use of swimming pool Queen Elizabeth Park $15

Please note: The optional excursions must be paid in US$ CASH (with US$ notes dated post 2004.) It is also a good idea to have extra US$ cash to absorb any price increase.

*Kumuka endeavor to secure arrangements to visit the gorillas in Uganda. However, due to the high demand for permits some groups will go to Rwanda for the gorilla trek. Confirmation of this will be given by the tour leader at the pre-departure meeting. Extra visa cost of $110 will be incurred if the trek is in Rwanda.

Whilst on tour you will probably want to stay in touch with family and friends. There are several ways of doing this:

Mobile Phone – Before departing your home country check with your phone supplier to see if it compatible with the mobile phone networks in the countries that you are traveling to, and how much will it cost to use abroad.

Email – Internet Cafes are very cheap and popular, and you are sure to come across several during your tour. If you haven’t done so already, set up a free Google Mail, Hotmail, or Yahoo email account which you can then access from any computer. Internet Cafes will charge a nominal fee for using their computers. Within Europe some hotels charge a wifi connection fee and we cannot guarantee a wifi connection at all hotels we use.

Twitter – A method of communication that is rapidly gaining in popularity on the Internet especially amongst travelers. Twitter allows you to send short messages and update your friends and family with where you are on tour and what you are doing. Create your free account at http://twitter.com. Visit Kumuka’s page on Twitter at http://twitter.com/kumuka

Facebook – Very popular website that allows you to upload stories, get in touch with fellow travellers before and after your Kumuka tour, upload photos and videos to share with other travellers, your family and friends. To create a free account, go to www.facebook.com and then become a fan of Kumuka’s Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Kumuka-Worldwide/26617121087?ref=ts

Postcards – The good ol’ fashioned postcard. But you will probably get home before the postcard does!

KUMUKA WORLDWIDE

UK OFFICE

40 Earls Court Road, London W8 6EJ
Tel: 020 7937 8855 Fax: 020 7937 6664
Email: sales@kumuka.com www.kumuka.com

AUSTRALIAN OFFICE