Gorilla and Chimp Lodge Safari Tour Itinerary

Gorilla and Chimp Lodge Safari Tour Itinerary
REF: AFL19
VERSION: 5

Duration:	8 days - Kampala to Kampala
Countries Visited:	Uganda
Age Guide:	18-75 years
Max Group Size:	10
Transport:	Private Minibus, 4WD, Boat and on Foot
Accommodation:	Lodges (7 Nights)
What's Included:	Meals - 7 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches and 7 Dinners - All Tolls and Taxes - Fully Escorted Tour - Local English Speaking Driver/Guide - All Activities, Sightseeing and Entrance Fees as Per Itinerary - Gorilla Trekking Permit - Chimpanzee Trekking Permit
Local Payment:	NO LOCAL PAYMENT
Highlights:	Uganda - Queen Elizabeth National Park - Mweya Area - Ishasa Area - Game Drives - Kazinga Channel Cruise - Kyambura Gorge Chimpanzee Trek - Bwindi National Park - Buhoma - Mountain Gorilla Trek - Lake Mburo National Park - Game Drive - Walking Safari
Optional Highlights:	No optional highlights
Meeting Point:	Kampala Sheraton Ternan Avenue Po Box 7041 Kampala Uganda If you would like to book pre or post tour accommodation at this hotel, please contact Kumuka Worldwide or your agent.
Introduction:	This luxury lodge based safari combines stunning wildlife viewing with jungle scenery and gorilla trekking. Enjoy the savannah landscape of Queen Elizabeth National Park, and perhaps see the park's famous tree climbing lions. Sit back and relax on a cruise of the Kazinga Channel - with its staggering number of hippos and remarkable variety of water bird life. As dusk approaches, enjoy a sundowner and spectacular views from your lodge balcony. Next there is the thrill of trekking chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge, followed by the ultimate African experience - spending time with a family of mountain gorillas. We also include Mburo National Park and the misty, terraced hillsides of South West Uganda - unique wildlife, friendly Ugandan people and inspiring scenery combine to make this a wonderful tour.
Day 1:	Kampala/Entebbe to Queen Elizabeth National Park. You will be met upon arrival at Entebbe Airport or collected from your hotel in Kampala/Entebbe. You will be introduced to your safari driver-guide and there will be a tour briefing. We will travel westward towards Queen Elizabeth National Park. This is undoubtedly Uganda's premier national park - complete with wildlife packed lakes and channels, volcanic craters and tropical rainforest. Our first two nights will be spent on the Mweya peninsula, with views down on the lakes and savannah. Lunch and Dinner. Overnight in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Day 2:	Queen Elizabeth National Park. Be ready for an early start as we embark upon our first game drive within the park. Concentrating in the Mweya section of Queen Elizabeth National Park we hope to spot some of the 95 mammal and 600 bird species which inhabit the park. After a lunch break, with time to appreciate the spectacular setting of the lodge, there will be an afternoon boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel. The channel connects Lakes Edward and George and contains the world's largest concentration of hippos, as well as crocodiles and birds. With luck sightings of the rare Shoebill Stork may be possible. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Overnight in Queen Elizabeth National Park - Mweya Area.
Day 3:	Queen Elizabeth National Park. This morning there will be a game drive with the chance to spot topi, waterbuck, warthog, buffalo, Ugandan Kob, giant forest hogs, elephant and leopard. After the game drive we will set off on our first trek of the tour. This will give you the chance to see African animals at their level and to feel the thrill of walking in the African bush. Trained rangers will lead you through the Kyambura Gorge, this is true jungle and perfect Tarzan country. With luck you will get close to chimpanzees and spent time watching these fascinating relatives. After the trek we will continue game driving towards the Ishasha area of the park, passing Giant Candelabra trees and looking out for tree climbing lions - which live in this area. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Overnight in Queen Elizabeth National Park - Ishasha Area.
Day 4:	Queen Elizabeth National Park. Another game drive on a different circuit may bring you in to contact with the large herds of elephants which have entered Uganda from the Congo after their nightly raids on the prime agricultural lands to the east. Huge herds of buffalo and antelope can be seen grazing on the plains and at this time of day giant forest hogs may be visible. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Overnight in Queen Elizabeth National Park - Ishasha Area.
Day 5:	Queen Elizabeth National Park to Buhoma. After a hearty breakfast we will leave the park at Ishasha Gate and travel through small towns and villages as we head towards Bwindi National Park in south west Uganda. You will notice that the scenery today changes dramatically, the pale savannah earth is replaced by the rich red and black soils of this jungle area. Rolling hills are replaced by dramatic volcanoes and in places the terraced agricultural land is more reminiscent of Asia than Africa. The people of Uganda are friendly and hospitable - leading the country to be known as the 'Pearl of Africa'. Tourism is still relatively new in this area and safari vehicles are usually welcomed with big smiles from the colourfully dressed children and excited cries of 'Jambo?' - How are you?! Our destination this afternoon is Buhoma, situated a few minutes walk from the edge of Bwindi National Park - known locally as 'The Impenetrable Forest' due to the dense jungle vegetation and hilly slopes. Our accommodation this evening is simple, but adequate and a reflection of the type of lodges available in this remote part of Africa. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Overnight in Buhoma.
Day 6:	Gorilla Trek. Today we will rise early, and enjoy a hearty breakfast before completing Bwindi National Park formalities and then beginning the gorilla trek. Gorilla permits allow visitors to spend up to one hour with a family of gorillas each day. In order to safeguard the gorillas, only 6-8 people may visit each day. In the interests of the gorillas, people with colds, flu or other contagious diseases will not be permitted to trek. Gorilla trekking may be very strenuous and walking boots are recommended. The area is often shrouded in mist and frequent downpours are common at all times of year. A waterproof jacket can be very useful. Accompanied by your guides and trackers you will follow simple pathways into the cloud forest. The terrain is hilly and can be muddy and slippery, however the views of the Virunga mountain range are spectacular and more than make up for the tough inclines. As you walk, you may see signs and tracks of other animals as well as enjoying bird, monkey and insect sounds of the jungle. Following their spore and night nests, your guides will lead you to the gorilla group. Some gorilla groups may be a 5 hour walk away from base camp, whilst other groups can be located within an hour. It is difficult to predict where the gorilla group might be and this adds to the excitement and unpredictability of the trek. After encountering a gorilla family your guides will settle you down and enable you to watch the group interactions. Visitors are not allowed to get closer than 5 metres to the gorillas, but sometimes the gorillas themselves forget this and come very close indeed! Family groups are generally made up of several females, their playful young and one or two mature silverbacks. Young gorillas are extremely entertaining and enjoy showing off their climbing, tumbling and play-fighting antics. Mothers watch on and silverbacks generally maintain a respectful distance whilst keeping a protective eye on their family. Depending on their daily pattern, gorillas may be encountered resting in a sunny or shady spot or on the move as they travel from one feeding patch to another. Whatever else they are doing, gorillas are usually also eating and it is fascinating to watch them in the giant salad bowls which make up their habitat. Photographing gorillas is allowed, but flash photography is prohibited. Anyone wishing to use a video camera must pay for a special permit. After the gorilla trek, and with memories that will last a lifetime, you will return to your lodge in Buhoma. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Overnight in Buhoma.
Day 7:	Buhoma to Lake Mburo National Park. Today our journey continues north east, along twisting roads and terraced hills. Further on we will travel through the medium sized town of Kabale and see Ankole cattle, with their huge horns, before reaching Lake Mburo National Park. This area of Uganda is very different from anything we have seen on the tour so far. This is typical East African savannah with classic acacia trees dotting the landscape as well as papyrus swamps and open grasslands. Since the landscape is different, the flora and fauna is also different and there are good chances to see Giant Eland - the largest antelope, zebra, rare Roan antelope, jackals, leopard and hyena. There are a range of open water, forest and grassland birds including pelicans, Shoe Billed Stork, Black Crakes and Uganda's National bird, the Crowned Crane. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Overnight in Lake Mburo National Park.
Day 8:	Lake Mburo National Park to Kampala/Entebbe. The final day of the tour will begin with a walking safari. A walking trail through the park allows visitors to see the park from a different perspective, in the company of an armed ranger guide. After the walk we will return to Kampala/Entebbe. Your tour will finish at Entebbe Airport or at a hotel of your choice in Kampala/Entebbe. Breakfast and Lunch. No Accommodation included on Day 8.
Finishing Point:	At the end of your tour you will be transferred to Entebbe Airport of to a hotel of your choice in Kampala/Entebbe.
Please Note:	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.

Pre Departure Information Follows


Pre Departure Meeting:	Note that there is no pre departure meeting for this tour. Please bring the following items on Day 1: 1. Passport 2. Vaccination Certificate 3. Travel Voucher 4. Insurance Policy
Travel Insurance:	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.
Passport:	Your passport is a valuable document and you should exercise extreme care in keeping it safe. We recommend that you keep your passport on you at all times, preferably in a money belt that is worn under your clothing. We advise that you take copies of relevant pages in your passport and any visas that you may purchase in case of loss or damage. Your tour leader will require your passport details at the pre-departure meeting. Again, we recommend that you have a photocopy of all passport details, kept separate. Your passport must be valid for six months after the END of your tour, and must have one blank page for each country to be visited.
Visas:	Many nationalities are able to obtain visas at the local borders or point of entry. It is important that you obtain the appropriate information about your visas before you embark on your Africa trip. Country entry regulations change daily, www.kumuka.com provides you with visa information. Please also consult your relevant embassy for all details on whether to obtain visas in advance or locally. EACH CLIENT IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR OBTAINING ALL NECESSARY VISAS FOR THEIR TOUR. Kumuka does not accept responsibility for changes in regulations or requirements for visas. The information provided is given in good faith.
Medical Informaton and Vaccinations:	Vaccinations: You must have an International Certificate of Yellow Fever Vaccination if arriving into Uganda from certain countries. Compulsory Inoculations: Yellow Fever if you are arriving from an infected area. Please refer to your GP or Immunization Clinic. Strongly Recommended: Diphtheria, Polio, Tetanus, Typhoid, Meningitis, Hepatitis A & B, Yellow Fever. These may vary from country to country, please consult your GP or local Travel Clinic. We also recommend: - A dental check-up prior to travelling. - That you know your blood group in case of emergency. - That if you have any pre-existing medical conditions which might affect you on tour, you make these known to your tour leader and your agent/Kumuka at the time of your booking. You can also visit www.kumuka.com for further details. Medical Supplies: We advise that all passengers bring along their own personal first aid kit. Below is a list of some recommended items: Band Aids/Bandages, Laxatives, Upset stomach remedy, Anti-diarrhoea remedy, Panadol/Aspirin, Rehydration remedy, Antiseptic cream/powder, Sterile dressing, Any relevant course of medication such as contraceptive pills. A complete Travellers Medical Pack can be purchased for approximately US$25 at most Vaccination Centres, Chemists and outdoor travel shops.
Malaria:	Anti-malaria tablets are essential. Get professional advice from your GP or Travel Clinic about types of tablets, as resistant strains exist. These tablets may need to be taken at least 1 week before travelling to Africa, during your travels and sometimes for 4 weeks after leaving a malaria area. DO NOT forget to follow your prescribed routine. DO NOT CHANGE THE ROUTINE, once prescribed by your Doctor. As there is considerable resistance in parts of Africa, the only effective prevention is to NOT get bitten. Dusk till dawn is the time when mosquito's bite therefore, always protect your self with repellents and long clothing during this time. Malaria is the most common serious ailment that affects our clients; do not expose yourself to unnecessary risk.
Security:	Do not take unnecessary valuables with you. A money belt, or something similar, worn close to your body is the best way to carry passports, airline tickets and money. DO NOT leave any valuables in ANY hotel room in Africa, please use SAFETY DEPOSIT BOXES. Pickpockets operate everywhere, particularly in tourist areas and in crowded markets; you must always exercise care. Be aware that anything left lying around will also be liable to theft. Kumuka vehicles have secure doors but it is never foolish to be cautious.
Money:	We suggest passengers budget for between US$200-300 per week for meals, 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. Your money should be taken in a combination of Cash and Travellers Cheques (we suggest ¼ Travellers Cheques and ¾ US Dollars cash). These should be carried in a mixture of denominations. In some cases your crew will recommend you only change a small amount of money at one time. Please note that we are advising passengers to take a limited number of US$100 and US$50 notes to Africa. This is due to recent cases of counterfeit bank notes. Cash is generally easier to exchange, however it is safer to carry some traveller’s cheques in case of theft or loss. Travellers must produce their sales advice slip and their passport or a photocopy of their passport when cashing travellers cheques. Credit Cards are not acceptable in many places and should only be relied upon in capital cities Please note Scottish Pound notes are NOT accepted in Africa. Please do NOT rely exclusively on using ATM’s. They are not always widely available or reliable though this situation is changing.
Tipping and Bargaining:	For many tipping is a means of supplementing their wage and is a normal part of payment for goods and services. Be sure to keep small denomination notes or coins on you to avoid embarrassment. Sales and service taxes are imposed in some restaurants and bars. Bargaining is also expected and in all markets prices are inflated to accommodate such a practice. Rule of thumb is to cut the offer in half and work upwards. This can sometimes be hard work but do not let yourself be intimidated by stallholders, you can always say no and walk away.
Luggage and Personal Equipment:	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. TRAVEL TIP: You might be tempted to buy a few souvenirs here and there, so leave a little room for those extra purchases!
Personal Effects:	We suggest that you take into account the time of year you will be travelling, and pack accordingly to the season. Quick drying clothes are recommended, and at many lodges there are laundry facilities. Your tour leader will advise where this is possible. Contrary to expectations it does get cold in Africa. Southern Africa, particularly South Africa and Namibia get quite cold at night between June and August. Mount Kilimanjaro will be cold at night all year round, due to the extreme altitude. You will need to bring your warmest clothes. Personal Effects: Camera & film, Spare passport photos, Water bottle, Money belt, Sewing kit, Sunhat/ Sunglasses, Music cassettes/CDs, Books, Wet Ones, Soap to wash clothes, Writing materials, Swiss Army knife, Calculator, Personal toiletries, including tampons, Contraceptives, Insect Repellent, Sunscreen. NOTE: If you wear glasses, it is advisable to bring a spare pair since opticians are uncommon. If you wear contact lenses you may find that climatic changes and dust can create visual irritation, therefore, it is advisable to bring a pair of glasses.
Local Customs:	Please use your discretion and be sensitive to cultural differences in the countries that you visit, in particular visits to religious buildings and when taking photographs. Your Tour Leader will advise you of any specific customs to observe.
Books and Reading Material:	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.
Climate Information:	For detailed climate information see www.kumuka.com Travel Tip: Always bring a lightweight, waterproof jacket and/or an umbrella even during the height of summer - this should prepare you for anything!
Time:	For detailed information see www.timezoneconverter.com
Language:	English is widely spoken in the countries we visit in Africa but you might like to take the time before your trip to read up on the country you will be visiting and perhaps learn a few words of the language. Your effort will always be welcomed and will make your trip all the more enjoyable.
Food:	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.
Photography:	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.
Pre & Post Tour Accommodation:	If you wish to spend a few additional days in your start city before the departure of your tour, then we can arrange accommodation for you.
Optional Activities:	Kumuka endeavors 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.
Drug Policy:	Under no circumstances are any illegal drugs allowed on any part of the trip. Anyone discovered in possession of any such drugs, will be asked to leave the tour immediately without question or refund.
Staying in Touch:	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!
Tour Feedback:	Tour Questionnaire - We would like to hear about your experiences on tour. One week after your tour ends you will automatically receive a feedback questionnaire via email. If we do not have your email address you can still complete a questionnaire by visiting www.kumuka.com/feedback Email - If you have any specific comments about your tour then please write to us by email to operations@kumuka.com
Contact Details:	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 Level 4, 46-48 York Street, Sydney NSW 2000 Tel: 02 9279 0491 Fax: 02 9279 0492
Map:

This tour is operated by Kumuka Worldwide. Information given in all brochures, leaflets and dossiers is given in good faith by the company, and is based on the latest information available at the date of publication. The company reserves the right to change any of the facilities or vehicles described in the brochure without becoming liable for compensation or refund.

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