Travel to this spectacular land and immerse yourself in a community and culture where you will be made incredibly welcome by the warm-hearted locals. The people are positively inspiring and the landscape, national parks and sparkling lakes are stunningly beautiful.
This project will allow you to explore the world renowned National Parks of south-western Uganda, and brave the Bwindi Impenetrable forest to catch a glimpse of the powerful, compelling mountain gorillas, one of the world’s most beautiful and rare animals in their natural habitat. You will also encounter other cheeky primates and some of Africa’s ‘Big Five’ as you drive and trek through the safari reserves. Be awed by thundering waterfalls and reflect on your experiences in the tranquillity of beautiful lakes – you will certainly not be short of a story or two when you get home!
What Will I Be Doing?
The Frontier-Uganda Mountain Gorilla Adventure will take you on an incredible journey as you travel by boat, bus and jeep through the rift valley, crossing the equator, you will meet with villagers and learn about the local culture, take a safari game drive, set sail onto Lake Bunyonyi at sunset, and set out on foot into untouched rainforest through the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, tracking chimpanzees and the Eastern Bwindi Mountain Gorilla! Your adventure will take in the must see destinations and travel highlights that this incredible country has to offer.
Itinerary:
Day 1-Arrival and Transfer to Kampala
You will be welcomed at Entebbe International Airport by a friendly, local Frontier representative who will help in your transfer to Kampala, the capital of Uganda. You will have the opportunity to exchange money and sample the local cuisine before checking into your hotel, the Kajjansi Air Strip Cottage, where you can rest and recuperate after the long journey. Depending on the time of your arrival, a city tour may also be arranged for you to view the sights and sounds of the chaotic hustle and bustle of Kampala.
Day 2 –Kampala to Kibale National Forest
Following a hearty breakfast, you will be driven to Kibale National Forest, a journey which takes approximately 5 hours. The journey will go via Mubende, the commercial and administrative centre of the district, and will include several stop-offs at local markets and agricultural plantations. There may also be the opportunity to visit the Nakayima Tree, which is locally believed to possess supernatural powers and grant blessings to those who visit.
Day 3-Chimp Tracking in Kibale National Forest
After an early breakfast, you will go on an exciting hike through the jungle tracking chimpanzees in the Kibale National Park. Make sure you keep your eyes open to spot other indigenous jungle primates, including L’Hoest’s monkeys and the red colobus, and of course the many colourful and exotic bird species which also inhabit the forest. In the evening there is the opportunity to visit the picturesque Bigodi swamp, where a spot of bird watching will help you appreciate the area’s tranquillity and serenity.
Day 4 –Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park
After breakfast you will drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park via Fort Portal, an important market town of the local district. You will spend the day in Queen Elizabeth National Park and see the magnificent Ugandan game roaming the savannah. In the evening you will visit Lake Katwe, a salt lake which provides a vital source of income for the locals. This is also the perfect place to spot the lesser and greater species of flamingo.
Day 5-Queen Elizabeth Game Drive and Boat Cruise
You will be taken for a drive along the Kasenyi track, a road running through the Queen Elizabeth National Park where you will be able to view the impressive game Uganda has to offer from the comfort of your 4WD. You will return to your accommodation for lunch, and in the afternoon venture out on a unique boat cruise down the spectacular Kazinga channel. The channel is home to one of the world’s largest concentrations of hippos, and the numerous crocodiles which can be seen basking in the sun makes this cruise a must-do for any Ugandan safari.
Day 6 - Queen Elizabeth National Park to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
You will drive to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, located in the southwest of Uganda, and check in at your hotel for lunch. You will be given the option to spend the rest of the day resting, in preparation for your challenging trek the following day, or you could visit some of the local communities, such as the Batwa, and observe their daily life.
Day 7 - Gorilla Tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Before you begin your gorilla trekking adventure, you will first be briefed on the correct procedures to follow which will ensure the safety of this impressive, yet fragile species. Then you will begin your exhilarating and unforgettable experience through the hills of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park! The trek may be treacherous and challenging at times, sometimes taking from 3 to 8 hours to track down the gorilla families, so a minimum level of physical fitness is required for volunteers who wish to take part. But all this effort will be worth it when you catch a glimpse of the powerful and impressive mountain gorilla in their natural habitat.
Day 8 - Bwindi National Park to Lake Bunyonyi
Begin your journey back towards Kabale, and stop off for the night at the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi. Here, you will be able to relax after the previous day’s trek, and spend your spare time exploring the lake and its islands. Spend time with the locals who will welcome you into their communities openly, and hear the stories of Punishment and Upside-Down Islands.
Day 9 - Lake Bunyonyi to Lake Mburo
During your journey back to Mbarara, enjoy the sights of the passing countryside from the 4WD. Stop off at the equator for a unique photo opportunity before heading onwards to Lake Mburo, located within the Lake Mburo National Park. Catch the evening boat across the lake where you may see crocodiles, buffaloes and hippos, as well as vibrantly-coloured kingfishers, fish eagles, hammerkops and the historic looking bird, the shoebill.
Day 10-Lake Mburo to Kampala
After a morning game drive, return to Kampala where you will taste the local delicacies with a lunch stop right at the heart of this lively city. Visit the Ndere Cultural Centre and enjoy the vibrant cultural performances, encompassing song, dance and music - a real taste of the ‘Pearl of Africa’ - before heading back to the Kajjansi Air Strip Cottages for the night.
Day 11 –Visit Sezziwa and Itanda Falls
On your way to Jinja, the second largest town in Uganda, you will stop off within the Mukono District and visit the spectacular Sezziwa Falls. The soothing waters surrounded by steep-ridged rock create the perfect atmosphere for relaxation. Before you stop for lunch, you will also visit the source of the mighty River Nile, the Ripon Falls near the city of Jinja. After, head to Itanda Falls to end your trip of a lifetime. Take in the awe-inspiring views of the River Nile and allow yourself some time to reflect upon your Frontier-Uganda Adventure.
