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GTU 1: 13 Days In Search of a Pearl

Areas of Interest: Lake Nabugabo, Bwindi National Park, Mgahinga National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kazinga channel, Mweya Lodge, Kibale forest, Semliki National Park, Batwa pygmy village, Murchison falls

Activity: Game Drive, Game viewing, Camping, Scenery, Bird Watching, Historic Site Exploration, Photography, Gorilla trekking, Forest Walks, Culture, Boat Trip.

Once described by Winston Churchill as the 'Pearl of Africa', Uganda is a lush and rich country split by numerous waterways. The Great River Nile is the biggest of these and was once the main attraction of explorers who toiled into the heart of Africa. Uganda has its share of diversity with savannah grasslands, dense forests and quiet lakes overlooked by high mountains. Mountains of the Moon (Ruwenzoris), chimpanzees and other species of primates can be glimpsed in the pristine Kibale forest. In addition, Elephant, Buffalo, Lion and Leopard are to be found in the various parks across Uganda and a breath taking sight is the mighty Nile pouring through a 6 meter gap of rock at Murchison Falls.

To see Kenya route map click here

To see East Africa route map click here

Day 1 - Lake Nabugabo.
We pick you up from your hotel and depart for lake Nabugabo. This is a small, attractive lake cut off from its main sister - Lake Victoria by a narrow spit of forested land. It is a short drive from Kampala, so you will have plenty of time to get acquainted with the camp equipment and get to know the crew better. It is sometimes possible to hire a dug out canoe for a trip on the lake. A distinct advantage that Lake Nabugabo has over Lake Victoria is that the water is cleaner and apparently free of bilharzia.

Day 2 – Bwindi National Park or Mgahinga.

Leaving early via the pleasant transit town of Mbarara to arrive late afternoon at Bwindi Forest Reserve. Depending on the availability of bookings, we will use Mgahinga or Bwindi to track the Mountain gorillas. These areas are close to each other and situated in the Southwest part of the country. We spend the night at the park headquarters, Buhoma, on the northern edge of the Bwindi National park. This is where the gorilla visits start from and all the accommodation is located. Note that this area is rainforest and it rains a lot, so be prepared.

Covering just 34 sq km, Mgahinga is part of the larger 420 sq km Virunga Conservation Area, and is contiguous with the Parc National des Volcans in Rwanda and the Parc National des Virungas in Congo. Three spectacular volcanoes loom over the park headquarters at Ntebeko camp: Muhavura, Gahinga and Sabinyo.

Bwindi, also known as the Impenetrable Forest is one of Uganda’s most recently created National Parks. The park covers 331 sq km and encompasses one of the last remaining habitats of the mountain gorilla. It is here where half – an estimated 320 individuals of the surviving mountain gorillas in the world live. The park contains about 20 forest elephants, at least 10 species of primate (including chimpanzees, Colobus monkeys and baboons), duikers, bushbuck and the rare forest hog. It is here where more than 300 species of bird can be found, an obvious thrill for the keen bird-watcher. It is one of the richest areas in Africa for flora and fauna.

Day 3 - Bwindi or Mgahinga.
Departure from park headquarters with guides at 8.00 hours to track the rare mountain gorillas. The time spent with the gorillas is limited to an hour only, and as it is pretty dark in the forest, fast film is recommended for photographs. Please note that children under 15 years of age are not permitted to visit the gorillas, nor is anyone with a cold or other illness as this could endanger the health of the gorillas. d for photographs. upsu

At the time of research, there were three groups of Mountain gorilla in Bwindi - the Mubare group had nine individuals, while the Habinyaja group had split into two groups – group A with 21 gorillas and group B with 9 gorillas. There are a total of 16 permits available per day to visit these families so we will spend an extra day incase bookings are not available. The terrain in Bwindi is mountainous and heavily forested and on a lucky day it may take one hour to reach them, but four hours or more on an unlucky day. Nonetheless, you need to be in good shape.

There is just one group of gorillas in Mgahinga, with 11 individuals including 2 silverbacks. It can take longer to find the gorillas here as they have a tendency to duck into Rwanda or Congo (Zaire), but the terrain is easier to handle than at Bwindi. It is easier to get a confirmed booking here than at Mgahinga, though only 6 people head out from the park headquarters at Ntebeko camp at 8am each day.

Day 4 - Bwindi or Mgahinga.
Gorilla tracking or walking in the vicinity. The Buhoma headquarters in Bwindi is in a beautiful setting and you can either do a short walk just outside the park, or take a half-day walk into the park for an extra fee, accompanied by a ranger.

There are three alternative routes; the waterfall trail is a strenuous walk that takes you to a 33 m waterfall on the Munyaga River and takes about three hours return, the Muzabijiro Loop trail gives excellent views south to the Virunga volcanoes and the western Rift Valley in Congo (Zaire), weather permitting (also takes three hours) and the community walks where you get a glimpse info the local lifestyle and see sections of relic forest.

Day 5 - Queen Elizabeth.
We will drive north along the Zaire border to Ishasha River and Queen Elizabeth National Park. This park is one of the most popular in Uganda, covering almost 2000 sq km and protects the entire Ugandan shore of Lake Edward. Mammals which are regularly seen by visitors include vervet monkey, baboon, Uganda kob, warthog, side-striped jackal, spotted hyena, bushbuck, topi, Defassa waterbuck, elephant, buffalo, hippopotamus, lion and leopard. This area is also famous for its tree-climbing lion.

Day 6 & 7 - Queen Elizabeth.
We take a short drive north to the Kazinga Channel and Mweya Lodge. Mweya is a lovely place, which on a clear day offers spectacular views across the channel to the glacial peaks of the Ruwenzori Mountains. We will spend two nights here and take the boat trip on the channel to view the splendid bird life and abundant hippo. The boat trip also offers close encounters with elephant, buffalo, waterbuck, Uganda kob and crocodiles.

Day 8 & 9 - Kibale Forest.
Driving further north to the foothills of the Ruwenzori, we will make camp in the lush, tropical Kibale Forest Reserve. From this camp, we will spend time in the forest looking for chimpanzees (an estimated 600) and other primates. Set at an altitude of 1200m, this 560 sq km national park includes the highest density of primates. It is also home to several Colobus monkeys such as the rare red and the Angolan; larger mammals such as the bushbucks, sitatungas, duikers, civets, buffaloes and Ugands’a highest concentration of forest elephants.

We will then drive into Semliki valley, a beautiful corridor linking the heights of East Africa to the lush jungles of central Africa. Semliki National Park with its hot springs and the Batwa pygmy village are the main attractions in the Semliki valley. The national park is excellent for bird watching (about 400 species of which 10% occur nowhere else in Uganda) and has several primate and small mammal species.

Day 10 - Murchison Falls.
From Kibale Forest, departure will be early, to be able to drive the long distance to the 3,840 km sq Murchison Falls National Park. On the way, we will drive past some painted rocks that are in tribute to the Christian Martyrs. This park is the best all-rounder in Uganda, with animals in plentiful supply and the raging Murchinson Falls easily accessible. The most common large mammals include elephants, buffaloes, vervet monkey, olive baboon, Jackson’s hartebeest, bushbuck, Uganda kob, Defassa waterbuck, Rothschild’s giraffe, hippopotamus, warthog and lion. Over 460 bird species have also been recorded here.

Day 11 & 12 - Murchison Falls.
From our camp near the Nile, we explore this park by vehicle and will also take the boat up-river to Murchison Falls. To get there we take a superb boat ride up the Victoria Nile River to their base. En route there are crocodiles and hippos, thousands of birds (including the rare shoebill stork) and usually elephants. The best viewing of the 43m falls is up close. It is spectacular to see the 50m wide Nile squeeze through a 6m wide cleft in the rocks, and virtually shoot out the other side. It is possibly the most powerful natural surge of water found anywhere else in the world.

Day 13 - Kampala.
Return to Kampala by afternoon and drop off at your hotel.

PRICE LIST:

No. of pax

2

3

4

5

6

PRICE EURO € PP

2840 PP

1230 PP

1120 PP

1050 PP

1010 PP

ADD US $ 500 PP FOR GORILLA PERMIT

Price: Dependent on number of pax
Local Payment: Dependent on number of pax

SCHEDULED CAMPING BOOKING FORM

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE:
- Transport by special safari vehicle
- Services of an English speaking driver/tour guide and cook
- All campsite fees
- All camping equipment including use of our three-person tents (each tent shared by 2 people), stools, foam mattresses except sleeping bags
- Three meals a day while on safari whether vegetarian or non-vegetarian prepared by our safari cook

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE:
- Game park entrance fees shown separately in US dollars as 'local payment'
- Personal travel insurance
- Flying Doctors Service for emergency evacuation cover valid for 2 months [available in our office at US$25pp within 500km radius or US$50 within 1000kms from Nairobi ].
- Sleeping bags [available for hire in the office at US$30 per bag per safari with US$ 40 refundable deposit]
- Hotel accommodation in Nairobi.
- All airport/hotel/airport transfers [but can be arranged at extra cost]
- All airport taxes and visas
- All personal expenses and toiletries; e.g. mineral water, toilet tissue, laundry, telephones, beverages, tips, portage, etc.
- Any other extras not stated as included above

WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING ON SAFARI:
• Sleeping bag [available for hire in our office for US$30 per bagper safari plus a refundable ofUS$ 40 after the safari]
• Money for personal spending and tipping approximately Kshs. 1000 a day
• Only a small case or rucksack, as storage space is limited [maximum 20kgs].
• A pair oflongtrousersandjerseyforthecoolmorningsand evenings in addition to plenty of light clothes for hot days (do not forget a hat), swim suit, a pillow, good walking and biking shoes and snacks
• Torch, sunglasses,suntan lotion, insectrepellent/spraybutnot mosquito coils
• Mineral water for drinking (available for sale in our office)
• Camera, films, binoculars, maps, guide-books
• Toilet paper, towel, soap and toothbrush/paste
• All personal travel insurance
• Flying Doctors Service for emergency evacuation cover valid for 2 months [available in our office at US$25pp within 500km
radius or US$50 within 1000kms from Nairobi].
• It is good idea to bring any drinks you might want around the campfire as they are not always available enroute.

FOR UGANDA/ TANZANIA/ OVERLAND CAMPING SAFARIS/ MOUNTAIN/ WALKING TREKSPLEASE ENQUIRE FOR A LIST OF WHAT/ IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
CONDITIONS

1. BOOKING:
a) Scheduled safaris: A 35% deposit is payable to GAMETRACKERS well in advance while the balance is due and payable at least 14 DAYS prior to the tour departure failing which the seat may be re-allocated unless otherwise arranged.
b) Private & Tailor-made safaris: Payment for the total price is due in advance; 50% deposit on booking and the balance not later than 14 days before arrival. Unless otherwise agreed in advance, the right is reserved not to execute any services if payment has not been received accordingly.

2. CANCELLATION:
•Earlier than 30 days before departure will require 75% of deposit to be forfeited.
•30 to 4 days before departure will require the full deposit to be forfeited.
• 3 days before departure and in case of no-show up at all will require 75% ofthe fullprice of the safari to be forfeited.

A fee of 75% of the full price will be charged on any booking made with or by GAMETRACKERS for which the client does not show up.

3. PRICE POLICY:
a) Our price is based on cost at the time of printing and is subject to change if conditions demand such as Government action, currency exchange fluctuations and increase in game park entry fees. However, if full payment has already beenreceived upon booking, there will be no change to the price quotedat that time and we undertake to absorb theincrease.

b) Where “kitty” payment applies, this is additional to the tour price and is intended tocover the cost of meals prepared during the period of the tour and all park entranceand campsite fees or as may be specified. It is payable in US dollar cash prior to departure in the office.

4. RESPONSIBILITIES:
a) The Company applies all reasonable checks to ensure that thoseinvolved in the preparation and provision of your safari maintain appropriate standards.
b) In exceptional circumstances outside the control of the Company, its agents or suppliers, such as, but not limited to, circumstances amounting to force majeure such as war, threats of war, political unrest, riots, civil disturbances, legally or illegally organized labor disputes, adverse weather conditions and acts of God, the Company or its agents or suppliers cannot be held responsible for discontinuation of the safari, any limitations or withdrawal of facilities.
c) The use by the Company of transport or accommodation in connection witha client’s safari is subject to the conditions of the operators or owners ofsuch transport or accommodation for whom the Company acts as agents.
d) The company has semi-permanent campsites in some locations, which form part of the itineraries in a number of safaris. These campsites have limited facilities that cannot cope with the demand particularly during the peak periods. Hence in the event of non availability due to occupation by some other clients, the alternative will be for the clients to pitch their tents as usual within the same campsite or any other budget campsite nearest.
e) Temporary or permanent loss of, damage to, or delay ofclient’s baggage are the responsibility ofthe client unless resulting from the proven negligence of the Company.
f) The Company does not accept liability for the alleged acts and/or missions of its employees, agents andsuppliers for deficiencies in the standard of services and facilities supplied in connection with anyforeign inclusive tour or any safari supplied or organized by the Company unless resulting from the proven negligence by the Company.
g) The Company does not acceptresponsibilityforthedeath, bodyinjury or illness caused to the signatory to the contract and/or any other named person on the bookingform unless resulting from theproven negligence ofthe Company.
h) TheCompany,whereappropriateandwithreasonable discretion, shall afford initial general assistance to clients who, through misadventure, suffer illness, personal injury or death during the period of their safari.
i) The client is responsible for checking-in atthe correcttime. Accordingly,the Company cannot accept responsibility for clients missing a safari as a result of late check-in.
j) The client acknowledges and accepts that the nature of our safari isexpeditious andadventurous andthatsuchtours involve a certain amount ofrisk for which the Company andits staff or agents carry no liability.
k) Caution:Despite the serene beauty of Kenya’s northern tourism circuit, it is not surprising to see the nomadic pastoralist inhabitants of this wild frontier carrying guns to protect their livestock from cattle rustlers - a custom that appears to have defied the times. This situation has been made possible due to the influx of cheap weapons from Kenya’s unstable neighbours to the North. Although the practice of cattle rustling amongst the inhabitants has traditionally not interfered with tourism activity, a few opportunistic incidents have been recorded over the years against passengers – including tourists. These were random incidents and were not specifically targeting tourist traffic.

Whereas Government response has served to reduce the level of lawlessness and insecurity in the North quite successfully, due to the unpredictable nature of the area, there isstill the risk of a lapse in security since rustling is a seasonal activity. Depending on prevailing conditions, as a responsible tour Operator we mayrequire to use Police Escort to ensure the safety of our clients. We will advice all our clients of this need as and when the situations so demands it or as advised by the relevant authorities.
l) Itismandatory thateach clientobtainsadequatepersonal travel insurance to cover such personal risks as illness, personal injury or death, loss of baggage and compensation or refundfor discontinuation of safari due to circumstances beyond the control of the Company, though not limited toforce majeure circumstances only, during the period of their safari otherwise the Company does not accept liability. Flying Doctors Serviceis also mandatory for rapid evacuation from the scene of an accident or emergency to a hospital otherwise the client is responsible for his evacuation by air or otherwise.
m) The Company reserves the right to cancel a safari or subcontract it to another operator for similar services if the minimum number of clients required is not achieved or by reason of unusual or unforeseeable circumstances beyond its control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all due care had been exercised. Nevertheless notice of such cancellation will be given whenever possible and an alternative safari offered if practicable though the client is entitled to a refund of his money under the contract if he is not interested and prefers a refund. The difference, if any, between the price of the alternative safari and the initial one will also be refunded.
n) If a client chooses not to complete his safari for any reason, or a safari is discontinued for reasons as in (b) above, there will be no refund.

5. ARBITRATION:
The contract and these conditions shall be governed in all respect by the laws of Kenya. Should a situation arise that you have a complaint about any aspect of the safari, this should be reported in the office immediately (where possible) in order that we may be given the opportunity to correct the problem.

6. BOOKING AGENTS:
a) Agents booking clients into our regular safaris on the brochure are required to ensure that their clients fully understand the conditions contained herein otherwise the Company shall not indemnify them against claims arising from their mistakes or omissions
b) Full payment is required upon confirmation of booking and prior to the tour departure unless otherwise arranged.

DEPARTURE CHECK-IN PROGRAM:
8.30 - 9.00 a.m. - Check in our offices ready for the safari

REQUIRED:
Receipt or voucher issued at the time ofbooking accompanied by the Booking Form filled and duly signed if not already submitted. For residents, either the GreenAlienIdentificationCard, Work Permit or Driving License as proof of ones status in Kenya
9.00 - 9.15 a.m. - Board your safari vehicle
9.15 - 9.30 a.m. - Briefing session followed soon after by departure

TANZANIA AND UGANDA DEPARTURES:
These safaris do not always depart from Gametrackers (K) Ltd. Office; hence it is important to check in our office at least a day earlier for final briefing.

SOUVENIRS:
Gametrackers Tee-Shirts are available for sale in our office at US$20 each.

CAMPING SAFARIS MENUS:
Our menus are based on many years of experience in safari catering. They are characterized by methods which produce rich and highly flavored dishes served with accompaniments designed to meet our client’s appetite. In the event of changes in our daily menus, allowance should be given as most of the raw materials are seasonal and dependent on the location of the ‘safari’.