Safaris Archives - Valverde Safaris Our Safaris

A lion having a glimpse of the wild nature at Murchison Falls National Park - Valverde Safaris Uganda

10-Day Uganda Gorilla, Chimpanzee Trekking & Big 5 Safari

10-Day Uganda Big Five, Gorilla, Chimpanzee, and Wildlife Safari This tour will take you to Murchison Falls National Park via Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary, followed by a game drive and a boat cruise to the bottom of the falls. Also visit Kibale National Park for an unforgettable chimp trek. Then head to Queen Elizabeth National Park, where you can enjoy a game drive and a boat trip on the Kazinga Channel. Finally, you will transfer to Bwindi for the ultimate gorilla trek before concluding your journey at Lake Bunyonyi and Lake Mburo to view a variety of wildlife. USD 2,500 Safari Highlights Safari Inclusions and Exclusions Packing List Safari Highlights Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary for Rhinos Murchison Falls National Park for game-drive & boat-cruise Kibale Forest National Park for chimps trekking Queen Elizabeth National Park for game-drive & boat-cruise Ishasha for tree-climbing lions game-drive Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for Mountain Gorilla trekking Lake Bunyonyi for scenery view Lake Mburo National Park for game-drive & safari walk Safari Inclusions and Exclusions The 9 days Uganda safari package includes; Gorilla permits Chimpanzee permits Government taxes Game drives Boat cruises Lake Bunyonyi tour Ziwa Rhino sanctuary Park Entrance and Ranger fees All activities included in the tour package Transfers to and from the airport A standard 4X4 tour van An experienced driver with great knowledge about the country and who speaks excellent English Accommodation for 8 nights including meals and water Meals and water outside the hotel Government taxes The safari excludes; Air tickets and entry visas to Uganda Medical and Travel insurance Tips to the gorilla trekking porters, rangers and staff at the hotels Expenses on alcohol, cigars, phone calls, soft drinks, souvenir and anything that can be considered personal Packing List While on a safari in Uganda, you should pack some or all of the following items; A camera: A safari in Uganda is incomplete without a good camera. You cannot come back from a safari without evidence to show your friends and family about the wonderful time you had. Hiking Boots: Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking requires good hiking boots for comfort especially during the rainy season. Stocking: Long stockings will help in tucking in your trousers to avoid crawling insects. Rain Jacket: This is very important while hiking during the rainy season. The rains can be unpredictable in Uganda especially when you consider global warming. There is always the possibility of rain in Bwindi forest regardless of season of the year. Long Shirts and trousers: The game parks and forests contain insects and other crawling creatures that you need to keep off. There are also sharp tree branches and thorns. Long sleeved shirts and trousers will keep off any insects and also protect you from sharp trees. Hand gloves: Hand gloves are important for grabbing leaves and tree branches while hiking through dense forest. Water: Many of the activities mentioned above involve staying out for long hours in the sun. Expect to get dehydrated and tired if you do not pack some water. You need to have water filtration tablets if you cannot move with bottled water. Packed Snack: This is very important for the chimpanzee habituation experience and gorilla trekking. It is difficult to predict when the two activities will end. You are better off parking lunch so that you don’t get hungry. Detailed Itinerary DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN ENTEBBE FOR OUR 10 DAYS UGANDA TOUR & SHOEBILL STORK SEARCH IF TIME ALLOWS We pick you at the airport for our 10 days Uganda Safari full of close to nature experiences. Then transfer to the lodge and relax after the journey. If time allows we can head over to the close by Mabamba Swamp for a search for the prehistoric looking Shoebill Stork. Overnight: Tilapia Lodge DAY 2: TRANSFER TO LODGE BY MURCHISON FALLS NP VIA RHINO TREKKING You set off early from Entebbe for your journey to Murchison Falls NP. Along the way you meet the rhinos in Ziwa rhino sanctuary. Indeed this stop is exciting as it gives you the chance to tick off the first of the Big 5 during this 10 days Uganda Safari. In the sanctuary they are working to reintroduce rhinos in Uganda and you go with a specialized guide for a walk to see them. Then you continue the journey towards the lodge by Murchison Falls national park, having lunch along the way. Overnight: Hornbill Bush Lodge DAY 3: GAME DRIVE AND BOAT-CRUISE ON THE NILE IN MURCHISON FALLS NP Set off for an early morning game-drive in the park. Undoubtedly you here have the chance to see fascinating wildlife like Big cats hunting, Elephants, Giraffes and Buffalos. In fact the checklist of mammals in Murchison Falls NP reaches 76. We then continue browsing the Drive circuits to the Delta point for a cocktail of Birds and mammals. Afterwards we enjoy lunch and some relaxation at the lodge. Then in the afternoon go for the 3 hour boat ride to the base of the falls where you get to see the Hippos (You have never seen more hippos yawning, Grooming in there Pods anywhere else than here- Believe me you)! Nile Crocodiles, Elephants and a variety of beautiful bird species along the banks. If you are a keen birder this might be your magnet to catch them. Overnight in Hornbill Bush Lodge DAY 4: TRANSFER TO KIBALE FOREST NP After breakfast we transfer towards Kibale Forest NP as we continue our 10 days Uganda Safari. It’s a long drive with our target to have lunch in Fort portal. A punctuation of stopovers at sceneries like the Rift valley escarpment on Lake Albert – typical African village setup in the far countryside and tea plantations along the drive offer us chances of stretching. Then we check in late afternoon to an area with an amazing display of primates and lovely scenery. Overnight: Isunga lodge DAY 5: CHIMPANZEE TREKKING IN KIBALE FOREST & TRANSFER TO QUEEN ELIZABETH NP Head into the forest of the Primate city of Kibale in the morning

A majestic mountain gorilla resting in the lush forest, surrounded by trees and foliage.

5-Day Best Gorilla, Primates, and Wildlife Adventure Safari

Safaris

5-Day Best Gorilla, Primates, and Wildlife Adventure Safari This tour is designed to immerse you in the stunning beauty of Uganda by exploring its magnificent national parks. The safari includes a visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park for a stunning wildlife view, a boat cruise on Kazinga Channel, and then a visit to Bwindi Forest, home to half of the world’s remaining population of the rare mountain gorillas, before a return to Entebbe. Uganda Primates Adventure (Gorillas & Chimps) Tour. Safari Highlights Safari Inclusions and Exclusions Packing List Safari Highlights Day one: Transfer from Entebbe to Queen Elizabeth National Park Day Two: Game Drive and Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel Day three: Morning Game Drive and then Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Day Four: Gorilla Trekking and Visiting the Batwa in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Day Five: Transfer to Entebbe Safari Inclusions and Exclusions The 3-day Uganda Gorilla Fly-In safari package includes Park fees (For non-residents) Gorilla permits (One per person, non-resident) All activities (Unless labeled as optional) All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade) A professional driver/guide All transportation (unless labeled as optional) All Taxes/VAT Roundtrip airport transfer Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section) Drinking water (On all days) The safari excludes International flights (From/to home) Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour Tips (tipping guideline: US$10.00 pp per day) Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.) Government-imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees Packing List While on a safari in Uganda, you should pack some or all of the following items; A camera: A safari in Uganda is incomplete without a good camera. You cannot come back from a safari without evidence to show your friends and family about the wonderful time you had. Hiking Boots: Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking requires good hiking boots for comfort especially during the rainy season. Stocking: Long stockings will help in tucking in your trousers to avoid crawling insects. Rain Jacket: This is very important while hiking during the rainy season. The rains can be unpredictable in Uganda especially when you consider global warming. There is always the possibility of rain in Bwindi forest regardless of season of the year. Long Shirts and trousers: The game parks and forests contain insects and other crawling creatures that you need to keep off. There are also sharp tree branches and thorns. Long sleeved shirts and trousers will keep off any insects and also protect you from sharp trees. Hand gloves: Hand gloves are important for grabbing leaves and tree branches while hiking through dense forest. Water: Many of the activities mentioned above involve staying out for long hours in the sun. Expect to get dehydrated and tired if you do not pack some water. You need to have water filtration tablets if you cannot move with bottled water. Packed Snack: This is very important for the chimpanzee habituation experience and gorilla trekking. It is difficult to predict when the two activities will end. You are better off parking lunch so that you don’t get hungry. Detailed Itinerary Day 1: Transfer from Entebbe to Queen Elizabeth National Park This day involves traveling from Entebbe to Queen Elizabeth National Park, taking the Kampala-Mbarara route. Along the way, you will encounter numerous beautiful and eye-catching sights, such as the traditional drum-making center at Mpambire. The drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park also allows you to visit the equator line, where you can take photos. You’ll proceed and have a stopover at Igongo Museum-Biharwe Mbarara for lunch and have a visit to the museum for cultural and traditional experiences about the local communities. After here, you’ll travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park. You will later check in at your lodge for an overnight stay. Accommodation: The Bush Lodge (Banda) Day 2: Game Drive and Boat Cruise on Kazinga Channel You’ll wake up early in the morning and have breakfast. Afterward, you will proceed for chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura gorge. You will enjoy these primates for over 2 to 3 hours. There are also many other animals in the gorge like monkeys, birds, baboons, and so on.After the trek, you will return to the lodge for lunch as you prepare for a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel where you will have a chance to see many animals including crocodiles, hippos, birds, buffalos, and so on. Dinner & Accommodation: The Bush Lodge (Banda) Day 3: Morning Game Drive and then Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park After breakfast, you’ll start this day’s activities by having a game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park. This activity focuses on giving you a personal encounter with the wilderness of the park. Queen Elizabeth National Park has several beautiful crater lakes that wind through the rolling hills, the Kazinga Channel with an awesome view of both land and water-adapted animals such as hippos lined up at the shores. With a vegetation cover of grassland, acacia woodland, tropical rainforest, and a variety of wetlands, this park is home to different animal species and birds. In addition, you may see the amazing big game hippos, elephants, and buffalos. Your trip will enable you to understand how these animals thrive in the grasslands and shorelines. You may also encounter warthogs, waterbuck, Uganda kob, topis, and monkeys as they play about in the trees. You’ll then travel to Bwindi, check-in at your accommodation for an overnight stay. Dinner & Accomodation: Ride 4 a Woman Guest House Day 4: Gorilla Trekking and Visit The Batwa in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Early morning breakfast and tracking for the mountain gorillas in the jungle forest of Bwindi. Gorilla trekkers will take the most exciting and memorable activity of trekking the mountain gorillas in the thick jungle. The time spent trekking depends on the movement of these gorillas; it’s about 2 to 8 hours. Before you start the trekking, you should expect to hike for a long distance under muddy and steep conditions before seeing the great apes in the jungle. The gorilla trekking experience is rewarding as you sit, play, and

A majestic mountain gorilla in its natural habitat, surrounded by lush greenery in the forest at Bwindi Impenetrable National PARK - Valverde Safaris Uganda

3-Day Uganda Gorilla Fly-in Safari

Safaris

3 Day Uganda Gorilla Fly-In Safari. This 3-day fly-in safari is designed for those who have less time and want to trek gorillas in Uganda. It allows you to avoid the long drives from Entebbe to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. You will spend one and a half hours flying and approximately one and a half hours in road transfers from the airstrip (Kihihi) to Buhoma. Safari Highlights Safari Inclusions and Exclusions Packing List Safari Highlights Day one: Pick up and transfer to Entebbe Airport for your internal flight to Bwindi Day Two: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Day three: Transfer to Kihihi Airstrip for your internal flight to Entebbe Safari Inclusions and Exclusions The 3-day Uganda Gorilla Fly-In safari package includes; Park fees (For non-residents) Gorilla permits (One per person, non-resident) All activities (Unless labeled as optional) All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade) A professional driver/guide All transportation (Unless labeled as optional) All flights during the tour All Taxes/VAT Roundtrip airport transfer Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section) Drinking water (For all days) The safari excludes; International flights (From/to home) Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day) Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.) Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees Packing List While on a safari in Uganda, you should pack some or all of the following items; A camera: A safari in Uganda is incomplete without a good camera. You cannot come back from a safari without evidence to show your friends and family about the wonderful time you had. Hiking Boots: Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking requires good hiking boots for comfort especially during the rainy season. Stocking: Long stockings will help in tucking in your trousers to avoid crawling insects. Rain Jacket: This is very important while hiking during the rainy season. The rains can be unpredictable in Uganda especially when you consider global warming. There is always the possibility of rain in Bwindi forest regardless of season of the year. Long Shirts and trousers: The game parks and forests contain insects and other crawling creatures that you need to keep off. There are also sharp tree branches and thorns. Long sleeved shirts and trousers will keep off any insects and also protect you from sharp trees. Hand gloves: Hand gloves are important for grabbing leaves and tree branches while hiking through dense forest. Water: Many of the activities mentioned above involve staying out for long hours in the sun. Expect to get dehydrated and tired if you do not pack some water. You need to have water filtration tablets if you cannot move with bottled water. Packed Snack: This is very important for the chimpanzee habituation experience and gorilla trekking. It is difficult to predict when the two activities will end. You are better off parking lunch so that you don’t get hungry. Detailed Itinerary Day 1: Fly to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Our tour guide will pick you up and transfer you to Entebbe Airport; check in as early as 6 AM for your domestic flight to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The flight will take approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, landing at Kihihi or Kisoro Airstrip. Upon landing, you will have a planned transfer by road from Kihihi Airstrip to the Buhoma sector of Bwindi Forest to your accommodation. You will then visit the Batwa community in the afternoon. Accommodation: Mahogany Springs Lodge Day 2: Gorilla Trekking Experience – Bwindi Impenetrable Forest After an early morning breakfast, you will drive to the park headquarters, where you will be briefed by the park rangers about dos and don’ts while in the park before starting off gorilla trekking to see these gentle giants as directed by the rangers. This is a memorable and amazing experience watching the mountain gorillas feed, play around, and also do their day-to-day activities. This activity can take 2 hours or even up to 8 hours since it’s dependent on the location and movement of the gorillas. Also expect to trek in muddy and steep conditions—this will require you to have a walking stick. On meeting the gorillas, you will spend about an hour with them as you learn about their life and behavior, take photos, and then later, return back to the lodge. Dinner & Accommodation: Mahogany Springs Lodge Day 3: Fly Back to Entebbe International Airport This is your final day with us. You will have breakfast before transferring to Kihihi Airstrip, which is approximately a 50-minute drive away. The domestic flight will fly you back to Entebbe International Airport. Thank you for choosing Valverde Safaris. More information about this 3 Day Uganda Gorilla Safari & the Park. Bwindi is among Uganda’s most exciting national parks and a place you can’t leave out while on a Ugandan safari. It is famously known as a home to a big number of Mountain gorillas basing on the world remaining population. About 750 gorillas are remaining and half of this number has its home in Bwindi. Also other primates such as chimpanzees are found here though rarely seen. This is the same story with other animal species like the forest elephants, antelopes among others. The park is located in Southwestern Uganda just near the escarpment of the Western rift Valley. The word “Bwindi” means “darkness” and when you get the opportunity of walking through this forest you have will get to know why its called such a name. The forest is gifted with a stream of water which is a beautiful place, and also waterfalls are found as you trek through impenetrable forest. Trekking doesn’t require any skills but physical fitness is always required as there are a lot of steep mountains to climb p and about looking for these gentle giants. Above all there is nothing as adventurous and thrilling as going for gorilla trekking! Tourists also have other species to see in the park apart from the gorillas such as different bird species (over 350 bird species found in the park), tree

A Chimpanzee (Primates) at Kibale National Park

14-Day Uganda Safari – Gorilla Trekking, Wildlife & Adventure Tour

Safaris

Embark on an unforgettable 14-day Uganda safari that combines thrilling gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest, and Big 5 game drives in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks. Witness stunning landscapes, enjoy scenic boat cruises along rivers, spot diverse wildlife, and immerse yourself in Embark on an unforgettable 14-day Uganda safari that combines thrilling gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest, and Big 5 game drives in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks. Witness stunning landscapes, enjoy scenic boat cruises along rivers, spot diverse wildlife, and immerse yourself in Uganda’s rich culture. This safari offers the perfect blend of adventure, wildlife encounters, and natural beauty.rich culture. This safari offers the perfect blend of adventure, wildlife encounters, and natural beauty.

3-Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking & Lake Bunyonyi Safari

Safaris

3 Day Uganda Gorilla Safari. This safari will take you for Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park which covers an area of 321 sq km and is among the oldest forests lasting over 25,000 years. You will be able to trek one of the 12 habituated mountain gorilla groups. Besides the Gorillas, you will also have an opportunity to see other primates such as the red-tailed monkeys, chimpanzees, baboons, black and white colobus monkeys among others. This forest is also home to 120 mammals, 51 reptiles, 310 butterfly species, 27 species of frogs, geckos, chameleons, 163 tree species, 104 fern species, 1000 flowering plants, as well as over 350 species of birds such as the hornbills and the Turacos! Gorilla trekking takes around 2 to 8 hours, which is worth it as those into hiking will have a great time climbing up and about the rolling hills, and going through the lush vegetation. Safari Highlights Safari Inclusions and Exclusions Packing List Safari Highlights Day 1: Travel to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park- 8h 25 min (463.7 Km) via Masaka Road. Day 2: Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Forest Day 3: Departure back to Kampala/Entebbe Detailed Itinerary Safari Inclusions and Exclusions The 9 days Uganda safari package includes; Gorilla permits Chimpanzee permits Batwa visit Game drives Boat cruises Lake Bunyonyi tour Ziwa Rhino sanctuary Park Entrance and Ranger fees All activities included in the tour package Transfers to and from the airport A standard 4X4 tour van An experienced driver with great knowledge about the country and who speaks excellent English Accommodation for 8 nights including meals and water Meals and water outside the hotel Government taxes The safari excludes; Air tickets and entry visas to Uganda Medical and Travel insurance Tips to the gorilla trekking porters, rangers and staff at the hotels Expenses on alcohol, cigars, phone calls, soft drinks, souvenir and anything that can be considered personal Packing List While on a safari in Uganda, you should pack some or all of the following items; A camera: A safari in Uganda is incomplete without a good camera. You cannot come back from a safari without evidence to show your friends and family about the wonderful time you had. Hiking Boots: Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking requires good hiking boots for comfort especially during the rainy season. Stocking: Long stockings will help in tucking in your trousers to avoid crawling insects. Rain Jacket: This is very important while hiking during the rainy season. The rains can be unpredictable in Uganda especially when you consider global warming. There is always the possibility of rain in Bwindi forest regardless of season of the year. Long Shirts and trousers: The game parks and forests contain insects and other crawling creatures that you need to keep off. There are also sharp tree branches and thorns. Long sleeved shirts and trousers will keep off any insects and also protect you from sharp trees. Hand gloves: Hand gloves are important for grabbing leaves and tree branches while hiking through dense forest. Water: Many of the activities mentioned above involve staying out for long hours in the sun. Expect to get dehydrated and tired if you do not pack some water. You need to have water filtration tablets if you cannot move with bottled water. Packed Snack: This is very important for the chimpanzee habituation experience and gorilla trekking. It is difficult to predict when the two activities will end. You are better off parking lunch so that you don’t get hungry. Detailed Itinerary Day 1: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park You will be picked up by our guide from the airport/your hotel in Entebbe/Kampala/Kigali after an early morning breakfast at 07:00hrs. You will be briefed about the whole safari before you travel to Bwindi Impenetrable which is found in the southwestern part of Uganda. Along the way there is a local drum and craft making community so you will have a visit here. Then a stopover at the Equator to take photos, also feel free to buy some crafts and souvenirs as you head to Mbarara town where you will have your lunch from. Thereafter, proceed to Bwindi whereby you will arrive in the late afternoon. Check in at the lodge, relax in the evening and have Dinner. Accommodation Options; Mahogany springs/Chameleon Hill/Silver back lodge/Buhoma lodge (Luxury) | Gorilla Mist Camp/Bakiga Lodge/Ichumbi Gorilla Safari Lodge (Midrange) | Ruhija Gorilla friends camp/Rushaga Gorilla Camp (Budget) Day 2: Gorilla trekking- Bwindi Forest After an early morning breakfast, drive to the park headquarters where you will be briefed by the park rangers about what to do and not to do while in the park, also you will be divided in group of 8. After continue and start off gorilla trekking these gentle giants as directed by the rangers. This is a memorable and an amazing experience watching the Mountain gorillas feed, play around and also do their day to day activities. This activity can take 2 hours or even up to 8 hours since its dependent on the location and movement of the gorillas. Also expect to walk long distances in muddy and steep conditions- this will require you to have a walking stick. On meeting the gorillas you will spend one hour with them as you take photos and then later, return back to the lodge. In the evening, you may choose to relax at the lodge or visit the Batwa community which will expose you to their culture basing on how they live, dance, and also hearing stories concerning their culture which will leave you amazed. Have dinner and overnight. Accommodation Options; Mahogany springs/Chameleon Hill/Silver back lodge/Buhoma lodge (Luxury) | Gorilla Mist Camp/Bakiga Lodge/Ichumbi Gorilla Safari Lodge (Midrange) | Ruhija Gorilla friends camp/Rushaga Gorilla Camp (Budget) Day 3: Departure back to Kampala/Entebbe Have an early breakfast, Check-out leaving the “Switzerland of Uganda” and embark on a journey back to Kampala passing through rolling hills with terraces and also you will have a great time viewing the lush vegetation of the different areas you will go through.