Expedition to mountain gorillas
in the Impenetrable Forests of Uganda
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DESCRIPTION
Go to an outlandish country where the tribesmen of King Kong live - the protagonist of the film of the same name from childhood! Visit another film from your childhood - in the jungle of the Entebbe Botanical Garden, where the first film about the legendary Tarzan was filmed! Take a walk with the rhinoceros accompanied by rangers and get acquainted with the life of the animals of the savannah in all its splendor!
In October, an amazing expedition to Africa will take place ... the one that you have long dreamed of, cherished and planned! It is amazing that we will again be able to get to the most incredible creatures of our planet (mountain gorillas, to see them is a whole event in the life of any traveler).
And of course, we will get acquainted with the wildlife of Africa, walk with the rangers among the rhinos, see elephants, hippos, giraffes, tree-climbing lions of the Queen Elizabeth National Park. We go at dawn to the forest to see wild chimpanzees, as well as golden monkeys - one of the 20 species of primates in Uganda. In general, this expedition is one of the most amazing and interesting in 2024!
IN THE COST OF EXPEDITIONIT INCLUDES:
- transfers to / from the airport along the entire route (if you arrive and depart on the dates in strict accordance with the program of our trip);
- accommodation in double rooms.
- breakfasts;
- all movements within the program;
- rental of minibuses, fuel, driver services;
- an expensive permit to visit mountain gorillas, trekking to chimpanzees and golden monkeys
- entrances to national parks;
- local guides and security in the parks;
- Water safari to Murchison Falls;
- services of guides of the Paganel Studio team;
EXPEDITION COST DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- air travel (your home - Uganda / Rwanda - your home);
- visas of Uganda, Rwanda (East African Visa - 100 dollars);
- rafting on the Nile River
- Meals (except breakfast, approximately $20-30 per day);
- insurance;
- Supplement for single occupancy $XXX (optional);
- tips for personal porters ($20), local guides and rangers ($40-50 per person) for the entire trip.
IMPORTANT!
Due to the fact that our expeditions do not include international flights to the starting point of the program, we cannot be held responsible for changes in flight conditions by airlines or airport requirements. Since our travelers fly from many different countries and cities, we never participate in the purchase of air travel and limit ourselves exclusively to advisory services in the selection of flights. Air agents or airlines from which tickets were purchased are responsible for the purchase and technical support.
ITINERARY
Day 1
20.10.2024
Flight from your city. Arrival in Entebbe, Uganda (EBB), obtaining a visa, meeting with the paganel guide and the host.
Transfer and accommodation in a hotel located near Lake Victoria. Rest at the hotel after the flight.
(Hotel: Sienna Beach Hotel).
Day 2
21.10.2024
We wake up early in the morning and have breakfast. We are loaded into our Toyota safari minibuses (based on 6 people in a nine-seated car). We leave for Lake Victoria to try to find the rarest bird Kitoglav. Boat safari in wetlands. In addition to the shoebill, it will be possible to shoot a huge number of birds.
Lake Victoria is the second largest freshwater lake in the world after Lake Superior (Canada). The area of Victoria is 70,000 sq. km, which is comparable in size to the area of Ireland. Lake Victoria, along with Lake Malawi and Lake Tanganyika, is one of the three Great Freshwater Lakes of East Africa. These lakes are home to several hundred unique species of fish that are not found anywhere else in the world.
After lunch, we visit the Entebbe Botanical Garden, located on Lake Victoria. The first film about the legendary Tarzan was filmed in Entebbe Botanical Garden in 1947. Green monkeys live here, they can eat directly from hands; black and white colobuses and numerous African birds such as herons, ibis, storks, kites, eagles, hornbills, hammerheads, turacos and others live here, too.
If desired, a visit to the souvenir market in Entebbe and a walk through the local village.
In the evening, we return to the hotel. We hold a traditional evening of acquaintances of the Paganels. Presentation of expedition personal t-shirts and badges.
(Included: breakfast. Hotel: Sienna Beach Hotel).
Day 3
22.10.2024
Early rise, breakfast and loading into our Toyota safari minibuses, which will take us through all the national parks of Uganda, all the way to Rwanda.
In the morning after breakfast, we drive 3.5 hours (200 km) to the Ziva reserve in order to go on a walking safari with rhinos accompanied by rangers. A walking safari is fundamentally different from a classic car safari in that it gives you the opportunity to dive deeper into the world of wild animals. Before encountering the rhinos, the rangers will tell us how to behave around wild white rhinos.
The Ziva Game Reserve is the only place in Uganda that has rhinos, making it a must-see for those who want to see Uganda's African Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, buffalo). In addition, a close meeting with three-ton giants will not leave anyone indifferent and will remain in your memory for a long time.
In the afternoon, after a walking safari with rhinos, we will have time to stop by one of the villages of the Bunyoro tribe to get acquainted with the life of the peasants.
In the afternoon, after a walking safari with rhinos, we will have time to stop by one of the villages of the Bunyoro tribe to get acquainted with the life of the peasants.
Day 4
23.10.2024
Early in the morning, we drive to Murchison Falls National Park.
The park covers an area of 3840 sq. km, it is the largest national park in Uganda. 76 species of mammals, 450 species of birds live here. Altitude ranges from 619m in the delta to 1292m at Rubongo Hill. The Nile River flows through the park, which forms a magnificent waterfall, after which the park is named - Murchison's Falls.
In the morning we will start from the northern part of the park and move south, making a safari and get acquainted with the inhabitants of the local savannah, including giraffes, elephants, lions, warthogs, buffaloes and many other animals.
In the afternoon, we take a boat up the Nile towards the Murchison Falls. During this water safari we will see numerous families of hippos, crocodiles and animals that came here to drink: elephants, buffaloes, antelopes; as well as various birds living and feeding on the Nile.
After the cruise, we will go trekking to the top of the waterfall. Stunning pictures will open up to us from a height: you will see how the mighty Nile makes its way between the rocks. Murchison Falls rises 46 meters above the ground and throws its waters into a narrow gap, only about 6 m wide. The noise from the fury of the elements gives the impression that the earth is trembling.
(Included: breakfast. Hotel: Kabalega Resort).
Day 5
24.10.2024
We get up early this morning. After breakfast, we go to a briefing, which will take a few minutes, get into the cars and drive for about 30 minutes to a section of the forest, where the ranger is already waiting for us. Can you imagine the adventure of tracking down these great apes in the dense rainforest? We will see chimpanzees in their natural habitat - a real privilege.
Since our DNA is 98.8% identical to that of chimpanzees, they are our closest relatives. Like humans, they tend to have strong personalities, and their expressive faces make their personalities very recognizable to us. Their intelligence and social behavior is endlessly interesting to watch.
After this amazing meeting, we have to make a long drive to Fort Portal (260 km, about 4.5 hours). On the way, we plan to visit a school or villages to get to know the local culture better.
Night Fort Portal.
(Included: breakfast. Trek to Chimpanzee. Hotel: Nyaika Hotel).
Day 6
25.10.2024
Departure from Fort Portal towards Queen Elizabeth National Park. Total route 4.5 hours 210 km. In the morning we cross the Kazinga Canal and go on a safari to the northern part of the park, where elephants, lions, hyenas, hippos, warthogs, etc. live.
We will visit a small souvenir market located in a park on the shore of a salt lake, where you can relax, have a bite to eat and admire the magnificent views of the park. Then we go to the southern part of the park - Ishasha, to watch tree-climbing lions and other animals.
The tree-climbing lions of Ishashi are known all over the world. Scientists are still arguing why these lazy cats prefer to take a nap in the trees after a hearty meal. Overnight in the town of Kihihi (12 km from the park).
(Included: breakfast. Hotel: Savanna Resort).
Day 7
26.10.2024
In the morning, we will have another safari in the Queen Elizabeth National Park.
If we are lucky, we can also see a leopard here.
In the afternoon, we drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. The journey will take about 2 hours. There will be time to go to the orphanage and present the brought notebooks and pencils. Accommodation in a mountain hotel. The conditions are very simple, but with a wonderful view and a joint dinner at sunset.
(Included: breakfast. Hotel: Ruhija Gorilla Mist)
Day 8
27.10.2024
Early in the morning, we drive to the place where the trekking to the mountain gorillas starts. We listen to the instructions of the rangers about the rules of behavior in the jungle of mountain gorillas. Depending on the weather and depending on where the gorillas are, the "walk" can take up to 6-7 hours. But the meeting with these animals will surely be remembered for a lifetime!
Early in the morning, we drive to the place where the trekking to the mountain gorillas starts. We listen to the instructions of the rangers about the rules of behavior in the jungle of mountain gorillas. Depending on the weather and depending on where the gorillas are, the "walk" can take up to 6-7 hours. But the meeting with these animals will surely be remembered for a lifetime!
Early in the morning, we drive to the place where the trekking to the mountain gorillas starts. We listen to the instructions of the rangers about the rules of behavior in the jungle of mountain gorillas. Depending on the weather and depending on where the gorillas are, the "walk" can take up to 6-7 hours. But the meeting with these animals will surely be remembered for a lifetime!
Day 9
28.10.2024
Early in the morning, we drive to the place where the trekking to the mountain gorillas starts. We listen to the instructions of the rangers about the rules of behavior in the jungle of mountain gorillas. Depending on the weather and depending on where the gorillas are, the "walk" can take up to 6-7 hours. But the meeting with these animals will surely be remembered for a lifetime!
Early in the morning, we drive to the place where the trekking to the mountain gorillas starts. We listen to the instructions of the rangers about the rules of behavior in the jungle of mountain gorillas. Depending on the weather and depending on where the gorillas are, the "walk" can take up to 6-7 hours. But the meeting with these animals will surely be remembered for a lifetime!
After trekking, we move for 1.5 hours (70 km) to the shore of Lake Kivu, one of the cleanest and most beautiful lakes in Africa.
(Included: breakfast. Trek to the Golden Monkeys. Hotel: Paradis Malahide)
Day 10
29.10.2024
In the morning, we will take a boat cruise on Lake Kivu. You can swim in the lake, the water is clean and warm. The Nyiragongo volcano will be visible, which is located nearby in the Congo.
After that we leave for Kigali - the capital of Rwanda (3.5 hours 160 km), where we will visit the Genocide Memorial, take a short tour of the city and visit the souvenir market.
In the evening, we will gather at the cozy restaurant of our hotel and have a farewell dinner.
(Included: breakfast. Boat cruise. Hotel: 2000 Hotel Downtown Kigali)
Day 11
30.10.2024
In the morning, we calmly have breakfast, farewell to the friendly team, transfer to the airport, and depart for home. Africa will forever remain in your heart! (Included: breakfast. Transfer to Kigali Airport.)
WHAT SHOULD YOU BRING WITH YOU ON A TRIP?
- a good raincoat or cape from the rain;
- trekking boots (for gorilla and volcano hikes) and light shoes (sandals) for the rest of the expedition;
- a headlamp (preferably a small one);
- a tracksuit, light trousers and a shirt, T-shirts, personal items (a little);
- warm sweater or fleece jacket (in the mountains at night +10);
- sun hat;
- camera and batteries for it;
- repellents from mosquitoes with a high content of active substance;
- means of personal hygiene;
- a personal first-aid kit (for individual diseases, as well as an elastic bandage, plaster);
- sunscreen;
- towel;
- swimsuit or swimming trunks;
- multifunctional knife (optional, check it in your luggage during the flight);
- Sunglasses;
- a backpack for 25-35 liters with which you will go trekking to the gorillas and the volcano. We also recommend you to have a waterproof case with it.
!!! Do not take dollars issued before 2004 - there may be problems with their exchange!!!
IS IT NEEDED TO BE VACCINED?
To visit the Democratic Republic of Rwanda, it is mandatory to present a certificate of vaccination against yellow fever!
IN WHAT CURRENCY SHOULD I TAKE MONEY ON A TRIP?
It is best to take US dollars to the countries of East Africa, but only after 2004, otherwise there may be problems with their exchange.
HOW IS MALARIA GOING ON?
In recent years, cases of malaria in East Africa have become much less common, although of course they have not completely disappeared. We have been traveling here for many years and during this time (pah-pah-pah) not a single traveler got sick. It is up to you to decide whether to drink pills for prevention, but we believe that if you sleep under a mosquito net and use Mosquitol-type sprays, then malaria will have practically no chance.
HOW ABOUT VISAS?
Visas for Uganda and Rwanda (or the Common East African Visa) are issued at the airport upon arrival. The cost of each is 50 US dollars, or 100 dollars for a Single visa.
SOCKETS
In East Africa, a voltage of 220-240 V with a frequency of 50 Hz is used, like ours. But you will need an adapter with three square pins, type G, English (British) socket. You can purchase it at the supermarket upon arrival in Uganda.
GORILLA HABITAT RULES
In order to protect gorillas, visits to their habitats are strictly controlled. The following rules must be strictly observed:
- Persons with infectious diseases (e.g. flu, diarrhea) are not allowed in the park.
- Stick together with others in a tight group
- When observing gorillas, do not surround them
- Do not approach gorillas within 7 meters (21 feet).
- Do not eat or smoke when you are at a distance of 200 meters or closer to the gorillas, especially next to them
- Turn away from the gorillas when you sneeze or cough and cover your nose and mouth while doing so.
- All human excreta must be buried at least 1 foot deep and the pit carefully sealed
- Don't leave trash behind. All rubbish must be removed from the park and properly disposed of.
- Children under 15 years old are not allowed to visit the gorillas
- Do not spit on plants or the ground in the park and use a handkerchief for this.
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We are unique
For many years, we have been traveling the world to our small planet's most remote and unusual places. We do not use the services of domestic travel agencies. The trips we invent and carry out are always unique and have their unique zest, charm, and adventurous spirit.
WHY WITH PAGANEL?
Creation
The first thing that interests us is creativity in everything. During the expeditions, we shoot a lot of videos, take pictures, write stories, draw pictures. If you are interested in a creative approach to life and travel, then WELCOME... we are very happy to meet you!
Interest
By joining our team, you join a kind of club-family, which already consists of several hundred people who are interested in discovering the world with us.
Since most of the expenses for the organization of the trip are air tickets and travel documents for other types of transport, accommodation, excursions, services of local companies and guides, etc. are not refundable in case of your cancellation of the trip. We simply have no way to return it.
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