Destinations Visited: Entebbe: Lake Victoria & Bwindi Forest National Park, Arusha, Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Mombasa, Diani, Wasini Island.
This journey takes you into the depths of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to see some of the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas. The experience begins in Entebbe where you will be whisked away on a domestic flight into the remote mountainous regions of southern Uganda Here, at Bwindi National Park, you will enter one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in Africa on an expedition to find a close-knit gorilla family. Bwindi is home to roughly 480 mountain gorillas, which is half the world’s remaining population and your chance of coming into contact with a group is approximately 99 percent. End your Uganda safari with a sundowner boat cruise on Lake Victoria Uganda’s largest freshwater lake.
Day 1: Arrival Uganda
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be met by our company representative and transferred to your hotel for refreshment & overnight.
Day 2: Fly to Bwindi Forest/ Ride 4 a Woman Project
7:00 am: You will be whisked away on a domestic flight into the remote mountainous regions of southern Uganda
Upon arrival, you visit the Ride 4 a Woman Project. An organization set up to support local women struggling at home with issues associated with HIV, domestic violence, and poverty. Here the women can learn to pedal sew, weave baskets, dance, sing, and drum; learn new skills as well as make a living and their children gain an education.
Check into your lodge for relaxation as you get ready for your big day tomorrow.
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking
Today is the big day… Prepare yourself for an encounter with Bwindi’s gentle giants: the rare Mountain Gorilla. For most people, this is the absolute highlight of their tour in Uganda. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest boasts both Mountain Gorillas and Chimpanzees – the only forest in Africa that can make this claim in fact. It also hosts five other species of primate, 113 species of mammal, over 200 butterflies, and 360 birds.
You will be required to wake up early in the morning and then be led to the visitor’s reception center for a briefing about the park. You are allocated guides before heading into the forest in search of Mountain Gorillas. The Gorillas you will track belong to one of the habituated family groups who can tolerate the presence of humans for a brief period every day. Your trek will be an exciting journey along forested slopes, entwined vines, bushes, and bamboo before you eventually reach the Gorillas’ habitat.
En-route, your guide will point out signs of previous Gorilla activity, including dung, nests, and chewed bamboo shoots.
The time taken to track the Gorillas can take as little as 2 hours or more! Once the Gorillas have been located, your group will be allowed a maximum of one hour with them. Coming face-to-face with a Mountain Gorilla is a truly humbling and emotional experience. This is a fantastic and privileged opportunity to get up close and personal with Uganda’s very own ‘Gorillas in the Mist’
Day 4: Fly to Entebbe/ Sundowner cruise to the Equator
On a scenic flight, you return to Entebbe your starting point.
Later at 4:30 PM. You’ll transfer to the Lake Victoria pier from where you’ll board for your boat cruise to the Equator. The perfect end to a Ugandan safari is a relaxed sunset cruise on the mighty Lake Victoria accompanied by your choice of wine.
Day 5: Departure to Arusha
Depending on the time of your departure flight and how you feel, you can simply relax or explore the town of Entebbe for a final souvenir shopping before departing to the airport from where you’ll catch your departure flight onwards.
Tanzania
Day 6: Arusha to Tarangire National Park
After breakfast drive to Tarangire National Park for a mid-morning game drive. The park runs along the line of the Tarangire River and is mainly made up of low-lying hills on the Great Rift Valley floor. Its natural vegetation mainly consists of Acacia woodland and giant African Baobab trees, with huge swamp areas in the south. Both the river and the swamps act like a magnet for wild animals, during Tanzania’s dry season. The Tarangire National Park is reputed to contain some of the largest elephant herds in Africa. This National Park is also home to three rare species of animals – the Greater Kudu, the Fringed-eared Oryx, as well as a few Ashy Starlings.
Day 7: Serengeti National Park
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Africa’s wilderness in Serengeti National Park. Here, the golden savannas stretch endlessly beneath the vast African sky, punctuated by the iconic silhouette of acacia trees. Prepare to be mesmerized as nature’s drama unfolds before your eyes – witness the legendary Great Migration (June-July), where millions of wildebeests and zebras thunder across the plains in search of greener pastures, while predators lurk in anticipation. Explore the rugged terrain, encountering majestic lions, graceful giraffes, and towering elephants along the way. With its raw beauty and unparalleled wildlife, Serengeti National Park is more than just a destination; it’s a timeless adventure waiting to be explored.
Day 8: Serengeti National Park
Morning and afternoon game drives in Serengeti National Park. Spend a full day in the Serengeti National Park, enjoy the wildlife, have dinner and spend the night at your designated hotel/lodge within the park.
Day 9: Ngorongoro Conservation Area Game drive
After breakfast drive to Ngorongoro Crater with picnic lunch boxes
Descend the adventurous roads about 600 meters downward into the crater. The crater has a diameter of 17-21 kilometers and is the home of a great animal world. Nearly all the biodiversity of the East African savannah has gathered here, only giraffes and a few other animal species for which the rock faces are too steep do not live in the crater.
About 20,000 animals are gathering on the crater base, including buffaloes, wildebeests, zebras and gazelles. This large number of grazers also explains why in the crater the largest density of predators in Africa can be found. Beside other predators more than 100 lions live here in several prides. The chances of watching the “Big Five” lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and leopard within just a few hours are here particularly good.
Day 10: Ngorongoro Conservation Area to Arusha
After a leisurely breakfast, drive back to Arusha where you will arrive around midday and head to the airport to catch your flight to Mombasa.
Kenya
Day 11: Diani Beach Paradise!
Nothing better than a well-deserved rest after some intense days of game viewing…!
Diani Beach lies only twenty kilometers south of Mombasa. It’s a fifteen kilometers long stretch of beach lined with coconut trees, white powdery sand, amazing sunsets and beautiful resorts…
Diani has a stunning aquatic life to offer for those who’d love to explore the Indian Ocean. Watch humpback whales in September, whale sharks from January to March or stand a chance to spot dolphins all year round. Snorkelers and divers will be met with amazing corals full of seahorses, nudibranchs, ghost pipe fish and many many more.
Besides snorkeling and diving, there’s a range of other activities Diani has to offer. You can go kite surfing, windsurfing, take boat rides, go jet skiing and do other water sport activities. Diani also has its own golf course, there are regular art expositions, and the Shimba Hills (a coastal forest full of wildlife like forest elephants, waterbucks, sable antelopes and the occasional leopard) are only a stone throw away…
Wasini Island and Dolphin Tour
Wasini Full Day Tour will take you for a tour of the Shimoni Caves and later a Dhow Cruise in the Indian Ocean with Dolphin Spotting and if lucky swim with the dolphins. Snorkeling at the Marine Park. Sea food lunch at Wasini Island plus Cultural tour of the local community. Wasini are home to two species of dolphins: the gregarious bottlenose dolphin and the more elusive humpback dolphin.
On arrival at Wasini, head to the marine offices to get your tickets. Walk down the Shimoni Caves known to be a storage during the slave trade.
Begin your Dhow tour and search for the dolphins as you get into the Marine Park. If it’s your lucky day, swim with the dolphins as you snorkel to see the abundant marine life available. Snorkeling gear is included and the package is also ideal for those who cannot swim as our skilled guides provide you with floaters and help you navigate with ease.
After an awesome experience and 2 hours of swimming, we head to Wasini Island where local Swahili food will be served. Lunch includes a soft drink and beer lovers can get a chance to try out the local brands at an extra cost.
Take an afternoon walk on Wasini Island and learn the culture of the local community and their way of life from farming, fishing, and trade. Sail back to the mainland for your transfer back to your hotel
Day 12: Visit Mombasa old town, Fort Jesus and dine at the majestic Tamarind dhow Dinner
Fort Jesus is a historic fortress located in Mombasa, Kenya, overlooking the Indian Ocean. Built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, it served as a crucial stronghold during the era of maritime trade and colonial expansion.
The fort’s imposing architecture features a blend of European military design and Arabic influences, reflecting the diverse cultural heritage of the region. Today, it stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering visitors a glimpse into Kenya’s rich history through its well-preserved walls, dungeons, and exhibits.
Cruise Around Mombasa While Enjoying Dinner.
The Tamarind Dhow Dinner Cruise is arranged from the Tamarind Jetty in Mombasa. Pick up from your hotel or residence for an awesome dhow cruise for dinner and enjoy the delicacies provided on board as you sail along the coastline. Enjoy a sumptuous meal, some fresh tropical fresh-fruit, the breeze of the ocean and live band music.
The dinner cruise commencing at 6.30 pm, begins with a welcome “Dawa” cocktail as the dhow sails towards Fort Jesus. The twinkling lights of Mombasa and the starlit skies provide idyllic surroundings for a delicious seafood dinner meticulously prepared in Swahili style on the deck in front of the guests. The resident DJ onboard offers a wide choice of dance music, from the latest hits to the golden oldies as the dhow gently glides back to the Tamarind jetty by 10.30 pm and subsequent transfer to your hotel or residence.
Day 13: Relax and soak up the sun on the stunning beaches of Mombasa.
With soft white sands and crystal-clear waters inviting you to unwind. After basking in the coastal serenity, embark on a captivating city tour of Mombasa.
Explore the vibrant markets, marvel at the intricate architecture of iconic landmarks like the Old Town. Discover the cultural tapestry that makes Mombasa a true gem of the Kenyan coast.
Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of Mombasa cuisine as the sun sets, igniting the vibrant nightlife of this coastal paradise. From savory Swahili dishes bursting with spices to fresh seafood delicacies, there’s something to delight every palate. After savoring the local flavors, dive into the electrifying night scene of Mombasa.
Dance to the rhythm of Swahili beats, sip on exotic cocktails, and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of beachfront bars and clubs. Experience the essence of Mombasa’s culinary delights and nightlife extravaganza
Day 14: Depart to Mombasa airport
This will be the end of what we hope will be a successful trip!