IMPORTANT NOTE:

This is a sample itinerary designed to give you an idea of the incredible experiences awaiting you. Please note that all activities, times, and locations are subject to change based on availability, weather conditions, or other unforeseen circumstances. Additionally, while we strive to provide the best wildlife viewing opportunities, sightings of animals, including primates and other wildlife, are not guaranteed as they roam freely in their natural habitats. We will do our best to ensure a memorable experience, but the unpredictability of nature is part of the adventure!

Thursday Feb 27th - Pre Workshop Early Arrival

Arrival at Entebbe International Airport and transfer to hotel

Hotel: Latitude 0 Degrees

 

Right outside of arrivals, you’ll be greeted by a representative from Crystal Safaris (who will be waiting with your name on a sign), who will assist with your hotel transfer. Depending on your arrival time, you might want to exchange some money today.   

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Inclusions:

• Hotel transfer from airport

• Bed and breakfast

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Friday Feb 28th

Kampala

Leisure at Latitude 0 Degrees hotel in Kampala 

 

You’ll have some time to relax at your hotel in Kampala before heading out tomorrow for the rest of our adventure. The Latitude 0 Degrees hotel, nestled on Makindye Hill, offers beautiful views of Lake Victoria and the city, surrounded by native orchid-filled trees. Each room comes with fresh Ugandan coffee, complimentary still and sparkling water, and free Wi-Fi. You can unwind by the outdoor swimming pool, enjoy the spa and fitness area, or dine at the restaurant with both indoor and outdoor seating options. Also feel free to use this time and watch the photography lessons on this page.  Tonight, we will meet up in the early evening for a class and to get to know each other better.  After class, there will be some time to relax with a drink at the rooftop bar while taking in the breathtaking scenery!

Inclusions:

• Bed and breakfast

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Saturday March 1st

Kibale Forest National Park

Hotel: Crater Safari Lodge 

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After an early breakfast, we will be transferred to Entebbe International Airport for a domestic flight to Kasese Airstrip. Once there, our guides will meet us and take us to Crater Safari Lodge.

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Kibale Forest National Park, located in Western Uganda, is known for its high density of primates, stunning crater lakes, and lush, vibrant jungle. The park is home to 13 species of primates, including red-tailed monkeys, L'Hoest's monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and both red and black-and-white colobus monkeys. You might also spot some of the 300 bird species and 250 butterfly species that call the park home, as well as buffalo, forest elephants, leopards, bushbucks, and sitatungas, though they tend to be shy. The park is also adorned with around 50 captivating crater lakes and beautiful hiking trails.

 

Inclusions:

• Breakfast in Kampala

• Transfer to Entebbe International Airport

• Domestic flight to Kasese Airstrip

• Transfer to Crater Safari Lodge

• Full board accommodation at Crater Safari Lodge

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Sunday March 2nd

Kibale Forest National Park

Hotel: Crater Safari Lodge 

After breakfast, we will head to the start of our Chimpanzee trek in Kibale Forest National Park. The park is home Uganda’s largest population of 1,450 chimpanzees, where will also hope to encounter other species like the black-and-white colobus, red-tailed monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabeys.

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After lunch, we will visit Bigodi, a local conservation area protecting the Magombe Swamp. This 4-sq-km swamp is home to around 200 bird species, including the great blue turaco, and offers a chance to see butterflies and primates like the grey-cheeked mangabey. The 2-3 hour walk is guided by locals.

Inclusions:

• Full board accommodation at Crater Safari Lodge

• Guided chimpanzee trekking

• Guided wetland tour

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Monday March 3rd

Northern Queen Elizabeth National Park

Hotel: Mweya Safari Lodge 

After an early breakfast, we will drive through the scenic Kigezi Highlands to Queen Elizabeth National Park. We plan to have lunch at Mweya Safari Lodge before heading out for an afternoon game drive.

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Queen Elizabeth National Park, one of Uganda’s most popular parks, is home to the world’s largest hippo population in the Kasinga Channel, along with many Nile crocodiles. The park also offers amazing birdwatching and wildlife along the riverbanks. Our drive through the Kigezi Highlands, offers breathtaking views. After arriving at the lodge, enjoy a delicious lunch before our afternoon game drive.

  

 

Inclusions:

• Transfer to Mweya Safari Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park

• Full board accommodation at Mweya Safari Lodge

• Afternoon game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Tuesday March 4th

Northern Queen Elizabeth National Park

Hotel: Mweya Safari Lodge 

 

After an early breakfast, we will head out for a morning game drive. We will return to the lodge to enjoy a delicious hot lunch, then in the afternoon, embark on a unique 2-hour boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel into Lake Edward. This cruise takes us through one of the highest concentrations of hippos, offering fantastic opportunities for photography, birdwatching, and game viewing. With over 550 resident bird species, the birdlife is both colorful and spectacular!

Inclusions:

• Full board accommodation at Mweya Safari Lodge

• Morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park

• Boat cruise on Kazinga Channel

Wednesday March 5th

Southern Queen Elizabeth National Park

Hotel: Ishasha Wilderness Camp

Queen Elizabeth National Park, located among other stunning parks in western Uganda, is renowned for its rich biodiversity, wildlife, and history. The remote Ishasha sector in the south is famous for its tree-climbing lions, who rest in fig trees while watching over the Uganda Kob antelope grazing below. 

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After an early breakfast, we will be transferred to the Ishasha plains in search of the tree-climbing lions. We plan to arrive at our lodge in time for lunch, and afterward, head out for an exciting game drive.

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Inclusions:

• Transfer to Ishasha Wilderness Camp

• Full board accommodation at Ishasha Wilderness Camp

• Afternoon game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Thursday March 6th

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Hotel: Gorilla Safari Lodge 

 

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, located in southwestern Uganda, is Africa’s oldest rainforest and home to half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. This breathtaking forest, with its dense jungle, waterfalls, and deep valleys, offers world-renowned gorilla sighting experiences. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, rich in natural beauty and ecological significance. Besides the gorillas, there are over 340 bird species, and brightly colored butterflies.

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After breakfast, we will pack our bags for a morning game drive en-route to Bwindi, with a chance to search for wildlife. After arriving at our lodge, we will enjoy dinner and have time for one on ones with your photo instructors. 

Inclusions:

• Morning game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park

• Transfer to Gorilla Safari Lodge in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

• Full board accommodation at Gorilla Safari Lodge

Friday March 7th

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Hotel: Gorilla Safari Lodge 

After an early breakfast, we will head to the starting point for a briefing about our exciting gorilla trekking adventure. Led by experienced trackers, we will begin our trek on the slopes of the volcanoes, starting from the location where the gorillas were last seen. The hike can be challenging, but the anticipation of the encounter and the beauty of the forest make it worthwhile.

Encountering these magnificent apes in their natural habitat is one of Africa’s greatest highlights. It’s a humbling experience to be just meters away from them as they eat, rest, play, and interact with their young. You’ll have an hour with the gorillas before heading back to the lodge. If your trek was short, you may have time for optional activities. Be sure to carry your rain gear, packed lunch, plenty of water, gloves, a hat, and a waterproof bag to protect your camera in case of rain!

 

Inclusions:

• Full board accommodation at Gorilla Safari Lodge

• Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

• Experienced trekking guides

Saturday March 8th

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Hotel: Gorilla Safari Lodge 
Second day of Gorilla Trekking and group image share in the evening.

Inclusions:

• Full board accommodation at Gorilla Safari Lodge

Sunday March 9th

End of Tour

Transfer to Entebbe International Airport 
After breakfast transfer to Kisoro Airstrip for domestic flight to Entebbe International Airport.

Inclusions:

• Bed and breakfast at Gorilla Safari Lodge

• Transfer to Kisoro Airstrip

• Domestic flight to Entebbe International Airport

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IMPORTANT NOTE:

This is a sample itinerary designed to give you an idea of the incredible experiences awaiting you. Please note that all activities, times, and locations are subject to change based on availability, weather conditions, or other unforeseen circumstances. Additionally, while we strive to provide the best wildlife viewing opportunities, sightings of animals, including primates and other wildlife, are not guaranteed as they roam freely in their natural habitats. We will do our best to ensure a memorable experience, but the unpredictability of nature is part of the adventure!