Best of Uganda Camping

 13 Days & 12 Nights Best Camping in Uganda

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.

Highlights: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.

Baboons

 Detailed Itinerary
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.

BirdsDay 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.

ChimpDay 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.
Murchison Falls

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.

 For cost send your enquiries to our email address:info@victoriasafaris.com

Kenyan Coastline Marine Park Tourism

Kenyan coastal line is a beehive of Marine adventure activities. Our trips for this type of tourism adventure takes clients to three major Marine parks along the Kenyan coast. These are:

•  Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park
• Mombasa Marine park
• Malindi Marine Park
• Kiunga Marine Park

Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park
 Known as “Home of the dolphins and Coconut crab”. Kisite Marine park was established to protect the scenic islands and special habitats of a wide range of endemic marine animals and breeding migratory birds.It lies in the coral gardens beginning about 1km south of Wasini island and encompasses four small, arid coral islands, each with considerate areas of fringing reef.Kisite Island features an exposed sand bar and the surrounding pellucid waters offer the most rewarding of the snorkeling sites. The park is open all year round. Snorkeling is good throughout the year.

Wasini Island
Essentially unspoiled (there are no roads or cars) and entirely different in terms of culture and landscape from the mainland, this peaceful island invites exploration. It features a picturesquely sculptured rocky coastline, low rag coral forest cover, numerous venerable baobab trees and two small villages. Once below the waves, but now merely washed into the incoming tide, these rather surreal grey-white coral gardens lie directly behind Wasini village. Run by the friendly ‘Wasini Women’s Co-operative Boardwalk’(offering guided walks,cool drinks and a handicraft shop), the two and a half acres of petrified coral gardens and mangrove swamps can be explored by means of a meandering timbered broad walk leading in a circuit around the site.

                                                                          Features:

The Kenyan Barrier Reef
The most outstanding feature on the Kenyan coast, the prisine and well developed coral barrier reef extends all the way from Shimoni in the South of Malindi in the North, without significant break, except at the mouth of rivers. The coral reefs referred to as the rain forests of the sea, are one of the most fascinating ecosystems on earth, sheltering nearly one million types of marine life.

Enchanted underwater kingdom
An enchanted realm of living coral gardens, sculpted islands, wheeling seabirds and sparklingly clear seas, this world famous Marine Park promises an underwater world of unbelievable color, discovery and vibrancy. The reef provides food and shelter for the entire community. A shifting rainbow of small fish, octopus and clams hide in the gaps between the rainbow coral; celestal-blue parrot fish use their hard beaks to chew off lumps of coral while a kaleidoscope of soup plate sized snappers, rubber fish, Zebra fish, butterfly fish, angel fish and scorpion fish shimmer in the clear waters.Hunting sharks, rays, turtles and starfish also prowl the reef in search of prey while moral eels hide in holes alongside small crabs and Wrasses(long, spiny-finned fish). Sea cucumbers, brittle stars and numerous species of mollusk also feed on the plentiful algae of these warm coastal waters. The reef features 12 species of sea grass and numerous sponges.

Turtle Territory
The park is famous for its population of turtles: green, Hawks bill ,Loggerhead, Ridley and Leatherback.

Dolphin and Whale spotting
The Reef offers sanctuary to over 200 dolphins (spinner, humpback and bottle-nosed), which can be encountered singly or in schools, above or below the waves. You may even be fortunate enough to see a humpback whale(October-December). Whale sharks meanwhile are often seen around the Mpunguti Islands.

Kisite Island, Realm of the Seabirds
Kisite Island is flat, treeless and often only visible as a sandbar.At its tip is a rocky outcrop, which makes ideal seabird habitat supporting an abundance of pelagic-feeding birds including a breeding colony of roseate terns and nesting sooty terns.

Divers and Snorkelers Paradise
Due to its warm shallow waters, exceptionally clarity, pristine coral and extraordinary breadth of marine life, the Park and the Reserve offer an excellent dive venue for beginners and professionals alike.The warm clear waters, spectacular soft corals and Kaleidoscopic marine life make this park one of the finest snorkeling venues in Kenya, the most popular areas lying in the main coral garden toward the outer edge of the Kisite anchorage area.

Visitor tip:The best time to snorkel is two hours either side of low tide,when the greatest amount of marine life is revealed.Also please avoid standing on or otherwise damaging the coral.

The Shimoni caves
Only five minutes from Shimoni Pier, and well worthy a visit, are the ancient coral caves of Shimoni.Vast, carvenous bat filled,they are reputed to extend 5 km inland and served for centuries as ‘Kayas’ or sacred sites of worship and sanctuary for the local community.Later,in the 18th and 19th century, the caves are also believed to have served as the holding areas for the thousands of slaves captured in the African interior,mwho were in transit to the infamous Arabian slave markets of Zanzibar.The caves, which are run as a community project,mare open from 8.30am to 6pm(a small entrance fee is payable.)

Accommodation
There is no accommodation within the park but there are various accommodation options in nearby Shimoni including a selection of 7 economically priced KWS self-catering ‘Bandas’ or chalets (offered inclusive bedding, towels, cooking equipments, bathrooms, showers and communal eating area).

                                    Mombasa Marine Park.

Highlights: The Mombasa Marine National Park is an unforgettable paradise of beautiful sun, sandy beach, and safe ocean adventure. The park was established just over 20years ago to protect the coral reef and the resident marine life spread out over a breadth taking 210km.sq.

Activities

Besides taking in the beautiful coral gardens, you can sunbathe on the pristine beaches,or enjoy relaxing water sports,like scuba diving and snorkeling.As a point of interest,the greatest amount of marine life comes out two hours either side of low tide.That is the best recommended time to go snorkeling over the reef.

Kenya’s coastal waters are warm all year round so,even without a wet suit,diving is quiet rewarding.

Accommodation
There are lots of luxurious, comfortable and culturally rich hotels and lodges to choose from in close proximity to the Mombasa Marine National Park.

The wonderful news is you don’t have to wait for a specific time of year to visit the Mombasa Marine Park.The park is open all year round.And with the beautiful Kenyan coastal weather,snorkeling is good all through the year.

What to take with you

•     footwear, e.g sandals or flip flops (to protect your feet from reef).
•    T-shirts(to protect your body from sunburn).
•     snorkel, mask, fins, all of which are available for hire
•     camera, hat, sunscreens, insect repellent
•     guide books
•     plenty of drinking water
•     A friend(s)

Malindi Marine Park

Highlights: Africa’s oldest Marine Park, Magic Islands, Zebra Fish.Malindi Marine Park and Reserve was the first marine protected area in Kenya, established in 1968 and designated as a Biosphere Reserve programme of UNESCO in 1979.The park is located south of Malindi town extending to Mida creek, neighbouring Gede ruins and Arabuko Sokoke forest and is enveloped by a national reserve and a 100 ft strip of coastal land starting from Vasco-da-Gama pillar to Watamu.

Malindi Marine park is well endowed with a variety of unique resources such as fringing reefs,coral gardens in the lagoons, sea grass beds, mangroves, mudflats and a high diversity of fish and marine mammals(e.g dolphins), turtles and shorebirds.Among the species of fish found in the Malindi Marine Park include coral reef fish, sweet lips, surgeon fish, butterfly fish, damsels and parrotfish. On the leeward side of north reef which has a low coral cover with large schools of Barracuda and the occasional reef shark commonly encountered as well as large rays that feed on the bottom.Whether snorkeling or scuba diving you are sure to marvel at the under water beauty and may just bump into other regular visitors to the Malindi Marine Park who include sea turtles feeding on the thallasia beds and dolphins feeding on shimmering schools of sardine.

    Activities:

•     Swimming in the warm ocean water,snorkeling,boat rides,diving,dhow rides,sun bathing,,educational tour,picnic and barbecue on island,wind surfing(in the reserve),beach clean up,research and much more.
•     Conferencing: A resource centre with a conference hall for a capacity of 50people with audio-visual equipment,a library and laboratory is available for hire.
•     An education centre with audio-visual equipment and colourful and informative posters displayed for visitor’s free access.

    Glass Bottom Boats:
Whether you prefer swimming or snorkeling or just viewing the biodiversity of the coral reef from a boat, the marine operator offers the following services:

•     Boat excursion rides throughout the Marine Park and Reserve.
•     Visits to the coral gardens to see the tropical fish in their natural environment
•     Trips to Manyungu,a tidal sand island,where you can have fresh sea food.
•     General information
•     There is no charge to use the beach for swimming,sunbathing or exploring the many tidal pools.
•     A park fee is charged for visitors using boats to go snorkeling,scuba diving,or observing the coral reef.
•     Glass bottom boats are available for hire to visit the reefs.
•     Please use only the services of the local community of boat operators who are authorised by the warden. 

 For cost send your enquiries to our email address:info@victoriasafaris.com

Rwanda Primate Safaris

GORILLAS AND GOLDEN MONKEYS

 KIGALI - VIRUNGA MTNS - KINIGI - KIGALI
4 Days* Lodges / Permanent Tented Camps
Day 1: Kigali - Virunga

Meet and greet at the Airport by our tour manager. Transfer to Kinigi at the foothills of the volcanoes. Overnight at the lodge of your choice: Virunga Lodge or Mountain Gorilla Nest.

Day 2: Gorilla trekking
After breakfast, you will depart for the headquarters of the Park to get the necessary requirements. You will meet your ranger/guide(s) for a briefing about the greatest animal experience ever, then drive you to the slopes of one of the Virunga volcanoes for your trekking. After the trekking, you will enjoy lunch at Ruhengeri and an excursion to explore the beautiful lakes in the region (Lake Bulera & Ruhondo). Overnight at the lodge of your choice: Virunga Lodge or Mountain Gorilla Nest (BLD).

Day 3: Visit of the Golden Monkeys - Kinigi - Kigali
After breakfast, you will report to the headquarters for your excursion to the Golden Monkeys. Which is a very different experience from gorilla-viewing, the Monkeys react and interact differently; they will keep on playing hide-and-seek much to the delight of the visitor! The Kabatwa troop is located not so far from the Park Headquarters. The Musanga troop lives near the Karisimbi volcano and has a much longer walking distance. Overnight at the hotel of your choice: Kigali Serena or Hotel Des Mille Collines in Kigali. (BLD)

Day 4: Departure from Kigali.
Pick up at your hotel, Kigali city trip (optional) and transfer to the Airport for departure. (B)

 INCLUSIVE:

• Accommodation, meals as specified, mineral water, safari activities, land transportation, airport transfers and park fees.

 EXCLUSIVES:

• Any airfare, visa fee, airport taxes, trip insurance, tips and gratuities and all items of a personal nature.

 DEPARTURES:
On request with a min. of 2 participants, depending on the availability of gorilla permits. 

NOTE:
Minimum age is 15 years.
Prices are quoted in USD
B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner.
The safari can be combined with the Kigali city trip, which includes the visit of the Genocide Memorial at Gisozi, or a trip to Akagera National Park.

 
 

Classical Kenya Birding safari

 Bird Watchers in East Africa

22 Days / 21 Nights- Birding Safari –

Highlights:In Kenya, it is very impossible to get away from birds! Wherever you travel in this country, there is a huge diversity of birds. Due to various habitats, there are also different species of birds you are likely to see in different habitats, this means that within a short space of time a birder ends up with a long list of birds. The total bird species list for a two to three week tour to Kenya is tremendous.

                        Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi

You will be met by our tour manager who will brief on your three weeks tour. You will then be transferred to your hotel have lunch and then visit the National Museums gallery, the museum garden and, if time permits, other sites around Nairobi, for a diversity of species in this unbelievably bird-rich city. Lunch at a city restaurant. Overnight at Nairobi Serena/ Norfolk/Hilton/Intercontinental on bed and breakfast basis.

Days 2: Aberdares Range National Park

Early breakfast, drive northwards passing the 3rd world largest pineapple plantations to the town of Mweiga for lunch at the Aberdare Country Club. After lunch you will be ferried by lodge’s 4wd vehicles up the forest to the Ark. Aberdares national park is inhabited mainly by forest dwelling bird species. At the Ark, you spend the evening viewi
ng from the hotel balconies the large number of wildlife that comes to drink at the salt lick close to this Eco-lodge. Dinner and overnight at the Ark.

NOTE: children under 8 years old are not allowed at the tree lodge (the ark). Only a small bag/ luggage is required the rest of the luggage is left under good care at the base hotel.

The Aberdares host a rich montane bird fauna. Most of Kenya’s highland species are found here. The reserves are also rich in big game such as elephant, buffalo and antelope – the bongo.

Day 3-5: Samburu National Reserve.

Drive northwards after breakfast Samburu Game Reserve. This reserve has a plethora of unique bird and game species. Despite its small size, the reserve contains lots of contrasting habitats: rocky cliff and scarps, pools, swamps and river line sandbanks; arid open woodland, bush and grasslands. All these contribute to an impressive biodiversity. Take a tour too to the neighbouring reserves of Shaba and Buffalo springs which are separated by Ewaso Nyiro (the brown river).

Samburu National Reserve bird species are such as Palm-Nut Vulture and Egyptian Vultures, Bateleur, and Verreaux Eagles, Verreaux Eagle-owl and the small Pygmy Falcon. We shall also look for Somali Ostrich, Kori and Buff-crested Bustards, Somali Bee-eater, Vulturine Guinea fowl, Ethiopian Swallow, Bare-eyed Thrush, Grey-capped and Black-capped Social Weavers, Cut-throat Finch, Red-winged and Pink-breasted Larks, Golden Pipit, Magpie Starlings and Donaldson-Smith’s Sparrow-weaver, Northern and Pale Crombecs. While looking out for the endemic William’s and Masked larks, we will also see some big mammals which are confined to the northern part of Kenya and they include the Oryx, Grevy’s Zebra, Reticulated Giraffe and the Gerenuk or Giraffe antelope.

Dinner and overnight at Samburu Serena, shaba sarova, Samburu Sopa lodge.

Days 6-7: Nakuru National Park.

Drive southwards after an early breakfast to Lake Nakuru national park and arrive in good time for lunch. The park was opened in 1969 as a bird sanctuary because of the huge flocks of Lesser Flamingo. It also hosts big flocks of both Great White and Pink-backed Pelican, ducks and waders. The acacia is a refuge for other wildlife like the Rothschild Giraffe, both Black and White Rhino and cats like lion and leopard.

Flamingoes

Lake Nakuru you will see the spectacular gathering of lesser Flamingos in there hundreds of thousand together with an abundance of other water birds like the Western Reef Heron, Lesser Jacana, and black-headed Gull. We will also look for Acacia forest species, including Green-wood Hoopoe, Hilde brandt’s and Coqui Francolins, Rufous-naped and Fawn -coloured Larks, scarce Grey-crowned Helmet-shrike, Arrow-marked Babbler, Bearded Woodpecker, Mottled swift and White-shouldered Cliff Chat. On the baboon cliff we shall be on the lookout for fox Kestrels and other species of falcons.

Dinner and overnight at Lake Nakuru lodge or Sarova Lion hill Game Lodge on full board basis.

Days 8-9: Lake Baringo.

After breakfast travel further south to Lake Baringo and arrive in good time for lunch.

In Lake Baringo Birding along the cliffs will give you golden chances to see some owls and raptors on the cliffs and adjacent acacia. Key species to look for are White-faced Scopes Owl, Hemprich’s Hornbill, Brown-tailed Rock Chat, Bristle-crowned Starling ,Mouse-coloured Penduline Tit, Beautiful Sunbird, Bristle-crowned Starling, Jackson’s Golden-backed, Little and Northern Masked Weavers. In the evening we visit several sites looking for Verreaux’s and Spotted-Eagle Owls, as well as the White-faced Scops Owl.

You shall take an exciting drive to Lake Bogoria, looking for Silver bird on the way. This is another saline lake with spectacular hot springs. This is an important roosting site for huge flocks of the Eurasian Steppe Eagle. Dinner and overnight at Baringo Country Club.

Days 10-12: Kakamega Tropical Rainforest.

Drive after breakfast to Kakamega forest having your lunch en route.

Kakamega Tropical Rain Forest. This is the only tropical rain forest in the country. It is on the easternmost boundary of the West African tropical rain forest. This makes it a unique biome because it contains species found nowhere else in the country. Birds to look for are the Great Blue Turraco, White-spotted Fluff tail, the endemic Chapin’s Flycatcher, the threatened and incredibly localised Turner’s Eremomela, Stuhlman’s Starling among a long list of other West African species.

Dinner and overnight at Rondo Retreat Centre.

Day 13: Kisumu

Drive to Kisumu, which is a city at the shores of Lake Victoria, after breakfast. Take a boat ride for your birding.

Birds of the lake

Along the Papyrus stands on the shores of Lake Victoria and Yala Swamps, we shall look for the three Papyrus endemics which are Papyrus Gonolek, Warbler and Canary. Other Lake region species to see are Open-billed Stork, White winged Warbler, Swamp Flycatcher, Red-headed Quelea, Yellow-backed Weaver, Greater-swamp Warbler, Northern Brown-throated Weaver, Red-chested Sunbird, Slender-billed and Golden-backed Weavers among others.

Lunch, dinner and overnight at kiboko bay.

Day 14: Lake Naivasha.

After breakfast drive to Lake Naivasha and arrive in good time for lunch. Have another boat ride for ducks, waders, warblers and kingfishers. The woodland around the lake is a good habitat for cuckoos and cisticolas. The lake supports large populations of Hippo, Wildebeest, Maasai Giraffe, Waterbuck and lots of others. The Acacia around the lake provide larger population of African Fish Eagle, Grey-crested and Helmet-shrike. Dinner and overnight at Lake Naivasha sopa/ simba

Days 15-18: Maasai Mara

Drive to and bird the famed Maasai Mara after breakfast. You will have packed lunch.

Birds in the wild

The Mara Game Reserve has varied habits, including open rolling grasslands, river line forests, acacia woodlands, swamps, escarpments, etc. These contribute to its exceedingly diverse wildlife. It is know for its huge concentrations of herbivores and attendant predators. More than 500 bird species are known to occur here, including raptor 53 raptor species such as Southern Ground Hornbill, Long-toed Plover Lizard Buzzard, Secretary Bird, Shelley’s Francolin, Red-necked Spur fowl, Madagascar Squacco Heron, Rofous-bellied Heron Spotted Thicknee, Red-throated Spurfowl, Magpie Shrike, Black Coucal, Little Greenbul, Yellow-bellied Hyliota, Athi Short-toed Lark, Karamoja Apalis, Zitting and Rock-loving Cisticola

Dinner and overnight at Serena/ mpata/ sopa/ simba/ keekorok.

Days 19-21: Amboseli National Park

Drive to Amboseli national park and lunch is enroute. Have three game viewing drives in the park.

Birds

Amboseli National Park ;This famous reserve is at the base of Africa’s highest mountain and the world’s highest standing volcano, Mt Kilimanjaro, which towers more than 19,000 feet above the plains. Birds that can be seen within the reserve include C, White-backed and Lappet-faced Vultures, Spur-winged and Egyptian Geese, Red-billed and Hottentot Teals, Long-tailed Cormorant, Red-knobbed Coot, Yellow-billed and Saddle-billed Storks, Great and Intermediate Egrets, Grey, Black-headed, Herons Black Crake, African Jacana, Grey Crowned-crane, African Spoonbill, African Fish-eagle, Water Thick-knee, Collared Pratincole, Two-banded Courser, Three-banded Plover Greater Painted-snipe, White-browed Coucal, Slender-tailed Nightjar, Lilac-breasted Roller, Grey-headed, Malachite kingfishers, African Hoopoe, Red-capped Lark, Fischer’s Sparrow-lark, Pangani long claw and the hard to find Taveta Golden-weaver.

Dinner and overnight at Amboseli Serena.

Day 22: Nairobi - Departure

After an early breakfast drive back to Nairobi, check in your Nairobi hotel and have dinner at carnivore for your dinner and then be transferred to JKIA for your outbound flight.

For cost send your enquries to : info@victoriasafaris.com

 Inclusives:-

• Transportation by 4wd with photographic roof

• Accommodation and meals as stated in the itinerary.

• Park entry fee where applicable

• Service of an English-speaking driver

• Guarantee of going for this trip.

• Game viewing drives as per the Itinerary

• Driver allowances and park fees for vehicle and driver

• Government taxes

 Exclusives:-

• Tips to driver guide, porters and hotel staff.

• Extras at the Lodges – tips, drinks, telephone bills, drinks both alcoholic and non – alcoholic.

• Airfare is not included in the tour

7-day extension to the 22-days Birding Safari

Day 23: Arabuko Sokoke Forest

Fly to Malindi from Nairobi. Check into a Malindi beach hotel and then drive to Arabuko Sokoke Forest. Ranked by Birdlife International as the second most important reserve for bird conservation in mainland Africa.

Arabuko Sokoke Forest as six globally-threatened species, for example, the Clark’s Weaver and Sokoke Pipit are known only from Arabuko Sokoke. Sokoke Scope Owl is known from this forest and from only one other side in north-eastern Tanzania. More than 230 bird species are recorded here. look for White-fronted Plover, Greater and Lesser Sand plovers, Terek Sandpiper, Sooty Gull, Lesser-crested and Caspian Terns, Mombasa Green-backed Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied and Fisher’s Greenbuls, Red-tailed Ant-thrush, Forest Batis, East-coast Akalat, Yellow and Blue-mantled Crested Monarch, Retz’s and Chestnut-fronted Helmet-shrike

Picnic lunch. Dinner and overnight at a Malindi Hotel.

Day 24: Sabaki River Mouth and Mida Creek

After breakfast drive to Sabaki River Mouth and Mida Creek.

Mida Creek and Sabaki River is important sites for Crab Plover and is an important passage and wintering area for Eurasian migrant waders. The coastline hosts significant feeding and nesting populations of terns. The Mida Creek is internationally important, and many species use the site, up to 6000 individual waders may be present at any one time.

Picnic lunch. Dinner and overnight at Malindi hotel.

Day 25-26: Tsavo National Park.

Drive to Tsavo National Park (west) having your lunch enroute.

Orstrich

Tsavo National Park has a huge range of natural habitats that support both local and Palaearctic species. It is a key stop over and wintering ground for Palaearctic migrants. It holds good populations of both globally and regionally threatened species. More than 300 bird species can be reported. Of the 92 Kenya species in the Somali-Maasai biome, 60 can be found here. Key species we will target are Black Eagle, Pale Chanting Goshawk, Shikra, Yellow-billed Hornbill, Meyers Parrot, White-headed Mousebirds, Tiny Cisiticola, Golden-breasted Starling, and the Golden Pipit. More species we will encounter on the second day includes, Tawny Eagle, African Black Swift, Spot-flanked Barbet, Cardinal Woodpecker, Scaly Chatterer, Somali Tit, Black-bellied, Hunter’s, and Kenya Violet-backed Sunbirds, Pygmy Batis, Brubru, Three-streaked and Black-crowned Tchagras, African Black-headed Oriole, White-naped Raven, Red-billed and Yellow-billed Oxpeckers, Black-necked, and Red-headed Weaver and the magnificent Somali Bunting. On the third day will be spent further exploring the vast Tsavo West National Park while transferring to another lodge closer to the coast. Woolly-necked Stork, African Grey Hornbill, Greater Honeyguide, Rufous-crowned Roller, Red-winged Lark, Desert Cisticola, Red-fronted Warbler, African Paradise-flycatcher, Sulphur-breasted Bush-shrike, Purple Grenadier, Cinnamon-breasted Bunting and the extremely local Pringle’s Puffback are all species we may be able to add during the course of the day.

Dinner and overnight at Ngulia Safari Lodge.

 Day 27: Birding in  Taita Hills.

After breakfast drive to TaIta Hills Reserve.

From the heat and openness of the Lowlands of Tsavo you rise into the mist forests of the Taita hills which form the northernmost extent of the Eastern Arc Mountains regarded as global biodiversity hotspots. You shall visit one of the largest fragments called Ngangao and here we shall find some endemics mainly, Taita Thrush, Taita White-eye, and Taita Apalis. Other interesting species are you shall see includes, African Dusky Flycatcher African Crowned Eagle, African Hawk-eagle, Walberg’s Eagle, African Hobby, Emerald Cuckoo, Striped Pipit, Stripe-cheeked and Placid Greenbuls, Sharpe’s Starling, White-starred Forest Robin, Orange-ground Thrush, Yellow-throated Woodland Warbler and Bicolored Manikin.

Check in at Sarova Salt Lick Lodge for dinner and overnight/ or transfer to voi safari lodge.

 Day 28: Taita Hills - Nairobi

Travel back to Nairobi, birding along the way. Check in at a Nairobi hotel for overnight.

Day 29: Nairobi National Park.

After breakfast drive to Nairobi National Park. This is a very important site for roosting of flocks of Lesser Kestrel from Europe and Asia. Other birds include Jackson’s Widow, Africa’s largest bird of prey, Martial Eagle, and a rich diversity of other species.

For cost send your enquiries to our email address:info@victoriasafaris.com

 Inclusive:-

• Transportation by 4wd with photographic roof

• Accommodation and meals as stated in the itinerary.

• Park entry fees where applicable

• Service of an English-speaking driver

• Guarantee of going for this trip.

• Game viewing drives as per the Itinerary

• Driver allowances and park fees for vehicle and driver

• Government taxes

 Exclusives:-

• Tips to driver guide, porters and hotel staff.

• Extras at the Lodges – tips, drinks, telephone bills, drinks both alcoholic and non – alcoholic.

• Airfare is not included in the tour

Bird Watching in Rwanda

Birding in Rwanda 11 days 10 nights

Highlights: Derek Schuurman describes Rwanda's Prime Birding Sites. Rwanda has recorded about 650 species of bird. These include many of the sought-after Albertine Rift Endemic and some West Africa forest specials which reach their eastern most limits in Rwanda. There is also a select band of localised rarities which, currently, may be seen only in Rwanda.

                      Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Kigali Airport

After arriving at the airport you will immediately start Bird watching after a short briefing. Birds of Rwanda are among the welcoming biodiversity. Then you will be transferred to the lodge or hotel. You will also be sighting Bird along the road. Full board at Mille Collines Hotel

 Day 2: Travel to Akagera National Park

You will have a whole day birding in this open Savannah. We shall stay at Akagera Hotel this hotel has one of the best panoramic views known in East Africa overlooking the River Akagera meanders.

AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK. This park is Rwanda’s hot Birding spot in the Savannah relatively open grassland and Papyrus swamps, In eastern Rwanda, The acacia savanna supports many broadly distributed African birds such as Bennett's Woodpecker, headed Black Chat, White-Black-collared Barbet, Tabora Cisticola and Miombo Wren-warbler. Akagera is probably the best site in which to look for the very rare Ring-necked Francolin. The highly localized acacia specialist Red-faced Barbet can be sought around the Akagera Game Lodge grounds, as can the rare Souza's shrike. Also worth looking for are Barefaced Go-away Bird, Brown Parrot, White-winged Black Tit and Sooty Chat. One of Africa's most sought-after birds, the enormous and bizarre Shoebill, may be present in the Papyrus swamp habitat. Other Papyrus swamp specialists include; the Swamp Flycatcher, Caruthers’s Cisticola, the elusive White-winged Warbler, and the stunning Papyrus Gonolek. At the water's edge, look for the localized Brown-chested Lapwing and the attractive, widely distributed Long-toed Lapwing. Full board Akagera Hotel this hotel.

Day 3: Akagera National Park

After breakfast, enjoy Bird watching in the whole day in the park. You will have a picnic lunch and later return to the lodge. AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK in eastern Rwanda, the park is dominated by savanna, relatively open grassland and Papyrus swamps. The acacia savanna supports many broadly distributed African birds such as Bennett's Woodpecker, headed Black Chat, White-Black-collared Barbet, Tabora Cisticola and Miombo Wren-warbler. Akagera is probably the best site in which to look for the very rare Ring-necked Francolin. The highly localised acacia specialist Red-faced Barbet can be sought around the Akagera Game Lodge grounds, as can the rare Souza's shrike. Also worth looking for are Barefaced Go-away Bird, Brown Parrot, White-winged Black Tit and Sooty Chat. One of Africa's most sought-after birds, the enormous and bizarre Shoebill, may be present in the Papyrus swamp habitat. Other Papyrus swamp specialists include; the Swamp Flycatcher, Carruther's Cisticola, the elusive White-winged Warbler, and the stunning Papyrus Gonolek. At the water's edge, look for the localised Brown-chested Lapwing and the attractive, widely distributed Long-toed Lapwing. Full board Akagera hotel.

Day 4: Birding to Nyungwe National Park

NYUNGWE FOREST RESERVE This is Rwanda’s birding haven. Preferably known for its 13 species of resident Primate, this beautiful and ancient tropical evergreen forest is arguably the country's most exciting hot spot for birders. A winding tarmac road bisects Nyungwe Forest is and the terrain includes many steep slopes. Birders can seek most of the resident Albertine Rift Endemics along the road including; the remarkable, 'painted' Rwenzori Turaco, Handsome Francolin, Mountain Black Boubou, Ruwenzori Batis, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, Archer's Robin-chat, the rare Grauer's Rush Warbler, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Neumann's Warbler, the near-endemic Kungwe Apalis the attractive Mountain Masked Apalis, and a cluster of colourful Sunbirds including Ruwenzori Double-collared, Purple-throated, Blue-headed and the stunning Regal Sunbird. Stripe-breasted Tit and Strange Weaver can also be seen. Nyungwe Forest is now the only site in which the sought-after Red-collared Mountain Babbler can safely be sought. Stay at Gisakura Guest House for 3 nights. Full board

Day 5: Nyungwe National Park: Chimp tracking and bird watching

We shall wake up very early in the morning and prepare for Chimp tracking and seeing several varieties of smaller primates in the morning, and there after continue exploring the avifauna of the montane Forest later in the afternoon. The Forest inhabits humankind’s closest living relative, the chimpanzee, as well as the handsome L’Hoest’s monkey and hundred-strong troops of the delightfully acrobatic Angola colobus.

Day 6: Nyungwe National Park

All-day Birding We shall start early on this day and have another try through the extensive network of well-maintained walking trails leading through the forest to various waterfalls and viewing points. Return to the Guesthouse for overnight stay.

Day 8: Transfer to Ruhengeri

We will drive through The bustling market town of Ruhengeri which has a memorable setting at the base of the Virunga. On the outskirts of town, the natural bridge at Musing - a solidified lava flow - is a fascinating relic of the volcanic activity that shaped this PARC NATIONAL DES VOLCANS Situated in the far northwest of Rwanda, A Celebrated resident for Mountain Gorillas! Its two troops of recently habituated Golden Monkeys appreciated and not forgetting some 180-bird species in this park. Well placed in the Virunga volcano chain, the terrain consists mainly of steep volcanic slopes. Below 2,500m, much of the Afro-montane forest has been cleared for agriculture. . Higher up, there is moorland, marsh and grassland with Giant Lobelias a prominent feature in places. Midst 2,500m and 3,500m, the habitat mainly consists of dense bamboo stands and Hagenia woods. Resident birds with many of the Albertine Rift Endemics, such as the Handsome Francolin, the highly sought-after and spectacular, 'painted' Rwenzori Turaco; Archer's Robin-chat and both Dusky and Shelley's Crimson wings. Full board at Gorilla Nest Hotel.

Day 9: Parc National Des Vulcan’s; Gorilla tracking and birding

This morning after an early breakfast, visit the most thrilling experience in Rwanda, gorilla tracking and later in the day, we shall follow an exhilarating trek through the cultivated foothills of the Virunga for stirring views in all directions. You will be immersed in the mysterious intimacy of the rainforest, which is alive with the calls of colourful birds and chattering of the rare golden monkeys, and littered with fresh spoor of the mountains’ elusive populations of Buffalo and Elephant. Through gaps in the forest canopy, the magnificent peaks are glimpsed, easily accessible and among the highest in Africa, beckoning an ascent.

Day 10: Parc national Des Vulcan’s

After Breakfast, resume enjoy your last day of birding in Rwanda as you drive back to Kigali in the evening for the overnight stay. Full board at Mille Collines Hotel.

Day 11: End of Safari / Departure

After breakfast you will depart for Kigali were you will take your on wards flight home

Costs:-

Please request for the safari cost by filling in your details after clicking on the Reservations Button below. The price depends on season of travel, class of accommodation and the size of the group. Children are offered Special Rates based on their ages.

Inclusive:

- Park entrance fee

- Full board accommodation on safari

- Service of an English speaking driver guide

- Transport 4*4 with pop up roof for game viewing

- Driver allowances and park fees for vehicle and driver

- Game drives as per the Itinerary

- Government taxes

Exclusives:

- Extras at the lodges i.e. drinks, telephone, laundry etc.

- International flight

- Departure tax

- Tips to porters and drivers

Best of Ugandas Camping.

 13 Days & 12 Nights Best Camping in Uganda 

(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 falls0

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

Highlights: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. 

Ugandan Crane

 Detailed Itinerary

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, bush buck 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 silver backs. 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, bush buck, topi, Defassa water buck, 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, water buck, 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 bush bucks, sitatungas, duikers, civets, buffaloes and Uganda's 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, bush buck, Uganda kob, Defassa water buck, Rothschild giraffe, hippopotamus, warthog and lion. Over 460 bird species have also been recorded here.
Murchison Falls

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 shoe bill 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.

END OF SAFARI.

For cost send your enquiries to our email address:info@victoriasafaris.com

Price includes:

·         Transfer from the airport on the arrival day to the hotel

·         Safari vans for game drive

·         Park entry fees

·         3 meals a day

·         Accommodation in Camp

·         Driver/Guide allowances

Costs Excludes:

·         All international air transport to and from Nairobi

·         Alcohol and non-alcoholic drinks

·         Any Medical expenses

·         Tips

·         All activities or excursions not mentioned in program

Best of Rwanda

 KIGALI - NYUNGWE FOREST - LAKE KIVU - VIRUNGA MOUNTAINS - KIGALI - 9 Days * Lodge Safari

Day 1: Kigali
Arrive at Kigali Airport where you are met by our tour manager. Transfer to your hotel for a briefing. Overnight at Kigali Serena Hotel (B).

Day 2: Kigali - Butare - Nyungwe Forest
After breakfast you will departure for Butare. We visit the finest ethnographic museum of East-Africa is a National Museum, After lunch we drive to Nyungwe for an overnight at the Nyungwe Guest House.

East-Africa is a National Museum; absorbing displays of traditional artifacts are illuminated by a fascinating selection of turn-of-the-century monochrome photographs, providing insight not only into pre-colonial lifestyles, but also into the subsequent development of Rwanda as a modern African state. A traditionally constructed dome (Rugs) can be seen and we can arrange a performance by the famous "Intore" dancers.

Days 3 and 4: Nyungwe Forest
you will spend two days extensively visiting Nyungwe the only remaining high altitude rainforest in East Africa. After an early breakfast, we leave for a guided nature walk in Nyungwe Forest in search of primates. We take the whole day to explore Nyungwe and have a second overnight at the Nyungwe Guest House (Gisakura).

Nyungwe Forest in search of primates. Birdwatchers will also appreciate the exceptional rich bird life of this place which is a home to more than 275 bird species, making in the regions most important birding site. Nyungwe is a primate and bird nirvana!

Day 5: Nyungwe - Kibuye
After breakfast we head off to explore Lake Kivu. On our way to Kibuye we visit the Genocide Memorial of Bisesero. Lunch at the Guest house then we will take time for some relaxation on the shores of Lake Kivu. Overnight at Molia Hill Lodge
Lake Kivu is the largest of numerous freshwater bodies that shimmer in the valleys of Rwanda. Along the shores of Lake Kivu you will see the three resort towns: Cyangungu, Kibuye and Gisenyi. Kibuye with his Guest House is the most beautiful of the three. The place offers visitors rewarding glimpses into ancient African lifestyles.

Day 6: Kibuye - Gisenyi - Kinigi
After breakfast, boat trip to Gisenyi. You will be picked up in Gisenyi for lunch. We visit Goma, devastated by the eruption of the Nyamulagira volcano. The visit shows the fantastic capabilities of the local population to overcome this natural catastrophe! We drive to Ruhengeri and Kinigi for an overnight at Virunga Lodge (BLD).

Day 7: Gorilla tracking
after breakfast we report at the headquarters for your gorilla tracking day. After the trekking, lunch at the Kinigi guest house .in the afternoon an excursion to explore the beautiful lakes in the region. Overnight at Virunga Lodge (BLD).

Day 8: Second Gorilla Trip or Hiking the Bisoke.
For those who would like to have a second gorilla trekking we invite you to visit one of the groups with a longer hiking time. Afterwards, we drive back to Kigali for overnight. Kigali Serena Hotel (BLD).

The Susa group which is located on the slopes of the Karisimbi has 35 members and will give you a great sense of achievement! (Extra gorilla permit not included).You may choose to trek for a second time or: Hike to the top of the Bisoke. On your way you will visit the former Karisoke Centre and the grave of Dian Fossey .or a visit to the Golden Monkeys: the little-known Golden Monkey (cercopithecus mitis kandti) is listed as “endangered”, the newly habituated groups of about 40 individuals are the only ones in Africa. The Kabatwa troop is located not so far from the Park Headquarters and the Musanga troop lives near the Karisimbi volcano and has a much longer walking distance.

Day 9: Kigali - Departure
After breakfast we explore the beautiful lakes of the region and leave for Kigali. Lunch in Kigali and in the afternoon Kigali city trip with some shopping. Transfer to Airport for departure flights.

•     PRICE PER PERSON SHARING: $4,340
•     GORILLA PERMIT: $515
•     OPTIONAL GOMA VISIT: $30
•     SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $500

    • INCLUSIVE:
    Accommodation, meals as specified, land transportation, safari activities as specified, gorilla permit         (x1), airport transfers and park fees.
    • EXCLUSIVES:
    Any airfare, visa fees, airport taxes, tips and gratuities and all items of a personal nature.

    • DEPARTURES:
    Departs on request with a minimum of 2 people subject to availability of gorilla permits.
    • NOTES Second gorilla permit: $515.
    Safaris are subject to availability of gorilla permits.
    Min. age is 15 years old.
 
 

Kenyan Western Tourist Circuit

The Virgin Tourist Treasure - The New Western Kenya Tourist circuit

Kenya tourism is associated with the wildlife in the Maasai Mara, Tsavo, Amboseli, Samburu, Mount Kenya region and Malindi and Mombasa. The former are known for their superb game parks and reserves, the latter for their fine beaches and hotels. It is a wonder that there are some tourist destinations in the country which are considered virgin tourist treasures which are unexplored and which can offer a lot to the keen tourist.

Impala park

The New Western Kenya Tourist Circuit.

Cow Market at NgiyaVictoria Safaris is keen to promote the western Kenya tourist circuit which covers the Lake Victoria basin which includes the entire tourism activities inside and around Lake Victoria gulf in Kenya. Kenya boasts 10% of the great Lake Victoria in East Africa, but within the 10% portion of Lake Victoria, many tourists activities are unexplored within this region. As most travelers dream of finding a new and unknown destination, somewhere far from the beaten tourist path, where the thrill of real discovery and exploration reward them with new and unexpected experiences, sights and sounds, western Kenya, Lake Victoria region is the place for them.

Western Kenya is an area of great geographical, agricultural, cultural and natural diversity, offering the tourists just as much, if not more, than many of Kenya's better known tourist destinations. The Kenya Tourism Board is in the event of promoting this region both locally and internationally. It is not a wonder that most Kenyan population have never seen Lake Victoria. This beautiful region is virgin, an undiscovered world of wonders, with huge contrasts. Endlessly diverse, Western Kenya has lush green highlands, the tropical rain forest of Kakamega, the great water expanse of Lake Victoria, which is the source of the Nile, and much more for it is a vast area.

Kericho Agritourism activities

Tea Plantation

The first stop from Nairobi is Kericho. This town is at the heart of the tea-growing zone of the Rift Valley. Here you find the lush green carpet of tea bushes which is literally a gold nugget as tea remains one of Kenya's biggest foreign exchange earners. This region produces one of the world's finest quality teas. Agritourism and agro tourism is becoming popular, and Kericho has grown into a reasonably big rural town. Kericho is the perfect base to launch a tour of the tea plantations. There are also horticultural farms producing cut flowers. A tour of the Finlay company flower farm will make even the ordinarily dull person appreciate the smell and beauty - and even value - of flowers. The company exports more than 90 per cent of the flowers it grows.

Kit Mikaye

There are many spectacular rock formations which abound with myths and mythologies in western tourist circuit. The massive columns of Kit Mikaye in Seme are towers of boulders piled together into gravity defying columns. According to legend, this was once the homestead of a powerful man who used to abuse and mistreated his first wife. The woman returned to haunt him after her death, eventually turning him and his property into stones. The stones have been a source of solace for the Luo people for a long time. They believe that if any man with a problem visits the stones, his problems will be solved and his wishes answered, so long as elders sacrifice a goat at the site. In the past, only men were allowed near the rocks, but visitors are these days welcome. The site is managed by the Kit Mikaye Rock Development group which plans to construct a Banda where visitors can get refreshments and accommodation. Religious groups visit the rocks hoping that their prayers will be answered.

Got Ramogi

The Luo believe their people were born in a sacred forest hill known as Got Ramogi in Yimbo. This area of Bondo has beaches and unique plants.

At Kang'o ka Jaramogi, there is a museum built in honor of the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga. His mausoleum is at this site. The tomb of his first wife is part of the museum in which various traditional items are displayed.

Dominion Farm

Based in Luo Nyanza in Bondo and Siaya districts at the delta of River Yala at Yala swamp, it is an upcoming agri /agro tourism center.

It is a modern Farm built by the Americans using American Agricultural Technology. Famous for Aquaculture Tourism in Kenya and the Bob Greene Weir on river Yala and Pro poor- poverty eradication tourism in Western Kenya.

Lake Victoria and its Islands

Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa, is a sight to behold. It has sandy beaches and is dotted with about many small islands. The lake is an endless expanse of blue, stretching as far as the eye can see and beyond into Tanzania and Uganda. The islands are also tourist sites, each with unique features;

Ndere Island National Park

Ndere Island Game Park is a gazetted National Park inside Lake Victoria. Antelopes and crocodiles are in plenty. This Island is 10 minutes on boat from Kaloka beach.

Rusinga Island

Rusinga Island, which is accessible by road, is the burial site of political genius Tom Mboya. At the site is the politician's mausoleum. There is also the Mary Leakey archeological site. Although the site is not developed, plans are under way to return the excavated fossil and construct a proper archeological site. The Rusinga Island Club is built right on the beach and can accommodate 18 visitors. It offers lots of activities including, fishing, sport fishing, sight seeing and water skiing.

Mfangano Island

The Mfangano camp is situated on the un-spoilt island of that name in Lake Victoria and occupies an entire secluded bay on the island's western shores. A boat ride across the lake brings one to Mfangano Island. This is basically a fishing village, on it is where the Governor's Camp, an exclusive club with six cottages and a capacity of 12 guests, is built. The 6 rooms all have stunning views of the lake and offer complete privacy, en suite bathrooms with bath and shower, basin and flush toilet, as well as hot and cold running water. Decorated in ethnic style, all rooms have four-poster beds and private verandas, which give them a special charm. Each room is open to the lake and offers uninterrupted views and spectacular sunsets. Visits to Mfangano Island on Lake Victoria provide a unique opportunity to see the colorful life on the lake, where enchanting Luo fishing villages have not changed in centuries, the bird life is unsurpassed and seeing the families of otters is an added bonus. Mfangano Island Camp is a perfect place for nature lovers, and is particularly recommended as a relaxing retreat for honeymooners.

Takawiri Island

Takawiri Island is a sandy beach, likes of Mombasa beaches inside Lake Victoria. It can be reached by road from Kisumu via Homabay to Mbita and by ferry from Luanda K'otieno beach-45 minutes ride on the lake ferry. It has cottages which can accommodate 16 people sharing a double room. It is famous in fishing activities and the amazing sunset on Lake Victoria. You can also enjoy walks through lush vegetation on top of the hills or along the lakeshore. For those interested in culture, there is the possibility to visit a Luo family and experience their day-to-day life or the school in the next village.

Mbasa and Mholo Islands

The Mbasa and Mholo islands are a few meters apart. Both are famous for abundance of bird life. Uninhabited by man, the islands have many bird species including egrets and the fish eagle. There are also many monitor lizards, which feed on eggs and birds. One of the islands is inhabited by wild goats and sheep. Visiting these islands at the end of the day is an incredible experience. Thousands of birds fill the air, literally carpeting both islands in life as they descend to roost among the rocks and trees. With the last rays of the sun turning the waters of the Lake to gold, this is one of Kenya's greatest natural spectacles.

This is an exiting tourist sports adventure which is conducted throughout the years along the fishing beaches on Lake Victoria. It is used mainly for creating awareness of an epidemic and as a sports event during festivities.

Ruma National Park

Ruma National Park, home to the rare Roan antelope, Jackson hartebeest and the tiny Oribi antelope is located near Mbita at Lambwe valley. This little visited park comprises 120 square kms of savannah and gently rolling hills. This is the last refuge of the very Roan antelope, with the world's last remaining wild population found within the boundaries of the park. The Roan is easy to see on the wide open grasslands, grazing freely among stands of whistling thorn acacia. Ruma is also home to several other rare species, chiefly the Rothschild Giraffe, Jackson's Hartebeest and the tiny Oribi antelope.

The Kisii/ Gusii Community

From the heat of Ruma, you move on to a relatively cool area of the beautiful Western Highlands; Kisii land. First stop is at Tabaka near Kisii, home to Kenya's finest stone carvers. The Kisii / Gusii community are renowned for their artistic skill with the local soapstone. They have a long tradition of carving ornate decorative art and jewelry, together with functional items such as plates and bowls. The stone is found in a series of large open quarries throughout the Gucha area, which have also proved equally rich in uncovered fossil evidence and prehistoric artifacts. Cooperative workshops have been formed to produce work for the international market. Kisii stone is sold worldwide, and several works by Tabaka artists have found a place in major international art collections. Tabaka soapstone graces the UN HQ in New York, and the UNESCO HQ in Paris, in the form of a massive 7- ton "bird of peace" or Enyamuchera.

The success of this industry shows in the town of Tabaka, where every household seems to be busily engaged in carving, polishing, washing and packaging stoneware. This very success has meant the preservation of a very important cultural tradition. A visit here is an excellent opportunity to experience this rich culture and to purchase some beautiful handcrafted works of art.

Luhya Community

The main road from Kisumu leads to Kakamega Town, the heart of the land of the Luhya community. The Luhya have a diverse culture. There are many clans and sub-clans, each with varying customs and traditions. The Luhya community is known for the vibrant traditional dance known as the Isikuti. The dance is performed by groups of paired men and women to the accompaniment of bells and whistles.

Bull fighting of Kakamega

Among the Luhya, the most important traditional sporting event is bull fighting. Two large bulls are brought into a large open field to fight. The bulls are spurred on by an excited throng of onlookers, blowing traditional horns. Bull fights are held throughout the year and are fast becoming a commercial venture, with the champion bull's owner winning money. Recently we visited the small village of Sigalagala, near Kakamega, where we attended a spectacular traditional bullfight. Such events are an important event for the local Luhya community, these are pitched battles between two bulls each one representing an individual village. Thronged by excited supporters, the bulls lock horns and fight until one bull turns and runs. The winning bull is led around the field in a victory lap, accompanied by a chanting, jubilant crowd. This impressive spectacle represents a significant cultural link between traditional African cattle culture and the art of bullfighting as practiced throughout Southern Europe.

Weeping Stone

Not far from Kakamega Town is the "weeping" Stone of Maragoli. This huge rock produces a constant stream of spring water, which flows on the sides, giving rise to many and varied local legends.

Kakamega Forest

The only rain forest in Kenya - is a "feast for the senses", a vibrant living spectacle of animal and plant life. The forest, which covers 240 square kilometers, has more than 380 different plants and is home to 400 species of butterflies, some unique and only found in the forest. The forest teems with bird life. There are gray parrots, blue turacos, hornbills and plenty of forest raptors. Reptiles also abound in this forest with 27 different species of snakes identified so far. Seven species of primates, including colobus and Sykes monkeys live in this forest. The forest is also home to Mama Mutere a tree scientifically known as Mysopsis Eminee. It is claimed to be the oldest tree in the forest and its seedlings have been exported to many countries. The tree has medicinal value - its bark is said to cure stomach pains and prostrate cancer. This tree type produces highly valued timber and is, sadly, an endangered species. Local guides explain the great ecological significance of the reserve. Kakamega is a remnant forest, once linked to the great Equatorial forests of the Congo, and is home to a number of unique and endangered species.

You will meet with representatives of KEEP (Kakamega Environmental Education Programme) a community group working with local children to ensure that the forest and its resources are protected and preserved for the future. They also provide guiding services to local guesthouses and have constructed accommodation facilities for backpackers within the grounds of the forest station.

The Western Highlands

Sports tourism is becoming increasingly popular around the world, and Kenya's Western Highlands are the home to some of the world's finest sportsmen. In the days preceding the Western Kenya launch, Kenyan runners had dominated the international athletic scene, taking 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 6th and 7th place for men and 1st and 2nd for women in the Boston Marathon.

The secret of this success lies in these hills. The average altitude in this area is well over 2000m, and these rarified conditions are ideal training conditions for runners. Two local schools, St. Patrick's at Iten and Sing'ore Girls near Eldoret have produced most of Kenya's Olympic Superstars. Altitude training can assist with development of both endurance levels and technique.

Five separate highly specialized training camps for athletes have been established in the Iten and Kabarnet area, for both local and International athletes. These are ideal for athletes looking to gain a high altitude advantage.

Kerio Valley

Kerio Valley is a natural tourist attraction of its own kind. Viewing of the valley is amazing as to how nature has its own making. At the edge of the vast Kerio Valley, you take in some of Kenya's most incredible views, descending the valley wall to the floor of the rift valley; you pass beautiful Torok Falls, the deep chasm at Chebloch Gorge, and the plains of little explored Rimoi reserve, an important area for elephant migration. The tour ends high in the Tugen Hills at Kipsaraman, where one of Kenya's first community museums has been opened. The museum houses exhibits on biodiversity and conservation, as well as important local human fossil finds and a fascinating exhibit on the possible prehistoric origins of a local mythological creature, the Chemosit, or Nandi Bear.

Even more impressive than the museum is its location. Perched on a the edge of a precipitous drop, the view from Kipsaraman is an incredible panoramic vista of the Rift valley and distant Lake Baringo that quite literally takes the breath away. With this view as a backdrop, visitors to this area were welcomed with an impressive display of traditional dance and song by the local communities.

Community Involvement

In every single area that you visit, you will find local communities deeply involved and passionately committed to the promotion of their local attractions. This deep sense of community pride and the warmth of the welcome extended to visitors bode well for the future growth of tourism in this area.

A safari to western Kenya is a guaranteed journey of discovery and experience of the wild, wonderful and welcoming Western Kenya.

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