Uganda‘s largest national park (3,893km2) is named for the dramatic Murchison Falls, where the world‘s longest river explodes violently through a gap in the rocks, only 7 metres (23 ft) wide, and tumbles 43 metres (141 ft), then flows westward into Lake Albert. Murchison Falls National Park in the Albertine Rift Valley in the northwest of Uganda is approximately 90km from Masindi.The falls were named after Sir Roderick Murchison, president of the Royal Geographical Society by the explorer Sir Samuel Baker.

The park consists of a mixture of woodland, wetland, savannah as well as tropical forest and is a habitat for over 76 mammal species and over 450 different bird species. Large mammals include hippo, Rothschild’s giraffe,warthlog,cape buffalo, Uganda kob, hartebeest and elephant.

The River Nile at Murchison has a wide variety of water birds such as rare shoebill stork and also has a large concentration of Nile crocodile. Kaniyo Pabidi forest is a home to primates, chimpanzees and over 360 species of different birds.

In the lush grassland to the north of the Nile, elephant, buffalo, giraffe and a variety of antelope are regularly encountered on game drives, while lion are seen with increasing frequency. In the southeast, Rabongo Forest is home to chimps and other rainforest creatures.

The Nile itself hosts one of Africa‘s densest hippo and crocodile populations, and a dazzling variety of waterbirds including the world‘s most accessible wild population of the rare shoebill stork. An essential half day trip is the launch trip that goes up stream to observe the Falls and riverbank wildlife. The round trip takes approximately 3 hrs.

The most spectacular view of the waterfall is at the top where the sight & sound of the Nile crashing through a narrow chasm to plunge into the frothing pool 43m below makes a memorable assault on the senses. It can be reached either by car or a on foot.

The Nile below Murchison Falls offers exciting challenges to anglers with a chance to land a huge Nile Perch (the record is 108kg). Fishing is restricted to designated sites. Places are limited so advance booking is recommended. A number of boats can be hired for sportfishing by prior booking.

THe dry seasons are usually from December to mid February and June and July. The rainy season is between April and November. Day time temperatures are around 29c. It is well worth visiting Murchison Falls National Park at any time of year.

Three Days/Two Nights Safari

Day 1

Pick up from your overnight accommodation in Kampala and embark on a 6 hour road drive, north west to Murchison falls national park. Stop for a quick lunch at one of the hotels in Masindi town. After lunch proceed with the journey to the magnificent Murchison falls where you will marvel at the breath taking beauty of the mighty Nile River forced into a seven meter crevice to thunder 43meter’s below in a series of cascades. The sight of the Nile River, the world’s longest river, winding its way through the park and plunging through a narrow gap is unforgettable. You can view this spectacular sight from the top of the falls. Overnight options include Sambiya River Lodge, Paraa or Chobe Lodge.

Day 2

After an early morning breakfast, embark on a half day game drive on the northern banks of River Nile, accompanied by a game ranger. Return to the lodge for lunch. After lunch take a boat ride on the Nile whilst viewing the animals Hippos and crocodiles, different species of birds, at close quarters, The boat cruise will take you to the foot of the mighty Murchison/Karuma Falls offering great photographic opportunities of the marvel nature. Then head back to the lodge for a sun downer and sumptuous dinner prepared by world class chefs.

Unwind the rest of the evening down with possibly some cultural entertainment or just sit back relax and listen to the unspoiled silence accented by the many sounds of the wild.

Overnight options include Sambiya River Lodge, Paraa or Chobe Lodge.

Day 3

Have an early morning breakfast then transfer to Budongo forest for half a day primate walk in search of the various species of primates that inhabit this forest like the Black and white Colobus Monkey, Red tailed Monkey, Baboon, Grey Cheeked Manga bay or the Chimpanzees. After your trek, take a quick lunch and begin the long journey back to Kampala and arrive in Kampala in the evening.

End of Safari*

*Please contact AGE Safaris if you are interested in this itinerary or something similar. We pride ourselves in customizing all itineraries to suit the specific interests of each client.

Kibale National Park in south west Uganda is home to 13 species of known Chimpanzees. Tracking these habituated chimps and watching them as they squabble and play is Kibale‘s major attraction. Other primates include Red colobus, Vervet monkeys, Red Tailed monkeys, L’hoest, Grey Cheeked Mangebay and Galogo monkeys. This is the greatest variety and concentration of primates in East Africa.

Kibale forest is also noted as an area with a high density of forest elephants but they are rarely seen. The elusive forest elephant, smaller and hairier than its savannah counterpart, moves seasonally into the developed part of the park.

3 Day, 2 nights - Chimp Trekking Expedition To Kibale Forest National Park

Day One

Depart Kampala through the tropical forests of Mubende, arrive in time for lunch at one of the hotels in Fort Portal. After lunch it is optional to see the “Amabere ga Nyina Mwiru” (literally translated as “Breasts of Nyina Mwiru”). This popular tourist site is a stalagmite and stalactite cave formation that is formed to look like milking breasts. You can also get to see the king’s palace at Kabalore, within the town of Fort Portal. Dinner and an overnight stay. Overnight options include Kibale Forest Camp or Kibale Primate lodge (safari tent).

Day Two

After an early morning breakfast, head out for the morning Chimp trekking expedition accompanied by forest ranger guides.There are 13 species of primates in Kibale and it is world famous for having the highest biomass of primates in the world. It is also celebrated for its biodiversity. The Chimp tracking experience may last from 3 to 4 hrs. Return to the hotel for lunch. It is optional to visit the crater lakes in Semuliki National Park which is an hours drive from kibale or the Bigodi wetland where you will be able to view a variety of bird species and enjoy the stunningly beautiful scenery. Dinner and overnight stay. Overnight options include Kibale Forest Camp or Kibale Primate lodge (safari tent)

Day Three

Early morning breakfast and then head out to Kampala to be in time for lunch.

End of Safari*

*Please contact AGE Safaris if you are interested in this itinerary or something similar. We pride ourselves in customizing all itineraries to suit the specific interests of each client.

Bwindi actually means ‘impenetrable’. This name is apt, for Bwindi is 327kmsq of a dense undergrowth of vines and other vegetation makes it an almost impenetrable rain forest. It’s a true African jungle.The forest is one of the richest ecosystems in Africa and the wide diversity of species is a feature of the park which provides habitat for some 120 species of mammals including Mountain Gorillas, Colubus Monkeys, Chimpanzees, 346 species of birds, 202 species of butterflies, 163 species of trees, 100 species of ferns and 27 species of frogs, chameleons, geckos. Bwindi National park is home to more than half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas.

Gorilla tracking is a captivating and unforgettable experience which more than repays the effort needed to reach Bwindi and to trek through the forest. Gorilla tracking is Uganda’s most sought after activity. It’s wise to book well in advance to ensure that permits for your requested dates are available.

3 Day Gorilla Tracking To Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Day One

Early pick up and departure for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. From Kampala head towards south west Uganda by road with your driver/guide, cross the Equator, where you can stop for a photo session and shop for souvenirs. Stop in Mbarara town for lunch. Continue your journey through Savannah grasslands with the scenic drive through Kigezi Highlands also referred to as the “Switzerland of Uganda”. Arrive and check in at your lodge within the gorilla Sanctuary of Bwindi. Early dinner and overnight stay.

Overnight options include Silver Back Lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Buhoma Lodge. Gorilla Forest Camp or Clouds Lodge

Day Two

Have early morning breakfast and after a short briefing by the guides, proceed through the undergrowth and thick creepers of the dense rain forest to track for these endangered mammals. Sitting with the most peaceful, rarest and endangered of all the apes, is a fascinating experience. After an hour allowed with the giants, return to the lodge. Gorilla trekking could take anywhere between 3-8 hours. If you have the afternoon free have a guided village walk to nearby communities to see and experience the different aspects of Ugandan life, culture and lifestyle.

Overnight options include Silver Back Lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Buhoma Lodge. Gorilla Forest Camp or Clouds Lodge.

Day Three

After breakfast, depart for Kampala. Stop over for lunch in Mbarara town and arrive in Kampala late evening. Dinner and overnight in Kampala.

End of Safari*

*Please contact AGE Safaris if you are interested in this itinerary or something similar. We pride ourselves in customizing all itineraries to suit the specific interests of each client.

DAY 1 Welcome to Uganda.

Meet and Greet at Entebbe International Airport by AGE Safaris staff. Transfer to Kampala. Brief by AGE Safaris staff on your up coming safari. Overnight at your chosen accommodation (Bed and breakfast).

Overnight options include (A) Mid- range =Cassia Lodge (B) Luxury = Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort/Serena hotel

DAY 2 Transfer from Kampala to Murchison national park.

After a meet and Greet at the Hotel in Kampala, depart for Murchison N.P. Drive takes approximately 6 hours. Enjoy a scenic drive as you leave the city behind and move north west to one of Uganda’s most famous National Parks. Stop in Masindi town for a quick Lunch and continue on your way. Reach Murchison in the afternoon and you will be able to visit the top of the falls for a spectacular view of these magnificent falls. Dinner and Overnight at your accommodation (full board).

Overnight options include (A) Mid- range =Sambiya river lodge (B) Luxury = Paraa Safari lodge/chobe safari/ Nile Safari lodge(eco lodge)

DAY 3 Murchison National Park.

After an early morning Breakfast, enjoy a game drive via the Nyamasika Plateau and view some of the vast array of game animals like giraffes, elephants and buffalo that roam the park. Return to Lodge for Lunch. In the afternoon take a Boat Launch upstream to the foot of the thundering Murchison Falls offering great photo opportunities of this marvel of nature. Also along the banks of the River you will be able to see animals like Hippos, crocodiles, and a dazzling array of unique bird species for the avid Bird watchers. Return to Lodge for dinner and overnight (full board). Depending on the lodge chosen, you may have a campfire in the evening.

Overnight options include (A) Mid- range = Sambiya River lodge(B) Luxury =Paraa Safari lodge/chobe lodge/Nile Safari (eco lodge)

Day 4 Transfer from Murchison Falls National Park to Kibale National Park.

After an early breakfast depart for Kibale National Park. Stop for lunch in Hoima. Arrive in Fort Portal Town and continue on to Kibale N.P. Check in for Overnight at your accommodation (full board). It is optional to take a Short nature walk before dinner or a Nocturnal Walk through the forest after Dinner.

Nocturnal Walk: Experience a Ugandan forest at night where one is able to appreciate the vast biodiversity of Kibale. It is home to over 12 species of primates including the Bush babies which are the smallest primates and can only be seen at night since they are nocturnal.

Overnight options include (A) Mid- range = Kibale Forest Camp (B) Luxury =Kibale Primate lodge

Day 5 Kibale National Park and transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Enjoy a morning of chimp trekking, then return to the lodge for lunch. After Lunch continue to Queen Elizabeth N.P. via Fort Portal Town where you can stop to view the “Amabere ga Nyina Mwiru” (literally translated as “Breasts of Nyina Mwiru”). This popular tourist site is a stalagmite and stalactite cave formation that is formed to look like milking breasts. You can also get to see the king’s palace at Kabalore, with in the town of Fort Portal. Check in at our overnight accommodation (full board)

Overnight options include (A) Simba Camp (B) Luxury =Mweya Safari lodge/Jacana (eco lodge)/Katara lodge

DAY 6 Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Have an early breakfast and then go for an early morning game drive (3 hours) for a spectacular view of almost 100 mammal species and a remarkable 606 bird species ,elephants, the elusive giant forest hog, lions, world’s largest concentration of hippos, warthogs, leopards, buffaloes and the handsome Uganda kob. Get back to the lodge, relax and have an early lunch. After Lunch, set of for a boat ride along the Kazinga Channel, which links Lake Edward and Lake George, to have a better view of some of the park’s animals. Return to the lodge for dinner and an Overnight.

Overnight options include (A) Simba Camp (B) Luxury =Mweya Safari lodge/Jacana eco lodge/Katara lodge

Day 7 Transfer to the Ishasha section of Queen Elizabeth N.P

Drive to the Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth N.P, as you drive you may see wildlife and also tree climbing lions – check in for lunch – Ishasha Wilderness Camp, afternoon do a game safari / game drive then return later for dinner and overnight.

Overnight options include (A) Savannah Resort Hotel (B) Luxury =Ishasha Wilderness Camp (Eco lodge)

DAY 8 Transfer from Ishasha to Bwindi NP.

After an early morning breakfast, set out further down south about 4-5hrs drive to Bwindi National Park and arrive in time for lunch and some extra free time to relax. Have an early dinner and night in preparation of the trekking the next day.

Overnight options include (A) Mid- range =Silverback lodge/Gorilla Safari lodge (B) Luxury =Clouds lodge/ Buhoma lodge/Gorilla Forest Camp

DAY 9 Bwindi National Park.

After an early morning breakfast, head to the start off point for briefing of the Gorilla trekking. The trekking can take anywhere between 3-8 hours. After the trek get back to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Overnight options include (A) Mid- range =Silverback lodge/Gorilla Safari lodge (B) Luxury =Clouds lodge/ Buhoma lodge/Gorilla Forest Camp

DAY 10 Transfer from Bwindi National Park to Lake Mburo National Park.

After breakfast begin your 4 hour journey heading North East of Bwindi to Lake Mburo National Park in Mbarara district. Check in and have lunch. In the afternoon take a boat ride on the lake and have a view of some of the animals like the crocodiles and hippos. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Overnight options include (A) Mid- range = Arcadia Cottages (B) Luxury =Mihingo lodge

Day 11 Lake Mburo National Park and transfer to Kampala.

After an early breakfast, go for a game drive in the park on which you expect to see among others the Burchell’s zebra, antelopes, buffaloes and hyenas. As you complete the two hour game drive, proceed out of the park on your journey back to Kampala. Stop for lunch in Masaka town and also stop at the Equator for a photo opportunity. Drop of at the hotel (Bed and breakfast)

Overnight options include (A) Mid- range =Cassia Lodge (B) Luxury = Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort/Serena Hotel

Day 12 Transfer to Entebbe International airport.

End of Safari*

*Please contact AGE Safaris if you are interested in this itinerary or something similar. We pride ourselves in customizing all itineraries to suit the specific interests of each client.

Option 1: Lake Mburo National Park (1 DAY)

Lake Mburo National Park is another interesting and convenient destination for a tourist whose time is limited. It is a 3 - 3 and half hour drive from Kampala on the western circuit. The only park that can be done in just a day.

• 06:00 hrs: Depart Kampala
• 09:30 hrs: have a tea/coffee break
• 10:00 hrs: Arrival at park
• 10:30 hrs: Begin game drive
• 13:30 hrs: Lunch at the park
• 15:30 hrs: Depart for Kampala
• 17:30 hrs: Stop over at the Equator for a photo opportunity and coffee.
• 17:50 hrs: Depart for Kampala
• 19:00 hrs: Kampala, drop of at the hotel

*Please note that the drop off may be delayed due to later departure from the park and or traffic jam as you return to the city.

Package includes

• Transport in a comfortable 4WD
• Park Entrance fees
• Game drive
• Tour guide
• Lunch

Option 2: Jinja- Adventure at it’s best!

Quad Biking
Go on a guided quad bike safari which gives you an opportunity to see special parts of the river Nile and the villages an people that live in this area. All safaris include training and protective clothing.

White water rafting

The White Nile thunders between heavily forested Islands and then leaps widely into a series of spectacular drops….and this is where you will have your thrilling white water rafting experience. You will tackle all the big grade 5 rapids of the Nile with Internationally experienced guides who control each raft and instruct the clients comprehensively on all aspects of safety when rafting. The option of mild or wild rafting is yours to make!

Other activities that you can indulge in are kayaking on the Nile or bungee jumping to touch the Source of the Nile, from the best bungee jumping platform in East Africa!

Option 3: Jinja- A more relaxed tour.

8:00 am: Departure From the hotel to Jinja

9:00 am: Estimated time of arrival in Jinja. You will proceed straight to the Source of the Nile. The River Nile is the second longest in the world. It is 6400 miles long and it originates in Jinja town, Uganda and ends in the Mediterranean sea. You will be taken by boat to the actual point where the river starts. After this, go back to land and proceed to Bujagali Falls.

Several kilometres downstream from "The Source", the White Nile takes its first big step down along the 6.300 kilometre journey to the Mediterranean Sea. Also labelled the Victoria Nile through Lake Kyoga, over Karuma and Murchison Falls and into the top end of Lake Albert. It is referred to as the Albert Nile to the Sudanese border where the label changes to Bahr el Jebel. Past Juba and into the biggest swamp in the world, the longest river eventually meets up with the Blue Nile in the centre of Khartoum. About one eighth of the flow reaches Egypt and eventually joins the Mediterranean Sea. The cascade that forms the first big step is called Bujagali Falls, ‘Budhagali’ in Lusoga, the language of the Basoga people who live in this area on the east bank of the Nile. Here the river is split into 7 channels and the roar of a million litres per second, fills the air. A blanket of sound to comfort all who sleep within earshot. For thousands of years this site has been visited by humans and the beauty of the place must have been a big attraction

After this you have an option to proceed to Jinja Nile Resort for lunch before heading back to Kampala

Enroute to Kampala, 20 km from Jinja, is the Mabira forest . This is a rainforest that is 306 km2. You shall stop at this forest for a brief viewing and a photo opportunity.

From this point you proceed to Kampala. Estimated time of arrival in Kampala is 5:00pm

Included

• Transport in a comfortable 4WD
• Entrance fees to Source of the Nile and Bujagali
• Boat ride
• Tour guide
• lunch

End of Tour*

*Please contact AGE Safaris if you are interested in this itinerary or something similar. We pride ourselves in customizing all itineraries to suit the specific interests of each client.

Also named "Mountains of the Moon" by Ptolemy, the Alexandrine geographer in AD 150, who originally thought this was the source of the Nile mainly due to it being the first snowcapped mountain range seen deep in the heart of Africa. Over the centuries, this myth faded until in 1889 Henry Stanley confirmed its existence and mapped it by its local name “Rwenjura” meaning rain maker. It rises about 4000m from the Albertine Rift valley and is the highest Mountain Range in East Africa. It was formed over 3 million years ago. The range is about 120 km (75 m) long and 65 km (40 m) wide. It consists of six massifs separated by deep gorges: Mount Stanley (5,109m), Mount Speke (4,890m), Mount Baker (4,843m), Mount Emin (4,798m), Mount Gessi(4,715m) and Mount Luigi di savoia (4,627m). Mount Stanley is the largest and has several subsidiary summits, with Margherita Peak being the highest point. The rock is metamorphic, and the mountains are believed to have been tilted and squeezed upwards by plate movement. They are in an extremely humid area, and frequently enveloped in clouds.

The Ruwenzori are known for their vegetation ranging from tropical rainforest through alpine meadows to snow; and for their animal population, including forest elephants several primate species like the white colubus and blue monkey and many endemic birds. The range supports its own species and varieties of Giant groundsel and Giant Lobellia and even has a six metre high heather covered in moss that lives on one of its peaks.

It is bisected by the Uganda Congo Border which passes through Mt.Stanley. To get there you travel from Kampala by road for 375-450km, depending on the route used. Age Safaris would like to offer you the options below for your mountain trekking;

Option one: Eight day trek to Mount Baker

This trek takes you to the top of Mount baker, about 4800m high, where you will have an excellent view of the Margherita and Alexandra peaks, a truly amazing experience. This trek is relatively easy and possible for anyone with reasonable fitness and a head for heights.

• Day 1 : Pick up from the airport and transfer to Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort, in Kampala
• Day 2 : Early breakfast and departure to Fort Portal. Overnight in Fort Portal
• Days 3-10 : Your trek
• Day 10 : Return to Fort Portal
• Day 11 : Leave Fort Portal for Kampala- Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort.
• Day 12 : Transfer to the airport

Option two: Three day trek

This will take you up approximately 3200m. You will climb up through the pristine rainforest of the Munyamubuli valleyand then up a steep ridge through tunnel like paths to Kalalama camp (3,134m). The magnificent view from here is of cliffs towering above and you can also see Kasese town (2,160 metres) below. The 2 nd day of your trek will take you half way up the Mutinda to a small rock shelter called chengora Rock Shelter. From this point, you shall see the waterfalls and high altitude flora. Enjoy a hearty lunch here before returning to Kalalama for the night. The third day you descend back to the Rangers post and out.

• Day 1: Pick up from the airport and transfer to Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort. Brief from Staff of A.G.E Safaris
• Day 2 : Breakfast and early departure for Fort Portal
• Day 3-5 : Your trek
• Day 5 : Overnight in Fort Portal
• Day 6 : Leave Fort Portal for Kampala- Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort.

More information

• Trekking equipment is available for hire, normally US$ 10 for each piece
• The trails are about 4ft wide on average and are safe to use
• The Rwenzori is a challenging but virgin terrain with a vegetation and climb not found on any other mountain in Africa.
• Rwenzori Mountains is the highest mountain range in Africa
• The Rwenzori is home to Pantheras rwenzorii. An extremely rare black leopard endemic to these ranges. Only very few are left due to hunting for its skin.

End of Safari*

*Please contact AGE Safaris if you are interested in this itinerary or something similar. We pride ourselves in customizing all itineraries to suit the specific interests of each client.

The Ultimate 8 day Fishing Safari by AGE Safaris.

Nile Perch fishing in Lake Victoria- Uganda is incredible!! The Ssesse Islands, a small cluster of over 80 islands off Entebbe are an untouched paradise. Most are un-inhabited except by itinerant local fishermen, and are covered in thick tropical forest, home to monkeys and birds. Fish of over 80kg have been caught. The main method of fishing in the lake is trolling with lures although fly fishing has been tried as has live bait.

Apart from Nile Perch, local Tilapia of up to 5 kg has been caught on bait. In the Nile River, below Murchison Falls, the fishing is normally with live bait, and apart from Perch, catfish of over 50kg are often caught. This safari will ensure you get the best fishing experience Uganda has to offer with some extra activities thrown in for a more wholesome experience!

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival into Uganda

On your arrival at Entebbe International airport, you will be picked up by one of our staff who will oversee your transfer to the hotel. Check in for the night at Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort.

Day 2: Kampala-Murchison Falls national Park

After breakfast, you will drive from Kampala through Uganda’s rolling green hills to Murchison falls national Park. You will arrive at the park in time for lunch. Check in at Paraa Lodge. After lunch, you can now move to the base of Murchison Falls for a 3 hour fishing spree. Return to Paraa Lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 3: Full day of fishing in Murchison-base of the falls

After an early breakfast, set off for a full day of fishing towards the base of the falls. You will go by boat underneath the falls, for Nile Perch which can be taken on a fly including the Awaka (a small tiger) and the ungara. The boat ride will also give you an opportunity to view game like hippopotami, buffaloes, crocodiles and many more. Overnight at Paraa Lodge.

Day 4: Full day of fishing in Murchison - Chobe side

Early in the morning after breakfast go fishing on the bank of the Nile up to the CHOBE SIDE OF THE PARK with over 50 excellent fishing pools that are highly populated. You will also carry a picnic lunch for this trip. Dinner and overnight at Chobe lodge.

Day 5: Murchison-Entebbe

After an early breakfast, begin your journey back to Entebbe going via the top of the falls to have an amazing view of these beautiful falls. Thereafter continue your journey to Entebbe with a stop over in Kampala for a late lunch. Check in Imperial Resort hotel for overnight.

Day 6: Entebbe-Ngamba Island

After breakfast you will be driven to the pier in Entebbe to board the boat that takes you to Ngamba Island. Spend the morning part of the day, viewing the chimpanzees on this Island (Ngamba Island is a chimpanzee sanctuary). Have lunch and then set off for an afternoon of fishing. Overnight at the tented camp on the Island.

Day 7: Ngamba Island

After breakfast, go for a full day of fishing carrying a packed lunch with you. Transfer back to Entebbe in the evening. Check in for overnight at Imperial Resort Beach Hotel.

Day 8: Departure

You will be transferred to the airport for your flight out.

End of Safari*

*Please contact AGE Safaris if you are interested in this itinerary or something similar. We pride ourselves in customizing all itineraries to suit the specific interests of each client.