“Where the journey into the wild begins…”

“SECRETS OF THE NORTH” SAFARI 2016

In support of Eco-Tourism! Eco-Tourism! Go off the beaten track and explore the unknown east and north of . Travel to Uganda’s most remote national park Kidepo Valley and meet the local Karamojong tribe. Combine a true jungle experience in Budongo Forest with a visit to Uganda’s sole rhino sanctuary. This is a unique safari that combines Uganda’s most beautiful national parks with authentic community experiences and traditional safari lodges.

●●● Safari Highlights ●●●

of and its famous coffee  Excellent game viewing in Kidepo and

Murchison Falls NP

 Authentic community visits  Track the chimpanzees in Budongo Forest

 Visit to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

 Traditional safari lodges with possibilities for upgrading

www.safari-uganda.com

“Where the journey into the wild begins…”

●●● Your Safari at a Glance ●●●

Day Destination Accommodation Type of room Meal plan

1 Arrival in The Boma Standard - 2 Sipi Falls Sipi River Lodge Cottage B-L-D 3 Sipi Falls Sipi River Lodge Cottage B-L-D 4 Kitgum Fugly’s Guesthouse Standard B-L-D 5 Kidepo Valley NP Nga’Moru Wilderness Camp Safari tent B-L-D 6 Kidepo Valley NP Nga’Moru Wilderness Camp Safari tent B-L-D 7 NP Paraa Safari Lodge Standard B-L-D 8 Murchison Falls NP Paraa Safari Lodge Standard B-L-D 9 Murchison Falls NP Budongo Eco Lodge Forest Cabin B-L-D 10 Jinja The Haven Luxury bungalow B-L-D 11 Jinja The Haven Luxury bungalow B-L-D 12 Departure B

B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner

●●●

Detailed Itinerary ●●●

DAY 1 Arrival Welcome to the Pearl of ! Arrival at Entebbe Airport where you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. Overnight at The Boma. ** Note: the airport pick up will be arranged by your guesthouse. **

DAY 2 Entebbe – Sipi Falls 7-8 hours / 510 km Today we will leave depart to the unknown east. Via Jinja we proceed to Mbale, a charming town at the foot of the . This area is full of rich heritage and fascinating culture. We will have a lunch stop at Mbale and with beautiful viewpoints on our way we will reach Sipi Village, nestled between mountains and waterfalls. Dinner and overnight at Sipi River Lodge. (B-L-D)

www.safari-uganda.com

“Where the journey into the wild begins…”

Mount Elgon is an extinct volcano of 4321 meters high, located on the Uganda- border. The mountain straddles into Kenya but its peak Wagagai lies within Uganda and is best ascended from this side. This often neglected national park represents spectacular scenery with hidden caves, clear waterfalls, mysterious historic rock sculptures and impressive peaks. The park also boasts a variety of mammals and 300 bird species. Mount Elgon is the fourth highest mountain in Africa with a relatively easy climb. The nearby Sipi Falls is a series of three waterfalls north of Mbale. Beautiful nature walks are arranged to the bottom of the famous waterfall, followed by a steep climb to a series of caves and continue to the other waterfalls, while passing banana plantations and small African villages. This area also provides panoramic views over the Karamoja plains.

DAY 3 Sipi Falls In the morning you will enjoy a hike to the lovely Sipi Falls. It is a beautiful walk to the bottom of the famous waterfall, and then continue with a steep climb to a series of caves. As you follow the challenging trail to the other waterfalls, you will pass maize fields, banana plantations and typical bandas. Return to the lodge for a delicious lunch and some relaxing. In the afternoon you will visit a Coffee Project and find out why Sipi Falls is home to one of the finest coffees in the world. Talk to the farmers, see the plantations and learn more about the process behind coffee making. Then enjoy your freshly brewed cup of coffee as you relax and watch the sunset... Dinner and overnight at Sipi River Lodge. (B-L-D)

DAY 4 Sipi Falls – Kitgum 8 hours / 450 km After breakfast we continue our journey and head to the north. It is a long but beautiful drive as we pass different types of landscapes and traditional villages. This area is really off-the-beaten track and not visited by many tourists yet. You will witness what the many years of civil unrest have done to this region, but also how it is slowly but steadily developing again. It is completely safe to travel and with a lunch stop en route you will arrive in the late afternoon in Kitgum. Dinner and overnight at Fugly’s Guesthouse. (B-L-D)

www.safari-uganda.com

“Where the journey into the wild begins…”

DAY 5 Kitgum – Kidepo Valley National Park 3 hours / 150 km In the morning we will visit a primary school in the surroundings of Kitgum. Then we continue towards the border with Sudan and enter Kidepo Valley National Park. Have lunch at your accommodation in the middle of the national park, with beautiful views over the vast plains and go for a game drive in the afternoon for a first introduction with the wildlife. Dinner and overnight at Nga’moru Wilderness Camp. (B-L-D)

Kidepo Valley National Park is one of the most spectacular but also most remote national parks in Uganda. Hidden in the northeast corner of the country, on the border with Sudan and Kenya, Kidepo ranks among Africa’s finest wildernesses. The landscape ranges from rolling hills and rocky kopjes to vast savannah plains, with the peaks of the Lotukei and Morungole Mountains rising at the horizon.

The Narus Valley, split from the Kidepo Valley by two rivers, is teemed with wildlife including some of

the rarest species that are not found anywhere else in Uganda. The park boasts an extensive bird list of 465 species and another 26 unrecorded species.

DAY 6 Kidepo Valley National Park A full day in one of the most beautiful and certainly most remote national parks in Uganda! Early in the morning you will explore the Narus River Valley by game drive or safari walk. Go in search of giraffes, ostriches, zebras, elephants and lions. The park is also a birders paradise as it boasts a bird list with over 475 species. Have lunch and relax before going on a visit to one of the local Karamojong communities. The Karamojong tribe is well known for their unique nomadic lifestyle and rich traditions of storytelling. Dinner and overnight at Nga’moru Wilderness Camp. (B-L-D)

Optional: Upgrade to Apoka Safari Lodge

At a supplement you can opt to stay at Apoka Safari Lodge, a top end safari lodge surrounded by grassy plains and abundant wildlife.

www.safari-uganda.com

“Where the journey into the wild begins…”

DAY 7 Kidepo Valley – Murchison Falls National Park 7-8 hours / 410 km Today we head south to Murchison Falls National Park. We will enter the park from the north and with a game drive continue south towards the famous river . Look out for buffaloes, , Uganda Kobs and elephants while we pass the savannah dotted with Borassus palm trees. Dinner and overnight at Paraa Safari Lodge. (B-L-D)

Murchison Falls National Park is the largest conservation area in Uganda and without a doubt one of the most beautiful and spectacular national parks in Africa. The landscape is extremely diverse, with palm-dotted hills and vast savannah plains in the north, and riverine woodland and forested slopes in the southern part of the park. Apart from the wildlife, which includes different types of antelopes, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, lions, patas monkeys and much more, the national park is also a paradise for birders with 450 different bird species. It is one of the best places to find the rare Shoebill Stork. Chimpanzees can be tracked in Budongo Forest while large hippo families and crocodiles are observed on the shores of the Nile. The biggest attraction of the park, however, is the Murchison Falls, where the world’s longest river is forced into a 7 meter crevice to thunder 45 meters below.

DAY 8 Murchison Falls National Park After an early breakfast we start the day with another game drive on the northern banks of the Nile. In the afternoon the safari will be continued with a boat cruise on the river Nile for game viewing at close quarters. Dinner and overnight at Paraa Safari Lodge. (B-L-D)

Optional: Upgrade to Bakers Lodge

At a supplement you can opt to stay at Bakers Lodge, a recently opened safari lodge on the shores of the river Nile in Murchison Falls National Park.

www.safari-uganda.com

“Where the journey into the wild begins…”

DAY 9 Murchison Falls National Park In the morning we will visit the magnificent Top of the Falls where you can marvel at the mighty Nile. Watch how the fall is being forced into a seven meter crevice to thunder 45 meters below in a series of cascades. After this spectacular scenery we continue to the southern part of the national park, Budongo Forest Reserve. Here you will go for a guided chimp tracking in the forest. Together with your guide you will look out for tracks well hidden in the forest in search of the habituated chimpanzee family. Dinner and overnight at Budongo Eco Lodge. (B-L-D)

DAY 10 Murchison Falls National Park – Jinja 7 hours / 430 km After a delicious breakfast in the midst of the tropical rainforest we calmly depart the national park and drive towards the south. En route we can make a stop at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, home to the only wild rhinos in Uganda. The reserve was created to reintroduce rhinos to the country which have been extinct since 1982. Together with a guide you will track the rhinos and observe them in their habitat at a very close and safe distance. After this activity continue to Jinja for overnight at the Source of the Nile. Dinner and overnight at The Haven. (B-L-D)

Jinja lies on the shores of Victoria and is famous for being the Source of the mighty river Nile. The colourful centre is characterized by old Asian-style buildings but the main attractions are found at a small distance from the city. In the Source of the Nile Gardens an obelisk monument was raised to commemorate the 19th century explorer Speke who discovered the origin of the world’s longest river. From here you can make a boat ride to the true origin while enjoying the beauty of the Nile and the many water birds. Those who wish to experience great adventure can decide to go rafting the Source of the Nile. With rapids up till grade 5, the Nile is one of the world’s best places for white-water rafting! Other activities include a quad bike safari along the shores of the Nile, bungee jumping, jet boat tour on the Nile, kayaking, horseback riding and village walks.

DAY 11 Jinja No better way than to end your safari at the banks of the river Nile! You can spend the day at your own leisure and read a book, relax at the natural pool or enjoy the breathtaking views of the Nile.

www.safari-uganda.com

“Where the journey into the wild begins…”

Those who wish to experience some adventure can decide to go rafting the Source of the Nile. After receiving instructions, you will start peddling and enjoy the beautiful scenery and thundering rapids at its fullest! Other optional activities include the Wild Nile Jet, bungee jumping, quadbike safari, horseback riding along the Nile, village walk or a visit to the true origin of the Nile. Dinner and overnight at The Haven. (B-L-D)

Optional: Upgrade to Wildwaters Lodge

At a supplement you can opt to stay at Wildwaters Lodge, nestled in luxuriant rainforest on its own private island. A FREE Spa Treatment is included in this upgrade offer.

DAY 12 Jinja – Entebbe – Departure 4 hours / 120 km Enriched with an experience of a lifetime and unforgettable memories you will say goodbye to the Pearl of Africa. In time you will be transferred to Entebbe Airport for your international flight. (B)

Travel tip: extend your safari with a visit to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park for an impressive meeting with Uganda’s Mountain Gorillas!

** END OF YOUR SAFARI WITH GREAT SAFARIS **

●●● Accommodations ●●●

The Boma Entebbe This welcoming guesthouse is situated on the outskirts of Entebbe and only 5 to 10 minutes from Entebbe Airport. It is a tastefully restored colonial homestead consisting of comfortable bedrooms. Each of them is decorated along African themes and has their own private bathroom. A diners’ bar is set in a landscaped garden with lake views. The main house includes a private dining veranda and living room for overnight guests.

www.safari-uganda.com

“Where the journey into the wild begins…”

Sipi River Lodge Sipi Falls Sipi River Lodge is located in Sipi Falls in the foothills of Mount Elgon. The lodge is set amongst 17 acres of private grounds where you will find the 80 meters Kapsururu Falls, several caves and peaceful gardens. Sipi River Lodge offers a variety of accommodation styles located close to the main house. Included is a cosy, private cottage with en-suite bathroom, two thatched roundhouses and a bunkhouse with shared washing facilities. Within the main house there is an intimate dining room with a log fire, stylish bar, comfortable reading lounge and airy veranda.

Fugly’s Guesthouse Kitgum Fugly’s Guesthouse is an intimate guesthouse located in a quiet area, outside the city center of Kitgum. The rooms vary from dorm style rooms with shared bathrooms up to comfortable guestrooms with private modern bathroom facilities.

Nga’Moru Wilderness Camp Kidepo National Park Nga’Moru Wilderness Camp is found at the edge of Kidepo Valley National Park, on a hill with breathtaking views of the impressive Narus Valley, as well as the savannah plains extending up to the towering Morungole Mountains. The lodge provides cottages and and safari tents under thatched roofs, both with en-suite bathrooms.

Apoka Safari Lodge Kidepo National Park This welcoming guesthouse is situated on the outskirts of Entebbe a nd only 5 to 10 minutes from Entebbe Airport. It is a guests. Apoka Lodge is located in the middle of Kidepo Valley National Park, surrounded by expansive grassy plains and abundant wildlife. Ten expansive rooms are built of wood, thatch and canvas and have an uninterrupted view of the Narus River Valley, which can be enjoyed from your private veranda or outdoor stone bathtub. Each room has an inside sitting room, big hand- hewn beds and en suite bathroom with a large tropical shower. More relaxation can be found at the main lodge with dining room and lounge or at the swimming pool.

www.safari-uganda.com

“Where the journey into the wild begins…”

Paraa Safari Lodge Murchison Falls National Park Paraa Safari Lodge is located in an elevated position on the northern side of the river Nile, enjoying astounding views. Set in a small area of landscaped gardens, the lodge offers comfortable rooms with en-suite bathroom and private balconies. Moreover, it features a swimming pool, pool bar and restaurant with local and international cuisine.

Bakers Lodge Murchison Falls National Park Bakers Lodge is the newest facility on the banks of the Nile River in Murchison Falls National Park, opened late 2014. The lodge, which is part of Uganda Exclusive Camps, derives its name from the historic English explorer . It features a thatched central lounge, bar and dining area which is raised with wooden decks all around, allowing guests to savor the morning sunrise for breakfast, sunset in the evening and 180 degree river views. The six large, riverside cottages offer en suite bathrooms with flush toilets, warm solar showers and some rooms have bath tubs. WiFi is available.

The Haven Jinja The Haven is a peaceful and relaxed River Lodge, located at a big rapid on the River Nile. The luxury bungalows are very spacious, containing one double and one single bed and a cosy reading area. The shower has hot running water and offers stunning views of the rapid. Moreover, each bungalow has its very own private shaded terrace with a swinging couch and great view as well. The restaurant, offering European cuisine with a touch of Africa, and bar are situated in the middle of the compound overlooking the mighty river Nile and the waterfall.

Wildwaters Lodge Jinja Nestled in luxuriant rainforest on its own private island, in the middle of the mighty Nile, Wildwaters Lodge is breathtaking. It is located at only 30 minutes from Jinja and 1.5 hours from . The ten rooms are situated amidst the forest with king size beds, private decks with free- standing baths and breathtaking views over the River Nile and its rapids. Elevated wooden walkways link the rooms to the restaurant and bar area. Other amenities include a Day Spa with massage facilities, library and an adjacent natural swimming pool.

www.safari-uganda.com

“Where the journey into the wild begins…”

●●● Safari Package Price ●●●

Safari Package price: From US $ 4600 per person (min. 2 people)

Please contact our Tour Consultants for the detailed price information!

Included in the price: - Airport transfer to/from Entebbe Airport - Ground transport per private 4WD safari vehicle (Land Cruiser) - English speaking driver/guide - Accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary, based on a shared twin/double room - Meals as described in the itinerary - Bottled mineral water in the safari vehicle - Entrance fees and ranger fees for national parks - Activities and excursions mentioned in the program - Detailed map of Uganda - Permit for chimp tracking in Budongo Forest - AMREF Evacuation Air Ambulance insurance - VAT for hotels and lodges outside Kampala

Exclusions: - International flight - Visa (USD $100, available upon arrival) - Any optional activities - Meals and drinks not mentioned above - Items of personal nature and tips

●●● Additional Information ●●●

Terms and conditions:

* The rates are in US dollars per person and subject to change. * The high season period includes January, February, March, June, July, August, September, October and December. * The low season period includes April, May and November. * Availability of accommodation, permits and activities is not guaranteed until confirmation by your Great Lakes Safaris tour consultant. Permits are sold on ‘first come first serve’ basis.

www.safari-uganda.com

“Where the journey into the wild begins…”

* Chimp permits can only be secured after receiving the requested deposit. * The estimated travelling hours are based on the actual hours of driving; stops for lunch or photos not included. * Please consult our website for the Terms & Conditions.

This safari supports Eco-Tourism in Uganda. The included accommodations

have been carefully selected, based on their contribution to sustainable tourism. Your stay will directly benefit the local communities and conservation In support of projects. The funds from the tracking permits are used for the protection of Eco-Tourism! the mountain gorillas and chimpanzees that are living in Uganda’s rainforests.

EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS 24/7: Mobile Number: +256 776 411315 – Andrew Nganga, General Manager Mobile Number : +256 772 426368 – Sarah Wanyanna, Tour Sales Manager Mobile Number : +256 776 311320 – Sheila Kogo, Marketing Manager

COMPANY FULL CONTACT DETAILS: Great Lakes Safaris Ltd and Uganda Lodges Ltd Mutungo Hill Plot 1001 Block 243 Biina/Tank Hill Road P.O. Box 33024 Kampala Tel/Fax: +256 (0)414 267 153, Mob. +256 (0)772 426 368 Email: [email protected] Website: www.safari-uganda.com

Visa fees and applications for

Visa Uganda: Single entry visas costs US $100 per person. Visas can be purchased directly upon arrival and paid for in cash.

Visa : Single entry visa costs US $50 per person. Visas have to be applied for online via the Rwanda Immigration website. A copy of the approved application has to be presented at the entry point where the visa will then be issued and paid for. Kindly note that citizens from the following countries are required to pay visa fees but are allowed to obtain their visa upon arrival without prior online application: Australia, Germany, Israel, New Zealand, South Africa, Sweden, UK and USA.

Visa Kenya: Single entry visa costs US $50 per person. Visas have to be applied and paid for online via the eCitizen portal, and present a copy of their eVisa upon immigration. From 1st July until 31st August it will still be possible to obtain your visa directly at the border, without an online application. However, effective 1st September 2015 all visitors to Kenya will be required to apply and pay for the visa online. Please remember that the visa process may take one full week.

www.safari-uganda.com

“Where the journey into the wild begins…”

East African Tourist Visa: If you are planning to combine Uganda with a visit to Rwanda and/or Kenya it is recommendable to request for the East African Tourist Visa. This special tourist visa costs US $100 per person and allows 90 days multiple entry to Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya. Regretfully, is not (yet) a member of the and therefore not part of this arrangement. How to obtain the East African Tourist Visa: - Uganda: upon arrival at the airport, no (online) application in advance is required. The visa can be paid directly in cash. - Rwanda: online via the Rwanda Immigration website. Similar to the application for the single entry visa but make sure to select the East African Tourist Visa. - Kenya: at the moment only available directly upon arrival, but soon via the eCitizen portal as well.

www.safari-uganda.com